#And I never said I’d be alright / just thought I could hold myself together

[doehoney]

me & my dog by boygenius maybe the best song ever made i fear

[dandelions-fly-in-summer-skies]

hardest decision…

Mwhaha I’m evil now CHOOSE

[lucydacusgirl]

me & my dog // anti-curse

[thensingsmysoull]

day 2 of the record. still not over letter to an old poet

[turtletaubwrites]

Numbers Game ~ Part 6

Numbers Game Masterlist

Pairings: Cross Guild x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2864

Ao3 Link

Summary: You are tempted by Crocodile and Mihawk's offer. What would your sister say about you now?

Rating/Warnings: Explicit Sexual Content, 18+ ONLY, MDNI, AFAB!Reader, She/Her Pronouns for Reader, Reader-Insert, Alcohol, Cigars, Swearing, Angst, Smut, Established Relationship, Manipulation, Humiliation, Pet Names, Power Imbalance, Cross Guild boys are VILLAINS, Guilt, Possessive Behavior, Teasing, Threats, Size Difference, Dom Dracule Mihawk, Cuckolding, Vaginal Fingering, Biting

A/N: I feel like my brain has been scraped out and replaced with this fucking fic, lol. I hope you enjoy the ride 🖤

| masterlist | about me | rules | ao3 | ko-fi |

“You heard him,” Mihawk tutted, gesturing lazily. “The clown wants to watch us take care of you. No reason to feel guilty then.”

It felt like every part of your body was clenched together, shaking with more intense need than you ever thought possible. You were a raw fucking nerve.

“Let her be, Mihawk,” Crocodile sighed, but his large hand still burned your shoulder. “Just tell us when you’re ready.”

Buggy’s eyes had fallen away from you, staring at the coffee table. 

Your mouth opened and closed again, nothing but air coming out. 

“Of course, Crocodile. All we’re here to do is take care of our little treasure. I’d never want to start before she’s ready,” Mihawk drawled, leaning away from you as he sipped his wine, humming to himself before continuing.

“But I believe you are ready, aren’t you, little rabbit? I believe the only reason you’re not begging right now is because your body is aching so badly you can’t speak.”

Your lip quivered, the smallest whimper you’d ever heard pushed from your throat.

“Is that true, darlin,” Crocodile soothed, his low voice vibrating through you. “Do you want us to help you out?”

You didn’t know why you were stuck. Every part of you was screaming, ‘yes.’ But you’d piled so much guilt onto yourself over the past few days. And there was Buggy.

When Buggy had looked you in the eyes, and said he wanted to watch, your stomach twisted with something that wasn't guilt.

You managed to move, bringing your shaky hands up to cover your face.

“Alright, Miss Y/N,” Crocodile said, patting your back before removing the warmth of his hand. “Let’s call it a night.”

“Give her a few minutes. She’s almost there.” 

Mihawk sounded almost bored again. Detached. He’d stopped touching you, and his voice had lost its teasing tone. 

You could leave. You could go to bed. 

You wondered what your sister would say about you now.

That there’s something wrong with me. That I got myself into this fucked up situation. That I’ve got some kind of death wish.

Your hands dropped down to your lap, shaky breaths bringing you back.

Back to your body that was vibrating with near painful need.

There probably is something wrong with me.

You dug your nails into your thighs, shivering from the sensation.

But I might as well enjoy it. 

“Please.”

The word was barely audible, so you cleared your throat.

“Whatd'ya need, sweet girl,” Crocodile asked, his voice making your eyes flutter.

You looked up, Buggy’s eyes almost wild as he watched you. Your breath caught, losing momentum under his gaze. 

But he nodded. The corner of his mouth pulled into a smile, not of sadness, or joy, or anger. But of acceptance. 

A weight lifted. Parts of your brain tried to hold it there, to keep you feeling guilty. 

“What would you like, Miss Y/N?”

Mihawk’s voice made you sigh, even without its devious pressure.

You leaned back against the couch, the scent of these two men like some heady bait, luring you toward the hook.

Maybe you wanted to be caught.

“I want you to take care of me.”

It felt like you were a puppet, and all of your strings had been tied together, leaving your body trapped, frozen. 

Speaking those words cut your strings, and your body came loose, almost limp now as you felt free from your own bindings. 

Free to follow their strings now, and beg to be caught on their hook.

Crocodile shifted in his seat, turning toward you. His fingers trailed through your hair, coming to rest on your neck again.

He leaned down over you, kissing your temple.

“You’re our girl now, Y/N. I’ll make sure you get everything your pretty little heart wants.”

Mihawk startled you as he took your hand, laying a soft kiss on your knuckles.

“He’s right. You’re ours.”

His gaze was heavy, almost frightening again. Until this man who never smiles gave you a wicked smirk.

“Although, it’s not your heart that’s doing the wanting right now, is it? What does my little vixen crave?”

Once again, all he’d done was touch your hand, look at you, say a few words. But your head fell back onto Crocodile’s hand, and your mouth parted as you fought to keep your eyes on his.

He stared at your mouth, eyes focusing as you pressed your tongue out slightly to wet your lips. 

He squeezed your hand, tilting his head. Reminding you that he’d asked you a question.

“Please, sir. I want you to touch me.”

Oh, the thrill you felt at the way Hawkeye fucking Mihawk reacted to your words. He sucked in a breath, eye’s fluttering as he looked up slightly. 

It all looked muted, as if he had caught himself.

“Crocodile, I’m going to take care of our girl. Do you accept, or are we going to have a battle every night?”

Every night?

“I’ll watch the show, for now.”

He squeezed your neck, his gaze heavy on your skin. 

“Perfect. There is something I’ve been curious about,” Mihawk mused, bringing a hand to your jaw to tilt you toward him. 

You stopped breathing as he pressed a gentle kiss to your lips, his mustache and goatee lightly tickling your skin. 

It was almost chaste, until his tongue found its way into your mouth, dancing with yours. There was a rhythm to his kiss, and you could feel it slowly build. Like an ember into a wildfire, the heat grew until you were reaching for him, soft whines in your throat.

Then you moaned into his mouth, your eyes flying open to see his squinting slightly, almost mischievous. 

His fingers were under your dress, sliding easily between your thighs, the evidence of your need leaving you drenched.

You ate the satisfied hum from his mouth before he pulled away from the kiss. 

“Magnificent,” he purred, withdrawing his fingers from your thighs to hold them in front of your face.

Your skin flushed, and you pressed your knees together, embarrassment pulling at you.

“Our little pet may have ruined your coat,” Mihawk chuckled, spreading his fingers to show the other man the thick strings of slick, dripping down his hand onto your lap. 

The scarred man gave you a crooked smile, touching his hook to your chin. 

“Our sweet girl can get the money back for us, huh, sugar,” he teased, the potential threat only speeding your pulse. “Besides, we weren’t taking care of you. You should have told us how needy you were.”

He kissed the top of your head again as Mihawk reached down for more, letting his wet fingers shine in the light. 

“Did she ever get this wet for you, clown?”

You tensed, meeting Buggy’s eyes over that dripping hand.

He stared at it, jaw clenched. And said nothing. 

“You chose to stay and watch, Buggy,” Mihawk sighed. “If you’re going to sulk, then you can go back to your room like a child.”

“N-No,” Buggy answered softly.

“No, what,” Mihawk prodded.

Crocodile, started rubbing your neck with that large hand, soothing the tension that had built again. 

“No, she never got that wet with me.”

He could have left. He could have left.

You tried not to carry guilt for his humiliation. Not when he chose this one. 

And then he was ignored again, all attention back onto you. 

“Come here, darling,” Mihawk said, offering his hand. Crocodile lit his cigar, giving big puffs as he watched you stand. 

“This is a lost cause anyway,” the swordsman declared, pulling the larger man's jacket off the couch, and spreading it across the coffee table. 

Your knees were shaking, and you didn’t know what to do with your hands as you stood on the plush carpet, and waited. 

Mihawk sat back down, motioning for you. He grabbed your hips to stop you from passing him to your seat on the couch. 

“What…”

“In a few minutes, I’m going to lay you on that table, and give you that release you’ve been fighting for these last few nights.”

Your hands clenched in embarrassment again, but he soothed the words with gentle strokes of his hands along your hips and waist. 

He tugged at the bottom of your dress.

“Let me get it,” Crocodile demanded, leaning forward. Mihawk didn’t stop you from taking the few steps away. 

Crocodile pulled you gently, and you found yourself kissing another ex warlord of the sea. You stood between his thighs, tasting the rich flavors and smoke of his cigar. 

His fingers dug into your lower back, as if he was keeping you from running away.

You didn’t run.

That frightening face. 

It had smiled at you. It was kissing you. 

You traced your fingers on the sides of that face before wrapping your arms around his neck. 

His low growl pulsed through you, and his grip got even harder, the kiss deep and intense.

“Mm, I knew you were a sweet girl,” he praised, gently pushing you back a step.

“You won’t be needing these cheap rags anymore.”

You didn’t understand his smile. Until he pulled your dress forward with his hand, then pierced into it his hook, tearing the red fabric from your skin.

Gasping, you’d gripped onto his arm for support. 

“You’re so beautiful, sweetheart,” he breathed, pulling you close again as his hand roamed over your lingerie and bare skin. 

Mihawk cleared his throat. 

“Yeah, yeah, swordsman. I just wanna check one more thing.”

He kept intense eye contact with you as his hand started at your knee, then slowly traveled up to find all that proof of how they affect you. 

He teased his fingers through the slick, sliding between your sticky thighs, until he reached your core. 

His hands were bigger than anyone's you’d even met. You didn't think any human could be as tall as him. 

Just one of those big fingers teased along your panties. 

Just the barest touch over your clothed clit sent you moaning, knees loosening. 

He’d used his one hand to tease you. When you stumbled, he caught your weight in that hand, cupping your needy pussy. You grinded yourself against his palm, digging your nails into his expensive shirt.

His laughs sounded more pleased than teasing, and he gave you a peck on the cheek as he helped you over to Mihawk, who seemed to be losing his patience. 

“Hold on,” Crocodile called after picking up his cigar again.

“If I knew it would be such a nuisance to shar��”

“Sweetheart,” Crocodile cut the swordsman off. “Are you on birth control?”

“Oh! Um, yes,” you blinked at him.

“Good. There’s more coming with your clothes and things for when your stock runs out.”

“Uh… Thank you,” you choked out, not sure how to feel about him buying you birth control before you’d had sex. But you were grateful that he had. 

“I told you, we’ll take car–”

“You’ve gone and distracted our pet now,” Mihawk pouted, finding his comfort wine again. You caught Buggy staring at you, and tried not to look his way again. 

“All that work I did to drive you mad,” the golden eyed man almost whined, “and now I won’t get to watch you break on my cock.”

Your eyes rolled back, and you stumbled again in front of him.

Chuckling, he tugged you down onto his lap. He pressed your back against his chest, all that bare skin sending heat right through you. You whimpered at the hard press of him against your ass, that tightness in your core begging you for release.

“Maybe it’s not all lost after all,” he purred in your ear, the tickle on your neck making your shoulders tense up. 

“Maybe my little rabbit doesn’t need much to make her desperate.”

One hand splayed across your stomach began trailing up to your chest. The other hand on your thigh teased closer, starting to slide in all that wetness. 

You didn’t mean to. But your hips dug in, grinding down to feel more of that hard length beneath you. 

He bit your shoulder, making you cry out, arching your back.

“Mm, you even like a little pain, do you? You are such a good girl for us.”

His praise felt incredible, almost like he was touching you, pleasing you. Your head fell back against his shoulder. You’d been ashamed when you let it happen earlier. 

But now you writhed in his lap, whimpering as he teased your neck with kisses and bites, the tickle of his facial hair adding to it all.

He hummed against you as one of his hands reached into your bra, massaging your breast, making you gasp with light pinches on your already hardened nipple. 

Finally, finally, his fingers reached your core, and you twitched at his playful touches. He spread your legs with his knees, then tapped his fingers up and down over your panties.

“I’ve never seen someone this wet before. You must have wanted us to take you so badly.”

His taunts weren’t questions, so you just kept whimpering, trying to press against those fingers to get some relief. 

“Is that what you’ve been picturing while this poor little pussy soaks your fingers each night?”

“Please,” you almost sobbed.

“No,” he chided, robbing you of even those torturing little touches, his hand rubbing over your thigh instead.

“Fuck, please…”

“I promise, little rabbit,” Mihawk rasped in your ear, his touch, his voice taking over your entire existence. “I will make you come so many times that you’ll beg me to stop. But first, you need to do what you’re told.”

“Y-Yes, sir.”

His heavy breath, the hint of a moan sent your eyes rolling back, arching your back against him even more. 

“Tell me, what did you think about while you touched yourself these last two nights?”

Your head fell to the side, and you saw Crocodile watching your every movement, smoke curling in the air above him. His legs were spread wide again and…

Fuck.

Mihawk bit your neck, your body jerking at the sudden sharp pain.

“You won’t like what happens if I need to ask again, pet.”

“It was… I was thinking about — Fuck… I was thinking about both of you fucking me at the same time.”

You cried out with pleasure as Mihawk’s long fingers dipped into your panties. He played along your folds, then his masterful touch over your clit had you so close already, so fucking desperate. 

“Does my pretty pet want to come?”

“Yes, sir. Fuck, please.”

Two fingers slid into you, all your wetness readying you for him. 

His fingers curled, and he preyed on that perfect spot within you as his palm rubbed over and over on your clit.

You had never come that hard before. Your vision went blank, and you dug your nails into that velvet couch while you twitched and screamed. 

“You had better scream my name, rabbit,” he growled in your ear, biting your neck again.

You obeyed. You screamed it so many times, until your body was limp.

He hugged you against him, tracing fingers over your skin as he kissed your neck softly.

“Astounding. What a little treasure you are, hm? You did so well for me.”

You whined in his arms, eyes watering as your breath started to slow. 

“My turn.”

Crocodile’s gruff voice poured through you, making you twitch again. 

“I’m not done.”

“What else do you have planned, swordsman? Because I’d like a taste before you knock her out.”

You giggled, sitting forward. Mihawk grabbed your shoulders as you swayed in his lap. 

He sighed. 

“I suppose you’re right. I was going to make her come on my tongue next before testing how well our little darling can take cock.”

He hummed again, pressing kisses to your shoulder after you’d moaned at his words.

“Give her here,” Crocodile commanded, reaching out his arm. “I could use somethin' sweet to eat.”

Mihawk sighed, but helped you move, scooting you down the couch toward the larger man. 

