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mikobeautifulheart · 1 year ago

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7 minutes in panic. College Gojo x reader

1700 WORDS EXACTLY.

The one time you decide to go to a party, it goes wrong.

TW: Use of drugs (U get drugged) and are stuck in a small closet for 7 minutes. (Btw there is no smut, just fluff)

UNEDITED AND VERY SELF INDULGET so it might not make much sense?

You had never been to a party before, let alone one in a cramped dorm spilling with people, even some of them in the hallway standing, drinking, talking and shamelessly making out.

This is probably what you expected but you couldn't help but feel nervous, god why did you go alone? Was it because you're only 2 reliable friends who knew it was a dumb idea-

Walking down the hallway the smell of sweat and alcohol got stronger filling your lungs almost making you get drunk in the air. Why did you even come? Whatever it's too late to turn back might as well commit.

The room was cramped and the music was muffled by all the people surrounding the speaker. You walked toward the counter and picked up a red cup, typical just like the movies, but nothing bad or dramatic is going to happen to you, right? You held the cup awkwardly looking at your hands, almost hesitating to drink the contents, you didn't know what was in it and the smart people would have their suspicions about it, but why worry? You were to stressed anyway you needed a break.

As much as you didn't mind the workload, you loathed the assigned partnered assignments because you were always paired with Gojo.

You already knew him through your other friends, Geto and Shoko.

You didn't mind always being paired with him and he always did his work load, sometimes you'd have to do a bit of his part but he would always thank you with a surprise, usually some sweets.

The worst part was just that he was...hot. He always made your heart forget how to function when you two work together.

‘“And what are you doing here? I thought you weren't the one to frequent parties?” You were snapped out of your imagination only to be faced with someone's chest- you looked up and wow… it was him, Gojo.

“Uh well um I just, its,” you let out an airy laugh trying to distract him from the blush on your face.

“I don't have anything to work on right now so I thought id give it a shot…” You subconsciously took a drink out of the cup you were holding, breaking eye contact with him.

“I can tell '' he laughed and smiled pleasantly toward you.

Oh gosh if only you'd have a chance, he's not top of the class but he is smart when he really thinks and a sports legend. His biceps easily make its presence known out of the short sleeved shirt that fit him all too well. He was the dream guy, but you, you thought you were nothing compared to him.

You didn't love yourself but you didn't hate yourself, you sort of just accepted the way you look so you just worked with it.

You turned to leave the party as you heard someone yell

"SPIN THE BOTTLE" followed by loads of cheers.

“Leaving already?” He said with his brows furrowed

“Uh I think i'm going to get some air, it's hot in here” you flashed a smile.

You started to push your way through the crowd. It was rough but then you felt a hand latch onto your wrist.

“Hold on tight” Gojo looked at you before guiding you through the many, many people.

Your heart nearly burst. You eventually reached a window putting your elbows down on the window sill and placing your head in your hands.

“I saw your last basketball game, nice win” You said, giving him a smile before turning your head up to the sky.

“You-you watched my game?”

You looked at him puzzled until you saw him rubbing the back of his neck with a blush creeping up his neck.

“Uh yeah you looked really good to” You said

“LOOKED GOOD PLAYING-” Trying to save yourself from the embarrassing comment you let slip out. Must have been the drink making you lose focus.

There was silence in the air then you heard two familiar voices, it was Geto and Shoko singing along terribly to the song playing with slurred words and drunk voices.

“I think i'm going to head in again, are you coming? Totally fine if you're not you don't have too” Gojo said looking to the side trying to avoid your gaze.

"I wouldn't mind that'' you said, waking up beside him taking your opportunity.

The door is pushed open and you walk over to Geto and Shoko, you told them you were going with Gojo and might leave early so they wouldn't worry about you.

You mentioned something about Gojo before the room erupted with a mixed reaction of jealousy and excitement. Looking back from your side there it was… a bottle pointing at you. Puzzled you follow the gazes of the room until you realised it was Gojo on the other side of the room looking at you. He was the one that had spun the bottle and accidently roped you into the game "7 minutes in heaven". A guy drags you and Gojo by the wrists and pushed both you guys in a closed down the hallway from the party.

It was dusty and small but still enough space for you to lean against the wall and have one step of space between the two of you. A lock sound was heard outside the door. This was it you were stuck.

"Ha...sorry you are here right now I didn't mean it." Gojo said looking at you in the dark.

You fidgeted in the dark unconfutably. How do you even stand here with the guy you like and do nothing?

“Relax.” The sudden feeling of his head into the crook of your neck threw you off.

You leaned in wrapping your arms around his torso muffling a quick “I like you”.

Oh god, what did you do? You really shouldn't havce come tonight.

You felt him sink into your neck even more and muffle a

“I like you too”.

You could feel it reverberate against your skin. Gojo slowly pulled back, your body warmth suddenly dropped and you were cold but that didn't matter right now. The urge to kiss him was unbearable.

You leaned in a little closer a jolt of shock ran through your nerves and you felt your legs give way, you couldn't stand up properly and slowly fell forward into Gojo's chest.

“Are-e you okay?!?” he said voice shaky as he held you up and spotted a bit of blood trickling down your lips.

“I can't feel my legs, I think I'm going to pass out-” you gasped at the sharp pain in your throat causing more blood to trickle down your bottom lip.

“It must have been the drink” he swiftly picked you up bridal style (yessss -////-).

Someone had spiked your drink with how knows what and what it and what they planed to do when it came into effect. It had only been 4 minutes out of the 7 so the door was still locked.

“SOMEBODY OPEN THIS UP” Gojo yelled while kicking at the door.

It wouldn't budge and everything around you went fuzzy. Gojo could feel you going limp in his arms and in panic he kicked the closet door one last time with all his strength.

The door flew the hinges and walked out trying to keep you awake and responding. As he carried you down the hallway there were whispers and snickers.

“Hey man, I can take her from here. She just needs to sleep so hand here over and just enjoy the party.” A seemingly drunk dude said.

“I don't think I will, now move.” Barging past the man harshly quickening his pace to his apartment not too far off campus. It must have been the guy, he must have spiked all the drinks.

The moon shone and your breath slowed down along with your heart rate, everything was foggy but you tried your best to stay awake as you clung onto Gojo’s shirt.

“Hang in there” He said as he unlocked the door and sat you on his kitchen counter. You were struggling to sit up straight and not fall over while clinging on to the edge of the counter.

the sounds of quick opening and closing of the draws and cupboards filled the room. The tap was on and there were stirring sounds, it was safe to say you had no idea what was going on and your dazed state wasn't helping.

“Drink this.” he held the cup up to your lips and you drank it, you were too weak to even refuse. Not that you wanted to anyway.

You drank it all and your head leaned into Gojo's back as he placed the cup down on the opposite counter.

You wrapped your arms around him and mumbled a ‘Thanks’ he turned around carefully holding your face in his hands. The blood coming from your lip had dried, he leaned in closer to your face.#

Was it wrong to kiss you now? You were still dazed, but he couldn't help it when you leaned in your head closer and said

“It’s okay” while your vision slowly flooded back, thank goodness that Gojo took notes and remembered the lectures in chemistry with you when you both did the assignment.

Leaning in Gojo looks past you out to the window outside, it began sprinkling and you were in no way in any shape or form, able to walk back to campus in the weather soon to come.

He was so absorbed with his thoughts that he failed to notice his lips brush up against yours.

His eyes widened but when you did pull away he went straight in for it your arms around his neck lazily hanging off his shoulders as one hand supported you back and his other holding the back of your head gently. He slowly pulled back and watched your eyes flutter open, the sight made his heart skip.

“You don't think you'll regret this?” Gojo said with his attention all on you pending for your answer.

“Best first kiss of my life” you smiled at him before pulling him in again by his collar.

THANKS FOR READING ♡

AUTHORS NOTE: This was very self indulgent. Not my best work but I'll post it just for fun. I haven't written a Gojo fic yet so this isnt totaly great but its an okay start ig. Reblogs r welcomed and thanks for reading.

EDIT: When people ask what my greatest accomplishment is, it's 100% the fact that ponderingmoonlight liked my fic. No hesitation.

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mystargirl-interlude · 2 years ago

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𝙻𝙰𝙲𝚈

Billy Hargrove. heart throb of Hawkins Indiana, he could have any girl he ever wanted. Im not going to sit here and lie and say I don't have feelings for him, he's treated me nicely but that doesn't mean he wants me? I don't look like the other girls in Hawkins, I know beauty is not my lack but the way I'm treated it feels like that.

im not popular so the day billy came up to me during the last semester of junior year was a big shock to me

sitting in French class listening to mrs Roberts give us our last graded assignment before the school year ends I can hear billy and Sarah talk about their plans for the weekend.

Sarah she is by far one of the most stunning girls in Hawkins, basically a Bridget Bardot reincarnate, gorgeous pale skin, honey blonde hair. what wouldn't you love about her?

getting out of my thoughts by the bell ringing I grab my stuff and go start walking to my locker to get my books for my next class.

billy Hargrove

I needed to get my grades up in French class because there's most likely nothing more embarrassing than having to repeat a class

so what's better than having the pretty smart girl tutor me?

her

feeling the presence of somebody next to me I look over and see billy next to me

"hi?" I ask

"y/n right?" he asks with a smirk

"yeah! did you need something?"

"so I was wondering if you could help me with this grade for French class because the last thing I need is to repeat junior year" he asks

"oh yeah of course, what do you have in mind?" I ask

"your house, say 7 a'clock?"

"yeah, sounds great! here's my address." I say giving him a piece a paper

days pass and study session after study session pass. but also meet ups where we didn't necessarily study

"bi-billy if we don't finish these flash card you're gonna fail" I say against his lips while I'm in his lap

"just five more minutes

...

a few days had passed and I would say we had something going on, we had made a few appearances at parties and I wanna say things were going well.

until he passed his test

he stopped showing up to my house he stopped talking to me and every time I tried to make conversation with him we would give me short answers and walk to carol and Tommy but then I see him with Sarah at school basically all hours of the day

I would say me and her were aqaintenced. we would stay hi to each other in the halls she would smile to everyone she passed, she was the sweetest thing on this side of hell but I soon stopped talking to her once she started being around billy and she didn't seem to mind

did I ever tell you I'm not doing well?

the more he was with her the more I became obsessed with her I loathed her.

on the outside it would seem like I was in love with her. its like a girl crush in a different font.

every time she would compliment me it was like bullets on skin, that's how much it impacted me, being complimented by the most gorgeous girl in school.

I kept going to parties until I didn't. the one time I didn't go to a party I didn't expect much to happen because nothing ever does. it was the week before school ended and the Monday after the party.

the moment I walked into school all eyes were on me. walking the halls confused I feel my best friend robin pull me to the side and pull me into a hug

"what's going on why is everyone staring at me?" I laugh confused

"billy and Sarah were seen together all night at the party and they left together" she says really fast

eyes watering I put a smile on

"why would I care we were never together anyway" I laugh walking away

making my way to French class I go to the back of the class putting my head down the class starts to fill up

picking my head up I see Sarah is in front of me. staring at the back of her head she has a ribbon in her hair. I try to hate her I really try but I can't. it's like she's made out of angel dust.

she turns around to face me and gives me a soft smile like she feels sorry for me

its like she's out to get me.

I hate her I hate her I hate her

but I don't. I hate my rotten mind for how much I worship her.

billy comes in 5 minutes late and sits down next to Sarah

I write in my journal deciding not to give him any more of my attention

I feel his eyes on me but I can't bring my self to look up at him

I begin writing what I feel to be a poem but I have the melody that I can't get out of my head

lacy, oh lacy, skin like puff pastry

tears fall on my paper and thank god the bell rings because I couldn't stand to be around him anymore

bolting out of the class room I hear my name being called by an all to familiar voice but my feet can't stop moving and I exit the school

hearing footsteps behind me I turn around to see billy behind me with a saddened look on his face

"y/n." he says in a hushed voice

uncontrollable tears make their way out of my eyes

"I'm sorry I can't" i say

"but I understand why you chose her, how could you not?" I whisper with a saddened smile

I walk away before he could say anything else and I leave for the day

night time rolls around and I get a call

picking up the phone its a call from the principle saying I don't have to return to school and I can start my summer break because I finished all my last tests early

me and robin end up spending summer break in California with her friends Nancy and Steve along with Nancys brother and his friends the first week we are there we spend almost all the time at Venice beach

"this is by far the best ice cream I ever had" mikes friend dustin randomly blurts out

"hey!" Steve says offended as he used to work at an ice cream shop

"what! its true" dustin gets cut off by a very familiar woman coming up to us

"hello I know this seems very strange but would it be okay if I talked to you for a minute?" she says looking at me

"oh! um sure " I reply standing up from the beach towel following her to the sidewalk

"im sarah doukas with the storm modeling agency and me and my assistant saw you and couldn't take our eyes off you, you have a one of a kind look that we haven't seen for years, we can't even remember how long we have been trying to find someone with your beauty. would you like to make a contract with us for our new Chanel campaign?"

