#Baby we are thinking 5 steps into the future.

[inkspiredwriting]

Seven Years Lost

Five Hargreeves x Fem!reader

A/N: This was a request. I really hope it's not that bad. To the lovely person who sent me this request, please contact me and tell me what you think about it, even if you don't like it, then I really want to know what you don't like. So that I can do better next time

Warnings: spoilers for season 4 episode 5-6, angst

Y/n sat on the worn-out couch in Diego’s living room, the sound of muted conversation from the kitchen drifting through the house. The weight of her growing belly reminded her that she wasn’t alone, that there was a small life depending on her now, a life she had been overjoyed to create with Five. But that joy had turned to a hollow ache since she had discovered the truth.

She absently ran her hand over her stomach, trying to find comfort in the small kicks and flutters that had once brought her so much happiness. The baby was all she had left to cling to now.

Diego had been the one to tell her, his voice low and hesitant as he explained what Five had confessed to him. Seven years. Seven years in a different timeline, trapped with Lila. Seven years that had only been hours in their timeline. And in those years, Five had been unfaithful. It was a betrayal Y/n couldn’t understand, a wound that cut deeper than any she had ever known.

“Y/n,” Diego’s voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up to see him standing in the doorway, concern etched across his face. “You don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to. We can go somewhere else.”

She shook her head, forcing a small, tight-lipped smile. “It’s fine, Diego. I just… I need some time to think.”

He nodded, understanding, but didn’t push further. “I’m here if you need me,” he said softly before retreating back into the kitchen, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Y/n closed her eyes, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. She had been so happy, so content in the life she and Five had built together. She had believed in their love, in their future. But now, all of that seemed like a cruel joke.

How could he have done this? How could he have betrayed her, betrayed their love, even if it had been in another timeline, in another life? And yet, as much as she wanted to hate him, to push him away, she couldn’t ignore the part of her that still loved him, that still wanted to believe in the man she had married.

But the reality was inescapable. She had to protect herself, and more importantly, she had to protect their child.

Just as she was about to get up and leave, the door to the living room creaked open, and she looked up to see Five standing there. His face was drawn, pale, with dark circles under his eyes—a man broken by his own actions.

“Y/n,” he said quietly, his voice trembling with regret.

She stiffened, her heart constricting as she met his gaze. “What do you want, Five?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though it trembled slightly with the weight of her emotions.

He took a tentative step forward, clutching a leather-bound book tightly in his hands. “I’m so sorry, y/n,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I regret what happened. I know I’ve hurt you in a way that might never heal, but I need you to know that I never stopped loving you. Not for a second.”

Y/n looked away, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. “You say that, but how am I supposed to believe you? You were with her for seven years, Five. Seven years, while I was here, pregnant and thinking about our future.”

“I know,” he whispered, pain evident in his voice. “I know, and I hate myself for it. But right now, we don’t have time. The cleanse… it’s unraveling everything, y/n. And you… you’re the only one who can survive this.”

She looked back at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

He held out the book, his hands trembling slightly. “This is the key to the train,” he explained, his voice thick with desperation. “It contains all the paths to different timelines—places where you can be safe, where you and our child can live a normal, happy life. You didn’t take the Marigold, y/n. You don’t have to die like the rest of us. You can survive this.”

Y/n stared at the book in his hands, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew about the train, a mysterious force that could take you to alternate timelines, but she had never imagined she would need to use it.

“And what about you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Five’s expression crumpled, and he looked away, unable to meet her eyes. “I can’t go with you,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “If I leave, it’ll only make things worse. But you… you and our child… you deserve a chance at a life, y/n. A life without this madness.”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized what he was asking of her. He was asking her to leave him, to walk away from everything they had built together, everything they had fought for. But more than that, he was asking her to survive, to protect the life growing inside her.

“Five…” she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion. “I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I can leave you.”

He stepped closer, gently taking her hand and pressing the book into her palm. “You have to,” he said softly, his eyes pleading with her. “This is my last chance to do right by you, to protect you and our child. Please, y/n. Let me save you.”

She looked down at the book in her hands, feeling the weight of the choice before her. It felt impossible—leaving the man she loved, the father of her child, to face whatever fate awaited him. But she also knew that Five was right. She had to survive, for their child’s sake.

Finally, she nodded, tears streaming down her face. “Okay,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I’ll do it. I’ll take the train.”

Relief washed over Five’s face, but it was tinged with sorrow. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you, y/n.”

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if he could somehow imprint the memory of her onto his very soul. She clung to him, sobbing into his shoulder, knowing that this might be the last time she would ever hold him, the last time she would ever feel his arms around her.

After what felt like an eternity, Five gently pulled back, his eyes red and swollen. “We need to go,” he said quietly. “The train won’t wait forever.”

They left Diego’s house together, and blinked to the subway station. It was quiet, only the shallow breathing of Five could be heard, but y/n barely noticed. All she could focus on was the man beside her, the man she loved despite everything, the man she was about to lose.

When they reached the station, Five led her to the hidden platform where the train was waiting. It was a strange, thing, its doors open and waiting.

“This is it,” Five said quietly, his voice trembling. “This is your way out.”

Y/n turned to him, her heart breaking as she looked into his eyes one last time. “I love you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “No matter what happened, I want you to know that I love you, Five. I always will.”

Five’s eyes filled with tears, and he cupped her face in his hands, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. “I love you too,” he whispered against her lips, his voice breaking. “And I’m so sorry, y/n. I’m so sorry for everything.”

She kissed him back, pouring all of her love, all of her heartbreak, into that one final kiss. Then, with a shaky breath, she pulled away, clutching the book to her chest as she stepped toward the train.

Five watched her go, his heart shattering with every step she took. But he knew this was the only way, the only chance they had to save their child, to give y/n the life she deserved.

As the doors of the train closed behind her, Five’s knees buckled, and he sank to the ground, sobbing as he watched the train disappear into the ether, taking the woman he loved more than anything away from him forever.

He had done what he had to do, but the pain of losing her was more than he could bear. He had saved her, but it felt like he had lost everything in the process.

And as the world around him continued to crumble, Five knew that he would carry the weight of his betrayal, his mistakes, for the rest of his days—however long or short they might be.

But he would take comfort in the knowledge that y/n and their child were safe, that they had a chance at the life he could never give them.

Even if it meant he had to face the end without her.

[knowyourplace-fool]

Umm, I loved bully gojo and 2 , what happened after he kidnapped her and yknow , non conned her , like is he just obsessed with her , ORRRR , is he obsessed with her aaanndd IN LOVE with her ? Will he force her to be his girlfriend and future wife. Will she try to pick herself up and make a good life for self even though gojo literally exists. Hmmmmmmmm???? Idk but anwyas that story atteee . Stay sexy , ..sexy 🥰💓

⚠️: NON CON, Kidnapping, Mean!Gojo, physically, mental and emotional abuse, manhandling, bullying, biting, groping, size difference, pregnancy sex

-> THIS IS REALLY DARK AND FUCKED UP PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISK !

-> Idk why but everyone ate that Gojo fic up for some reason😭

-> part 1

Oh boy, he is more than obsessed with you

You made it too easy for him

With your family being out of the picture and you having quite literally 0 friends

Isolating you… well you already did that to yourself

Your reputation at school burned to the ground the moment he decided to leak your sex tape

So there’s no going back to uni

He handed in a resignation letter on your behalf and though your boss was concerned, Satoru assured her that you’re alright, but your morning sickness has been brutal lately

She raised her eyebrows and smiled, telling Satoru to pass on her congratulations to you

Your roommate at your dorm didn’t give a crap (she has a big, fat crush on Satoru and when she found out he slept with you, she wanted to kill you.)

That urge only grew stronger when Satoru stopped by your dorm to move your stuff out and when she asked him why he was the one moving it, he simply stated,

“Well, she’s pregnant with my child so she’ll be living with me so I can take care of her.”

Safe to say your roommate spent the night ripping her hair out of her scalp

And you. You’re sitting in the sunroom with a cup of warm tea and a side of prenatal vitamins in front of you

You’re in deep thought when the door swings open and a tall figure enters in

He sits next to you, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you onto his lap so that your back is relaxed on his chest

“Did you take a look at the blueprints?”

“I did but… what’s wrong with this house?”

“Nothing. I’d just like a bigger home to raise our family in.”

He’s met with silence

“You haven’t taken your vitamins.”

“I will, I just, I haven’t been feeling too good this morning.”

To that he hums and leave a kiss on your neck

“How’s the dress shopping going?”

You pause and put your hands over his

“Don’t you think we’re rushing this? Why can’t we wait till after I’ve given birth?”

“I don’t wanna wait that long.”

You wanted to ask him why, but you knew it would result in the back of his hand meeting your soft cheek

You had already experienced Satoru’s aggressive side and you’d rather not deal with it until this baby is out of you

“I’m sorry, but I need to pee.” You squeak, escaping his grip and leaving him alone in the sunroom

5 days passed, and it was a big day. Your wedding day. Even though it was put together on such short notice, it turned out marvellous.

For a girl, her wedding day is supposed to be one of the best days of her life, right? It’s supposed to be magical, exciting and memorable… right?

So why are you sitting on a chair labeled “bride”, with your hair and makeup complete, staring at a one way bus ticket to the neighbouring city?

That leaves right when the ceremony starts

You had known about the bus ticket. Actually, an unexpected someone had given you the bus tickets.

Suguru, Satoru’s ex-bestfriend.

They had a huge falling out over a business deal and even mentioning his name sets Satoru into a rage. Especially if it’s his fiancee.

So as a lick back, Suguru offered to help you escape him. And maybe by the end of it, you’ll warm his bed once or twice, or better yet, marry him.

From Suguru’s perspective, it was the perfect revenge. Nobody knows Satoru better than himself. He knows exactly how he thinks and what steps he would take to find you.

He also knew that today would be the only day that Satoru wouldn’t be breathing down your neck because you were getting ready to be his bride.

At first, you didn’t believe it. But Geto is convincing. He thought about everything — down to the last little detail. He made you picture a life where you’re far away from Satoru and given a chance to start fresh again.

Going to the neighbouring city means you could have an abortion so you won’t be tied to the blue eyed monster for eternity.

Geto left his number on a sticky note that was attached to the bus ticket. You walk over to the landline and dial his number. After a ring, he picks up and once he hears your sweet voice, he smiles.

“Meet me at the corner of Xander’s street, there’s plenty of trees there to keep you hidden.”

Your heart was pounding in your chest and the tips of your ears were hot. You knew. You knew that if Satoru had the slightest hint about what you were about to do, he’d drag you to hell and back. But the idea of marrying him, having his child and building a home for your family, was far more petrifying.

You slip into some shorts and a tank top before sliding out of the bridal room and using the nearest exit to leave the venue. You scurry along the trees, hoping and praying no one sees. The corner of the street was quiet and secluded. You had plenty of cover and you waited until a blacked out Range Rover pulls over.

The window rolls down and it’s Suguru. He tells you to hop into the back seat quickly before anyone sees.

You do what he says, except when you open the back seat door, you’re met with icy blue eyes.

Your breath hitches and before you know it, you’re being pulled into the car with Satoru screaming at you.

“You fucking lying whore! How fucking stupid can you be, hm?”

He placed you on your back and wrapped his fingers around your neck, slightly chocking you

“When Suguru told me that you accepted the bus tickets, I let it slide. I let it slide because I thought you were smart enough to know not to cross me. But you, you fucking bitch, you really tried to leave me at the alter! You really thought you could get away from me?”

He tears your shorts apart, revealing your white undergarments that you were supposed to wear under your wedding dress.

You couldn’t help but cry, spewing apology after apology. But he wasn’t having any of it. He unbuckled his own pants, pulling his thick cock out of his trousers. He spat down on it for lube and without a care in the world, entered into you.

“You stupid bitch- you thought you could run away and abort my baby?!”

He leans down, his hot breath tickling your ear as he tugs on your hair to expose your neck.

“If you thought, even for a second that you could hide from me and live a normal life after killing my child. You’re just as sick as me… And clearly, you don’t know who the fuck I am. So let me teach you.”

He lifted your legs to mating press, ruthlessly thrusting into you while you sob beneath him. You try resisting by attempting to pry his fingers off the bottom of your thigh, but he has a death grip on them

“P-please stop… It hurts — I can’t move or b-breathe properly.”

You hiccup, but he ignores. Instead, he picks up the pace, making you cry even harder.

“I’m s-sorry please! Please it hurts! I can’t-”

“Shut the fuck up and take it. Or I’ll ask him to shut you up with his dick. I bet you’d like that, you fucking whore. So eager to leave me, is it because you have the hots for my best friend?”

Your eyes glance at the rear view mirror, and sure enough, his eyes are glued on you

Which only makes you sob harder. Hearing no response from you angered Satoru. Did you really like Suguru? He pressed on your neck, and by the look of his eyes, you knew he was waiting for an answer.

“N-no! I don’t- I swear I- I’m just not ready to be a mother, please!”

“I don’t fucking believe you.”

According to Satoru, the entire thing was a test for you. The falling out, Suguru giving you the bus ticket to help you escape, and meeting you at the corner of the street— it was all apart of the test. And you failed it. Miserably.

“And here I was, thinking that I had trained you to know better. To know better than to leave me. But you prove me wrong again and again.”

He finishes inside you. Suguru pulls into the back of the venue. Satoru pulls you up right and lays his forehead against your own.

“Go get your hair and makeup re-done. The next time I see you, you better be in your gown walking down the aisle to wed to me. Do you understand?”

“Mmh”

“Words”

“Yes.”

“Yes, what.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Good.”

Apologies for any mistakes. It’s pretty late. Also have mercy on me, I haven’t wrote anything in 9 months so it’s a bit rusty😭

[songoftrillium]

Project Update 09/01/24

Hello, Kinfolks. We're a little under 60 days from releasing Book 1: Cliath, and I wanted to give you all a quick update, provide a few book facts, and hope this lets you share the excitement the rest of us have been feeling!

Book Layout

As you might've seen from our previews, writing is transitioning from writing to copy editing and book layout! If you haven't yet, check it out! The first two chapters are done, and chapter 3 is well underway. Outside of my work on Hearthbound, this is my first major book project, the largest book I've written, and the insights I've gained are ones I think might help future community content partners publishing work on Storyteller's Vault.

On Bluesky, a few months ago, I commented that you should "plan to take as much time doing layout as you do for writing." Even if one writes the book inline right in the desktop publishing program, annotation will still add time. With a WtE book we want to not just provide an adventure and a crash course on the Tellurian, but to also be a roadmap for Storytellers, new and old alike. This has happened on three fronts. The first and most important is we're taking the time to properly index everything in a way that'll let you look up specific book information quickly. The second is how we streamline information through the liberal use of cross-referencing in footnotes. In early chapters, you read truncated summarization, and in the footnotes, you can find book sections that expand on the information you're looking for and let you tune out the things that may not be so important for you to know at the moment. The third and most important feature, however, is where able, we cite our sources for our information. Should a Storyteller wish to learn expanded information on topics, they have a direct book and page citation where they can find deep lore to help construct their chronicles.

Cracking the Bone: now in coloring flats stage

For those that haven't been following, we are returning to old form. The moment you open Book 1, you'll be greeted with a fully illustrated and colored 22-page comic book showcasing life in the Age of Heroes. This story is centered around Dante (he/they,) our protagonist, and his first steps towards his First Change as a Bitten Homid Philodox. Throughout the book, we'll follow his journey towards becoming a Cliath, forming his pack under Earwig and his first mission as a Zedakh in a pack of other Queer Garou. In successive books, you'll see him transition from a scared baby gay Cub to a respected Elder in the Eastern Concordat! We're all absolutely thrilled to follow them on their journey. Illustrating this comic is the highly talented @mekanikaltrifle, who has partnered with us to bring Dante's story to life. I have a single pane I'd like to show you, bearing in mind these are just a first pass!

Book Pricing Information

We've also finalized some of our possible pricing on this book. On Storyteller's Vault, Community Content is priced on a per-page basis. The average is considered to be 12 cents per page. I did some early market work by releasing Hearthbound on a pay-what-you-want model with a recommended pricing of $2.99, totaling roughly 8 cents per page. I advertised exclusively here and on other social media platforms to queer audiences to help gauge a fair price for materials explicitly marketed to that audience. Of those that decided to pay for copies of the book, readers paid an average of 5$ per copy for an average of 14 cents per page. Given the voluntary nature of the release, we on the team have agreed that we'll be charging a rate of 14 cents per page for this release, which puts us on par with pricing for similar releases with a matching pagecount. With layout underway, we're currently looking at a book length of around 200-250 pages. 50% of proceeds go to the publisher, and the remainder will be split equally among all contributors, myself included. I and another artist have pledged to donate the entirety of our shares toward preserving the Kalapuyan language.

Book 1: Cliath releases on Halloween day!

I'd like to give a shout out to @a-boros-named-seamus, @madamebadger, The Bohemian, @peltofash, @ar2456, and Durodragon for supporting me on ko-fi, through yours and the donations of other ko-fi sponsors, we've managed to hire cultural consultants to review about half of what's been written. Because we weren't able to review all of our written words, we've narrowed our focus onto some of our most sensitive subject-matter, and believe that what we have coming out will be the inclusive Werewolf: the Apocalypse Quickstart you've all been waiting for. Thank you! It means so much to us that we have our own sept of Kinfolk out there who believe in this project!

If you'd like to help sponsor this project, subscribe on ko-fi to help us pay Cultural Consultants to work with us! We have some cool perks for subscribing, including access to book and setting previews, the ability to give feedback on game content we're producing, personalized advice for your own tables, and can even get a shoutout right in the book.