Crocodile pulled you against his side in a hug, kissing the top of your head. You couldn’t help the contented sigh that left you. 

“Find somewhere else to sit, clown.”

You sat up, seeing Buggy’s red face, the faded greasepaint shining under beads of sweat. He stared at Crocodile with wide eyes, not meeting your gaze. 

“I said move. I’m gonna make Miss Y/N come in my mouth on that chair. Don’t make me–”

Buggy jumped up, twisting his body around to face the other direction. But he wasn’t fast enough to hide the press of his hard cock jutting from his lap, that stretchy fabric doing nothing to hold him in place. 

“Looks like the showman is enjoying the show,” Mihawk drawled, pouring yet another glass of wine. 

Buggy hopped around behind the couch. He leaned on his elbows over the back of it as Crocodile shook his head, helping you stand.

“Do you think the fool is capable of learning,” Mihawk wondered aloud. “Maybe if he watches–”

“Doesn’t matter,” Crocodile growled as he leaned over you. He smiled at you again, touching his fingers to your chin. Then he brought those huge fingers down to rub over your clothed clit again, drawing a breathy moan out of you as you fell back onto the chair. 

He knelt in front of you, gripping his hook below the armrest to pull you, and the chair, toward him.

“The clown’s never gonna taste anything this sweet again.” 

Likes and reblogs bring me much ✨dopamine✨ thank you so much!

a/n: I don't even know what to say anymore. I'm going to go disintegrate.

Tag List: @shewrites02 | @caniseethefourthsword | @hey-august | @chaoticqueen33 | @destinationmars | @novakitten0901 | @h0n3y-l3m0n05 | @dorky-birdie | @szired | @pinejayy

Part 7

| masterlist | about me | rules | ao3 | ko-fi |

[libraryofloveletters]

Bound By Fate

Jenson Button x Fem!Teammate Reader

series summery: the strings of life connect two people; teammates, friends, perhaps lovers. Even when you think you’ve gotten rid of him, the strings of life pull you back in. some things are just meant to be. 

author's note: this was prompted by god knows what but this is my new passion project. jenson girlies, this one is for you. shoutout to @mev33 for losing her mind over this with me <333

bound by fate taglist!

chapter one: united front

attached at the hip, jenson button and y/n l/n are the unstoppable duo. the same soul in two bodies. all but 4 points separating them. // “where you go, I go. What you see, I see. I know I’d never be me without the security of your loving arms, keeping me from harm. Put your hand in my hand and we’ll stand.” - Skyfall by Adele

chapter two: time cast a spell on you

spending nine months with someone is a long time, especially when you’re forced to be with them. feelings grow, both good and bad.  - “Time cast a spell on you but you won’t forget me. I know I could have I loved you but you would not let me. I’ll follow you down ‘till the sound of my voice can haunt you. Oh give it just a chance. You’ll never get away from the sound of a woman that loves you.” - Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac  

chapter three: the blame is on you

two mclarens spin out, drivers at each other’s throat but only one’s to blame. what’s said on track doesn’t always stay there. - “It’s my own design, it’s my own remorse. Help me to decide, help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure, nothing ever lasts forever. Everybody wants to rule the world.” - Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tear For Fear 

chapter four: no grace

jenson can’t take it anymore; the back stabbing, the betrayal. he did what he thought was best and left. on what was supposed to be the happiest night of y/n’s life, she’s heartbroken and upset. — “I didn’t have it in myself to go with grace, so the battleships will sink beneath the waves. You had to kill me, but it kills you just the same. Cursing my name, wishing I stayed. You turned into your worst fears and you’re tossing out blame, drunk on this pain. Crossing out the good years and you’re cursing my name, wishing I stayed.” -  My Tears Ricochet by Taylor Swift 

chapter five: the final tango

y/n and jenson find themselves front and centre, smiling for the cameras in their sunday bests, yet their hearts are in different places. - “it hurts to be something, it’s worse to be nothing with you. I’ve done the math, there’s no solution. We’ll never last. Why can’t I let go of this?” -  Promise by Laufey 

chapter six: secrets of us

when all is said and done, it’s never really over, is it? jenson spills far too much in a tell-all interview that back fires on both he and y/n. - “And you don’t seem to understand, a shame you seemed an honest man. And the fears you hold so dear will turn to whisper in your ear. And you know what they say might hurt you and you know that it means so much, and you don’t even feel a thing.” -  Duvet by Bôa

chapter seven: a chapter of me

four long years have passed, both y/n and jenson are in different places of life but they find themselves at Silverstone, together once again. jenson’s a commentator and y/n’s still a racer. seems the dust has settled. - “Just wanna let this story die, and i’ll be alright. We can’t be friends, but I’d like to just pretend. You cling to your papers and pens, wait until you like me again.” -  We Can’t Be Friends by Ariana Grande 

chapter eight: a glimpse into the past

people come and go, life moves on; that has always been your view. you can’t move on when your past comes back to haunt you. -  “So I ask myself, do I let you go or do I keep you in the frame of my mind? Now I’m growing wise to your sugar coated lies, nothing’s sweet about my misery. Yeah, I finally found what went wrong, i finally found the wrong in you.” - On My Mind by Jorja Smith

chapter nine: twelve steps forward, one step back

the final race of your life, mixed emotions truly. your career was one out of a movie, you’re waiting for the final shoe to drop and when it does, it hits you hard. - “Isn’t it strange? I am still me, you are still you, in the same place. Isn’t it strange how people can change from strangers to friends, friends into lovers, and strangers again?” - Strange by Celeste

epilogue - chapter ten: the last bow

life post retirement is a funny thing, you thought you’d be having fun but you’re bored out of your mind. a solo trip results in seeing a ghost from your past.  -  “I'm sure we're taller in other dimension, you say we’re small and not worth a mention. You’re tired of movin’, your body’s achin’. We could vacay, there’s places to go. Clearly this isn’t all that there is, can’t take what’s been given. But we’re so okay here, we’re doing fine.” - White Ferrari by Frank Ocean 

[pixydustworld]

Fate found Hermione Granger in the crowded Ministry cafeteria. 

She had done her best to outrun it, but it was inevitable. Like the ocean finding the shore, like the mist that settled in the meadow right before sunrise; something that always happened, spiraling far beyond her control. Accepting defeat, however, had never been in her nature. 

She would go down fighting, glorious in her anger. 

“I think you’d be happier if you just let it happen.” 

Ginny flinched after the words left her lips. “I mean,” she hurried to correct herself, cheeks red, “It’s just easier. Less painful.”

Hermione forced a smile. “I’m fine with the pain.” She said, ignoring the aching hole in her chest as she watched Blaise curve a comforting hand across her friend's shoulder, warm and present and possessive. An Alpha comforting his Omega. “And besides. I like belonging to myself.”

“We just want you to be happy.” Blaise shrugged. “How many heats have you done on your own? Five? Six? It’s unhealthy to do this to yourself, Hermione, and wrong  —”

“Thank you.” Hermione interrupted him. “But I’m alright.”

It was a familiar conversation, one she knew well; at the start, Hermione had assumed she’d present as a Beta — Ron was one, she would be one, too. 

When her Heat had come, unrelenting and debilitatingly unavoidable, she had known the truth: too bitter to be disregarded, too blatant to be ignored. She was an Omega, praised, prized and often, procured. 

“This doesn’t change anything.” Harry had insisted a few days after she’d Presented, holding her close to his chest, fingers trailing along her spine. “You’re still you.” Then he had smiled down at her, self deprecating and familiar, like she remembered, like he’d always been. “And I’m still me.”

Harry had been wrong, as he often was. Perhaps things hadn’t changed much for him: being an Alpha was no different than his life before — but her presentation had changed everything.

“It’s just.” Ginny’s voice brought her back to the present, persistent in a way that could never be completely kind, “I know what you’re going through. You’re torturing yourself. ”

“I’ve been tortured.” Hermione said. The free coffee was not worth this interrogation, nor was the muffin Blaise had proudly presented to her (Alpha instincts, bleeding like an open wound across all of his actions), “It feels much worse than this.”

“Do you have a plan?” Blaise blurted out, seemingly unable to contain himself any longer. He was blunt and unafraid of her wrath, like all Alpha’s were — all except Harry, who still remembered who she was underneath everything. Saw her for who she properly was. “For your next one?”

“Yes.” Hermione said through her teeth, bravely resisting the urge to throw her coffee in his face. “I’ll be alone. Like I have been. For the last six heats.”

Their conversation was ending, the embers of their time together dwindling, which could only mean one thing. The comment that haunted all her interactions, the ghost at her door, the seed of hope that sprouted in Ginny’s chest, determined to grow under any condition. 

“What about the Alpha from that one time?” Ginny asked in a rush of words, determined to get it out before Hermione cut her off. “The last one you were with before this whole celibacy thing started. We should get him — ”

“No.”

Memories of their time spent together flashed before Hermione’s eyes, a mirage of naked flesh and shuddering pleasure. Pain bloomed deeper in her chest at the thought and Hermione blinked everything away 

“I could try to find him.” Blaise was saying, like he always did. A broken record of concern, echoing over and over. “Let me try, Hermione — ”

“It’s alright.” Hermione said, soothing her friends. A warm bandage of care, a nice thought. “I didn’t know him. And even if you did manage to find him, I don’t think I’d even recognize him.” She smiled, then. Hopeful about finally getting to leave. “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

It sounded like the truth.

 Or at least, she hoped it did.

“I should go.” Hermione said in a cheerful voice, pushing the rest of her muffin towards Blaise — who, to his credit, hesitated an appropriate amount of time before starting to eat — “It should start tonight, so I’ve still got a few hours left.” 

A few more hours to convince herself she was making the right choice. 

“Do you need Harry to come by?” Ginny blinked at her. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind helping you.”

“I’m sure he would.” Hermione frowned, wrinkling her nose at the thought. “I think Theo would mind, too.”

“I don’t think Tho would, actually.” Blaise mused through a mouthful of muffin. “He’s always liked you.”

Their voices blurred together as they started discussing the probability of her childhood best friend and his boyfriend helping her through her Heat — something Hermione did not want nor had she asked for. In fact, she had a feeling everyone involved would be miserable. Everyone but Theo, she supposed. He did like her. 

Hermione knew the pressure was out of care, but she was weary from the way her friends loved. Burdened by their thoughts about her life, trembling limbs growing heavy under the weight of their concern. 

She did her Heats alone because the other option was too much. The idea that her life could be fixed so simply by another person, was too much for her to acknowledge. It was beyond comprehension — she was her own, the bones beneath her skin the only support she’d ever need. 

That, however, didn't stop Ginny from trying. 

Hermione was opening her mouth to say something when she felt it: the shift in the air, the prickle of awareness across her neck — like waking up after a long, thick sleep. 

He was here.

Which meant she had to leave.

“I’ll send an owl once it’s over.” Hermione interrupted them, ignoring the sound her chair made as it scraped across the floor. “Love you both.”

“Hermione!” Ginny called after her, but she kept going. The door was in sight — all she had to do was leave. It was simple, beautiful and right; she would go back to her office, floo back to her flat and lock herself in her bedroom for the next three days. It would hurt to do her Heat alone (it always did), but that was the price of freedom. Her fingers closed around the handle, beginning to push the door open —

Until Draco Malfoy caught her wrist and tugged. 

A fox in a trap. Soon, the snow would bloom red with blood, leaving her body to freeze, no warmth left behind. No warmth but his own — and that was all he wanted, wasn't it? To be her only source of survival?

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

She had. 

If he entered the room, Hermione left — if he caught her eye in the Atrium, Hermione blinked and faked interest in the crown molding (very ornate!). If he called her name in the hallways, Hermione pretended not to hear. She ignored his owls, his persistent requests to schedule a meeting — once she’d seen him waiting for her out in front of her office and she’d spent her entire lunch in a storage closet, eating her chicken tikka masala on an overturned bucket.

 Hermione Granger did a very good job at pretending like Draco Malfoy did not exist. 

“I have not been avoiding you.” She hissed. They were surrounded on all sides — leave it to Ginny to pick the busiest time for her impromptu ambush — but it felt like they were the only two people in the room. And it was a dangerous thing, being alone with him. “I’ve just been busy.”

“Busy?”

He looked the same as he always did. Pressed suit, not a hair out of place, towering above her frame. But different, too. His breath uneven, his eyes were dark, murky with something else — something familiar. He’d looked the same that night. When her Heat had come and he had found her. Hunted her, she supposed. 

And she had let him.

“Yes.” Hermione tugged at her wrist in his grasp, but he tightened his hold. “I have a life, you know. One that is my own.”

His eyes narrowed slightly at her tone. “Am I to be expected to endure more torture?”

Fucking Draco Malfoy had been a bad idea, spending her entire Heat with him had been a mistake of massive proportions. It had ruined the careful world she had so lovingly built for herself. As soon as she had blinked back to awareness, Hermione had scrambled from Malfoy’s arms, ignoring the hurt that blossomed at the loss of his touch. Everything had felt too right, too perfect. Dangerously close to forever, which was not something Hermione could afford. “This is never happening again.” She had spat in his direction, trembling fingers searching in the darkness for her clothing.  “Hermione,” He had begun, voice warm with a kindness she didn't expect or deserve. “Please, darling  — ”

“Don’t call me that.” She hadn’t looked at him, hadn’t seen the heartbreak on his face. “Let’s pretend like this never happened, alright?” Hermione hadn’t found his bite mark until much later. It was alright, she had rationalized with herself, curled up in a ball on her living room floor, fingers heavy on her neck, tracing the shapes he had left behind. She hadn’t bit him, they weren’t bonded, they weren't mates — it was all fine. The next morning, Hermione had seen it. A set of tiny little teeth marks on his gland, precise and perfect, even when she was delirious with want. So proudly displayed, collar tugged purposefully out of the way. Then, her running had begun. And ever faithful, he had followed.

“Yes.” Hermione said, voice tight. “I’ll be out until Friday.”

“Will you need me?”

That was the worst part, his acceptance. Willing to take whatever she gave him, even if it was nothing at all. 

Draco Malfoy had steadily changed over time, like a plant finally given the opportunity to spread their roots and grow properly. Change, like rain, washed away all that once was, leaving behind someone else entirely. 

Someone willing to endure pain, just because she had decided it. 

“No.” Hermione said softly. Just being around him was enough to soothe the ache in her soul. His grip on her wrist had softened, the warmth from his touch extending across her flesh, fire catching and spreading.

Hermione forced herself to tug herself free from his grasp, inhaling slightly when his fingers trailed across her skin as she pulled away. “I’ll be alright.”