(I know that's not how it works shhh😭)

that's the first time I have heard the name Sarah and didn't want to break down

"oh my god! I absolutely love your work I knew I recognized you from somewhere, holy shit um yes I would love to!" I reply

"great, here's our card and fittings are next week, just call the number and we will give you all the info" she smiles walking away

shocked I quickly walk back to the group immediately pulling robin into a hug telling her what just happened

"wait you got scouted by THE Sarah doukas??????" her and Nancy yell

"who's that?" Steve asks oblivious to what's going on

weeks pass and so does the best day of my life. this is the first time I don't feel like I'm being drowned by Sarah and her looks I finally feel like I'm my own person

after the photoshoot I somehow make friends with THE Naomi Campbell we exchange numbers and Chanel gives me basically a full wardrobe of clothes from them for free and they tell me my pay for the photoshoot which let me tell you was way more than I would have ever made working at the diner for a year

but all good things come to an end and we have to go back to Hawkins to begin the school year but the magazine comes out 2 weeks after school starts and I'm hoping people will finally look at me different but also I'm hoping they see me different now that I changed, I cut my hair just above my shoulders and I no longer have old out dated clothes.

I feel like I have grown as a person these past 3 months. Sarah no longer consumes my thoughts and neither does billy. I don't feel like throwing up every time I hear about them. I have come to peace about it

I no longer feel like she's out to get me

for once I am actually excited to start the school year

#billy hargrove x reader #stranger things x reader #billy hargove imagine #billy hargrove x female reader #billy hargrove x reader smut #billy hargove x reader #billy hargrove blurb #billy hargrove angst

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bellsluvschrissturn · 1 year ago

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The Face

Matt sturniolo x tutor reader

Warning: fem rec!v3 use of babe, baby mama ect, soft dom!Matt cumming in pants

Author note: idk how I feel about this one what's good sluts don't read if you are not into it, don’t bitch and complain if you don’t like shit like this grown the fuck up, anyways enjoy bitches I would say MDNI but you little shits won’t listen to me so fuck it. I'm dyslexic don’t come for me if sum not spelled right

7:15 am Y/n pov:

I'm walking to the office 10 minutes into class, I finally make it to the office and I sit in the tutor office with the lady Ms.Carnel the lady who assigns me the kid I need to tutor “ Hello Ms.Carnel is everything alright?” I ask “yes hun everything is just fine i just am assigning you a new student to tutor” “ oh okay who is it?’ I asked,KNOCK KNOCK “ Is this ms.Carnels office?” i hear a snobby voice say i swing my head around to see who it is i don't know him i think to myself “ Hello Mr.Matthew this is your tutor Ms.Y/N Y/L/N” “nice to meet you” i say to matt with a little wave he just nods his head with a snobby looking face “ ok well i'll let you guys talk i’ll leave you guys come up with a plan” “ ok wanna sit?” I ask “ nah i’m fine” “ okay if you're not gonna want this don’t get help” i snap “what?” he asks don’t act dumb matth- call me matt he says okay ‘Matt’ im not helping you sorry” “please please help me i need help if i don’t i’m not gonna graduate with my brothers please i’ll pay you” seeing as your living alone in an apartment you need the money “ fine but change your attitude and The face” “fine” he say “ ok seeing the help you need we will meet…. In the library for lunch on Tuesdays and fridays….. At one of our houses wednesdays and thursdays and i see you play lacrosse so practice is on mondays we won’t meet on mondays if you need any help when i'm not around here's my number ****-****-**** Whose house will we meet at?” “ mine on thursdays'' he says “ why on thursdays?” ? cause my my brothers have friends over every wednesdays and I won’t be able to concentrate” “ oh ok perfect” “see you tonight then seeing as its wednesday i'll text you the address”

2:02 pm Y/n pov:

I just got out of school and I have to get home shower clean and I don’t even know when he's coming over perfect, i just got home and i’m rushing the cleaning I swept and swiftered (it's like a mop) know i’m making cookies while i hop in the shower real quick because at this point i’m sweating I totally forgot about matt my music playing washing my body when the bell rings for like the 7th time probably “oh shit” i rush out the shower in my towel i open the door and run to the oven “ sorry sorry I totally forgot i got in the shower and sorry” i say still bent down trying to get the cookies out without burning myself not remembering i'm in a pretty short towel “ c- can you maybe n-not bend down in the towel?” “ what? Oh my god im sorry” no no its ok i didn't see anything just your upper thigh”

2:45 pm Matt’s pov:

That is a damn lie I saw everything I just didn't want to make her uncomfortable she is so pretty her tits almost popping out her pretty pretty pussy omg i”m bricked up asf

2:59 pm Y/n pov:

Fuck he saw everthing I know he saw everything he”s hard I can’t believe my dumb ass “ ok ready to start?” “ your gonna b-be in the towel?” he gulps “ oh no let me go change you can wait in my room” i go to my closet and put my thong and lacey bra on with a pair of short spiderman shorts and a black undershirt thats holds my tits well “ i’m back” you say sitting on the bed “ ok” he says looking at your tits

2 hours gone by

“ ok we're done for the day” “ ok so i can give you your payment?” he says with a smirk “ yup” you say as you stick your hand out expecting money instead he kisses your neck hu- uhhh you moan as he finds your sweet spot “omg” you moan he pushes you back on the bed as he kisses down your neck down your chest as you start taking off your shirt revealing your navy blue lace bra with a white trim border before he unclips it he looks up for permission “please” you beg “ its ok baby i'm gonna make you cum don't worry” he yanks your thong and shorts and starts to work his mouth ( lay your body down on that fucking couch open up your legs ima work ma mouth) holy- shit matt just like that omg omg matt-..... Omg omg im cumming matt omg "" let it out mama let it all out "" omg that was the best head i've ever gotten ""I think i just nutted in my pants” matt says “omg really?” “ ya your foot was putting pressure” “ sorry” “ no don’t be it was hot but let me clean you up he says walking away and you here the water running “i known we didnt fuck but your still filled with cum” “ i know its ok we can cuddle after” “ ok”

THE END

Hope you enjoyed bye

I'm not mean its just the way I talk ✌🏻

@slxtformatt @h3arts4harry @itsfloriii

#sturniolo triplets #chris sturniolo #matt sturniolo #sturniolo fanfic #sturniolo x reader #sturniolo smut #nick sturniolo #sturniolo #christopher sturniolo #matthew sturniolo #smut #matt stuniolo fanfic #talk to me #nicolas sturniolo

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angevon · 2 years ago

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podcasts I'm listening to (and not)

In 2023, I began to listen to lots of podcasts during my daily commute. Here’s a list of the ones currently in my queue. I’ve found I tend to prefer fun stories and comedy.

Murphy’s Inc. - this is about a company that owns a Time Machine and uses it to go back in time to find items for wealthy clients. The first season they’re trying to find an amulet owned by Erik the Red. My main complaint is the characters don’t seem to like each other much which detracts from the overall vibe, but it seems wholesome overall and I'm enjoying it.

Mission to Zyxx - a sci-fi story about a misfit team going on diplomatic missions to weird planets. It's improv and there’s a big focus on special guests for each episode which never lands or works for me personally, but I love the main cast and their interactions continue to be entertaining even in season 4 where I'm at now.

No Such Thing As a Fish - a comedy podcast where people from qi.com talk about fun facts they learned during research for their other shows.

The Mansfield Mysteries - a high-class mom and daughter duo solve murder mysteries among the upper crust of their hometown. There is a focus on distinct character voices which is hit or miss tbh.

Welcome to Night Vale - my favorite podcast of the bunch. It’s difficult to explain Night Vale, you kind of have to experience it. Essentially, a radio host talks about the news in Night Vale, but it’s always things we would consider unusual. Like, a sentient glowing cloud going over the town and dropping dead animals all over everything. A football player at the high school grew a second head. Things like that. The storytelling is well done, and the stories develop so naturally, it’s very fun to listen to it all play out. And the music direction is wonderful too.

Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet - a comedy podcast where the hosts find funny reviews to read in a dramatic way. Just mindless fun.

Stellar Firma - A comedy sci-fi about a firm that designs and builds planets for wealthy clients. It stars Trexel Geistman, who is a self-absorbed drunk who never comes to work on time, and his long-suffering assistant, clone David 7. David 7's survival depends on the success of their designs but Trexel always has horrible and outlandish ideas. So it's kind of about how David 7 slowly grows into the role and begins to manipulate Trexel into doing better. ...Kind of.

Inn Between - short episodes about a team of adventurers, and, well, their adventures in a fantasy world. I normally don't enjoy 4th wall breakage but here it's harmless fun. I like Betty the most.

Hey Riddle Riddle - a trio of comedians go through riddle books and come up with better answers and make fun of the riddles

DUST: Chrysalis - after the apocalypse caused by an alien invasion, only one human survives. He manages to combine himself with machinery with one goal: revenge.

Mysterious Universe - two guys talk about conspiracy theories and paranormal experiences. Captivating storytelling more than anything, whether any of it's true or not never crosses my mind tbh

Finished listening to!

EOS 10 - wonderful podcast, it has a rough start but I really enjoyed it. It's about a newbie doctor assigned to space station EOS 10 and the quirky cast of characters he meets there. It does have an overarching plot but the focus is mostly the rapport between the characters, they really work well together.

The protagonist reminds me of Pleck in Mission to Zyxx and his boss reminds me of Trexel in Stellar Firma.

Here are some I've dropped and why.

Sidequesting - I really loved this one! It features an ace wanderer in a fantasy world, helping people whenever they can, and has a lot of queer rep. But the last few episodes in my queue focused too hard on crossovers with other podcasts and made them... not fun... so I lost interest.

Wolf359 - This one's popular and often recommended to anyone looking for sci fi. Eiffel was really funny and plot-building was an enjoyable slow burn. However, about half-way through it dropped all the humor for total seriousness which is not what I listened to this for, so I dropped it.

Radiation World - I just didn't like it.

Hello From The Magic Tavern - something rubbed me the wrong way in this one, even though one of the characters is the creator of Hey Riddle Riddle. I think it might've been one-too-many improv podcasts and I was tired of the format after Zyxx. I may return to this at some point, maybe when I finish Zyxx.

Pod to Pluto - while it wasn't bad or anything, my heart goes out too much to the protagonist for me to enjoy it.

The Mysterious Secrets of Uncle Bertie's Botanarium - the protagonist is an asshole and that's the point, but there was dismemberment humor in ep 2 and I just can't.

The Amelia Project - love the idea (an organization that you pay to fake your death in a dramatic way) but it's already 4th wall breaking in episode 9 I guess they're already out of ideas ... ?😅

ARS Paradoxica - too overdramatic, the dialogue where person a says something, person b repeats it as a question, person a repeats it again, it's just too boring!!! I wish podcasts would Stop Doing That. Wolf359 did it a lot too which is another reason I don't feel bad dropping it.

Rabbits - it's meant to be interactive and I'm way too lazy for that. I listen to these while driving, you know?

Ghosts in the Burbs - not bad, but it was pandering so blatantly to suburban moms that I could not relate at all 😂

#angevon's posts #podcasts #2023 podcasts list

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norbezjones · 6 months ago

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Bez Reviews Independent Books 7 (+ Bring Your Own Book Club): Dead Pulsating Tree

Hey everyone! I wanna do little reviews/writeups for the independently-published books I find on itch.io, and so, here I am. I want to review one book every month or two (or quicker, if I’m lucky); it’ll get me reading more, and get authors who often go without feedback some thoughts on their work! I think it’ll be cool for everyone!

If you want your book reviewed, the only requirement I have is that it’s hosted on itch.io. Even if itch is just one of many places you can get the book, I want to review books that have a home there at least. Feel free to get in touch with me with your books—I’m @NorbezJones on Twitter (I refuse to call it X), Bluesky, Pillowfort, Threads, Instagram, Tumblr, and Discord.

