#I might talk about that more in a short story involving her since I think that part's important

[bekolxeram]

The sheer number of times Eddie is mentioned when Buck comes out to Maddie has been pointed out time and time again. Some take it as a sign that Buck is subconsciously in love with Eddie, some see it as foreshadowing for these two to be romantically involved in the future, while others simply think it's an Easter egg left in by writers as a nod to shippers.

The way I see it, there is a reason why Eddie keeps being brought up in this scene, but it's not what you think.

If you've rewatched this scene as much as I have, you'd remember that Buck actually isn't coming out to Maddie on purpose in this scene. He originally goes there to talk and ask for her advice, because he feels bad about the hot chicks incident when Eddie walked in on him and Tommy at the restaurant.

In fact, he fully intends to keep the identity of his date hidden. He can't even risk Chimney getting wind of it, in case he or Eddie puts two and two together and figures the whole thing out.

Maddie is always there to talk things out with her brother, but she would never turn down a chance to gossip.

He completely dodges Maddie's question and quickly changes the subject. He needs to tell Maddie the full story of his disastrous date, but he can only refer to Tommy as his date, or "this person". The more he does this, the higher the risk of slipping up, Maddie would likely ask more questions about this mysterious person as well, so Buck frames the whole narrative around the only person he can safely refer to: Eddie (and Marisol, but she isn't important in this story).

Maddie picks up on Buck's secrecy, now she really wants to know who this person is and why Buck refuses to reveal their identity. Buck again immediately shuts it down, and brings the topic back to Eddie.

While I'm sure Buck feels bad for lying to his best friend, especially when there's no reason to expect Eddie reacting with anything less than acceptance, when Buck starts actually talking about his behavior and what upsets him the most, it isn't really about Eddie. He's ashamed of himself for lying right in front of Tommy. In fact, he's so upset over Tommy cutting the date short and leaving him on the curb that he accidentally uses a gendered pronoun.

Maddie "I am 9-1-1" Han makes a career out of being a good and thorough listener, so of course she notices the pronoun. From this point on, the subject of the conversation shifts from Eddie to Buck's newly discovered sexuality, and later, Tommy.

Buck knows he goes to Maddie because he feels bad, but he still hasn't fully processed the fact that he's into men too and what it means to him. He's still calling himself an ally, a supporter of queer people, but he's confused as to why it doesn't seem to apply when it comes to himself. Maddie correctly points out that he's no longer just an ally, and the recency of his discovery might have been the cause of his strange and panicked behavior during the date.

This is the prime example of acting turning the same line into different meanings. The first "wow" seems to me like Maddie is finally connecting the dots. She practically raised her brother, it's not unlikely that she has previously witnessed Buck having boy problems. I feel like it's a "wow, everything makes so much sense now" wow. It looks like Buck takes a little offence at it and asks Maddie to clarify what she means by "wow". Maddie tells him it's more like a "wow, this is a nice surprise" wow.

Oh, boy is completely clueless. Maddie is just trying her best to keep up with Buck's increasingly oblivious statements.

Buck suddenly brings up Tommy, probably because he hasn't been able to stop thinking about him since the kiss. Apparently, he's so attracted to Tommy both physically and as a person, it makes him realize his interest in men, something no other has achieved thus far. Maddie recognizes the name her brother has been harping on for the past few weeks.

Poor Maddie must be so confused. First her brother and husband-to-be keep talking about how cool this pilot who saved everyone is, then he becomes Eddie's friend and Buck gets all jealous about it. Most recently, Maddie is horrified by Buck's action on the basketball court, because he only has a history of hurting himself to get someone's attention, not the target of his attention seeking. And now Buck has gone on a date with Tommy? So Maddie decides, one step at a time, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Buck initially tells Maddie about lying to his best friend and how he feels like a fraud, so she tackles (no pun intended) this part first.

If you come into this scene with preconceived notions, the word "feelings" being in proximity to the name Eddie may seem like to you that Maddie is pointing to "Buck's misplaced romantic feelings towards Eddie". But if you put these lines into context, Buck simply isn't sure of how he feels about his bisexuality in general. In fact, the only thing he's certain of in this entire conversation is his attraction to Tommy. Maddie also isn't bringing up Eddie out of the blue because she thinks her brother is secretly in love with his best friend. Again, Buck originally does want advice about lying to Eddie, albeit partly using his name to avoid revealing his date's identity, so Maddie gives it to him now, no need to read too much in between the lines, especially after the "wow" exchange.