“Hm.” Malfoy said. “I highly doubt that.”

“I don’t need your help.” Hermione said. She wasn’t afraid of him. Not when she was sixteen and he’d pressed his wand against her neck in Umbrdige’s office, and certainly not now.  “I don’t belong to you.”

His fingers on her neck, brushing her curls aside; she could glamor the scars away all she liked, but he could still feel the indentation his teeth had left behind on her flesh. 

He frowned, condescending and full of fake sympathy.  “I think you do, baby.” 

Hours later, Hermione was almost ready. Her wards were tight, her floo locking behind Ron after he left, the box of premade meals he’d brought her resting happily in her fridge. There was only one thing left to do:

Poking her head out into the back garden, she found what she was looking for.

“It’s supposed to snow.”

Malfoy didn’t look up from his book. “I’m a Wizard, aren't I?”

“Wizard’s can still get hypothermia.” 

He looked up then, eyes soft. If it had been anyone else, Hermione would have thought they looked tender. “I’ll be fine.” 

“You can always go home.”

They both knew he wouldn't. 

“You know me, Granger.” Draco grinned. “I sit and stay, like all the good dogs do.”

She hovered on the edge of her doorway, watching her breath turn frosty in the night air. A storm on the horizon, promising to blow away all her neat plans. He watched her as she fidgeted. Not for the first time, Hermione wished, almost desperately, that she was born different. Born to be soft and accepting. Someone who would fall effortlessly into his outstretched hands.

She ran because she was afraid of the weight of her own feelings, terrified of what happiness could truly mean; being an Omega meant a loss of self, so she clung to her bitter solitude. Fingernails cracking from the pressure of holding herself together, a mouth full of blood from how hard she bit her tongue, preventing herself from calling out his name.

“It’s alright.” Malfoy said, cracking the silence that had swirled between them. “Go back inside. I’ll be right out here, keeping all the baddies away.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “I’m not scared.”

“No?”

“No.” Hermione hesitated. It felt almost like carving herself apart, offering a part of herself. Trembling hands, covered in her own blood. “I have you.”

He hummed in acknowledgement, fingers tightening around the book, knuckles white. “I’ll be here.” He said. “Whenever you’re ready.” 

In the middle of the night, Hermione jerked awake. 

Stumbling blindly through the house, she found the back door. The glass was cool against her naked skin as she sagged to the floor, heaving breaths leaving her lips, trembling limbs and a pain that spread like poison, blooming across her flesh.

Draco was pressed against the other side of the door, his breath fogging up the glass. Waiting for her to come to him.

“Hi, baby.”

Fat tears were dripping down her neck, sticky and wet. “Hi.” She whispered.

She could smell him through the glass, the scent of him heavy in the air. It would be so easy to unlock the door, to welcome him inside — to sink blissfully down on his cock, swept away by the pleasure his presence provided.

But Hermione was stubborn. 

Determined to hold her breath the longest underwater, unwilling to lose any competition, even one against her own heart. 

She sank down on her fingers without hesitation, watching him as he watched her. Slick was dripping on the floor, a puddle beneath her shaking knees; uneven movements as she chased pleasure, warm flush crawling across her chest. 

“Beautiful.” Draco breathed. Snowflakes were gathering on the tips of his lashes, but he didn’t shy away from the cold. Eyes fixed and unmoving on her —  taking what she offered. “So perfect, all mine.”

Her fingers twisted inside, building pleasure “Yours.” She agreed. In moments like this, it was impossible to lie to herself. She loved him, wanted to crawl inside his ribcage and sleep until spring; she had bitten him first, after all,  licked at the blood that smeared across his neck — and like always, he had followed over the edge after her. 

Her other fingers found her clit, smearing uneven circles, jolts of pleasure almost eclipsing the pain she felt. Small whimpers escaped her lips as she rutted against her fingers, wetness spreading, unable to stop the scream she felt building in her chest — 

“That’s it.” Draco’s breath was uneven, his forehead pressed against the glass, trying to be as close as he could. “Fuck yourself open for me. I’ve got you.”

Her orgasm temporarily dulled the pain of emptiness and Hermione felt the fuzziness fade, slowly bleeding from her vision. Returning to herself, sweet clarity, only for a moment. 

Draco was breathing heavily, kneeling in the snow. 

It struck her, then, that he’d wait forever. Faithful and present, in the back garden. He belonged to her, just as much as she did to him — perhaps it wasn’t all bad, losing yourself. You gain someone else, in return. 

Hermione tugged the back door open, flinching at the cold. “Come in.”

 Draco was still kneeling, blinking up at her as if she were god, come to rejoin their creation.

“Are you sure?” he asked in a rough voice

“I am.” The snow was blowing in through her open door, but she couldn’t find it within herself to care. “I don’t want to run anymore.”

“You want me?”

“I’ve always wanted you.” The words left her lips on a broken sigh. “I’m just afraid. I don’t know what this means, who I become around you. But I know that I’m afraid that you’ll leave me.”

Draco smiled, soft and slow. “You’ve fed me, baby. I’ll always come back for more.”

“I want, so desperately, to be capable of love. To love and to be loved in return. And.” She felt her breath catch in her throat. “I’m afraid that I’ll find that with you.”

“You will.” He was kneeling before her, arms open, palms facing upwards. The picture of vulnerability, willing and waiting for her to accept him. To become present, to join in at the feast. “You’ll be loved in return, I promise.”

To unequivocally belong to another. The weight of her body, held up by his waiting hands. 

“Please.” Begging, broken and crumbling before him. Like a grand ruin, left behind by time, suddenly being rediscovered. “Please, come inside.”

It was soft, the world. No sound, nothing mattered; just Draco, as he rose from the snow and crossed through her wards. His hands were cool and firm, cradling her jaw between his fingers. “I love you.” He said. “I’d love you even if you weren't mine.”

Hermione nodded, helplessly caught in his grasp. “I love you.” She breathed. “Even when I ran, I knew you’d follow. I knew you’d always come for me.”

A spasm of agony shot up her spine, twisting across her flesh. “It’s starting again.” Hermione groaned, flinching from the pain. “Draco, please —”

Draco’s fingers slid from her jaw to her throat. Holding her in place. “Shh,” He whispered along her hairline, tightening his grasp on her throat. “I know what you need, yeah? You’ll let me give it to you?”

“Yes.” 

“Do you deserve it?”

“Excuse me?” She hissed.

“It’s a simple question, baby.” She could hear the humor in his voice, feel the thickness of his cock, pressing into her back. “Do you deserve it?”

Hermione bit his arm.

“Okay.” He looked down at her, soft and warm. “I was going to be nice. I was going to fuck you on your bed. Spread you open, make you all soft for me.” She whined around his flesh and he pouted sympathetically with her, lower lip protruding. “I know, I would’ve liked that, too. Seeing your pretty little cunt, all puffy and wet, spread out on the sheets before me.”

Hermione let him go, a traitorous drop of spit connecting her lips to his arm. “I like that idea.” She said thickly. “We can do that.”

“No.” Draco smoothed his fingers along the shallow flesh of her neck, thumb pressing down hard on her gland. “Now, I have to fuck you right here on the floor.”

Hermione debated sounding too desperate. Her dripping cunt won out, in the end. “I like that idea.” She said, squirming in his grasp. It wasn't fair that he was wearing clothing and she was naked, nor was it fair that he wasn't currently inside her, making a home for himself between her thighs. “We can do that.”

His fingers slipped between her thighs, sinking inside with ease. Two, then three, twisting her open, slick dripping down his hands, smearing across the cuff of his button down shirt. “Messy.” He mused softly to himself.

Kissing him was easy, like falling asleep. She remembered how it had been last time, soft and sweet — this time, it was brutal. Draco pressed her to the floor, climbing on top of her, crushing her with his larger frame. He kissed like she’d run away from him again — if this was how he’d greet her every time, perhaps she would.

“Inside, inside, inside.” Hermione was babbling against his lips, grabby fingers pushing at his slacks. “I need your cock inside me, please.”

“I should make you wait.” He groaned as he tugged his cock free, smearing it across the sticky wetness of her cunt. “I should torture you.”

“You can.” Hermione promised, shaking fingers wrapping around his cock, dragging it closer and closer to her entrance. “You can tie me up and fuck me for days, or hunt me in the woods, whatever you want, I promise. Just fuck me now, and I’ll give you everything — ”

The push of his cock was enough to start another tremble across her limbs, spreading through her as he fucked her open, shallow thrusts. His thumb heavy on her tongue, his other hand still wrapped around her throat. 

“My girl deserves to be fucked whenever she wants.” He was whispering, teeth sharp against her ear. “You want to sit on my cock during a meeting? I’ll let you. I’ll have to kill everyone after, it’ll be terrible for business, but I’ll do it —”

Hermione gasped around his fingers. “Please,” she groaned. “I’ll be good. Please let me cum.”

Draco frowned. “Baby, it’s rude to talk with your mouth full.” She rolled her eyes, and his grip tightened slightly on her throat. “But I think you need me to fuck some sense into you.” His thrusts were deep and even, lulling her into a haze. Sticky and warm, caught in his trap. “You can’t run from me. I’ll always find what is mine.”

His cock was nudging a part inside her that had her breath catching in her throat, unable to stop the pleasure that was building. Twitching beneath him, breath tumbling from her lips in tiny gasps. Her vision blurred as she looked up at him, sharp teeth and soft eyes, watching her.

When he came, she felt the warmth spreading through her. Like sinking into a hot bath, syrupy and slow; his cock was swelling, locking them together, holding them in place.

Draco tilted his hips softly, still fucking her through his orgasm, fucking himself deeper. “One day.” He groaned, his cum slippery inside her, too much, beginning to drip out from between them. “One day, I’ll fuck a baby into you. And everyone will know how good of a mate I am, keeping you full and warm. They’ll know how perfect you are too, how good  you are at making me cum —”

Just like before, Hermione craned her neck, teeth finding the tender flesh of his neck. She bit down where she had once before, on the mark he’d never hid from — bit until her mouth filled with blood, spilling from her blood, smearing across their bodies. 

Draco moaned, latching onto her neck,biting the scared flesh until he drew blood, reclaiming her. “There.” He slurred, mouth messy and wet, cock still twitching inside her tummy. “We belong to one another.”

Twisting in his hold, Hermione smiled up at him.

[nom-nommmm1]

Hi!!! I really like your writing!

I just wanted to throw this idea out there of fem!y/n and dead going to a fair or something. They are having fun together and maybe it leads into smut? Eh just wanted to throw that out there. Thanks!

FAIR - PELLE/DEAD

Masterlist + taglist !!

Ty anon for the request, I had a little scare for a sec bc I thought I deleted your request 😭 but anyways thank you for your support. It means a lot to me that you enjoy what I write <3

Content warning !!: sweet!pelle x fem!reader, unprotected p in v, car sex, friends to lovers

the doorbell rang. I get up off the couch, grabbing my phone. I open the door coming face to face with Pelle. “Hey Pelle whats u-“ I ask before he cuts me off. “Hey y/n, me, euro and the guys wanted to know if you’d go to the fair with us” he says quickly, a pinky blush forming on his face. “Oh yea sure…can I get dressed?” I ask, pointing to my silky pajamas. Pelle looks at my pajama’s and then back at me, his blush deepening. “Oh! Yes- I’m so sorry!” He chuckles, closing the door.

“We’ll be waiting outside for you!” He yells before walking back to his car. I chuckle walking back to my room, picking out my outfit. I walk down the stairs, getting my purse next to the front door as euro honks the horn, irritated. “I’m coming!” I holler to him as I lock the door, making my way to their car. I step up to their car window trying to open the door but it’s locked. Euro rolls down the window. “Ah-ah, you’re riding with Pelle, we got too many people in this car” he says pointing to Pelles car.

Pelle slouches in his seat, his blush a bright pink. I sigh walking to his car. Why does this kid not like me? I reach the passenger seat window, opening the door and taking a seat. “So what music you got in here?” I ask looking at his CDs piled on his center console. “Oh..just some random stuff, you can pick what we listen to on our way” he says handing me the CDs. “Awesome” I smile, taking a cd, putting it into the player. The corners of Pelles lips curl as he puts the car in drive.

Euronymous takes the lead in driving to the fair, we follow him closely. “Good choice” Pelle says turning the radio up a tad. ”Thanks” I say looking at him for a moment without him noticing, taking in his big brown eyes. I smile leaning back in my seat. The AC blasts, I shiver. “You cold?” Pelle asks glancing every now and then. “Yea, could you turn the air down a touch?” I ask holding myself. “Totally” he says turning the air down. “Thank you” I say. Pelle nods, keeping his eyes on the road.

We pull up to the fair, trying to find a place to park. Both cars park next to each other. Pelle and I get out, going to the others. “So what should we do first?” Faust asks looking around the place. Everyone shrugs their shoulders but Euro sees a ride he wants to go on. “What about the tornado?” He asks looking to the group. No one objects. Oh fuck. Euro looks around on last time. “Alright let’s go” he says heading straight to the ride to try and be the first on.

We all get on the ride, I hold onto the handle bars tightly, scared of falling. I ride starts up, spinning slowly, but it speeds up gradually. After about five minutes we are up in the air spinning. “Holy fuck!” I scream still holding onto the bars while everyone else has their hand up in the air, laughing at my fear. The ride slows down, going to the ground. The workers unbuckle us and I make a run to the exit, still dizzy.

“Never again” I say panting as everyone else is still laughing. “So who’s gonna stay with y/n if they’re not going on rides?” Hellhamer asked. Pelle raised his hand. “I’d be fine to do it, I’m not too interested in riding rides anyways” he said grabbing my arm gently. “Cmon let’s go sit down” he said leading me to a bench. We both sat on opposite sides of the bench, looking around the fair in silence for a moment or two.

“Are you sure you didn’t want to hang out with them? You totally can if you want to, I can just Uber home” I said quickly but Pelle just chuckled. “You worry too much, I would never leave you here alone, I can ride rides next time. Don’t worry” he smiled, making eye contact with me. I blushed, nodding. Music from the game stands started to get louder and I couldn’t help but look. Pelle noticed me looking at one particular game stand and spoke up.

“You wanna check out some of their games?” He asked taking me out of my trance. “Sure!” I exclaim excitedly, taking Pelles hand and practically running to a stand. Pelle blushed, rubbing the soft skin of my knuckle before I let go. After a few tries of one game I won a my melody plush and a beach ball. Pelle leads me to another stand where he wins a huge teddy bear. I chuckle looking at the big bear in his arms.