Looking forward to seeing your books! <3

__________

CozyStars (he/her) is a creator who has worked on several of my games, mainly the To Train A Killerseries. When I found his itch.io page, I saw he had a short story collection called Dead Pulsating Tree. It intrigued me, and I asked if I could review it for this series. She said yes, and provided me with a review copy.

I also want to write this to fulfill this month’s Bring Your Own Book Club challenge, which was to read a book published in 2024.

Dead Pulsating Tree consists of six short stories that were originally written as English class assignments. Here’s what the intro of Dead Pulsating Tree says about the works:

“Each story you see here was something I thought up for an assignment. Each was created because I was an outsider in my classroom in different ways. Horror became a way to explore why I felt strange. Each idea, each page filled, is my sense of self. My self is shattered into mirror pieces, with all the cracks forming root-like appendages that ground me to the earth. When looking at this mess, you see a tree if you tilt your head the right way. It's still breathing after everything it has been through.”

I think that’s a very admirable thing, honestly. I know plenty of my stories are full of my sense of self as well, stories about my survival, about being “other”. This collection has a similar vibe.

The stories are mainly about the wonders & horrors of the alien unknown. From a dimension-jumping creature, to an eldritch husband, to a fantasy leviathan, this collection shows us what might lie beyond the stars—or just beyond our sight.

Some of the stories experiment with the format in some way: for example, “Drifter” is written as a redacted government interview with an alien entity, and “Subject: Part @ Main Bay” introduces the story with an email and an “info bank” of staff members (our main cast). Similarly, “Sink Our Ship, Sign Off” is interspersed with emails from the “boss”, and it becomes one of the ways the machine the main character works for communicates. Other stories are told more straightforwardly, like “A Maiden and the Leviathan”, which is written like a traditional fairytale, even starting with the words, “Once upon a time.”

All of the stories contain strong sentences, usually interspersed with figurative language (mainly lots of metaphors). The text is written with clear intent—no words are wasted. My favorite sentence was in “Subject: Part @ Main Bay” when, as Alex becomes a bloodthirsty cannibal, it is noted that, “Hands that were once dedicated to healing were perverted. Gluttonous. Those very hands made human blood into broth and intestines into noodles. The abdomen was nothing but a bowl to him.”

Not all of the tales are so grim. Some of the stories contain great hope about the alien unknown, like “Loving a Heavenly Body”, which showcases the romance between Luis, a human, and Sho’Goth, an eldritch entity. This is showcased very clearly throughout the story, most admirably in this sentence: “For Luis, he knows he wants to spend the rest of his life with this person. Right here, right now, he wants to make that known. You can see it in his eyes, his russet skin was covered in goosebumps. Just waiting to pull out the question.”

If I had some points of critique, it would be that the use of periods vs commas in dialogue is improper at times. This is mainly displayed in the second story, in lines such as, “’You’d be surprised. This job makes people antsy,’ Any comedic timing flew over his head, it seems.” & “Reggie shakes her head, ‘Nah, you’re gonna have to go the commons for it.’” It happens quite a lot.

I’m also confused by the last story, “Helix Malfunction”. I’ve read it several times, but I still don’t feel like I fully understand it. The content warnings helped illuminate a few things for me, but not everything. It’s told in a bit of an oblique way, which is a risky approach that can alienate the reader, and unfortunately, it did alienate me.

To conclude, here are my answers to the “Bring Your Own Book Club” questions for the book:

1. What prevented you from reading this one in 2024?

I actually did start it in 2024, but I didn’t finish it until January of 2025 due to time.

2. What is the relation of this book with "2024"?

This definitely feels like a 2024 book. That was a hard year, especially with the election, and the stories explore what being “other” is like, and what it means to live within broken systems.

3. Something from the book to take with you into 2025? Sometimes you have to submit to the alien organism that’s turning you into a cannibal. Also otherness is both an innate thing within us, and a state that is thrust upon us by society.

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casspurrjoybell-32 · 2 years ago

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*Warning Adult Content*

I WANT TO KNOW - Chapter 7

Adyen

I felt the deep-seated anxiety in my chest diffuse when the last motorcycle zoomed past the window by the booth Len and I was in.

I let out a breath, realizing that for a moment I hadn't been breathing.

'What the fuck just happened?' I asked myself, frowning as I tried to piece together what I had just taken place.

I had been paralyzed with fear on my seat and all the person ever did was look at me.

Why had I freaked out so much over a stare down?

It also noticed I had not been the only one affected, the whole joint had seemed to stop at the moment when the biker was here and looking from one end to the other.

"Adyen?"

My eyes flickered over to Len who had a concerned look on his face.

"Are you alright?" he asked me and I just nodded, looking down at my fidgeting fingers.

Len has been too, even though it seemed like he had already recovered from his shock.

"You're not," he said, making me look up.

My lips parted but I didn't say anything.

I wasn't okay and his straightforwardness had caught me off guard.

I nodded and I watched an expression pass through his eyes.

He reached out his hand a bit, stopping when it reached my shaking one.

He didn't hold it, rather he simply touched my knuckle with the tip of his fingers.

"Do you still want to eat here or do you want us to go somewhere else?" he asked in a soft voice.

I pulled my hand away.

"Let's just eat here," I muttered and he gave me a small smile, looking away from me to focus his attention on the book he'd brought out in the middle of our conversation before the incident.

The incident still had me shaken.

There was something about the way the motorcycle rider than looked at me that made me crawl into my own skin.

My limbs had gone numb and I had felt like running away.

Everyone else in the diner had gone static but I don't feel they had felt the level of distress I had.

He had looked at me the most and I wondered why.

I've never seen him in my life before.

There was something Len wasn't telling me.

There was something wrong with the diner and the people in it.

I wanted to ask Len what had just happened but my mouth was numb and Len was concentrated on the book in front of him.

He flipped until he stopped at a page, looking up from it to stare at me.

"I've started on my creative writing assignment," he said.

"Have you?"

'He wants to talk about homework, now. Really?' I wondered, cocking my brow.

"I have," I said, looking back at the book.

There were small drawings on it.

I could spot a cabin and the drawing of a wolf from where I sat.

"Do you mind if I take a look at that?" I asked, watching as Len blinked before staring back down at his notebook.

He hesitated but he let go of the notebook and I took that as permission to take it.

I pulled it towards myself before flipping it.

I saw some notes about lycanthropes, another name for were werewolves.

Flipping some more pages led me to some notes about a little indigenous tribe in Alberta in clear detail.

Non-indigenous people couldn't live on reserves.

I looked up, squinting a bit before looking down at the page again.

Maybe Len was indigenous?

I guess I could have seen it sooner if his hair wasn't short.

My eyes continued to scan the page, a bit of me believing whatever Len was hiding from me was on it somehow.

All I could see was basic worldbuilding for a fantasy world about werewolves.

"What do you think?" Len asked, making me look up from the notebook.

"It's great world-building," was all I could say, staring back down at it.

"But this is a lot for one short story for class..." I trailed, finding myself oddly attracted to the drawing of a man shifting into a wolf.

"I was thinking of writing a whole story," Len said, and I looked up again.

He looked nervous and I wondered if he wanted to tell me something.

"Here's your order, sorry for wasting time," a voice stole out attention and ended the conversation we were having.

I looked over to find a woman who looked to be in her late twenties.

She gave me a smile, before dropping the tray of food.

She ruffled Len's hair and I watched her, chewing a slice of Pizza as she spoke to him in hushed tones.

I knew I wasn't supposed to hear anything but I strained my ears and managed to catch a few words.

'Tomorrow'... 'Georgiou' and 'meeting.'

As they talked, I tried to rack my brain to figure out what was going on.

The lady soon gave Len's cheek one last pat before heading off with the tray.

There was something I wasn't supposed to know and it was eating me inside.

"Len," I said, watching as his eyes snapped to me.

"Is this a date?" I asked, deciding to start up another conversation with the question I'd wanted to ask before the bikers showed up.

Even though his skin was tan, I could see his face turn a bit red.

He looked down, pushing back stray strands of his hair behind his ear before he spoke.

"I thought you knew that already."

"I just guessed. I wasn't sure," I mumbled, taking another bite of pizza so I wouldn't have to talk any more.

Len was right. The pizza here was flat.

Some seconds passed and the urge to say something came back when I swallowed down my bite of Pizza.

"I'm not good at reading things like that too," I said, feeling my face warm up when I remembered Len asking me if I was flirting with him.

"You have to be direct about that kind of stuff with me too," I said, and he nodded, stuffing a fork full of poutine into his mouth.

My gaze stayed on him for a bit before looking back down at the notebook I hadn't returned yet.

I guess this little discussion meant that we were both aware of what was going on between us.

This whole thing suddenly felt like a tinder date.

"Len," I called him after a while of silence.

He looked up at me, poking the plate of poutine in front of him.

"If we're going to go on a few dates I should at least get to know about you."

I watched him stiffen a bit.

"And you know, I don't mean random stuff like where you're from and all that..." I trailed before taking a deep breath.

"Is there something on your mind?" I asked and Len's eyes went wide.

He rested his back on the booth's foam, nibbling his lips as he stared out into the restaurant.

The life was back in it now and people were talking and eating food like nothing too weird had happened just minutes before.

That was another thing.

Why was I the only person still creeped out?

Len reached out, pulling the notebook from under me like I wasn't supposed to have it even though he'd been the one to give it to me.

"There's a lot I can't really say because we've just met each other," he said as his eyes flickered to me before he stuffed the notebook in his bag without another word.

That was true.

If it was family problems, he wouldn't tell me now.

We barely knew each other and the date he'd had planned out was ruined by the gang that had shown up and charged the atmosphere with nerves.

But still.

It felt personal somehow like it involved me and I deserved to know.

Everything about the situation was unnerving.

How Len had first come up to me.

The gang.

The restaurant.

The story he was writing...

My eyes narrowed at him before going wide.

Something told me that the story had to be important somehow.

I was starting to feel like a horror story protagonist in a small area of weird happenings and circumstances.

I had to keep Len close if I wanted to learn anything.

He seemed like he wanted to but was taking his time for whatever reason.

I wonder what in the world could have him this agitated.

My guts told me it had something to do with this place... that I had something to do with that strange man from before.

"I might not be about to tell you everything now because I do know you well but we'll build to that with time."

There was a shake in his voice even though he put on a firm face.

I bit down on my bottom lip, wondering what I should do with his answer.

I needed to know the pieces of the picture I was missing and I would wait until Len trusts me enough to tell me.

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screamin-abt-haikyuu · 4 years ago

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You’re jealous but you can’t do anything because you’re not dating him - Part 5

Pairings: Lev x Fem! Reader

Genre: Angst to Fluff

Requested by: @sad-b-tch

A/N: Only one story in this part because I am travelling for a few days and I won't find the time to write for a while. This was written in a hurry and is not proofread so pls 2 forgive any errors.

I'm not sure how exchange programs happen in Japan but when my friend went to Germany, she lived with a student's family who had agreed to host exchange students at their home. That is the concept I followed in this. Also, since it was never clarified which of his parents was Russian, I have assumed it was his mother in this story. Also, I have used like 2 Russian dialogues in this fic with the help of Google so if they're wrong, I'm sry pls lmk I am not friends w any Russian people. Anyway, hope you guys enjoy!

Haiba Lev is a friendly guy.

"A little too friendly sometimes", you think as you watch him grab Sofia's arm and drag her away to her next class, leaving you in the hallway.

Of course, Lev had been assigned to host and guide the new exchange student from Russia. Sofia Volkov. A girl who is so breathtakingly gorgeous that she might as well have descended from heaven. Hell, she is so beautiful that even you find yourself developing a girl crush on her. Ever since she arrived at Nekoma a week ago, at least 9 people have asked her out on a date. She, however, rejected them all.

Even though Lev does not speak Russian and Sofia cannot speak a word of Japanese, you can't help but admit that he was the perfect choice to be her guide around Nekoma. Sofia seems to have warmed up to him quite a bit in such a short time. He is just that kind of person who can communicate with others so easily and effortlessly.

"Did you see Lev hold Sofia's hand just then? Do you think they are dating?"

"I wouldn't be surprised if they are. She seems to spend all her time in school with him even though she's already living in his house."

"Yeah. If anyone in this school can match Sofia in good looks, it is Lev."

Every hushed whisper you hear about Lev and Sofia feels like a stab straight through your heart.

Stupid rumour mongers. You know they are not dating. Lev would have told you if they were. Yet, thinking about the possibility of them getting together...

You see Lev returning from Sofia's class. He has a giant smile on his face that makes your heart do backflips. God, why did he have to be so pretty?

"Y/N! Thanks for waiting!"