[emperorundying]

TLT Dashboard Simulator- Pt 5

💀 drearybruh Follow

10,000 y/o lyctor gf who exclusively calls me 'lovey': Ugh they're still debating the ethics of using cavaliers as a resource to suck dry, I can't deal with this empire today.

me [heard 'suck dry cavaliers' and got so hard i got nauseous]: I think I hauve devils in me

(2,710 notes)

🫁 soulosexualll

omg guys im so sorry ive been MIA!!! the alexandrite id been talking about won custody over our baby so i had a bit of a crisis about my future on the fifth house alone and loved only by the spirits. and then of course i visit the third over vacation and get roped into a multi-week bender [have u ever snorted dried marrow? life changing] and then i was lost on the third for likeeeee four days and had to find my way back through hitchhiking and bartering with my own blood.

but i promise ill update my Joy/Patience/Duty threesome fic soon :333

#rpf #munposting #EEEEEEE GET EXCITED GUYS #joy strap time? joy strap time.... #i see ur messages in the askbox and i super appreciate them btw but i cant justify answering all of them #BUT I SEE U AND I LOVE U <33

(42 notes)

🦴 skeletal-system-bracket

SKELETAL SYSTEM BRACKET ROUND 3 GROUP A

We had two ties last round [within a margin of error of .1%!!] , so we decided it would make the most sense to make this a four-way poll. Propaganda:

Occipital Bone: do you want an unprotected cerebellum??? the infernal surface is groovy af, and all the nuchal lines are actually goated. are u seriously going to look me in the eyes and tell me the three-part bone of all time [father son and holy spirit, anyone?] can even be stepped to by some normie basic bone shit???????? cmon..... [via. @skullfuckbonegod]

Fibula: VOTE FIBULA!!!! bone with a best friend <3 Tibia already got out round 1 so its ur legal duty to stand up for its legbestie... also my hounds r named Fibula and Tibia and theyre adorbsies [via. @sodiumradiation]

Thoracic Vertibrae: twelve bones. twelve bones, one combined goal: fuck shit up, take names, keep that back backing. least commonly injured part of the spine for a reason. its built different. this shit protects ur spinal cord, provides attachments to your ribs, supports your chest and abdomen, and literally lets yr body move. objective best bones. [via. @ithinkthereforisam]

Scalpula: Scapula sweep!! Those are your angel wings. Watching your Cavs shoulder blades move under their skin while they carry a big sword is the best part of being a necro. They're also just such a good plane of bone they're perfect for breaking up into little pieces for bone adepts to store in their pockets. Also the attachment point for a bunch of muscles!!and the yummy little joint cavity… [via. @kavkisser]

#polls #tumblr polls #skeletal system #tibia #fibula #vertebrae #scalpula

(450 notes)

📷 devoutofmymind Follow

ARE YOU GUYS SERIOUS WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE EMPEROR HASN'T COMMENTED ON HIS FIRST AND SECOND'S SAINTS DISAPPEARANCES

📷 devoutofmymind Follow

For my Edenite followers this is like if gun disappeared

#ARE THEY DEAD??? #Bro r we upping the fascism factor #STAFF THAT TAG IS A JOKE. I WOULD NEVER DREAM OF INSURGENCY

12,345 notes

🫀 gorewanker Follow

I swear they're like the septum piercing havers of cavaliering 😭😭😭

🦀 xx-0ct0g0ne-xx Follow

Ah. So you're unable to handle the pressures which are expected of the average Eighth House devotee, and as such, fall back upon insecure insults. Get a life + Praying for you + L.

(923 notes)

👤 boobmonger-deactivated-2917220

holy shit tower prince announcement this is crazy. liveblog time

👤 boobmonger-deactivated-2917220

TRANSMASC AWE??????????

(3,891 notes)

🦷 bitingyoubitingyoubitingyoubitingyoux3 Follow

(14,088 notes)

☠️ is-the-emperor-undying-d34d-yet Follow

NOT YET BUT WE ALWAYS COME BACK

[sugar-omi]

How do you think everyone would react if cove and mc got pregnant at 18? Like the reason for them being engaged so young is because they are expecting

tags : Angst, headcanons, fem/afab reader, pregnancy

[part 2: cove finding out you're pregnant]

CLIFF

cliff would be.. he'd have the same feelings he had when kyra got pregnant with cove

he'd be scared, but happy because it is an exciting thing that a lot of people wish to hear one day!

but as cove's dad, he'd first be disappointed just because he never would've wished such a struggle on anyone at such a young age, especially his own son.

doesn't bother getting angry, because what would that do? it won't make you un-pregnant and it'd just make cove (and you) mad at him or upset, since of course you already know it's not an ideal situation.

when he realizes that you got engaged because of the pregnancy though, he tries to have a talk with cove.

he knows how much you two love each other, but he also knows from experience that this just doesn't work.

i think that'd end up in an argument, because even though cove and cliff have a better relationship than before, 5-10 years doesn't erase all the hurt from back then

cliff might end up saying something like "you don't want to end up like me and your mom" or even worse, "you shouldn't mess up your future."

all that would upset cove so much... because does he think that cove was a mistake? is that what he's saying? is he saying that you and cove would fail miserably? either way. they aren't thinking clearly, and cove already has a lotta feelings about how he was born, let alone conceived.

cove would probably end up saying something (a bit) hurtful like "i would never end up like you and mom." , "i would never marry MC if i didn't know it'd work. unlike some people, i'm not gonna make my kid listen to us argue and then try to play happy family." , or "trust me, my kid won't end up with a childhood like mine." / "trust me, my marriage won't end up like yours."

is it very ooc? probably. but everyone has the ability to say something hurtful, and when you experience something traumatic like your parents fighting, or knowing the circumstances of your birth, you have a lot of thoughts and feelings...

he does end up apologizing, but cliff probably ends up apologizing too since, again, they both probably said things they didn't mean

after that, things get a bit better. there's probably a lot of emotional conversations after that, just to get everything off their chests. hell we might even need family therapy, just to smooth things over before your baby gets here...

KYRA

now kyra... mmm i think this is where her awkwardness comes in. remember how she says she felt more like a cool aunt than his mom?

i think this is where kyra gets close to you, tries to offer you support and helps you through all the changes of pregnancy

she's mostly afraid for both of you. doesn't want you to try and slap a bandaid on this with marriage, kinda like how her and cliff did...

although i do think she was first angry when the news dropped. she really thought that you and cove, cove especially, would be more careful considering everything...

but the distance between her and you guys makes her sit on it for awhile, she does calm down and realize that you're just in the same position she was in, and are likely scared but doing your best...

calls both of you separately, just some a little one-on-one time and a heart-to-heart.

asks if you're really sure if you wanna get married, of course she expects you two to be sure about it, you two haven't gotten tired of each other yet and you're about to be intertwined in every way possible

reminds you that marriage is all about communication. and when you're raising a kid especially, and patience! also knows how much you love each other, and tells you to make time for yourselves and your relationship.

PAM & NOELANI

i instantly knew they'd be mad.

remember how pam worries in step 2 that cove is bad news? i think in her anger, ends up saying something like, "i knew something like this would happen." "i told you he was a bad influence."

yknow i've always wondered how cove would feel if he knew pam thought that about him, and i think in this situation, it'd hurt him a lot, and it'd open up a new can of insecurities and doubts.

starts worrying that he's holding you back, bringing you down... but we can get to that later

noelani tries to keep pam calm, does chastise her for saying that in front of you, especially if cove is there.

noelani is so disappointed, and you can see it so heavily... she'd sigh, mumble something- probably about how she "cant believe it...", covers her face with her hands..

she definitely asks, "how could you let this happen?" she really trusted you to make smart decisions, and even if this was a really big accident (like the rubber broke), she still didn't expect it n can't stop being disappointed

it takes them a few days for them to relax. this news had them totally spun and their emotions jumble up whenever its brought up or they think about it

they know being upset is gonna make it better, and if you're still living at home, they can see how sad you are, which helps them cave in. even if you don't whenever you call, they can hear how sad you are, or maybe you're texting less, whenever you visit your energy is lower than usual...

to start with, just to get out the way, they reassure you that you don't have to get married, that you shouldn't do something you guys don't want to, that you can be parents just fine without marriage

feels better when you insist you're not doing it just for the baby, i mean, not much. but you're insistent, and if you found out you're pregnant after getting engaged, they just have to trust you.

they also have to trust cove when he says he's gonna take care of you and the baby.

they knew cove is always very sincere and determined, even if he hesitates at times, but when he's set on something, he does it, so even though they're not happy about the situation, you're flying the nest now, and hitting milestones at a young age so all they can do is support you

and if noel does have a bit too much fun helping you set up the nursery, don't say a THING!!!

all the parents do make you sit down and explain your plan, who's going to work, who's watching the babe, if you're still going to school... all that. it's not that they aren't going to help you, but are you ready to take on the responsibility for your baby?

LIZ

liz is super worried for you, and cove too actually. you're her little sister/sibling, she still sees you and cove as kids in some way, and she still preens when you come to her for help...

the news just makes her head spin, but her first question is if you're okay, n if she's at home, she gives you a hug, lets you cry if you need it.

and this is also where her (protective) big sister energy comes in.. she hates seeing you sad when your moms are still heavily upset about the news

she tries to be there for you as much as possible, and especially if the first trimester is really rough on you, if cove isn't by your side then she is.

doesn't bother lecturing either of you. whats the point? all of your parents have already chewed your ears off, and it's not like you need any more stress or worry, or need to know that there's someone else disappointed in you/cove

i was going to say she'd give cove a stern talking too about being their for you, but she realizes she doesn't really need to do that.

tells him "i'm sure you'll be a good dad" maybe even, "well, i guess this was gonna happen one day anyway.." and that you're lucky to have him.

although after all those comforting n reassuring words, she does slap him on the back and remind him not to hurt or fail both of you, least he wants to feel her wrath. :) (she's a protective auntie already &lt;33)

tries to keep the energy up by being excited for the baby, or by distracting you with some bonding time w your amazing older sister<3 makes jokes about being the cool aunt, when the times right ofc. she's really just trying to distract you, which works sometimes more than others

LEE

the phone is SILENT. which is really scary coming from lee...

she does speak eventually, asks if you're gonna keep it, what're you going to do, and depending on how you word the news, if cove is there to tell her, or if she's already heard some of the news from the rest of the family, she'll ask if cove knows

she tries not to ask too many questions, because she doesn't wanna upset you or seem insensitive

i think she's really lost on what to do. your and cove's parents have already done all the lecturing, and worrying over each detail...

so she just offers you comfort. or a distraction.

really, her reaction is based off yours, because if you're excited, then so is she! but if you're really sad and/or stressed, then she's subdued, tries to figure out how to help you even though she's not close by...

in fact, her and liz would plan a "girls trip" for you. just to distract you, help you feel better. it's nothing big, just 2 days in the city and you spend most your time going from shop to shop and different restaurants and cafes.

their energy keeps your spirits up, but if you're not up for all that, or even if you're tired of all the running around after the first day, they set up a nice "sleepover" in the hotel room and you only get one noise complaint!

both of them definitely reassure you that if you ever need a break, you can trust them, amazing and cool aunties lee and liz, with the babe (spoiler: you can, but just know you're interrupting many 'a tea parties when you come to pick up the babe)

DEREK, MIRANDA , TERRY, & BAXTER

their eyes fell out their head.

in fact, terry spat out his drink, like projectile spray... and derek is having an outta body experience probably, definitely dropped whatever he was holding.

baxter too, he's taking a sip of his coffee and when you tell him, he chokes a bit, squeezes the cup n now he has coffee on his pants... he's shocked as hell

i hope you didn't tell them in a public place btw, because terry definitely yelled out "you're pregnant?!" and now everyone in sunset bird/wherever you are who didn't know.. knows.

terry isn't sure whether to tell you congrats or not, is very very confused, says congrats but then starts rambling out loud about what if you're not excited, what if it's a bad thing... all that

and miranda too, offers a careful congrats and then says "um.. that is a good thing, right? i mean, it's okay if not!" and yeah you've broken them..

if you reassure them it is a good thing. well, as good as it can be really. then they relax

derek rambles off all his concerns, asks if you're really gonna do it (raise the baby)

and then starts rambling about how hard it was taking care of his brothers... is quick to remind you that it was fun! and he loves his brothers! and that you'll be great parents! and maybe your baby won't be as rambunctious as niko was as a toddler!

just offers you good wishes, and if you ever need help, call him! he's a expert at handling his brothers, so he might know a thing or two. unless it's genuine parenting advice then.. call his mom or dad, or yours, haha

now baxter... well assuming you told him you were engaged before he left, or even if you imagine all this happening while he's here, he doesn't have much to say

he's just a stranger after all, even if you befriend him quickly, he doesn't have much to say to you

he tries to contain his surprise, and he first asks if you're excited, then he offers his congratulations and says you two will be great parents and that the kid will be very loved by everyone.

after seeing you two around the neighborhood, and your getting to know your family and friends a bit, he doesn't worry about you guys too much.

even though he knows teen pregnancy isn't ideal, he does know your kid has a happy life ahead of them, and that you have a lot of support n love around you, and that you and cove will work hard to be good parents, so he doesn't worry for you too much

i'm tempted to say you or cove would find a unnamed flower or gift basket on your parents doorsteps, or maybe he even brings a very early wedding/baby gift since he knows he won't be around, but i'm not sure... although i think that's kinda a baxter thing to do

but now if he found out later in step 4, he'd be surprised by the news (and seeing that you have a kid already) but he'd just tell you he's happy it's all working out for you, and that your kid is very adorable and you have a lovely family

[yeonzzzn]

🪴spend my whole life: lee heeseung

a you complete me series: three / seven

pairing: heeseung x afab!reader

word count: 4.5k

synopsis: heeseung takes you to the main castle for for the king to retake some oaths…

genre: established relationship, vampire!heeseung, vampire!reader

warnings: mentions of blood, heeseung being cute and some spicy ♡

p1: vampires bleeding mlist

☾ sunghoon(1) | niki(2) | heeseung(3) | jungwon(4) | jake(5) | jay(6) | sunoo(7) ☽

You held onto Heeseung’s hand tightly as he drove, the sight of the castle coming closer into view. 

The castle that’s rightfully your mate, one he has completely discarded to protect his family and the future of his family. 

Heeseung gripped his hand on the steering wheel, his jaw locking in place tightly. Every terrible memory comes back to him. 

You circled your thumb over the top of his hand, “Hee, it’s okay.”

Heeseung nodded, glancing over at you quickly then back at the road, smiling, but it was not the kind of smile you’d wish it would be, “Yeah, I killed the old king, he can’t hurt me anymore so why should I be afraid?” 

You sighed, “Baby, your trauma from this place is valid, you’re the new king, and you have a family and pack that will back you up with everything they have. You have the power to turn this once terrible place into something greater and more loving.” 

Heeseung nodded, a real smile forming on his lips, “You’re right, Y/N,” he lifted your hand to his lips giving the top of it a soft kiss, “I will turn that ugly place around for the better.” 

Your heart raced at this Heeseung, happy that he decided to fully take up his mantle as king, to rule the way you knew he could. 

As you got closer to the castle, the more beautiful it looked to you. The snow covered the ground around it and just made the scene straight out of a movie. 

Heeseung pulled to the gates of the castle, then slowly opened and drove through. 

Heeseung sighed, “Old sweet home.” 

He parked the car and both of you got out, Heeseung rushing to your side, his arm wrapping around your waist. 

You looked around the castle more when you were up close, it was hard to believe this beautiful castle once held such a shitty king. 

The guards stationed around the castle turned towards the both of you. 

It’s been way too many years to count since Heeseung was last here, he wasn’t sure what to expect and the last thing he wanted was any blood being shed. 

His grip on your waist tightened and pulled you closer to his body when the front doors opened, two courtiers (one male and one female) stepped out, rushing towards you. 

Your body stiffened, ready for anything. 

“We aren’t fighting,” Heeseung whispered, “Relax.” 

“Then why are you holding onto me so tightly?” you whispered back, “I can handle my own.” 

“I know that,” he quietly snapped, pulling you even closer to him, “But I protect what’s mine. Plus maybe I just want you close to me. So relax.”

You relaxed your body just in time for the courtiers to reach you both. 

They both kneeled on the ground, “Your majesty!” 

“Please stand,” Heeseung said, standing up a bit straighter. 

You place your face inches away from his, “So formal my king.” You teased, planting a kiss on his cheek. 

Heeseung rolled his eyes, his hand on your waist pinching your side. 

The two courtiers stood, turning to you and giving you a bow, “My lady,” You bowed back, “We have eagerly awaited your return, my king.” 

Heeseung thinned his lips into a line, slowly nodding, “I had my reasons for leaving.” 

The female courtier nodded, “Yes sir, we do not blame you for your absence.” 

“In your absence, we took great care of the palace.” The male one clapped his hands together, “All the staff is ready to rule under you, sir. And the ones who were loyal to the old king have been taken care of.” 

Heeseung wasn’t sure what to even think. He fled this place so long ago with no care in the world about how it would turn out. He just wanted to get Jay and Jake to safety and away from this horrible place. 

Heeseung still couldn’t even believe that he was standing right here in front of it. All he wanted to do was get this weekend over with and go back to the comfort of his home and his pack. 

“Where is your pack, your majesty?” They both asked. 

It didn’t sit right with him that they even asked about his family, “They are in their respected homes, no need for them all to come here.” Not to mention the last thing Heeseung wanted was to bring Jay and Jake back to this place and then expose the rest of his family to this place. You only came along because you forced him to let you come, making a point that since the two of you are bonded, some oaths Heeseung will make will involve you anyway. 

“Call them over!” the female smiled, “We have plenty of bedrooms for each of—“

“No!” Heeseung snapped, both of the courtier's eyes widening. You placed a hand on his chest, feeling how fast his heart rate was. 

“Baby,” you whispered. Heeseung looked down at you, releasing a sigh and nodding. 

“Apologies,” Heeseung said, clearing his throat, “My pack has other duties back home.” 

You could see how badly this was affecting him, and you understood it completely. If you and __ ever had to return back to any of Dorian’s compounds, you’d be acting the same way. But at the same time, you knew this was different. Heeseung is the vampire king and the duties he has here are something he needs to do, Jay even said so. 

The courtiers nodded, awkwardly smiling. 

“Please come inside,” the male stepped to the side, extending an arm out towards the door, “We have a meal waiting and later a party.” 

You could feel Heeseung’s hand trembling against your waist. 

The time has come to finally step foot back inside the castle. 

You took both his hands in yours, “Hee,” he glances back over to you, “I am right here, it’s okay.” 

Heeseung nodded, putting a kiss on your forehead and squeezing your hands tightly, “Let’s get this over with.” 

You both followed the courtiers inside, the doors closing behind you. 

Heeseung was looking up, down, left, and right the moment he stepped foot back in. 

All the terrible memories came back to him. The castle looks exactly the same as it did the day he left. Except all the old kings' decorations have been removed. The walls are now covered with old paintings and artifacts. 

Which was enough to relax his nerves a bit. 

“By the way, my lady,” the female courtier popped up at your side, “You may call me M, and he is E.” 

You nodded, looking around the main entrance, taking everything in. 

“Right there way, my royals,” E said walking towards a room off to the left, “We have many things to discuss.” 

—

Heeseung laid face first into the bed, letting out a loud groan, talking into the bedsheets. 

“I can’t hear you, baby,” you chuckled, sitting down on the bed beside him. 

Heeseung rolled over onto his back, “I have never signed so many papers in my entire life and I'm a doctor and immortal.” 

You laughed, laying down beside him, “You’re telling me, my hand cramps from signing the few that I did. Who knew being bonded to a king was so much work.” 

Heeseung rolled onto his side facing you and wrapping his arm around your waist, scooting closer to you. 

“Regret bonding forever with a king now?” Heeseung teased, brushing his nose to your temple. 

“Of course not,” you tapped his arm, “Don’t say such silly things.” 

