dabilove27

[dabilove27]

Hey! Happy Mermay!

Paring: Merman Itachi x Fem!Reader

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 8.7k

Warnings: Smut, They meet quickly and have sex quickly, some language, hand job, oral sex, human/merman relationship, interspecies sex, a teeny blood kink, creampie

You couldn’t feign your love for the beach. The crowds, the intense heat and the proximity to the water didn’t match your preferences. You’d much rather stay home, snuggled up with a book and a cozy blanket than endure the scorching summer sun. However, your companions were adamant about not allowing you to spend yet another lovely day in solitude.

You trudged slowly around the beach as your friends made a beeline for the water. As you walked along the coast, your toes resisted curling into themselves. Tiny sand particles stuck to every inch of your feet, leaving you annoyed. Finding a quiet spot amidst noisy families and young adults swimming was frustrating.

You would find a quiet place to finish your book, regardless of whether your friends approve. Your small, colorful beach bag appeared heavy with the weight of your book as you longed for your sanctuary to manifest. The more distance you covered from the main entrance, the fewer people you encountered. 

Only a few individuals reclined silently on their pool towels, soaking up the warmth. It's impossible not to stumble upon a group of stones. The spot hides, and individuals disregard the alerts about not climbing on the stones. There is only one in the confined space at the jagged edges.

You remove your unhelpful flip-flops and pack them up before beginning your journey to discover a small corner of peace. The warm pebbles poke into your flesh, but you press on towards seclusion. You're grateful you wore pink bottoms and a white T-shirt, which offer some protection from the rugged terrain, in contrast to some sunbathers who wear skimpy clothing.

With caution and skillfully navigating through the uneven landscape and avoiding discomfort, access to the hidden alcove on the beach is possible.

*At last alone*, you search the shaded spot for a place to set your towel on the cool shoreline. It's noticeably more peaceful here than in the central region. The only sounds you perceive are the soft rustles of waves meeting the entrance to the cove and a passing seagull. You experience a slight thrill and release a contented sigh.

Gently, you sit down by the shore and allow it to hug you. The sensation is almost too perfect, but you ignore any uncertainties and delve into your backpack to retrieve your novel. You turn to the chapter that you marked with a bent edge and proceed reading the book. Unbeknownst to you, a sinister gaze observed you from the water  

The eyes tracked your every single movement as you stumbled onto the secluded beach, which humans rarely visited because of the rocky barrier. The person with dark eyes watched as you settled into the sand, and your shorts rode up, revealing more skin on your legs. 

Itachi had encountered many humans before, but none had captivated him as much as you. Your gentle sighs mesmerized him as you read the pages before you. The way you moved on the sand, hoping to glimpse more of your electrified him.

Dark tendrils of his long black hair floated on the clear blue water’s surface, while a part of him recognized the danger of watching you for so long. Since he was young, they had warned him not to reveal his kind to humans.

He sensed a deep connection to you and recognized he had to get you.

Itachi slipped silently below the water, letting it envelop him as he moved toward you. He found a secluded spot where land and water merged, a short distance from where you were seated, because he knew the area. He wasn’t thinking about how he planned to take you home, even though you weren’t a merperson. But he didn’t care.

As he approaches, he deliberately makes more noise to attract your attention. He dips under the water and lets his red fins lightly slap it, each sound a beckoning call, urging you to look up from your book. At last, as he emerges from the water for the third time, your eyes move away from the story that had previously captivated you. 

You study the man wading in the water. His dark eyes watch you intently. At first glance, he looks just like a human, but you can tell by the slight widening of your eyes that you know he’s not. Your mouth gapes as thoughts rush through your head, trying to make sense of everything. 

As a child, tales and movies that depicted merpeople always fascinated you. One day, you glimpsed what seemed to be a merperson with crimson fins disappearing into the water. It caused a sense of bewilderment and indecisiveness in your mind. On one hand, you were curious and wanted to learn more about this mysterious being. They warned to stay away from the stranger.

“How do–” you question the man quietly, but he doesn’t let you; instead, he beckons you to follow him down the beach, further away from the crowds. 

Despite the strangers’ warnings, you find yourself strangely compelled to follow him. You quickly stash your book in your bag and scramble to keep up as he gracefully moves through the water. His inky black hair disappears beneath the surface, and the crimson scales you thought you saw earlier finally splash above the water, shimmering in the afternoon sun.

The mysterious stranger led you to a cave where the sea flowed into the entrance. He swam into the cave without even looking back at you. Apprehension overwhelmed you, making it difficult to determine whether to go after him. However, curiosity got the best of you, and you entered the cave opening.

Continuing your walk into the cave, you notice the water reaching your ankles, and the sand beneath your feet provides a cooler touch. You use your hand to balance yourself and try to listen for any sounds in the eerie silence. You can only hear your footsteps as you tread carefully, uncertain what to expect or where the stranger went.   

As you continue walking, you finally come across a larger pool of water surrounded by a semi-circle of stones. The cool rock surrounding you led you to this mystical location. You soon realize that the man you had seen earlier is still there, leaning against a smooth stone near the back of the cave with the bottom half of his body still covered with water.

As you approach the man, you appreciate the sunlight that brightens your way. His unwavering gaze focused on you is unsettling. You push aside the temptation to over-analyze and persist, fueled by your curiosity.

As you approach the man, you finally get to look closer at him, no longer needing to watch your step. He has long, dark hair that cascades down his back, with a sleek frame that enhances his striking appearance. His handsome features are not of this world, with sharp cheekbones and eyes that seem like deep pools, drawing you in.

Your eyes lock with the other party’s, the air thick with unspoken tension, like a silent battle between predator and prey. Your mind races with a whirlwind of questions—Where am I? What happened?—but you’re too stunned to even utter a word. Suddenly, ripples disturbed the water below the other person’s torso, and a crimson fin, identical to the one you saw before, sliced through the surface with a silent whoosh. The bizarre sight, with its unsettling sounds and strange smells, only intensifies your curiosity and confusion.

Thankfully, you don’t have to break the tension because the stranger does it for you. As his voice resonates through the air, deep and calm, it lulls you into a false sense of security. The sight of him, with his piercing gaze and mysterious aura, adds to the intrigue. The scene is filled with a hushed anticipation, as if time has momentarily stood still. You can almost smell the faint scent of uncertainty mingling with the crisp air. But amidst it all, you can’t help but sense that this creature is unlike the ones from “The Little Mermaid.” He exudes a certain intensity, a raw power that sets him apart. He doesn’t look like the type to break into ballads and want to walk on land.

Instead, a bored expression masked his incredible self-assurance; his posture spoke volumes. The stillness in his eyes, the quiet confidence in his stance, was intimidating but sparked an undeniable curiosity. So many questions swirled in your head, a cacophony of queries, that you felt overwhelmed and couldn’t settle on the first one to ask.

“Why did you bring me here?” you whispered, the faint echo of your voice bouncing off the damp, rough walls of the small cave. The dim light filtering through the narrow entrance cast eerie shadows that danced and flickered across the uneven ground. The air was thick with the musty scent of damp earth, mingling with the subtle hint of decay. As you spoke, you couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down your spine, the coldness of the stone floor seeping through the soles of your shoes, sending a chill up your legs.

You noticed for a fleeting moment, as a faint smile touched his lips, the deep lines on his face seemed to soften before his expression hardened back into its usual stoic mask. “I figured you could use a quieter spot. The beach, full of people, isn’t the most isolated place.”

His words echoed through the air, both confusing and intriguing you. As you stood in this isolated spot, a gentle breeze brushed against your skin, carrying with it the scent of damp earth. The creature’s sympathy, unexpected yet palpable, lingered in the air like a faint fragrance, leaving you unsettled and curious. The scene unfolded before you — a tapestry of sights, sounds, and emotions intertwining to create a moment of profound significance.

“You’re right. Although these people were at the beach, I had to find a small secluded spot I enjoyed. You were the only other person I saw there.” You spoke with more assurance now, but the stranger’s face remained unreadable.

Silence surrounded you, except for the sound of water sloshing as the waves moved in and out. You still had your unanswered question, wondering why he had brought you to the beach if you could see no one else. His response was unsurprising: he had done so precisely because no one else was around.

His deep baritone gave you goosebumps as he intensely stared. “As you know, I’m not like your kind.”

“I still don’t understand why you brought me here specifically,” you insisted.

The merman appeared uneasy as you pushed him, perhaps unused to being questioned so much while luring beachgoers to a place where he always had the upper hand.

As you listened intently, the speaker revealed something quite intriguing about himself. He belonged to a species that was supposed to remain hidden from humans because of centuries of persecution by anglers. However, he couldn’t resist speaking to you, and his voice remained monotone as he shared his inner thoughts. Although it caught you off guard, you couldn't resist feeling drawn to him as well.

As you couldn't resist. All the warning signs were there, but this being seemed to have an irresistible pull on you.

You ask him what sets him apart from all the humans he’s encountered, and you realize you shouldn’t persist. You know you should grab your things and depart. But again, the inquisitiveness and attraction to his deep, mysterious eyes keep you from leaving. Rather than going, you desire to be lost in those eyes forever. You want to feel the scales of his tail with your hand.

As you approached him, the water rippled around your bare legs, and you found yourself drawn closer to him without realizing it. You couldn’t resist touching him, and soon, you stood over his leaning form, crouching before him. The smell of ocean salt tickled your nose as those captivating eyes pulled you in again.

“Can I?” Your voice lost bravado as eyes glanced at his tail.

As your hand touched the scales, a wave of power jolted through your veins. The water seemed to come alive, swirling and pulsating around you. The scales, glistening in the dull light, held an otherworldly power.

With a sudden burst of strength, he propelled you forward, deeper into the depths of the water. The world around you blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors as if you were being transported to another realm.

The pressure in your ears intensified, and the air escaped your lungs in a rush. Panic clawed at your chest, but his grip on your wrist remained unyielding. He was leading you further into his mysterious domain, a place where humans rarely tread.

As you descended, the water grew colder, wrapping its icy tendrils around your body. The scales beneath your touch seemed to vibrate, resonating with a primal energy. It was as if they were gateways to a hidden world, a realm of unimaginable wonders and untamed dangers. You hadn’t realized this cave connected to a deeper part of the sea.

Your heart raced, excitement pulsating through your veins. Every nerve in your body was alive, tingling with anticipation. The unknown awaited you, and you couldn’t help but be drawn deeper, captivated by the enigmatic creature guiding you.

Deeper still you went, the water pressing against your skin like a thousand invisible hands. The light above grew fainter, swallowed by the fathomless depths. Yet, in the darkness, the scales glimmered, illuminating your path with an ethereal glow.

Time lost its meaning as you traversed this underwater labyrinth. The world above felt distant, a memory fading into oblivion. All that mattered now was the bond between you and this majestic being, whose touch ignited a dormant power within you.

Finally, the descent slowed, and you hovered above a hidden cavern, a sanctuary nestled in the ocean's heart. He released your hand, and you floated weightlessly, suspended in the sea's embrace.

You gazed in awe at the sight before you, a breathtaking tapestry of coral reefs, bioluminescent creatures, and secrets waiting to be unraveled. This was a world you had only dreamed of, and now it was your reality.

With a graceful motion, he swam by your side, his eyes reflecting a wisdom beyond time. Together, you would explore the depths, unlocking the mysteries that lay concealed beneath the surface. And as you ventured forth, you knew that your life would never be the same.

But air was slowly escaping you and you were aware you needed to reach the surface. You tread water as you reach the top where the summer sun twinkled above. Your eyes stung from the sea water but you kept pushing forward. The sanctuary of oxygen was just mere moments away. And finally, you broke through the surface, gasping heavily to take in everything you could.

“Finally... air..” you choke out.

Moments later, the stranger surfaces as well, his hair glistening in the sunlight. “Are you okay?” His voice held no concern but more curiosity.

Coughing while still trying to catch your breath, you responded, “Yeah, just... needed to breathe.”

The pounding of your heart reverberates through your chest, sending waves of adrenaline coursing through your veins. Each beat reverberates in your ears, amplifying the perception of approaching peril. Your bleary eyes strain to focus, darting around the vast expanse of the ocean, searching for any sign of rescue or escape.

As your gaze settles on the distant beach, panic grips you like a vice. It seems impossibly far; the shoreline stretching out into an endless horizon. Doubt and fear intertwine, clouding your thoughts, making it difficult to determine if your exhausted body can make the treacherous swim back to safety.

The water, once inviting and serene, now emanates a treacherous aura, akin to a dark abyss prepared to engulf you entirely. Its cool embrace tugs at your limbs, reminding you of the immense power it holds. With each step forward, the waves push against you, testing your strength and determination.