"Of course!" you smile at him, "How is Sofia liking it here?"

"I think she is settling in well. Mom seems to have fallen in love with her. They keep chatting away in Russian late into the night. I have heard more Russian in the past week than I have in my entire life."

You chuckle. "Aww. Your mom must be happy to have someone from her homeland around. She must miss it awfully."

"She does. If it were up to her, she would probably keep Sofia with us forever. She even joked about me marrying her just so she could stay here."

The smile on your face disappears as soon as you hear that. It was a joke. Just a simple joke. You try to console yourself but the worry shows in your face. Thankfully, Lev is too busy chatting away to notice.

"... So I thought I would show her the Tokyo Skytree tomorrow. I think she'd like it, yeah?"

"Yeah, she would."

"Mum insisted I take her at night because it is prettier with all the lights."

It's also more romantic.

"Yeah, night sounds good. She will like it."

"Y/N? Are you okay?"

You look to your side and find Lev looking at you, his head cocked and brows slightly furrowed with worry.

Your internal battle must have shown on your face. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry. I'm all good, I was just trying to remember if I finished the assignment for the next class."

It is a lame reason but it is all you could come up with on the spot. The bell's ringing for the next class saves you from further questions.

It has been 2 days since you last met Lev or even spoke to him properly. He was, understandably, busy showing Sofia around town. He had invited you to accompany them but you had been busy with family stuff and couldn't join them. Still, when he did not reply to your texts as fast as he usually does, you couldn't help but feel a little upset. It also didn't help that your mind ran wild with the possible scenarios of Lev and Sofia getting together.

But as you go about your day in school as usual, chatting and laughing, you begin to feel a little stupid for getting so worked up over nothing.

That was until you met Sofia after school.

She had been waiting to walk home with Lev outside the school gate. As soon as she saw you two approaching, she waved in your direction, a big smile on her face and said something in Russian. As soon as Lev heard her, he turned red as a beetroot.

However, before he could respond, he was hailed by someone from the Nekoma VBC.

What the hell was that about? You think as you watch him sprint towards Yaku-san, still blushing furiously.

"Ehh-"

Sofia's voice pulls you from your thoughts. She is standing right next to you and is smiling at you. You can tell that she wants to talk to you. You smile back and patiently wait for her to speak.

"Eyy- uh -" she looks around and points at Lev.

"Lev? You want to tell me something related to him?"

She nods eagerly and points at him again, "Boyfriend."

It feels like someone has suddenly dropped a brick in your stomach.

"B-boyfriend? Are you saying Lev is your b-boyfriend?"

"Da! Yes! Boyfriend! boyfriend!!" she jumps up in excitement at finally getting through, smiling and nodding eagerly at you, "Lev Boyfriend? Da?"

The smile on your face is long gone. It is all you can do to keep yourself from bursting into tears right there.

So that's why he was blushing.

"Hey, sorry about that. Yaku-san wanted to tell me about the club meeting later tonight. We can walk home now."

You had not realized Lev had made his way back to you. You turn your face away from him so he won't notice the tears that are now forming in your eyes.

He comes up to Sofia and repeats the same sentence to her in broken Russian.

You definitely won't be able to maintain your composure the entire walk back home.

"Actually, you guys go on ahead. I have some things I need to buy for mum so I'm going in the other direction."

"We can come with you!" Lev says, smiling.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you'll just get bored there. I'll text you once I'm home," you say and start to sprint away from them, not wanting to spend another second there.

"Wait! Wait! Why are you running away? Y/N!" Lev's extremely confused voice calls after you as you try to get away from them as quickly as you can.

From the corner of your eye, you see Lev start to run after you but Sofia grabs his arm and stops him. That gives you a few moments to slip away, tears streaming down your face as you run.

It doesn't take him long to catch up, though, as you hear him huffing and puffing behind you just a few minutes later. "Y/N! Please! Stop!"

You quicken your pace and try to give him the slip again but it's impossible to keep up with his long-ass legs and you feel a strong grip on your shoulder, trying to get you to stop. You finally do.

Lev gently turns you around to face him and he is shocked to see the fat tears rolling down your face.

"Oh, no! No, no, no, no, no! I am so, so sorry. Sofia told me that she told you. I am really, so, so, sorry."

"I- It's o-okay. Y-you have nothing to apo-apologize for. You d-did nothing wrong," your silent crying has now turned to full-blown sobs now that Lev himself has confirmed the worst.

"I did. I should have been the one to tell you. I told her not to say anything, I wanted to tell you myself but she got excited and jumped the gun. Please, I am so sorry, I never wanted to make you cry like this," Lev's face is contorted with worry and it looks like he might cry too.

" 's ok. I w-will be fine."

"And it is totally okay that you do not feel the same way. Please believe me, I am happy with being the way we always have been."

His words give you pause.

"What?"

"Sorry, sorry! I shouldn't have brought it up right away!"

"What do you mean I do not feel the same way? The same way about what?"

Lev stares at you blankly. "Uhh, Y/N, what did Sofia tell you?"

"That you're her boyfriend?"

"WHAT?!"

"What??"

"Did she really say I am her boyfriend?"

"Well, I couldn't understand most of what she said. She was pointing at you and saying 'boyfriend' and when I asked her if you were her boyfriend, she got excited and started saying 'Da' and 'yes' and 'boyfriend'".

"Oh. OH," Lev's eyes widen as realization hits him. He suddenly starts blushing again.

"Y/N. Sofia was not saying that I am her boyfriend. She was asking YOU if you would like me as your boyfriend."

You stare at him blankly, unable to make sense of what he is saying.

"Y-you see. We were talking about crushes and stuff and I accidentally told her that I had feelings for you. She got excited and wanted me to confess to you right away but I... Well, honestly, I was scared. She was so sure that you liked me back and I was just being dumb by not confessing so she decided to take matters into her own hands. But...wait! If you misunderstood her, why did you run away crying?"

"Because she was right."

"Huh?"

"She was right about me liking you back. When I thought you two became a couple... ever since she has been here, everyone is always talking about how beautiful she is and how good you two look together. I am not blaming her at all. She is gorgeous and really nice. It is just that... even the thought of you being someone else's had been making me sad for a while. When she spoke to me, I jumped to the worst conclusion and I just couldn't hold myself together so I ran away."

"REALLY?! You really like me back?!" Lev's expression has changed from worry to that of pure joy. He is smiling so wide that you can't help but smile at him through your residual tears.

"Really."

He takes your hands in his and brings them up to his lips, placing a soft kiss on each of them.

"Ty budesh' moyey devushkoy?" he says, his green eyes glazed over with a softness as he looks into yours.

You giggle. "What does that mean?"

"It means 'will you be my girlfriend?'"

You lean to place a kiss on his forehead, smiling widely as you pull back.

"Da. I will."

Hope you liked it! <3

Reblogs appreciated. Please do not steal or repost.

Taglist: @pansexualproblemchild @duckymcdoorknob @kakiwrites @ebiharachan

Comment or send an ask to be added to the tag list!

Check out THIS POST to know what all characters I have written and will be writing for in this series.

MASTERLISTS | If you enjoy my work and want to, you can Buy me a Kofi! <3

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angry-geese · 4 years ago

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Hi there <3 I've read some of your works and i'm in love with your writing. May I please request a fluff gojo x fem!reader? Like they finished their work in the evening and spend the rest of the night together at home💕 It could be a oneshot or a hc, whichever you feel to write. Thank you so much ^^ I'm sorry just in case my request is somehow not really clear☺️

Of course! here you go <3

Mochi

Gojo Satoru x reader

Warnings: none! entirely fluff! this will quite literally rot your teeth. afab reader

a/n: this ended up being a little longer than I intended lol whoops

Word Count: 2.5k

Satoru Gojo is a busy man.

The strongest can't really take a break. He’s on call 24/7. People are pulling him in all directions simultaneously. With everything that's been going on, between the mess with Sukuna, and everything happening at the school, he’s been short on time.

He needs a break.

He's more tired than he lets on. He’s good at hiding it. Especially around his students. It's hard to pull him away from his work. He's insistent that he’s fine. When you’re around someone for so long, you learn to pick up when they aren't. He can pretend to be fine all he wants. You know otherwise.

Sometimes what the strongest needs is someone to boss him around.

He’s capable of taking care of himself. He’s proven that already. But worrying is in your nature. You care about him, of course you’re going to worry.

You were a first year when you met him, having just transfered schools after an incident involving a curse. In a matter of weeks your life had seemingly been flipped on its head. The switch took some time to get used to. Switching schools your first year, let alone switching to this one in particular, was never going to be easy. Getting used to the way Jujutsu society worked took a while. He was a year above you, and you remember absolutely hating him. Gojo was insufferable- or you found him to be such. But he was friends with Nanami, who was a friend of yours, so you reluctantly hung out with him. Nanami, being in the same year as you, was the first to help you out, extending a hand and helping you get used to the way things worked.

Spending time with him didn't do much to change your views. The two of you couldn't have been more different. You still are. But something about opposites attracts.

The first time you gave him the benefit of the doubt was the first time he saved your life.

It may be a bit of an over exaggeration. You’re certain you would have survived without his help, but that could also be an attempt to preserve your pride. You went after a curse, not expecting it to be as strong as it was. As far as you knew, it shouldn't have been stronger than a grade three. Being a grade two at the time, this should have been well in your ability. There ended up being more than one curse, and they were stronger than anyone had realized. You were in over your head.

It wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known. It's not like you could pick and choose which curses you fought. As a student, that was decided for you.

You had resigned to your fate, separated from the others, injured. Nothing fatal. It left a cool scar, though. But you were well out of your league, put on an assignment far harder than you could deal with. You hate to admit defeat, but you had no other option.

Out of what seemed like thin air came Gojo, taking out both curses like it was nothing. Despite not liking him all that much, it was hard to not be impressed. He was strong. Stronger than you could ever hope to be.

You made it home in one piece.

It was three days before you’d finally confront him.

Getting him alone was hard enough. Being an underclassman, you didn't interact with him a whole lot. You didn't have any classes together. The few times you ran into him were when you hung out with Nanami, who was gone at the time.

When the opportunity presented itself, you took it, cornering him behind the school.

Even back then it was impossible to sneak up on him. He could sense you coming.

“Jesus-” he said, referring to you by your last name, “you look like you want to kill me.”

“You helped me out.” You said. “Why?”

He only shrugged. Not wanting to take that for an answer, you followed him. You were insistent you paid him back. You’d never let a debt like that go unpaid. The first debts are always the hardest to pay back. And when a first debt involves saving your life, well, you’ve got a lifetime to pay back. You only left once Gojo showed up. He needed to talk to Gojo about something, and although you were curious, you didn't feel like sticking around.

Gojo spent the next couple days scheming. You were determined enough you would do just about anything. He could have easily abused his power. It would have been even easier to force you to drop it, but something told him you weren't about to take no for an answer.

You wouldn't.

3pm in the bathrooms. It was hardly a week later. Your last class had ended for the day. You had snuck cigarettes in, blowing the smoke out of the crack in the window. You don't smoke anymore, but you went through nearly a pack a day in high school. There wasn't a specific brand you liked—you didn't necessarily like smoking, but you did it when you were stressed—you just used whatever you got ahold of.

You didn't hear the door open. Gojo wasn't the sneaky type, but he could be when he wanted. You weren't too hard to sneak up on.

If you didn't have contraband that likely would have gotten you expelled, you would have screamed when you saw him. He scared you, not to mention he snuck into the girl’s bathrooms. The two of you would be in equally deep shit if you reported the other. So at that moment you came to a silent agreement.

“You still want to pay me back?” He asked. “Cause I have an idea.”

You perked up at his words.

“Get me mochi from that shop just down the road. You know the one that just opened up?” He asked. “Bring me some and I’ll call us even.”

“That's it?” You asked. It was almost anticlimactic. But despite everything, he was insistent.

Gojo hasn't changed a whole lot since then.

He still has his sweet tooth. He still makes you get him mochi from that shop. It feels like you’re the ones keeping it in business nowadays.

You’re not quite sure who made the first move.

Soon you began spending more time together away from Nanami and Geto. You got along better than anyone—mostly you—ever expected. You weren't the most outwardly affectionate. While you were far from shy, pda wasn't really your thing. Gojo is the opposite. Even now, years after you began dating, he’s still clingy. You’ve gotten used to it. Gojo is possessive, he wants everyone to know you’re his. Not that they don't know already. He can't shut up about you.