Heeseung removed his hand from your waist, placing it to the side of your face, and turning you to look at him, “My queen?” 

You smile at him, “Yes, my king?”

Heeseung smiled wide, “Might start catching an ego if you keep calling me your king.” 

You rolled your eyes, “Whatever you say, my king.” 

Heeseung pulled your face to him, kissing you softly.

“I told you it was going to give me an ego boost,” he said between kisses pulling your body closer to his. 

Heeseung ran his hands up and down your back, deepening the kiss. 

You wrapped your leg over his hip, pulling your bodies closer together. His pants getting harder against you. 

A knock on the door and a second later it flung open, “My king, my lady,” You and Heeseung quickly sat up, “Oh, sorry. Did I interrupt something?” M said, her head peeking from the other side of the door. 

“No,” Heeseung breathed out, crossing his arms over his chest, “Nothing at all.” 

“The guests are starting to arrive for the party of your return.” 

Heeseung hung his head low, he forgot about the party. 

“E and the tailors are waiting for you in the room across the hall. My girls and I will take care of Lady Y/N.” 

You patted your mates back, “Go on, get all dressed up.” 

Heeseung stood from the bed, giving you one final peck on the lips before making his way out of the bedroom. 

—

You were surrounded by many pretty girls as they curled your hair and pinned some back. 

M returned from the closet with a pretty red dress, holding it up to your body, “Ah yes! This color will suit you perfectly!” 

You smiled. Dressing up wasn’t something you were used to. Dorian never held parties such as these, and even when there were parties, everyone was dressed and ready for a battle just in case it happened. 

M bent down in front of you, a makeup pallet now in her hands. 

“Oh dear, let’s cover-up that scar.” 

“No!” you quickly rejected. Realizing your tone and taking a deep breath to become more professional, you’re bonded to a king after all, “No thank you, this scar is important and a part of me. I am fine with it being shown.” 

M nodded, giving you a soft smile, “May I ask how you got this scar, my lady? Vampires usually heal pretty quickly.” 

You chuckled thinking back on the memory. Heeseung’s golden eyes and fangs out as he held the blade to your face. 

“Heeseung,” you giggled, “Heeseung gave it to me.” 

The girls stopped messing with your hair and M just stared blankly at you, “The king?” 

You nodded, “It was a while ago before we bonded. Things were very…different at that time. He was protecting our pack.” 

M nodded, opening the makeup pallet as the girls continued fixing your hair, “I heard the king has healers within his pack, why not let them fix it?” 

“Our pack…” you corrected, “I wanted the scar as a reminder of where I came from and where it led me. It’s more important than I can describe.” 

All M could continue to do was nod, “You’re still beautiful even with the scar, my lady.” 

Heeseung left the room, shoving his hands down his white dress pants. The king's gold shone down the sides as he walked. 

The white jacket they put him in made him feel uncomfortable. How did the old king wear outfits like this all the time?

Heeseung just wanted this party to be over with. To lay back in bed with you and sleep the rest of the next day away. 

Just has to go through this party, take the rest of the oaths tomorrow, and then he’ll get to leave. He was counting down the minutes. 

Heeseung mindlessly walked around the floor, passing by all the rooms where the old followers of the past king would sleep. Passing by the library where Heeseung spent a lot of his time reading medical books he first found his passion to help people. 

As he continued to mindlessly walk, he was taken back to the last time he was here. The people that were here. The sounds. The smells. Everything. The moonlight that shined through the massive glass windows was the only light source in the castle. 

He found himself opening a random door, walking in, and stopping in front of a desk. Once Heeseung drew himself back to reality, he realized where he was. 

In the study. 

The same place he killed the previous king. 

Heeseung stared at the desk, remembering how he walked in here that fateful night. The king called for him. 

Heeseung snuck one of the king's daggers from the armory in the basement and hid it behind his back as he walked into the study, standing in front of the old king as he read through a book, telling Heeseung to get over the death of the girl he considered a little sister, and that he was going to send him off to collect more women for him. 

Heeseung refused, not wanting to almost kill another person just for them to be turned into a monster like him. 

Before the king could ever retort, Heeseung’s eyes turned their old bright crimson, his fangs poking out from his lips as he quickly swung the dagger at the king's throat, his blood gushing to the floor. 

Vampire kings healed faster than normal vampires, and Heeseung prepared for that. Quickly jumping onto the desk, his shoes getting covered in the king's blood. Heeseung took the king by his hair, pulling his neck far enough back so the skin couldn’t reattach itself. 

“Fuck…You…” Heeseung angrily breathed, using what little strength he had left to swing the dagger again, cutting through the rest of the king's skin, and detaching his head. Heeseung was now fully covered in his blood. 

Heessung tossed the head into the fireplace behind the desk, watching as it burned to pieces. 

Heeseung dragged what was left of the old king outside to the massive fire pit where the rest of the dead king's subjects were sitting. 

He held up the body, earning gasps from every direction, then tossed the remainder of the dead king into the fire. 

Jay and Jake made it outside just in time to see Heeseung turn to face them, his eyes turning from their normal bright crimson, into the bright gold. 

A knock on the study door snapped Heeseung out of his memory, turning around to see E standing in the doorway. 

“Took a walk down memory lane?” E asked, a big smirk on his face. 

Heeseung locked his jaw, looking back at the desk, “I did it to protect-“

“To protect Jay and Jake, I remember. You also did it to get your revenge for him killing Alannah.” 

“Don’t…say her name.” Heeseung snapped, holding his hand up to quiet his courtier, “Let her just rest in peace.” 

E nodded, “Sir, may I add you look like a perfect fit to be the king.”

Heeseung shook his head, “I am only king because I was brave and angry enough to get the drop on him. Otherwise, I would have never even considered it.” 

E sighed, “I think it was your fate to become the king, Mr. Lee.” 

Heeseung glanced at him, furrowing his eyes. 

“I have known since the moment the king brought you and Jay into this castle. The fire you had behind your eyes was unlike anything I have ever seen. No newborn vampire ever had that much fight in them. Jay was angry, yes, but you? You were ready for war before it was even given to you.” 

Heeseung looked away from his courtier, looking back at the desk. 

“I knew you would kill him.” Those words forced Heeseung to look back around, “I knew you would be the reason for the old king's undoing. So when I saw you dragging his dead body down into the courtyard and showing off the way you did, all I could do was smile. My loyalties were always with you, Mr. Lee. From the moment you walked into this castle.” 

Heeseung didn’t know what to do with this confidence that E was trying to give him. But no matter what, Heeseung was now finally ready to be king. 

“Thank you, E. I think your words were just what I needed.” 

He nodded, “May I also suggest something else for your oaths?” 

“Go ahead,” Heeseung said, walking out of the study, leaving the bad memory behind him. 

E followed after him, “I think proposing to Miss Y/N would be in order.” 

Heeseung stopped walking, “Marriage?” 

“Yes! She isn’t fully a queen. I name only, but not title.” 

Heeseung turned and looked at his courtier, “So unless we get married, all the paperwork you threw at Y/N this morning would be pointless??” 

E shrugged, “Yes and no. She can still hold duties as queen, but again, in name only. Not an official title.” 

Heeseung chuckled, “Who set that dumbass rule?” 

“The very first vampire king,” Of course, “The first king had a mate who he wasn’t bonded to, she tried to overthrow him and take his throne. It was a whole thing. Had to be there to witness it kinda thing.” E laughed. 

Heeseung raised a brow, not finding this funny.

E cleared his throat, “Anyways, even if you decide to not marry Miss. Y/N, there won’t be any big difference, she just won’t have a lot of say in royal matters.” 

Heeseung scoffed, “She’s my mate and shares the royalties now, she will have every say.” 

E shook his head, “Unfortunately not.” 

Heeseung clenched his hands into fists, thinking forcing people into a marriage is the stupidest thing ever. 

It wasn’t even the idea that was setting Heeseung off. It’s the fact that it’s a rule for you to even have a say as a queen at his side. You are independent and don’t need him to make choices for you. You can do that on your own. 

But Heeseung was also terrified that you wouldn’t want to marry him. You’re already spending forever with him and tied to him by the string of fate. What if you didn’t want to be tied to him in marriage as well? 

“I can see your brain thinking, my king.” E said, waving a hand in front of Heeseung’s face, “You want to marry Miss. Y/N?” 

Of course, he did, “Don’t even have a ring to propose.” 

E smirked, “Oh but you do. M and I prepared everything.” 

—

Heeseung stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at the crowd below. 

It was filled with people he didn’t know and who didn’t know him, yet still trusted him as their king and to rule them. 

It kinda scared him. When Heeseung fled this place with Jay and Jake, he never took a look back, yet here he was back at the exact place. 

Heeseung had to admit it was different than before. 

Heeseung was imagining what it would have been like to have his pack come along too. 

To see them all dressed in formal wear, talking amongst the crowd, and dancing the night away. 

Heeseung smiled at the thought. Knowing the human girls would be having a field day in such a big castle like this. 

Sunghoon’s mate would enjoy this too. Being that she’s been around for quite a few hundred years herself. This castle would be perfect for her aesthetic. 

You snapped him out of his thoughts when the door opened from the bedroom and you stepped out in that red dress. 

It sent chills down Heeseung’s spine from how beautiful you looked. 

If it weren’t for him having to act like a king in this moment his hands would be all over you and that beautiful red dress would be torn to shreds. 

“How do I look?” you asked, shyly pulling a piece of your hair behind your ear, “I am not used to dressing up like this.” 

But oh man did you love how Heeseung looked dressed up. His white suit did wonders for his body and looked so good on him. 

The way he was standing there with his hands in his pockets, head slightly back to look at you and the way his hair was parted made your heart flip.

“Baby, you look stunning.” Heeseung smiled at you, lending his arm out towards you to take. 

You pulled your hand to his arm, “You look amazing yourself.” 

Heeseung shrugged, “Stop building my ego.” 

You giggled, you couldn’t help it. Your soulmate was a good-looking man, how could you not build his ego?

E and M noticed you two at the top of the stairs, gathering everyone’s attention to you both, “Everyone! Please welcome Vampire King Heeseung and his mate Queen Y/N!”

Your heart skipped a beat at hearing the title of Queen before your name. The crowd below cheered and clapped before kneeling. 

You won’t ever get used to it and neither would Heeseung. 

You walked down the stairs together like how they do in every movie about royal and rich people. You weren’t sure if you were enjoying this or rather be back at home in your sweatpants cuddled up next to Heeseung while watching Niki and __ play video games. 

You both spent the next couple of hours mingling with Heeseung’s subjects. He vowed to many of them to be greater than all the kings before him. And you know he’ll keep that promise. 

The more the clock ticked away the more nervous Heeseung got. It was getting closer to the time of pulling you off back towards the staircase and asking that million-dollar question. Not just for himself, not just for you, not just for the pack, or even the title of king and queen. But for the pack and for the people you both will lead. 

E gave Heeseung a thumbs-up from across the room. He nervously nodded. “Okay, we are doing this…” he whispered to himself, searching for you in the sea of people. Finding you being cornered by two other men. Oh, which pissed him off. 

Heeseung made his way towards you, noticing the looks they were giving you. Heeseung tried to keep his temper down, to not show his golden eyes or let the fangs come out. 

He placed a hand on your back, “Hey babe.” 

You turned to look up at your mate, “Hello my handsome king.”

Heeseung turned towards the two men, both of them looking at him awkwardly, “Hello.” Heeseung said with such a tone. 

“Your majesty.” they both said, giving him a small bow.

“Mind if I steal my forever mate, ya?” Heeseung smirked, wrapping his arm around your waist, and pulling you away from them. 

“You weren’t being very nice.” You whispered, trying to keep a smile on your face. 

“Hmm, I don’t care. They aren’t going to look at you that way. All heart-eyed and shit. Nah.” 

This is the first time you’ve seen a jealous Hee, and you couldn’t help but kinda like it. 

“They were harmless,” you teased. 

“Keep teasing me and I’ll show you something far from harmless later, starting with that dress being torn from your body.” Heeseung smiled at the crowd, waving a hand to E to signal that it was the right time. 

You sassily rolled your eyes at your mate, “Mmhm.” 

Heeseung stopped walking in front of the stairs, standing off to your side. 

E called everyone’s attention towards the two of you. Every pair of vampire's eyes were on you. You couldn’t wait for whatever speech Heeseung was fixing to give to be over soon so these eyes would be off you. 

“Everyone!” Heeseung started, “I know there are a few many of you that I have already promised, but I would like to say it again right now.” 

Heeseung released you from his arm, taking a step forward. 

“I promise to be a king that you can be proud of. A king who will make major good changes. Not be a dictator like the previous one. I will not hide when things get hard. And rule with an iron fist to protect every one of you. That being said, I will need the help of a specific person.” 

Heeseung turns towards you, smiling nervously. You smile back at him, nervous that you’ll have to come up with a random speech on the fly. 

But what happened next wasn’t what you were expecting. 

“Y/N…” Heeseung took your hand in his, and slowly got down on one knee, his free hand reaching into his pocket, pulling two rings out, “I don’t just tend to protect my people and our pack, but also you. As I promised earlier, I won’t hide when things get hard. I need you by my side to help me make these changes and be the king that I know I can be with you at my side.” 

“Heeseung…” You whispered, eyes filling with tears. 

“Baby, will you marry me? And officially be my queen?” 

You nodded, trying to blink away the tears, “Yes. Oh yes!” 

Heeseung quickly stood back up, sliding your ring to your finger and sliding his own on his finger. 

You stood on your tip toes and placed your lips to his. The sea of vampires cheering. 

All of Heeseung’s worries fade away. 

The party soon ended with everyone gone and the castle quiet. 

Heeseung pressed you up against the closed door to your bedroom, his lips not leaving your neck. 

“Told you I’d rip this dress off you,” He said between the kisses that trailed up your neck to your jaw, “Gonna worship every part of you tonight, my bride.” 

—

Heeseung and you took the last bit of oaths before signing the last few agreements and walking out the castle doors. 

“You sure you don’t want to move in, my king and queen?” M asked, a worried look on her face. 

Heeseung nodded, “I spent many terrible years here, M. Plus I have to get back to my pack. I may be a king, but I am not the leader of the pack, Jungwon will have my neck if I don’t return home soon. Niki and his mate are at our apartment waiting for our return as well.” 

M nodded, “Very well.” 

“Just know,” E added, “This castle is just as much as your home. And there’s plenty of room for your pack.” 

Heeseung shook his head, “We have two humans in the pack, a witch, a dhampir, and an elf, I think they would prefer their own homes.” 

E wanted to argue but nodded instead. 

Heeseung opened the car door for you, helping you in before getting in the driver seat and driving away. 

Once the castle was far enough away, you glanced over at your now fiancé, “You know damn well everyone would enjoy living in that castle.” 

Heeseung chuckled, “I know. Jay and Jake would probably be against it at first though. I still don’t like that place.” 

“Which is understandable, you three have the trauma.” 

Heeseung took your hand in his, giving the top of your hand a kiss, “When should we officially get married?” 

You hummed, “How about a summer wedding?” 

Heeseung smiled brightly at you, “Say less, my love.”

[logansargeantsbabymom]

Too Good To Say Goodbye pt 5

Logan Sargeant x Fem!Reader, Lando Norris x Fem!Reader

warnings: cursing, mentions of miscarriage/stillborn

part 1 I part 2 I part 3 I part 4 I part 5 I part 6 I part 7 I part 8 I part 9 I part 10

F1 Masterlist

Follow my instagram account (THATS STRICTLY FOR THIS BLOG) for updates on when i post and fun stuff like that!

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I couldn't put this off anymore. I had to talk to Logan about the night in the delivery room and I had to tell Lando about my reoccurring dreams. I know I technically haven't done anything wrong and I haven't cheated but something about my dreams have been feeling a little too real. My feelings for Logan might be too real.

No, stop that Y/N, Logan treated you like shit, there's no way you possibly like him. No. You're not that naive , you know better than to have feelings for a man that treated you like shit. But he also gave you a kid. A kid you so desperately wanted, one you needed to have, to love, to hold, to care for, to cherish after my first born passed.

I'd gotten off the phone with Logan shortly before Lando re-entered our room.

"She's finally back down, her pacifier fell out of her mouth." all Lando said before he got back into bed, trying to cuddle me. I felt so awful with myself and felt like I didn't deserve his comforting touch so I scooted away and attempted to get out of bed.

"Hey what's wrong? Where are you going?" a hint of sadness in his voice but that was quickly covered up with a simple clearing of his throat.

"Shower. Me and Lily are gonna hang out. Maybe you and Oscar could have Yelena for the day? I know Oscar has been begging to take her out and be the favorite uncle but I don't trust him alone with my daughter." a chuckle leaves my lips as I try not to sound nervous.

Why is the thought of having a civil conversation about the well being of my daughter with her father making me feel so icky and nervous? Part of me longs to have a healthy relationship with Logan, I mean he was my everything. Logan made me believe in love, he gave me 2 wonderful pregnancies even if I'll be able to never meet my other baby.

I quickly gathered things that I would need for my shower, a McLaren t-shirt, a pair of jeans, a bra, underwear, my Bose speaker, and a pair of slides before I made my way into the bathroom. I turned the shower on hot before I set everything down and got all my hair products that I'd need.

I took my H/C hair out of the bun I'd just had up prior, letting it fall past my shoulders in a curly nappy mess. I loved my hair don't get me wrong, but all the products I needed for it and how fast it would get nappy would sometimes be too much for me.

Stepping into the hot shower, I let it flow over me and letting my hair get soaked before I started lathering on some shampoo. While I was working the shampoo on my scalp, I couldn't help but imagine a life where Logan and I were endgame, a life where we didn't have split custody of our daughter, a life where when me and Yelena went to the paddock we were going into the Williams garage to cheer for Daddy instead of going into McLaren to cheer for mommy's new boyfriend, a life where little Theo James Sargeant was still alive.

Thinking about little Theo always made me emotional, I couldn't ever imagine a moment in the future where I could talk about him and not want to sob and quite frankly, I don't want their to ever be a time where it doesn't. I'll feel like I forgot about him and that's the last thing I want.

Maybe if Theo was alive none of this would've happened, me and Logan would still be happy, we could have 2 kids instead of 1. If Theo were here all my problems would be solved, I would be happy, Logan would be happy, but I wouldn't be with Lando. Life had its ups and downs, I wouldn't trade my relationship with Lando for the world.

It felt like I was lathering my scalp while being deep in thought for hours but in reality, when I snapped out of my trance I heard the ending of Taylor Swift's All Too Well (10 minute version). I quickly rinsed the shampoo out before quickly conditioning and brushing my hair out. I put my hair up in a little bun to allow my hair to soak up as much conditioner as possible while I scrubbed the rest of my body clean, I decided that today would be one of my ‘everything’ shower days so I also grabbed Lando’s razor that he has in the shower and shaved my legs and armpits.