He struggles to carry the bear as he takes his hand in mine. “You wanna take this stuff to the car?” He asks out of breath from keeping the bear up. “For sure” I laugh as we walk to the car. We make it to the car, popping the trunk and stuffing the plushies. We are breathless from tussling with the huge bear, Pelle opens the front doors, we both sit. “God I’ve never seen fairs give out this big of bears” he says still painting. “I know right” I say laughing.

We both take a minute to catch our breath before Pelle says something. “Did you have fun?” He asks looking to me. “I had I a lot of fun with you Pelle” I say, Pelles lips curl into a big smile as he hears that. “I’m glad” he says inching a little closer to me. I follow his lead, scooting in closer to him. Pelle looks into my eyes, his dilate as he puts his hands on my jaw. “You want to do this?” He asks, his thumb rubbing my lip.

I nod, leaning into Pelles lips, kissing him. Pelle kisses me back roughly, bitting my lips any chance he gets. He groans pulling away from me. I look at him confused until he climbs into the back seat. I smirk. He grabs my face again, kissing me roughly. With his other hand he scoops me up and puts me in his lap in the back seat. I groan into his lips, feeling the tent in his pants right on my leg.

Pelle moves his hands down to my ass, grabbing and squeezing wherever he could reach. I blush feeling his hands all over me. He smiles, pulling my shirt up. Slowly taking it off me before taking off his own shirt. He looks at my figure with admiration, taking in every part of me. After a few moments of silence he takes my lips again.

I smile feeling his tongue collide with mine. He takes me off of his lap, slipping out of his pants and boxers. Giving his cock a few pumps before looking at me, I smirk pulling my panties down a little. Pelle blushes, taking my hand, and pulling them all the way down for me. I chuckle as I hover over his lap. “You sure you’re ready?” He asks nervously. “I’m more than ready,” I say looking into Pelle's eyes, slowly taking in his cock, mouth agape full of moans and groans before fully plopping down on his length.

Pelle moans, slapping my ass roughly. I squirm, a small yelp falling from my lips. Pelle bites his lip as I squirm, feeling my movement sending shivers down his spine. His hands come up to my hips, forcing me to stay still. We sit like that for a minute before Pelle starts to move me up and down slowly. I moan feeling his length go in and out of me and a slow pace. Pelle looks up at me, staring at me with lust.

He speeds up his pace. As I’m about to moan Pelle kisses me, keeping me from being loud. “You have to be a little quieter” he says in my lips. I nod, kissing him back. He speeds up again, this time he goes painfully fast on me. The sound of the CD can be heard at max volume throughout the car. Pelle moans into my lips, his forehead starting to collect sweat.

He pulls me on and off of his cock at lightning speed, I practically scream, cumming on his cock. Shortly after Pelle cums. We stay like this, trying to catch our breath. Pelle kisses me, taking me off of his cock. He puts his jacket around me, holding me in his arms. “Do you want to go home or would you maybe…wanna go back to mine?” He asks, his cheeks turning red. We just had sex and this kid is still nervous around me. I laugh.

“I think we should go back to your place” I say. Pelle smirks before putting his boxers and pants back on. “Let’s go then” he says climbing back into the driver seat.

Jk guys I had time today 😽

Taglist:

╰┈➤@pilllover @mxqlss @roseroseluvrr @bkaulitzz @adellaonly @m3tal-chick

[mvltixcc]

Girls Like Girls - Robin Buckley X Cheerleader!Reader

Summary: Robin has a crush on the new girl in town. Y/N is also a new member of the cheer squad, which means Robin sees her all the time at games and other school events. Unfortunately, Robin is put in a tough situation. She's scared to talk to her because the cheerleaders have a reputation of being mean girls and she fears that Y/N may not feel the same. Little does Robin know that Y/N does not appear as she seems. Y/N becomes best friends with Eddie, which seems unlikely at the surface due to different social circles. This leads to rumors of course and word spreads like wildfire here at Hawkins, which then makes Robin's feelings even more confusing. After hanging out with Steve and the gang, Robin starts to see a different side to Y/N. Will they end up together or will they just remain friends?

Word Count: 2.2k

Pinterest board for inspiration

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

Chapter 4

“Listen, all I’m saying is that they hate us ‘bottom of the food chain’ folk because they don’t like that we’re different. But you know what I say to that? Screw em’! Who wants to be like those boring rich assholes anyways?!” Eddie proclaimed as he drove you and Robin home. He tried to make Robin feel better about what had happened, lord knows he knew what it’s like to be treated that way. He was labeled the town freak after all. Eddie’s actions made Robin feel guilty for the way she had thought and spoke to him as of late. Maybe he really is a nice guy after all. The pair of you were still holding hands and you had rubbed her hand with your thumb to soothe her. Robin was feeling an emotion she had never felt before and she was unsure of what it was, peace maybe? She couldn't tell, but she didn’t mind it. 

“Alright, we’re here.” Eddie said as he pulled up to your house. You and Robin had both piled out of the van and made your way to the driver side window. 

“Thanks for picking us up, Eds. You’re a real lifesaver.” Y/N said with gratitude. 

“Yeah, thanks Munson.” Robin said, still feeling guilty.

“Don’t mention it, I’d do it again any day! Now get inside before the little assholes throw eggs at you.” Eddie stated.

 You waved goodbye and led Robin to the front door, opening it and getting inside. Both of you made your way upstairs and headed to your room. “Whoa.” Robin said in awe as you opened the door and turned on the light.

“Is that a bad 'whoa'?” You chuckled.

“No no, I just- I wasn’t expecting your room to look this way I guess.” Robin stammered. Your room had sage green walls that had photos of friends and family on one side, while the other was lined with a few movie posters. Your bedding was green and black, which seemed in theme. You watched Robin as she toured around your room in shock. “I guess I was expecting something more-”

“Pink and girly?” You interrupted as she browsed your vinyl collection. She nodded in response. “Yeah I’m sure that’s what a lot of people think. They think that because I’m a cheerleader, well was a cheerleader, that I like all things pink and frilly and cute. Not that there’s anything wrong with liking those things, it’s just not me at all. Oh god I’m rambling again aren’t I? Oh god I’m sorry.” You giggled nervously as you sat on your bed.

“No no it’s okay really! I don’t mind it, I like rambling. I ramble myself sometimes.” Robin said as she smiled. She made her way over to your bed and sat next to you. “You know, I was expecting to be going back to my place-” Robin began to say.

“Do you want me to call Eddie again? I can tell him to take you home if you’d like! I just figured it was getting late and I don’t live too far from Steve so we could just come here to get away fast ya know?” You interrupted. 

“Oh I’m not complaining, I just wasn’t expecting my night to end like this. Here with you. But I don't mind it, I'm glad I'm here actually.” Robin spoke softly. You both sat with one another for a moment, but it didn’t feel awkward. It felt peaceful, almost right. Like she was meant to be here.

You soon got up and went toward your dresser. “Here’s some clothes to wear for the night, the bathroom is just down the hall and to the left if you wanna go change in there.” You said handing her the clothes. She nodded and headed to the bathroom. While she was gone, you had also changed and gotten yourself ready for bed. Robin soon returned and scrunched up her clothes into a ball on the floor, you watched in confusion. 

“What are you doing?” You asked.

“I figured I should probably sleep on the floor, it just makes sense ya know?” Robin replied as she sat on the floor. “Do you have a blanket or anything I can use?” She asked. You nodded and handed her a few blankets as well as a pillow.

“Here’s a couple just in case and a pillow so you’re more comfortable.” You said with a small smile. She took them and got herself situated. “I guess we should probably sleep then huh?” You suggested. 

“I guess so.” Robin replied.

You turned the lights off and made your way to your bed. “Goodnight Robin, if you need anything at all just let me know okay?” You said crawling into bed. 

“I will, goodnight Y/N.” She said turning over and heading to sleep.

Some time had passed before she heard you speak. “Robin? Are you awake?” You asked.

“Yeah, I’m still awake. You?” Robin asked, soon facepalming herself as she realized you were obviously awake as you had asked the question. 'Dumbass!' She thought to herself.

“Yes I am silly.” You giggled. She sighed in relief that you weren’t laughing at her. “You should come up here, I feel bad that you’re on the floor.” You said sitting up and facing her. 

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable or anything like that.” Robin asked, now facing you as well. You nodded and made a spot for her. She stood from her spot on the floor and crawled in next to you. You moved closer to her after she had gotten settled, you were now facing one another. Robin was grateful that it was mostly dark as she didn’t want you to see how badly she was blushing. Though she is also grateful that the moonlight is peaking through the window as it’s shining onto your face. You were absolutely radiant and Robin couldn’t get enough of you. Robin shuffled closer to you and now both of your foreheads were touching. You giggled and scrunched your nose. God how she loved when you did that. You both lay in the comfort of one another and soon you both drifted off to sleep.

Robin felt a gentle tap on her arm that had woken her up. “Hmm” She cooed as she slowly opened her eyes. 

“It’s time to get up Robin, it’s almost noon, silly.” She heard you giggle. She soon sat up and rubbed her eyes. Robin began to yawn and soon the realization had hit her all at once.

“Oh my god I’m gonna be late for work!” Robin proclaimed as she jumped out of the bed. You couldn’t help but let out a giggle as you watched Robin scramble around your room. “I need different clothes, I can’t wear my costume to work oh god!” She was rambling on until she noticed you holding something in your hand. “What uh what is that?” She asked.

“It’s your clothes you goof, I asked Steve if he could pick them up for you since he was already gonna be taking us to work today.” You said handing her the clothes. “He’s downstairs right now, he’s probably eating some of the food I made.” 

Robin looked on in confusion. “You made- you made breakfast? For me?” She was a little taken aback. 

“Of course I did, I wouldn’t be a good friend if I let you go to work hungry! Plus I owe you after what happened last night.” You stated. 

“Well thank you, that's very kind of you. I’m gonna change and then we can go.” Robin said as she headed toward the bathroom. 

“Okay, I’ll be downstairs fighting Steve off of the food!” You yelled from the top of the stairs.

“I heard that!” Steve yelled back.

Work was pretty slow that day. Not many people showed up as it was the day after Halloween. They were either hungover from all the partying or still asleep from staying up so late, probably from the high on a sugar rush from all the candy. The three of you pretty much just sat around and watched the movies that played until it was time for your break. 

Soon the door swung open. “Hey there losers!”

“Who are you calling lose- oh never mind.” Steve said, turning around and seeing Eddie standing there. 

“Well shit, if this is the thanks I get for bringing you all lunch?” Eddie witted as he set the bags of food down as well as the drinks. 

“How did you know it was-” Robin began to ask.

“I always bring Y/N lunch when she’s working.” Eddie said, playfully rubbing your head as you began to drink your soda. Robin watched on and she began to feel jealous again. She tried so hard not to feel this way, but she couldn’t help it. 

“Oh well uh thanks I guess.” Steve thanked him.

“Hey, it's no problem at all.” Eddie winked back at Steve, this caused Steve to turn a shade of crimson. He quickly turned around to hide his face from Eddie, if he knew what this did to him he’d never live it down. 

You noticed Robin’s mood shift and made your way over to her. “You okay angel?” You asked, gently grabbing her hand. 

“What oh yeah I’m uh I’m fine. Just peachy!” Robin tried to brush it off, but you could see right through it.

“You can tell me you know, I wont judge.” You whispered to her as to not cause Eddie or Steve who were in the middle of an argument about movies to look over to the two of you. 

“I’m just a little tired is all, slow day ya know?” She lied. She hated that she did it, but what else was there to do. She couldn’t just say it was because she hated seeing Eddie be sweet with you and not her. 

“Why don’t you go home and get some rest? Steve and I have this covered, really it’s no trouble at all!” You suggested. 

“Are you sure?” Robin asked, looking at Steve who just nodded.

“Of course! Hey Eds, do you think you can take Robin home for me please?” Y/N asked with pleading eyes.

“Only because you asked so kindly. Come on Buckley, let’s blow this popsicle stand.” Eddie joked as they headed toward the door. They both got into the van and headed on to drop her off. They both sat in an uncomfortable amount of silence before anyone had said anything. Robin had been staring out the window and then finally Eddie spoke to try and break the tension. 

“Look I know you don’t like me very much, I’m not really sure why. But I want you to know that I think you’re pretty cool, especially being friends with Y/N and all. I care about her a lot and if she has you in her circle of people, then you must be pretty damn special.” Eddie said as he focused on the road. Eddie was normally a maniac when he drove. But when he drove with you around, he was as safe as he could be. So he’d do the same with Robin because she was your friend and he knew you’d kill him if something happened to her. 

“Eddie look-” Robin began.

“Hey, you don’t have to tell me anything I get it ya know. I’m not everyone’s favorite person in the world.” Eddie stated with a frown. It made Robin feel even more guilty. They had pulled up to her house and before she got out, Eddie spoke again. “Just do me a favor?”

Robin nodded for him to proceed. “Just make sure you don’t screw it up with Y/N, she’s been through a lot and I’d hate to see her get hurt. She cares about you a lot, you know. I mean she literally never shuts up about you.” He chuckled. 

“I won't, I promise.” Robin responded. You were the last person that she wanted to hurt. You’ve been nothing but kind to her and she cared for you too much. Even though it killed her that she couldn’t be with you. All she ever thought about was you, you were so special to her and nothing would ever change that.

Next chapter

[cherry-romper]

S. Todoroki - To the moon, from the stars

Warnings: mentions of readers deceased mother.

Contains: GN!reader. fluff, comfort for loss.

This time if day was always bittersweet. The summer sun had begun to set, and the sky had been painted with a myriad of colours. Purples, pinks and oranges all dusted the clouds, contrasting the skies darkening blue sheen. 

Perched atop the Endeavour agency skyscraper, … lent against the roof’s ledge. Letting out a content sigh, a light breeze sweeping through your hair. Gazing up to the colour shifting void, you searched for the moon. A candied smile grew at the sight of the floating rock. Just to the side of it, a shining star could be seen, dancing away in the beginning of night. A wave of nostalgia washed over you but inside, a sadness grew. I hope you’re proud of me.

A creek from the door shook them from their thoughts. From the noise emerged a vexed Todoroki, white store bag in hand. “Fancy seeing you here,” you greeted teasingly. 

“Hey,” blunt as ever, Todoroki trudged toward his friend. He was clearly in a mood. As he neared, he lifted the bag to you, “Here, I bought us dinner.”