Getting him alone has always been hard. Not much has changed in the past few years. He’s only gotten busier. Try to drag him away from work all you want, you rarely succeed.

Tonight he's come willingly. He finished his work early, and all you had left was stuff you could finish in the morning.

Nights at home like this—together—are rare. It feels like you hardly see him anymore. You often fall asleep alone, only to wake up to the other side of the bed being cold. He’s been so occupied with this business with Yuji, that he’s hardly had time for anything else. You sneak away during your breaks, like you’re teenagers again, stealing kisses between classes. You almost don't know what to do.

It almost feels like you should do something to celebrate.

The lights are off when you get home. Your apartment looks empty. Megumi must still be out with his friends.

“What should we do for dinner?” Gojo asks.

“Takeout?” You say. "I don't feel like cooking."

Gojo’s a decent cook, but he doesn't feel like doing so either. He’d get takeout every night if you’d let him. But that's not good for him (or Megumi) so you force him to do otherwise. Because you’re normally home, and you like baking, you’re usually the one to make dinner. There's not much in the fridge. You'll have to get groceries eventually. Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow. It shouldn't take long.

“How does Korean barbeque sound?" He asks. "From that place down the street?”

"Sounds good,"

You find a menu buried in one of your kitchen drawers, stashed with other takeout menus. You pick out something—two meals, plus some sweet buns for dessert—he calls the restaurant. You pay the extra cash to have it delivered. Neither of you feel like going and picking it up. It's more convenient than the alternative.

The tv drones on in the background while you wait. There’s not much on tv at this hour. News, some late night soaps. While you do like your occasional soap opera, none that you normally watch are on. Gojo changes it to the news. The weather. It looks like it'll rain tomorrow morning, but the rest of the day is supposed to be warm.

"We should go to the park tomorrow," you say, "having a picnic sounds nice."

Gojo hums in approval. As long as you make those tea cakes—the ones with honey drizzled on top—he'll agree to tag along. Maybe you'll go check out the bookstore too. It's been a while since you've last gone.

You strip out of your uniform, pulling on some more comfortable clothes; a pair of shorts and one of Gojo's shirts. It smells like him. You can't help but bury your nose in the collar.

When there’s a knock at the door, Gojo is the one to answer. He returns with your food. You gather napkins and utensils. Gojo never saw the point in anything other than stainless steel chopsticks. Or wooden ones—those given to you with takeout—if he wasn't feeling up to doing dishes. You, on the other hand, bought all sorts of colorful ones and stands that may or may not have been lifted from various restaurants. That's one habit from your teenage years you never lost. You'd pocket almost anything that wasn't nailed down. Your apartment has a rather impressive assortment of salt and pepper shakers. Not to mention the box of hotel soaps you never use, but took because you "might" need it. He enables you, taking some whenever he stays out of town, bringing them home for you. Gojo can hardly say no to you.

Gojo settles next to you on the couch, his shoulder pressed to yours. He can't keep his hands off of you. He’s possessive by nature. Everyone has to know you’re his. He always has to be touching you. Not necessarily with his hands, but he presses his thigh against yours while sitting next to you, or his body pressed against yours from behind in public.

The two of you eat in relative silence. Gojo’s attention turns to the tv, but that doesn't stop him from practically laying on top of you. Occasionally he’ll sneak bites of your food, and you of his.

When you’re done, you clear away the empty containers, sitting any leftovers in the fridge. Gojo sprawls out on the couch. He easily takes up any bit of space. The couch can hardly fit all 6-foot-something of Gojo. It hardly fits you. You've been meaning to look for another one, but haven't found the time to.

He opens his arms, and instinctively you go into them. You move so you can rest partially against the arm of the couch, Gojo's head leaning against your shoulder. His arms loop around your waist, his fingers lacing over your stomach.

It doesn't take him long to begin to drift off. He falls asleep in the crook of your neck. The low sound of the tv, combined with the warmth of his body makes you want to drift off to sleep. Sleeping on the couch like this isn't very good for your (or his) back, but you don't want to move.

The next time your eyes open, some late night game show plays, disturbing your sleep with loud music. The clock on the wall reads some time past two. It's hard to read the minute hand. You gently shake Gojo awake. One of his eyes cracks open and he lets out a soft “hm?”

“Come to bed,” you say, your arms wrapping around his neck, “it's late.”

His eyes close, and for a moment you think he’s drifted back off to sleep, when his grip around you tightens, and he’s rolling over on top of you.

“I think I’ll stay here with you, mochi,” he says, planting a wet kiss to your neck. The feeling of his lips on your neck makes you shiver.

And though he doesn't move, there's a look in his eyes that tells you he has something planned. You only notice too late that his grip never loosens, and the mischievous glint to his eyes. You couldn't wiggle out of it if you wanted to. You're effectively trapped.

He litters your neck with kisses, sending you into a giggling fit, and he doesn't stop until you’re begging him to. Tears prick at the corners of your eyes from laughing. Your nails dig into your palms so hard they leave little crescent-shaped indents.

When you finally settle down, he’s pulling you into his arms bridal style, heading for your shared room. The bed is still unmade from this morning. Neither of you bothered to put it away. You were busy, and the thought slipped your mind.

Gojo shoves the covers aside, pulling you to lay on his chest. His fingers gently trace up the curve of your spine as he watches the steady rise and fall of your chest. Goosebumps prickle your exposed skin. He’s careful with how he touches you, loving, and soft. It's like he’s trying to memorize every inch of your body. His heartbeat is audible. Steady, and quet, acting as a lullaby. Your eyes shut, but you’re still awake. The intimacy of the moment doesn't go over your head.

He thinks he could die happy at this moment. Any moment, with you, really. Even during fights, or nights where he doesn't come home until long after you’ve fallen asleep, and you’re left irritated with his lack of time. As long as you’re by his side, he’s content.

He doesn't give much to the thought of settling down. His work will never let him. Neither does he think much about having any biological children. You practically have two already. Settling down isn't really an option for the strongest. This is the closest he’ll get to it.

For now, he just thinks about the park, and the blue sundress you always wear when you go.

Not many people can say they’ve changed who Satoru Gojo is as a person—let alone for the better—but you’ve changed him twice. Once in your meeting behind the school, and once again tonight. He’s found the one.

The first debt is always the hardest to pay back. But you've paid it in full.

#gojo satoru x reader #jjk x reader #gojo x reader #gojo fluff #gojo satoru #jjk #jujutsu kaisen fluff #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen x reader #fluff

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alluringjae · 4 years ago

Text

queen of hearts - sjn

summary: for the first time, one of your star students hasn’t been fetched right after class. but when she finally does, you weren’t expecting such a fine man to be her father.

pairing: johnny x female reader

word count: 5.5k

genre: fluff, romance, comedy | ceo and single dad!johnny + ballerina!reader + modern day!au

warnings: mentions of an absent parent, johnny being an overthinker, sexual innuendos (ten saying dilf hehe), slight explicit language, technical terms of ballet, a mini reference to mean girls

author’s note: sooo i came in touch with my former dance life, which led me to write this. there are links for the variations i used; their names are underlined when they’re mentioned. i am going to get technical with ballet terms here (even when my ballet knowledge decreased), so to any dancers reading, i really did my best, so please don’t come for me or do correct me for any mistakes.

although one character and her dance background, plus the name of the setting, are real, everything else about it is still a work of fiction.

i miss dancing, no cap.

leave me some feedback, constructive criticism or hellos!

Ballet student and teacher by day, a soloist of the Korean National Ballet at night.

This was your daily routine, and it wasn’t the typical 8-5. But it’s debatable whether or not it was worse, because you’re always going overtime. That’s the thing when you’re an overachiever. Nonetheless, you loved what you do. It’s the lifestyle you gradually built since your preschool days.

Mornings on the weekdays were mostly vacant since all the kids were still in school. You’d start at 10 am for a warm-up class for the company. Before you delved into teaching and assisting, you’d train right after your lunch break. Partnering class, en pointe class, 1-on-1 sessions with choreographers, self-practice, then the company night class, that’s the organization of your week.

Now adding the teacher title, you mostly handled kindergartners to 5th graders in the academy aspect of the company. Your first teaching class would start at 1 pm. It’s when the younger students who finished their morning classes zoom into your assigned dance studio. One class would last an hour and a half, then you have a 30-minute break in between another class with the older kids. Their lesson repertoire was more strenuous due to the added across-the-floor lessons and jumps. Water was always your best friend, water refilling stations located everywhere in the company building.

You wouldn’t say you’re a strict teacher, but you weren’t shy to correct anyone from wherever you stood. You’d lightly align their arms or back properly so your students were working on the correct body parts. Compared to the other teachers, a lot of students enjoyed your kind yet frank approaches. Your former students, who’ve already gone to the higher levels, missed your lively presence and wished repeatedly that they want you back as their teacher.

“Teacher (Y/N), I miss you so much! Teacher Ten is so intense. I get the jitters especially when we’re en pointe on the floor.”

“Teacher (Y/N), Teacher Sicheng and Teacher Seulgi scare the heck out of me during partnering class. Especially when I tried to lift my partner, I keep losing focus because of Teacher Sicheng’s never-ending comments!”

Not to be sadistic, but you’d simply laugh at their minuscule complaints. Even if they’re struggling in the academy, those comments were directed to fix their techniques if they wanted to breakthrough.

“Kids, you’re going to be fine! They wouldn’t say or do those things just because they wanted to. They’re here to push you to the next level, like how I used to do with you. It’s a cut-throat industry after all.”

This was always your reply, bittersweet and truthful. Not everyone makes it, unfortunately, so if you’re really striving, you’d do whatever it takes. Throughout your career, you’re relatively impressed with how far you’ve come.

Trainee at 17, Corps de Ballet at 18, Demi-Soloist at 21, and Soloist at 23.

You’ve been a soloist for 4 years. The final stage, which was to become a principal dancer, is your running goal. Becoming a soloist was praiseworthy enough because you’ve seen so many give up in the Corps, but claiming a spot as a principal dancer has been the ultimate dream. Since you’ve watched Swan Lake for the first time at 4 years old with your parents, that’s where you found a passion for dancing and the stage. Here you are years later, practicing numerous variations daily, performing in opera houses, and mentoring all these gifted kids.

Your last class with elementary kids, which began around 5 pm, reached its end once all the students curtsied in front of you and scurried to their mothers or their nannies. The remaining plan on your agenda today was the company class at 7:30 pm, which exceeds the average hour and a half. It’s worse during show season. There have been times everyone went beyond midnight to polish every scene from head to toe.

Currently, there’s no upcoming show for the public, though the annual summer recital for the students was around the corner. Selected members of the company were chosen to perform individually in it, which was both exciting and intense. It’s also because it’s an evaluation on whether you’d get promoted in status or staying put. You’ve partaken in 3 recitals in the past, two of which elevated you from the corps and demi-soloist ranks. The recent one, however, didn’t change your soloist ranking.

It was a major first in your career in ballet, and after finding out the result of the latter, it emotionally pained you. Recalling how much soul you put into that piece, the rejection from your artistic director clenched your heart. Though in time, you moved on from it and viewed it as a stepping stone. Also, Sicheng and Ten personally stormed your apartment to pull yourself together with wine and pizza after going on a short leave.

Since you were trainees, Sicheng and Ten were your best friends in and outside the company. Working daily to occasional barhopping, that’s your youth summed up. It wasn’t because you didn’t like the girls you’ve worked with (though a lot of them were fake and bitchy), but these two were frank and humorous as hell. Together, you’d help each other with your goals rather than be competitive. Over time, Ten leveled up to a principal dancer for 2 years running while you and Sicheng were still soloists. The way you’d watch Ten take all the big roles, that’s where you want to be one day.

Back in your last teaching class, the entire dance room was vacant. Since it’s mainly used for ballet classes, you’d either run through anything you’ve practiced from the company classes and polish it or warm up a little bit more.

Except for today, this was the only free time to sew a new pair of pointe shoes because your current ones were dead. Dead in a sense that the hard shell turned soft, which won’t be able to support you when you’re up on your toes. You’re not taking any risks of minor injuries especially when you’re in the current lineup of company members performing for this upcoming recital again. You have to prove to everyone that you deserve a position as a principal dancer.

As your legs sprawled in a half middle split, your sewing equipment laid in front of you like you’re about to perform surgery, a tiny girl stood by the ajar studio doors. In her neat bun and holding on to her small duffel bag, you’re convinced everyone has gone home already since it’s quite late.

You may have your priorities as a company member, but she was still your student.