Once I was done shaving, I took my hair out of the bun and rinsed the conditioner out while simultaneously raking my hands through my hair to get rid of the knots that formed. Once that was done I turned off the shower, wrapped my velcro towel around my body and wrapped my hair in a towel wrap. I’d looked at the time on my phone while trying to change the song, only to realize that I’m supposed to meet Logan at a little coffee shop that was 10 minutes away, in 20 minutes and I wasn’t ready yet.

I’d quickly a no makeup makeup look before quickly drying off my body and throwing my clothes on. I took my hair out the wrap and quickly, but efficiently worked some product in my hair to make sure I still had the curl and bounce when it dried.

I was so busy rushing out of the bathroom that I almost ran right into Lando who was holding Yelena.

“Oh there’s mommy!” Lando says while he points in my direction while simultaneously poking Yelena’s tummy “We were just coming to say bye to you. Oscar is waiting in my car” a smile appears on my face. Lando’s been so good to me and how do I repay him? I’m going behind his back to talk to my ex and baby dad about reoccurring dreams I’ve had about us being a happy family after our little “moment” in the delivery room.

I place a quick sweet kiss against Lando’s lips before I place a big fat one on Yelena’s head “Sorry I took long in the bathroom. Took an ‘everything’ shower, you know how it is.” a small chuckle leaves his lips before we hear a honk from outside “You guys should get going before Uncle Oscar gets mad” I say while I also place delicate pokes on Yelena’s tummy. A quick nod, faint goodbye and a goodbye kiss from Lando was what I got before he left.

I checked my phone again, I had 5 minutes to get to a coffee shop that was 10 minutes away. I quickly shot Logan a text saying that I was gonna be about 5 minutes behind schedule because I got caught in ‘traffic’. I figured it was believable when Logan shot me a ‘All good, I’ll be here when you arrive’ text.

——

When I’d arrived at the little coffee shop I spotted Logan in a quiet corner. He quickly spotted me because he’d basically leaped out of his seat to welcome me.

“Hey, I figured since you were gonna be late, I’d just order your drink for you. I got you a y/f/d, I hope that’s still your favorite.” the nervous smile that sprawled across his face made my heart clench. He was so cute, oh how badly I wanted to grab his face and pull him close to me. I shook my head to rid the thoughts in my brain.

“Yep, once my favorite always my favorite.” I graciously took the drink from his hands before we both sat down. We sat in silence for what felt like forever before Logan started the conversation.

“So, I called you here because, oh man, how do I say this? I asked you to be here because,” he let out a shaky breath before continuing “because ever since that night in the delivery room, I haven’t stopped dreaming of you. About us, all of us being one big happy family. Me, You and Yelena just living the life and I can’t help the yearn for that. I know you want nothing to do with me but” he placed his hand on top mine that rested on my drink “I know I fucked up big time all those months ago, and I know you hate me and want nothing to do with me, but please, give me one more chance. One more chance to prove to you that I’m a better, changed man. To prove to you that I’ll do anything it takes to be the best father and husband I can be. I love you and Yelena, will all of my heart, soul and bones I love you.”

Tears welled up in my eyes, I can’t tell him I’ve had the same dreams and that I feel that way too. The universe has a weird way of trying to get people together.

I pull my drink up to my lips which caused his hand to fall off mine. “Logan, I- We can’t- I’m with” I closed my eyes and took a long deep breath before I tried to continue “Logan, I love you more than you’ll ever know. You gave me a beautiful daughter and a life I never thought I’d have. I owe you so much but that debt I owed you went straight down the drain the moment you said that I should’ve killed myself, the moment you said I was another piece of ass to you and the moment” a few tears slipped “The moment you said you could impregnate ANY woman.”

I placed my drink down before grabbing a napkin from the dispenser on the table to wipe the fallen tears off my face. A beat or two passed before anyone said anything.

“Do you ever think,” Logan waited a beat before the continued, almost as if he was regretting what he was about to say “Do you ever think that if Theo were still here, none of this would’ve happened? That we’d be happy and together, that Yelena would be able to meet her big brother?”

I could see the tears forming in Logan’s eyes and the tears that once stopped falling came right back.

A choked sob left my throat at the mention of our late son. My body shook with so much pain and sadness that I hadn’t notice Logan left his seat. Not at least until I felt his big strong arms wrap around my body in a tight embrace. I could feel his body shake in his own quiet sobs. We stayed like this for what felt like hours, just in an embrace, sobbing, in public, where everyone is staring.

“Y/N?” Oh no, I recognized that voice. We pulled apart at the mention of my name turning to see Lando pushing a stroller and Oscar following suit “I thought you said you were hanging out with Lily?” Lando sounded suspicious as he looked between Logan and Me observing both of us red eyed. “Why are you both crying? Baby, are you okay?”

“Oh! Yes! Haha, Lily was running late so I grabbed a drink and saw Logan here and then we started talking about Theo” I said wiping the tears from under my eyes again

Oscar’s eyes closed and his face contorted in its own way of saying ‘oh no’

“That’s so funny babe because” Lily walked in “We actually ran into Lily and she mentioned nothing about your guys’ plans. Actually said that she’s been trying to set up a day where you guys could spend the day out and shop and have girls night but said that you kept postponing it. So why are you here with Logan and why’d you lie?”

The tension between us so thick you could hack it with a butcher knife a few times and it wouldn’t cut.

I’ve been caught in lies before but this one, I don’t know how I’m getting out of it.

“I promise I will tell you everything Lando, just not here”

Lando turned and whispered some things to Oscar and Lily whom nodded in agreement before handing them the stroller and the diaper bag and kissing Yelena goodbye.

He’s taken on such a natural fatherly role in her life that to the outside world, Yelena was his daughter and that’s what I admired about him, that’s why I fell in love with him and that’s why I really, really can’t lose him.

“We’re leaving.” was all Lando said before I whispered a goodbye to Logan and followed him out the door and to his McLaren.

The car ride home was awkward and silent. It hadn’t felt this bad in a car alone with him since I told him all those months ago about what happened with me and Logan. After what felt like an eternity we finally arrived at our house. The walk inside and into our bedroom was also awkward and silent.

Oh how I hated when Lando was mad at me.

“Why’d you lie?” it sounded cold, kinda made my heart break “Why were you out with Logan and why did you lie to me?”

“I-” I released a shaky breath “I met with Logan because��� I was cut off

“Are you still in love with him?” betrayal and heartbreak coated Lando’s voice

“No! Absolutely not! Lando please don’t think like that!” I quickly walked over to him cupping his face and used my thumb to wipe a stray tear from his face

“I was with Logan because he wanted to talk about that night in the delivery room. He wanted to tell me that he’s been having dreams of us being a big happy family. He asked me what he could do to get me back, to win us back” the look in his eyes told me he believed what I was saying

“and what did you say?”

“I told him that after the way he treated me that I would never get back with him.” I felt him nod against my hands that were still holding his face before I wrapped them around his neck and pulled him into a tight hug feeling his arms wrap around my waist and squeezed tight.

I wanted to stay like this forever, wrapped up in his tight embrace. I felt like nothing bad could happen, I felt on top of the world and that’s how I wanted to stay, but all good things eventually come to an end.

The churn of my stomach is what pulled me away from Lando and I knew I was gonna be sick. I rushed myself to the bathroom before spilling my guts into the toilet. Lando quickly rushed in to hold my hair back and rub my back.

“I’ll be back. I’m gonna grab you a bottle of water” Lando said before he quickly jogged to the kitchen.

I’ve been sick before, but this felt different. I’ve felt this kind of sickness before. Twice, actually. I rested my head in my arms on the toilet seat before frantically looking around in the sink cupboard. I had to search quickly before Lando came back, I couldn’t find it and I didn’t want to call for Lando. One more quick search of lifting things up is when I finally see them.

pregnancy tests.

-

HEY!! I MISSED YOU!

taglist

@luckyladycreator2 @itsmiamalfoy @jeffs77 @ilivbullyingjeongin @forevercaffeinated-lee @daemyratwst @gulphulp @callsignwidow @f1wintermoon13 @teenwolf01 @victoriassecret101 @hiireadstuff @formulaal @kazza72584 @zabwlky1999 @dark-night-sky-99 @rougekiki @xoscar03 @jess-wither @bountychanti@dhanihamidi @Ggasly.p @tellybearryyyy

[pinkroseblooms]

Thank you thank you so much for taking my request! I wish there were more Bucchigiri fics out there. I love it so far! Matakara needs more love! And Shindo being a rival is perfect!

I'm glad you're enjoying it! Here's part 2! (ngl this might end up being a 4 or even 5 part story. I'm getting invested)

A Whole New World! An Unknown Admirer and an Unknown Enemy!

Matakara/f!Reader/Shindo, Pt.2

Summary: Your first day at Ichizu high has finally arrived! As you take the next step towards your long awaited fresh start, Matakara reflects on the past and looks forward toward a future with you and him, finally no longer separated. Meanwhile, Shindo is making plans of his own... wc: 2.6 a/n: There's a lot of references from Disney's version of Aladdin because of course there is. Enjoy!

“Arajin, you couldn’t have done worse if you had thrown the rock at her head.”

“It was supposed to be romantic! What do you know?” Arajin has half a mind to drop the book bag he had offered to carry for you. “It’s not like you have any experience.”

“I have common sense.” You retort lightly. “If you want to get anywhere with this Mahoro, you can’t ignore her feelings. Reign it in and don’t be so pushy.”

“Yeah, I know.” Arajin hangs his head, trudging alongside you; his frown only grows deeper as the school gates come into view. “Are you sure you don’t want to meet up for lunch?”

“What, you’re not eating with your girlfriend?”

“Ha ha.” Arajin hands over your bag, shouldering his own with a yawn. “Listen, keep a low profile, okay?” He scans the entrance gates with narrowed eyes. “It’s a mad house but you should be fine if you keep your head down and…keep close to Matakara.”

Your eyebrows raise in surprise. “Is that your way of giving us your blessing?”

“Ugh, stop! Look, if people know you’re cool with him, they’re not going to bother you.” 

“Maybe you ought to take your own advice; stop being such a big baby and start talking to him again.”

“Dammit, will you butt out?”

“I’m only saying, it’s obvious Macchan cares a lot about you. Can’t you just-?”

“Isn’t it bad enough we had to come back here?” Arajin cuts you off tersely. “The past is the past. Drop it.”

“Fine.” Your hand tightens around the strap of your book bag and you pointedly turn away to the Ichizu high’s doors. “I’m sorry I messed everything up for you. I didn’t ask to be here either, but I am and I’m going to make the best of it. If you ask me, the only one hung up on the past here is you.”

“Wait, I didn’t mean it like-”

“I’ll see you at home.”

You don’t give Arajin a chance to say anything else, opting to hurry off to your homeroom, wherever it was; the map Arajin had sketched out for you was still in your bag’s front pocket, but you didn’t want to do anything to slow down. You had to get away from him and the regretful look on your brother’s face. Even if he’s sorry, you can’t stand Arajin’s stubbornness; your nerves are rubbed raw and all you want to do is get through this day quickly. After the first day, surely you’ll feel more at ease being back in a classroom with other people. You don’t need your brother lecturing you to add to your anxieties. 

“Good morning!”

You flinch; you were hoping you wouldn’t run into Matakara before getting settled. As soon as you see him speed walking down the hall towards you, two unfamiliar boys trailing after him, all you can think about is how nice it would be to latch onto him and stick by his side for the remainder of the day.

“Good morning.” You wave and attempt a smile. “Hey, am I anywhere close to 2-C?”

“Sure, I’ll walk you.” Matakara skids to a halt in front of you, bright eyed and breathing a touch labored. “I can give you a tour later. These are my friends, Zabu Kakeru and Sakigake Komao, we’re all in the same class as Ara-chan.”

“I apologize in advance for any trouble my brother might cause.” You tell them with a sheepish smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Yo.” Zabu regards you curiously. “You’re that shrimp’s sister?”

“Huh, I was expecting you to look prettier.” Sakigake looks you up and down. “Matakara wouldn’t shut up about you all week, so I kinda assumed you’d be a supermodel or something.”

“Hey, knock it off!” Matakara looks at you with a shaky smile. “He’s kidding, really, I was just telling them how we went way back and, er, you know, I was excited we’d finally be going to the same school.”

“You already seem less annoying than Shorty.” Zabu smirks at you from over Matakara’s shoulder. “Where is the brat anyway?”

“I told my brother dearest I could find my own way to my homeroom. He’s probably already in his class now.” You unzip your bag’s front pocket and take out a folded up piece of notebook paper. “I’m guessing he didn’t make the best impression.”

“Aw, don’t listen to Zabu, he skipped breakfast.” Matakara sidles up to you, looking over your arm to scan the crudely drawn map. “Did Ara-chan make this?”

“You can tell?” You’re a bit impressed. “I guess it looks pretty similar to those old treasure maps he’d make up. See?” You move in closer to show Matakara the place Arajin had marked your classroom with a big, bold ‘x’. “X marks the spot.”

“Thi-this looks about right, but it only shows you how to get to your homeroom.” Matakara moves back a few steps. “Why don’t you let us show you around?”

“Us?” Sakigake grins, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Sweet, now we have a reason to cut class!”

“Since when do we need a reason?” Zabu snorts. “I wouldn’t mind ditching the first period.”

“Um, I really shouldn’t.” You speak up carefully. “I don’t know if Macchan told you, but I’m a bit easily winded. I wouldn’t want to slow you guys down and I really should stick to my schedule.”

“Lame.” Sakigake pouts. “Matakara said you were cool.”

“He did?” You eye your old friend with a half smile. “Sorry to disappoint you, but believe me, he’s exaggerating.”

“We could give you a tour during lunch.” Matakara offers, face flushing slightly. “I was hoping we could all hang out, maybe do something after school? You said if we ever attended the same school we’d do stuff together, like get lunch or study and all that…”

“I did?”

Matakara nods quickly. “You pinky swore.”

“Well, I can’t break a pinky promise.” You’re beaming; somehow, he always knows just what to say to get you back in good spirits and you feel like you’ve gotten your second wind. “Alright, I’ll drop by your homeroom for lunch period, but if you change your mind and just want to be with your buddies-”

“Not a chance; I want you to get the whole high school experience! We’re all going to grab food at the cafeteria and picnic on the rooftop, you’ll see, it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

You don’t need convincing. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see you at lunch then.”

“Awesome.” Matakara grins. “No take backs, okay?”

You make your way to your homeroom, waving over your shoulder at the three boys; when you turn the corner, Zabu and Sakigake glance at one another as Matakara stands there, hand still waving despite you not being in his line of sight any longer. The expression on his face is similar to one might make if they were beat silly over the head a dozen times with a sack of bricks. 

“Why do I feel like we’re gonna be third and fourth wheels?” Sakigake leans over to whisper in Zabu’s ear. “Cause I won’t be able to keep my lunch down if those two start going at it at his desk.”

“Ew.”

“Sorry guys; you don’t mind me volunteering you for the tour, do you?” Matakara finally regains some semblance of awareness and smiles at the two boys bashfully. “She’s putting on a brave face, but I know she’s feeling nervous being here.”

“It’s fine.” Zabu shrugs. “Are you sure she’d want to hang around with us though?”

“Huh? Of course.” Matakara says simply. “You guys are awesome”

“Cut the crap.” Zabu crosses his arms, but he can’t contain a small smile. 

“Zabu, Sakigake, I really would appreciate you guys helping me make her feel welcome here.” Matakara grins softly. “I guess I’m hoping if anything happens, you two will have her back like how we look out for each other. I’d like that.”

“Alright, alright, we gotcha.” Sakigake thumps Matakara on the back between his shoulder blades. “Let’s see how things go; you know, she might end up making friends in her class though?”

“Oh, right.” Matakara hadn’t really thought of that. “I guess. But until then, I want to do as much as I can to help her until she’s settled. She’s a really good person, you’ll see when you get to know her a bit.”

Matakara remembers you were all but bedridden and barely able to walk past your own front yard for most of the time he knew you; if he wanted to see you, he would have to go to your bedside or sit with you in the backyard where Yayako had planted you a small plot of veggies to help keep you occupied. You spent a good amount of time there, trying to soak in the sun and the fresh air, a book in your lap and Matakara glued to your side, following along or listening to you read aloud. You never failed to ask him how he was doing, how his brother was, ushering him to take home any of the vegetables you spent so much time tending to with the little strength you could muster to do so. You, who seemed so small and frail in spite of being a head taller than Matakara and with a much thicker skin, had no shortage of time or energy for him to come to you for advice or to wipe away his tears. Back in those days, he admired Arajin, borderline idolized him, but you were something else entirely in Matakara’s eyes. 

When you moved away, Matakara cried until his eyes were raw and his stomach ached and then he cried some more. Now you’re here, finally able to be out and about like you always wished you could do and attending Ichizu with him. It’s like a dream come true; Matakara could hardly contain his own joy when your somber expression brightened at his offer to meet up. He’s essentially bound now to make sure you enjoy yourself at Ichizu high. Even at this moment as he listens to Zabu and Sakigake go over what they should do after school ends, Matakara wants to rush out to your classroom and take a seat at your side and stay there for the rest of the day. Really, how can he do anything else when you give him such a blindingly gorgeous smile? A smile like that should be protected at any cost; Matakara is almost ashamed at how eager he is for you to turn to him for support the moment you feel any discomfort or unease with your new surroundings. 

“I should be wishing her good luck and for her to make a lot of new friends.” Matakara slumps at his desk, hardly conscious of the rest of the world around him. Not even Arajin’s cold shoulder in response to his morning greeting phased him, at least not as much as it would have before your arrival. “I thought I was over being so childish. I’ll have to be careful not to get too clingy; we’re not little kids anymore and it’s not as if I can keep her all to myself.”

Matakara buries his face into his arms; he can feel his cheeks burning. In spite of admonshing himself for getting carried away, he simply can't force you out of his head. It doesn’t help that you somehow managed to become even cuter over the span of five years. No, scratch that: cute doesn’t cut it. The sensation of you leaning in slightly to show him the hand drawn map had nearly caused Matakara to freeze up just from the feeling of your shoulder pressing against his.

“So pretty. I remember her being cute but now? I mean, seriously…she has those eyes and that hair and…that smile...” 

Matakara exhales; imagining your warm, gentle smile alone is making him lightheaded. All those times Matakara spent leaning on you, head on your shoulder, so brazenly nuzzled against your side and he had nearly done so again out of habit or perhaps instinct only minutes before.

“She smells nice too. I still wish we had the same homeroom. If I asked, maybe she would read to me again and let me hold her.” Matakara presses his face harder into his arms, pretending he has you in them, your own arms wrapped around his neck, his mind somehow hearing your voice low and soft in his ear. “Wanted to hold her so bad…she’s so pretty and smells so good."