Us? you thought. Eyeing the bag cautiously, you took it and peeped inside. Black bean buns and an assortment of storebought sushi stared back at you. “Shoto, you didn’t need to buy me anything, I could have sorted myself out on the way home,” you always felt guilty when people bought you stuff. Todoroki huffed in response, “It was nothing. You haven’t eaten all day, so I wanted to make sure you had something before you left.”

Sweet. “Thank you,” you said greatfully, offering him a bun which he happily took. Together you munched on your food, not saying much, just enjoying each other’s company and taking in the sight of the setting sun. It wasn’t often the world seemed this peaceful given your line of work, but time always seemed to stop when you and Shoto were alone together. 

“Are you doing okay?” You broke the silence. As much as it pained you to do so, you felt rude not asking if he was alright considering how irritated he’d look earlier. 

“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks for asking.” Ever the man of many words.

“I mean, when you came in earlier. You seemed annoyed, is everything alright? what happened?” 

Todoroki sighed. He stared down at the ground below for a while, watching people go by. “My old man,” he began, hesitant, “he was being pushy again. Kept insisting I eat with him today, wasn’t taking no for an answer.” 

“Oh. Why didn’t you?” 

“Because I know what today means to you.”

Taken aback by his words, you faulted on a response. “I-I-I didn’t know you knew,” was all you could breathe out. 

“You’d mentioned your mum to me once, said she’d died on this day a few years back. I’d made a mental note of the date in my head. So, when you asked to go on patrol with me today, I assumed you wanted to take you mind off it, or maybe you just wanted the company, I couldn’t tell. Then I noticed you weren’t eating, so I decided I’d eat with you. I should have asked first, for that I apologies.”

If you weren’t sure whether you loved him before, now you knew. Todoroki cared for you in his own way. Sure, sometimes he could be a bit dense and vague, but he cared so deeply and so truly that it caused ripples in your heart. 

“Don’t be silly, you never have to ask to eat with me.” You chuckled, doing your best to hold in the sobs that threated to escape your throat. “Thank you, Shoto. I needed this more than I knew.” 

Uncharacteristically, Shoto placed his hand atop your shoulder. “I’m here for you. You’re very dear to me, … . I didn’t want you going through today alone.” With that, the sobs broke through your defences. They were soft, almost happy tears. 

Though your beacon had been taken from you, the loss of your mother had blessed you with new beginnings. 

Turning to the stars, now far more visible than before, you found the one that danced next to the moon. “Before my mum passed, she used to tell me that stars were gifts to the moon from the galaxy, because without them, the moon wouldn’t shine the way it does. She was my star, and I was her moon. She told me to look for her in the night. She said though it might all seem dark; she’d always be there to guide me.” 

Shoto tensed at your words, his hand gripping you a little lighter. He examined you carefully, making sure you were comfortable with his touch. You leaned into it, relaxing a little at the contact. He took that as his sign, his heart pounding in his chest and a million questions racing through his mind, still he pulled you into a hug. 

Without hesitation, you wrapped your arms around his back, pulling him in tighter. A feeling of familiarity fell over the two of you. Choking back your sobs, you relaxed into the embrace, as did Todoroki, who rested his head on top of yours. You stayed there, holding each other, for what felt like an eternity, and still you both subtly groaned when you pulled away. 

“You’re too good to me, Shoto Todoroki.” Still standing close to him, you looked back over to the star to see it had faded. Looking back into his heterochromia eyes, you saw a familiar twinkle. Then you exactly what your mother had been leaning you too.  

[justcallmethatsimp]

You’re not mine (big time angsty)

-unedited-

This was kind of inspired by the fanfiction Captive written by Abysscronica I read it on Wattpad—you should check it out the author just made the sequel-and the end of the corpse bride

I was standing on the deck leaning against the rails staring at the stars. I’ve been lost in thought for what felt like hours at this point. The reality of my situation with my captain is hitting hard. I was in love with him but he….he was in love with her.

I’ve been plagued with thoughts of leaving. Leaving the crew. Leaving this lifestyle. Leaving him. But then I have to leave my friends, my family I’ve made over the years we’ve been sailing together. I feel like I’m overreacting but how am I supposed to keep going on like this?

She came out of no where. And the she ended up joining in the crew. Following my captain everywhere. Stuck right on his heels. They spent almost every moment together and…you could hear it. But, he made the decision to leave her on an island. He decided it would be best for her to not be apart of our lifestyle. That it would be safer. That it would be better this way. I thought so too, but for my own reasons. I could finally get him back. But that was not the case.

He hasn’t talked to me since she left. It’s been 3 weeks. Well, he’s talked to me but it’s been orders or something about our plans coming up. But he hasn’t talked to me and it’s really getting—-

“Y/n” I was pulled out of my thoughts by a male voice. I turned around to see none other than my captain.

“What’s up, cap?” I replied as I turned back to the sky.

He walked over to me and mimicked my actions, “can we talk?”

I could tell by his tone this wasn’t a normal kind of talk for him and it took me by surprise “oh wow cap” I mused “didn’t take you for the talking type.”

He sighed at my reply and dropped his head. “You don’t have to keep it formal with me right now, y/n” he breathed out.

The moment the words left his mouth all of the composure I’ve been barley holding on to this entire time just slipped away. “Then what the fuck do want, Kid?” I spit. He wasn’t even phased by my anger.

“I’m sorry” was all he said

I laughed bitterly “oh so you do know how to apologize? Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Can you cut the shit, y/n? I’m trying here” he snapped back at me while turning his face to look at me. “Obviously he can only hold up the facade so long” I thought to myself while studying his face.

“Why?” I hissed “you’ve never tried before unless it was for her.”

I can see him physically trying to hold back his anger “because you deserve it” he said through his teeth “I’m trying to do the right thing for you”

I was about to reply when he added “despite how it looks I DO love you—“

“But you love her more” I added softly for him.

He furrowed his brow and looked away, he didn’t respond at first and we stood in silence, neither one of us wanting to break it until he finally spoke.

“I wanted it to be different, y/n. I really did” I could hear his voice breaking “but she-I cant-I don’t-“

“Yeah I get it” I replied shutting off all of my emotions. I can’t let him see this break me. I cannot give him that power. I turned and walked away from him but stoped after a couple of steps.

With my back to him I said “it’s okay. you’re not mine, Kid. It was always going to be her”

With that I kept walking letting the tears fall “y/n wait!” He called out I waved to him instead and kept walking in the opposite direction.

I pushed open the door that led to the hallway and then I let myself release the pain I felt in my chest. With my back against the wall I slid down and began to cry.

“Y/n?” I heard a semi muffled voice say

I peeked up between my fingers to see Killer leaning out of his room. I couldn’t answer him. I couldn’t bring myself to speak. He noticed this and stepped out of his room over to me “alright, wanna stay with me tonight?” He sighed

I quickly nodded and he reached down to help me up “come on” he sighed again, pulling me up from the ground and ushered me into his room.

He had always had to clean up his captains mess. And this time. The mess Kid left behind, was me.

[vincess-princess]

we, the psychos

ch. 4

Word count: 2253 Warnings: - A/N: i always knew this fic is destined to be continued. the only question was when.

“You are a fool, Sixx,” Mick said tiredly as he sat down onto the bed where Nikki lay. “Plain and simple.”

“I know,” Nikki sighed, looking down at his bandaged legs and his right hand that had acquired three brand new stitches. It won’t be soon until he can squeeze his fist properly. “I just… you know how it goes. The first cut, you get scared. And then it’s down the emotional rollercoaster. Have you ever been on a rollercoaster, Mick?”

“Barely heard about it,” Mick said. “Is that something Russian-related?”

“Me neither. I’d like to take a ride on there. You’re up in the air – and then you’re falling, but it’s safe falling, it won’t hurt you. Because every time I fall, I end up in the med wing.” He waved at his bandaged legs. “And yeah, I think it’s something Russian-related. Not sure how. Could you get me a book here, Mick?”

“You know Dr. Duren won’t allow that,” Mick shook his head. “He’s already mad at you, I think. It’s been weeks since your last relapse – you made progress, and now this.”

“Oh, don’t you chastise me too!” Nikki rolled his eyes. “I couldn’t, okay? I couldn’t. I was thinking. And it always ends bad.”

“About what?”

Nikki turned away from him and said nothing.

“About what, Nikki?” Mick stretched out his hand, gripped Nikki’s chin and turned his face towards himself to look him in the eyes. Then realization dawned on him.

”Don’t say it’s that Wharton bastard!” he groaned. “You said it was over! You were done! What did he do to you? What did he say?”

Nikki looked away, lips sealed tight, afraid Mick will feel the bitterness filling his mouth.

“You quarreled?” Mick insisted, putting one hand on Nikki’s thigh and squeezing it slightly, making him wince. “What else that was now?”

Nikki swallowed forcefully. He wished nothing of his affair with Vince leaked to the rest of the asylum, but Wharton liked to brag, sometimes overlooking basic safety measures. He could be sure Mick wouldn’t tell anyone, but how long will it be before other patients or, God forbid, nurses suspect something?

“What was that, Nikki?” Mick shook his leg. “You wanna stay silent and keep wallowing in your misery or figure out what to do together?”

“Definitely the second,” Nikki curved his mouth into a bitter smile. “My, well, situation with Vin- with Wharton is none of your business. I appreciate the concern, though.”

“Oh no, that’s where you’re wrong,” Mick looked so indignant Nikki had to hold back a laugh. He’d never seen old man redden as much. “It is exactly my business, and you know why? Because I don’t wanna go to your funeral, and don’t you even hope I waste my money on a wreath for you. You get me?”

“Yeah, yeah. The usual threats.”

“You damn better believe them!” Mick rose from his chair and crossed the room, standing in front of a barred window. “You don’t wanna tell me anything – fine. I’ll find out myself. I heard Wharton is in a padded cell now, but once he’s out you bet I’m gonna ask him. And he ain’t gonna get rid of me that easy.”

Oh god. Mick considered it above himself to speak to Vince, but once he set up on something he was unstoppable. Nikki couldn’t allow him to intervene in their relationship.

“I’ll speak to him myself,” Nikki said hurriedly. “We have some things to resolve. And them I’m gonna be good. I promise.”

Mick smiled. “Now you’re talking different.” Damn manipulator. He knew how to force Nikki to do what he didn’t want to do, and used it constantly. For Nikki’s sake, of course, but what Nikki needed and what Mick thought Nikki needed were vastly different things. “You do that right when he gets out, and tell me how it went later.”

“Sure, sure.” Whatever Vince was gonna say was definitely not what Mick would wanna hear. Nikki needed to invent some palatable lie after their talk.

“Alright.” Mick turned to Nikki. “I’m gonna work the med wing for one more week. You need to come for bandaging again in two days, then in a week we’ll be removing stitches if everything goes well. After that you won’t have any allies here anymore, and the local nurses don’t really bother caring for self-harmers like you. So you better keep your hands to yourself. Got me?”

“I appreciate everything you did for me, Mick.”

“Sure you do! Now, I’ve still got a couple patients to attend. Off you go.”

“Thanks again.”

“Yeah, don’t mention it.”

Walking was painful – the bandages grinded on stitches and irritated them. Maybe it would be better to take them off altogether – when the wounds would close enough to not bleed through his pants randomly. Which they yet haven’t.

A nurse escorted Nikki to his ward. He used to share it, but his cellmates didn’t like his pacing and talking when manic, so he was transferred. Now he almost missed those manic spells – at least he was feeling great about himself during them. But the last one was seven months ago, and since then it’s only been deeper and deeper into the darkness.

On the other hand, he was manic when he and Vince decided to hook up the first time. Weren’t for that, he’d never approach the sex-obsessed narcissistic ticking bomb that Vince was. Nikki knew him better now, and that description fit even more.

He stayed in his cell until lunch, when Dr. Duren was to see him. It was boring inside, and the stitches began to itch underneath the bandages. Nikki knew better than to scratch them with his nails, but it was extremely hard to keep his hands away. The couple hours he had to wait seemed an eternity.

Hudson came to escort him.

“Yeah, man, you’re in deep,” he told Nikki right off the bat. “Dr. Duren is very disappointed.”

“Thanks, that’s very encouraging,” Nikki muttered. “What’s it gonna be?”

“No idea.” Hudson shrugged. “C’mon. He’s already pissed today. Heard what Wharton did?”

God, what was it again?

“No, I wasn’t at breakfast, remember?”

“Oh, if I’m gonna remember where all of you bastards were and when I’ll have no memory left for my stuff.” Hudson waited until Nikki shuffled out of his ward and closed the door. Together they headed down the hall. “He got in a fight! Again! And that’s right after being released from the padded cell! The fucking audacity!”

Nikki’s heart skipped a bit. “He sure has enough of that. Who was the sorry fellow?”

“The newbie. You probably haven’t seen him yet. Looked feeble, but did pack Wharton a punch.”

Was that the laughing guy? Nikki didn’t dwell on it much, though. Vince’s fate was much more interesting to him.

“And what of him?”

“He’s back to his ward. Duff said it’s real fancy, with curtains and carpet and all. Who even is that guy?”

“No, I mean Wharton.”

“Oh, him? Probably back to the padded cell. Simmons talked some about a cold shower too. Maybe that will bring him back to his senses.”

Vince underwent such “therapy” at least on a monthly basis, and it kept him relatively docile for a couple weeks after. So docile that he didn’t even want to fuck, which was always alarming. Nikki didn’t like him docile. That wasn’t what he liked him for.

“Don’t you think it just makes him worse? Being treated like that?”

Hudson looked at Nikki like he was cra- oh, right.

“C’mon, Feranna. You’re a smart guy. You should understand that some patients simply do not understand humane approach. It’s the nature of their illness. They only respect those that can show who calls the shots here. And people who treat them well – they just use them.”

Nikki knew that, yes. But Vince wasn’t like that. Or rather, he was, usually. But not with Nikki.

Or maybe Nikki was just fooling himself as usual, and Wharton just used him like Hudson said. Who knows.

Nikki pushed the thought in the back of his mind. He had other problems now. They stood in front of Dr. Duren’s door.

“I’m fucked?” Nikki half-asked Hudson.

“Thoroughly,” the nurse said honestly. “Well, in you go. I’ll wait here to escort you to the canteen afterwards.”

Nikki nodded and knocked on the door. His hand slightly shook, and he clenched it into a fist.

“Come in,” he heard. Nikki inhaled and walked in.

***

It had rained, and the garden looked especially unappealing this cold autumn day. What month was it, October? It hadn’t snowed yet, but it was already getting dark before dinner. Yeah, probably mid-October.