Thoughts race through your mind, trying to piece together the puzzle of this mysterious stranger’s intentions. Was this a cruel game? A sinister plan to leave you stranded, vulnerable, and ultimately, lifeless in the ocean's vastness? The chilling possibility sends shivers down your spine, causing a ripple of goosebumps to form on your skin.

Fear and desperation mingle, urging you to decide. The weight of the unknown presses heavily upon your shoulders, and a sense of urgency propels you forward, despite the uncertainty. With every stroke through the water, you can’t help but wonder if this will be your last, if your strength will falter before reaching the safety of the shore.

As you battle against the swells and the doubts that plague your mind, a resolute determination takes hold. You refuse to be a victim, to succumb to the ocean’s merciless grasp. The adrenaline fuels your determination, pushing you to fight against the odds, to prove that survival is possible, even in the face of impending danger.

With every stroke, every kick, you push yourself beyond your physical limits. A fierce will to live drowned the pain and exhaustion out. The shore may still seem distant, but the burning fire within you keeps you going, refusing to let the ocean claim you as its victim.

As you continue your struggle against the elements, a glimmer of hope flickers in your weary eyes. The beach, once so far away, inches closer, gradually becoming more attainable. The realization that you might just make it fills you with a renewed sense of strength, propelling you forward with a surge of energy.

With each stroke, the fear of the mysterious stranger’s intentions dissipates. You focus solely on the rhythm of your movements, trusting in your own resilience and determination. The ocean, once a place of impending doom, becomes a testament to your unwavering spirit.

As you finally reach the shore, gasping for air and collapsing onto the sandy beach, a mixture of relief and triumph washes over you. You survived. You defied the odds and emerged from the clutches of the ocean’s grasp. The mysterious stranger may have intended harm, but their plan was no match for your indomitable will to survive.

It had been about a week since the incident at the beach, and every night dreams of the mysterious stranger had plagued you. He called to you and beckoned you back to the sea. No matter how terrifying that moment underwater was, you couldn’t escape his deep eyes. After dreaming about his touch for seven nights, you knew you had to return to the damn ocean, like a sailor drawn to the siren’s song.

Even in the summer, there are some days that fewer people go to the beach. You waited until a cooler day where the clouds floated in the sky and covered the sun. The drive to the beach was maddening, wondering if you were insane or if you had hallucinated the whole thing. But you had to see him again, you had to know more about him.

There was a lingering doubt in your mind. Was it worth the effort to go through such a chaotic drive just to see him again? What if it turned out to be a disappointment? Perhaps you simply had an infatuation with the idea of him rather than who he truly was. The logical side of your brain urges you to let move on, to focus on more important aspects of your life. After all, chasing after someone based on a brief encounter seemed impractical. But deep down, the longing to know more about him prevailed, overpowering any doubts or reasoning.

After what seemed like forever, you finally arrived at the beach. You looked around and felt relief at the minimal amount of cars in the parking lot. But you knew exactly where you were going, back to the small cave that was secluded from everyone’s gaze. You hoped that this wasn’t a fool’s quest, but you’d never stop thinking about the “what ifs” if you didn’t at least try. You were determined to explore the small secluded cave on the beach, no matter the outcome.

You slowly returned to the secluded area you had been to before. The sand was cooler without the sunshine, but it felt nice under your sandaled feet. The climb to the private part of the beach was easier now. However, with each step, you could feel the adrenaline pulsing through you.

You couldn’t resist the urge to catch another glimpse of him, even if it was only for a moment. The desire to end the incessant dreams and thoughts about this enigmatic creature consumed you. You finally arrived at the spot where you had become absorbed in your book. The tranquility of the surroundings remained undisturbed, with only the soothing sound of the lapping waves and the cries of seagulls providing a melodic accompaniment.

As you gazed out at the vast ocean, all that met your eyes was a seamless blend of gray and blue, mirroring the sky above. Your efforts to discern some form or pattern within the shapeless water, while squinting, proved to be fruitless. With a sense of defeat, you sank down onto the cool sand, still fixated on the horizon, desperately longing for the stranger to reappear.

With a heavy sigh, you gave it thirty minutes. If he still wasn’t there, you would leave. Possibly to return, but you didn’t want to go home empty-handed. Cursing yourself for not bringing your book, you sank your fingers into the cool sand, feeling its grainy texture. The gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean, tickling your nose. As you waited and waited, you traced intricate shapes in the sand, feeling the coolness seep into your fingertips. Periodically checking your phone, you watched as the minutes leisurely strolled by, each tick bringing you closer to the set time.

The last minute came and went, and you waited five more, just staring out into the ocean. Until frustration took you over, you stood up in a huff.

“Fine, don’t come, you stupid fish,” you spat out, frustration clear in your voice. Turning away, your footsteps padded softly against the sand as you mumbled to yourself, the distant sound of cars whizzing by filling the air. The faint smell of salt lingered, a reminder of the nearby ocean, as you felt a mix of disappointment and irritation creep in.

Feeling dejected, you trudge back to the jagged rocks, their rough texture scraping against your palms as you climb. The salty breeze brushes against your face, carrying with it the faint scent of seaweed and adventure. As you make your way towards your car, a sudden splash breaks the rhythm of your footsteps, drawing your attention. Whipping your head around, your eyes scan the vast expanse of the ocean, its deep blue waves crashing against the shoreline. The sound of seagulls fills the air, their cries echoing in the distance. Searching for any sign of the mysterious stranger, you strain your eyes, hoping to glimpse his enigmatic presence. Doubts cloud your mind, but a glimmer of hope flickers within you, flourishing like a flame in the darkness.

Your heart pounds as you wait, watching the water shimmer and ripple. It feels like an eternity, but finally, the surface breaks. The stranger with obsidian hair, who has haunted your dreams and left you restless for days, emerges.

He scoffed, his tone laced with annoyance. “Stupid fish, am I?” His cocky voice resonated in the air, as he watched you with intense crimson eyes, daring you to react.

Your face flushes with heat, a mix of embarrassment and unease as his unwavering gaze lingers. Yet again, his appearance is mesmerizing, with his skin shimmering like starlight and his long locks dancing softly upon the water. As you stand there, unable to find the right words, you wish you had prepared your thoughts beforehand.

“Shall we return to the cave?” His melodic voice beckons you, and all you can do is nod as you climb over the rocks.

As you make your way to the cave, the rhythmic melody of the ocean and the occasional echo of your footsteps interrupted the tranquil ambiance only on the rocky terrain. The cool sand of the cave brushes against your skin, causing your heart to pound with anticipation.

After what seems like an endless journey, you finally arrive at your destination. Drawn by an inexplicable force, you move towards the mysterious stranger as if in a trance. With a deep breath, you waded forward and dove under the rippling waves, feeling the cool water enveloping your body as you propelled yourself with powerful strokes.

As your heart raced and a sense of disorientation set in, the powerful waves crashed against your body, pulling you further into the depths of the water. As you struggled to swim back up to the surface, the sharp pain in your thigh intensified, sending waves of agony up your side. With each passing moment, the distance seemed to stretch infinitely, and as the waves grew stronger, your initial panic escalated into sheer terror. 

You didn’t realize the danger in the deeper water. You resurfaced multiple times to catch your breath, but you were lost in your thoughts. With little thought, you dove back down to look around. 

However, you drifted further than expected. As you floated between two massive coral formations, a colossal wave unexpectedly surged, violently tossing you around.

Completely taken by surprise, you found yourself utterly bewildered, groaning internally and clutching at your head and side. Your heart raced, causing a bit of disorientation, while the waves grew stronger, involuntarily pulling you further into deeper water. Pain coursed through your thigh, shooting up your side, and panic set in as you struggled to swim back up to the surface. It felt as though the surface was light-years away, and with each push of the waves, your panic grew into full-fledged fear.

A sudden, massive object of unknown origin flashed by your side, startling you. As you gasped for breath, the taste of the salty liquid intensified, causing you to cough uncontrollably. Panic surged through you as you desperately thrashed, your limbs flailing against an unseen force, rendering you immobile. The sensation of suffocation grew stronger, oxygen depleting rapidly. The events that followed blurred together in a hazy whirlwind.

Out of nowhere, a powerful force seized your body, leaving you bewildered. You were certain that you had blacked out for a few moments. Eventually, you lay on the rough ground of a cramped cave, desperately coughing and gasping for air as it flooded back into your lungs.

“Oh, my God!” You felt a surge of emotions as you turned over onto your stomach, tears cascading down your cheeks while your whole body shook with a mix of fear and adrenaline. 

As you swam in the small pool, hidden among many others, accessible only from underwater, a gentle force nudged you, pushing you out of the water. Your gasps and splutters echoed loudly within the cave. The only source of light came from high above, where the opening revealed glimpses of the blue sky peeking through. 

You frantically scrambled back, the rough texture of the ground scraping against your trembling hands and knees. The sound of your panicked breathing filled the air, echoing in your ears. As your eyes darted around, searching for your savior, a mix of relief and terror washed over you. And then, finally, you saw them. Your heart skipped a beat, your eyes widening in disbelief as you took in their presence.

His red eyes stared back at you. He floated half in the pool. He had long limbs and webbed hands. Several layers of stunningly beautiful black tresses floated down from his head in soft waves.

His skin had the smoothness of a dolphin, but what truly mesmerized you was the stunning fusion of deep red and black that flawlessly blended together. The striping pattern on his limbs was so perfectly executed that it took your breath away. However, it wasn’t just his appearance that captivated you. As the Merman gracefully emerged from the pool, his movements gentle yet deliberate, you couldn’t help but notice the chiseled contours of his body. Even in your state of shock, it elicited a strange sensation within you.

“Oh my God, oh my fucking God!” your mind screamed at you, questioning whether you had hit your head that hard. 

An icy wave of shock washed over you, leaving you surprised. Unbeknownst to you, you had gotten injured in the water, but Itachi sensed it immediately. The metallic scent of blood mingled with the salty water as your body collided with the unforgiving rocks, the sharp coral slicing open your thigh. Itachi, drawn by your unique fragrance, witnessed your distress, and it jolted him to his core. Disregarding his own rule of non-interference with humans, he defied the odds and risked everything to come to your rescue. 

You shuffled back, fear in your eyes. Your mouth was parted open, struggling to catch your breath. It pained him to see you like this. He didn’t want you to fear him, but he didn’t know how to express it. Itachi searched his mind for a word, any word he had heard from eavesdropping on the fascinating creatures for decades. He hoped it would help ease some of your fright. 

However, the scent of your blood was so overwhelmingly powerful that it made Itachi dizzy. His primal instincts clashed with his rational thoughts, causing him to resist. Something within him suddenly snapped, and he cautiously inched closer, attempting to appear as non-threatening as he could. 

You felt your body tense up as the stranger slowly approached, your heart pounding in your chest. Your eyes widened with fear, scanning his every move. But something about the way he gracefully moved made you hesitate, intrigued. As he got closer, you could hear the faint sound of his footsteps on the ground, blending with the distant caws of seagulls. The air was heavy with anticipation, a mix of anxiety and curiosity. He reached out his hand, fingers outstretched in a calming gesture, and gently brushed your ankle, sending a shiver down your spine. His eyes widened with genuine curiosity, reflecting the light of the setting sun. 

“W-What are you…” You started, the words catching in your throat as your voice trailed off. The air was heavy with the scent of dampness and something indescribable, making your senses recoil. An icy shiver ran down your spine, goosebumps prickling your skin as you felt a chilling presence in the cave.

Itachi blinked, his dark eyes narrowing as he tilted his head slightly. His gaze locked onto you, unwavering, as he deliberately moved closer. The scent of your blood hung heavy in the air, its metallic tang overpowering his senses, drawing him in irresistibly. 

“You’re hurt.”

Itachi drew nearer, his hand smoothly sliding up your thigh, the coolness of his touch sending shivers down your spine. Despite his intimidating appearance, there was an inexplicable sense of calm in his presence. The way he delicately treated your injury was unexpected, contrasting with the sharpness of his teeth and claws, which remained prominently visible.

Pressed against the rough, jagged wall of the cave, your heart pounded in your chest, reverberating in the silence. The dim light trickling through the cracks above illuminated the Merman as he drew closer, his eyes intense and focused. The air was heavy, with the metallic scent of blood mingling with the damp, earthy aroma of the cave. Your ears strained to pick up any sound, but all you could hear was the rhythmic echo of water droplets hitting the cavern floor. Time seemed to stand still as the Merman’s face descended, his breath warm against your skin. A shiver ran down your spine as his silky, sea-soaked hair grazed your leg, and you felt a smooth, slippery sensation gliding over the wound.

Instantaneous relief flooded through you as the gentle, rhythmic strokes of his tongue soothed your wounded flesh. A sense of wonderment and astonishment washed over you, accompanied by the absence of pain that left you in awe. The throbbing in your thigh ceased entirely, creating a profound sense of relief and gratitude.