“Matakara Asamine?”

“Asamine-san, wake up, roll call.” 

There’s a tap on Matakara’s shoulder from the student seated behind him and he raises his head; everyone is staring at him. Had he been asleep? How many times had the teacher said his name? Even Arajin is turned in his seat, looking his way but turns his head immediately when they make eye contact. After a moment, Matakara finds his voice to call out a hasty response.

“Here!”

The teacher goes ahead with the next name and even though no one dares laugh at him, Matakara is self conscious anyway. He knew it would be hard to keep himself in check around you, especially considering how long he had spent hoping to see you again one day, but Matakara had no idea exactly how hard it would hit him. If anything, his feelings for you have only gotten more intense. 

“I’ve decided…I’ll do everything I can to make her wish come true. We’ll make a whole new world, one where she can do anything she wants with nothing holding her back. I can’t believe this is actually happening; she’s here and we can be together again.”

Matakara smiles to himself as he idly flips through his workbook, not really seeing the words and having absolutely no idea what page he’s meant to be reading; he’s already counting down to when the clock strikes half past noon, despite the morning having barely started.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Arajin Tomoshibi’s sister? I see.” 

Shindo leans back against the couch; the information he had a few of his underlings gather on you isn’t much, but it’s enough to satisfy his curiosity. The file, if it can be called that, is one sheet of basic information with a couple of photographs attached. One is of you from that morning, walking with Arajin on your way to Ishizu. The second photo is one of you taken of you watering some potted plants and a planter of herbs outside your family’s restaurant; you look a bit tired, frowning slightly as though disappointed with the progress of the herbs growing on the windowsill. You hold the small watering can, tipped downward, hand on one hip and lips pursed in a way that makes Shindo recall the face you had made when you left him standing in the aisle of the bookstore. A scarf is tied around your head and the apron draped over your body is stained. Not the most flattering angle or ensemble for a surprise photograph. 

And yet, Shindo continues to stare down at the picture, held between his slender fingers; he turns it over and around, eyes scanning every detail. It’s as if he’s searching for something, but it’s not like there’s anything to gain from gazing upon your discontented pout.

“How dull a life she must lead: in and out of doctor’s offices and hospital rooms and when she’s well enough to be released, all she can do is pitter patter the hours away with books and plants. It explains her misconduct; names or not, she wouldn’t have the first clue of who I was, too ignorant to realize how easy it would have been to discipline her for being so mouthy.”

Shindo considers the photograph with a chuckle; his pinky traces your lips with a feather light touch. Such an unattractive expression; he’ll make sure to obtain a photograph with you looking more presentable. 

“Poor little bunny, trapped in a burrow for so long. I know how to bring a little excitement into your life.”

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for trying to block evade?

This happened several years ago, so I'll put the ages that we were at the time.

I [17F at the time], had an extremely close friend [17F] of 3+ years, and I still haven't found any kind of friendship that came close to the level of trust / openness that was there. So some of this backstory ranges from 14yrs to 17yrs.

My home was abusive, and she and her mom helped me figure out what was rational vs irrational, normal vs not normal, and pointing out local resources to get help - which was absolutely amazing and I could not thank them enough.

She invited me to her house pretty regularly, a couple times a week. We'd have hours of skype calls. She got me roped into Undertale & the fandom. Well, not that we really interacted with the fandom at large. We only publically posted some of the art and barely got noticed haha. Between the two of us, we had something like 26 AUs and had a lot of rp with multiverse shenanigans - like over 1200+ pages of google docs rp, because that's where we did like 90% of it. After we hit like 100-200 pages, we'd make a new doc so it wouldn't take so long to load. And we had like, at least like 9 docs I think. I was mostly in it for her, because it was really fun to just make up stories together. I could've done it with any fandom she threw at me, undertale is just the one that was popular at the time.

At one point, I think when we were around 16, I asked her if she wanted to start dating. She said something along the lines of maybe in the future, but not right now - she wanted to focus on school. Even though she declined at the time, she did say she appreciated me asking and that it meant a lot to her. And there were 0 hard feelings about the answer, we just kept on going the way we were going.

She got hit with a really bad level of depression, and stopped coming to school. After 2-3 days, I started calling her every day around lunch time just to check in on her and see how she was doing. See if there was anything I could do to help - bring some snacks, catch her up on classwork for the couple classes we shared, stuff like that. This was for couple months. More than just a mental health day, and the only reason she gave was Depression.

After a week or two of the daily calls, there was probably an aspect of toxic positivity on my end. Like "You gotta Do Something to avoid being trapped in your misery, even if it's just baby steps like sitting outside on the porch or going on a walk down the block" Not maliciously, but more out of not knowing how to handle a situation like this & genuinely wanting to help her because of all the help she's offered me in the past & fueled a little bit by fear because Depresssion is the excuse that my abusive parents used to justify their shitty behavior & neglect. Not because I was afraid of what she'd do to me, but more what she'd do to herself. That's one of the only things I could think where I went wrong, which I completely acknowledge and understand now.

She was still inviting me to her house, and we were still doing our normal thing there. Drawing and writing stories together.

After 4-5 weeks [? estimate, time is an illusion] of her not showing up to school, I can't remember if I asked if it was helpful or if she suggested that I stop calling every day. Calling every day was making her feel worse.

I did end up calling the next day or two at lunch - crossing the boundary was not my intent. We had planned to hang out on the weekend again, lunch is just when I remembered & had time to call to ask if she still wanted to hang out or if she wanted some space. I think she said yes to hanging out, didn't mention anything about crossing the boundary. Same with the next day - there was something I needed to ask clarification on, it wasn't a check in, nothing was mentioned of the boundary. I can't remember what it was now. This is another one of the places where I think I went wrong, which I acknowledge & understand.

I did stop the check ins like requested though. After those two off days, I did stop calling her every day at lunch.

She finished out the school year having shown up to class maybe 3ish times, I think.

Again, we were still hanging out regularly. There was no indication that I was doing anything wrong, there was no indication that anything I was doing was wrong. She was still the one inviting me to hang out at least half the time.

There were some problems that I was noticing that I just wanted to have a casual chat about and figure out, but she kept pushing it off as a "I don't have the energy right now, we can talk about it later" and we'd go back to the fun things. I don't really remember what those problems were.

In the summer, I went to a different state to visit my older sister that I hadn't seen in years. I talked to her about it, I was excited for it. We were still chatting regularly during my trip over skype or discord.

And then, during my trip that I was so excited about, she drops this bombshell. She sends me several massive messages detailing out a bullet point list of everything I've done wrong, that she's explicitly breaking off the friendship, and blocks me. 95% of things on that list either flat weren't true, or gross misunderstandings of what happened.

It was genuinely horrible things too.

For example, one of the things on the list was "Suicide baiting" or "Suicide guilt tripping" or something along those lines, which had happened several months if not a year before this. -I've only ever communicated feeling acutely suicidal to her 1 time. -Long before that, she made me promise that if I ever felt suicidal that I was supposed to immediately talk to her about it, for her own peace of mind so she wouldn't worry about me. -I reached a point of feeling acutely suicidal due to abuse at home & general existential dread, that happened to be during a time we had an issue.

I purposefully waited until after the issue was resolved, like 2 weeks, before telling her. I did that specifically so it would not be taken as a guilt trip or a form of coercion while still holding as true as I could to my promise. She made me promise to tell her, it was something very important to her. I made very clear to say "this is something I experienced a couple weeks ago due to unrelated things, it is resolved now, I got help through xyz means and genuinely feel better. You made me promise to tell you so I am telling you, I didn't want to say anything while we were having a problem for xyz reason." I just wanted to talk, and clear up the misunderstandings. I wanted to have a good conversation about figuring out where the communication went wrong, try and figure out how she came to these conclusions, and how that differs from my point of view. Do something to work it out, and just talk about it, and try and salvage this 3+ year friendship.

After I realized I was blocked, I was going through so so many emotions all at once. The whiplash of going from 5 to 100, Upset that I wasn't given any sort of chance to explain, the 5 stages of grief, being thrown away like the gum off your shoe, worrying about her and if this was the stage of isolation for depression, holding out the hope that we could still just talk and work things out, angry that she kept pushing off and refusing to have any sort of serious talk before this, doubting if anything she had said on 'normal vs not normal' - particularly communication styles, thoughts that maybe she was abusive and manipulative all along, maybe I was continuing the cycle of abuse, trauma flashbacks, anxieties that I had since squashed as 'irrational', fear that this was a sign that she was about to fucking kill herself and maybe the whole list was a lie so I wouldn't try and reach out and stop her, doubting my own reality and maybe the entire list she sent me was true and she was justified in her actions.

Simultaneously trying to process intense feelings and realities if it was true and I'm really secretly a horrible monster, if it wasn't true and she was about to die, and old traumas getting dug out of the grave.

God I was such an emotional wreck and did not know how to process or understand anything that was happening.

This is where the AITA comes in -

I was pushing through back to back panic attacks trying to contact her and figure out what was going on. I didn't want her to die, if that's what was happening. I didn't want to be discarded and thrown away like a piece of trash, if that's what was happening. I didn't want to have 0 chance of learning & growing as a person even if this friendship wasn't salvageable due to my monstrous nature, if that's what was happening.

So I block evaded like fckn crazy. Gmail, pet game sites, discord, skype, deviantart, whatever online platform that we shared that had messaging enabled. I called her phone several times. On the 3-4th call, her mom picked up and told me that none of the above was true. That she wasn't about to die, that I wasn't being thrown away like trash, and that I wasn't a monster. She didn't agree with her daughters actions and thought it unfair to me, but ultimately it was my friend's choice. All simultaneously which just did not compute.

If the list she sent me was true, I was a shitty horrible person. If it wasn't, and she isn't about to die, then not be able to just have a calm sit-down conversation at some point about it and clear it up - if I wasn't worth even attempting to make that effort then I was being thrown away like trash. I kept trying for days afterwards to talk to her - just, anything at all. Nothing got through, she never responded to anything.

And... that was that.

I didn't have a chance to talk to her again. I didn't have a chance to clear up misunderstandings, or understand what I did actually wrong and where, or any sort of closure.

Sometimes if I'm remembering it and feeling paranoid, I'll check and see if she's alive by looking at her online profiles for any activity. Like, maybe once a year tops now. According to the petgame sites, she's still alive at least. I'm assuming she got new social media. Literally it's just a "is she alive, do I have to worry about causing her suicide" check, I don't stalk or look into anything further than that.

Anyway, AITA for how extensively & desperately I was block evading?

What are these acronyms?

[dellalyra]

FAMILY FORMATION - PART SIXTEEN

Summary: Begrudging (but not really) Uncle Nanami, and some of his moments with the family. Request from @psychicai ‘uncle Nanami - uncle to the gojo baby and/ or begrudging uncle to the other 10 adopted gojos’

CW: heartwarming, nice memories, mentions of Geto’s absconding, pregnancy, babies, Satoru gojo and how much he loves his wife

A/N: shout-out to @psychicai for this idea and how much SUPPORT they pour my way ily also this is HAPPY TIMES NO SADNESS EVER HAS HAPPENED EVER NO.

MASTERLIST

FREEZEFRAME ONE

“I’m sorry, I think I’ve misheard you, Gojo brought home what?” The tall blonde leaning on your counter asks.

“Children.” You reply.

“Children?”

“Toji Fushiguro’s children.” You respond, setting a glass of whiskey beside him.

He’s silent for a beat.

“To do what with exactly?” Nanami replies.

“Oh, we’re thinking of a Hansel and Gretel situation.” You smirk in response.

He raises his eyebrow at you.

“We’re hoping to raise them, Kento. They’ve nobody – the boy has the Zen’in technique, Toji sold him to the clan – so Satoru stepped in.” You respond, shrugging.

Silence again. You continue to potter around the kitchen, it’s 5 pm on a Friday and you had been starting dinner when Nanami arrived.

“Well. Fuck. If this was just Gojo I’d ask if you knew what you were doing, and tell you that it’s crazy but, it’s you too. Y/N, I know you’d do anything for him, follow him to the edge of the universe but – you two are only 19 and fuck, now Geto’s gone - you’re the two most powerful sorcerers in the world.” He says, crossing his arms as he sits at the dining table.

You freeze at Geto’s name. The wound was still fresh and gaping in your chest. This was the first time someone had verbalised it so casually, but of course, it would be Nanami.

“I – we, know what we’re doing, don’t worry Kento. Geto is… part of the driving force being the decision. We want to shape the jujutsu world afresh, healthy and stronger and that will be done through the next generation. Satoru’s been asked to teach and school and I’ve already taken the job. We want – we wanna prevent more sweet kids being butchered by this world.” You say, holding your weight against the counter.

“Well – and don’t tell him I said this – if there’s anyone out there capable of doing this, it’s you two.” He says, swirling the whiskey in his glass. He looks different, you notice. Not only is the signature haircut gone but he’s wearing a shirt and tie.

“Thank you, Kento. They’re good kids, really good. Megumi – he will be an incredible sorcerer. His sister Tsumiki has no cursed energy – but she’s a very bright young girl, and so precious. Satoru and I were saying that between him and me and you and Shoko, we have all the tools and balls to reshape jujutsu sorcery from the inside out. Imagine it – you could be Principal Nanami!” You giggle, imagining the bright future you all had together.

“Ah. Well. That’s part of the reason I’m here.” He says, settling down his glass.

“Oh god Kento, what, you gonna go commit some genocide and steal twin girls too?” Dark humour. Fresh sounds are being poked at.

“I’m leaving the sorcery world, Y/N. I’m going to university, then I’m getting a job. I can’t be part of that shit society anymore. The whole thing, I respect none of it.”

Your turn for silence.

“Are you sure?” Your voice cracks as you ask.

“I am.”

“Then, okay. I’m – proud of you Kento. I hope you know though, leaving jujutsu sorcery behind - doesn’t mean you’re leaving us! You can leave the six eyes and the Y/L/N heir, but not Sian and Satoru!” The tears in your eyes are pushed back with quick blinks.

The sounds of three pairs of footsteps echo through your hall – and if that hadn’t been sign enough that Satoru and the two kids were home then the ‘Oh honey! I’m home!” definitely was.

An immediate eye roll from Nanami ensues as you jump from your chair and fling your arms around your boyfriend's neck and pepper kisses on his face.

“Welcome home, ‘tour! Hi kids! How was school?” You say, letting Tsumiki hug your waist and tentatively patting Megumi on the head.

“Hi Y/N! It was fun! We had art today; I made a paper-mâché turtle!” Tsumiki says rummaging through her bag.

“That’s so fun Tsumiki! What about you Megumi?” You kneel at the boy's level.

“Fine, I guess.” He shrugs and then furrows his brow in Satoru’s direction.

“Okay, why are you mad at Satoru now?” You ask, lightheartedly.

“He keeps calling me a short stack. And he’s a dumbass.” The six-year-old replies.

At this, indignation from the white-haired man and a snort and a ‘here here’ from the blonde at the table.

“Satoru, stop calling him short-stack and Megumi, don’t call Satoru a dumbass.” You wipe the dust off your knees as you rise.

“Now kids, this is Nanami Kento. He’s one of our best friends. Megumi, he also thinks Satoru’s a dumbass, so you’ll get along great!” You announce to the room, sitting back down at the table.

Satoru emerges changed into a sweatshirt and sweatpants and you can’t ignore the swell in your heart.

The domesticity of the scene was so warm and cosy you almost felt tired.

“Tsumiki, Megumi. Pleased to meet you both.” He waves a hand towards the two kids who’ve placed themselves at the table too, with snacks and strawberry milk.

Megumi scowls slightly, ever wary of strangers. Tsumiki waves back, ever polite.

“We’re pleased to meet you too, Uncle Nanami!” She speaks.

Satoru immediately begins to cackle laughing at Nanami being called the kids’ uncle, and you elbow him.

Nanami just quirks an eyebrow and thinks it’s fantastic how quickly these two have taken to you both. It’s clear in how Tsumiki is pleased to chatter with Satoru and giggles at his silly antics and how Megumi shares an animal cracker with you and scoots slightly closer to you when feeling particularly exposed.

“So, what grade are you both in?” Kento asks as you rise to retrieve the lasagna from the oven.

FREEZEFRAME TWO

“Okay! I think that’s everything! Tsumiki sleeps in the dark, but she’s 10 and is kinda like a self-cleaning oven. Megumi sleeps with this nightlight, but don’t mention it, just plug it in and leave, his frog stuffy is in his bag too! I’m rambling, aren’t I?” Satoru speaks.

“Yes,” Nanami replies.

“Nanaminnnnnnnn! You’re meant to say ‘No Satoru I know you’re nervous but you’re doing great! You’re so amazing! Uncle Nanamin will take care of these darling cherubs while you hopefully change your life forever” Satoru says as he dramatically shakes Nanami’s shoulders.

Kento is unimpressed.

“Satoru. You’re being fucking ridiculous.”

“Not quite but you’ve got the spirit!”

And with that, Satoru strides into Nanami’s living room.

“Children! Be the absolute best tonight for your dearest Uncle Nanamin, and Tsumiki don’t let Nanamin around Megumi too much – they might form an anti-Satoru club and my poor heart just couldn’t take it, my two favourite men, hanging up against me! My best friends!”

Tsumiki giggles and agrees but her face turns deadly serious.

“Papa. Do you have everything?” She asks.

“Run me a checklist, assistant.” He replies crouching down to her height.

“Snacks?”

“Check.”

“Including all mom’s favourites?”

“Check.”

“The CD mixtape you made?”

“Check.”

“Um… Oh! Do you know what to say? Did you write it down?”

“Check and no, don’t need to.”

“Okay! Then I think that’s everything!”

“No, it’s not.” Comes with a voice hidden behind a Nintendo.

Three heads turn to the spikey-haired boy’s blue eyes visible over the screen.

A gasp from Tsumiki is followed by,

“What did I forget to list?!” She asks, almost frantic.

“The ring,” Megumi replies.

Another gasp from Tsumiki.

Satoru only smirks, he knew Megumi was excited about what was happening – it was obvious in the way he never left the room and even put his book down when Satoru and Tsumiki would go over plans. He liked this idea. That’s how he showed it.

He pulls a small dark blue velvet box from inside his coat pocket and flicks the gold clasp open. In the box, stood the item in question. The most stunningly beautiful, antique ring. Small and dainty in size, the gold filigree art deco setting with the most brilliant marquise cut diamond with two tiny sapphires beside them, it was just so you.

After shouts of good luck (they knew he wouldn’t need it, you were his the day he met you) Satoru says his goodbyes to the kids. Nanami walks him out, stopping him at the door.

He hands him a bottle of champagne.

“For when she says yes.” He says as he nods at him.

Satoru’s eyes sparkled and darted to Nanami.