Now that the Eddie stuff is out of the way, Maddie can comfortably gossip about Buck's new hot pilot crush. And Buck looks absolutely smitten at the mere mention of Tommy.

Eddie is undoubtedly a very important person in Buck's life, and it must be killing Buck inside for lying about something so important to his best friend. Though in this scene, Buck seems to be mostly using Eddie's name to circumvent the necessity of mentioning Tommy's name and to deflect any probing question about his identity. Once he accidently lets it slip that he was on a date with a guy, he pretty much drops the whole Eddie act entirely.

[hgfictionwriter]

Self Control: Part Six - Friends

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Jessie wants to give you the world. And when she's away from you, you miss each other terribly. And how will Janine and Sinc react when they find out the good news?

Warnings: G!P smut. Phone sex. Masturbation (and getting caught). Language.

A/N: Mostly fluff, but a sprinkle of smut in there as well ;) I’m also not promoting one birth plan over another - that’s totally personal to each person/couple and this is just a story! Rest of the series can be found here.

You were curled up against Jessie on the couch, your knees tucked in and leaning against her leg. You were on your phone and she idly caressed your thigh as she only half-intently watched a documentary on TV. Her mind was preoccupied with various thoughts when you piped up.

"We're all set for the midwife's visit tomorrow, right?" You asked.

"Hm?" Jessie asked idly before giving her head a subtle shake and coming to. "Yeah, we're set."

Jessie watched you as you nodded and returned to your phone. You floated the idea out there early on to do a home birth and, although you were both tentative - safety and concern top of mind - Jessie loved the idea of you two bringing your little one into the world in the comfort of your own home instead of a cold, impersonal hospital room.

You'd both done research into risks, what was involved, and talked with Dr. Mal about options. She connected you with a midwifery practice that offered collaborative care with her clinic. They'd still go for major appointments at Dr. Mal's, but all information would be available to both and Jessie and you would get more personal, flexible care through the midwife. Between that continuity of care and upon meeting the team, Jessie relaxed.

Tomorrow your midwife would stop by your apartment for a home visit to explore if it was an option and to further talk through birth plans.

In fact, that's kind of what was on Jessie's mind. She chewed the inside of her lip and toyed with the hem of your shorts.

"What's wrong?" You asked, interrupting her thoughts and causing her to look at you in surprise once more. You smirked at her. "You're fidgeting."

"Just thinking," Jessie said slowly, almost pouting though she finished with a short laugh.

"Yeah? What about?" You asked as you gently played with her hair and awaited an answer.

Jessie pulled you onto her lap, you releasing a laugh as she maneuvered you. Your fingers automatically laced around the back of her neck and her hands rested on your waist as she looked up at you.

"I'm just wondering if this visit tomorrow might be a bit moot. At least part of it." She held back a smile at how you screwed up your face at her. Her gaze flit away and she shrugged. "I just don't know if we'll be giving birth here."

"What do you mean?" You asked. "I thought we both wanted that. I mean, yes, we need a hospital transfer plan, but I thought the goal was to have the baby here," you went on, concern creeping onto your features.

"But what if I want to buy us a house?" Jessie asked nonchalantly, allowing a hint of a smile to cross her lips.

You shook your head out. "I'm sorry - what?" Jessie laughed, rubbing her hands up your sides.

"A house," she repeated as if it was simple and obvious. Now she smiled fully at you. "We could use more space. You have to admit - it's going to be a bit tight in here as our kid gets older. And, you know, we talked about the possibility of a second," she finished, her smile turning shy. She watched as you seemed to ready a rebuttal, but ultimately relented.

"I suppose. But we can make it work for a while," you compromised. Jessie gave you a look.

"Why though?" She asked. "We have the money. It would be nice to get settled into a new home before the baby arrives, not fighting for every foot of space for items. Plus the noise," Jessie went on as she gestured down the hall.

"I see you've put some thought into this," you said with a smirk as you tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Maybe." She grinned, before growing earnest. "I want us to have a home together. I know this is our home, but...I want a house for us. I want a yard where the little one and I, "she rest her hand on your still-flat stomach, "can kick the ball around. Run around the backyard. Water fights in summer. And if there's ever snow - build a snowman together. Maybe I can build them a little treehouse, too. Buy a dog!"

A smile had crept onto your face as she spoke with increasing enthusiasm. She waited quietly as you contemplated. It only took you a few seconds before gave an affectionate roll of your eyes.

"Domestication is hitting you hard, Fleming," you teased before you leaned in to kiss her.

"This is what I've always wanted," Jessie said quietly before cracking a faint smirk. "I can't help it if it took so long to meet you." You rolled your eyes good-naturedly at her once more, spurring a wave of affection in her.