Mick had lost count of days long ago. It was all approximate now: snow fell first in mid-November and melted in April, the first birdsong came in March (Mick could hear it because he usually wasn’t sleeping in early morning), the sun rose before breakfast starting early May. His whole world was based on the asylum routine. It was not bad, really. Brought predictability into life. And Mick preferred to know what would happen in the foreseeable future.

Except sometimes it was disrupted. A patient would leave – some were cured and discharged, some died. The first case, those didn’t usually stay long at the asylum anyway so Mick didn’t really care. The core of the asylum population remained relatively the same for the last couple years – the sickest of the sickest, those that wouldn’t survive on their own or those that would make it hard for everyone else in the outside world. Some of them spent years in the asylum. For them, cure was considered unattainable and the only way out was death.

Mick was one of them – not the worst, though. Staff knew he was one of the calmest, most reasonable ones and were rather lax with him. Doesn’t hurt himself or others? Doesn’t shit his pants or throws plates at others in the canteen? Great patient, no special attention needed.

That’s why no one bat an eye when he wandered away from the main group that was cleaning up the yard from the fallen leaves. Nurse McKagan cast an occasional look in his direction, but that was it.

Now nurse McKagan was occupied talking with a patient. Mick hadn’t seen him here before; more than that, he wasn’t wearing an asylum robe, but rather fancy though simple trousers, an unbuttoned coat hanging loosely off his bony shoulders and a shirt with puffy sleeves underneath it. The sleeves looked ridiculous, but the guy managed to pull it off. He was young, way too young to be here, though Wharton was probably his age. He belonged here as much as a flower belonged on a heap of cow shit.

He was probably the one that arrived in a carriage at night. Mick hadn’t been at breakfast, but he heard the new guy already got into a fight with Wharton. While Wharton deserved that, it didn’t instill much hope in the new guy. He seemed to have gotten off the hook this time – though not without a bruise on his swelled cheekbone.

Well, he beat Wharton’s ass at least, and the bastard truly needed it.

Mick plucked a lone brown leaf off a branch in front of his face. It was always harder in autumn and winter – now everyone could see through the trees circling the asylum territory, and the feeling of an intent gaze on Mick’s skin intensified when outside. He rubbed the spot, but it didn’t go away. It never went away.

Mick tore the leaf into tiny pieces and watched them float to the ground. When he turned around, he saw McKagan right in front of him. He realised it was McKagan a couple moments later, after he already swung a punch.

McKagan yelped indignantly. He dodged at the last moment, and the fist barely grazed him, but it was probably unpleasant anyway.

“Deal! The fuck you doing!”

“Don’t sneak up on me! You know I can’t handle it!” Mick yelled back and breathed in deep to calm his racing heart.

“Alright, fair. I should’ve called you.” McKagan was the only nurse who could ever admit he was wrong, and patients appreciated him for that. Maybe it was because he hadn’t been at the asylum long – a couple of months at this point. He was too kind for this place. Psychos couldn’t handle kindness.

“What do you want?” Mick tried to sound friendly, to make up for his bout of aggression, but didn’t succeed much. McKagan didn’t take it too close to heart, though.

“I wanted to show Tommy,” – he pointed at the new guy standing a bit aside, eyeing Mick carefully, - “the grounds, but Stanley is sick today, and we don’t have enough staff to look after the main bunch. You’re a rather reasonable fellow, and you know everything here, so I thought you could show him around.”

“Me?” Of course, Mick was on good terms with most of the stuff, but McKagan definitely had too much confidence in him. Mick was a patient for a reason, after all.

“Yes, you.” The nurse smiled. “I’ll tell him not to sneak up on you.”

Well, that could be interesting. The new guy had hardly talked with anyone so far. Everyone must be dying of curiosity. And Mick here got a chance to learn as much about him as possible.

“Alright,” he said. “Will you introduce us?”

[skullverse]

➼ from the start ⋆ ★

vernon chwe x female reader---

young love was never easy, and you had your own sour tasting of it. when your childhood best friend, vernon, falls deeply in love with someone else, you wonder if you’d ever get a chance again. to be fair, you’ve been there: from the start.

tags: friends to lovers, fluff, angst (kinda)

word count: 1.7k

first ever post woah. this is a short work based on laufey's 'from the start' but with a happy ending bc i'm a hopeless romantic. enjoy (or don’t idc)

i stirred my watered down iced latte, head in my hand, listening to vernon talk. i had grown tired of listening to him harp on about some ‘soulmate’ he met at the library a few weeks ago. “she’s so perfect!” “blah blah blah,” was all i could hear. i’ve known vernon for as long as i can remember. seeing him this knee deep in love was something new to me. though, the thing that was harder to accept is the fact that he never noticed the little things anymore. how i get quiet when there’s no one else around, how every small act he does makes my cheeks flush pink. when he looks at me with his stupid brown eyes, his gaze reminds me of how he doesn’t feel the same. 

“y/n? y/n~ hello? earth to y/n..” vernon said, waving his hand in my face. i snapped my gaze up, looking at him.

“huh? yeah, she’s cool, or that sucks,” i mumbled, i had no clue what he just said. vernon sighed and wiped his hands on his pants, defeated.

“you’re not listening,” he said sadly.

“well how could i listen? what do you want me to tell you ‘she sounds so dreamy, you’re lucky!’?” i replied. how could i just sit here, listening to the guy i like most talking about another girl? “i just got a little bored of listening.”

“well, could you at least try helping me talk to her?” he asked. i squinted at him. “please y/n,” he pleaded.

“okay, fine,” i said, “but what’s in it for me?”

“er, whatever you want?”

------

i walked into the library hallway, around the same time vernon had gone and met the girl. he gave me a brief description outside. before heading in, we stood around like creeps waiting to see if vernon’s mystery girl walked in. i was talking about my horrible psychology project when vernon suddenly shushed me and hit my arm repeatedly.

“shhh, look! that’s her!” he said in a whisper-yell. i had to admit, she was very pretty. it drove me a bit insane.

“alright, i’ll see what i can do,” i said. no turning back now.

i walked into the huge library, books lining every corner. the big skylight brought in rays of sunlight in every inch of the room. i looked around, trying to spot vernon’s soulmate. after wandering a bit, i saw her in the far corner looking at the rentable cds. 

“can’t believe i’m doing this,” i grumbled, before walking into the music section. i snuck a peek at her, trying to think of something to start my creepy conversation. i noticed she was wearing a pretty lace top, a perfect contender. 

“hi!” i said in a hushed tone, “oh my god i love your top, where’d you get it?” i asked.

her short black hair moved so gracefully as she turned to look at me. she gave me a warm smile before answering.

“aw thanks! i think it’s from a website called cider,” she told me. she was holding a cd: a soundtrack to one of my favorite games.

“is that the persona 5 soundtrack? i love that game!” i said, trying to get more of a conversation. 

“it is! you know that game? it’s one of my favorites,” she said shyly. i excitedly nodded yes. maybe she wasn’t that bad of a person. we stood there talking about our shared love for the game, and found out we actually had a lot in common.

“what’s your name? i think you’re cool!” she asked.

“i’m y/n, you?” i replied.

“i’m scarlett, y’know could i get your number? i’d love to get to know you more!” she asked me.

“score.” i thought to myself. who knew it’d be this easy?

“yeah of course! would you wanna walk to my class together? i left my bag there, maybe we could grab a coffee?” i suggested.

“i’d love that!”

we chatted on our way out of the library. i suddenly remembered that i left vernon waiting for me outside before i entered. i wondered, was he still there?

my questions were answered as i spotted a very impatient vernon standing against the wall. i told my new friend if she could give me a moment.

“wow, woah.” was all vernon said seeing me manage to befriend his crush. “any information?” he whispered.

“better. her number,” i whispered. “now see ya vernon!” i called behind me while waving.

“sorry,” i told scarlett, she seemed like she was in awe.

“woah, who was he?” she asked shyly.

“oh, just my friend vernon, why?” i asked. i took one look at her expression and instantly knew the answer. “oh my god you think he’s cute.”

“well! just a little..” she defended herself, “okay, maybe..”

i smiled and laughed in a form of excitement. vernon would faint if he heard about this. “i’ll set you guys up!”

—two weeks later; y/n’s house.

i had gotten home about an hour ago, planning to work on my project. but all i could think about was how vernon and scarlett liked each other. my head spun as i laid in bed, my blanket covering me entirely. i looked out my window, staring into the blue. what was i to do? two weeks had passed since i set scarlett and vernon up, and they were perfect. they instantly clicked like missing puzzle pieces. the guy i’ve fallen in love with now had the perfect chance of getting a girlfriend. whilst i had to play matchmaker. 

i hadn’t even realized it, but i was crying. tears stung my eyes, my makeup running. it was terrifying. love was truly driving me insane. 

as if my mind was read, my phone chimed, a text. i sighed, grabbing it and turning it over. my eyes took a second to adjust to the bright screen, but i soon saw the two unread texts. it was vernon. ‘hey where r u? thought we agreed to meet up at my place at 5.’ the latest one read: ‘im coming over’. i quickly got up, struggling to keep my balance. i got a look of myself in the mirror, seeing my ruined makeup. i cursed under my breath, taking some makeup remover to wipe up the mess. my eyes were a bit red and puffy, but i doubted that vernon would notice. 

i heard three short knocks at my door. my heart was practically beating out of my chest due to my nerves. the last person i wanted to see was vernon. i slowly made my way over to the door, looking into the peephole. sure enough, there stood vernon, with his hands in his pockets. his fluffy brown hair was messed up. i took a deep breath and opened the door.

“hey,” i said quietly, not daring to look into his eyes.

“yo what happened? you could’ve just called off the plans-hey. y/n, look at me,” he said, suddenly grabbing my chin, forcing me to look at him.

his hand fell to his side when he saw my face. red, puffy, horrified.

“are you okay?” he asked cautiously. he made his way in, closing the door behind him.

“i’m fine, what’re you talking about?” 

“no you’re not, you’ve clearly been crying. i can tell because-”

i quickly cut him off, “okay, so what? why do you suddenly care? shouldn’t you be hanging out with scarlett and making her your girlfriend?” i spat out.

“what? can i not worry about my friend?” he said, hurt. 

“vernon, that’s the problem. you haven’t been worrying about your friend,” the word ‘friend’ hurt to say, knowing that it was all he saw me as. “it’s just..you’ve been so focused on scarlett. ever since that day at the cafe, i just saw you change. hell, she was all you talked about until you found out that i set you two up! it’s like you forgot about my entire existence and replaced me. it hurts vernon, it hurts a lot.” i muttered. 

vernon was about to say something, but i managed to cut him off, “it hurts seeing you fall in love with someone knowing that i’ve had the biggest crush on you from the start,” i blurted. i gasped and covered my mouth, instantly regretting my last words. i could feel tears welling up in my eyes again.

as i started to cry, vernon grabbed my arms and held me close to him. though i couldn’t see his face, i knew he’d have a shocked expression. we stood, hugging, embracing each other’s warmth. i sobbed, unable to stop the tears from flowing. i felt his chin at the top of my head, resting.

“i just wish you had told me sooner y/n,” vernon finally spoke up, breaking our hug.

“am i too late?” i replied, looking down. 

“nope, i’d say you’re right on time,” he said, smiling. “i had to get this off my chest sooner or later, i’ve felt the exact same. you just beat me to it. the only reason why i ‘liked’ scarlett was because i thought you wouldn’t see me as more than a friend,” he rubbed the back of his neck with an awkward smile.

i couldn’t help but let out a laugh, i couldn’t believe it. i wiped my tears with my sleeve, looking up at him. “did your forcing work?” i asked.

“i can’t just get rid of my feelings for you that easily. hell, just thinking of you, i knew i’ve loved you from the beginning,” he shyly admitted. 

“i think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said,” i said laughing. 

he sat me down on my couch, wiping the remaining tears off of my face. i felt my face burn up, realizing how close we were. his fingers grazed my cheek, slowly trailing down to my lips. he paused, hesitating. 

“can i beat you to it this time?” he asked, breaking the silence.

i laughed, “go right ahead.”

he smiled fondly, leaning in and closing the small gap between us. he kissed me slowly, holding my chin up slightly. my hands interlaced with his soft hair, deepening the kiss. we eventually broke apart, for the sake of our lungs. i looked up at him, smiling like a loon. he held my hands, peppering kisses on my fingers. 

“i’ve loved you y/n. from the start.”

----end.

skullverse 01.

[tracingpatternswrites]

I got a last line tag from @soloorganaas so I'm going to take that as a sign it's time to start sharing some stuff from my new wip.

So I've been binging MAFS lately, which is how this thing grabbed a hold of me so, well, here it is Married At First Sight - Wolfstar Edition.

Kingsley looked as if he was about to say something when there was a knock at the door, and moments later it was pushed open. “Oh love, look at you,” his mother fussed, all but pulling her husband along behind her. “You look so handsome. Lyall, doesn’t he look handsome?” “Very handsome,” his father repeated, winking at Remus over his mother’s head and Remus felt the corner of his mouth tug upwards into a half-smile. “How’re you doing, lad?” “Okay,” Remus said, forcing a smile as he dropped his gaze to his mother who was watching him intently. “I promise, I’m alright.” “He’s just nervous,” Mary said, ignoring Remus’ look as she passed on two more champagne flutes. “Got it into his head he’s not sexy enough for his mystery husband.” “Thanks for that,” Remus grumbled, but Mary simply sent him a dazzling smile in return. “What’s that nonsense?” his mother huffed as she smoothed out the wrinkles of Remus’ suit. “You look just like your Da did when he was your age, and he had enough girls hanging around him. Had to beat them off with a stick, didn’t I love?” she didn’t wait for Lyall to respond, but Remus thought he could see a little blush beneath his father’s full beard. “I think any lad would be lucky to have you, wouldn’t you say Kingsley?” She turned her bright blue eyes on Remus’ ex-boyfriend, expectantly, and he nodded obediently, his dark eyes glittering. “He’s a stunner, Mrs. L.” “If he wasn’t batting for the wrong team I’d take him for myself in a heartbeat,” quipped Mary, her face splitting into a smirk. “Oh, and if I had a dick, of course, can’t see Remus going more than a week without that.” “I hate you all,” announced Remus, his cheeks blazing as the others laughed. “Don’t be silly,” his mother said as she gave his arm a light pat. “Nothing wrong with a healthy sex life.” “Ma,” Remus groaned but his mother continued, unperturbed. “There’s no denying there has to be a spark, love. It’s going to be an important part of your marriage, and you should be able to talk openly about it. Haven’t I always said that? One of the reasons that me and your Da have been together for as long as we have is that he never ceases to surprise me with–“ “MA!” Remus interrupted loudly, throwing Mary a dirty look as she cackled. “Good on you, Mr. L, gotta keep the Mrs happy.”