“Minji!” You shouted her name, speedily waving your hand. You’re not one to have favorites, though you couldn’t help wonder how extraordinary she was. She’s always taking charge in demonstrating the lessons to everyone and improving every session in the 3 years she’s joined the academy. “Come in! Come in!”

At age 7, she’s gotten taller through the years, above the average from how you see it. She must have amazing genetics. Her legs sauntered in seconds to you. Sitting down across you, she marveled at your setup. Specifically, at the fresh pointe shoes.

“Are those yours, Teacher (Y/N)?” She perked up, caressing its soft fabric and playing with the mini bows of the drawstrings.

“Yes, it is, Minji!” You answered while trying to insert the thin thread through the small eye of the needle. “Why are you still here? Is your nanny stuck in traffic or something?”

“My nanny went on sudden leave, so my dad’s the one fetching me. But I think he’s running late from his job.”

Oh, this was a first to know about her father. In all the years she’s been your student, you rarely caught sight of him, even in recitals. Maybe he sat in an unknown section, but you’re pretty much acquainted with all the parents of your students. Even if some were snobbier than the rest because they wanted their child to have more stage time, you still got to know them out of respect. Quite odd, if you said so yourself.

After deep concentration, the thread triumphantly passed through the eye so you tied the two ends of the thread in a double knot. Seeing as Minji attentively watched you, you tasked her to cut the ribbons of your shoes according to the trail of pencil marks. This was so she wouldn’t cut it too short or too long. While she did that, you hammered your shoes against the floor to soften the hard front, bending the shank back and forth so the arch of your feet could move without difficulty later.

Minji wasn’t expecting such loud sounds, her entire body shaken awake. Her facial expression was priceless, explaining to her, “Once you get your first pointe shoes in a few years, this is one of the basic things you need to do so your feet won’t hurt too much while dancing.”

“Will you be there to teach me how to make my pointe shoes?”

“Absolutely! Come to me first then I’ll mentor you all that I know.”

The process of sewing and breaking new pointe shoes engraved your mind since your adolescent years, with changes along the way. Inspired by some tricks from your former teachers, but there were some differing rituals you followed. There’s no definite process of it, just as long you’re comfortable to dance after.

With your feet, you stepped on the hard boxes of the shoes to soften it more, creating a popping sound. Followed by sewing your elastic bands in. For your ribbons, you liked to burn the edges with a lighter so the thread of it won’t run. Kindly asking your cute assistant for the lighter beside her, you scanned the edges back and forth the flame. In seconds, the edges had a distinct mark, fully closed. From there, you slid your feet to your shoes to make final sewing adjustments. Sewing your ribbons took you another few minutes, plus adding superglue inside the shoe so the shoe won’t collapse when it unstiffens and scratching the shank with a cutter so you won’t slip later while dancing.

Voila, the final product is done! Hopefully, it can last you a week at least.

“Wow, Teacher (Y/N), it looks pretty!” Minji applauded, collecting the mess you’ve both made to dispose of later. You, on the other hand, gave her your thanks once you applied some bandages on your big toes and put on your toe pads. Slipping inside the shoes and tying them, you rose up back to your feet and headed to the bar to break them in. From plies-relevésto forced arches, the shoes gave you the sensation that they were an extension of your feet. The ease flowed through, meaning you were ready to practice your variations.

While you stepped your shoes in rosin for friction, your curious student moved to the front where the mirror lied to watch what you’ve prepared.

“What variation are you dancing to?”

“This is the Gamzatti variation from La Bayadere.” You replied, tapping the play button on your phone and racing to your position on the side. Talking a short ballet walk, you strongly prepared your arms before the music of the orchestra takes off.

This variation consisted of a lot of jumps and turns. Grand jetés, attitude turns, chaîné turns, you needed a lot of core control and proper spotting so you won’t get dizzy. The thrilling music lessened your nerves because you enjoyed learning this piece from one of the principal dancers, smiling and letting the music guide your legs. Once you nailed 3 consecutive grand jetés, the variation ended with a sus-sous and the wrists of your hands flicking upwards.

Holding it for 5 more seconds, you landed back on your feet with heavy breathing and a need for water. But before you could, small claps and cheers from Minji in front erupted. Momentarily, you’ve forgotten her presence because dancing solo puts you in your own space. You’d never let anyone take you away from it.

“Teacher (Y/N), that was wonderful! Are you performing that in the summer recital?”

Yikes, she’s right but she wasn’t meant to see it yet. Solo performances from the company members for the recital were top secret, only unveiled during the production rehearsal. Well, you didn’t think this through, but you didn’t mind.

“Can you keep a secret?”

Time ticked a lot faster today, only 10 minutes left until the company class on the ground floor whereas you were in the second. Just a few steps down the stairs away, yet Minji was still here. You only presumed that within your hour break, her father could’ve made it already. But maybe he’s stuck in traffic or at work.

“Minji, my class starts soon. Have you contacted your father?”

“I already texted him earlier, but he hasn’t responded. This happens often, he’s a busy man.” She bowed in front of you suddenly. “I’m sorry, Teacher (Y/N) for the hassle.”

“Oh no, please!” You shook your hands so she’d stop. Because this situation was relatively new, you were unsure of how to handle it. Or that was until you remembered what Ten texted you earlier. “Minji, the blinds of the main studio are going to be lifted so anyone from the outside can view us practicing. Would you like to watch until your dad gets here?”

With her insistent nodding, she situated herself in one of the seats in the front row. When you entered the main studio, your two close companions already carried a metal barre to the center and leaned towards it while observing you walking to them in your flat shoes.

“I see we have a bit of an audience here.” Ten glimpsed at the young girl, astonished by the many dancers prepping and chatting away with their cliques from the glass barrier.

“Her dad isn’t here yet, and you did say the blinds were up today. Might as well give her a show while she waits, you know.” You lifted your right leg to the top barre, stretching it with your arms.

“Hmmm, shouldn’t her dad be more cautious though? It’s getting late and it’s a Thursday. Doesn’t she have school or something?” Sicheng pointed out, discarding his muscle tee to straighten out his leotard.

“That’s not my business though. She’s just my student, and since she’s still here, I have to entertain her while she waits.”

Before your friends said anything back, the artistic director of the ballet company strutted her way to the center of the room. It’s a common rule here that once she entered, everyone must be silent to listen and race to any free spot in the numerous barres spread out if they haven’t.

“Alright, everyone. We’ll do the typical barre, then before doing across the floor exercises, I’ll be requesting those performing solos already in the recital to dance any variation tonight as another evaluation on who deserves to perform twice.” She eyed the pianist directly beside her. “Proceed first with two demi-pliés then one grand plié. Don’t forget to do the port de bras of each position.”

As the live piano music played, your focus was divided. Partly properly executing the exercise while your artistic director roamed each barre area, partly thinking about what variation to perform. This was a first for the company, and everyone was just stunned to hear the breaking news. It’d be nice to get an extra opportunity to showcase to people your potential.

30-40 minutes flew by quickly. As the guys carried the bars to the side to clear out the floor and the girls changed to their pointe shoes, the artistic director ordered all the performers of the recitals to stand in a line in front of her. Everyone else was seated around the room, so the interested eyes of everyone were on you. There were 10 performers, half are from the corps and the other half are either demi-soloists or soloists. You and Sicheng stood beside each other, internally shaking with nerves under the intimidating eyes of the artistic director. She used to be a principal dancer for the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany before moving back to Seoul, making her undeniably capable of leading all of you.

“Okay,” From her seated position observing the 10 performers, her finger pointed at you directly. “Ms. (Y/L/N) (Y/N), you perform first.”

Your nerves intensified and more sweat streamed out your upper body. Even if going first felt more relieving, no one was ever brave enough to perform individually in front of the esteemed artistic director. Principal dancers aside from Ten that you’re close with were intimidated when they have 1-on-1 or partnering sessions with her. But anyhow, in less than 2 minutes, you’d be done. This wasn’t the first time she’s had your full attention either, so you’ll treat it like the other individual performances you’ve had.

You smiled to yourself when the other soloists left you alone, while you gave the name of the variation you’re dancing to the pianist. Running to the side to put on a practice tutu, the artistic director asked, “What will you be dancing for us tonight, (Y/N)?”

“I’ll be dancing Queen of the Dryads from Don Quixote.”

The last time you did this variation was 3 years ago during the recital that didn’t change your position as a soloist. Even if this variation hurt to think about for a while, it was still one of your favorites to watch and do. Moving on, you could only muse how powerful and beautiful you felt at that time. This isn’t an easy piece to perform in your opinion. Yet according to the members of the company, this was their favorite solo of yours.

As the starting notes unfolded, you took a deep breath and elegantly walked into the frame. You only wished you wore your fake crown again for this. Minimal smiling and light arms, you imagined yourself as an actual queen who captured the eyes of many. In this case, your fellow seniors and juniors held their breaths at the captivating sight of you.

Off you go into a series of glissade jeté developpé on relevé at elevating heights, then a fouetté arabesque and another arabesque on relevé before ballet walking again to the side to dance across the stage. Sissonne to the front, right developpé to the front on relevé, pique to prepare for a single pirouette, you gracefully did a chassé to the front twice and stood on your toes with a sus-sous.

Doing it a few more times, the climax of the entire variation was nearing. Returning to the center, you took another deep breath and lifted your left leg for the Italian fouettés. Spotting to the front and back while maintaining your balance, the variation approached its end with lame duck turns, posing with your arms were positioned at a 45-degree angle, your back slightly arched and your left leg doing a tendu derriére. Your eyes reflected at the mirror in front, surveying your alignment. Once your 5-second hold was finished, you properly put your arms down and closed your back leg into 5th position.

The applause from everyone in the room roared, Ten and Sicheng wolf-whistling even for more support. It’s a usual thing every time any of you perform individually, and no one minded it. The artistic director grinned, giving a quiet clap from the front before calling out the next performer, who was from the corps. Bowing to everyone hastily, you paid more attention to spot your student by the window. She was smiling ear to ear, waving both hands at you.

“You did amazing, Teacher!” She mouthed. Hearing words of praise from members was one thing, but hearing them from students was another. You’re so used to watching them and giving them your compliments that you often forget that you’re a dancer first before a teacher. Seeing them all delighted, saying that it motivates them more, showed that you’re doing a great job teaching them. You’re a reflection of what you pass down, and all you want was for them to be the best they could be.

From her jolly expression, a tall masculine silhouette hovered a part of the window. Her instinct of giving a brighter smile when the hand of said silhouette patted her head then carried her duffel bag again, that could only mean one thing. Excusing yourself to the artistic director, you stepped out to bid your goodbye and maybe meet her father. Minji and the tall man were about to leave the building if it weren’t for your breathy voice calling them out.

“Seo Minji and Mr. Seo?”

They stopped their tracks. Minji was fast to react, familiar with your voice and racing towards you for a sweaty hug. Meanwhile, your focus shifted once the masculine silhouette came into full view. You finally understood why Minji’s growth spurt spiked up, noticing that he was taller than Sicheng.

The top buttons of his shirt were off, yet he kept his formal blazer on. His hair was a bit tousled, some strands falling in front of his forehead. He must’ve run here. Peeking through were some roots of his scruff growing. His eyebags were almost as dark as his brown hair. Yet by the way his Rolex remained spotless, you blatantly assumed that he was more than well-off. Especially when the ballet academy was one of the most prestigious ones in Seoul.

Out of all the parents you’ve met, none of them appeared youthful like him.

“Teacher (Y/N)?” Thanks to Minji, you moved your staring eyes away from him. This was another first, since meeting only the fathers of your students wasn’t your norm. Meeting young-looking fathers, to be specific.

“O-Oh,” You ate your words, suddenly blanking out. “You’re leaving me without saying goodbye, Minji? Not polite of you.”

“My father was rushing right after watching your performance, and I don’t know why.” She responded, her finger scratching the top of her head in confusion. Speaking of said father, his strong presence appeared right in front of you. The wrinkles of his forehead creased while his eyes barely looked at yours.

“Uhm,” His fingers toyed with his Rolex. “I apologize for my tardiness. I got caught up in work and all, plus her nanny le-”

“Mr. Seo.” You halted his rambling, already aware of the situation. Like father, like daughter. “It’s fine. Minji loved watching us practice while waiting, and she wasn’t a bother either. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Phew.” He swiped an imaginative bead of sweat from his forehead, displaying his relief with his playful nature.

