sterlynwrites

[sterlynwrites]

December 3rd - Icicles.

It was snowing. 

Again. 

Neil sat next to the window in Kevin, Andrew and his own shared dorm. He had moved his desk near the window to get some sort of freedom from looking at the white walls of the dorm room. He was damn near Fox Tower happy with how snowy it had been. 

But, really, when he had said one thing about it Matt had looked at him funny and pointed out, “Dude, we are up north.” 

“But I looked it up.” Neil insisted as he motioned to his laptop. 

“You looked up the weather?” Matt’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline. 

“Yes? I can’t go running if it’s constantly snowing. I looked it up and it said that our area should only get five inches of snow.” 

Neil shook his head and sighed as he pointed towards the door. “That is more than five inches of snow.” 

Matt couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “You REALLY hate the weather, huh?” 

Neil couldn’t deny that. 

After all, it meant he was trapped in some way, and that made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He might be safe, but he wasn’t exactly used to being safe. His self preservation instincts were kicking into over drive. 

He had only been able to go for a few runs since the winter season had started. 

Matt chuckled and had just patted his shoulder as he turned on something to listen to while he and Neil hung out and studied together. Now Neil was staring out the window as white snow swept across the grounds in visible trails and flurried throughout the side. He pressed his palm to the window, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. 

You’re safe. You’re fine.

Instead of chasing his thoughts down a darker path, Neil let his eyes wander around the campus grounds as he watched several lone figures scurry around. One person even fell on their ass and took a moment to get up. Neil let out a wince in sympathy. 

That would really suck. 

Anything was better than chasing his own thoughts right then. 

He pulled his focus on the grounds back towards the window of the dorm room window. He looked up and at the top of the window just barely formed were tiny icicles. He hummed as he tapped the window with his pointer finger. They were outside and too far up to bother or dislodge. 

“Pretty.” He mumbled as he stared up at them from the safety of his warm dorm room. 

He wouldn’t have been able to stop and do this if he had still been with his mother. He could almost feel the ghost of her hand threading into his hair and tugging. 

Stephan, don’t waste your time on such frivolous things.

His heart picked up in his chest as he let out another steady breath. He was okay. He was in his dorm room, in the warmth, safety, and among friends. He sat back and thought about Andrew, Kevin, Matt, Dan and all the other foxes that made sure that he was taken care of. 

The tension in his shoulders relaxed and he sighed tipping his head back against the head rest of his desk chair. 

I’m safe.

----

He didn’t realize that Andrew must have heard him that morning. 

The other had been in the living room ignoring Kevin’s insistence that they all go and practice. He had ignored him and then they had settled down to watch something on their t.v. Neil had felt a little too exposed so he had kind of kept himself in the room for as long as he was able to. 

Then he had been summoned by Allison to go help pick out gifts. 

“I’m not going to be much help.” Neil pointed out as he got out of the passenger side of Allison’s car. 

She stood up, brushed her hair back from her face, and shut her door. “I’m well aware of that.” 

“Then why did you ask me to come?” 

“Bonding Neil, we’re bonding.” Allison answered with a satisfied hum. 

He wandered up and into the crowded mall beside her. Even before they were fully into the hustle and bustle of the throng of mall patrons, Neil felt his phone buzz. He took it out and flipped it open. 

It was a message from Andrew. 

Well, to be precise, it wasn’t a message but a picture. 

It wasn’t anything grand, but it was an artistic picture of icicles. 

Neil puzzled over it for a second, shrugged and put up his phone. 

“What did the monster want?” Allison asked. 

Neil frowned, “Don’t call him that.” 

Allison waved her hand at him, “Well?” 

“Nothing. He just sent me a picture of icicles.” Neil answered as he turned around and shived his hands and phone back into his pockets. 

“Icicles?” Allison asked again. 

“Icicles.” Neil answered with a nod. 

They stood there for a second, and before Allison could ask anything else, Neil shrugged at her, “Where are we going first?” 

“Oh. Yes, I was thinking that I would get this cute bracelet I saw for Renee. It’s got her asthetic written all over it.” 

Neil frowned, “Asthetic?” 

“Yeah you know, her style. Oh. Wait. You don’t know.” Allison teased him as she eyed him, “For your Christmas present we’re getting you some new clothes again.” 

“Oh boy.” Neil murmured as he followed after the tall blonde as she moved through the crowd with practiced ease. 

---- 

The second picture came later when he was with Kateyln studying in the library. 

They had the same cast off elective, so they tended to work together. Andrew hadn’t said not to work with her, but he still didn’t acknowledge her existence. Maybe that might change a few years down the line after Aaron and Katelyn had more time together. 

“Neil. Why don’t you look up these terms, and I’ll start on the bottom half.” Katelyn suggested with a small smile. 

“Okay.” 

She hummed and fell into a comfortable silence with him. 

If there was one thing Neil had learned about her, it was that she was kind of like him in some ways. The best way was that if it was quiet she didn’t fumble for words to try and fill the space, she just let it be. 

“Oh. I saw that they were doing apple cider and cinnamon cider down on the bottom floor. I think I’ll get some. Do you want some Neil?” 

Neil looked up from where he had his laptop and dictionary both open as he had been looking at one of the referenced articles. “Oh. No, I don’t think so.” 

“I bet the cinnamon one is just spicy. I’ll get one for you to try.” 

With that the vixen was gone with a wave and it was quiet again. Neil sighed and leaned against the study table as he flipped through a few pages in the book and hummed quietly. He had been so focused on what he was doing that he didn’t even notice Katelyn had come back until he felt the warmth of the styrofoam cup against the side of his arm. 

He flinched and looked up. Katelyn smiled apologetically at him, “Sorry.” 

“It’s fine.” Neil forced his fingers around the cup as he peered at the red liquid. 

Katelyn smiled, “It’s not going to kill you.” 

Of course not. Well, probably not. If it had been Riko that handed him that cup it would have probably had a greater chance. 

Before he could take a sip, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket again. 

Neil set down the cup and took out his phone. 

Another message from Andrew. 

Again, after opening it there was a picture of the overhang at Fox Tower and a ton of larger icicles on the edge. The picture was taken just so that the light hit right into the icicles and made them look like they were glowing. 

“I haven’t seen you smile like that before.” Katelyn teased him, bringing Neil’s attention back to the present company. 

Neil cleared his throat and shut his phone. “It’s just a message from Andrew.” 

Katelyn’s smile waned for a second, before it was replaced with something softly. “He’s something isn’t he? With you it seems like he’s softer.” 

Neil blinked, “Not really.” 

Andrew was just able to let more of himself out. He had been working hard to start trying to patch things up, but there would always be those things that stuck around and made it hard for him to show that to everyone. 

He didn’t need to work to show Neil though. Neil knew without a doubt that there were sides to Andrew that others would never see. They just didn’t care to look deep enough. 

“You’d be surprised.” Katelyn told him. 

-----

The third and last picture was during dinner. 

Dan and Matt had caught him coming out of the library and whisked him off for Italian. They had met Allison and Renee and they found themselves having several different conversations. Neil’s partner at this point in dinner was Renee. 

Things had always been a little awkward with her, but if there was one thing his time at Palmetto had taught him was that Renee could be trusted. She had been beside and still was Andrew’s best friend. They still sparred. 

She had even kept in touch with Jean through his transition into the USC Trojans. 

He had even sent her a small thank you card. 

They had been finishing up their dessert and talking about classes again when the conversation touched on the upcoming full school break and their plans. 

“I think Neil should come up with us to New York.” Allison offered. 

“I think Randy would love to have more time to talk to him. After all he is Matt’s best friend.” Added Dan as Matt nodded. 

Neil blinked, “We’re best friends?” 