“You’re sure she will?” He asks. This a rare moment of pure vulnerability from this man who needs his best friend's advice on proposing to his girlfriend. No six eyes. No sorcery. No 7:3 or salaries. Just two men, one hopelessly in love and the other quietly rooting for them for the last 4 years.

“Satoru. Of course, she will, you two have always been inevitable, it’s obvious to everyone. Now – go, get out of my house or you will be late for your engagement.” He says, shoving the taller man’s shoulders.

“Thank you Nanaminnnnnn! If we don’t ring tonight - don’t get worried! We will be otherwise engaged, haha! Get it?”

“Go, Satoru.”

FREEZEFRAME THREE

“So, Megumi – who do you want at your graduation dinner?” You ask – planning a family meal for the following week when Megumi graduated elementary school.

He shrugs.

“Uncle Nanami and Aunt Shoko I guess.” As hyper-verbal and enthusiastic as ever.

So you shoot off two texts telling them, not asking, that they’re coming for dinner on Friday night to celebrate.

At the graduation ceremony, you in a pretty white and blue dress and Satoru in a white button down and slacks wait with the two kids – Megumi scowling at his classmates and Tsumiki speaking to some of the older siblings, you spot Nanami’s car parking and he opens the passenger door for Shoko. The two make their way up the steps with Nanami in tan slacks and a grey shirt and Shoko in a navy pantsuit.

“There they are! Megumi, Tsumiki look it’s Uncle Nanamin and Aunty Koko!” Satoru points at the two arrivals.

He receives a quick thwack on the back of the head from Shoko who abhors the nickname, and she then leans in to kiss him on the cheek.

“Hiya Kento! Thank you two so much for coming today! We’ll go back to ours for dinner after if that’s still good with you guys. The ceremony is only 30 minutes. Between you and me, once Megumi has been up there we’re probably gonna bounce so he doesn’t scare the teachers.”

“Congratulations, Megumi.” Kento nods and pats the boy’s shoulder, then hands him a black box. Megumi raises his eyebrows at you silently asking if he can open it and you nod in encouragement. Inside the box is a black leather wallet, with M.F stamped into it.

“A wallet is a sign of a grown man, now, Megumi. Get a copy of Satoru’s black card and put it in there.” Nanami says, nodding to the boy whose chest has puffed out at being considered a ‘grown man’.

“Here you go, kid.” Shoko opens her wallet and pulls out a ¥5000 note and puts it into his hand. “Don’t spend it on girls or booze.”

“Jesus Shoko he’s 12.” You sigh at her, with a huff of laughter following.

“Hey Megs, you should ask Aunty Koko about how she got through school! Then do everything the exact opposite because she cheated her way into being a Doctor!” Satoru giggles and skips off to grab Tsumiki.

“How do you deal with him, Y/N?” Kento asks.

“Selective hearing.” You respond, but the truth was you dealt with him easily – given that he was one half of your soul.

The doorbell rings and you skip to the door, opening it to see the tall blonde salaryman waiting.

You fling your arms around his neck for a hug.

“Hiya Kento!”

Since Nanami had left sorcery, you and him had set up a standing plan that every second Thursday he would come over to the cottage and you would have Kooking with Kento, as Satoru had named it much to your delight.

On tonight’s menu was a delicious asparagus and lemon risotto, you two would always cook together with Satoru and occasionally the kids taking part from the table. Tsumiki would help you stir sometimes, but Megumi had proven himself as useful as Satoru in the kitchen so they were relegated to the table.

You loved these nights, you and Kento had always been close since you had gone on his first mission with him – your warmth and care as his senior was the foundation for the fact you act like his big sister. He never seemed as bothered by your chaotic energy as he was by Satoru’s – even though you were two sides of the same coin. He acted like he didn’t, but he truly cared for Satoru too, he’d also never admit it, but he was his best friend and 3 years ago when Satoru had very elaborately asked him to be his best man – he was very honoured. Hell, he’d even managed some vaguely complimentary things in his speech. Megumi also found a kindred spirit in Kento, he would speak to him about what he had been reading, and complain about Gojo to him, he was also definitely his favourite babysitter. Now at 13, entering the teen years – Nanami was beginning to be one of the only people who he could stand to be around. The last time he’d been in a fight, Nanami had pulled him aside and told him the correct way to launch his first to prevent bruising on your knuckles – you had heard even though you weren’t mean to. You hadn’t said anything, but you did think to yourself that it’s no wonder Nanami and Satoru were friends.

At the table that night, with food put away and the kids gone to bed, Nanami says he wishes to speak to you both.

“I’ve made the decision, that the 9 to 5 life is shit. Jujutsu sorcery is also shit, so in this case I’m choosing the one I am most adept at and so I will be returning to sorcery. I –” He was immediately cut off by your squeals and Satoru’s cheering and rendition of Return of the Mack but changing it to Nanamin. He just sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose at the fact his closest friends were you two and a woman chain smoking over cadavers and wondered what the hell he did wrong in a past life.

“Oh we’ll get to see you so much more! There’s an empty office beside Satoru’s, I’m in another building but still close by! We can all have lunch together!” You clap your hands and look to Satoru who is equally as delighted.

“I won’t be teaching. I’m returning to active missions.”

More cheering ensues.

It goes on for a while.

Kento is tired.

FREEZEFRAME FOUR

You lay on the hospital bed, Satoru almost on top of you, head tucked into your neck as you snuggled into him – tears on both your faces.

Shoko had left the room to give you both some space, standing in the hall she hears footsteps approaching – neat and fast.

Kento Nanami appears at the end of the hallway and as he approaches her a loud laugh and a giggle escape from the room behind her.

“Is that Y/N and Gojo? Why are they here, they have no active missions as far as I’m aware and it’s summer holidays?” He asks her, as her lips curl into a smile around her lit cigarette, she holds out her hand as he passes her the papers – he was here for her sign off on his monthly physical.

“Knock and ask ‘em yourself, Ken.” She shrugs her head toward the room.

He nods and tales the paperwork back.

He knocks on the door as your voice rings out telling him to come in.

“Nanaminnnnnnn!!! You’re here too! How awesome is this!” Satoru says, still not moving from his spot glued to you.

Your eyes are sparkling with glistening tears but your smile was lit up with the widest smile directed at your husband – eyes filled with pure love.

“Is everything alright? Is someone unwell?” He asks.

You giggle and swing your legs off the side of the table so Satoru can sit beside you and he wraps his arms around you middle and nuzzles into your shoulder.

“That would be me, but only every morning.” You hint.

Kento then notices the way you seem to glow and the placement of Satoru’s hand, protectively splayed across your lower belly.

Then it clicks.

“Shit – are you pregnant, Y/N?” He asks, aghast at the situation he didn’t expect to walk into today.

You nod and smile and Satoru raises his head.

“I’m gonna be a papa again! More babies for you uncle Nanamin!”

Kento can’t even bring himself to chastise him right now, the aura of joy surrounding you both is too beautiful to burst.

“Have you just found out?” He asks, a small smile on his lips.

“Satoru notices their cursed energy today, so we warped straight here. Who needs a pregnancy test when your husband is one, huh?!” You high five the man beside you.

“Of course I’d be the first to see it, I put it in there!” This makes you throw your head back and Nanami shake his.

“Christ. A combination of you both. I’ll be grey by the time the child turns one.” He smirks.

In truth, he couldn’t have been happier for you both. You’d both done a great job with Megumi and Tsumiki, your attachment obvious at your constant quest to wake Tsumiki up since we sank into her slumber a year ago. More than anything though, he could not think of two people more deserving of welcoming a new little light into the world. The love you both share and the depth of the bond often renders Kento speechless. Seeing you both, was enough proof for the eternal skeptic to wholeheartedly believe that soulmates exist and you two were made to be together by whatever hand guides the earth. He will continue to joke about the combination of you both leading him to insanity given your chaotic nature and well, Satoru but he knew while all of that was true and the child would be as boisterous and wild as they come – the child would also be the most caring, bravest, most passionate, fearless and a true force to be reckoned with. Your love could create all that, and he was privileged to bear witness – and to later, be named godfather of Akio Ryu Tadashi Gojo.

FREEZEFRAME FIVE

A Thursday came about, and Kento walked up to the sage green door of the Gojo cottage. He heard voices inside and figured Satoru must have gotten home early – you were still on maternity leave and Satoru was coming home very early each day to see his wife and baby boy. Megumi was in school now, so he lived on campus.

He knocked and not 10 seconds later the door opened revealing you with the baby on your hip.

“Kento! Yay you’re here, and you brought wine. You are my lifesaver. I’ve had to get extra, because we’ve extra mouth to feed tonight.” You say, kissing his cheek and wandering back to the kitchen.

He follows you and your large wooden kitchen table is overflowing with people – the source of the voices.

Megumi, Nobara and Yuuji sit with Satoru at the table.

“Hello Nanaminnnnn!” came in perfect synch from Gojo and Yuuji. That was followed by a ‘Hello Nanami-San!” from Nobara and a wave from Megumi and a babble from Akio. He greets them all in return as Akio makes grabby hands towards his father and Satoru lifts him delighted from your arms, before settling him on his lap to play with the small panda plushy in his hands. The kids all coo at Akio and Kento then notices the dog, large and black and fluffy asleep by Megumi’s feet.

“The kids are all exhausted and a bit shaken from the exchange event last week, so ‘toru gave them the day off tomorrow so they can stay here for the weekend.” You say quietly. He’s reminded that under layers of bravado Satoru truly loves these kids – not just as his adopted son and students, but truly all three of them as part of he and his wife’s formed family.

“I did bolognaise for dinner tonight, and we’ve chocolate cake. But first things first, here’s a corkscrew Kento – crack that thing open. The grown ups want a glass of wine.”

He does as requested and marvels at the scene in front of him, you kiss the head of his godson and the lips of his best friend as you pass them whispering how handsome your boys are to them both, then mention to Nobara you bought some new nail varnish to try later as you pass her, then ruffle both the teens boys hair as you move past them and weigh in on their debate over the best Pokémon in the new game.

He might complain, but he’s happy to be Uncle Nanamin to this wonderful puzzle piece family.

[imauthicktic]

Bayverse!TMNT x flirty and affectionate!fem!reader

Ok, so this was requested but I lost the request ;( anyways I hope y’all like it!! Lmk what y’all think!!

This is part 1 because it was long with just these two so I will be doing a part 2 with Donnie and Mikey

Warnings: a little steamy but not smutty

Characters: Leonardo and Raphael

Leonardo:

You had called Leo to come over to your place considering you haven’t had any time together recently. Quite frankly you’ve been wanting to try and step up your flirting game with Leo. You can tell he’s holding back sometimes and you know he’s touch starved. Hell, at this point you’ve been wanting him to show even the slightest bit of affection that’s more than his hand on the small of your back or on your shoulder. 

You had your headphones on as you were going around setting up the atmosphere. You went to your room to grab a blanket and threw it onto your couch as you could finally smell the popcorn and went to grab it before it burned. Grabbing the popcorn from the microwave you turned around and nearly had a heart attack at Leo leaning against the wall at the entrance of the kitchen. Leo chuckled at your reaction and walked towards you to pull off your headphones. “I called out your name a couple of times ya know.” You feel the blood rush to your face, embarrassed that you didn’t notice someone in your house. “Sorry, I was kinda distracted,” you giggle out. “I can see that,” he smirked, “so, what are we watching?” “I thought we could pick something out together.” You started to head towards your living room with Leo trailing behind you. You put the popcorn down on the table in front of the couch and grab your blanket to wrap it around you as you sit down. Leo sat down on the couch next to you, just not close enough to be touching. His arm rested behind you on top of the couch and you’re taking it as progress for the moment. He grabbed the remote from the table and leaned back again, “You really think we’ll be able to agree on something Y/N?” he asked as he was trying to figure out which streaming channel to choose from. You lean in closer to him and grab the remote from his hand and make sure your hand brushes his just enough, while still being natural, to gauge his reaction. “I’m sure we can meet in the middle,” you said while looking into his eyes. You noticed that he seemed to pause a bit before he clenched his jaw and gave a small smile back to you. 

You turned back to the tv with thoughts racing through your mind as you picked Paramount+. “You wanna watch something funny, scary, or a series for us to watch together for the foreseeable future?” you ask as you lean back, resting your head against his arm and looking back up at him with a small smile. He looks down at you and is almost getting lost in your eyes before realizing he is leaning in a little bit. He swears he saw you look down at his lips before looking back back into his baby blues. He cleared his throat and before he could lean back to his spot, you grabbed one of the tail ends of his mask and pulled him back to look you in the face again. “Hmm? You didn’t answer my question, my love,” you said sweetly, “How about a show so that you can come over more?” “I, uh, I think I’d like that,” he stumbled out. “Why don’t we watch Criminal Minds? I’d feel better watching it with you here to make sure no one hurts me,” you said knowing lowkey you get paranoid sometimes. You honestly just want the excuse of being with him for long periods of time and the possibility of getting to snuggle into him with the idea of him providing comfort. “Sounds good,” he quips. You smile widely, let go of his mask, and turn to the tv to get the show started. 

Leo’s arm had made it from the couch to wrapping around your shoulder after the first 5 minutes. You were about halfway through the first episode when you went to grab a piece of popcorn only for Leo to pluck it out of your hand as it was about to go into your mouth and put it into his. You looked up at him with a small giggle and an ‘are you serious' face. He didn’t even look down at you as his eyes were on the tv, but he did nothing to hide the smirk on his face. “If you wanted me to feed you, all you had to do was ask, Leo.” “Then feed me, darling,” he challenged, not thinking you’d actually do it. You put the popcorn on the table and stood up with the blanket that was on your lap and Leo’s eyes watching your every movement. You then moved to where you stood in front of him and Leo was seconds away from asking if you were see-through but choked when you sat down on his lap and one of his hands immediately went to your hip. You placed your hand on his muscled thigh and leaned forward to grab the popcorn which Leo nearly slammed his head back to close his eyes and trying not to focus on the feeling of you practically grinding on his lap. He could feel the heat from between your legs when you grind down a bit on him. You can feel his hand tightening on your hip and you can feel your heart racing as you sink further into his lap and put your back flush against his chest. Leo brought his head forward, placed the hand he had on your waist down to the top of your thigh, and then wrapped his other arm just under your breasts, pushing them up before bringing his lips to your ear, “god, you drive me crazy.” “Good,” you whispered back as you brought a piece of popcorn up to his lips. 

Leo chuckled and grabbed the popcorn bowl and put it back on the table. Wrapping his arms around your waist, he breathed in the scent of your hair and placed a kiss on your shoulder and slowly made his way to your neck and up to just behind your ear. You’re putty in his hands and he knows it. Turning your head, you decided to take the leap and press your lips against his, gently at first, but when he cupped your cheek with his hand, he deepened it. “If it’s going to be like this when I come over, I’ll be over every day.” “Leo, I… don’t want this to be just as friends-” “I’m more than happy with being more than friends, Y/N,” you smiled at his words and rubbed your nose against his softly before placing quick pecs on his lips. He laughed and returned the pecs before doing one last deep, passionate kiss.

Raphael:

You got a text from Raphael to come over to the lair and who were you to say no to him? Not to be dramatic but you’re in love with him and the way you guys flirt is so fun. Plus, getting a chance to fluster him is your favorite pastime. 

Walking into the lair, you’re greeted with Mikey yelling out “Y/N!! Angelcakes!! What are you doing here?” “Hey Mikey!” you greeted as you were lifted into a bear hug by the orange clad turtle, “I was summoned here by Red,” you returned the hug with as much enthusiasm. Mikey was putting you down when you heard Raph chuckle from the gym area, “Hey, shorty, get yer ass up here.” You turned around to see him leaning on the railing from the second floor and he smirked at you as he moved his toothpick with his tongue. You smile as you feel the heat rush to your face but couldn’t help but blow a kiss up to him as you begin to walk towards the gym. He chuckled and headed back into the gym and waited for you. 

“Hey big guy,” you said as you sashay your way up to Raph and put your hands on his abs, pushing your chest up against his, making your breasts look perky against his hard plastron. He swallowed hard trying not to get caught looking at them and instead looked you in your eyes as he placed a hand on your lower back holding you against him a little tighter. “I missed you ya know,” you said with a small pout. “I always miss ya babygirl.” “But if you did, why didn’t you give me my kiss when I got in here,” you tease and tap your cheek waiting. Raphael genuinely smiled, took out his toothpick, and cupped the other side of your face as he placed a gentle kiss against your cheek bone. He didn’t even think before he did it, he changed his grip on your face to guide your face towards his and kissed you sweetly on your lips. You were shocked he finally made the move that when he pulled away you were chasing after his lips. Standing to his full height he chuckled at your pout and put his toothpick back in his mouth. 

Raph stepped back a bit before you grabbed his belt straps and pulled him back to you. “Oh ho ho, you have no idea what you started shorty.” “I think I have an ideAH-” you ended with a high pitched squeal as Raph threw his toothpick and picked you up with one hand going under your ass and carrying you to his room. You guys were in his room in no time. “W-Wait! Raph, we just had our first kiss! I-,” “I ain’t gonna do nothin’ yer not comfortable with baby. I just wanna kiss you sum more.” You smiled at him as he put you down and put both of his hands on the sides of your face. You held your breath as he leaned down and kissed your nose before brushing his against yours softly. You giggled at how sweet he suddenly was. “Raphie, I-,” “Shh, I know N/N, I know. I do too. So much, sweet girl.” You smiled before smashing your lips against his. You push him back to where he felt the bed hit the back of his legs. “Sit down.” “Yes, ma’am,” he said with a small smile. He sat down and was finally at eye-level with you. His legs were spread so you could step between them and press yourself against him again. You put your hands on either side of his face and give him sweet, lingering kisses all over his face. Ending it with a sweet kiss on his lips, with another, and another, lingering longer after each kiss. 

After finally separating, you just wrap your arms around his neck and his around your waist. You both just breathe in the moment with each other, just glad to finally be able to touch each other this way. Raph pulled back first and pushed you back with a small ‘watch out’ as he moved to lay on his back, but due to his shell he was propped up a bit. “C’mere pretty girl,” he said as he patted his lap. You smiled and crawled up to straddle his lap and lay across his chest as he wrapped his arms around you tightly and stuck his nose into your hair. He let out a deep breath and let out a small, “You’re all mine now baby.” “Forever?” “Ain’t no way I’m letting you go.”

[achillesunly]

Listen, I think they're fucking with us

Spoilers

Yk I've been rewatching the latest ep (5) and I think there might be timeline issues

(remember I haven't read the book just a few spoilers here and there so I know he's gon fuck that old man I just don't know how or when)

Like we see armandiel being-well-

In the early stages, so to speak

And then we see armandiel so sweet after a cut from present bitch talking between old!Daniel and Dubai!Louis, like so very sweet

Hands cradling face kinda sweet and all that shit, which is a far cry from how Armand had been treating The Boy up until then, which might make one wonder why?