Your mind screamed, overwhelmed by the chaotic scene unfolding before you. The world seemed to spin as you took in the sights and sounds of the unknown. The air was heavy with anticipation, and your heart pounded in your chest. A tight grip of fear enveloped you, as if you were trapped in a nightmare. A lingering question echoed in your mind: Is he going to devour me?

But as your eyes traveled down his sinewy form, tracing the contours of his sculpted physique, your gaze descended to his waist, captivated by the enigmatic nature of his anatomy. It was then that you noticed the slender slit on his tail, resembling a mysterious sheath. However, what caught you off guard were the two appendages that timidly emerged from within. In that moment, your heart raced within the confines of your chest, and a sense of unease washed over you, prompting you to swiftly shift your gaze upward, fixating on the ceiling in a sudden jolt of alarm. 

As Itachi lay there with you, time seemed to stand still. His mind became consumed with a haze of lust clouding his thoughts. The metallic scent of your blood filled the air, tempting him, yet he resisted the urge to see you as prey. After a fleeting moment, he regained control, his gaze fixed upon you without the fear of losing himself. His desire intensified, a fiery sensation coursing through his veins, but a flicker of doubt held him back. As confusion flickered in your eyes, he inched closer, his body sliding towards yours. Both of you locked eyes, an intense connection that seemed to stretch into eternity. 

“Um,” you stammered, captivated by the mesmerizing sight of his glittery red orbs, your eyes darting anxiously back and forth, as if caught in a trance. 

Itachi tilted his head, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he pondered your response. However, a glimmer of hope appeared when you graced him with a gentle smile. In that moment, his entire demeanor transformed, a radiant glow emanating from his iridescent fins. They rustled softly, creating a delicate sound that blended with his elation. As he straightened up, a wide grin spread across his face, revealing the formidable rows of his razor-sharp teeth. The air seemed to carry a hint of excitement and anticipation, as if the moment held a promise of something extraordinary.

“I’m struggling to maintain control,” Itachi confessed, his gaze tracing a path down your chest, captivated by the silhouette of your ample bosom encased in a sleek black swimsuit.

You couldn’t deny that this encounter was undeniably thrilling. You attempted to overlook the intensifying sensation of his arousal as his motions caused his two slender appendages to slide out further, proudly displaying their vibrant red hue. 

The anticipation of what you were about to do sent a flurry of butterflies fluttering in your stomach. Your gaze shifted to his thin blue lips, curiosity piqued as you yearned to experience their touch. Leaning in closer, you could hear the soft sounds of his breath, a mix of excitement and anticipation. As your hand reached up, you could feel the warmth of his broad, muscular chest beneath your fingertips. Itachi’s eyes widened with fascination, his desire clear in the way he watched you. A pulsating sensation throbbed through his cock, causing his mouth to part a little as his heart raced in his chest. Every touch from you sent a tingling sensation across his skin, intensifying the moment.

Itachi had observed humans kissing countless times on the beach, a sight that had always piqued his curiosity. But as you leaned in, his body stiffened, uncertain of how to respond. His eyes widened, taking in the scene, while the sound of crashing waves filled the air. A gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and sunscreen, heightening his senses. And then, your lips met his in a delicate kiss, leaving him momentarily stunned. 

The sensation of your soft, moist lips against his sent a surge of electricity through his entire being. Every nerve in his body tingled with anticipation as you made contact, and he couldn’t help but lean in, craving more. However, you abruptly withdrew, emitting a faint, disappointed sigh.

He eagerly leaned in once more, his slender arms enveloping your waist as you embraced. The rhythmic sound of the ocean waves provided a soothing backdrop. With each attempt, the Merman improved his kissing technique, and soon, you found yourselves engaged in a passionate make-out session. As you deepened the kiss, your arm wrapped around his neck, drawing your bodies closer together. The sensation of his firm touch on your buttocks and thighs sent shivers of pleasure down your spine. A soft moan escaped your lips as you felt the smoothness of his arousal pressing between you and him. Overwhelmed by desire, you caught your breath and slowly removed your swimsuit. 

Itachi emitted a soft, barely audible sound from the depths of his throat as you abruptly broke the connection and rose to your feet. His eyes remained fixed on you, observing as the fabric glided off your shoulders, cascading down and uncovering the expanse of your exposed flesh.

His mouth fell open, a small gasp escaping his lips as he unabashedly gawked at the round mounds on your chest. His eyes widened, nearly bulging out of his head, unable to tear away from the sight before him. He had seen humans on certain beaches, basking in the sun, their vibrant garments discarded, but this was an entirely novel experience. The scene was mind-blowing, amplified by the gentle sound of crashing waves and the intoxicating scent of salty sea air. The warmth of the rocks beneath him heightened the intensity of the moment, making it more surreal. 

But what intrigued him even further was the spot nestled between your legs. The enticing aroma emanating from you was irresistible, enveloping his senses as you gracefully slipped out of your moist suit. The unfamiliar contours of your body captivated Itachi’s attention. It resembled the women of his kind, yet possessed an alluring uniqueness. Witnessing you standing there, unadorned and authentic, sent his mind spinning with desire. 

You were completely clueless about what lay ahead or how to approach engaging with this honorable merman, but you were determined to give it your best shot. Itachi seemed to pick up on your apprehension as you settled back onto him, and he ardently sought your mouth, aiming to ease some of your worries while leading the way. 

He was unsure of how to mate with a human, but if they were like his kind, he had a basic understanding of what was required. He leaned in and pressed his lips against your slender neck, relishing the feeling of your smooth skin. His hands explored your body, feeling the curves and contours, as he reveled in the sensation. Intrigued, he gently caressed your soft breasts, his touch eliciting a delicate shiver. 

You let out a soft, breathy moan as Itachi’s warm mouth delicately grazed across your sensitive nipple, his sharp teeth careful not to cause any discomfort. The way he treated you with such gentleness sent shivers of pleasure down your spine. Anticipation made your body flush, the heat of the moment causing a throb between your legs, wet and swollen with desire. The intensity of the experience was unimaginable, a thrilling sensation that left you longing for more. Unable to resist, you reached between your bodies and tenderly grasped one of his erections, feeling its firmness in your hand. 

Itachi’s body trembled, and a soft whimper escaped his lips. His flowing hair danced in the air as your gentle touch sent shivers down his spine. He collapsed, struggling to catch his breath, while you skillfully synchronized the stroking of his two members, a mischievous grin on your face.

The way it delighted Itachi entranced you, as he released a string of peculiar mews and whispered in an unfamiliar tongue. His eyelids gently closed, and his body arched under your touch, yearning for an even deeper connection that defied logic. The sensation overwhelmed him, like being submerged in an ocean of ecstasy, each wave of pleasure crashing over him, leaving him breathless and euphoric. 

“Hnnh,” Itachi gasped, the sound escaping his lips like a whispered growl. Beads of sweat dripped down his forehead, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. He could feel the tension coursing through his muscles, every movement sending a surge of electricity through his veins. “Yes.... yes...” his voice trembled, the words barely audible amidst the stifling atmosphere.

The way his soft moans escaped his lips, sending shivers down your spine, captivated you. The intoxicating sounds ignited a deep ache within you, fueling your desire to be one with him. As much as you enjoyed pleasuring him with your hands, the craving to feel him inside you became unbearable. With each passing moment, anticipation grew, and you gently lifted your hips, positioning yourself against his pulsating member. The sensation of sliding the tip between your slick lips sent a rush of warmth through your body. Just as you tested the waters, Itachi’s eyes snapped open, surprised by the sudden contact. 

Instantly, his arms enveloped you, pulling you closer as he advanced, effectively ensnaring you beneath his weight. Looking up at him, a mixture of fear and uncertainty etched across your face, you were unsure of how to respond. Then, Itachi’s lips descended upon yours with an unexpected intensity, sending a surge of passion coursing through your veins. The mastery with which he had gained this skill left you breathless, and a soft moan escaped your lips. As his hands deftly parted your legs, a surge of anticipation mingled with a tinge of nervousness. Sensations flooded your senses, the weight of his body pressing against yours, the delicious tension in the air, and the heady scent of desire lingering between you. 

Itachi swayed his hips, gliding his slender shaft between your moist lips, enthralled by the velvety sensation. His gaze locked onto you, receiving a nod of approval that spurred him on.

“Yes,” you said firmly, the word escaping your lips with a determined conviction. Your eyes narrowed slightly as you spoke, a subtle flicker of determination visible in your gaze. A surge of confidence coursed through your veins, sending a tingling sensation down your spine.

“Yes,” Itachi whispered, his voice barely audible. With a deliberate slowness, he moved closer. The sensation of his touch was gentle, as he carefully eased himself inside of you, a delicate connection forming between your bodies. 

As he stretched you, you cried out, your nails digging into his smooth arms. The indescribable texture of his member overwhelmed your senses, causing your eyes to roll back and your back to arch in pleasure.

Itachi gripped you, burying his face in the curve of your neck as he passionately penetrated you. His skilled hips moved with precision, each thrust bringing you closer to ecstasy. With your arms wrapped around his neck, you drew him nearer, tightening your thighs around his slender waist. Your loud moans reverberated through the dimly lit cave, amplifying the sounds of your intimate connection. 

The electrifying sensation of Itachi’s second member gliding against your sensitive nub sent a cascade of shivers down your spine. Within mere minutes, an overwhelming wave of pleasure surged through you, bringing you dangerously close to the edge of ecstasy. Though you yearned to experience the dual penetration of both his impressive cocks, you couldn’t convey your desires to the Merman, who ravished you with unrestrained fervor. His primal snarls and guttural grunts ignited a fiery heat within you, intensifying the experience. With an unyielding grip, he possessed you so fiercely that the marks he left on your body lingered long after his departure. 

“I’m… I’m…”

You let out a soft whimper, the sound barely escaping your parted lips as your head shot back, a rush of pleasure washing over you. The room filled with the intoxicating scent of arousal, mingling with the musky odor of sweat. You tightened your hold around Itachi, your nails digging into his soft, yielding shoulders, the sensation adding a layer of intensity to the moment. Your body trembled, every nerve ending on fire as your inner walls clenched tightly around Itachi’s throbbing cock. He gasped, his breath hitching in surprise, the sound echoing in the room. A wave of shivers coursed through his body as he surrendered to the climax, his release flooding inside of you, the sensation both exhilarating and intimate.

“Oh, my god!” Itachi’s cum fills you to the brim, making you moan and almost see stars. 

Itachi’s voice filled the air, a torrent of words escaping his lips. Overwhelmed, he crumbled onto you, his weight pressing against your body. The scent of exertion mingled with the salty tang of sweat, enveloping you both. His arms, weak and trembling, gave way like gelatin, as his soft hair brushed against your damp skin, sending a faint tickling sensation. Together, you lay there, gasping for breath, the intensity of the moment lingering in the atmosphere.

Itachi took a moment to steady himself before gently easing out of you. A strange, lingering ache remained as he withdrew, and you rubbed his arms, both of you exchanging sheepish grins, the warmth of your touch a contrast to the odd discomfort.

“It was good?” Itachi asked, his voice dripping with sweetness, as his eyes locked onto yours. The sight of his intense gaze made your heart expand in your chest, like a balloon being filled with warm affection. 

“Yes.” The word echoed through the room, its sound bouncing off the walls like a gentle whisper. The air carried a faint scent of anticipation, filling the atmosphere with a subtle sense of excitement. As the word lingered in the air, a feeling of agreement and satisfaction settled upon the room, like a soft caress on the skin.

As Itachi leaned down, his warm breath tickled your cheek, and the corners of your lips curled into a wider smile. The faint scent of earth and dampness enveloped you in the cozy cave. The soft rustle of fabric mingled with the gentle echo of your breaths, creating a soothing melody. Time seemed to stand still as you basked in the comforting embrace, relishing the simple pleasure of each other’s presence.

Itachi lay on the cool, damp floor of the dimly lit cave, the musty scent of earth filling his nostrils. You snuggled up to him, feeling the rough texture of the cave floor against your bare skin. The rhythmic sound of water droplets echoed softly in the distance. With a gentle touch, Itachi stroked your shoulder, his fingers tracing the contours of your supple skin, marveling at its smoothness compared to his own. 

As time ticked away, Itachi grew increasingly aware of the passing minutes. The sight of the sun sinking lower in the sky and the faint sounds of distant voices reminded him of the world beyond their peaceful haven. Reluctantly, he reached out and gently stirred you from your tranquil slumber. The warmth of his touch brings you back to the reality of the present moment. 

“Hmm?” you purred. The gentle golden glow cast delicate shadows on the cave walls. You blinked, taking in the sight of him laying there, his eyes meeting yours with an intensity that made your heart flutter. As you looked at him, your senses came alive, the sound of your own breath mixing with the distant calling of gulls outside.

Itachi replied with a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with sadness, “You should go home.”

“Ah, yes.”