Matt couldn’t help the dopey smile on his face as he reached over and ruffled Neil’s hair, “Yeah Neil. We are.” 

Neil swatted at Matt’s hands causing him to laugh and pull them back away from the striker.

Best friend.

It was a foreign word. Another something that Neil wasn’t supposed to have. 

“I don’t think you should include Neil in your plans.” Renee gently added. 

All attention turned to her. 

“Why not?” Allison demanded. 

“I just have a feeling that Neil is already spoken for.” Renee answered diplomatically. 

His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. 

Neil fished out his cell phone and there was another message from Andrew. This time it was outside the Italian restaurant, again icicles in the picture. The picture was again artfully taken and there was a note underneath the picture this time: 

Come outside.

Neil looked up and everyone was staring at him. 

“Andrews here so I’m just going to go.” He told them. He stood up and reached for his wallet, but Allison rolled her eyes and waved him off. 

“You have your lover boy waiting out there. We’ll cover you.” 

“He’s not-” Neil started. 

“Oh no. He totally is.” Dan agreed as Matt nodded along with her. 

“Tell Andrew hello for me.” Renee added as she smiled up at him. 

Neil felt the heat in his cheeks. He nodded and turned around waving once, but otherwise checked out. He made his way outside to see the Maserati idling by the curb. He opened the door and slid inside. 

Andrew had the heater on blast and he waited until he heard the door shut before merging back into traffic. 

Neil put on his seatbelt and he turned to look at Andrew. 

The other didn’t look at him, “Did you miss me today?” 

Andrew didn’t answer. He did however put his hand on the console between them. Neil stared at the outstretched palm and murmured, “Yes or no?” 

The intimacy they had was hard won. Neil would never take it for granted. 

“Yes.” Andrew muttered quietly. 

Neil covered Andrew’s palm with his own and threaded their fingers together. Andrew squeezed his hand gently, and Neil squeezed back in answer. 

“So, why did you keep sending me icicles today?” 

“I heard you say they were beautiful.” Andrew’s fingers flinched as his thumb brushed against the side of Neil’s pointer finger gently. 

Neil felt as if his heart pinched hard inside his chest and made it hard to breathe for a couple of seconds.

Whatever this was between them, Neil would always cherish it. 

He turned to look outside as the snow fell softly outside the window as they drove back to the Fox Tower, “They really are.” 

[sterlynwrites]

December 2nd - Hot Chocolate

“Andrew. Hey Andrew!” 

Nicky slid up beside him on their walk up to the dorm. He made to throw his arm over Andrew’s shoulder, but thought better of it last second. It seemed that Neil wasn’t the only one trying to change. 

Saves me from stabbing him.

Part of Andrew felt pleased with that. Lately, things had been okay with regards to the people that found themselves in his general vicinity. Nicky had been keeping to himself a little more and branching out ever since the room switch. Aaron was also feeling more relaxed when he came around to the point he was even backing away from picking at Neil. 

He hated Katelyn but if she got Aaron to shut up and to quit making homophobic comments, then at least she was good for something. 

After all, if he had to push himself into confrontation with Aaron that would have ruined both their moods. 

Neil was the one that had changed the most. 

He could tell the other had really started to look around him, and not just in a way that meant survival. It was like he was looking at things for the first time. 

“So. I was thinking.” Nicky hazarded a tentative look his way. 

“Don’t do that, you’ll strain your delicate brain.” Andrew answered. 

Nicky grimaced as the passed through the doors of Fox Tower and he punched the call button for the elevator. “Andrew. I’m serious!” 

“So am I.” Andrew toned as they stood in front of the doors. 

“It’s about Neil.” 

Andrew turned and tipped his head as he narrowed his eyes at his cousin. Neil was still a very touchy subject between them especially since Andrew had found out what Nicky had done to the other. Nicky held up his hands, “Just hear me out, okay? I promise no bad intentions.” 

Turning back to stare at the elevator, Andrew ignored him, and he waited. 

Nicky watched him for several seconds. 

Andrew sighed inwardly, “...And?” 

“Oh. Uh, I was thinking. This is Neil’s first real Christmas, right?” 

Oh. 

That. 

Andrew thought about first Christmases. He really hadn’t had one growing up that he could remember that wasn’t tinged in something negative. He had just assumed that Neil would be the same way. 

His father after all had made things bad, and his mother after leaving his father had made things even worse. 

“So, I was thinking. Maybe we could make this month all about Neil’s first Christmas.” 

Andrew thought about the redhead and how he had been opening up himself for the time being, but he also knew Neil. If they made a huge deal out of it, the other would like it even less. 

The blond also tuned Nicky out as he examined the idea over and over in his brain. 

Would it even be worth it? 

Would Neil even cooperate? 

Probably not. But, at least it would be interesting to watch the others try and get their reluctant vice captain into the spirit of Christmas. He pulled out his phone and checked the time, hummed and turned back around from the elevator just as the ding of the arriving cart rang out. 

Nicky stepped one way, and Andrew went back towards the door, tapping at his phone. 

“So I was talking to Matt about it and- HEY Andrew!” 

Nicky’s voice was cut off by the closing elevator door. 

Andrew quietly pulled up the internet on his phone and typed in a few things on the search bar. He didn’t even notice that Nicky was huffing and puffing trying to catch up. 

----

After a few minutes of deliberation, Andrew ended up at Target. He parked and waited for Nicky to finish his horrible rendition of Up on the Housetop before they finally set inside the store. 

 “So, was this a sudden flight of fancy for a certain someone.” Nicky asked. 

Andrew ignored him as he wandered down the aisles with a small basket hanging over his arm. He wandered toward the baking isle, he grabbed cocoa powder, cornstarch, and a bag of sugar. Next he grabbed a gallon of milk and shoved it in Nicky’s direction. 

“Why can’t you just add it into the cart you're carrying?” 

Andrew wandered away and let Nicky follow him again. 

On his way down the aisle he grabbed the last ingredients that he needed, he grabbed a bag of marshmallows, some peppermint candy canes, and whip cream. 

Nicky hummed and chuckled to himself mostly, “You sly dog you. I know exactly what you’re doing. 

-----

Neil was having a hard time. 

He missed exy, but this was the time on campus that everyone feared: finals. 

The striker sat at his desk and squinted at his math text book and narrowed his eyes as he worked through a particularly daunting set of problems. He didn’t hear or notice that Andrew had been back for some time. 

Not until he started to smell something odd. 

Then he heard the sound of pounding for a few moments and Nicky’s voice chattering away about something. 

<i>Oh no. Nicky’s going to end up dying.</i> 

Of course Neil didn’t actually think that Andrew would kill his cousin, but Kevin would if he came back and had to listen to that chattering. Neil’s curiosity wasn’t so strong that he felt like he needed to go and check out what was going on. If Andrew was doing something and he needed Neil or wanted his company he was sure the short blond would come find him and take him away from his work. 

With that Neil ended up going diving back into his math review. 

At some point, he must have really gone into his head. One minute he had been awake the next he was waking up with his cheek against his text book. 

His body felt heavy, but Neil hadn’t woken up because he had slept enough. 

No, he had woken up because he felt a large blanket being draped over his shoulders. He still wasn’t good with being touched when asleep, but he recognized the firmness of Andrew’s hands. No one else would have come up and done that. 

After all, Andrew had asked permission from him the first time something similar had happened during the fall part of that same school year. 

“Andrew?” Neil rasped. 

“It’s cold in the room. Did you want to come out to study?” 

Neil shook his head, “Nicky’s over, right? I don’t want you to kick him out.” 

“He just left.” 

Neil hummed and looked down at his book. His interest with it waned in the face of spending time with Andrew. They had time to spend together, something that Neil never thought he would have had alone or with anyone else. 

He was thankful for it. 