"Charmer," you deadpanned as you kissed her again; slowly this time. "Fine. A house it is. But none of this ‘I’m buying a house for us’ business. We will buy a house together.”

“Deal.”

-------

"Hey, baby," you greeted, your voice feeding through Jessie's airpods as she sat on her bed, knees up with her arms resting on them as she held up her phone in front of her as she Facetimed you. "I didn't expect a call from you."

"I know," Jessie said, smiling quietly at you through the screen. "Janine and a few others are checking out some shops in town here. Figured I'd take it an opportunity to get some solitude."

"So you called me," you teased.

"Of course," she replied easily, tilting her chin up rather pleased with herself. "How are you feeling?"

"Good," you told her, holding up crossed fingers so she could see. "I don't want to jinx anything, but...maybe this second trimester, no morning sickness thing may be true."

"I really hope so," Jessie told you earnestly. "I know how hard it's been for you." You raised your eyebrows in agreement, but smirked at her.

"Thankfully, I have a very thoughtful, doting girlfriend who took great care of me throughout."

"Least I could do," she laughed and you arched an eyebrow.

"Yeah, actually. I guess that's true," you agreed before laughing furthermore. "Still. I appreciate you." You went on. "So, enough about me. How's Orlando? How was practice today?"

Jessie relayed how the day went and any little quirks that had come up.

"I saw the videos your team put up today of training," you relayed. "You looked amazing."

"Oh." Jessie laughed, somehow still blushing after all this time. "Well, thank you."

You whined. "I wish that sexy body of yours was over here instead."

"Oh," Jessie said again, further caught off guard though a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "You really are feeling better."

"Yeah," you said, nodding earnestly. "And I'm fucking horny. It's worse than before, Jess. I swear."

Jessie averted her gaze, suddenly extra alert and nervous about her whereabouts. Sure, she was in her room, but still. She looked back to you and gave you a coy smile.

"Well. I wish I was there to help you," she said simply. You groaned and rolled your eyes and entirely not in the way she was accustomed to.

"Babe," you whined. "You have to do better than that."

"I can't right now," Jessie whispered unnecessarily as she peered around. You pouted.

"I thought you said Janine went out."

"She did," Jessie said with a small sigh of exasperation. It's true - she should be gone for a while. She was paranoid still, but logically speaking, she did have a window of opportunity.

"Fine," you said, relenting with a mild eye roll. You took a breath to reset and started anew. "So what's tomorrow looking like for you guys?"

"Well, hold on," Jessie interjected, not happy with how things ended. Her gaze darted left to right in the empty room until she settled on you again with a small gesturing nod. "If you're so worked up," she paused momentarily, a smirk forming, "why don't you tell me how worked up you are."

You gave her a scrutinizing, lingering look before you set your shoulders back and gave a faint smile of victory.

"Not sure you deserve to know," you taunted with a glint in your eye. Jessie's jaw fell agape, affronted by your accusation.

"Baby," she implored. "I want to know more than anything." Her breathing deepened subconsciously. She whispered. "Now, be a good girl, slip your fingers inside your underwear and tell me how wet you are for me."

You groaned again, this time exactly in the way she wanted you to. She watched intently as you bit your lip and she could see your shoulder moving and flexing as you began to touch yourself.

"Oh fuck, Jess." Your eyes drifted shut as you made contact and all she could do was sit there as your shoulders rose and fell, your head tossed back. You opened your eyes to look at her. "I'm absolutely dripping for you." You moaned softly, eyes falling shut once more. "I need you so bad."

Jessie exhaled steadily, needing to avert her gaze, but that doing nothing to limit the effect your husky voice and needy moans were having on her. She bit her lips together, eyes trained on the wall as she tried to will away the sensation of her cock starting to swell with arousal. You really were a siren call to her and no matter how many times she had you, she was still powerless under your influence.

"God, I wish I was riding your cock right now," you breathed. Jessie's eyes screwed shut at the vision of it and she cleared her throat. Despite her intentions, she opened her eyes once more to look at you and was met with video of your body writhing as you continued to pleasure yourself.

"Babe, you gotta cool it," Jessie urged you as she glanced down to see her shorts tenting. You opened your eyes, hooded with lust, to look at her with a cocky smirk.

"Why? Is my baby getting worked up?" You asked knowing damn well what the answer was. "Do you need my mouth on your cock? I love when you gently nudge the back of my throat, your hips softly bucking, when I know full well you want to fuck my throat."