The cave’s cool air clung to your skin as complete darkness enveloped you. The sound of dripping water echoed in the distance, creating an eerie ambiance. As you stood uncertainly, Itachi’s powerful arms wrapped around you, offering a sense of security. Moving towards the small pool, the water shimmered under the dim light, its gentle ripples brushing against your fingertips. The smell of dampness filled the air, mixing with the faint scent of salt. Taking a deep breath, you felt the anticipation building within you. With a swift motion, Itachi submerged both of you, the water closing in around you, muffling the sounds and creating a sensation of weightlessness. The rhythmic strokes of Itachi’s swimming guided you through the underground cavern, the sound of water rushing past your ears. Finally, emerging into the vast expanse of the open ocean, the briny aroma intensified, washing over you. 

You inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp, salty air as you emerged from beneath the water’s surface. Wrapping your arms tightly around his neck, you scanned the surroundings, taking in the vibrant hues of the setting sun. The sky is painted with streaks of pink and orange, casting a warm glow over the scene. A sense of guilt washed over you, knowing that your friends were likely fretting about your whereabouts.

Itachi felt the pulse of your anxiety radiating through your trembling body, causing him to tighten his grip around you. As he gracefully sliced through the water, each powerful stroke of his arm created a rhythmic symphony of splashes and ripples. The scent of the salty ocean mingled with the dampness in the air, teasing your nostrils with its briny tang. The cool water enveloped you, sending shivers down your spine, as Itachi skillfully propelled you both towards the shore. Finally, he brought you to a halt just behind a jagged rock formation that protruded from the shallows, shielding you from prying eyes. Nestled in this hidden sanctuary, you sought solace for a moment. Itachi’s anticipation was palpable, as he eagerly pressed his lips against yours, igniting a fire within you. 

“Will you return?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, the sound carrying a gentle breeze of anticipation. As his words hung in the air, a wave of uncertainty washed over you, your heart fluttering like a delicate butterfly against your chest.

“Oh sweetheart,” you replied, the sound of tenderness lacing your words, as you gently cupped his face with both hands. The warmth of his skin radiated against your palms.

“Yes?” Itachi asked, his voice filled with hope. Itachi’s heart raced, his palms slightly sweaty as he awaited a response, the tension palpable in the air. 

The word “yes” escaped your lips.

As you kissed one more time, the salty ocean breeze caressed your skin, carrying the subtle scent of seaweed and brine. The sound of crashing waves filled your ears, their rhythmic symphony echoing in the distance. With every stroke, the cool water embraced your body, its gentle touch sending ripples of excitement through your veins. Though uncertain of when you would reunite with your Merman lover, the anticipation lingered in your heart, leaving you longing to be in his presence once more.

Itachi examined your departure from his concealed vantage point, hidden amidst the rough, moss-covered rocks. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore filled his ears, blending with the distant calls of seagulls soaring overhead. The briny scent of the ocean permeated the air, as a gentle sea breeze tousled his sleek, ebony hair.

With a graceful dive, Itachi submerged himself beneath the cool, azure water, feeling the weightlessness envelop his lithe body. The sensation of the water caressing his skin was both soothing and invigorating as he propelled himself forward, the sound of his own rhythmic strokes echoing through the depths.

As he swam towards his underwater abode, the vibrant colors of the coral reefs danced before his eyes, vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope. The occasional school of fish darted past him, their shimmering scales catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the water’s surface.

In that moment, Itachi’s heart swelled with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the next encounter with his beloved hum. The thought of the next rendezvous filled him with a sense of warmth and longing as he journeyed deeper into the embrace of his aquatic sanctuary.  

[dabilove27]

Paring: Mikey/Manjiro Sano x Fem!Reader

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 9.4k

Warnings: Major Character Death, Depictions of Grief and Loss, Emotional Distress, Substance Abuse Mention, Violence and Gun Violence, Hospitals and Medical Trauma, Mental Health Struggles, Romantic Angst, Mature Themes, Smut, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Vaginal Sex, Vaginal Fingering, Rough Sex, Aged Up Characters, Jealousy, Unprotected Sex, Creampie, Handjob. Let me know if I missed anything!

The term “bereaved” refers to the state of being without a close relation or friend because of their passing. Despite the somber nature of this connection, it has consistently brought you and Manjiro Sano together since childhood.

—--

Manjiro “Mikey” Sano was a lively and captivating child, his sparkling eyes and infectious smile drawing everyone in. His laughter was magnetic, and his boundless curiosity made you eager to know more about him.

Your teacher’s calming presence that year was a rare comfort, her warmth a steady light during one of the darkest times in your life. You often wondered how different that year might have been without her gentle guidance.

Your father’s sudden death created a void you couldn’t comprehend as a child. Aneurysm—the word became a haunting refrain, paired with the sound of your mother’s nightly sobs. You would watch from the doorway, her silhouette hunched in sorrow, the weight of her grief filling the house.

At school, the loss manifested in other ways. Friends discussing their fathers or a classmate being dropped off by their dad was a constant reminder of what you no longer had. The grief was a cloud that followed you everywhere, its shadow impossible to escape.

When your teacher introduced Manjiro to you, his arrival brought an unexpected sense of relief. Though the pain lingered, his words and presence carried a quiet warmth. He connected with you in a way no one else could, his empathy and shared experiences bridging the gap of your loneliness.

From the start, you hesitated to let him in. But your teacher reassured you that you and Manjiro might share more in common than you realized. Slowly, you began to see that she was right.

Your behavior as a child was commendable, though perhaps driven by a hope you couldn’t fully articulate—that following the rules and being good might somehow bring your father back. When your teacher instructed you to sit beside the new boy, you obediently retrieved the small yellow chair and placed it next to him. He seemed almost statuesque, focused entirely on his coloring sheet. 

Manjiro, as you learned his name was, chose darker colors for his picture of a frog on a lily pad: dark blue for the water, forest green for the lily pad and frog, and black for the frog’s eyes. The contrast of his somber palette with the cheerful drawings of other children struck you as unusual, but you didn’t know what to make of it.

You hesitated, unsure of what to do next. Most kids would have greeted you cheerfully, their voices filling the air with easy chatter. But Manjiro remained absorbed in his work, the crayon gliding smoothly across the paper. The scent of wax lingered in the air, mingling with the faint hum of classroom activity.

After a moment of watching him, you gathered your courage. In a soft voice, you said, “Hi.”

At first, there was no response. Manjiro continued coloring, his focus unbroken. Then, after a prolonged silence, he set the black crayon aside and turned to look at you. His gaze was steady, almost unnervingly so, and for a moment, you felt completely unmoored under the intensity of his stare.

When he finally spoke, his voice was flat and rehearsed, as though he had explained this many times before. He told you about losing both his parents and moving in with his grandfather. Though his words were monotone, their weight was undeniable. 

The teacher had paired the two of you because of your shared loss, sensing you might find solace in each other. At first, you weren’t sure she was right. But as you sat together, the classroom alive with the sound of pencils scratching paper, a quiet understanding began to form between you. In his presence, the ache of your own grief felt just a little less isolating.

---

Manjiro—soon to be Mikey, as he later insisted you call him—connected with you in a way no one else could. His directness, though startling at first, broke through the initial discomfort. After only a short while, he handed you a coloring page and a small pile of crayons. It was a simple gesture, but it said more than words could.

From that moment, a bond began to grow. You spent countless afternoons together, coloring pictures of frogs, kittens, and anything else that caught your attention. Grief was an unspoken thread connecting you, and together, you started to stitch a semblance of comfort.

As you grew older, your relationship deepened. By the time you were in elementary school, it was clear that you had become Mikey’s anchor, the person who kept him grounded when his mischievous streak threatened to get out of hand. He, in turn, became your protector, fiercely loyal and quick to defend you from anyone who dared to hurt your feelings—or worse, mention your father. 

When Emma joined Mikey’s family, everything changed. He insisted on being called Mikey rather than Manjiro, though he never minded when you used his given name. It felt special, being someone who could call him that. Being around his family made you feel like you belonged to something greater, more whole. Mikey introduced you to his grandfather, a man whose stern demeanor masked a deep care for his grandchildren. Then there was Shinichiro—Shin, as everyone called him—the older brother you couldn’t help but admire, much to Mikey’s embarrassment.

“Shin’s not that great,” Mikey would mutter whenever you mentioned your admiration. But you could see how much he loved his brother, even if he hated admitting it.

Finally, there was Emma, Mikey’s little sister from America. Her bright energy and devotion to Mikey brought a warmth to their family that you couldn’t help but adore. Watching her chase Mikey around the house always made you smile, and it wasn’t long before she adopted you as her own “big sister.”

Being part of Mikey’s family gave you a sense of belonging you hadn’t felt since losing your father. It was a home away from home, filled with laughter, arguments, and moments that felt like they might stretch forever. 

---

Through these years, you and Mikey became inseparable. Your shared history of loss was the foundation of your bond, but it grew into something so much more. Mikey’s loyalty was fierce and unyielding, and his protective nature extended to anyone who dared cross you. You, on the other hand, tempered his impulsive tendencies, becoming the voice of reason he sometimes didn’t know he needed.

Together, you navigated the ups and downs of growing up. And as you entered your teenage years, you couldn’t help but feel like Mikey wasn’t just your closest friend—he was your family. 

You failed to notice the clear signs of admiration Mikey had for you. Every embrace, every intimidating glare he directed at a bully, and every heartwarming moment—things you had chalked up to friendship—were quietly steeped in something more. Mikey, for all his confidence and bravado, never found the words to express what he felt, so he showed it through actions instead. 

As the years passed and the two of you matured, Mikey began picking fights more often, much to your dismay. He was stubborn and driven, a combination that was both admirable and infuriating. When Mikey mentioned Shin’s involvement in the Black Dragons, you knew he was unstoppable. He idolized Shinichiro, and you could see that same need to lead and protect reflected in Mikey’s own ambitions.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Mikey met Draken. From the moment they crossed paths, Draken’s calm but intense demeanor left an impression—not just on Mikey but on you as well. His piercing gaze was enough to send a chill down your spine, but there was something reassuring about him, too. He had a presence that commanded respect and steadiness that balanced Mikey’s impulsive nature. 

Draken quickly became Mikey’s closest confidant and, by extension, a significant part of your life. While Mikey was quick to act, Draken was the one who kept him grounded, offering advice with a level-headedness that even you sometimes struggled to provide. Over time, you came to trust Draken just as much as Mikey did.

Things escalated rapidly after that. Draken, Baji, Mitsuya, Kazutora, and Hayashida became a tight-knit group, and it wasn’t long before Toman—the Tokyo Manji Gang—was formed. Each member brought something unique to the table. Baji, with his fierce loyalty and fiery temper, was a force to be reckoned with. Though he was quick to anger, he had an unshakable bond with Mikey, a brotherhood that ran deeper than words.

Mitsuya, on the other hand, was calm in the storm. Artistic, empathetic, and mature beyond his years, he was the glue that often held the group together. His quiet wisdom and natural leadership made him a steadying influence, and his ability to mediate conflicts was invaluable.

Kazutora was a more complicated presence. His intensity and unpredictable nature made him both a vital ally and a potential risk. He carried his own burdens of grief and trauma, which often mirrored Mikey’s, but those same struggles sometimes led him down darker paths. 

Hayashida, or "Pah-chin," as everyone called him, brought a sense of humor and lightness to the group. He was rough around the edges but fiercely loyal, always ready to jump into a fight if it meant protecting his friends. His straightforward nature often clashed with Baji’s intensity, but their banter was one of the things that made the group dynamic feel so alive.

Despite the tight bonds Mikey formed with his new friends, he never let them overshadow you. He was fiercely protective of you, insisting that everyone in Toman knew exactly where you stood in his life. When you met Hayashida for the first time, Mikey’s introduction was as blunt as ever: “This is my best friend. Mess with her, and you’ll regret it.”

The others quickly fell in line, though that didn’t stop them from teasing Mikey about how obvious his feelings for you were. After a few months, even Draken pulled you aside to quietly tell you, “You know Mikey’s got it bad for you, right?” His tone was equal parts amused and sincere, and though it embarrassed you at the time, it planted a seed of curiosity in your mind.

You unknowingly let Mikey step into the role of your protector, not realizing that for him, it was as much about control as it was about care. His genuine feelings for you were only part of the equation. Losing his parents had left a void in Mikey’s heart that he was desperate to fill. His desire to create Toman, to lead and protect others, stemmed in part from a fear of losing the people he loved—a fear you came to understand all too well. Grief had left an unhealable wound in both your hearts, binding you together in ways you didn’t yet fully grasp.

Each member of Toman played a role in shaping the world around you, but it was Mikey who remained the center of your orbit. And as the bonds between you all grew stronger, so too did the realization that this wasn’t just a group of friends—it was a family forged in the fires of hardship and resilience.