Making himself move, Neil tugged the blanket around his shoulders tighter and Andrew grabbed Neil’s book as they moved him quietly to the couch to continue his study. Andrew wandered back into the kitchen to do God knows what, and Neil settled down with his pencil, paper and book. 

He was scarcely starting up again when Andrew wandered and sat back down, two mugs in hand. 

“What’s that?” Neil asked. 

“Try it.” 

Andrew handed him over the mug in his right hand. 

Neil touched it and relaxed at the warmth between his palms. “Hot chocolate?” 

Andrew didn’t answer and took a sip of his own cup. Missing from Neil’s cup was an ungodly amount of whip cream, but that didn’t make Neil upset. 

He braced himself and took a tiny sip. 

The rich chocolate coated his mouth, and Neil hummed softly and grinned at Andrew, “It’s not too sweet.” 

“I took yours out of the pan before I added the sugar.” Andrew told him simply. 

Neil felt his heart and insides warm. 

“Thank you Andrew.” 

That’s how they stayed, math review forgotten, silent, and sipping on Andrew’s homemade hot chocolate. 

[sterlynwrites]

December 1st - Frost

Neil could have sworn it had been fall just yesterday, but that morning he woke up, the only thing that was warm was the heat radiating from Andrew at his back. 

The room was still bright in the morning, but that brightness was tempered with a gray sky outside the blinds. The room was cold, his scars were stiff, and he slid out of bed with a reluctance that only happened during one season: winter. 

December 1st. 

He’d survived his trip to Edgar Allen the year before, and now he found himself stumbling around the dorm room as he tugged on a pair of tights and then a pair of sweats on top of it. 

“Where the fuck are you going?” Kevin poked his head out from underneath a mountain of blankets. 

Neil smiled and pressed his pointer finger to his lips. 

Kevin blinked blearily at him, flopped back down, and pulled the covers over himself once more. 

<i>Well, that was the end of that.</i> 

Neil finished getting dressed in slightly warmer clothes, and on his way out the door he grabbed the loud orange hoodie that had Minyard on the back of it. He tugged it on with a small self satisfied smirk, and wandered through the living room and out the door. 

No one else was up this early on their floor. 

No one is crazy enough to go outside in this weather but you.

He could almost hear Andrew tell him that. The other would be far from impressed that he had gone when it was so cold outside, but he just needed to do it. There were tons of thoughts swimming inside his skull, so he wanted to take the time to really examine them. 

Of course, when he finished going down the stairs in Fox Towers and wandered towards the doors, the normally clear window panes were blocked by frost.  

“Wow.” Neil hummed as he stepped closer and tapped the window. 

He shrugged to himself and stepped outside. 

The sky was grey and the sidewalk looked treacherous in its pristine appearance. 

Neil rubbed a hand through his hair and took a step out from the door, and instantly regretted it as a sharp wind cut through the warmth of his clothing and Andrew’s hoodie. 

You can do this.

Neil wrinkled his nose and took a second to step back under the owning as he contemplated what he had just thought. Sure, he could do this but did he want to? 

Before he could really examine something so complex as having a choice on whether to bust his ass or go back inside and slide back under the covers, his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Without a second thought he pulled it out and looked down at the phone. 

Dan’s name flashed over the screen. 

“Yes?” Neil stepped back against the frosted window pane as he crossed his arms over himself. 

“Please tell me you didn’t go running this morning in this weather?” Dan’s voice sounded annoyed. 

Neil blinked, “I was thinking about it.” 

“Don’t think. Get your ass back inside.” She ordered. 

Neil tipped his head and pulled the phone from his ear, he checked the name on the phone, and then put it back to his ear. 

“Neil?” Dan yelled. Neil pulled the phone from his ear again. 

“You don’t have to yell.” 

“Well, then listen the first time your captain tells you to do something.” She groused. 

“It doesn’t look that bad.” 

Dan gave an exaggerated sigh, “Listen. I know you like to run in the morning, but if you watched the news then you would know that it’s dangerous to run. I know we are on break right now, but if you go out there and injure yourself everyone, including Abby will have to wake up and deal with it.” 

Neil hummed again in acknowledgement. 

He thought about how much of a fuss the others would cause. He couldn’t exactly say, ‘I’m fine’, right? 

Another gust of wind rattled the windows behind him and sent a chill up his spine. 

“So you’re going inside, right? I don’t have to send Matt out to come get you?” Dan threatened. 

“No babe. Please!” Neil heard Matt’s muffled protest. 

Neil sighed, “No, you don’t have to send Matt, I’ll go back inside.” 

Dan hmphed, “That took longer than it needed to.” 

Neil shook his head, and stepped back into the lobby. 

“Also Neil, Andrew want you to make hot chocolate for him before you go back into your room.” 

Neil rolled his eyes and smiled. 

Of course it had been Andrew that texted Dan about him leaving the room. 

“Will do.”

[sterlynwrites]

August Drabble Challenge START!

So, I talked with @furokuro and @jennoasis and I decided to go ahead and give drabbles another shot for August. I went to this generator and just kind of used it to find these next prompts. I’ll write the one for tonight sometime this evening, but I wanted to make sure and get the prompts out. Feel free to do this with us and tag me so I know you’re doing it! :D Here’s to another month of awesome drabble/ficlets!

List:

1. Damaged - Foxhole Court (Jeremy Knox / Jean Moreau) 

2. Move - Yuri!! on Ice (Christophe Giacometti / Yuuri Katsuki) 

3. Summon - Six of Crows (Kaz Brekker / Inej Ghafa) 

4. Poor - The Umbrella Academy (Klaus H. + Ben H.) - No pairing

5. Kick - RWBY (Yang Xiao Long / Blake Belladonna) 

6. Curious - Voltron: Legendary Defender (Keith / Lance)

7. Soggy - Katekyo Hitman Reborn (Yamamoto / Tsuna) - WIP

8. Porter - Katekyo Hitman Reborn (Xanxus / Superbi Squalo) - WIP

9. Perish - Axis Powers Hetalia (England / America) 

10. Skid - Dramatical Murder - (Noiz / Clear) 

11. Competition

12. Angle

13. Caress

14. Waste

15. Brain

16. Alert

17. Imply

18. Bit

19. Temper

20. Propose

21. Detach

22. Orange

23. House

24. Educate

25. Bust

26. Stew

27. Steep

28. Sponge

29. Classy

30. Wish

31. Poised

[sterlynwrites]

August 6 Curious

Title:  Satisfied My Curiosity 

Series: Voltron: Legendary Defender

Pairing: Keith Kogane / Lance McClain

Things had slowed down exponentially. 

They had slowed down so much that Keith found himself with nothing to do. When he had nothing to do he felt restless. 

Very, very, restless. 

Naturally, Keith was the type to like being alone, but as time went on and they worked on their friendships to utilize Voltron, he found himself seeking out company. It wasn’t always the same person either. 

Sometimes he would find Pidge and sit with her as she worked on a new gadget. Other times he would find Hunk in the kitchen working on weird creations that they could stomach to eat. Most times he sparred or walked around with Shiro talking to him, the other an integral part of his life even now. 

Then there was Lance. 

Lance was someone that really confused Keith at times. 

The way he moved, the things he said, and even down to the gestures he used at first had really grated on Keith’s nerves. But, over and over again Lance had pushed himself and had proven himself a big part of the team, integral to morale. 

He wasn’t sure when he started seeking out Lance before Shiro, but it had started to be a thing. 

“Keith. What are you doing?” Lance leaned over his shoulder. 

“Walking.”

“Walking? Well, don’t mind if I do!” Lance threw his arm over Keith’s shoulders. 

Keith bowed under the weight of Lance’s arm, leaning over a little. Lance got him moving again as they took a slow walk through the corridor together. They headed to nowhere in particular as they walked but it was nice to have that company. 