"Jesus," Jessie hissed, eyes averting once more as her cheeks began to flash crimson.

"Or should we just cut straight to it. Me bouncing up and down on your thick cock. It feels so incredible when you fill me up." You moaned. "I love when you take it slow, taking such good care of me, so attentive. But nothing beats when you lose control and you fuck me like your life depends on it. Like there's nothing else in this world."

"Oh God," Jessie groaned through grit teeth as she looked up at the ceiling. She didn't need to check to know that her shorts were fully tented now.

"Shit," she mumbled as she reached under her waistband and into her shorts. Her eyes shut as soon as she wrapped her hand around her hard on. "God, what you do to me," Jessie said.

She blew out a steady breath as she circled her sensitive head with her thumb.

“Mm, fuck, I’m so hard for you, babe. I just want to be inside of that hot, tight pussy of yours,” she said. You moaned in her ear and she reciprocated. "I wish-"

A cold wave of panic went over her as her moment of relief was cutoff by the sound of the hotel door unlocking and swinging open.

"Jess, have you seen my wallet?"

"Fuck," Jessie hissed under her breath as she retracted her hand from her shorts as fast as possible. She turned away from the entryway where Janine and who knows else would be appearing any moment now. Her hands shook she frantically snatched up a pillow and clutched it to her as she laid on her side and tried to look like she was casually Facetiming you. She couldn't mask the glare she shot you as you stifled laughter.

"Oh hey," Jessie feigned faint surprise as Janine, Kelli and Sam appeared.

"Hi," Janine said absently as she began tossing clothes around as she looked for her wallet. "So have you seen my wallet?"

"No," Jessie said curtly, eyes on the blonde and then the others briefly before facing you once more.

"Can they hear me?" You asked quietly and Jessie narrowed her eyes at you in another glare as she did her best to ignore the incessant throbbing between her legs. "No," she nearly grumbled.

Kelli leaned over Jessie's laying form and waved at you. "Hi wifey!" You waved back entirely casually as though you weren't just fingering yourself 10 seconds ago.

"Jess can you get up and help me look," Janine complained as she continued to tear the room apart.

"Find it yourself," Jessie refuted with a frown. Janine grumbled and stomped over to the brunette, snatching her phone and one of her airpods out of her ear to wear it. Jessie leaned up slightly to try to grab it, but couldn't fully without risking losing her cover.

"Hi, love," Janine greeted sweetly before her face fell. "Can you tell Jessie to get up and help me?"

"Uh, I can try," you said slowly, holding back a laugh. Jessie could still hear you in the remaining earpiece. "But she's tired from practice. I bet Kelli's great at scavenger hunts."

Janine rolled her eyes at you and huffed. "Should've known you'd side with her." She sighed once more and grabbed the pillow, giving it a tug. Jessie held onto it tightly. At this, Janine frowned.

"What the- come on, Jess," she implored as she tugged harder on the pillow, Jessie reciprocating the same.

"Just take my wallet," Jessie complained. "I'm trying to rest and talk to my girlfriend. Leave me alone."

In a flash, all three of her teammates reamed on the pillow and left Jessie still fully tented shorts exposed. Janine literally screamed and covered her eyes, while the others gasped and started laughing riotously.

"Fuck off," Jessie yelled as she grabbed the other pillow and sat up laying it on her. Her face burned immensely hot as she swatted at her friends to get out.

"Oh my God, babe," she heard you say through conflicted laughter. "I'm so sorry." Janine yelled again and tossed the phone onto the bed like it scalded her and she gave Jessie back her airpod.

"You can have her back," she yelled for you to hear. "And yeah. I'm taking your wallet. Oh my gosh, you two. It's only been a day. Get it together."

-------

It was no surprise when Jessie received relentless teasing from the entire team the following day. She pouted and grumbled, trying now and then to deflect with bravado, but for the most part she spent the better half of the day with her hood up, blushing and dodging jokes. Thankfully, by the time the ride to the stadium came around people had mostly moved on.

She'd texted with you throughout the day, you commiserating and apologizing for yesterday's event. She wasn't actually mad; it was fun while it lasted and she just didn't like attention at the best of times, never mind for something like this.

The game went well, Jessie played the full 90 and though she didn't log an assist or a goal, her stats were still solid and she felt good about things.

That evening, back at the hotel she sat around with Janine and Sinc. She was grateful that even after retiring from club play, Sinc came on staff as an offensive coach for forward and attacking midfielders.

They were all chatting when Jessie's phone buzzed. She looked to see a message from you. It was a listing for a house along with a message:

A south facing yard just for you and our little one. So you can play football together until the late hours of the night.