Mikey created Toman, and for a while, everything seemed perfect. The chaos of kids laughing, running around, and causing trouble became your new normal. Late-night meetings were filled with camaraderie and jokes that left everyone in fits of laughter. You cherished the slow rides on Mikey’s bike, the cool wind rushing past as the city lights blurred around you. In those moments, it felt like the world was yours, like nothing could touch the happiness you’d found by his side. Being part of this world he had built, a family forged in loyalty, truly filled your soul.

Toman wasn’t just a gang; it was a sanctuary for its members—a place where everyone felt seen, protected, and, most importantly, connected. Baji’s boisterous laughter, Mitsuya’s quiet wisdom, Draken’s steady presence, and Mikey’s contagious energy created a balance that made you believe you’d all found something rare: joy in a world that could be cruel.

One night, after an especially chaotic meeting, Mikey convinced you to hop on his bike for a spontaneous ride. The streets were empty, bathed in the warm glow of streetlights, and the world felt peaceful. “Let’s go somewhere special,” he’d said, his voice carrying a playful lilt. You didn’t ask where, trusting him completely.

He took you to a quiet hill overlooking the city, a spot he claimed as his own. As you sat together, the sprawling view of Tokyo’s lights reflected in his eyes, he leaned back and sighed contentedly. “This is what it’s all about,” he said. “Having people who matter. A place where you belong.”

You turned to him, your chest tightening with warmth. “You’ve built something incredible, Mikey. You should be proud.”

He smiled—a rare, genuine smile that lit up his face. “Yeah,” he said softly. “But I couldn’t have done it without you.”

It was moments like this that reminded you why you stayed. Despite the chaos, despite the risks, there was something unshakably good at the heart of Toman. It was a source of hope for you, a reminder that even in a world filled with loss, happiness could still be found.

---

But grief, as you’d learned, never truly stays buried.

For a time, Mikey’s small group seemed invincible, united against the world. But then the unthinkable happened, and grief reared its ugly head once again. 

You had learned to manage the pain of losing your father—barely. His aneurysm was a faceless enemy, an unchangeable fact that allowed you to direct your emotions toward healing rather than blame. It didn’t make it easy, but it made it possible. 

When Shinichiro was killed, that possibility vanished. This wasn’t an accident or an illness. Someone had deliberately taken his life. The loss was sharper, the anger more consuming, and the wound it left felt irreparable. 

The morning it happened began with chaos. The blaring sirens of emergency vehicles disrupted the quiet dawn, their urgency cutting through the stillness like a blade. You followed your mother onto the porch, the flashing red lights reflecting off nearby buildings. A crowd had already begun to gather, their whispers rising like a wave of unease.

You didn’t think—you just moved. Still in your sleepwear, you pushed through the growing crowd, ignoring your mother’s frantic calls. Please let everyone be okay, you repeated in your mind, a desperate plea to the universe. 

Your heart sank when you saw Mikey standing across the police tape. His dark, wide eyes met yours, filled with a dread that mirrored your own. Relief that he was physically unharmed was fleeting, overtaken by the crushing realization that something was terribly wrong.

The sight of not just an ambulance, but a police car parked nearby, sent a cold shiver down your spine. Shinichiro wasn’t there—he should have been. Your stomach churned as the whispers around you grew louder, fragmented pieces of the truth reaching your ears: “...a fight…a robbery…Shinichiro…”

It wasn’t until you saw the black body bag being wheeled out that the truth hit you like a sledgehammer. Shinichiro was gone.

---

In the days that followed, the grief was suffocating. Mikey withdrew, retreating into himself in a way you hadn’t seen before. The Toman meetings were somber, the usual laughter replaced by an oppressive silence. But even in the depths of sorrow, there were small moments of light—moments that reminded you all why you fought so hard to hold onto each other.

One evening, the group gathered at the Toman hideout. Draken, ever the steady presence, organized a quiet remembrance for Shinichiro. Everyone shared stories about him, their laughter mingling with tears as they reminisced about his kindness, his patience, and his unwavering belief in all of you.

When it was Mikey’s turn to speak, his voice trembled, but his words carried a fierce determination. “Shin always said we should protect what matters most,” he said, his eyes scanning the room. “That’s what Toman is about. That’s what we are about. I won’t let his dream die with him.”

As the group nodded in agreement, you saw a flicker of hope in Mikey’s eyes—a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, you could still find strength in each other. It wasn’t easy, and it never would be, but together, you could keep moving forward.

Mikey’s piercing screams cut through the murmurs, shattering the fragile quiet and dragging your attention back to him. The sound was raw and visceral, slicing through the chaos around you. It froze you in place, your mind spiraling as the weight of the moment began to settle in.

Everything blurred after that.

Your mother found you moments later, her hands on your shoulders as she gently guided you away from the scene. “Come home,” she urged, her voice strained with worry. “You’ll see Mikey later.” But her words barely registered. All you could think about was Shinichiro—how you hadn’t seen him, hadn’t been able to confirm for yourself that he was okay.

Then you saw it—the black body bag being wheeled out. It moved with an unnerving calm, indifferent to the devastation it carried within. Time seemed to stop as the reality hit you, sharp and unforgiving. A piece of your world had been stolen, just like that.

People say grief has a sound—a raw, uncontrollable cry that erupts from the depths of your soul. You heard it that day, and it took you a moment to realize it was your own. Tears blurred your vision as the weight of it all pressed down on you, numbing your body but igniting something unbearable in your chest.

The rest of the day passed in a haze. Back home, your mom tried to comfort you, putting on your favorite show and sitting beside you in silence. But the screen was just a blur of colors and sounds, unable to distract you. You couldn’t eat or speak. Your thoughts were consumed by Mikey—how he was holding up, who was taking care of him, whether he was even safe.

You wanted to check on him, but the words wouldn’t come. You didn’t know how to reach out. The silence between you felt like an insurmountable chasm. And then, as if the universe heard your unspoken plea, there was a soft knock at the door.

You raced to answer it, your heart pounding. The moment you saw him, everything else faded. Mikey stood there, his head low, his eyes red and vacant. He looked like a shadow of himself, completely drained of the light and energy that usually defined him.

Without a word, you pulled him inside, guiding him to the couch. His movements were slow, almost mechanical, as though it took all his strength just to follow. You draped your gray blanket over his shoulders, trying to shield him from a world that had been so cruel. But Mikey, always needing more, tugged you closer until you were sharing the blanket, sitting shoulder to shoulder.

The hours passed in silence. The TV played quietly in the background, colorful cartoons offering a pale imitation of the joy you both desperately needed. Yet even in the depths of your shared grief, there was solace in being together. The pain didn’t go away—it never does—but in that moment, you weren’t alone.

Mikey rested his head against your shoulder, and for the first time all day, you felt the slightest relief. The world outside still burned, but here, wrapped in the warmth of your bond, you found a fragile piece of comfort.

---

Shinichiro’s death changed Mikey in ways you couldn’t have anticipated. While he still fell asleep right after eating—something that always reminded you of his boyish charm—the light in his eyes had dimmed. It was during Toman’s night rides that the shift in him was most apparent. He seemed more distant, his usual spark replaced by a quiet intensity that was hard to ignore.

You often joined him on these rides, sitting silently on the back of his bike. The hum of the engine beneath you and the stars above were the only sounds as he navigated the city streets. Your arms wrapped around his waist, and in those moments, he let his guard down, simply existing. It felt like you were sharing a secret—a vulnerability he showed only to you.

Despite the heaviness that surrounded Mikey, there were still glimmers of joy. Baji’s wild antics and Mitsuya’s quiet jokes helped lighten the mood during Toman meetings, while Draken’s steadfast presence anchored everyone. Hayashida’s blunt humor and Emma’s infectious laughter brought warmth that reminded you all why you were still fighting to hold onto each other. Those moments of levity, though fleeting, felt like lifelines.

Somewhere along the way, you realized you were falling in love with Mikey. The boy who had grown up with you, who understood your pain like no one else, had become the person you thought about most. You cherished the silly faces he made when he caught you staring too long, or the way he grabbed your hand to drag you toward something he wanted to show you. These small moments—fleeting and precious—felt like gold, brighter than anything else in your life.

But with love came fear. You had already lost so much, and the thought of losing Mikey terrified you. You couldn’t stop yourself from feeling this way, no matter how much you tried. It was like an invisible red string tied the two of you together—unbreakable, unyielding, and terrifying in its permanence.

The fear wasn’t yours alone. Mikey carried it too, though he didn’t say it outright. You saw it in the way he clung to you during the hardest moments, his voice steady but laced with something deeper whenever he said, “You’re my best friend.” That connection—the shared grief, the unspoken love, and the mutual fear—kept you tethered to each other, even as the world around you continued to test your resilience.

---

The rest of high school passed in a blur of Toman meetings, late-night rides, and fleeting smiles. Baji became more reckless, his loyalty to Mikey unwavering, though it worried you. Mitsuya balanced his time between Toman and his family, his quiet strength a steadying force for everyone. Draken remained Mikey’s right hand, his calm demeanor and unwavering loyalty keeping the group grounded. Each of them played their part in shaping the group into something more than just a gang—it was a family. 

But anyone who looked closely could see the emptiness in your eyes and Mikey’s. It was as if the grief of losing Shinichiro lingered in the background, an ever-present reminder of what you had all endured.

---

After graduation, Mikey’s dream of creating an “age of delinquents” took center stage. He wanted Toman to become more than a gang—a force that could protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. His conviction was unshakable, and you believed in him. Despite everything, Mikey had a way of inspiring hope in those around him, even when he struggled to find it within himself.

One evening, after a particularly chaotic Toman meeting, Mikey pulled you aside. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The group’s laughter echoed in the background as Mikey gestured toward them.

“What do you think?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

You followed his gaze, taking in the scene. “I think you’ve built something incredible,” you said, meaning every word. “You should be proud.”

He smiled—a small, rare smile that made your chest ache with affection. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

His words lingered in your mind long after the conversation ended. Despite the shadows of grief that loomed over both of you, moments like this reminded you that hope and love could coexist with loss. Mikey’s determination to create something meaningful gave you both a reason to keep moving forward.

---

While Mikey focused on growing Toman, you decided to pursue your education. He had tried to convince you to handle Toman’s finances, but you insisted on properly learning the skills first. Enrolling in the local university felt like a leap into the unknown. The campus, with its bustling students and grand buildings, was both intimidating and exciting.

On your first day, you arrived early and found a seat near the front of the lecture hall. The room gradually filled with students, some glued to their phones, others typing away on laptops. You pretended to be busy, arranging your supplies, when a tall brunette burst into the room. Her disheveled hair and hurried movements drew a few amused glances as she scanned for a seat. Much to your dismay, she chose the one beside you.

“Hi! I’m Reo!” she chirped, her voice carrying across the room. “Ready for this? I hear it’s brutal.”

You forced a polite smile, inwardly cringing at her energy. You hoped she wouldn’t talk through the whole class, but Reo’s enthusiasm was relentless. By the time the professor began the lecture, you realized there was no stopping her.

When the class required partners to share facts about each other, Reo turned to you with an eager grin. Her bubbly demeanor made it impossible to stay annoyed, and as she rattled off details about her love for biking marathons, her homemade garden, and her Chihuahua, Pika, you found yourself smiling despite yourself.

By the end of class, Reo asked for your number. You hesitated but gave it to her. You hadn’t expected to make a friend, but there was something infectious about her energy. Unlike Mikey and the Toman boys, whose camaraderie was rooted in shared struggles, Reo brought a lighthearted warmth into your life.

---

Over the summer, you and Reo grew closer. She dragged you along on bike rides and introduced you to her garden projects. You shared late-night study sessions and laughed about her quirky sense of humor. Mikey noticed the change almost immediately. While he teased you about “ditching” him, there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—worry.

“Reo’s nice,” he said one afternoon, his tone casual but his gaze searching. “Just don’t forget who your real best friend is.”

You rolled your eyes, brushing off his comment, but you couldn’t ignore the tension it hinted at. Despite his occasional jealousy, Mikey seemed happy to see you smiling. After everything you’d both been through, he valued anything that brought you joy.

Balancing your time between Mikey and Reo became your new normal. Mikey still took you on late-night rides and shared quiet moments, while Reo brought spontaneity and adventure. For a time, it felt like you had the best of both worlds.

But as the new school year approached, the delicate balance began to waver. Reo, ever the whirlwind of energy, started pulling you into plans that Mikey wasn’t a part of. And while Mikey tried to hide his frustration, the tension between the two sides of your life began to build.

---

One crisp autumn evening, Mikey confronted you after a Toman meeting. The air was heavy with unsaid words as he leaned against his bike, his expression unreadable.

“You’ve been busy lately,” he said, his voice light but tinged with something deeper.

“Yeah,” you replied cautiously. “School’s been hectic.”