Lance was talking about something, but Keith didn’t have the fortitude to pay attention. Some of the things that he talked about sailed right over Keith’s head as well. 

“Hey are you listening?” 

“Uh. Yeah?” 

Lance studied him with that intent suspicious look on his face. “Oh yeah? Prove it.” 

Keith rolled his eyes and shifted, looking away. 

“I figured.” 

Lance rubbed a hand through Keith’s hair. 

Keith bristled. 

“Hey!” 

“Punishment for not listening!” Lance quipped gleefully as he kept ruffling Keith’s hair. 

Keith swatted at Lance, “Hey! I’m going to do that back to you and see how you like it!” 

Lance smiled tipping his chin up defiantly, “You’ll have to catch me first!” 

With that Lance took off down the corridor. 

Keith didn’t hesitate to give chase. 

It was admirable really. Keith was fast, but Lance was faster when he wanted to be. He was like an eel when he wasn’t caught off guard and he was quick to think. It was definitely hard to catch him, but after a good game of chase Keith pinned Lance to the wall of the ship with his hands on his shoulders. 

Instead of looking upset about it, Lance smiled at him a look of absolute glee on his face. 

“I caught you.” Keith gritted out. 

“You did.” Lance agreed. 

He wasn’t sure what to do now that he caught him, and it must have shown on his face because Lance looked smug. “What are you going to do with me now?” 

Keith couldn’t deny there was a spark of something there. He felt it at times like a knife digging between his ribs going straight for his heart. Right now was one of those times. 

What should I do with him? 

If Lance kept running, Keith knew he would chase. There was something satisfied inside him at this, so he just let it be what it was. He didn’t need to give names to things he felt, did he? 

“Keith? Buddy?”

Keith leaned forward and studied the planes of Lance’s face. For all his bragging Lance was very handsome, and he was confident about it. To some people that would be off putting, but Keith didn’t mind it. 

Not anymore. 

What would it be like to- 

“Earth to Keith.” Lance broke his thoughts open and Keith was brought back to the hallway with Lance. The blue lion pilot tipped his head to the side curiously. 

Why are you thinking about it? You’re never this curious, just go for it. 

Go for it, he did. 

Keith slipped closer to Lance making sure he didn’t slip loose at the last minute. Lance licked his lips and smiled nervously, “Uh Keith?” 

“Shut up.” Keith told him quietly. 

Lance went stock still, his eyes wide as Keith leaned forward and pressed his lips to his. Keith let his eyes slide shut, his hands fisting into Lance’s jacket as he pulled back slightly, before surging forward for another kiss. 

Hands gripped into the fabric of his own jacket, and it was only a beat before Lance was kissing him back.

“Wow. Didn’t realize my charm worked that well.” Lance mumbled, his cheeks flushed as they parted to catch their breath. 

Keith finally let him go and turned away his own cheeks flushed, “Shut up.” 

Note: If you don’t know the characters, here is a picture of them. Also never written for this show so...lol. There ya go.

@furokuro @jennoasis @thefirstknightofren

[sterlynwrites]

August 5 Kick

Title: Let’s Kick It Up

Series: RWBY 

Pairing: Yang Xiao Long / Blake Belladonna 

“Hey. We should do something.” Yang leaned over the porch swing over Blake’s shoulder. 

Blake’s cat ear closest to Yang flicked once, but otherwise Blake kept her eyes on the book in her lap. Yang grinned and leaned a little more on the porch swing beside her making the swing move just the tiniest bit. “Blakkkkkeeee.” 

Ignored. 

Yang smiled and turned her face towards her cheek. “Blake, he Blake?” 

She waved her hand in front of Blake’s face once again. 

Ignored. Again. 

Even though Blake knew her attention was wanted, the faunus was doing a really good job at ignoring her. 

Desperate times, and all that... 

Yang hopped over the back of the porch swing, settling next to Blake. Without her weight keeping the porch swing steady the swing hurtled backwards, nearly causing both of them to tumble out. 

“ACK!” Yang laughed, and turned looking to Blake who had the book clutched to her chest. Her ears stood straight up and her eyes were wide for a split second before Yang plucked the book out of her hands. 

“Yang!” 

Yang grinned and winked as she turned and looked at the book, “What did you find to read here? Hmm?” 

She skimmed the page as Blake tried to take the book back, she twisted in the seat and held out her arms so that Blake couldn’t take the book back. Blake leaned against her back, both arms reaching over her shoulder, “Hey I was reading that first!” 

“Now I’m reading it.” Yang teased her. 

“What are you going to do? Kick up a fuss?” She poked at her partner. 

“I can do more than kick up a fuss.” Blake warned her. 

“Oh?” Yang raised both eyebrows and feigned innocence. 

“Yeah!” 

Before she knew what hit her, Yang’s back was on the porch. She laid there with Blake straddling her waist, her shoulders pinned. All the blood she had in her body rushed to Yangs face. 

Blake leaned down, studying her as she smiled. 

“Hi.” 

“Hello Yang.” Blake leaned forward until the tips of their noses touched. 

Then, Blake plucked the book from her hand and slid off of her. 

“See. I have some follow through.” Blake told her as she slid back onto the porch swing, tucking her legs underneath her. 

Yang let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. 

“I guess you really do.” 

Note: If you don’t know these characters, here is a picture of them. 

@jennoasis @furokuro @thefirstknightofren

[sterlynwrites]

August 4 Poor

Title: Other Ways of Being Poor

Series: The Umbrella Academy 

Pairing: NONE (GASP!) 

No one likes being poor. 

Klaus had come to that realization when he had left his father’s house and started using liberally without dear old dad, Pogo or mom there to watch over him. 

Leaving the Umbrella Academy had meant freedom. 

But, it also meant no siblings, no money, and no security.  

He did what he had to in order to survive. 

At first, he had been okay. 

Haughty even. The first time he had bought a baggy full of pills Klaus took several of them. He had been high for days coming down in a bathroom in a club that he had passed out under the sink. The two men fucking using the sink nearly on top of him didn’t stop as he had shot up and cracked his head pretty good on the porcelain. 

“You good there?” Ben squatted just to the left of the door, hands in his hoodie, nose scrunched as he watched Klaus. 

He ignored the two men fucking. 

“M’ fine.” Klus mumbled as he scooted on the sticky floor away from the two lovers as he used the other sink to pull himself up. 

“Sure you are.” Ben had answered slowly as he stood up and reached out, half way he aborted the gesture. 

Dead people couldn’t give you a hand up. 

“How long have you been here?” Klaus asked, head full of cotton and mouth as dry as the Sahara. 

“Long enough.” Ben told him as Klaus stumbled out into the flashing lights of the club. He didn’t have to look to know that Ben followed him, unconcerned with the crowds and the press of bodies. 

No, the person Ben was concerned with was him. 

“Why don’t you just go home?” His brother had asked. 

“Why don’t you just go home?” Klaus mimicked as he turned and pulled out the baggy of pills from his pocket. 

“Freedom.” Klaus told him. 

“Freedom looks bad on you.” 

“What do you know?” Klaus snapped at him. 

Ben just raised an eyebrow and Klaus groaned raking his free hand through is hair as he turned away, shamed. “Sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean that.” 

His brother hadn’t lived long enough to get a taste of freedom. 

Freedom tasted a lot like bile rising in the back of his throat at the moment. 

That, and bad choices. 

Klaus leaned over and puked his guts out. Ben stepped back as if Klaus would actually get his shoes dirty. “Gross.” 

They stayed in the alley way beside the club for thirty minutes. 

“You know. You could always...Poof...” Klaus waved his hand around him gesturing to the sky. 

“And leave you alone? Wouldn’t dream of it.” 

Klaus sighed and slid down the wall. 