At age 23, Johnny Seo started his own company in the fashion scene and it grew internationally in the coming years. Then when Minji unexpectedly joined the picture, he’s been multi-tasking to make ends meet. Lately, as a CEO, he has had meetings and conferences on a daily. So, his position as a single father was always tested. It worsened when he rarely has proper time to spend any time with Minji unless it’s the weekend or late in the evening. Breaking it down, it wasn’t because he didn’t want to meet you. It was more like he couldn’t when his schedules were packed from head to toe.

Having the guilt of taking your precious time, “Seriously though, I am sorry for being late. Her nanny resigned suddenly, and I have no time to find her replacement.”

“Mr. Seo, again, don’t worry about it. As her teacher and a company member, I am practically here 24/7 so it won’t be a nuisance at all if this happens again.”

“Thank you so much, Teacher (Y/N). That is your name, right?” He planted his palm on his forehead, stressed. “Being a single parent is hard. I am always forgetting things.”

A part of you couldn’t restrain from feeling sorry for his struggle. Taking care of a child should be the work of both the mother and father, not one of them being absent. You’ve feared this would harm Minji, but she’s a strong girl.

“The fact you didn’t forget to fetch Minji despite the late time is still something to be happy over. I’m not a parent or anything, but parenting, in general, is a challenge.” You added an insight, patting the head of the young girl beside you. “Cut yourself some slack, Mr. Seo. I’m sure Minji still loves you, right?”

Minji shouted a big yes, now clinging to the leg of her father. “It’s okay, dad. Really.”

Over the years, Johnny has been doubtful of his parenting skills. He was an only child, and he struggled to ask for guidance from his own parents due to the shame of having a kid at a young age. So, he’d ask for help from his other friends and co-workers. No matter how many times they’ve reassured him that he’s doing well, he’s an overthinker who always reflected on the bad scenarios. There’s also that pressure to find someone who can fill that absent position not just for Minji, but for himself too. No matter how many girls he’s asked out or been set up with, he failed in the love department badly.

It’s the soothing way you voiced out your truth that made all these negative thoughts running through his head freeze briefly. Over the past 3 years since Minji started ballet, she always had a great story about you to share. One of them was how ballet made her a lot happier because of your influence. If he had at least an hour of his day to meet any of his daughter’s mentors, it would’ve been you.

“Do feel free to call me Johnny instead.” He casually introduced himself, taking his hand out for you to shake. “Mr. Seo makes me feel like I’m at work right now.”

Despite his informal approach, you understood his intentions and returned the action with a promising smile. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Johnny.”

“Pleasure is all mine, Teacher (Y/N).”

Earlier, the nerves from performing in front of the artistic director died down fast. But for some reason, they rose back up when you’ve spoken to this man in a matter of minutes. As someone whose feelings don’t flourish in a single glance, why did this man specifically deliver you such a strong effect?

If it weren’t for Ten calling for your name by the door, you would’ve held on to Johnny’s hand longer, which would’ve been inappropriate. Letting go first, this was your cue to return to your class.

“I must head back inside, Johnny. Don’t sweat on fetching your daughter late, though she is still a student with school the following day. Right, Minji?”

Minji nodded as Johnny kept that mind, knowing where he has to improve next. “Yes, Teacher (Y/N). Thank you again, sincerely. I’ll definitely see you again in the coming days until Minji has a new nanny.”

“That’s no problem with me at all, Johnny.”

Soon as Johnny held his daughter’s hand to exit the studio and you were re-entering the studio with an impatient Ten, he swerved swiftly as if he forgot something.

“Oh by the way Teacher (Y/N), I saw your whole performance awhile ago. I was blown away, you deserved the applause.”

Although you could only distinguish his silhouette, you didn’t suppose he watched you from head to toe. Most parents or nannies would’ve dragged their kids out of the studio once they find them like they were on a tight schedule, so this was novel to experience. That performance showed your prime too.

“Thank you, Johnny. See you again soon.”

Giving a final nod, you led yourself back to the studio, not bothering to acknowledge the erupting heat on your cheeks and entire body. Not to sound narcissistic, but compliments weren’t foreign to you. You’re conscious of the hard work that you put in your talent and if they pointed out your greatness, why would you deny it? However, receiving one from Johnny was like gearing your engine with new fuel.

Before you could try to reject these harboring feelings, Ten was fast to pick up on it. You cannot hide anything from this man at all because body language was like another language he’s fluent in (aside from the other 5). Unlucky for you, the saga continued.

“You’re so into dilfs, (Y/N)!” He shrieked in your ear, nudging your shoulder repetitively. He placed things in his own way, yet they always shocked you because it was so inappropriate. Typical Ten for you.

“Shut up, Ten!” You objected, watching the other performers. You’ve improved in ignoring his remarks over time. That was until Sicheng sat down beside you after his solo and got up in your business. That placed you in the middle of boys from the water sign clan of astrology. They just loved getting down to your love life, going raunchy and whatnot.

“Who’s into dilfs, Ten?”

“A Miss (Y/N) beside you, who met Minji’s dad awhile ago, was basically eye-fucking him.” Ten elaborated, planting his elbows on your leg and gave you a sneaky glare. “Minji’s dad is fine as fuck, guys! I’m telling you, like a literal god! I’m surprised this is the first time he showed up here after 2-3 years?”

“How come (Y/N) is always getting students with good-looking parents? Especially the single moms.” Sicheng slumped his shoulders, attempting to get your attention too. “Is he that hot, (Y/N)?”

“Yah.” Sighing with annoyance, you’ve given up trying to appreciate one of the corps dancers with her rendition of Dulcinea from Don Quixote. “Don’t speak of Johnny like that. You barely know the man, yet you talk about him so unprofessionally."

“Oh, Johnny is his name, huh?” Sicheng sing-songed, bobbing his head. He’s certainly going to stalk him later on social media, you felt it in your chest. Like it was ESPN or something.

“Talking about being unprofessional, yet you’re here referring him as Johnny, not Mr. Seo.” Ten barked back, his lips pursed and one eyebrow lifted.

Just as soon as you could retaliate, the artistic director’s velvety voice boomed the room.

“Alright, thank you to the performers. I will deliberate with the staff and principal dancers over the weekend, and let you know the results on Monday. Now please, let’s proceed to the center.”

Everyone began to spread out on the wide floor, snatching a good position so they could monitor themselves in the mirror. Maybe you’ll defend yourself later after class because now, you needed to beat everyone else and have a crystal-clear view of yourself doing these following exercises.

In the meantime, Johnny was in the middle of driving Minji home. He had a designated chauffeur, but he gave him the night off because he wanted to spend time with Minji. Around this time, she’d be sleeping soundly, but instead, she’s boosting with so much life. She hasn’t even eaten dinner yet, which was the first thing on Johnny’s agenda now.

Playing Coldplay in the car, Minji belted some lyrics from her favorite songs while Johnny smiled to himself while listening to her attentively. Taking a breath, her thoughts reverted to her fantastic ballet teacher and shared them with her father.

“Dad! Don’t you just think Teacher (Y/N) is so cool? Ugh, I want to be just like her when I grow up.”

“Oh, to become a ballerina like her, you have to work hard every day and memorize lessons fast. Are you up for it, Minji?”

“Absolutely, dad! I want to pull off perfect jumps and turns like her one day!”

In the other after-school activities Johnny enrolled Minji in the past, none of them compared to the passion she had for ballet. Her work ethic was alike to Johnny’s: if they want something, they’ll do whatever it takes to make it possible.

Aside from being a star student in her school, she’s aiming to be a star ballerina. Being the supportive father he is, Johnny was on board to do what it takes to make it happen. Unlike his parents trying to mold him into the next heir of their company, he’s all ears to the dreams of his daughter. His only dream for her was to be live long and happy, not to merely pass on anything.

Johnny lost so much in his young life, so he doesn’t want to lose Minji in any way. As much as he loves his profession, he wanted to be an active father as much as time allowed it. He mostly received complaints from others that he’s not prioritizing his time well, but after hearing your kind words, this heavy weight on his shoulders decreased. All this doubt started to vanish after meeting you for the first time.

“Dad! Isn’t Teacher (Y/N) so beautiful?” Minji honored whilst gazing at the twinkling night sky. “She loves what she does and shines at it.”

Johnny was accustomed to his female co-workers throwing themselves at him due to his attractiveness, more than flattered even to have them feeling weak for him. Yes, there were times he used it to his advantage, some he frankly turned down.

However, the radiance you carried whether you’re dancing or not was something Johnny couldn’t cease wondering about. Unknown to him, he’s the one getting weak. Behold, an unlocked first for the confident CEO.

“Yes, Minji. I do think Teacher (Y/N) is absolutely beautiful.”

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raindownforme · 4 years ago

Note

Hey! I’m back with another request!

Reader and Ted practicality have all the same classes and whenever they have to do projects or work in pairs Ted without fail or shame is always like “Can she work with me! Please!” Even in front of the class So he can flirt with her during the project

She/her pronouns pls :D

Also I LOVED ORBITING JUPITER I NEVER HEAR ANYONE TALK ABOUT IT

An Ode to You

Ted Nivison x reader [she/her used]

The teacher, Mrs. Statham, smacked a stack of papers on her rolling cart. She lined the edges of them up to make it straight, then held the stack in her off arm. She turned to face the class, smiling kindly as she stood tall in her professional shoes.

“This week, we’re starting a project. You and a partner will be writing poetry based on prompts and discussing your different styles of writing. Your partner will be randomly assigned-“ the class groaned, some shutting books in protest. “Hey. It’s 9am, you think I want this either?” The class grew quiet. “Exactly. Now, I’m pulling names from a hat. First is…”

y/n leaned into her open palm, closing her eyes for a moment. She could hear students shuffling around their chairs, tennis ball covered legs scraping the cheap cement. She ran a hand through her hair, leaning back to stretch her back over the cheap school chair.

“YES.” Someone stood quickly in the opposite corner of the room, the scraping and falling sound of the chair making y/n jump. She opened her eyes to see her classmate Ted standing up in the corner with his arms upright in a cheering motion. He smiled widely, looking over towards y/n. He quickly realized his outburst, dropping his arms and pushing his glasses further onto his face. “Should I pick up that chair?”

“Yes, Ted. Then go move over to your partner.” Mrs. Statham shook her head, going back to the task she’d been working on before hand. Ted gathered his things, placing the chair back to where it belonged, and headed across the classroom to where y/n sat. He pulled the chair next to her out and sat down, smiling widely.

“Hey, come here often?”

y/n rolled her eyes, trying to hide a small smile. “Good morning Ted.”

“Good morning gorgeous.” Ted looked away from y/n, sorting through his backpack for a spiral notebook and a mechanical pencil. He turned back to y/n, intending to say something, but Mrs. Statham spoke first.

“All partners have been assigned. On the board are types of poetry and some one-word prompts. Yes you and your partner must pick the same type of poem and prompt. If you have any questions, I’ll be up here grading. Go ahead.”

The students began chattering as Mrs. Statham went to her desk. y/n huffed, staring at the board. She wasn’t well-versed on types of poetry, and the list was quite long.

“How about an Ode? You know like an Ode to something?” Ted gestured with his pencil as he talked. “I’ll let you pick the category.”

“An Ode to…” y/n scanned the board, looking for the right word. “Does that say darling?”

“No?” Ted squinted as he looked at the board as well. “I think it says daring. But I like darling! An ode to darling.”

y/n smiled, turning to begin writing in her own notebook. The rest of the lesson went on with only a few scattered comments from Ted.

“What color are your eyes?”

y/n looked up at him, confused. “Why?”

“Never mind I got it.” Ted furiously scratched at his paper, y/n returning to her own.

“What season is your favorite would you say?”

“Fall.” y/n set down her pencil, smiling kindly at Ted. “I like the leaves and it’s usually a nice temperature out. You?”

“I’m a late spring early summer kind of guy.” Ted taped his pencil over and over in a slow rhythm he could only hear in his head. “I mean, unless you have a pollen allergy.”

“Why?”

“I can’t take you out if you’ll be sneezing and coughing the whole time. I don’t know, maybe the fall could be a good time.” Ted waved like he was getting rid of an idea. “I’ll figure it out.”

“Okay?” y/n thought to herself for a moment, then ignored Ted’s question to go back to her work.

“Hey what’s your-“ Ted was cut short by the ringing of the school bell. He groaned dramatically as y/n stood to gather her things. “No! Stop.”

“Why?” y/n didn’t stop, instead zipping her bag shut and throwing it over her shoulder. Ted grabbed onto the edge of her shirt, tugging slightly.

“I don’t want you to go.”