"I'd ask, "What's got you smiling like that?" but honestly, I'm afraid to," Janine quipped. “And I don’t need to ask ‘Who’.”

Jessie lifted her head in delayed recognition of Janine's question, only afterward realizing she was still smiling.

With you now officially just entering your second trimester, you were at a stage where you could share the news. She wanted to tell her friends before a more formal announcement went out to acquaintances and others. You told her to do it whenever and however felt right. She didn't know how that looked, but, sitting here with two of her oldest friends, it seemed clear.

"Um," she started, putting her phone away and taking a breath, she ignored how they both frowned at her. "I was smiling because Y/N and I are looking at buying a house."

Janine's jaw dropped in surprise and Christine nodded in approval. Janine started asking a million questions and Jessie calmly cut her off.

"There are lots of reasons we'd want a house, but, the biggest is," she paused, shrugging lightly, "we need the space. Because, our family is growing." She could see the wheels turning inside their heads and she smiled as she went on. "Y/N's pregnant. We're having a baby."

If Janine was surprised before, she was absolutely beyond now. Even Sinclair's jaw hit the floor.

Before Jessie knew it, Janine flung herself across the space between them and threw herself onto Jessie in a bear hug.

"Oh my God!" She exclaimed. "That is so exciting! I'm so happy for you!" When she pulled back, tears were in her eyes, immediately causing tears to spring to Jessie's. Something seemed to spark in Janine’s mind as she paused, all excitement on hold as she eyed the brunette. "Wait - you're excited, right? It's a good thing?"

"Oh my God," Jessie frowned as she gave Janine a light shove. "Of course it's a good thing. This was planned," she said in exaggeration. "Geez." She rolled her eyes. "I'm very excited."

"Okay, great," Janine said, all of her previous enthusiasm coming right back. "Oh my gosh! I want to plan the baby shower. Wait - will she let me? Probably not. Well, I can throw one for you! Why not!"

"Okay, okay," Sinc said as she put a hand on Janine's shoulder and got her sit back down. "Give the woman some space to breathe. There's still lots of time for you to insert yourself into this whole journey," she joked, side-eying the girl.

Janine now settled, Sinclair got up and Jessie rose to be pulled into a hug.

"Congrats, kid," Christine said before chuckling. "Guess I can't call you that anymore."

She pulled back, holding Jessie by the shoulders as she smiled at her, giving a small shake of her head. "Crazy to think. I met you when you were just a kid. And since then you've built this incredible career - top teams, Olympic medals, National team captain," she said with a wink, "and you've never let any of it go to your head. Still just as humble and sweet today as you were back then. You met this awesome woman who makes you happier than I've ever seen you, and now you two are having a kid of your own. It's amazing. I'm proud of you and I'm so happy for you."

By now, Jessie was, rather unsuccessfully, blinking back tears. Sinclair chuckled, tousling Jessie's hair.

"But you're still a bit of a crier," she teased. "That's okay. That kid is going to be so lucky to have you as a parent. Couldn't ask for better."

[edwinspaynes]

Okay, so. I am very happy to inform y'all that I am beginning work on the first "episode" (chapter) of my Dead Boy Detectives season 2 fic today!

It has two potential working titles, both lyrics from Taylor Swift's Fresh Out the Slammer. I am not going to reveal them because I haven't selected which one I'll be using yet.

It will have 9 chapters. The official case titles are:

The Case of the Weeping Walls

The Case of Niko Sasaki

The Case of the Choked Cheerleaders

The Case of the Scorned Son

The Case of Hell's Own Track

The Case of the Shredded Tapestry

The Case of the Separated Soulmates

The Case of the Great Fire, Part I

The Case of the Great Fire, Part II

Each chapter will also come with a fun feature, but I'm not sure I'm ready to talk about that yet. :)

IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THE TAGLIST FOR THIS FIC, PLEASE COMMENT ON THIS POST. I will tag everyone who wants a tag, but only if they comment since that's how I'll keep track of the list.

Next question because I know this is going to be an extremely expansive and time-consuming project:

I would still post my usual DBDA content, including other DBDA fics, on this blog. The other one would be exclusively for longfic-related updates.

I would probably still reblog the chapters I post there onto this blog.