“Why does everything suck so bad?” Klaus mumbled into the top of his knees as he held them to his chest, shaking. 

“Because you wanted freedom.” 

“I didn’t realize that I would become so poor.” Klaus muttered burying his nose into the side of his knee. 

“There are several ways to be poor. You just chose the most literal one.” Ben told him sagely as he sat across from him in the alley ignoring the mess that Klaus had made between them. 

“What does that mean?” Klaus shook as he pulled the baggy out and looked at the pills. 

Maybe one more than last time would do him in. Then he wouldn’t have to deal with whatever this was that made his life so rough anymore. 

“Well, when you were at the Umbrella Academy with all our brothers and sisters you were still poor. You were just poor in a different way. This? Everything you’ve been doing for the past couple of weeks? You don’t have stability, but you’re poor.” 

“It almost sounds like you don’t want me to go back home.” Klaus chuckled. 

“I never said that. But, there are some lessons that maybe you just can’t learn unless you live through them. I have a feeling this is yours.” Ben sighed as he tapped his hands on his thighs. 

“I don’t like you very much right now.” Klaus rubbed at his eyes. 

“I don’t like you very much either, but here we are.” Ben spread his fingers wide as he gave a small smile. 

Klaus leaned back listening to the bass and just tried not to think about anything at all. 

Note: If you don’t know these characters here is a picture of them. 

@jennoasis @furokuro @thefirstknightofren

[sterlynwrites]

August 3 Summon

Title: Did I Summon You From My Thoughts?

Series: Six of Crows

Pairing: Kaz Brekker / Inej Ghafa

It was late. 

Or, if you weren’t Kaz Brekker, it was probably early as people started to move about outside on the street. He had been up almost all night going over the next job that he had coming up. One day he wouldn’t have to do this, one day he would be the one giving orders. 

However, even though he still found himself held to certain expectations, Kaz also had his fair share of being a leader to deal with. More and more requests were coming to him personally instead of through their leader. 

Word on the street is Dirtyhands will do anything and get it done right. 

He took pride in that. 

He did. 

Kaz would become so big that he could take care of his problems and grip into Ketterdam and make his word absolute law. Of course, that is what he told himself. 

I’m not stupid to think I could do so alone. 

“How long have you been working Kaz?” The soft voice of his wraith greeted him from the window, startling him at first, but he tamped down on it as he looked at the young lady sitting on the edge of the window. 

“Didn’t feel like using a real door?” He asked, raising a brow at her. 

Inej. 

If there was one person he could count on to stay at his side, it was her. She had been one of the best investments he had made from the Menagerie and Tante Heleen. She had proven her worth over and over again. She also kept to her own moral values no matter how hard Kaz pushed her. 

She always impressed him. 

“No gloves today?” She asked tipping her head to the side as her eyes roved over his hands as if checking for the affliction that scarred them. Finding none, her eyes linked back with his as she braced herself against the window pane and pulled one leg up, wrapping her arms around it. 

“Did you finish what I asked of you?” 

Always to the point. Can’t you do better than that? 

Of course he couldn’t do better. 

If he showed her favoritism in such a way it would damn them both. Having a weakness exposed was like giving everyone a way to cut off your head from behind without you even noticing. Kaz knew that and yet. 

“I found something out, but it’s not the sort of thing that can’t wait until you’ve rested.” 

“Bold of you to assume I haven’t.” 

She turned her dark eyes on him, as she brushed her tight braid over her shoulder, “I know you Kaz Brekker.” 

I know you. 

Even though she said that, both of them knew it was the superficial know. It wasn’t the type of know that afforded her the intimacy to worry about him. But, then again she knew enough about him to know if she was out, he would work until he saw her again. 

Weariness started to settle on his shoulders. 

“I’ll finish up what I’m working on, then I want to listen to what you have to say.” Kaz told her. 

Inej hummed and let her left left dip into the room, the other pulled to her chest as she shut her eyes. The morning sun was just starting to rise and cast its glow into the room. Soon he’d be able to snuff out the lamp and continue well on into the day if needed. 

When Kaz was finally done, he turned to look at Inej. 

She looked at ease on her perch, resting as she waited for him to summon her again. It was hard to convince himself when he looked upon her that he hadn’t summoned her right out of his head into real life. She was beautiful, did her job, and she said she knew him. Any young man would find that admirable in a girl who committed herself into his hands to do his work. 

His fingers twitched. 

I want to touch her. 

He looked down at his palms, and opened and closed his fingers as he shook his head slowly. He couldn’t touch her with his hands, he couldn’t because any time he touched someone with his hands- 

Jordie. 

Bile rose up in the back of his throat as he took a breath. He looked back at Inej, her dark eyes on him. 

How long had she been watching? 

It didn’t matter. 

“We have work to do.” 

Note: If you do not know the characters, here is a picture! 

@jennoasis @furokuro @thefirstknightofren

[sterlynwrites]

August 2 Move

Title: Visit, Explore, and Move

Series: Yuri!! on Ice

Pairing: Christophe Giacometti / Yuuri Katsuki

It had been a long season that year and Christophe was glad that things had calmed down. Sure, there were a few Ice Shows he could work on, but he had only chosen one. 

In fact, he had gone early to Hasetsu so that when they all met up to talk about the logistics he would be more than ready to offer his input. After all, wasn’t that what friends were for? 

Victor would have more than a good idea of what he wanted, but Chris knew there were details his friend, in his over eagerness and Yuuri’s love, would forget. They were just that excitable about the whole thing, and he would also be able to corral everyone else. 

They were his two favorite people. Both were good friends, and even better partners when they came together. 

But, Victor probably wouldn’t have time to come out and play with them. 

When the first night came around and Chris saw that certain look in Victor’s eyes, he sighed and shook his head with a smile turning to Yuuri, “Since Victor will spend his time working on something crazy in secret for his own ice show, how about we go out on the town just us?” 

Yuuri looked to Victor who nodded, “Come back later and we can all spend the night catching up.” 

That had been all that it took to get Yuuri on his arm showing him around Hasetsu. It was a formality as he visited infrequently when he had an excuse to see his favorite two people. 

“Is there a place to dance?” 

“Not really.” Yuuri told him quietly. 

“Oh Hasetsu...” Chris moaned out as he shook his head and pursed his lips. It was an older town for sure, but there had to be something besides drinking that they could do. 

“Yuuri, there has to be a place we can dance.” Chris pressed his free hand on the top of Yuuri’s arm. 

Yuuri paused in thought for a second, and then he turned, “Let’s go this way.” 

It was a quiet walk as Yuuri had that determined look in his eye. Chris hadn’t been expecting magic, but when Yuuri stopped at a door and took out his keys, he found one and opened it. He reached around and flicked on the lights. 

Chris blinked, “A ballet studio?” 

“You said you wanted to dance,” Yuuri pointed out. 

Chris tossed back his head and laughed. Not the type of dancing he was into, but Yuuri had done what the other asked of him, “Let’s go inside.” 

The studio was old, but well kept. Chris had seen Yuuri’s former ballet instructor, and she obviously cared a lot for this place. Everything was older, but kept in good condition. It smelled as if the studio had just been freshly redone with paint. 

“We helped Minako paint earlier this week, sorry if it still stinks.” 

“No, it’s fine.” 

Yuuri held out his hand, “Phone?” 

Chris fished into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a phone. Yuuri took it and then moved to a large stereo system, grabbing an aux cord as he plugged it in. He motioned to Chris, “All yours.” 

Chris wandered over and unlocked the phone putting on a play list. 

Slow sensual music flooded the room. 

Chris whistled, “Sounds great in here.” 

“Minako only works with the best equipment.” Murmured Yuuri. 

Chris’s eyes scanned over Yuuri’s lithe form with a small grin. 