Passing on a no-pressure tag to @squintclover, @heartofspells, @theresthesnitch

[itjazzbicch]

Beautiful Soul

Pairing:  Josuke Higashikata x Fem Reader 

Summary: After getting shot with a mysterious arrow, the reader is scared and confused by what was given to her by that arrow, clumsy while lost in thoughts, but Josuke comes to the reader's aid and when they realize that Josuke has a stand just like them, Josuke helps the reader understand what stands are, making the best of it!

Warnings:  Slight swearing! Mentions of blood (But that's about it!)

Word Count: 2k 

Who knew life could turn around so crazily?

One day, I was just a normal person, living a typical life I couldn’t complain about. Till one day while walking home, I was shot by an arrow.

Easily the most painful experience of my life and now I was seeing things. Some weird figure was at my side and any time it appeared, my world turned upside down.

LITERALLY.

I had no idea who to go to. If someone came to me with a story like mine, I’d think that they were crazy.

That’s why I kept it to myself.

I had no idea how to control this figure, but I knew that I had to because I could feel how it was attached to me. A part of me now.

School took my mind off the topic, but the second the bell rang and I started making my way home, I was theorizing about how to solve this issue of mine.

First priority, how to handle my world being inverted. It’d happen randomly sometimes so I had to be prepared for the next.

I knew the way home by heart so, I closed my eyes during my walk, imagining the inverted world. Solely focused on that till there was no ground beneath my foot.

“WOA-! OH SHI-“

When I opened my eyes, I was headed face-first down a flight of stairs. How could I have forgotten about them?!

Going to hold my head, I took the tumble, unable to block the smack of my face on the stone, and my ribs getting cracked too.

At the bottom of the stairs, I was gasping for the air that was driven out of me, feeling blood running down my nose.

“Y/N?!”

There were feet running towards the top of the stairs, looking over, hard to move as I saw that iconic pompadour.

“Josuke,” I was wheezing from not being able to breathe and my appearance made it obvious that I had taken a hard fall down the stairs.

“Oh my god! Are you okay?!” Josuke was a great friend of mine as we went to school together since we started at the same school.

He was such a kind soul, running to my aid and taking a napkin out of his bag.

“You didn’t break anything did you?” He started to help me clean my nose and it sure felt like I broke a rib.

Holding them, I was still trying to breathe right, coughing out, “God, I smacked my ribs hard.”

“It’s alright,” He cooed, sitting me up carefully, “You’ll be better in no time. I’m going to help you.”

“Thanks, man,” I tried to stand up, but I noticed that Josuke was focusing, this pink aurora surrounding him and my eyes about popped out of my head when I saw a figure next to him.

He was so focused on me that he didn’t notice my expression. His figure was somewhat like mine.

I was beyond confused, especially when he took my hand and suddenly, all my pain started to disappear.

“You’re a tough cookie, so don’t-“ He was trying to make me smile, looking into my eyes and seeing my face, that smile of his turning into a concerned face, “The pain that bad?”

My hand was shaking like a leaf when I pointed to the figure right at his side, my voice shaking too as I asked:

“That. Y-You have one t-too?”

He looked at the figure next to him and then back at me, and his widened eyes showed the realization.

“What is it? I don’t understand!” I started to cry because of how confused and kind of scared I was of all this.

But Josuke, he just always knew what to do, taking my hand again and saying calmly:

“It’s okay, Y/N. It’s nothing to be afraid of. Notice how you’re not in pain anymore?”

I only nodded, only wanting to hear his explanation, but instead, he asked me:

“You said, that I have one too. Show me.”

“O-Okay,” I stuttered nervously, standing on my feet and I was so anxious. I’ve never done it on command before but, I was going to try my hardest to do it, telling him first, “Just stay as still as possible okay? It’s really trippy.”

“Trippy? This otta be interesting- WOAH!” Mid-sentence, I summoned it and the world was inverted.

Our feet on the sky. The world above us. Everything upside down.

“WOAH! NOOO! IM FALLING!” I felt bad for Josuke, as I reacted the same way the first time I experienced this, but also laughed a little.

“It’s okay, Josuke. We won’t fall. Well, at least I’ve never fallen,” My words made me think, what if I’m the only one who can stay still? Does it really flip the world, or is it just a mental or visual effect?

“SHIT! JOSUKE. IM SO SORRY!” I ran to him and picked him up into a hug, panting just to realize that he wasn’t falling after all.

“You’re right. This is very trippy,” He breathed in, patting my back, “It’s okay. You’re right, we aren’t gonna fall.”

“I’m sorry! I should’ve said something!” The panic was coming back again and my tears had to fall, “I’m just so confused! And scared! I mean, I’m not hurt or anything but it’s just confusing!”

“Hey, hey,” Josuke hugged me back and it was so comforting, continuing to rub my back, “I understand what you mean. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I’m going to help you. This is actually pretty cool!”

“Really?!” I looked up at him with big eyes, desperate for help, feeling so relieved as he smiled:

“Of course! You’re one of my closest friends! Why wouldn’t I?”

“You’re the best, Josuke.” I just couldn’t stop hugging him, still listening as he explained:

“It’s called a stand. Every one has special abilities. Like mine, Crazy Diamond heals people, but I can’t heal myself. That’s why you’re not hurt anymore.”

“Oh, okay,” I swallowed, taking in his knowledge and thanking, “Thank you so much for that. I had my eyes closed because I was trying to imagine this, but I forgot about the stairs.”

“I can tell you’re still learning and don’t sweat it. I’ll always have your back,” He was the sweetest and I was ready to have a long conversation when he asked, “I’m guessing you were stabbed by an arrow. Weren’t you?”

“Yeah,” I sighed, recalling the memory, “For some weird reason my, stand, would just happen randomly. So, I’ve been trying to practice. This is the first time I’ve done it myself.”

“Well, you’re making good progress at least! How about this? You put us back to normal, we can go to my house and I’ll tell you all I know about stands so you got control of this.”

“Please?!” This was everything I need, relieved as he nodded:

“I gotcha, Y/N. Just one last thing?”

“Yeah?” I was concerned for a second, but laughed as he hugged me tight and asked shyly:

“Just hold me while we go back to normal?”

“Sure thing,” I held him and in a swift motion, everything was back to normal, unable to hold back my laughs as Josuke tapped his foot on the ground to make sure it was good.

As Josuke said, we walked back to his house and we sat on the floor in his room and he explained everything.

The details of stands, the arrow, and he guided me on how to feel and use it. We practiced a bit in his room and we were actually having fun.

I proved how well that I was learning by flip-flopping his room upside down and back really fast and Josukes hysterical screaming and laughing had me cracking up.

“Okay! Okay! I’m dizzy!” Josuke said dizzily while laying on the floor, still wheezing as I sat down:

“I’m sorry! It was just really funny!”

“Yeah, it was!” He laughed along, Josuke trying to stand by clinging to the door. Opening it by accident.

“OPEN UP!” Okuyasu blasted through the door and landed on top of Josuke, never failing to make me laugh.

“Watch where the hell you’re going, Okuyasu!”

“You were the one in the damn way, Josuke!”

They were fighting! I had to watch it! Only if I had some popcorn, my laughing catching Okuyasu’s attention:

“Y/N? What’s she doing here?”

“Hi, Okuyasu,” I waved, Josuke going to answer his question but Okuyasu assumed with an outburst:

“You’re hooking up with Y/N and you didn’t tell me?!

“WHAT? NO!” Josuke yelled, punching the side of his head and getting up.

“Does he have one too?” I whispered to Josuke and they both stopped.

“What? This?”

My mind was blown as a blue stand appeared next to Okuyasu and suddenly, Josuke’s face smacked the door like he was teleported or something.

“What the hell was that?” I thought mine was confusing! Josuke holding his face and yelling at Okuyasu:

“YEAH? WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT, MAN?”

“My stand! The hand!” Okuyasu said more so to me, presenting his stand, “It deletes space and teleports objects. I deleted the space between Josuke and the door so he’d hit it!”

Okuyasu was laughing, but I was so shocked. His stand was actually really awesome!

“Do you have one too?” Okuyasu asked, looking down at me and I noticed Josuke behind him, motioning me to mess with him with my stand.

I didn’t say anything. I just nodded and smiled, summoning my stand, and when the room flipped:

“WHAT THE?! AHHH!”

Okuyasu was on his back on the ceiling, thinking he was falling to the floor, Josuke and I crying tears from the laughter.

“PUT ME BACK! PUT ME BACK!”

“Not so fun when people prank you with their stands, huh?!” Josuke tormented, but I got my fair share and put it back to normal.

“I can’t anymore. I think I’m gonna die from laughing so much today.”

“Oh no, we can’t let that happen,” Josuke smirked at me, summoning his stand for show.

I hid my face from blushing so much, our little moment broken up by Okuyasu yelling to me:

“Try giving a guy a warning next time, huh?! What was that?”

“My stand flips the world upside basically.”

“Wooaaaah,” Okuyasu was dumbfounded, “Outside too?”

“Yup,” Josuke answered, “When she showed me I thought I was falling out of the sky. That’s why she’s here. I was explaining to her what stands are.”

“Ahh, that makes sense now. So you’re not hooking up?”

Josuke only looked at me, blushing through his smolder and I was too, but answered:

“Just stand practicing basically.”

“Oh, that’s good!” Okuyasu sighed in relief, “Y/N’s way too hot for you.”

“Okay. That’s it,” Standing up, they were fighting again.

I could only shake my head, but once their rowdiness died down, it was sunset and Josuke decided to walk me home.

Today was surely a wild one but in a good way. I got all my questions answered, I wasn’t scared anymore, and I could control my stand.

Josuke was like a hero to me now, letting him know as we made it to my house:

“I just want you to know again, Josuke. You’re the best. I can’t thank you enough for helping me.”

“It’s no problem, I promise,” He smiled, “I’m glad I could help. And sorry about Okuyasu, by the way. You know how he can be sometimes.”

“I'm not sweating it. He’s a goofball. Would be weird if he wasn’t,” I giggled, Josuke nodding along but murmuring to himself:

“Yeah, and of course he had to embarrass me.”

“Josuke,” I sounded serious at first, but wiped all that anxiousness it made when I kissed his cheek:

“Never mind what he said earlier. I think you’re a beautiful person. Inside and out. Your stand too.”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone’s face turn so red. It was so cute and he was rambling nervously:

“Aww, Y/N! T-Thank you so-“

“No, thank you, Josuke,” Everything paused when I hugged him again, getting off my chest, “Ever since I got hit by that arrow, I’ve been living in fear. You took that all away in less than a day. You really are a beautiful soul.”

This time, there was no rambling. Just hugging me back, kissing my cheek this time when I looked up at him and he winked:

“You are too.” 

[ikeromantic]

Entwined, Ch 10

Part 10 of a multipart series. Mai has been reborn in the modern age after a full life in the Sengoku. The warlords as spirit animals find her again after 500 years of searching for her soul. Approx. 3500 words.

Part 1

Previous: Part 9

Mai sat on the park bench, people watching. Her mind was crowded with all of the things she might say when Hideyoshi arrived. Tossing one phrase after another. Too generic. Too cruel. Too ambivalent. Was there any good way to -

CLANG

The sound shook her out of her thoughts and back into the moment. She could see a light pole, and a man on the ground beside it. Mai went to check on him. It sounded like he crashed pretty hard. 

“Are you ok?” She got a good look at him as he lay there. Despite the stunned expression, he was very attractive. Young-ish but with gray hair and astonishingly violet eyes. He had a book clutched in one hand. 

“Oh! Hey! It’s you!” He smiled up at her, his face almost angelic with the change in expression.

Mai was pretty sure she’d never met him, but she nodded. “Yep. It’s me!” She held out a hand to him. “Let me help you up.” There wasn’t any blood, but she thought he’d have a pretty good bruise on his cheek. 

“Thank you.” He took her hand, but didn’t really use it as he stood. She tried to let go once he was standing, but he kept hold of it, still smiling brightly at her as if they were the best of friends. Or lovers. “It’s great to see you again. I wanted to go visit you but Mitsu-”

“There you are!” A shorter, blonde guy walked up and grabbed his arm. “Come on, fool. Stop bothering that idiot.” He glared at them both. “Did she catch you walking into a pole again? What have I told you about reading while you walk?”

Violet-eyes let go of Mai finally, and she took a step back. These guys were weirdos. Cute but bizarre. 

“I did, but Ieyasu! Look who I found!”

The blond turned his glare full-on to Mai. “Yes. Some girl. Great. Come on, Mitsunari. I don’t have time for this. We have lectures to get to.”

Ah, they were either students or professors. Mai relaxed a little. “Hey, it was nice meeting you. You should um, put some ice on your face, ok? I’ll just . . . go . . . sit . . .”

“Thanks for checking on this idiot.” Ieyasu held out a hand to stop her. “It’s - it’s nice to meet you. I’m Ieyasu, and this guy is Mitsunari.”

“I’m Mai.” 

Mitsunari smiled brightly. “Let’s have lunch together, Mai.”

Ieyasu let out an exasperated sigh. “She literally just met us. She isn’t going to just go somewhere with strangers.”

Mai let out an awkward laugh. They bickered like an old, married couple, she thought.

“But Ieyasu, we’ve known-” Mitsunari started to speak again, but his friend turned suddenly, knocking the book from Mitsunari’s hand. He immediately went after it with a murmured ‘oh no’.

“Actually, I have some time before I meet up with a friend. I’d be ok getting coffee or something, if you like. There’s a stall just a little ways from here.” Mai wasn’t sure why she felt so comfortable around these two. They just seemed nice. 

The blond looked as if he might say no. His lips were turned in a firm frown, a little wrinkle between his brows. “Alright. Let’s get it over with then.”

She wasn’t sure how to take that response, but had no time to change her mind. Mitsunari had already recovered his book, and now linked arms with her. 

“Ummm . . . alright. But you know you don’t have to? I thought-”

“Come on.” Ieyasu set off toward the coffee stall with a determined gait.

Mai followed after with Mitsunari, uncertain how she felt about this turn of events. But at least it was a nice distraction from her thoughts. “So, you two are students? Or -” 

“I’m a guest professor,” Mitsunari smiled at her. “I teach project management. Sometimes I do consulting work too.” He shrugged as if this was no big deal. “Ieyasu teaches and runs a compounding pharmacy.”