Finally, something for you to enjoy: a playlist for the fic! This is very short and uninteresting, but it will be an ever-evolving thing that probably gets long eventually, so please follow it if you're interested :)

A few spoilers under the cut that might impact interest (endgame ship, etc)

Unequivocal Payneland endgame (they're soulmates your honour)

Palasaki and NN/Kashi endgames

Happy ending for The Cat King, who plays a big role in the story

No Sandman crossovers besides potentially a Death appearance (I do not know Sandman well enough to include them)

BAMF Edwin scenes ;)

No Esther or Monty (sorry!) - there is a new OC antagonist

I'm currently trying to find a place for Jenny. I want to include her, but she will likely only have a few cameos since I can't for the life of me think of a plotline to involve her in.

I will be keeping up with Yockey-posted spoilers and incorporating them into the story when possible (so, Niko is the Principal, etc)

[lukolabrainrot]

Nicola's Easter Eggs from This Weekend/Week (and What it Could All Mean)

First, I am going to list the most important pieces of information (imo) that N posted on her IG grid or stories this weekend/week (and I will put the date it was posted- I'm on PST so some of these MIGHT have been posted on a different date for N):

Posted on N's stories on Friday, 8/9/24

Posted on N's grid on Saturday, 8/10/24

Posted on N's stories on Sunday, 8/11/24

This song was posted on N's stories on Tuesday, 8/13/24

Also, I want to stress I've been DEEP in delulu this weekend/week over all this because it's made me soo excited, but I analyzed the figure in the sunglasses from her milk tshirt pic for such a long time last night, and I swear... I am like 98% certain I see L's VERY distinct tattoo on the person in the sunglasses (and it's totally in the correct placement). I'll put the pic below. It helps if you zoom in a little bit. And after the song that she posted today, I am 99% certain at this point that L took that photo of her in the tshirt 😭😭😭 I could be wrong about the tattoo lol, BUT I still am almost certain that's him based on the arms!

What Could This All Mean??

I feel like we all have seen the theories at this point around all of these posts/stories, and the MANY Easter Eggs they all contain regarding L OR certain people adjacent to L. Therefore, I am not going to talk about all of the Easter Eggs and what they might be implying. This is what I will say:

If all of this content had not been released publicly in such a short period of time, I don't think I would really have paid that much attention to it, or have been THIS excited. However, it is precisely because N (who is VERY intentional on SM) posted ALL OF THIS in such a short period of time, knowing very well how the fandom would be interpreting it and leaving TONS of Easter Eggs that she's with L, that makes me fairly confident that there has been a VERY positive shift between L/N.

Could I be wrong? Yes. However, the song that she posted today (which I have ALWAYS loved btw 😍), clarified to me that everything she has posted since Friday wasn't just random. That song is a BIG statement! We know that N communicates through music, and this song's lyrics don't leave a lot to interpretation. It is a very sweet and happy love song! Now, could this song be about someone else, or could she just have liked the song and wanted to post it? Yes. But after EVERYTHING she posted on IG since Friday, NOBODY can convince me this song isn't about L!

I don't know what this EXACTLY means right now BTS for ALL parties involved in this situation. However, if L was going to officially acknowledge A as his girlfriend in the near future, would N have posted all of this content in such a short period of time that is very obviously related to L in the fandom? Absolutely not. I think (and a LOT all people might not agree with me on this) that this was an official acknowledgment to the fandom, specifically, that her and L are together currently and happily in love 😭😭😭 I still feel like the situation is probably a little complicated BTS, but something in my gut, based on all this public content the last few days from N, makes me feel like something BIG has changed between her and L, and N therefore feels more comfortable and confident with sharing this type of content with the fandom (and the public). I don't believe that we will get a lot of this type of content from L for a while (for LOTS of different reasons that I think are totally understandable), BUT we might get a couple of little crumbs from him (I'm thinking maybeee through songs). I also don't think they are in any place yet to go officially public, but I DO think that N will continue posting content like this if my theories are true 👀 I also feel like they may make a public announcement sooner than we expected based off of everything from the last couple of days. I have said this before, but I believe that both L/N are aware that this relationship would get serious pretty quickly if they were able to get on the same page. And I think they have 😭😍

Does this mean that L/A are done? I think so. Will we still see some material from A related to L? Maybe. I wouldn't rule that out. I get the sense though, and I have been feeling like this for a while, that L/A really haven't been doing that well in their relationship for a long time based on all the evidence that we now have.