I don’t doubt that. 

Yuuri looked around and then looked back at Chris, “Um, so you wanted to dance?” 

“Come here.” Chris drew Yuuri to him, enjoying the fit of the slightly smaller man against himself, as he rocked back and forth. Again, not the type of dance he’d normally do, but he wouldn’t put Yuuri in that kind of position. 

However, that didn’t stop him from drawing his hands from Yuuri’s shoulders, down his back. The younger man flushed as he ducked his head and Chris chuckled softly, his hands exploring the planes of Yuuri’s back through his thin jacket. “What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing.” Yuuri squeaked as Chris’s hands went lower, lower, and lower still grabbing a hand full of the Japanese skater’s ass. 

Yuuri’s back went ram rod straight as he let out a noise, and Chris squeezed gently. 

“Chris...” Yuuri shivered pressing more firmly up against him. 

“It’s such a shame that Victor is missing out, isn’t it?” Chris asked as he brushed his hands up to Yuuri’s lower waist as they swayed to the music. 

“Yes...It is, but I don’t mind private time with you.” 

Chris smiled and leaned forward to give Yuuri a kiss. 

Note: If you don’t know these characters, here is Chris and here is Yuuri. Taken from this post please go like and reblog there. 

@jennoasis @furokuro @thefirstknightofren

[sterlynwrites]

August 1 Damaged

Title: Echoes of Damage 

Series: Foxhole Court 

Pairing:  Jeremy Knox / Jean Moreau 

Jeremy found himself staring at Jean when the former Edgar Allen exy player wasn’t looking. He hadn’t understood the gravity of the task he had been handed. 

All he had done was tell Kevin he would take in Jean, but the reality was so much worse than he could have imagined when Kevin had brought Jean to come see him after the paperwork was signed. 

It was a nightmare. 

The other was black and blue head to toe, at least what he could see that wasn’t covered in bandages. It had been hard to be bright and sunny after seeing the darkness that Jean had survived and the fact that Kevin had known had stung a bit, 

But, they had done what they needed to and gotten him to some place where Jean could lie low and heal. Next fall he would start for their team and that would be that. They would enjoy having someone that capable, and when the other was ready he would be a force to be reckoned with in colors other than black and red. 

He huffed as he watched Jean scrimmage on the court. 

Jean had come a long way since then and he hit his trauma well. Most people did Jeremy supposed. 

But Jean put one foot in front of the other and continued to work himself hard. 

Where he had once been standoffish, he was now a calm bark worse than his bite type. The others had seen the bruises at some point but the good thing about college sports was people liked to close ranks. 

So the Trojans had closed ranks around Jean. 

They had all learned to speak softer to him, make telegraphed movements during practice, and give him praise. Plenty of praise. 

“You know...This team is so different. I expected you all to be like the Ravens. I thought no team could possibly be as close as the Foxes. But yet here we are.” Jean had told him one night he had stepped out of a party with a bottle of vodka.

“Well thank goodness for that. From what little you’ve told me I think I can stomach being different from the Ravens.” Jeremy had smiled at him and shook his head slowly. 

Jean had cracked a small smile himself. 

That had been the night that had been one that Jeremy would remember forever. Jean had leaned forward and pressed his face into Jeremy’s neck and he had dropped the bottle of vodka, his arms winding around Jeremy, “Thank you for taking me in.”  “Jean you are amazing and anyone would be happy to have you.” 

“You know what I mean.” Jean murmured quietly. 

Jeremy settled in as the other clung to him and he felt the tears soak into his thin tank top. His fingers brushed over the slow growing hair on Jean’s scalp. 

There will be a day where his movement won’t scream damaged. 

I’ll make sure that I am here for that. 

Note: If you don’t know the character here is a picture of them. 

@jennoasis @furokuro

[sterlynwrites]

So. July Challenge End Results

So, thank you to those of you that have stuck around and read my stuff. I know not all of it is everyone’s tea, but to be honest I am not writing these for anyone in particular. 

Most, I write for myself. 

The fact that I get some likes here or there makes me smile and I am glad that you enjoyed some of my stuff I wrote. 

What’s next? 

Well today we will be posting another list of words and starting for August. 

Also I am working on a Big Bang for All for the Game, so if you like my AFTG content, please stay tuned because at the end of this month we will be posting that up with the accompanying art! 

:D See you in a few hours! 

[sterlynwrites]

July 2020 Writing Challenge

I have decided with friends to work on a small drabble/ficlet challenge for the month of June. I’m already a few days behind, but I think I can catch up pretty quickly. Here is the list of prompts: 

1. Loyalty - Kuroko No Basuke (Aomine/Kuroko)

2. Rain - Yuri on Ice (Otabek Altin / Yuri Plisetsky) 

3. Astound - Resident Evil (Albert Wesker / Chris Redfield) 

4. Luck - RWBY (Clover Ebi / Crow Branwen) 

5. Elation - Tales of Vesperia (Yuri Lowell/Flynn Scifo) 

6. Party  - Persona 5 (Goro Akechi / Akira Kurusu) 

7. Comfort - Haikyuu!! (Hajime Iwaizumi / Tooru Oikawa)

8. Weather - Red White and Royal Blue (Alex Diaz / Henry) 

9. Spicy - Axis Powers Hetalia ( Russia / America -IF YOU SQUINT- ) 

10. Full Moon - MCU (Bucky Barnes / Steve Rogers) 

11. Pancake - Final Fantasy (Ignis Scientia / Noctis Lucis Caelum) 

12. Wolf - Tales of Xilia (Gaius / Jude Mathis) 

13. Nimble - Tales of Zesteria (Sorey / Mikleo) 

14. Punk - Promare - (Galo Thymos  / Lio Fotia) 

15. Quirky - Katekyo Hitman Reborn (Byakuran / Tsuna Sawada) 

16. Riot - Foxhole Court (Andrew Minyard / Neil Josten) 

17. Suppress - Captive Prince (Damen / Laurent) 

18. Grow - Foxhole Court (Andrew / Kevin / Neil ) 

19. Lecture - Katekyo Hitman Reborn (Adult! Reborn/Tsuna Sawada) 

20. Paint - Yuri On Ice (Victor Nikiforov / Yuuri Katsuki) 

21. Delirious - Persona 5 (Akira Kurusu / Yusuke Kitagawa) 

22. Book - Assassination Classroom (Akabane Karma/Nagisa Shiota)

23. Brooch - RWBY (Oscar Pine/Ruby Rose) 

24. Leather - Dramatical Murder (Trip/Virus/Aoba)  **

25. Wicked - The Raven Cycle (Adam Parrish / Ronan Lynch) 

26. Practice - Tales of Vesperia (Schwann Oltorain / Flynn Scifo) 

27. Tall - Foxhole Court (Matt Boyd / Neil Josten) -Kind of-

28. Depress - Jojo’s Bizzarre Adventure (Jotaro Kuji/Kakyoin Noriaki)

29. Butterfly - Mystic Messenger (Saeran / MC) 

30. Love - The Song of Achilles (Achilles / Patroclus) 

31. Again  - Haikyuu!! (Tetsurou Kuroo / Kenma Kozume) 

Each prompt will be linked on here along with the fandom and pairing if applicable. :D 

** = READ THE WARNING 

[sterlynwrites]

July 31st Again

Title: Do it Again 

Series: Haikyuu!! 

Pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou / Kenma Kozume 

High school and come and gone for Kenma without much fan faire. 

Of course he had made friends that would last a life time. 

But, it was easier to say he was stuck with them because they were like stray cats that never found a proper home. They had instead rallied around him in a way that had been annoying, but became less so by the time they had graduated. 

Lev was once such person, who continued to send texts every day, sometimes upwards of twelve when he was particularly into something. 