Especially since

Daniel says at the start of this tender exchange : in confrontation with Armand's prediction of his shitty future:

"I'm a bright young reporter with a point of view"

And we learn that it's after all this romantic bs that louis steps in and 'saves' The Boy's life playing the maitre in a fucked up roleplay of Armand's darkest years and proceeds to tell Daniel one on one to 'listen to these words as if they were from the voice of God or an angel'

"you are a bright young reporter with a point of view, if things ever get bad again these are the words that you'll hear in your mind like a tape playing over and over -"

Now, if you'll allow me a fuckery of the mind:

Or as some might say: A Theory

I think louis did his little speechy thingy between Armandiel 'early stages' and the moment Armand falls in love with Daniel.

I think he's mixing the timeline up

Which would explain how, on the brick of death (things getting, admittedly, bad again for Danny then) the words spur back into his mind like Louis intended and he says them.

And I think Louis didn't save no Danny I think Armand, too in love with his fagass, and not wanting him to have the dark gift just yet, did his best to mark Danny up BC he's fucked up as we all know it and a strange lover

And yet rewrote the entire the shit so that convalescent and fucked in the brain!Louis can't get the memories of Armand fawning over Daniel back and he can still play the maître which is something that works for Armand to keep Louis for some fucked up reason.

(or louis imagines the whole maître Arun shit because he's a massive cunt)

It has been said they've kept Daniel long, either one don't know the extent of that

In it, there is time for Armand to fall in love, Daniel to fall too, have some fucked up mixer shitshow, all the while louis being reclused in his shit ass room being busy getting better

Then Armand erases everything because he loves Daniel too much to lose him as a mortal lover (I know you know the tiktok audio whores I don't want you to die-) so he erases his mind

And fucks Louis's mind as well so that major changes cannot happen, he can keep control over the narrative, keep Louis, and keep Daniel

My baby so smart

So yeah here's my take

Im having a lot of thoughts TM and emotions

[crazylittlejester]

Sooo, I know that you are technically the “Wars expert”, but you are really good at predicting things that will happen the LU comics.

I keep thinking that Twilight is getting more and more fed up with everyone treating him like he’s made of glass. What do you think, how long will it take until he snaps at someone for being overprotective? And who will it be? ( my guess is that it’ll be either Wars or Time and that it won’t be long 😉)

okay pardon the fact that my brain is soup rn my head is pounding lmao, none of this is gonna be coherent and most of it is off topic rambling i dont think a word of this makes sense-

I don’t really think the others are treating Twi like glass, at least not now

so in my mind i separate the group a bit into “kids” (wind, four, hyrule, legend, wild) and “adults” (time, wars, twi, sky). Now I think the only thing canonically established in LU is that Wind is the youngest and Time is the oldest, so the rest of the group hierarchy can go literally whichever way you interpret it, but I definitely think of Wars and Twi as pretty close up there to Time in regards to how much “power” (for lack of a better word-) they have within the group. They’re the only two who feel like they have the power to “talk back” (again for lack of better words) to Time in a way where Time might actually LISTEN. I feel like it’s not that the others are treating Twilight like glass, they’re worried about him because he almost died, but they have faith in him. But Time on the other hand has to look at Twilight and see his own future with Malon and all that, and based off the conversation in “Malon 5” it seems like Time might feel at least a little bit responsible for keeping Twilight safe and uninjured. But despite this I think that hasn’t impacted his view of Twilight’s capabilities, like yes he might keep more of an eye out for him, but he knows Twilight can handle himself

The new added element to this whole situation is Warriors and “Wild’s” dungeon inexperience. Because now Time, unofficial official leader, has his two “second” in commands as “Guy who has never stepped foot in a dungeon before in his life” and “Descendant who almost died”, and as we’ve seen he’s been really stressed lately and this is just adding to it. Which, yeah, I would be stressed too 😭

My theory isn’t necessarily that Twi is going to snap because he’s being babied, but rather if we DO see him getting snappy at people (Time) it’s going to be because of how strict he’s getting

That being said I have theories about the breakdowns of the groups, and I’m not sure I see a scenario in which Twi, Time, and Wars would be in the same group. MAYBE two of them, but I can’t imagine all three of them would be in the same spot. If they are tho, that’s be hilarious and the fucking DRAMA- oh my god

I think if Warriors WASN’T with Time, he’d be with either Twi or Legend, but not both, and I think the third person could be Wind. If I were the one building these groups, I’d make it Wars, Legend, and Wind

If Time WASN’T with Twi, he’d be with Wars, and if not Wars then I think Four and/or Hyrule. High Stress Adult + two experienced but very chill “kids”. They’d have their differences in how they do things, but I think those three would work well together. But if Jojo’s feeling evil I think Time, Wild, and Legend would be an EXPLOSIVE group of clashing personalities and all three of them would argue the entire time because they’re all very stubborn. I think poor Wild would really get the short end of the stick in that scenario-

I predict, if these groups are gonna be 3 groups of 3 and the goal is to create well balanced teams:

Twilight, Sky, and Wild would be a POWERHOUSE: two adults + one “kid” with ‘half’ dungeon experience. They’d get along well, they’d work well together

Time, Four, and Hyrule: Again, High Stress Adult + two quieter “kids”, but I really think Hyrule and Four would work well together, and they’d balance out Time’s stress with their goofy little guy-ness

Wars, Legend, and Wind: It’s giving a mom taking her two kids to indulge in their hyperfixation she knows nothing about. Wind and Legend are totally capable in a dungeon, and they both have a good dynamic with Wars that could be very entertaining and funny, and definitely just enjoyable to witness

but the evil voices in me want the groups to be Wars/Time/Twi, Legend/Hyrule/Wild, Sky/Four/Wind, because I’m just imagining Drama Queens (crying, screaming, emotions involved), Triple Threat (pure crack), and The People Actually Getting Shit Done, and that would be so epic

aight thats all i got

*falls over and dies*

[hollowed-theory-hall]

The Riddle of Tom Riddle: Part 3/7

(Part 1, Part 2, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7)

Wool's Orphanage

This is actually one of my favorite theories I ever made. The full psychoanalysis of Voldemort's character took some time to figure out, but I think I cracked it. I know why Tom did everything he did.

As it's a little long, I've broken it down into multiple posts. And I think there are gonna be 4 more besides this one. So, let's go make sense of Voldemort and prove he is reasonable, he just has some unexpected goals.

I want to preface all of this (and future posts) that the point isn't to excuse Voldemort and his various atrocities. But it bothers me when I don't understand why characters do the things they do. This is about understanding Tom Riddle and Voldemort.

Without farther adu:

So, we'll start our analysis from the beginning. Voldemort, or, more correctly — Tom Marvolo Riddle was born on December 31st, 1926, in a rundown orphanage in London:

“And Merope? She . . . she died, didn’t she? Wasn’t Voldemort brought up in an orphanage?” “Yes, indeed,” said Dumbledore. “We must do a certain amount of guessing here, although I do not think it is difficult to deduce what happened. You see, within a few months of their runaway marriage, Tom Riddle reappeared at the manor house in Little Hangleton without his wife. The rumor flew around the neighborhood that he was talking of being ‘hoodwinked’ and ‘taken in.’ What he meant, I am sure, is that he had been under an enchantment that had now lifted, though I daresay he did not dare use those precise words for fear of being thought insane. When they heard what he was saying, however, the villagers guessed that Merope had lied to Tom Riddle, pretending that she was going to have his baby, and that he had married her for this reason.” “But she did have his baby.” “But not until a year after they were married. Tom Riddle left her while she was still pregnant.”

(Half-Blood Prince, page, 214)

So, one important little disclaimer:

A lot of the information we have about Tom comes from Dumbledore's guesswork. As Dumbledore has an agenda in all his "lessons" with Harry and that I have a whole series of posts dedicated to my strong feelings regarding Dumbledore's machinations, we need to approach everything he says with a grain of salt.

This part is pretty true though. Merope does enchant or dose Tom Riddle Sr with a love potion or some other spell and gets pregnant. We also know that for some reason, she stopped with the enchantments/potions at some point and wound up alone in London, with no family, no money, and on death's door.

“I was wondering whether you could tell me anything of Tom Riddle’s history? I think he was born here in the orphanage?” “That’s right,” said Mrs. Cole, helping herself to more gin. “I remember it clear as anything, because I’d just started here myself. New Year’s Eve and bitter cold, snowing, you know. Nasty night. And this girl, not much older than I was myself at the time, came staggering up the front steps. Well, she wasn’t the first. We took her in, and she had the baby within the hour. And she was dead in another hour.”

(Half-Blood Prince, page 266)

This is from Dumbledore's memory, but it seems factual enough. Dumbledore also has no reason to lie about this.

So, Tom was raised all his childhood in a London orphanage in the late 1920s and 1930s. These orphanages were dreary, lonely places:

The children are fed and clothed but there is a dreary uniformity to the picture, emphasised by the black and white image. Boys eat in regimental lines, seated on hard benches, and those waiting to sit down are also assembled in a strict line. The attendants you can glimpse are dressed in black and white uniforms, a stark echo of the grey and black of the boys’ clothes. A few pictures adorn the walls – one looks as though it’s about to fall to the ground – but there are no curtains, no floor covering, no comfort.

(Source)

This was not a pleasant place to be raised in. And considering Mrs. Cole's words: "Well, she wasn’t the first", the orphanage was probably crowded. This was after World War One, and Britain and Europe as a whole were still licking their wounds. Poverty is high, food is low, and the inflation rate is insane.

And this is the world Tom grows up in. A dreary, lonely existence, where if he didn't fight for his food, he probably didn't get left any.

And when the Second World War started in 1939 (his second year at Hogwarts), things just got worse, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Then she said, “He’s a funny boy.” “Yes,” said Dumbledore. “I thought he might be.” “He was a funny baby too. He hardly ever cried, you know. And then, when he got a little older, he was . . . odd.”

...

because she said in a sudden rush, “He scares the other children.” “You mean he is a bully?” asked Dumbledore. “I think he must be,” said Mrs. Cole, frowning slightly, “but it’s very hard to catch him at it. There have been incidents. . . . Nasty things . . .” Dumbledore did not press her, though Harry could tell that he was interested. She took yet another gulp of gin and her rosy cheeks grew rosier still. “Billy Stubbs’s rabbit . . . well, Tom said he didn’t do it and I don’t see how he could have done, but even so, it didn’t hang itself from the rafters, did it?” “I shouldn’t think so, no,” said Dumbledore quietly. “But I’m jiggered if I know how he got up there to do it. All I know is he and Billy had argued the day before. And then” — Mrs. Cole took another swig of gin, slopping a little over her chin this time — “on the summer outing — we take them out, you know, once a year, to the countryside or to the seaside — well, Amy Benson and Dennis Bishop were never quite right afterwards, and all we ever got out of them was that they’d gone into a cave with Tom Riddle. He swore they’d just gone exploring, but something happened in there, I’m sure of it. And, well, there have been a lot of things, funny things. . . .”

(Half-Blood Prince, pages 267-268)

We learn some interesting things here, quite a few of them actually. That Tom doesn't have any friends. That the other orphans and the caretakers in the orphanage all think he's weird. They thought he was odd since he was a baby... and this is starting to get familiar. there's a reason Tom mentioned he and Hary are similar:

Because there are strange likenesses between us, Harry Potter. Even you must have noticed. Both half-bloods, orphans, raised by Muggles. Probably the only two Parselmouths to come to Hogwarts since the great Slytherin himself. We even look something alike. . . .

(Chamber of Secrets, page 292)

Because they are.

From Mrs. Cole's words, it seems Tom wasn't liked by the kids and staff and he fought back in the only way he could. His magic. It isn't that much different than Harry's apparating away from Dudley's gang or setting the boa constrictor on his cousin. The situations are awfully similar.

“How do you do, Tom?” said Dumbledore, walking forward and holding out his hand. The boy hesitated, then took it, and they shook hands. Dumbledore drew up the hard wooden chair beside Riddle, so that the pair of them looked rather like a hospital patient and visitor. “I am Professor Dumbledore.” “ ‘Professor’?” repeated Riddle. He looked wary. “Is that like ‘doctor’? What are you here for? Did she get you in to have a look at me?” He was pointing at the door through which Mrs. Cole had just left. “No, no,” said Dumbledore, smiling. “I don’t believe you,” said Riddle. “She wants me looked at, doesn’t she? Tell the truth!” He spoke the last three words with a ringing force that was almost shocking. It was a command, and it sounded as though he had given it many times before. His eyes had widened and he was glaring at Dumbledore, who made no response except to continue smiling pleasantly. After a few seconds Riddle stopped glaring, though he looked, if anything, warier still. “Who are you?” “I have told you. My name is Professor Dumbledore and I work at a school called Hogwarts. I have come to offer you a place at my school — your new school, if you would like to come.” Riddle’s reaction to this was most surprising. He leapt from the bed and backed away from Dumbledore, looking furious. “You can’t kid me! The asylum, that’s where you’re from, isn’t it? ‘Professor,’ yes, of course — well, I’m not going, see? That old cat’s the one who should be in the asylum. I never did anything to little Amy Benson or Dennis Bishop, and you can ask them, they’ll tell you!” “I am not from the asylum,” said Dumbledore patiently. “I am a teacher and, if you will sit down calmly, I shall tell you about Hogwarts. Of course, if you would rather not come to the school, nobody will force you —” “I’d like to see them try,” sneered Riddle.

(Half-Blood Prince, pages 269-270)

Now, I marked a few sections in this scene because there are some interesting things to talk about when it comes to Tom's psychology.

First, I'd like to talk about Tom's assumptions here. The first thing Tom assumes the moment Dumbledore introduces himself as a "professor" is that he is here to take a look at Tom — to take him away to the Asylum. Considering how quickly Tom came to that conclusion one has to assume it's something he heard before.

It means the people around him, probably both the caretakers at the orphanage and the other children repeatedly told him he was insane and would be better off at the Asylum. He spent his childhood being told he belonged in a madhouse.

I don't think I need to explain what kind of damage that does to a child. Tom grows up completely isolated from his peers and caretakers, everyone hates him because he is different. So Tom latched on to the idea that he was better. Because if he was different, and he was, and he wasn't better, it meant he was worse than them — it meant they were right about him. Tom thinking overly highly of himself is a coping mechanism and a lie (to himself most of all).

The thing is, while he is aware he is smart and capable, we'll see later in his life how he continuously seeks out validation and connection since he didn't get either until he was eleven. And like any child, he wants these things, he wants praise, attention, and connection. Telling himself he is better, and therefore above such needs, is a way to try and convince himself everything is fine.

The second thing from the above quote is his trust issues. Dumbledore tries to tell him he isn't taking him to the Asylum and Tom doesn't believe him. He immediately goes on the defensive.

As of Mrs. Cole's previous words, it's clear she blames Tom for things she has no evidence he did. And if we look at Harry's cases of accidental magic that harmed Dudley, a lot of them were out of his control. It's possible Tom wasn't completely intentional in everything he did, but took credit anyway if it meant the other kids left him alone and didn't bother him.

"|'d like to see them try," Tom said, he is already using fear. That is just as much a coping mechanism as his trust issues and air of superiority. When kids fear you, they don't bother you. If Amy and Dannis feared him they'd stop calling him a nut-case — If they feared him, they wouldn't bother him.

And Tom is used to his magic allowing him to get his way, forcing people to tell him the truth in an accidental version of the Imperious. It's important to remember he is a young child on the defensive. He has been on the defensive probably since he could comprehend language. As such, I'm not surprised to see him use his magic to make people treat him better — or at the bare minimum, not lie to him.

All I see from the above interaction is a scared, lonely child who never had anyone so he's on the defensive. He guards his heart and interests with all the weapons he has at his disposal because he has no one else who will. This is a child that needs help.

“Magic?” he repeated in a whisper. “That’s right,” said Dumbledore. “It’s . . . it’s magic, what I can do?” “What is it that you can do?” “All sorts,” breathed Riddle. A flush of excitement was rising up his neck into his hollow cheeks; he looked fevered. “I can make things move without touching them. I can make animals do what I want them to do, without training them. I can make bad things happen to people who annoy me. I can make them hurt if I want to.” His legs were trembling. He stumbled forward and sat down on the bed again, staring at his hands, his head bowed as though in prayer. “I knew I was different,” he whispered to his own quivering fingers. “I knew I was special. Always, I knew there was something.”

(Half-Blood Prince, page 271)

What we see here is actually really cute. Okay.

So, Tom Riddle, lonely and mistreated finally gets the confirmation that yes, he is special, not insane, he is better like he always tried to convince himself he was. So he immediately gets excited and starts gushing — boasting — about all the magic he can do. He's flushed and fevered and happy.

He is so excited to share this with someone else, to have someone like him, who understands him. He was elated at Dumbledore's existence at that moment.

This is a lonely 11-year-old child who never had a friend or kind caregiver in his life, trying to connect to the first adult to not call him insane. The first adult to tell him he was special, that he wasn't wrong.

And then Dumbledore speaks down to him and pretends to set all his (very few) belongings on fire.

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. “If, as I take it, you are accepting your place at Hogwarts —” “Of course I am!” “Then you will address me as ‘Professor’ or ‘sir.’ ” Riddle’s expression hardened for the most fleeting moment before he said, in an unrecognizably polite voice, “I’m sorry, sir. I meant — please, Professor, could you show me — ?”

(Half-Blood Prince, pages 271-272)

This is the moment Dumbledore made his greatest mistake when it came to Tom Riddle. Instead of trying to direct him and help him like an educator, he showed his dislike for Tom. He thought Tom to close up his heart, that even among wizards he would not find this connection he seeks.

So Tom hardens his expression and goes to the cold, polite, distant mask we'll see him wear for the rest of his Hogwarts years.

[pattypanini]

Lay All Your Love On Me

Chapter 1- Trust Fund Baby

Josh Kiszka x Reader

Word Count: 2,257 (Short one, sorry guys)

AN: Hi everyone! Here is the first chapter of Lay All Your Love On Me from me and @mar-rein12! We hope you enjoy and please leave comments or feedback, we want to learn on what we can do better. This is a short one so prepare for more chapters soon!

Warnings: 18+, Angst, Flirting, Cursing, Degrading, NO smut yet... be prepared for the near future though.

Late March 2023- Spring Semester- Junior Year

“Okay let's run that scene one more time. We're gonna pick up with y/n’s first verse and continue through it. And please, more passionate guys give me some emotion. And 5, 6, 7, 8…”

The instrumental begins to play and you prepare yourself for the worst scene with the most insufferable guy you’ve ever met, Josh Kiszka. You get uncomfortably close to him, getting ready for one of the more enjoyable parts, pushing him into the artificial rock wall. He takes an extra step towards you, closing the gap even more. You push him hard and begin to sing and Josh gives you a cocky ass grin as he props his body up against the wall, watching you intently as you walk towards him. He’s disgusting.