“It’s not just school,” he said, his eyes meeting yours. “It’s her.”

You hesitated, unsure how to respond. “Reo’s my friend, Mikey. She’s… different. She’s good for me.”

“And what about me?” he asked, his voice soft but pointed. “Am I still good for you?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with meaning. You took a step closer, reaching for his hand. “You’ll always be good for me, Mikey. You’re my home.”

His grip tightened around yours, and for a moment, the tension eased. But as the months went on, you couldn’t shake the feeling that the balance between Mikey and Reo was fragile, as if one wrong move could send everything crashing down.

---

As the new school year began, something felt off. Reo, always so lively and punctual, stopped responding to your texts and calls. She didn’t show up to class for days. At first, you told yourself it was nothing—maybe she was sick or needed a break. But the gnawing feeling in your chest refused to go away, whispering that something was very wrong.

One Thursday morning, as you skimmed through your emails, a subject line froze you in place: “In Memoriam: Reo Sato.”

Your heart dropped. You reread the line, willing it to change, but the words stayed the same. Hands trembling, you opened the email, scanning its sparse contents. There were no details—just a note about a candlelight vigil planned for Saturday. Desperate for answers, you searched her name online, the keys clicking furiously under your fingers.

The first result was from a local funeral home. You clicked it, and there she was: Reo, her graduation photo smiling back at you. The image didn’t match the headline beneath it, the one that shattered your world: “Reo���s life was tragically taken in a homicide.”

The word homicide echoed in your head. It didn’t make sense. Reo had been so vibrant, so full of life. How could she be gone? Numbly, you kept searching until you found a news article.

The headline read: “Local Student Killed in Drug Deal Gone Wrong.”

Your breath hitched as the article unfolded a version of Reo you didn’t recognize. Shot during an altercation involving heroin, the words blurred before you, each one cutting deeper. How did I not know? You replayed every conversation with her, every moment shared. She had never shown any sign of this struggle—no cracks in the bright, bubbly persona you had known so well.

Guilt twisted in your chest. I should have noticed. I should have been there for her. The thought sent you spiraling, your breaths coming fast and shallow. You grabbed your phone and sent a text, your only lifeline in moments like this.

You: Hey, can you come over? I need you ASAP.

Mikey: Omw. You okay?

You: No… I just… I need you.

Mikey: 5 minutes.

True to his word, there was a knock at your door minutes later. You barely managed to croak out, “Come in,” before the dam broke. Mikey stepped into the room, his messy blonde hair and worried eyes meeting your tear-streaked face. Without hesitation, he sat beside you on the bed, pulling you into his arms.

You clung to him, sobbing into his shoulder. Mikey didn’t say anything—he didn’t need to. His quiet presence was enough, grounding you as the storm of emotions overwhelmed you. For what felt like hours, the two of you sat like that, his steady breathing a silent comfort.

When your tears finally subsided, you told him everything: the email, the obituary, the article. The words spilled out in a rush, heavy with guilt and sorrow. Mikey listened intently, his dark eyes never leaving yours, his hand squeezing yours in silent reassurance.

When you finished, he pulled you into another hug. “You cared about her,” he said softly. “You were there for her in ways that mattered. Don’t forget that.”

His words didn’t erase the pain, but they brought a glimmer of comfort. “Will you come to the vigil with me?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course,” he replied immediately. “I’ll do anything for you.”

---

The vigil was held on a chilly Saturday evening. Dozens of candles illuminated the gathering crowd, their soft glow a fragile beacon in the darkness. Mikey stayed close to you, his hand lightly resting on your back as you navigated the sea of mourners.

When it was your turn to speak, your legs felt like lead as you approached the microphone. Mikey’s presence behind you gave you the courage to begin. “Reo was one of the brightest people I’ve ever known,” you said, your voice trembling but steady. “She had a way of making everything feel lighter, even when things were hard. I didn’t know… I didn’t know she was struggling. But I’ll always remember the light she brought into my life.”

As you stepped back, Mikey was there to steady you, his hand firm on your shoulder. His quiet strength gave you the stability you needed as the vigil continued, each story shared a reminder of the impact Reo had left behind.

---

In the weeks that followed, the weight of Reo’s loss lingered, but Mikey never left your side. He was there when you broke down during late-night study sessions, when you couldn’t bring yourself to sit in the seat she used to occupy in class. And though he wasn’t the type to offer flowery words, his presence was constant and unwavering.

Through it all, you found yourself leaning on him more than ever. He didn’t shy away from your grief or try to fix it—he simply stayed, a reminder that you weren’t alone. And in moments of quiet laughter or shared silence, you began to heal, piece by fragile piece.

---

The days leading up to the vigil passed in a haze. You moved through school and daily routines, but your thoughts were constantly with Reo. Her laughter, her boundless energy, and the way she lit up a room felt painfully distant—like a dream slipping further out of reach. When Saturday arrived, the weight of her loss pressed down on you all over again.

Mikey picked you up that evening. He didn’t say much during the ride, but his quiet presence was enough. The steady hum of his bike and the cool night air gave you something to focus on as your emotions swirled. When you reached the vigil, the flickering glow of candles lit up the crowd, their soft light casting gentle shadows against the somber faces gathered there.

You clung to Mikey’s arm as you wove through the crowd, your fingers trembling against the fabric of his jacket. He squeezed your hand lightly, his silent reassurance grounding you. Near the front, you found a spot where a framed photo of Reo stood on an easel, surrounded by flowers and candles. The sight made your throat tighten, fresh tears pricking your eyes.

The vigil began with Reo’s family speaking. Her parents’ voices were heavy with grief as they shared memories of her love for life, her quirky sense of humor, and her bright future that had been tragically cut short. Their words cracked under the weight of their sorrow, and tears streamed down your face as you listened. Mikey stayed by your side, his hand resting gently on your back, steadying you when the emotions became too much.

When attendees were invited to share memories, you hesitated. Public speaking had never been easy for you, and the lump in your throat felt insurmountable. But as others stepped forward, recounting Reo’s impact on their lives, you felt the need to honor her—to let her family know how much she meant to you.

Taking a deep breath, you stepped forward. Mikey’s hand brushed your arm as you moved, his silent support giving you the strength to keep going. At the microphone, the crowd blurred into a sea of flickering lights as you spoke.

“Reo was… amazing,” you began, your voice trembling. “She made everyone feel like they mattered. She was funny, bright, and so full of life. I didn’t know her as long as some of you, but in the time I did, she became someone I couldn’t imagine being without.” Your voice wavered, and you swallowed hard before continuing. “I wish I could have done more, been there for her more. But I’ll always remember her light, and I’ll carry it with me.”

You stepped back, your heart pounding in your chest. Mikey was there immediately, guiding you to your spot with a steady hand on your shoulder. He didn’t speak, but his presence was enough to calm the storm in your mind.

The vigil continued, the quiet hum of shared grief filling the air. Stories of Reo’s kindness and humor painted a vivid picture of the person she had been, each memory a testament to the love she’d left behind. As the candles burned low, you and Mikey lingered, watching the soft flames flicker against the encroaching darkness.

“She would have been so proud of you,” Mikey said softly as you walked back to his bike. His words were simple, but they warmed you, even against the chill of the night.

As you climbed onto the bike and wrapped your arms around him, the ache in your chest didn’t disappear, but it eased. You had Mikey, and for now, that was enough.

---

The months after Reo’s death felt surreal. Life moved on around you, but you were stuck, trapped beneath the weight of your grief. Classes resumed, conversations shifted to new topics, and Reo’s name rarely came up. Yet her absence was impossible to ignore. Her seat in the lecture hall remained empty, a glaring reminder of what had been lost.

When the news came that her murderer had been sentenced to life in prison, you thought it might bring some closure. It didn’t. The pain lingered, sharp and relentless, refusing to fade.

The only person who seemed to understand was Mikey. He was there for you during your darkest moments, holding you when the tears wouldn’t stop or quietly listening as you vented about the frustration of being paired with a new partner for group projects. His steady presence became your anchor. He didn’t try to fix your pain or force you to move on—he just stayed, and that was enough.

But every moment you spent with Mikey deepened your feelings for him. And with that came fear. You had already lost so much—your father, Shinichiro, and now Reo. What if you lost him too? The thought terrified you, creeping into your mind during quiet moments and filling you with dread. You tried to push it away, to focus on the here and now, but it was always there, lurking in the background.

Despite your grief, there were moments of light. Mikey, as always, had a way of breaking through the darkness. One evening, after a particularly rough day, he showed up at your door unannounced, holding two cups of your favorite tea.

“You looked like you needed this,” he said with a small smile, handing you a cup.

The two of you sat together on your couch, the warm tea soothing your nerves as Mikey recounted a ridiculous story about one of Toman’s newest recruits. His exaggerated impressions of Draken’s disapproval had you laughing until your sides hurt. It was the first time in weeks you felt something other than sorrow, and the memory of it stayed with you long after he left.

But as always, life had other plans.

One crisp autumn evening, you got a call from Mitsuya. His voice was frantic, the usual calm gone. “It’s Draken,” he said, the words tumbling out too fast. “He’s been shot. He’s in surgery now, but it’s bad. You need to come.”

Your heart dropped, panic taking over as you raced to the hospital. The sterile, fluorescent-lit waiting room was a flurry of anxious faces and quiet murmurs when you arrived. Mikey was sitting in a corner, his head in his hands, his shoulders shaking.

You rushed to his side, placing a hand on his back. “Mikey,” you said softly.

He looked up, his eyes bloodshot and filled with a mix of fear and anger. “They said… they said it doesn’t look good,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

You didn’t know what to say. Instead, you sat beside him, wrapping your arms around him as he leaned into you. The minutes dragged into hours, the tension in the room suffocating. When the doctor finally came out, his expression confirmed your worst fears.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “We did everything we could.”

The room erupted into chaos. Mikey stood abruptly, knocking over a chair as he stormed out of the waiting area. You followed him, finding him in a deserted hallway, his fists clenched and his body shaking.

“Mikey,” you called gently, but he didn’t respond. When you reached him, you placed a hand on his arm. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

He turned to you then, his face crumpling as tears streamed down his cheeks. “I can’t lose anyone else,” he choked out, his voice raw with pain. “I can’t.”

You pulled him into a tight hug, holding him as he cried. “I know,” you whispered. “I know.”

---

When you think of Draken, the word that comes to mind is solid. He was tall, dependable, and seemed indestructible. No matter how many fights he got into, he always walked away, stronger and more determined. It felt like nothing could ever take him down.

Until something did.

The call came late one night, jolting you awake. Your phone buzzed relentlessly on the nightstand, its vibrations piercing the quiet. Groggily, you answered, Mitsuya’s panicked voice cutting through your haze.

“Draken… he’s gone. He got shot… lost too much blood.” His voice cracked, each word heavy with devastation. In the background, the bustling chaos of the hospital spilled through the line.

Your world tilted. No. Not Draken. The air seemed to disappear from the room as Mitsuya’s words echoed in your mind. He told you Mikey was at the hospital and needed you. That was all it took for you to bolt into action. You grabbed the closest clothes and raced out of the house, ignoring your mother’s worried questions as you ran into the night.

The hospital loomed ahead, its fluorescent lights cold and unfeeling against the darkness. Inside, the waiting room was a somber storm of murmurs, stifled sobs, and tear-streaked faces. Members of Toman were scattered throughout the room, slumped in chairs or pacing anxiously. You scanned the faces, your heart pounding, until your eyes landed on Mikey.

He sat in a corner chair, hunched forward with his head bowed, staring blankly at the linoleum floor. Mitsuya stood nearby, his usual composure cracked, his eyes rimmed with red as he glanced helplessly at Mikey. No one dared approach him, the weight of his grief radiating outward like a barrier.

You didn’t hesitate. Ignoring the others, you crossed the room and sat down next to him. The chair squeaked softly under your weight, but Mikey didn’t react. You reached out, placing a gentle hand on his forearm, hoping to pull him back from wherever his mind had gone.

“Mikey,” you said softly, your voice shaking.

It took a moment, but slowly, he turned his head toward you. His eyes were dark, hollow, and filled with an emptiness that made your chest ache.

“You’re here,” he muttered, his voice raw, as if he hadn’t spoken in hours.

“I’m here,” you whispered, leaning closer. For a moment, it seemed like he might respond, but his breath hitched, and the words caught in his throat. His body trembled, and then he broke, silent sobs wracking his frame. Without a second thought, you pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly as his grief poured out in waves.

You stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, shielding him from the world with your embrace. The sounds of the waiting room faded into the background, leaving only the weight of Mikey’s pain and your unwavering presence.

When he finally pulled back, his face was streaked with tears, his expression raw and vulnerable in a way you’d rarely seen. “Do you want to come to my house?” you asked gently, your voice barely audible.