Shouyo had continued to talk to him and kept him apprised of his senior year at Karasuno. While they were opposites in personality, there was something so infectious about Hinata. He was so into volleyball and he was just very enthusiastic about life in general. 

It was nice sometimes to have someone like that in his life. 

“Kenma...” 

Then there was this menace. 

Kenma would have liked to think he had the art of ignoring Kuroo down, and he did. But, the other had proven to evolve his methods more and more lately. This time his voice was right near his ear causing the smaller man to shiver as he paused his game and pushed at Kuroo’s chest. 

“You almost made me lose my perfect streak.” 

Kuroo gently tugged his psp vita out from his hands as he gave a deep throaty chuckle. “Sorry, sorry. But you said for an hour, it’s my turn now.” 

His turn. 

Hah. 

“We just have the summer before I end up having to go off to college. We should spend as much time together.” Kuroo hummed as he tugged Kenma closer by the collar of his t-shirt. 

“Oh?” Kenma mumbled as Kuroo crowded into his space. 

The other smelled of something sweet. 

A berry of some sort over his usual musk? Strawberry? 

Kuroo kissed, him and Kenma hummed into the kiss as he let his eyes slide shut. They did this again and again as if they were imprinting on each other. It had been awkward at first, and Kenma had thought it would twist their friendship into something unrecognizable. But, it hadn’t. 

It felt good. 

So why not. 

Kuroo pulled back and tapped his forehead, “I can hear you thinking from here.” 

Kenma wrinkled his nose, “No.” 

“Yes.” 

“No.” 

“Yes.” 

But, then again Kuroo knew him the best. Knew how to read him, and could see through him a mile away. That’s why Kenma was powerless against him. He wound his arms around Kuroo’s broad shoulders and shifted closer to him. Kuroo let out a shaky breath. “I love you.” 

I know you do. 

Kenma hummed and gave him his answer in no less than one hundred kisses as time slipped by. At least when he had stopped actively counting, choosing to go more instinctive and leave his thoughts at the door. 

As they both lie next to each other, Kuroo tugged a strand of his hair. “Are you going to color it again.” 

Kenma hummed, turned on his side and buried his face against Kuroo’s shoulder. 

They could talk about tedious stuff later.

  Note: If you don’t know the characters. Here is a picture of them. 

@jennoasis @furokuro

[sterlynwrites]

July 30 Love

Title: Heavy Is the Word Love

Series: The Song of Achilles 

Pairing: Achilles / Patroclus 

It was early morning. 

Patroclus hummed as his eyes opened and he turned on his side towards the warmth beside him. Achilles was a deep sleeper sometimes, and since they had come to train he definitely worked himself harder than ever, so there were few nights when they didn’t stumble back into their dwelling and pass out. 

This happened sometimes before dinner much to Chiron’s amusement. 

Last night had been different. 

Last nigh had been- 

‘She says - I asked her if she watches us here.’ 

‘She says she does not.’ 

The words had hung over them heavy for a split second. Patroclus wasn’t sure who had moved first, but it hadn’t matter. 

He and Achilles had come together in a tangle of limbs, teeth and adoration. 

They had completed each other well into the night glad that Chiron had been out for some reason for another. Also, it helped that Patroclus wouldn’t have to deal with Thetis. 

A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of the nereid. 

She would be furious. 

She would have killed him. 

But, as Patroclus watched over his golden haired other worldly partner, it was hard not to be in awe of him. He had been surprised when Achilles had picked him to be his therapon. From then on he had been full of the other boy and by his side. 

Growing up with him had been a pleasure, and the pleasure had culminated to last night. 

I love you. 

He couldn’t say the words but he felt their echo in his heart and allowed them to take wings of their own. 

I love all of you. 

“Patroclus?” 

Achilles murmured softly, as he reached up. Sword calloused fingertips brushed over his cheek. Patroclus let his eyes flutter closed as he leaned down into the hand on his cheek. “Good Morning, Achilles.” 

In the dim light of the dawning sun, Patroclus gazed upon the only person that held his heart in his palm. His heart was safe here with him in the quiet light of morning, and it would be safer still as Achilles took it with him everywhere he went. 

Patroclus would follow him. 

I would do anything for him. 

Wasn’t that was love was ? What people wanted love to be? 

But, Patroclus didn’t have to wonder. 

It was here. 

He was home. 

Note: If you don’t know these characters, they are here. 

@furokuro @jennoasis

[sterlynwrites]

July 29 Butterfly

Title: Like a Caged Butterfly 

Series: Mystic Messenger

Pairing: Ray / MC 

It was 3 a.m. when Saeran finished his work. 

He headed down the hallway of the compound by himself, adjusting his suit jacket. Of course, he was annoyed with everything and everyone at this point. It was just par the course for what had been happening since she had shown up. 

Ray that good for nothing shameful part of him always turned his thoughts towards that girl. 

She was a nuisance. 

Expendable. 

Yet, why did his heart beat a little faster each and every time he saw her? 

Why did his cheeks flush? 

Why did time seem to stop when she turned and looked up at him? 

He knew why. 

He tried to ignore the answer, and that led to several slips. 

She was his butterfly to crush within his hand or to let flutter around the cage of her room until he wanted her again. She wouldn’t ever belong to anyone else but him, and she would be so wrapped up in him when he was through that she would have no one else she could rely on. 

She would be weak, but she would rely on him. 

The worst mistake I made was letting her realize they were real and that this wasn’t a game. 

She had forged connections with the RFA and now she had a crutch in the most formative time. He had removed it for now, but she was still staying strong. 

How annoying. 

Didn’t she know that staying strong would make the process of breaking her that much more painful? 

Well, if she didn’t she would. 

He took the key from his pocket and quietly opened the door to her room. The room was dark, and she must have been asleep already because it was so late. Saeran shut the door behind himself and slipped out of his shoes. 

There should be time. 

Saeran was exhausted. Seeing her curled up on the bed under the sheets made him feel even more annoyed. She didn’t have to work as hard as he did. She could stay in this room and didn’t have anything to upset her or harm her. 

He had taken away her food, but she had been fed nonetheless. 

Taking a breath, Saeran looked over her face in the dim light of the room and touched a strand of her hair. 

So fragile and strong at the same time. 

So beautiful. 

Saeran leaned down and watched her as she shifted and turned on her back, her chest rising and falling slowly. He must have been tired, because he stood up and moved around to the edge of the bed. He unhooked and buttoned his jacket, loosened his tie and crawled onto the pillow princess bed settling down behind her. 

She made a noise, and he wrapped an arm around her waist and buried his nose against the back of her neck where he had bitten a bruise into her. 

As sleep washed over him, Saeran knew only one word to describe her as he drifted off into sleep. 

Mine.

Note: If you don’t know the characters here they are. 

@furokuro @jennoasis

[sterlynwrites]

July 28 Depress

Title: Remembering You

Series: Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure

Pairing: Mention of Jotaro/Kakyoin

“Hey, have you seen Jotaro?” Holly asked her father. 

Joseph looked up from where he lounged on the porch, looking at his daughter over his shoulder. “It’s been about a year since you were sick, right?” 

It had been. 

He knew it. 

Holly smiled, “Yes, I noticed that Jotaro seemed a little grumpy, you don’t think he’s worried that I might get sick again do you?” 

“I think that might be part of it.” Joseph hummed and adjusted his hat over his face. 

A year ago Holly had been sick because of Dio, and they had gone to Egypt to put a stop to him. They had lost so many people along the way, and Jotaro had lost Kakyoin. 

I understand how that feels to lose someone close to you. 

“Well I’ll make sure and cook him something extra delicious tonight.” Holly hummed happily as she wiped her hands on her apron and spun on her heel to go and work in the kitchen. 