You reach up to grab his face. Slowly, but painfully, you drag your hands down his chest not being able to ignore his toned body beneath his thin, white shirt. Without a doubt, your disgusted look was written all over your face and was easily recognized.

“CUTTTT. Stop the music.” Dr. Coleman, the director shouts, slamming her papers onto the table in front of her.

The music stops and Josh lets out a frustrated groan and both of you turn to Coleman who is furiously walking towards the stage, flailing her arms.

“What the hell was that? Sky and Sophie are madly in love, you both look like you're about to throw up on each other. We have been working on this since February and you guys still can’t get your shit together.” She slams her hands on the stage looking up to the two of you.

You look to Josh to get a read on him, seeing if he agrees or not on what Dr. Coleman just said. Turning to him, inconspicuously, you see a look of annoyance.

Since freshman year Josh has always thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. He thinks he should either have the lead role, or that the other actors around him weren’t good enough to work “alongside him.” And that may lead back to the fact that his daddy gives a generous deposit to the music department at the University of Michigan every year for the musicals. Josh has always been told that he's been the most talented man anyone has ever seen, by directors, family, and many others. But to you, he was just an egotistical, trust fund baby. 

“I don't even want to see the crawl, something needs to be figured out here before we move on next week. There is no chemistry or love, I'm not buying a bit of it. We're done for the day, rest up for next week everyone.”

As everyone begins to clear out Josh looks at you and furrows his eyebrows, “Yeah mama, why don’t you love me?” His hands clutching his heart. “Show me some love y/n.” A shit-eating grin plastered across his face. 

“Fuck you.” You mutter under your breath as you walk away from him. 

“I know you want to.” You hear from across the stage while grabbing your stuff. Without looking, you knew his body would show he was enjoying the moment way too much. Cocky little shit.

“Y/n, get back here. Rehearsal is not over yet for you two,” The director motions to Josh. “We have a long weekend since everyone is off on Monday, so you two NEED to build a connection with each other, hangout or something, or else someone is losing their part.” She says sternly and begins to walk away leaving you two to talk it over.

“... Its not gonna fucking be me, so you better start lovin’ on me, y/n.” Josh whispers, feeling his warm breath against your ear.

“In your dreams, Kiszka.” Rolling your eyes towards him, grabbing your bag and leaving before this situation could get any worse. 

As you walk back to your dorm late that night, you prepare to be interrogated by your curious roommate, Charlotte. Putting in the pin to your dorm you walk into the shared living space and see Charlotte working on her English paper that she, of course, pushed off until the last minute. 

“Procrastinating again I see?” You joke as you put your backpack near the door. 

“Of course, what else would I be doing? But now I have an excuse to stop because I need to know the tea. How was the rehearsal?” She says shutting her laptop and turning herself to you on the couch. 

You debated lying to her and just saying it was good and move on, but you needed to rant.

“Pretty awful actually. I’m being threatened that my role might be given to someone else.” You flop onto the couch next to her. 

“What! Why? I thought you were perfect as Sophie?” 

“I am.” You try not to sound cocky. “But my ‘love interest’ and I don't seem to have the connection the director is looking for.”

“Josh Kiszka?” She says with a smirk.

You roll your eyes, knowing what's about to happen.

“But he's sooo hot, how could you not be attracted to him? I’d kill to be in your position right now.”

You weren’t going to lie. He was a very attractive man, but he's so stuck up.

“He’s such a dickhead, Charlotte. He's too cocky for his own good. And I know that if the chemistry isn’t there it'll be my part taken away, not his, since his dad practically buys his parts for him.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“The director wants us to get to know each other and form some type of ‘connection’ but I don’t see that working out.” You scoff.

There is a moment of silence before it is broken by Charlotte's horrifying idea.

“You guys could fuck, break the tension a little, you know?” She says elbowing you in the side.

“WHAT, no fucking way. I don’t want to even kiss him in scenes, let alone fuck him.” You think about the idea and have to physically stop yourself from gagging. You cringe, as a shiver travels down your spine.

“Well I would gratefully take the part from you to get a little Josh action, or from any of the Kiszkas.” She giggles. 

You begin to think about it and a pang of jealousy washes over you. You didn’t know why, but you didn’t like the feeling. 

“I’ll figure it out, I might have to be the bigger person and reach out to him over the weekend.” 

You grab your bag, dropping it off in your room and walk to your bathroom, needing to cleanse yourself of the negative energy from tonight. As you begin to take off your clothing, you think about what Josh would look like without his shirt on during the actual performance. 

It's one thing to feel what's underneath, but seeing it is another. Subconsciously, you get a shiver all over your body, hardening your nipples. What is going on?  You never thought about him like this. Maybe because you really never thought about him much at all?

Freshman and Sophomore year had been a breeze, only having to play side characters, but this is your first main role as Sophie. 

When Coleman came to you before winter break and told you about the spring musical that would be put together by her with her ‘best students’ you got excited. You were happy to be considered one of her best. You studied that movie and musical all until the last moment before auditions that were held a week before winter break was over. They were very small due to the limited people chosen to get a chance at a role. You and Sophia ‘Bitch’ Michaels, or that's at least what everyone in the theater department liked to call her, were trying out for Sophie. When the cast list was posted on the department's website, you were ecstatic. But some weren’t. You got many threats from Sophia that night, but that was shortly followed by you blocking her number. 

Not having many roles in romantic plays you were inexperienced, but in real life, it was no problem. Most weekends, you often wake up to new, unfamiliar faces in random beds, but it wasn’t any secret. You wanted to have fun in college and get experience with lots of people, and didn’t mind that people knew. 

You wondered if Josh knew. But why should you care? You never cared if anyone else knew, so he's no different. You hop into the shower, having many thoughts about the night and what would happen in the future. As you finish rinsing the soap off your body, you wrap yourself  and hair in a towel. You step out from the shower and scurry back into your room.

Your room showcased you perfectly. Many posters of your favorite musicals and some dance awards you earned throughout highschool. You connect your speaker to your phone and play some music quietly to not disturb Charlotte from her work. As you close out of Spotify you look to see one notification on messages. 

11:12pm Josh: So do you want to figure this out or do you want me to text Coleman now and start looking for a new lead, or do you want to do that yourself?

11:16pm y/n: Simmer down Josh. It's not my problem, I have to work with a pretentious piece of shit! 🙂

11:18pm Josh: Someone seems to be bratty this time of night.

11:19pm y/n: Did you text just to be an ass or did you actually have something important to say?

11:22pm Josh: Well I was going to see what you wanted to do about this so we don’t have to find someone new for your part.

You scoff at the fact that he's so confident that it would be you getting booted.

11:24pm y/n: Oh so you don’t want me gone, is that so?

11:27pm Josh: I just don't want to have to learn how to work with some new moron that doesn’t know how to act for shit.

11:28pm y/n: Aw so cute Josh, you admitted I can act 😘

11:30pm Josh: Don't get a big head y/n. So what do you want to do?

You sat there and thought about it for a moment, and it always went back to Charlotte's comment earlier. 

“You guys could just fuck, break the tension a little you know?”

11:39pm y/n: Do you wanna go out or something? We can go to that bagel place down on the main street, their everything bagels with lox are so good.

11:41pm Josh: That's so cute y/n, you wanna go on a date with me? 😏

11:44pm y/n: Well do you have a better idea?

11:48pm Josh: You can come to my place, work on some stuff. We can watch the movie so you can see what real passion and love looks like, seeing that you’re the ‘campus slut.’

God he's awful, but this role is important to you. 

11:51pm y/n: Jealous that you don’t get any Josh? Are you pussy deprived?

11:57pm Josh: So when do you want me to send the text to Coleman? Now or do I wait til tomorrow?

11:58pm y/n: Fine, when do you wanna do it? 

12:01am Josh: Tomorrow at 8. I live in the apartments next to the dining hall, apartment 322. My brother will be gone at band practice, so we will have the place to ourselves. 

12:03am y/n: Okay, and how long will he be at ‘band practice’ for?

12:04am Josh: Well his BAND PRACTICE is from 8-10, and then he’s staying at his friend, Scotts, apartment for the night to work on some music or something. 

12:06am y/n: Was that orchestrated by you?

12:07am Josh: I’ll see you tomorrow at 8, goodnight.

As you stare at your phone, you are in disbelief at the conversation you two just had. There was tension, and not the kind you had expected. As you sit in your towel, you're brought back to reality when you realize Heartbeat by Childish Gambino is playing.

“I might just text you”

You thought over how he was making you think and feel…

“Turn your phone over”

Things you didn’t want to feel from him…

“When it's all over”

You had a feeling of desire…

“No settling down,”

A feeling of wanting to be desired…

“My text go to your screen”

Specifically…

“You know better than that”

From Josh Kiszka.

“I come around when you least expect me. I’m sitting at…”

You quickly shut out of Spotify knowing that was your sign that you were done for the night. You change out of your towel and into your Michigan T-shirt and plaid PJ pants. 

You walk out to see if Charlotte had retreated to her room or was still working on her paper to share what had just happened. 

“You still working, Char?”

“I think I’m done for the night, I’ll take the points off for not having citations.” She laughs while closing her laptop. “ Did you reach out to Josh?”

“No…no not yet. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, I guess.. Good night Char.”

“Night y/n.”

With that you tuck yourself into bed with one thought only, Josh Kiszka.

[elly99]

Golden Hour

Part 4 of 5. Check here for more details.

"Wake up!"

Your phone screamed a recording from one of her Phoning lives. There was no better way to be woken up than by one of her morning calls. It helped you miss her less. And it made you love her more.

You'd been looking forward to this day all week. She was finally coming home. You barely slept last night. All you could think about was her. And that was still the case as you scrambled to get ready, the adrenaline keeping you going, despite running on only three hours of sleep. It was time to make her breakfast like you promised.

You had just begun preparations when you heard the bell ring. Your heart nearly jumped out of your chest. You were not expecting her this early. You could not have run to the door any faster, but she knew your code and was already in the hallway.

"Good morning, bunny!" Her eyes light up when she sees you and she immediately runs to you with arms outstretched. She gives you the tightest bear hug and you feel all your anxiety squeezed out of you. All you worries fly out the door she just came through. She was home and nobody could be happier than you.

Except maybe her. "I missed you so much," she whines, still hugging you tight. "I missed this."

"I missed you, too, Min. So much." You finally take a step back to appreciate how beautiful she was. Not that you were surprised. "Babe, you look amazing! I love your highlights!"

"Aw, thank you! And you look adorable, baby! Did you just get out of bed? Your hair looks funny again," she says giggling.

"Yeah, you got here so early! I've only just started on breakfast."

"Sorry, I just missed you too much. Had to get here as soon as I could." She gives you a quick peck on the lips.

Then you realize you owe her something. You cup her face with your hands and give her a gentle kiss in return, closing your eyes and letting time slow down. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too. Thought you forgot about that one."

"Luckily you reminded me," you wink and spot her blushing a little. "Wanna sit down? I'll just finish prepping breakfast."

"No. I'm going to keep hugging you and you can't stop me."

Not that you'd ever try to stop her hugging you from behind while you prepare food.

"What are you making?" she asks into your back.

"French toast! I also got you some vanilla ice cream and watermelon for later if you want."

"Oh my gosh, really?" She tightens her hold on you.

"Of course, babe. I know you love those."

"I love you more~!"

You almost drop the bread on the ground.

It takes a bit longer to prepare a meal with a clingy bear on your back, so breakfast turns into brunch. But it didn't matter, because with her here, you felt you had all the time in the world.

At the table you both talk about your week, feed each other, laugh together, and you realize you want nothing but this in your future. You just wanted her in your life forever. To see her smile everyday. To make her happy every chance you could.

Even as you put the dishes away, she back hugs you. Even doing the most mundane things, she manages to make you feel like you're in a dream. Despite being fresh out of bed, she tells you you're beautiful. And despite you knowing it already, she never fails to remind you that she loves you.

"Wait on the couch, baby. Let me just get something."

She comes running back carrying your stuffed bunny in one hand and her hair brush in the other.

"Oh, hey! It's Tokki!"

"Take good care of him, ok?"

"Of course I will!" you exclaim, holding the toy close. "I just realized we never named the bear I got you."

She starts brushing your hair. "Oh, I named it after you. I just forgot to tell you. I hug it to sleep every night," she says calmly.

But you were anything but calm after that. "Why are you so sweet, Minji-yah~?" you squeal.

She mouths the words, "I love you," then gets off the couch and hooks up her phone into your stereo system.

"Minji baby," you call. "I have a problem. Can you help me?" you ask, pouting.

She looks up from her phone, flipping her hair slightly, and smiles at you. "Come here," she says gently, beckoning you over. "Come dance with me." Ethereal piano starts playing.

I was all alone with the love of my life She's got glitter for skin, my radiant beam in the night I don't need no light to see you shine

You feel butterflies throughout your whole body. You quickly stand up and practically run into her arms. She holds you by the waist, pulling you close, and in a soft whisper she asks, "What's the matter, baby?"

Completely red in the cheeks with how tender she's being right now, you lock your hands around her and answer shyly, "I'm a little obsessed with you."

"I see," she says, grinning. "Ok, don't worry. Dr. Kim will help you." She leads the dance, pulling you gently back and forth. "What are your symptoms?"

"Um. I miss you all the time. I keep thinking about you. About hugging you. Kissing you. Listening to your voice and your laugh. Watching you play with your hair. Seeing you smile. I didn't get much sleep last night cuz I was so excited to see you again."

"Hmm. It doesn't seem like a huge problem to me," she teases. "It just sounds like you're in love."

You laugh softly. "I guess I am."

You slow down time In your golden hour

"I've been listening to this song a lot, actually. How did you know?"

"Well, in my professional opinion, it seems we're soulmates. I can read your mind."

"Oh, yeah? What am I thinking about now then?"

"Me. Hehe." She gives you a cheeky smile.

"I mean, yeah, but that's obvious. What exactly am I thinking?"

"Mmm, you're wondering whether or not I'm obsessed with you, too."

Goosebumps. "How did you know?"

"Like I said, I can read your mind. Don't you trust Dr. Kim?"

"With my life," you reassure and pull her in for a kiss. "So, are you?"

"Am I what?"

"Don't make me say it again, bro."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she smiles and kisses you back.

You fight the urge to just melt into her arms and instead try to give her your best puppy dog eyes. "Are you obsessed with me, too?"

She stays silent for a while and looks straight at you. Then with a soft smile she nods cutely and pulls you in for a hug. "I'm in love with you."

Can you even imagine falling like I did for the love of my life? She's got glow on her face, a glorious look in her eyes My angel of light

As the song fades out, your small steps come to a stop. Standing still in each other's arms, you bask in the lingering warmth of your first slow dance together.

"Why haven't we done this before?" you ask. "I loved it. I love when you take the lead."

"I'm glad! I really did want to dance with you. Been thinking about it for a while now."

"You were totally trying to rizz me up, weren't you?"

She laughs. "No~! Why would I need to do that, silly bunny? You're already mine," she says with a smirk on her pretty little face.

Who needs makeup when Kim Minji can make the brightest colors appear on your cheeks with just a few words?

Satisfied with her knockout blow, she lowers her arms from around you and takes hold of your hands. "You wanna cuddle and nap, baby? Since you said you didn't get much sleep last night. Doctor's recommendation!"

"I'd love that. Will you be the big or little spoon?"

"Neither. We're the same height, bro."

"You know what I mean!"

She lifts your hands up and plants a kiss on each of them. "I'll be the big spoon so you can sleep."

How was anyone allowed to be this perfect?

Now in her arms, on your bed, windows glowing in the afternoon sun, it was almost the exact same situation you found yourself in a week ago, when you pondered satellite metaphors. But this time around, in her golden hour, your thoughts were at peace. Cozy under the blanket with just her, you left no space for any unrest. You melt into her embrace and quickly let sleep take over.

You wake up to the sunset streaming through your window. You hear her gentle snoring and didn't want to wake her, but you realize that you'd both slept through dinner time. So you slowly get up from her embrace to sit beside her. She looked so pretty sleeping peacefully like this. You couldn't help but play with her hair. You knew she loved when you did. Sure enough, your gentle touch wakes her from her slumber.

"Hey, baby bear. We overslept. It's past dinner time."

"Let's order some food then. What do you wanna eat?"

"You choose! I made brunch, so it's your turn."

"Ok, I'll try to find something interesting," she says, already scrolling through her phone. "Can you spoon me in the meantime? My turn to be little spoon."

She didn't even have to ask. You gently lift her up so you can wrap one arm around her and pull her close.

"And keep playing with my hair, please," she says adorably and smiles when you oblige. "I love when you do that."

It was so soft. Just like everything else about her. Just like your heart for her.

Cuddling in comforting silence, waiting for your food to arrive, she asks, "Have you still been worrying about us?"

"A little."

"But why, my love? You know I love you, right? No matter what."

Your lips curl into a smile. "I know," you say as you kiss her cheek.

"So don't worry. I'm not going anywhere," she whispers and smiles back at you encouragingly.

"I just worry about people finding out. Like, I'm always so scared and I wish I didn't have to be. I know you just like staying home on your off days, and I love resting at home with you, too. But it just makes me sad every time I think about something couples do and realize we can't."

"Like what, baby?"

"Um, like, traveling. I've been thinking about going to Spain with you and seeing all the places where you shot your music videos. Or, like, dressing up nice to go on fancy dates with you. Like to that museum you visited with the members! Or even just going to the cinema and cuddling in the dark while watching a movie."

"We can do that last one at home, silly," she giggles. "And we can try to do more of those things, too! We just need to be careful."

"Aren't you scared?"

"I am. But then I remember I have you and I know everything will be ok. You're all I need."

All you can do is smile and hug her tighter. You, too, had everything you needed right here in your arms.

"You've been thinking about a lot, haven't you?"

"Of course! Haven't you?"

She pauses. "Honestly, I just think about being with you and that makes me happy."

You felt an arrow shoot straight through your chest. Speechless, you bury your face in her neck, smiling profusely.

"I know what you mean, though, baby. I want all of those things, too."

She gently takes your hands and holds on tight, like she'd never let go.

"The right time will come eventually. Then we won't have to hide anymore."

You had never believed in palm reading, but looking at the way your fingers interlocked in the golden light, the way your hands fit perfectly in hers, your future never seemed clearer. It was her. It would always be her.

"Just wait for me, ok?"

"Of course, baby," you reply softly. You didn't care that it was impossible to pull her closer to you. You tried anyway. "Always."

It would be hard, but you'd wait an eternity for her.

"I'm in love with you, Min."

It would be hard, but it didn't matter. Because you were all alone with the love of your life.