A lot of people might not agree with all of my thoughts here, but I feel pretty confident that the song N posted today is a statement to the public, particularly the fandom, about her feelings currently for L. And it just makes my heart really happy 😍😍😍

[jaykaysthicthighs]

The Path Of A Singer | JJK

excerpt | the appearance of your old lover pops up on tv, and the horrible memories showed itself once again.

genre | heavy angst, cheating, abuse, minor fluff

rating | 18+

warnings | strong language, present & past, toxic relationship, mental & physical abuse, jk cheating, panic attack, alcohol and drug consumption, lots of crying, heartbreaking conversations, jk being vile, lots of yelling, jk manhandles the reader, mention of abusive father, mention of ptsd, reader being selfless (you might not agree with the decisions she's made, but don't hate her; she's a broken person), maybe more

wc | 4K+ (very short)

notes | it's been a hell of a long time since i wrote and posted anything....!!!

my inspiration came from watching the movie insidious: the red door lol. the reason for the mature rating is because of the strong language, the heavy conversations said, and the talks of alcohol and drugs. i want to say that i'm not romanticizing this type of relationship or the behaviors of the characters, i'm just making a story that maybe some people might have gone through. sometimes the decisions made or thought of does not make you a bad/horrible person. everyone had a reason good or bad; you just have try to be understanding. i also tried to make this as heartbreaking as possible, but for some reason i feel like it's not. hopefully it does pull some heartstrings for you guys.

You finally arrived home after an exhausting day of work. Your roommate wasn't home yet, so, luckily for you, you're able to binge eat without the concerned eyes of your friend watching you.

You walked your way to the kitchen and made yourself some sandwiches, you also grabbed some water on the way to the living room. When you made it to the couch, you plopped down heavily. You grabbed the remote and started scrolling through the channels. You came across a channel that was showing a music festival, and without thinking about who might be performing you clicked on it.

The first performer was a group called XG. As they were performing, you happily ate while vibing to their songs. At one point, you started singing as well, not caring that you still had some food in your mouth. If the neighbors were able to hear you, they would probably think someone is dying - yelling for help.

When you finished, you got up put away your dishes, and made your way to your room to change your clothes. As you were changing, you felt a bit lonely. You and your friend don't have any pets, no companion to keep any of you guys company. You exited your room with a simple sweater and shorts.

You made it back to the living room with a content expression on your face, unfortunately, it wouldn't last long. As you were about to get yourself situated on the couch, you looked at the TV screen, and the one person you never wanted to see again was singing.

You fell to your knees with a hard thud, watching the screen with horrid eyes. It's been three years since you saw him. In those three years, you tried your damned hardest to avoid anything and everything that involved him in it. The pain he caused you still resides in your little heart.

You didn't realize but you started crying; the tears rapidly falling. Your body started shaking; the little goosebumps displaying your skin. Your chest felt heavy like a huge wave crashing on you, and the water is rising up into your nose, making it hard for you to breathe. You felt like you were suffocating, and the lack of air was making your head light; dizziness taking its place.

On the outside, you were frozen, but on the inside, you were trying to claw your way out. You felt like you were scratching every surface of your body, but you weren't moving an inch. Your brain was screaming for help, but the only thing leaving your mouth was the hardness and unstableness of your breathing. Right now, you were wishing for your friend to come home right now and save you.

Three Years Ago

You were in your car driving your way to your boyfriend. Jungkook's manager called you demanding that you come and pick him up. You don't really know what happened, but from how his manager sounded, you were thinking that he got himself drunk and high again, causing thoughtless actions.

Not too long ago, Jungkook was able to get into his dream record label. After years and years of hard work, passion, and dedication he was able to pursue his dream. What you didn't realize is that with Jungkook getting to follow his dream of being a singer, he would soon lose his sense of self. In just two weeks he was starting to drink, and in another week, he started experimenting with drugs.

As time went on, so did your patience. You would try and try to stop him - to help him, but every time Jungkook would stop your advances. Pushing you away and causing you pain made Jungkook feel superior, it made him feel proud that he reached a certain height in life.

Your guy's relationship now consists of yelling and crying. Jungkook started to mentally abuse you, but even so, you would accept it. You didn't have the strength to leave him - to leave the man you love since middle school. You couldn't leave the man who would write songs about you, the man who would wake up during dawn and make you a big breakfast, the man who would call you no matter the time, the man who would always tell you how much he loves you every second of the day. You didn't have the strength to leave him.

With all your anger, you finally made it to the studio in one piece. When you entered the building, the looks on the staff's faces were concerning you. One of the staff went up to you and told you to not go inside the studio. You looked at them judgingly and pushed your way through them, but they still tried to stop you.