“I could have said so myself,” Ieyasu shot back over his shoulder.

She held back a smile. “What do you teach, then?”

“Organic chemistry. Biochem.” He frowned. “Why do you care?”

“I was just curious. Sorry.” Mai wasn’t sure how to react to him. He seemed at turns to really dislike her, and at other times, friendly. 

Ieyasu sniffed. “You shouldn’t apologize so much. It’s fine to ask questions.”

Mitsunari laughed and patted her hand. “He’s so excited to spend time with you again. You’ve really unsettled both of us.”

“A-again?” Mai raised an eyebrow. “Have we -”

“There it is.” Ieyasu grabbed her arm and tugged her away from Mitsunari. “What kind of coffee do you want?”

Mai studied his face. There was something about his bright gaze that felt so familiar. She could recall his voice speaking her name with gruff affection. 

“Stop staring at me like that. If you don’t tell me what you want, I’ll get you a plain, black coffee.” Ieyasu grumped at her.

“But she likes sweet things,” Mitsunari spoke up. “I bet her favorite isn’t even coffee. Let’s get her a strawberry milk tea!” 

“I do really like those,” she said after a pause. 

Ieyasu nodded. “Great. Perfect.” He pointed to a nearby park bench. “Mitsunari, go sit with her there. And don’t say anything stupid.”

Mitsunari nodded. “Thank you for reminding me, Ieyasu! You are such a good friend.”

The blond gave a tired sigh and turned away to get in line. 

“Is he always like that? I feel like he is,” Mai said as she let Mitsunari lead her off to sit down. 

“Hm? Oh yes. Ieyasu is always so kind. He worries about the people around him all the time.” Mitsunari gave her an angelic smile. “It’s good you remember that about him.”

There it was again, Mai thought. She couldn’t place them, but she felt like they’d met before. She was about to ask when Ieyasu arrived with their drinks in hand. 

“Here.” Ieyasu handed her drink over and sat down next to Mitsunari. 

No one said anything for a few moments. They sat in companionable silence, sipping their drinks. Mai studied them over the rim of her milk tea. She knew that she knew them. There was a sense of it, like a song lyric just forgotten. Out of reach, but only just. She felt sure if she asked the right questions, it would all come back to her. 

“Do you like your drink?” Mitsunari noticed her gaze and gave her another angelic smile. 

“Mmm. Yes. It’s very good. Thank you again, Ieyasu.”

He gave her a nod in reply, not making eye contact. 

“I did have a question for you. Mitsunari.” Mai smiled back at him. “This is going to sound like a weird thing to ask but, do you know a guy named Mitsuhide?”

“Of course.” Mitsunari chuckled. “He’s -”

“An actor, right?” Ieyasu interrupted. “I think we saw him in a production.” He flashed a warning look at his friend.

Mitsunari seemed immune, or perhaps hadn’t noticed. “Oh, yes. I’ve seen him on stage several times. You even perfo- ow!” Mitsunari jumped. “I think something bit me! Ieyasu, did it get you too?” He rubbed at his leg.

Mai decided to try a different tack. “Ieyasu. I know that I’ve met you before. You and Mitsunari and Mitsuhide as well.” 

His jade green gaze widened before he shrugged and looked away. “So?”

“So where do I know you from? I feel like . . . we were friends?” She couldn’t help the pleading tone of her voice. “It’s like I’m losing my mind. I keep having these - these memories of places and things that . . . aren’t . . . normal. And meeting people like you two. People that seem so familiar but - but I don’t -”

Mitsunari took her hand in his. “You’ll remember it all eventually, Mai.”

“Right. So quit trying to push. You’ll just hurt yourself.” Ieyasu added gruffly. He nudged Mitsunari. “We need to get to the lecture hall. Come on.”

“But, wait! You can’t just say that and then leave. I need to know. Where did we meet? When? How did we know each other? Why do you remember but I can’t?” Mai felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. 

Mitsunari gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I promise you’ll remember it all. And until you do, we’re all here, watching out for you.” 

Ieyasu gave a curt nod. “We’ll be around. But don’t use that as an excuse to do something stupid.” He stood and began walking away. 

“I have to go now. But I’m sure we’ll talk again.” Mitsunari’s gentle gaze made Mai feel slightly better as she bid him goodbye. She still felt confused and out of her depth, but reassured too. 

She spent the next hour sipping her milk tea and wandering through the park, thinking about the last several weeks. Her life until now had been uneventful. The usual ups and downs, full of laughter and tears. She hadn’t considered that there could be more to it. Memories, friends, lovers from another life in another time. It seemed too incredible to be true. 

In the end, Mai decided it didn’t matter whether it was too incredible or not. She knew she felt these things, and her vivid recollections from other times felt like real memories. She didn’t need to know how it worked or why it was. She really just had one choice to make. To believe these things were real, or to refuse. Simple enough . . . 

“You look lost in thought. Everything ok?” Hideyoshi’s voice took her by surprise, though he’d shown up more or less at the agreed time. 

Mai gave a half-hearted laugh. “Yeah. You know how it is sometimes. When you just go around in circles?”

Hideyoshi smiled and reached to tousle her hair, but stopped short. He cleared his throat, suddenly awkward. “You said we needed to talk?”

She realized as she looked at his nervous posture that she really didn’t want to break up with him. He was such a nice guy. Even now, he was more concerned with her comfort than his own. But it would be cruel to say nothing and so she took a deep breath and nodded. “We do.”

He let out a breath. “Alright.”

Now that the moment was here, Mai wasn’t sure what to say. She struggled for a moment, trying to find the words to express what lay in her heart. “I really like you. It’s just . . . you’re more like a big brother. Or - or a good friend. Comforting and kind and -” Mai stopped herself from saying more as she took in Hideyoshi’s pained expression.

He sucked in a breath, “I suppose I deserve that.”

“What? No!” Mai drew back. “You’re honestly the sweetest guy. It’s me, you know? I have a . . . a lot going on.” She felt a sudden urge to spill the whole thing to Hideyoshi. Her weird dreams and sense of deja vu, her confusion over Mitsuhide and her feelings for him. But that wasn’t fair to him. 

Hideyoshi stuck his hands in his pockets and fixed his gaze on the ground. “It’s not you, it’s me, right?” He made a sound that might have been laughter or tears or both. 

“Oh, no, that’s - that’s not what I meant. I-”

He shook his head, looking at her again. “You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve told a woman she’s like my little sister. Knowing how she felt about me. Using my responsibilities to - to keep people at arms’ length.” Hideyoshi’s lips twisted in a small, sad smile. “Kind of ironic to have it turned around on me now. With the - the one -” He stopped talking and took a moment to look out at the park, staring at nothing in particular.

Mai felt her heart twist in her chest. She wanted happiness for Hideyoshi, but she knew he wouldn’t find it with her. Not the way he wanted, anyhow. It just killed her to see him hurting like this. “I’m sorry. I really am.”

“You shouldn’t apologize.” He pushed his hair back from his face, trying to master his emotions. “I’m glad you told me. You were - are - so honest. I’ve always admired that about you. Even if it sucks to be on this end of it.” 

“Hideyoshi.” She wanted to hug him, but he looked so brittle in this moment, fragile. And even worse, she felt as if they’d been here before. Navigating this space between friendship and romance. 

He forced a smile though his eyes were damp. “Would it be alright if - if I still text you sometimes? Just as a friend?” 

Mai nodded. “I’d like that. I meant what I said. I care for you.”

“Good.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t want to lose you.” He rubbed his face as if to banish the unshed tears. “I might go quiet for a little while though. Just to - to give us both some space.”

“Sure. That’s probably a good idea.” 

Awkward silence fell between them, with neither sure of what else to say. Mai wanted to cry, but she felt like that would be wrong. Afterall, she broke up with him. But seeing the vulnerability in him, the openness, the hurt . . . 

“Is it ok if I hug you?” Hideyoshi held up his hands as if to show her they were harmless. 

“Yeah. I’d like that.” And then she was enveloped in his arms, her cheek pressed to his warm, firm chest. His hands rested on her upper back, cradling her gently. She knew she was crazy to give him up - any girl would be lucky to stand beside him. But she wasn’t any girl. She was - my little mouse - Mai, and she knew her heart was elsewhere.

After a moment, they parted. Hideyoshi looked better for the brief embrace, though he wouldn’t meet her gaze. 

“I think I’ll just go now. This is a good spot to end.” He gave an uncertain half-smile. “See you around?”

“Yes.” Mai nodded. “Definitely.” She wanted to apologize again, to tell him what a great guy he was and how sorry she felt to cause him heartbreak. But he was right. This was a good way to end it. More words would spoil their goodbye. So she waved and watched as he walked away, leaving an ache in her chest that made the afternoon feel colder and more empty.

After he was gone, she took out her phone, itching to talk to someone. Her finger hovered over Mitsuhide’s icon but then she scrolled past to text her friend, Asami. They’d grown up together and if anyone could make her feel better about dumping an absolutely perfect guy, it was her. 

They met up at an ice cream shop - Asami’s idea - to split a brownie sundae. 

“Trust me, warm caramel will make us both feel a lot better. Me, because I am forever alone, and you, because you’re drowning in hot guys and can’t make up your mind.” Asami grinned as she held the door open for Mai.

“Oh my god. I am too making up my mind! That’s why I talked to Hideyoshi.” Mai stormed past, feeling a little put out by her friend’s carefree smile.

Asami laughed. “Don’t pout. I’m only teasing. I know that couldn’t have been easy.” She gestured to a table. “You save us a spot. I’ll order.”

Mai forced her mouth out of the moue it was making and nodded. She knew her friend was just trying to cheer her up. And she was right. Any girl would be happy to have the problem of too many cute guys in their life. It was just less fun when it was you, and the guy you liked was Mitsuhide. Because he was -

“Here.” Asami put the sundae down on the table. It was immense. Three scoops of ice cream piled high with whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, cherries, and rainbow sprinkles sat on a giant, soft, chewy, cocoa brownie. Decadent. Ridiculous. Exactly what a girl needed after a teary eyed breakup.

For several minutes, there was just the sound of spoons clinking the glass dish and happy sighs. 

When they’d done a fair amount of damage to the ice cream and dug into the brownie, Asami asked, “So. What happened? I thought Hideyoshi was the perfect guy? Is he, like, secretly eating babies or something?”

“No,” Mai giggled. “He really is damn near perfect. I just . . . he doesn’t . . .”

“Ohhhhh. I get it. No chemistry. When he kisses you, no zing. No juice. No -”

“Oh god, Asami! Stop it! You’re so dirty!” Mai was blushing now, her face hot with embarrassment.

Her friend gave her a knowing look. “But I’m right, right?”

“Yeah,” Mai admitted reluctantly. “It’s like, I care about him. But not as a lover. I can’t imagine him in bed. Or, I can? But I don’t want to.”

“Pfft. I’d imagine him in bed. My bed. You should give me his number.” Asami grinned, then her expression fell, becoming serious. “It’s hard to tell a guy he’s friendzoned. I’m sorry you had to do it. But you got it over with, and it sounds like he took it well.”

She nodded. “I almost wish he’d yelled at me or something. I feel like I kicked a puppy. And,” Mai paused, “this is going to sound weird but, I kind of feel like I told him that before?”

“Deja break up? Weird.” Her friend tilted her head. “But didn’t you tell me you have all kinds of feelings like that with the Mitsuhide guy? Like you knew him before and stuff?”

Mai took a breath. She hadn’t told Asami everything. It was too strange, and she didn’t want her friend thinking she’d lost her mind. But . . . “Do you believe in reincarnation?”

Asami raised an eyebrow. “For real?”

“Yeah.”

After a moment, her friend shrugged. “Sure, I guess. I mean, something has to happen when you die. So why not? Wait.” Asami’s other brow shot up. “You think you were with him in another life? Mitsuhide or Hideyoshi?”

Mai swallowed. “Both? Like I knew them both? And not just them.” She spilled everything over the rest of the sundae. Her dreams and feelings and all of the strange moments she’d had. It felt so good to tell someone she trusted. To just let everything out after worrying over it alone.

When she finished, the ice cream was a memory and Asami was thoughtfully tapping the licked-clean spoon against her lips. “Well. Either you’re insane or reincarnation is real and for whatever reason, you’re drawing these people back to you from your former life. Or lives.”

“That’s not much help. You’re supposed to make me feel better.” Mai tried to frown, but she honestly already felt better just talking about it. 

“Hey! I’m the honest friend. You want blind reassurance, ask somebody else.” Asami stuck her tongue out.

“I would, but Kaiya’s too honest as well, and everyone else is either involved or not a close enough friend. So it’s on you.”

Asami laughed. “Fair enough.” She set the spoon down. “I don’t think you’re crazy. So I guess that means we’re stuck with the reincarnation theory. The only other thing I can come up with is some kind of conspiracy but that seems like a lot of work to date a seamstress. No offense.”

“None taken.” Mai smiled. 

“So. If that’s the case, then why don’t we try to make you remember? Then you’ll know who these guys are and what they mean to you. Include your hottie theater friend.” She winked. “Want to make it happen?”

“I . . . yeah. I do. But how?”

Asami pulled out her phone. “I know a guy. Does hypnosis and stuff. I don’t know if he’s helped with this past life stuff, but supposedly he can help you diet and quit smoking so it’s worth a try.”

Mai wasn’t sure about that, but she nodded anyway. “If you think he might help, then I’m down.”

“Great. I’ll see what he says. And in the meantime -” Asami pointed at her. “No moping. If you start to mope, I’ll call Kaiya and we’ll both show up at your place.”

“No moping,” Mai agreed. “In fact, I think I’ll swing by the theater tonight and take a few shots of the stage. I want to do some color match and contrasts with the -”

“Oh. God. It’s always work with you.” Asami laughed and rolled her eyes. “Sure, fine, whatever helps you get through. But I know the real reason you want to drop by.”

Mai tried to look innocent but she knew she was failing as Asami’s smile widened.

“There might just be some hot, golden-eyed, platinum haired guy who needs a little help with his co-”

“Asami!”

“What? I was going to say costume. Obviously.” Her friend’s smile was mischievous and gave the lie to her ‘obvious’ statement.

Mai felt a rush of love for this friend that had been there for her every time she needed it. She grabbed Asami’s hand and squeezed it. “You’re the best. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, yeah. Just remember that on my birthday. I was looking at this phone -”

They both broke into laughter, the emotional moment passing.

Chapter 11