“Ted, I have a class across the school. I’ll see you tomorrow.” y/n gently pulled her shirt from Ted’s grasp. He sighed, standing up.

“Fine. Let me walk you there at least?”

It took Ted all of a minute to gather his things. He shouldered his back pack and led y/n out of the classroom. He let his hand fall to his side, gently taking y/n’s middle finger and wrapping his own finger around it. He looked down at her, smiling softly, and held on tighter when she showed no sign of discomfort.

The two walked in silence across the school, taking y/n to her science class. Ted stopped her before she walked in, keeping her finger is his grasp. “Can I see you later?”

“Ted, we have class tomorrow. I’ll see you then.” y/n patted him in the arm, politely excusing her self. She watched him walk backwards down the hall, and turned to walk into the class.

“I’ll be thinking of you!” She rolled her eyes at Ted’s outburst, avoiding the peering eyes of her classmates.

———

The next few days continued the same way; Ted endlessly flirting while y/n write her ode. The writing came easy to her. She wrote about the stars, about the constellations and the night sky. It was a basic topic she knew, but it was easy to write about and it fit the prompt. She wasn’t sure what Ted had written about, but by now everyone had finished their poems, and it was time to present.

“Alright, Ted and y/n?” Mrs. Statham sat behind her desk, yawning into her mug of tea. “Please state your type and prompt.”

“We chose an Ode, and I miss read the prompt so instead of daring we chose darling?”

She nodded, keeping her eyes on the grading sheet in front of her. “I like it. Go ahead.”

y/n cleared her throat. She looked over at Ted, waiting to see who would go first. He gestured to her, offering her to go first while smiling kindly. Oddly enough, for it being the first class of the day, Ted seemed to be the most awake in the classroom.

“For darkness around you, a pattern to make do…” y/n read robotically from the sheet of paper in front of her. The poem lasted only ten seconds, letting her quickly set it aside and awkwardly smile at her classmates. There was light clapping from the crowd, complimentary almost.

“Very good.” Mrs. Statham scribbled on the grading sheet with a blue pen. “And what was that called again?”

“An Ode to the Stars.”

“Thank you. Ted you’re next?”

Ted nodded eagerly, straightening himself. He smoothed down the front of his shirt and looked expectantly at Mrs. Statham. “Do I-“

“There are no extra credit points for memorization. However, if you’d like to, go ahead.”

“Thank you.” Ted turned back to y/n, smiling widely. “I’m encaptured in your loving stare; My darling girl, my lady, fair.”

Ted went on for a long minute, leaving y/n a flustered mess. Every stanza, Ted found a new way to look at her. A new way to gesture to her. A new way to emphasize the lines he spoke. And after that long minute, the class fell silent for a moment before clapping loudly for Ted’s display.

“Thank you both. Class, did we notice any differences in Ted and y/n’s writing?”

Someone y/n didn’t know the name of put their hand upwards, prompting Mrs. Statham to call on them. “Well, y/n wrote about an object, Ted wrote about a person.”

“Good. Is there anything else we can infer class?”

“Oh!” Someone in the back classroom sat up straighter as they shouted out. y/n couldn’t quite see who it was. “y/n wrote kind of factual? Like things that we could all see. But Ted sees the person differently than we’d normally… perceive them?”

“Yeah. Exactly. Alright good job you two, go ahead and take your seats.”

Ted followed y/n to the shared desk in the far corner of the classroom. Another set of students went up to present theirs, and y/n kept her eyes glued forward on the pair, avoiding looking at Ted.

“I really liked yours.” Ted leaned over to whisper in her ear. She jumped a bit, surprised by how close he sat. “I think it was beautiful.”

“Thanks.” y/n chewed at the inside of her lip. “What was yours called again?”

“An Ode to You.”

“Sorry?” y/n tried to swallow the heat rising to her face, trying to not be flustered in front of Ted.

“It’s called An Ode to You.”

“To me?”

“No— well.” Ted twirled a pencil around in his finger tips. “It’s called An Ode to You, not like An Ode to y/n, I mean technically it is about you-“

“Me? What, are you flirting?”

Someone snorted in the seat in front of y/n and Ted. “You just noticed?”

y/n watched Ted’s face turn bright red. “I mean, they’re right. You just noticed?”

“I assumed it was a joke.”

“Why would I be joking?” Ted looked at y/n with concern etched across his face.

“I don’t know! Are you not joking?”

“No.” Ted very gently took y/n’s hand in his. “y/n, my darling. I would never joke about you.”

“Well Ted, honey, it’s 9am and you’re flirting with a tired teenager.”

“Can I flirt with you some other time?”

“Yes.” y/n yawned, stretching her arms upwards. “Any other time.”

“Tonight then? 7 o’clock?”

“Why 7-?” y/n stopped, her face becoming increasingly heated as the realization came to her. “A date? You want to take me on a date?”

The school bell rang and Ted stood from the desk, placing a folded piece of paper in front of y/n. “Text me, I’ll come pick you up.”

She watched Ted walk away, then looked down at the paper. On it read a phone a number that she assumed belonged to ted. When she unfolded it, however, was a hand written poem with a title reading, An Ode to y/n.

#ted nivison #ted nivison x reader #chuckle sandwhich x reader #chuckle sammy #chuckle sandwich #lunch club x reader #lunch club

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queenshelby · 4 years ago

Text

The Last Semester – Part Two

Pairing: Cillian Murphy x Reader

Words: 1,331

Warning: Flirting, Fluff

***

After having traded spots with Emma, over the next two weeks, you worked on your new drama project with the other group. But this didn’t mean that you didn’t see Cillian. To the contrary. You saw him more often than you were comfortable with and your attraction towards him intensified every time you interacted with him.

Every morning, Cillian would get his coffee at the local coffee shop where you worked as many as four days per week. In addition, just like you, he would spend a lot of time at the nearby second-hand bookshop looking for random and interesting novels.

The small bookstore had a reading area upstairs which no one really knew about and, on a rainy Tuesday evening, you sat there for three hours, researching for one of your other literature units.

That day, Cillian had the same idea as you, evidentially bored on his own since temporarily moving to London for the drama project.

‘Interesting choice’ Cillian said as he saw you sitting in the reading area with a stack of books by Charles Dickens.

‘Oh yes, Dickens. He is making some good points which I can use for my literature project’ you explained.

‘And some random ones too’ Cillian chuckled, causing you to raise your eyebrows as if you were asking a question.

‘For example, he states that there is no greater gift than the love of a cat. I would question this statement’ Cillian laughed.

‘I am fairly sure it was a contextual question’ you chuckled.

‘Nah…I think he just likes cats’ Cillian then went on to say before sitting down next to you and asking you whether you wanted some help with your research.

You nodded in agreement and probably spent the next hour or so with Cillian in the small book store looking through Dicken’s many novels.

***

Then, the following day, when you came walking out of your bedroom, you couldn’t believe your eyes when Cillian stood in the kitchen with Emma.

That was two days in a row that you saw each other by chance. Clearly, he didn’t live far from campus either.

‘Oh…uhm…hi’ you said when you realised that he saw you, although deep down inside, you hoped that he didn’t as you were wearing nothing but an old grey t-shirt, cotton panties and a pair of bed socks. Your hair was messy and tied up in a bun and you wore your black framed reading glasses.

‘Hi Y/N’ Cillian said with a warm smile, unable to take his eyes of you, causing your cheeks to flush.

‘Cillian was nice enough to help me carry these upstairs as I ran into him on the street and one of the shopping bags broke’ Emma explained and Cillian was quick to advise her that he needed to leave as he had a call scheduled for 3pm.

‘See you’ you quickly said just as you stumbled back into your room and Cillian nodded, having a slight chuckle as you appeared rather clumsy.

‘Did you instigate this?’ Thomas then laughed and you couldn’t help but poke your head back out of your room, waiting for Emma’s response.

‘Maybe’ Emma then went on to giggle and you couldn’t help but roll your eyes at her. She clearly had a crush on Cillian and you certainly couldn’t have told her about why you wanted to change to the other group.

The truth was that you liked Cillian a lot and every day you saw him, you could feel butterflies in your stomach. But it wasn’t like a silly crush. Instead, it was an attraction not only on a physical but also intellectual level. He was funny, smart and you loved talking to him. There was something that distinguished him from guys your age and from other men you’ve met and this is what attracted you.

Every time he came into the coffee shop at which you worked and ordered his latte, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement, something you had never really felt around a man before. But then again, you knew this was pointless and inappropriate and you quickly realised that you shouldn’t waste your time and energy in pursuing anything with man who you barely knew and who was 20 years older than you. You knew you needed to steer clear from him, avoid him wherever you could.

***

Unfortunately for you, it was the Monday on the fourth week of the drama project that Aiden had called in sick for the week after having contracted food poisoning and it was Cillian who took over his project until Aiden’s return.

Instantly, when Cillian walked into the theatre room, your butterflies returned. But, at the same time, you were incredibly nervous. You really didn’t want to work with him again. It was the whole reason you changed groups, so you didn’t have to be around Cillian.

Luckily for you, in this group, you only played a minor part in the play and Cillian was focused on the other students who needed more help than you with the script.

However, following the three-hour program for the day, Cillian asked whether you could see him after class. There was something he wanted to give you for your research program.

You nodded shyly and, after everyone had left, followed him to the office he was assigned temporarily by the university.

‘This is for you’ Cillian grinned as he handed you a print out entitled ‘Dicken’s fascination with Cats’ and you couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Geez, are you still on about that?’ you asked as you realised that Cillian didn’t like to be wrong.

‘What can I say Y/N? It kept me up. I had to research it further’ Cillian laughed before handing you a second print out.

‘Oh common’ you laughed as he handed you a thirteen-page research paper on Dicken’s different cats.

‘Perhaps it is you who likes cats’ you then went on to say and Cillian confirmed that he does, in fact, have a ginger cat named Garfield back in Dublin.

‘Garfield? Now that is a creative name for a ginger cat’ you giggled just as Cillian pulled out his phone and showed you a picture.

‘Cute’ you giggled as you looked at the picture while leaning in closer, your arm brushing against Cillian’s arm gently.

Just as your skin lightly touched his, you could feel goose bumps raise all over your body and it was almost as if Cillian had noticed.

He cleared his throat and you startled, collecting your thoughts before telling him that you should probably get back home.

Cillian nodded but, just as you were about to walk out of the door of his office, he called after you.

‘Y/N?’ he asked and you turned around and looked at him while a short ‘yes’ escaped you.

‘Nothing, sorry’ he then went on to say, realising that, what he was about to ask you was highly inappropriate.

‘Alright, uhm, see you later’ you said just as your cheeks turned red instantly.

***

Later that evening, when you arrived at home, Emma had told you that she had a surprise planned for you.

‘I’ve organised a date for you. Tomorrow night. His name is Patrick, he is Irish and a little older than you. He works at the university hospital and he is taking you to see the game tomorrow, Ireland vs France’ Emma said with some excitement.

‘Emma, I am not going on a date with someone I don’t know’ you fussed but Emma was insistent.

‘You haven’t been with anyone for two years Y/N. Common. Despite we are having a party at the apartment and I know you hate frat parties. Just give him a chance’ Emma said and you immediately rolled your eyes.

‘Fine’ you huffed. ‘But I will meet him at the sports bar at 7 o’clock. He isn’t coming here’ you demanded and Emma nodded excitedly.

Tag List (Cillian):

@lilymurphy03 @deefigs @theflamecrystal @desperate-and-broken @weepingstudentfishhorse @livinginfantaxy @rosey1981 @atomicsoulcollecto @peakyboyslover @nerdy4itall @elenavampire21 @hanster1998 @mariapaiva13 @fairypitou @harry-is-my-sunflower @zozeebo @lauren-raines-x @kasaikawa @littlewierdalien @sad-huffle-nerd @theflamecrystal @peakymalfoyscullymulder @themissthang @0ghostwriter0 @stylescanbeatmyback @1-800-peakyblinders @datewithgianni @momoneymolife @ntmynouis @lilymurphy03 @mcntsee@cloudofdisney @missymurphy1985 @peakymalfoyscullymulder @otterly-fey @janelongxox @uchihacumdump @basiclassy @being-worthy @chaotic-bean-of-smolness @margoo0 @chocolatehalo @vhscillian @ysmmsy @littlewierdalien @crazymar15

Cannot Tag (please check your settings):

@l0tsofpennies @trolleydolly @avonlady1985 @chrisevanshoeee @daydreamingnymph @fookingshelby

#cillian murphy smut #cillian murphy #cillian murphy x reader #cillian murphy imagine

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