Mikey nodded, his voice too broken to respond. You stood and helped him to his feet, guiding him out of the hospital. The eyes of the others followed you, their silent concern palpable, but you ignored them. Mikey needed space, somewhere safe where he could fall apart without judgment.

---

Back at your house, Mikey didn’t say much. He didn’t have to. The two of you curled up on your bed, just like so many times before. His head rested against your shoulder, his soft breathing the only sound in the room. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable—it was a fragile solace, one that both of you clung to as the weight of loss pressed down.

The days that followed were some of the hardest you’d ever faced. Mikey shut down completely, retreating into himself in a way you hadn’t seen since Shinichiro’s death. He stopped eating, stopped riding, stopped being Mikey. He was there, but he wasn’t living.

You tried everything to bring him back. You took him to his favorite restaurants, bought him parfaits, and suggested rides around the city. Most days, he refused to leave the house. When he did, the outings felt hollow—he barely touched his food or acknowledged your efforts. Each failed attempt chipped away at your resolve, but you refused to give up on him.

One cold winter morning, you bundled up and made your way to the Sano dojo. The house felt eerily quiet. Emma and their grandfather weren’t home, and the absence of their usual energy only heightened the oppressive weight of grief lingering in the air.

You slipped off your shoes and padded down the hall, each step heavy with apprehension. When you reached Mikey’s door, you knocked softly. “Mikey?” you called, pressing your forehead against the wood. No response.

Anxiety churned in your gut as you pushed the door open. The room was dark, the curtains drawn tight. For a moment, you couldn’t see him. Then your eyes adjusted, and you spotted him lying on his side in bed, facing the wall. He didn’t stir as you stepped inside.

“Scooch over,” you said, nudging his shoulder. “I’m getting in.”

Mikey let out a faint grunt but shifted just enough to give you space. You climbed into bed, slipping under the covers and pressing yourself against his back. Wrapping your arm around his waist, you held him close. He didn’t resist, but he didn’t acknowledge you either.

“I’m worried about you,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. “You can’t keep shutting everyone out.”

For a long moment, there was only silence. Then, in a voice so quiet it was almost lost in the stillness, he said, “I just want to feel something again. Anything.”

Your heart broke all over again. Tightening your hold, you rested your forehead against his shoulder. “I know,” you said softly. “But you’re not alone, Mikey. You’ll never be alone.”

For a moment, his breathing hitched. Then he turned to face you, his dark eyes meeting yours. They were glassy, heavy with sorrow, but somewhere in their depths was a flicker of something else—something familiar.

“Why are you always here?” he asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion but also curiosity.

You smiled, the warmth of it softening the edges of your own grief. “Because I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

A small, fragile smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Enough to remind you of the boy you’d grown up with. Enough to give you hope.

---

Over the weeks that followed, you stayed close to Mikey, doing everything you could to pull him out of the darkness. It wasn’t easy. Some days, it felt like you were making progress—he’d smile, crack a joke, or eat more than a few bites of food. Other days, the weight of his grief dragged him back under, and you’d find yourself sitting in silence with him, holding his hand as he retreated into his own mind.

You learned to be patient. Mikey didn’t need someone to fix him—he needed someone to be there, to remind him he wasn’t alone. And while it hurt to watch him struggle, you refused to give up on him. He had always been there for you, through every moment of your own pain, and now it was your turn to do the same.

But grief has a way of testing even the strongest bonds.

One night, Mikey showed up at your door unannounced. His eyes were dark, his expression tense, and he radiated an energy you couldn’t quite place. He didn’t say much as you let him in, just muttered a quiet thanks before sitting on the edge of your couch, his hands gripping his knees tightly.

“Are you okay?” you asked, sitting beside him. 

For a moment, he didn’t respond. Then he let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his messy hair. “I don’t know how to do this,” he admitted, his voice raw. “I don’t know how to keep going.”

You placed a hand on his arm, your touch gentle but firm. “You don’t have to figure it out all at once,” you said softly. “One day at a time, Mikey. That’s all anyone can do.”

He looked at you then, his dark eyes searching yours. “What if I mess everything up?” he asked, his voice cracking. “What if I lose everyone?”

“You won’t,” you said firmly. “You’re not alone, Mikey. You have me. You’ll always have me.”

Something in your words seemed to reach him. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against your shoulder, and you felt his body tremble as he let out a shaky breath. You wrapped your arms around him, holding him as tightly as you could, as if your embrace alone could shield him from the weight of the world.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“You’ll never have to find out,” you replied, your voice steady despite the ache in your chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”

---

In the months that followed, Mikey began to rebuild himself piece by piece. He started showing up to Toman meetings again, quieter than before but present. The laughter that used to fill the room wasn’t as loud, tinged now with the weight of loss, but it persisted—a testament to the bonds Mikey had built with his friends and with you.

You were there through it all: the late-night rides, the quiet moments of reflection, and the small victories that felt monumental. Mikey leaned on you in a way he never had before. At times, the weight of being his constant felt overwhelming, but you wouldn’t have traded it for anything.

Through it all, your feelings for him grew, no matter how much you tried to suppress them. The way he relied on you, the way his eyes lingered just a moment too long—it felt like more than friendship. But fear held you back. What if you lost him? What if your love changed things irreparably? Mikey was your anchor, your constant, and you couldn’t risk ruining that.

One evening, as the two of you sat on his bike watching the sunset, Mikey broke the silence.

“Do you ever think about what’s next?” he asked, his voice soft and hesitant.

You turned to him, your heart skipping at the vulnerability in his tone. “What do you mean?”

“For us,” he said, meeting your gaze. “I don’t want to lose you. But sometimes… I feel like I’m holding you back.”

The words hit like a punch to the gut. “You’re not holding me back, Mikey. You’ve never held me back.”

He hesitated, his dark eyes searching yours. “What if I’m scared of losing you?”

You reached for his hand, intertwining your fingers with his. “Then we’re both scared,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “But I’d rather be scared with you than without you.”

The silence between you was heavy, charged with unspoken words. Slowly, Mikey leaned closer, his forehead brushing against yours. His breath was warm, his presence steady despite the emotions swirling between you.

“Stay with me,” he murmured, his voice breaking.

“Always,” you replied, tears pricking your eyes. And in that moment, the weight of grief didn’t disappear, but it eased. Together, you had faced so much. Together, you would keep moving forward.

After that night, something shifted. There was no grand declaration, no dramatic change—just a quiet acknowledgment of what had always been there. Mikey stopped pulling away. If anything, he drew closer, his touches lingering longer, his smiles softer when they were meant for you.

You didn’t talk about it, not explicitly. But it was in the way he rested his head on your shoulder during late-night rides, in the way his gaze found yours at every Toman meeting, and in the way his eyes softened when he thought you weren’t paying attention. The connection between you wasn’t sudden—it was slow and steady, like a flame growing stronger with every passing day.

Despite his progress, Mikey still carried the weight of his grief. Some days were better than others. On good days, he was almost his old self, cracking jokes and teasing you until your sides hurt from laughter. On bad days, he retreated into silence, his gaze distant, lost in a world you couldn’t reach. But you stayed by his side through it all, a constant reminder that he wasn’t alone.

One cold evening, Mikey invited you over to the Sano dojo. Emma was out, and the quiet house felt oddly peaceful. When you arrived, Mikey greeted you with a faint smile and a steaming cup of tea, his way of taking care of you even when he struggled to care for himself.

The two of you settled in his room, a space filled with memories of your shared childhood. You sat cross-legged on his bed, sipping your tea as Mikey leaned against the headboard, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. The silence between you was comfortable, broken only by the soft clink of your cups.

“I’ve been thinking,” Mikey said finally, his voice low.

You glanced at him, waiting.

“I don’t know where I’d be without you.” His words were simple but heavy, filled with a vulnerability that made your heart ache.

“You’d be fine,” you replied softly, though you didn’t fully believe it. “But I’m glad I’m here.”

He turned to look at you, his eyes reflecting something unspoken, something steady. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the silence stretching between you like a bridge. And in that stillness, you realized that being there for him wasn’t a burden—it was exactly where you wanted to be.

As Mikey’s fingers roam over your shirt, he chuckles softly. The material is one of his favorites, as it fits your curves perfectly and reminds him of how your touch has affected him. He longs for a place where the two of you can stay hidden from the world’s pain and prevent it from separating you.

Mikey is feeling alone in this challenging and painful world since losing Draken. He turns to you for comfort, taking your hand and stroking his thumb across your knuckles. At that moment, he realizes how much he has always wanted you.

Mikey shifts in his bed to face you, his gaze fixed upon you. He feels like he is invading personal space. His hand slips behind your head and finds the back of your neck. You can’t tear your eyes from his; he’s staring into your soul. 

Suddenly, Mikey pulls you closer, causing your breath to catch in your throat. Mikey presses his soft lips to yours, and the action leaves you stunned until you feel the pass of his tongue over your lower lip. There had always been this underlying pull between you, and Mikey held the same feelings as you did then.  

And Mikey was going to show you just how deep these feelings were. 

As you leaned in, his lips met yours, soft and inviting, just as you had always envisioned. A gasp escaped you, and you pulled away in surprise, but he was there again, leaning forward to keep you right where he wanted you. 

As you held on to the front of his shirt, you could feel the warmth from his flushed cheeks radiating onto yours. Your body froze at this moment. Mikey smiles against your lips and gently breaks the kiss. The two of you still sit close, your heated breaths mingling together. 

“I just want to feel something again. And you’ve always been able to do that for me.” You couldn’t look away from his lips, the ghost feeling of the kiss you shared still lingering on them. He grins and leans close, mouth hovering over yours when he hints, “I’ve wanted you for so long.”   

Heat rushes to your face, your eyes drifting closed when you feel him approaching you again. 

“So, you’ve known all along.” 

As you try to express yourself, you realize you couldn’t have known because he never mentioned it. As you try to express yourself, you realize you couldn't have known because he never mentioned it. 

The situation is overwhelming, causing you to look away from him while he talks gently. “I said nothing because, to me, you’ve always been mine.” 

At this moment, he is overwhelmingly powerful, inundating your senses. He grasps your jaw with his fingers, pressing your cheeks and raising your face towards his. Your pulse is racing, practically escaping from the vein in your throat. “I have always wanted you to be just mine.” Mikey brushes his nose against yours, and his breath warms your lips. “Now that everyone has left, I want to ensure you know how much I love you.”

You feel a lump in your throat and notice him exhale when you remain silent. 

“I hope you won’t leave me either.” His lower lip grazes against yours as he murmurs, “I don’t know if I can handle you not being here.” 

You are acutely aware of his hand on your face, pulling you closer while his mouth moves away, maintaining a slight distance between you. “I’ve always loved you.” Mikey smiles softly down at you as your eyelids flutter open briefly at his confession.

Mikey’s lips crash into yours as his hands find purchase on your waist to pull you in. He wraps an arm around you, pulling you closer to him as you gasp for air. 

Mikey welcomes the spreading of your thighs as one of his hands trails to your hip and the other cups your neck. You grip the front of his t-shirt, holding him tightly and keeping him near. 

In this state, one never desires to depart.

 Mikey whispers your name softly against your lips, and suddenly, all the anxiety and stress of the day dissipate.

He lowers his mouth to the spot just below your earlobe, his voice wrapping around you as his fingers toy with the top of your shirt.

“Please never leave me.” 

Under your shirt, his hands pull the flimsy fabric off.  

As you bare your breasts to him, your breathing becomes low. You find yourself overwhelmed as you intertwine your fingers with his blonde tresses. Your thoughts seem to swirl endlessly, drawing you deeper into a vast ocean of the mind. Manjiro Sano is the only thing keeping you grounded in this world.

“I won’t leave.” 

As Mikey’s lips meet yours, you unconsciously murmur under your breath. He moves back, gazing at you with astonishment. You feel your heart racing in your chest and your face getting hot.

Mikey feels his heart racing in his chest as he processes your commitment. His gaze remains fixated on your lips as he waits with an entranced expression. He wants to soak in the words as you say them because he’s terrified it won’t happen. So many people have already left.

As you gaze into his dark eyes, you moisten your lips.

The room’s silence left him breathless.

When he kisses you, there’s a new sense of urgency that wasn’t present before. Your back presses against the soft mattress when he pushes into you; his hands slide up your thighs, fading beneath your clothing. 

Lithe fingers slip under the elastic of your panties, and naturally, you lift your hips to help him slip them off. Mikey tosses them to the floor, forgotten before you can process what’s happening.

Mikey places soft kisses down your neck and cards his fingers through your hair as goosebumps appear on your skin from the action. His fingers continue to explore you, feeling the plush skin of your soft thighs as he works them apart. You can feel the desperation in his movements as he aches for you. 

“I never want to lose you.” 

A small gasp escapes you as he pulls you to his hips, the front of his shorts pressing against your bare skin, sending electricity through you. Your fingers tangle in his hair as he sucks against your exposed throat. 