She was always so happy, and Joseph understood what it was like to be content with your partner. 

He thought about his own Suzi and shook his head smiling faintly. He missed her, but- 

But...

Jotaro stood in front of a flower shop. The person at the front of the store stood off to the side watching him intently. He could feel her eyes on him, as he stood looking at the flowers. 

What am I doing here? 

What was he doing there? Why did it even matter? 

“Excuse me young man.” An old man stepped out from the inside of the store. 

Jotaro shoved his hands into his pockets as he turned to address him, silently. The older man smiled at him and touched the young woman’s arm, “I’ll help him.” 

The young woman nodded and walked quickly inside. 

“You were making her uncomfortable with your staring.” The old man explained kindly. 

Jotaro looked over his shoulder to the woman who turned and busied herself with an arrangement that she had probably been working on before he had showed up. The old man smiled, “So you seem the type that has trouble picking out flowers and might not want to admit that in front of a girl.” 

That’s not it. 

Of course, he wouldn’t protest. The old man could think what he liked. It didn’t make it true. The old man turned and looked around, at the flowers, “So what type of girl is she?” 

“It’s not for a girl.” 

“A friend then? What are you trying to say?” The old man asked. 

Jotaro stood there and adjusted his cap to cover his eyes. What did he want to do? Did he really need to do anything at all? 

“They went away to somewhere I can’t follow.” He said simply. 

The old man smiled sadly, “I see. Well! That helped me narrow it down a little bit. Wait one minute.” 

The old man had gone back into the shop and he had come out a couple moments later with a small bouquet of flowers. “Here you go.” 

“How much?” 

“Don’t worry about that. I get the feeling you don’t do this very often. Whoever those flowers are really going to I’m sure will appreciate it.” He told Jotaro.

The walk to the cemetery was both the longest and shortest walk Jotaro had taken in a long while. School had been a great distraction until he found himself getting closer and closer to the year mark of when they had journeyed to Egypt. 

The dreams had started first. 

It would have been better if they had been nightmares in all honesty, but of course they had been good memories. Things that Jotaro should have been okay with remembering, but they made his chest hurt all the more. 

He passed the cemetery gates and quietly went on his way. 

Jotaro had only been there once before. 

It was depressing to think one of the people he was closest with was now here. 

It had been too soon. 

They hadn’t had enough time. 

It took just a little bit for him to find the grave marker. 

Someone had been by to clean it already, and there were a few trinkets that Kakyoin probably would have liked or enjoyed when he was alive. It had probably been from relatives or some of his friends at his school. 

Jotaro looked down at the pink and red carnations in his hand as he quietly put them in the holders and adjusted them. He looked at the flowers and touched one of the petals with the tip of his pointer finger. 

“I miss you.” Jotaro murmured softly. 

Note: If you do not know the characters, here is Kakyoin and here is Jotaro. 

@jennoasis @furokuro @thefirstknightofren

[sterlynwrites]

July 27 Tall

Title: Tall Has Nothing to do with It

Series: Foxhole Court

Pairing: Matt Boyd / Neil Josten 

Towards the end of Neil’s first year at Palmetto, Neil sat in the girl’s room back resting against the bottom of the couch. Andrew was having an okay day, so they had ventured over on an invite from Dan. 

This had gotten a few surprised looks from Dan, Matt and Allison. 

Renee had just smiled and opened the door for them. 

“Wow, you actually came.” 

Andrew stared flatly at Matt who grinned apologetically, holding up his hands, “Okay. Sorry.” 

Placated, Andrew had proceeded to sit next to Renee after snagging one of the unopened beers on the table. He popped the tab and took a drink, raising an eyebrow at Neil. 

Another reason Neil liked Andrew is that most of the time a look conveyed everything that he wanted to say. 

Are you going to drink? 

Neil shook his head and motioned to the ground in front of him and cocked his head to the side. 

Can I sit in front of you? 

Andrew rolled his eyes and sat back more firmly into the couch. “Yes.” 

That was how the night started. 

However, at some point Matt had convinced Neil to have at least one beer. Neil wrinkled his nose at the taste, but kept nursing it. 

“Drink up, you don’t want to let it get warm. It tastes like shit if it does.” Matt told Neil settling onto the floor beside him. Dan had taken up the edge of the table closest to Matt nodding as she took a few sips of her own beer. 

“This is boring. Let’s do something more productive.” Allison griped. 

“What do you have in mind?” Renee asked. 

“Drinking game.” Allison tapped one of her nails on the arm of the chair she was draped in. 

Andrew sighed and watched them all, picking up another beer. 

Beer really didn’t do too much to the blond, and Neil felt safer with him there. Though, really, what was there to be afraid of these days. 

His father was dead. 

Lola was dead. 

Riko was dead. 

The others already knew everything about him, so he could do things like play a drinking game and not worry about being the buzz kill or giving more information that would get someone hurt. 

In for an ounce, in for a pound. 

Neil looked up and back over his shoulder. 

“Are you going to be okay with this?” Neil asked. 

Andrew just stared at him and shrugged, “It’s your funeral. You have no tolerance to speak of and you want to play a drinking game with your foxes. Don’t cry to me when they get dirt on you.” 

That was how in the end Neil found himself buzzed, pressed between Matt and Dan. 

It was amazing how sitting between tall people could make a smaller person feel. Both Dan and Matt were strong and their brightness always made him smile. His face ached from smiling so much, but that could have easily been from the beer. 

“All right so it’s my turn.” Matt adjusted  the long bottled fizzy drink bottles they had been chasing harder liquor with just a while ago. Allison had the bright idea of playing spin the bottle. Something the others had tried to veto, but as usual, Allison got her way and the others settled in to swap a bit of good natured spit. 

Neil wasn’t really interested, but Andrew hadn’t protested, but then again Andrew hadn’t been picked. 

He didn’t want to be picked. 

Neil was a little dubious about being skipped a few times already. 

Maybe he was just that lucky? 

But, all good things had to come to an end. 

Matt spun the bottle and it went round, and round, and round. 

...The bottle stopped on. Neil...

Neil looked up at his large teammate as the girls screamed around them. Dan pounded her fist on the floor and Neil turned his eyes towards Andrew. 

Andrew regarded him for a moment, and Matt turned, “Are you going to punch me if I kiss you boyfriend?” 

Neil was surprised at the twitch of something from Andrew. 

“By all means Boyd.” Andrew waved his hand flippantly. 

Matt turned to him, “Neil. You going to catch feelings if I kiss you?” 

Neil rolled his eyes, “Of course I am. You are just that sexy.” 

Matt tossed back his head and laughed. “If it happens let me stand behind you so Andrew doesn’t punch me.” 

“He’d reach anyway.” Neil hummed as he turned looking up at Matt. 

His stomach clenched as his friend licked his lips, kept his hands planted firmly in his own lap and leaned forward. Neil let his eyes shut as he felt the gentle press of Matt’s to his own. His stomach felt suddenly like he had been dropped down the highest point of a roller coaster, his heart clenched in his chest, and his cheeks felt hot. 

Of course, that was all probably because these were the people who loved him and made him feel like more than just a name on paperwork. 

The kiss was over just as quick as it had happened. 

“Awww Boyd that’s weak, I thought we’d get to see you make out with Neil. You know, full meal.” Allison teased as she pressed her glass against her cheek. 

Matt grinned, “No one but Dan gets my full meal kisses.” 

“Aww babe.” Dan cooed. 

As the others talked Neil touched his lips with the tips of his fingers, and looked to Andrew. 

That was surprising. 

Andrew gave him the barest hint of a smirk.

“Also, I don’t have a death wish.” Matt added with a grin and a wink in Neil and Andrew’s direction.  

Note: If you don’t know the characters here is a picture of them. 

@jennoasis @furokuro @thefirstknightofren