You also feel the impact of all the words he had spoken to you.

You’re having trouble catching your breath as his fingers move closer and closer to your core. 

“Stay mine, forever.” His words send fire through your skin. Mikey is desperate never to let you go. 

His lips find yours again as his thumb rubs gently against your slick folds. A gasp escapes your lips as his fingers masterly play with that bundle of nerves. You have always longed for this moment, and now that it’s finally happening, it feels too good to be true.

Mikey knows precisely how to play you. Sliding his fingers through your wet folds and slipping them inside to touch you until you can’t breathe. He does everything as if he knows exactly what you need, even as he traces your body with kisses and whispers of love and possession. 

Every touch sets your skin on fire. Mikey’s heart thumps loudly within him, as if it desires to escape its confines every time your lips release his name. 

And when you ultimately come undone, your face concealed in the crook of his neck as you call for him, he can’t help himself as three words tumble out of his lips.  

“I love you,” he confides, along with your name. Your walls constrict around his fingers as you shake beneath him. He can feel the wet droplets of your tears soaking his shirt as your breaths come short and quickly. “I’ve loved you for so long since we were kids.”   

Mikey’s name slips from your lips as your arms curl around his shoulders, and you cling to him as you come down from your high. He kisses you tenderly and holds you close, giving you time to catch your breath and recover.

Eventually, you let out a harsh breath and meet his gaze. Heat reaches your cheeks when you see his dark eyes gazing at you. 

“Manjiro,” you mumble in embarrassment and let out another little moan as he finally removes his fingers from inside of you.

Mikey looks at you with a broad, silly smile. You lightly pinch his harm as he fakes being mortally wounded, but you can’t ignore feeling his hand on your thigh. But the two of you come back together in a slow post-orgasmic kiss, utterly different from the desperation that had been so heavy in the air just moments ago. 

Mikey withdraws, observing your flushed face as you wipe away unshed tears - embarrassed by his gaze. 

You cross your arms over your chest, feeling vulnerable. Mikey’s gaze lingers on those spots for too long, making you feel like he can see through you. It’s as if he can see every part of your soul laid bare before him.

Mikey watches you as you cover yourself, pulling the covers up to protect your chest. As your hands move toward your thighs to cover them up, he watches and can’t resist reaching out his hand to gently and soothingly stop your wrist.    

With a gentle pull, he slides you down and uncovers your breasts. He kisses you passionately down your neck and chest.  

His enjoyment comes from the thought of his hands all over you, how they hold you and caress you. It pushes away all the negativity surrounding him like a dark cloud. It’s within your power to make him experience something again. 

With a grin on his face, he pays you a compliment, saying, “You are incredibly beautiful.” 

His hungry gaze fixated on you, a dark smirk playing on his lips as you nervously whisper his name. Your arms become entangled in his shirt, adding to the tension in the air. 

His gaze slowly descends your chest, eventually reaching your tummy and thighs. He briefly wets his lips with his tongue, unable to hide his desire. "You're so soft," he murmurs, his thoughts of touching you clear in his words.

As you struggle to catch your breath, your chest rises and drops, the sound of your harsh breathing filling the room. His gaze fixated on your breasts, he slid his hands towards your shoulders; the touch sending shivers down your spine. With deliberate slowness, he delicately slides off the straps of your bra, one after another. The anticipation builds as he hooks a finger into one cup, his eyes locking with yours, creating an intense connection.

“Please, let me show you.”

Your heart races as he traces a finger along your exposed skin, sending shivers down your spine. The intensity in his eyes ignites a fire within you. He leans in closer, his breath warm against your ear. His touch electrifies your every nerve, making it hard to breathe.

Suddenly, he pulls you into a passionate embrace, his hands exploring every inch of your body. The room fills with a symphony of moans and whispered desires. Time stands still as you surrender to the intoxicating pleasure that courses through your veins.

With each caress, the world outside fades away, leaving only the two of you in a frenzy of desire. His lips find yours, melding in a desperate kiss that leaves you breathless. The room becomes a battlefield of tangled limbs and whispered promises.

At this moment, nothing else matters. The world outside ceases to exist as he consumes your thoughts, your body, your soul. You surrender to the raw, unbridled passion, losing yourself in a whirlwind of ecstasy.

As the intensity builds, your bodies entwine in a dance of unspoken longing. Each touch, each kiss, drives you both closer to the edge of oblivion. The air crackles with anticipation, a symphony of pleasure and desire.

At this moment, you are completely vulnerable to his every whim. But there is a power in that vulnerability, a liberation in surrendering to the depths of passion. And as he takes you to new heights, you realize that being completely exposed to him is the ultimate act of trust.

Together, you embrace the wild chaos of desire, losing yourselves in a world where only the two of you exist. And as the climax approaches, you cling on to each other, spiraling into a moment of pure bliss that will forever be etched in your memories.

And in the end, through all the grief, pain, and despair you knew you’d always have, Mikey. 

After a moment, Mikey’s voice came out in a chokehold of tears. “I can’t believe he’s really gone. It hurts so much, doesn’t it?” 

You placed a comforting hand on his bare shoulder. “Yeah, it’s unbearable. But remember, I’ll always be here for you.”

A tiny sniffle escapes Mikey, “I know, and I’m grateful for that. It’s just hard to imagine life without Draken. Without all of them.”

You give his shoulder a small squeeze, “I understand. But remember, he’ll always be with you in your memories and in your heart.” 

His voice trembles as he tries to get out the words. “I hope so. It’s just difficult to see past all this pain right now.”

Softly, you respond, “Take your time, Mikey. I’m here to listen and support you through it all.”

[dabilove27]

exchanging headcanons and AUs with friends like

[dabilove27]

RACH I am so sorry that I missed your birthday yesterday!! I wish you a happy happy belated birthday 🥺💓 I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday & were able to enjoy your special day to the fullest!! We haven’t interacted in a while and I hope you’re doing well - did anything exciting happen that you wanna share? :3

You’re so sweet nana! 🥹🥹🥹 thank you!!!! I did! It was so nice! I’ve been so busy with my private practice and child it’s been insane! Nothing my super exciting my big gift is buying tickets to a K-pop concert today! How are you!!!??💜💜💜

[dabilove27]

a pack of jackals!

[dabilove27]

my sailor moon redraws from 2019~

[dabilove27]

[dabilove27]

[dabilove27]

BANG CHAN — SKZ-TALKER GO! S.5 EP.09 JAKARTA

[dabilove27]

Chapter 1 - New Beginnings

Obito Uchiha x f!reader

Modern AU, obi still has scars, obi (29) is a doctor and reader (25) is a vet nurse, pining

Word count - 1283

Beta baddies - @dabilove27 + @love-sakura thank you both <333

You are a fresh face in the neighbourhood–a new job meant a new house in a new town–lucky to have found a small, semi-detached two-bedroom amongst the suburban dream of neat front lawns and white picket fences. Your new house is the smallest on the block by far, dwarfed by the property you share an outside wall with, but that's just fine with you. You don't need much space for one. 

You even bought yourself a secondhand car with the money your mother had generously saved up for your first move–just something small to get you around quicker. You didn't really have need of a vehicle in the city, but now that you are in the comparatively quiet world of suburbia, you are more than happy to leave public transport behind and get behind the wheel. 

As soon as you graduated and left home you quickly realised that the rent of a city apartment was too much on a measly vet nurse's salary. You struggled for a year on your own before calling it quits. That's why you left for a private practice in the town of Konoha–where the pay more fairly matched the lowered cost of living in this pretty little neighbourhood. And you can confidently say that things are going well, you survived your first night in your new home and seemed to settle into your first week on the job quite nicely.

Your co-workers are very kind and welcoming. An enigmatic whirlwind of a man, Guy, gave you a tour of the practice on your first day and allowed you to shadow him. He is one of the three veterinarians on staff and is almost intimidatingly large–sporting black hair cut into a comical bowl shape that somehow works for him and the thickest eyebrows you think you've ever seen on a man. It was a lot of energy for the early hour, and he kept you on your toes as you struggled to keep up with him. 

Luckily, you are not the only one having to learn the ropes–a trainee vet nurse, Sakura Haruno, recently joined the staff, and you were able to meet her on your first day. Although she is under the watchful eye of Veterinarian, Yamato Tenzo, a tired-looking man in his early thirties who has decidedly less energy than his coworker–but he seems nice enough. He gives off a heavy work-dad vibe, even though he isn't much older than yourself.

The third Vet, Mr. Neji Hyuuga, you have yet to meet for he was on holiday your first week. You were told he is the hardass of the department, very professional, and not one for idle chit chat. You can't lie that you are especially anxious about meeting the man come Monday morning, but Shizune, the Head Veterinary Nurse, and the bubbly girl who runs reception, TenTen, assured you that there's a good guy buried underneath the pomp and professionalism.

You like Shizune and TenTen, they work reception most days (with Shizune providing support for TenTen when things get busy and completing endless paperwork) and they work well together. A day on the job with them is never a boring one. Your ragtag little team functions perfectly, something that was a big surprise to you, as you didn't expect to fit in so quickly.

Needless to say, it's nice to have some friendly faces on this new and scary journey of yours.

And then there is your next-door neighbour…a new face, certainly, but a friendly one? You aren't so sure. You don't know him well, only speaking to him in passing when you both happen to leave the house at the same time, but he's polite, at least. He's a quiet resident to boot despite being very active, so you have no complaints really–especially when he takes his daily early morning run around the block, like clockwork, returning sweaty and shirtless on the drive.

It takes everything in you not to stare at the way the glow of the sunrise glints off his muscles each morning as you make your way to your car. Impossible not to trace your eyes over the pattern of scars littering his right side, like an intricate tattoo starting from his hairline and disappearing into the waistband of his shorts. He always nods at you in greeting, eyes never really meeting your own, a little awkward but respectful. It is even harder to put the car in reverse and drive away when he starts stretching in your conjoined driveway-skin pulled taut across his muscular frame. And there is a lot to look at, he's easily 6’2, and built like an athlete. Figures you live next to a gym nut. It makes you feel oddly self conscious about your own lazy habits and un-toned physique. 

And maybe it is that instant and innate attraction always knocking you on your ass when you see him that has you bravely leaving your house and walking across the pattern of brickwork to his door–bottle in hand. You figure it's only polite to introduce yourself since you've been running into the man all week and still have no clue what his name is. 

You bought him a bottle of wine at the convenience store around the corner, just something small as a housewarming gift, the irony not lost on you. But nowhere in the 'good neighbour manual' does it say that the fresh meat can't be the one to knock on doors with a peace offering. You wonder if he will see straight through the generous act to your true intention of getting to know the handsome stranger underneath.

Before you can second guess yourself, you rap your knuckles across his front door and wait impatiently, rocking on the balls of your feet to try and dislodge the mess of anxiety in your gut. Is this a terrible mistake? Maybe he won't be home, maybe he went for a run (you know it's too late for that), and you'll just be able to leave the bottle on the doorstep and retreat like a coward. 

He abruptly interrupts your thoughts as the door swings open to reveal his impressive stature-dressed in nothing but sweats and a tight fitting tank. You straighten your posture on impulse, holding your head high and schooling your features into something more approachable. He looks so damn good with his black sweats hung low on his hips and black hair perfectly messy, he makes looking good look effortless and suddenly you feel self conscious in your obviously ‘trying-too-hard’ sundress and strappy sandals.

He actually looks at you, really looks at you, for the first time since you moved in next door and you find yourself helplessly caught in his gaze. Trapped in place by eyes so deep a black you feel like you could fall into them forever and never reach an end. No…his right eye is actually a deep reddish brown, ironically reminiscent of the rich colour of the merlot you hold in your hand just for him, so dark it appears black if you aren't paying close enough attention. You didn't realise how unusual and oddly hypnotic his eyes are until right now, up close and personal, rather than several metres away, peering through a glass windscreen. With nothing but a few inches between you, his looks are having full effect on you. 

He blinks rapidly in surprise, long thick lashes grazing his scarred cheek as he looks down at you, plump lips parting on an exhale. He looks as lost as you feel. God, he's so tall and gorgeous it steals the breath from your lungs, butterflies dancing in your stomach. Oh, this is definitely a mistake.

[dabilove27]

the most beautiful guy 🖤

[dabilove27]

Eat! Eat, it’s okay! You eat! YOU EAT! ↳ 16 / ∞

[dabilove27]

Men who grab your neck to kiss you >>>

[dabilove27]

me when someone complains about something that's been genuinely bothering me too but i just brushed it off because i was worried that i was just bitchy/callous/sensitive but now I feel Vindicated

[dabilove27]

“You can love them, forgive them, want good things for them… But still move on without them.”

— Mandy Hale

[dabilove27]

minchan @ lee know log 11

+ bonus angry cat

[dabilove27]

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