"What is the problem? Let me through!" you yelled. They gave you a sad look and apologized, "I'm sorry ma'am, but Jungkook is very busy, and I don't think it's a good idea for you to go inside there." Your anger was boiling, steam coming out of your ears. "Sorry for yelling at you, but I don't fucking care if he is busy. Jonny called me saying that I need to pick this asshole up, okay? If you're worried about me finding out that he is high or drunk - even both, don't. This is not new to me."

The staff in front of you looked like she was on the verge of tears. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she got the chance, a disheveled woman left the room your boyfriend was in. You watched her with wide eyes as she left the building with a smile on her face. You stomped your way to the studio door ignoring the pleas from the staff. You pushed open the door causing a loud bang, startling the man recognized as Jonny.

Jonny swiftly got up and the first thing you noticed was the bloody nose. You walked your way to him digging in your bag grabbing some tissues for his nose. Gently placing it on him, you politely demanded, "Where is he, Jonny?" The man before you faced his eyes on the floor. "Jonny, you called me here, so, don't fucking hide anything from me. Where is he?"

The man took a step back letting the blood freely fall again. He shook his head, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called you. I've ruined everything." You gritted your teeth and threw the bloody tissue at his face. "Where the hell is he, Jonny?" you yelled.

A second later, Jungkook swung the bathroom door open with nothing but some sweats on. Your heart dropped from his appearance. It was evident that he had fucked the girl from earlier. You guys made eye contact, and you could tell immediately that he was high out of his mind. "Get out, Jonny," you said without looking.

When you heard the door shut, that's when you crumbled. Your eyes started blurring with the tears that were coming. Your body shaking with rage. You walked up to the fucked-up man and slapped him. "Why? Why? Why the hell would you do this to me?"

Jungkook harshly grabbed your wrists and laughed. He laughed like what you had said was something funny. You can smell the horrible alcohol leaving his mouth as he laughed. "Because it's fun, babe."

The pain rippled throughout your body. You snatched your wrists away and bellowed, "You're hurting me! You're destroying me! What does she have that I don't? I thought you loved me?" Jungkook towered over you; he grinned, "I don't love you." Your whole world died. Never had Jungkook spouted those words. It tore you limb from limb, slowly but surely. And that was all it took for you to call it done.

You were fine dealing with his hurtful ways. You were fine being the punching bag. But you were not fine being cheated on. Even with Jungkook in this fucked-up state, not once had he said that he didn't love you, and not once did he ever cheat on you. You felt lower than before, and you didn't want to feel like that. You knew that the moment he started doing drugs and drinking alcohol, the man you once knew would be gone. Still, you had hoped there might be a tiny sliver of him inside, but today proved - his words proved you wrong.

Your eyes hardened and your expression became stoic. Without trying to sound broken you seethed, "We are done! You fucking hear me? I am done with your shit - with everything!" As you walked your way to the door, Jungkook rushed in front of you and pushed you to the ground.

The wind got knocked out of you; you started bawling your eyes. For the first time, you were scared of the man before you. Jungkook locked the door behind him and dragged you by your feet. You tried kicking your feet, hoping that his release would loosen, and you could run away. But before you knew it, Jungkook locked you both into the soundproof booth.

When his grip on you was gone, you scurried to the corner of the booth shielding yourself with your bag. Jungkook walked to you and kneeled to your level. "Don't hide from me, baby." He gently grabbed your bag and tossed it to the other side of the booth. You closed your eyes; you couldn't see the monster of the man you love.

You felt Jungkook tenderly cupping your jaw. You trembled beneath his fingertips; quietly whimpering. It stayed like this for a few seconds until you felt his touch disappear. With your eyes still closed, you could hear Jungkook digging for something. You heard a rustling sound of a Ziplock bag. You knew better, you knew that he was using drugs right now.

"Open your eyes, ____," Jungkook demanded.

You didn't answer, you didn't move. This pissed off the man in front of you. He slapped you, making your body jolt, making your eyes open. You brought your hand to your cheek, tears threatening to fall. "See, it wasn't that hard?"

"W-what do you want... from me?" you stammered.

Jungkook seethed, "You can't leave me. I won't let you leave me. You owe me. All that money I spent on you, all those years I wasted on you - I want that back! And the only way you can pay me back is by being my bitch. You are fucking mine, ____!"

You finally let the tears fall again. Your whole body shook like lightning shooting throughout you. Shaking your head, you wailed, "No! No! No! Please! Don't do this to me, Dad! Stop hurting me!" For the first time today, Jungkook felt his senses come back. Your words panged his heart.

Your mother was never in your life. It was always you and your father, but your father was an abusive man. He would try to find any little thing to blame you for, just for him to lay his hands on you; from hitting, kicking, even to cutting. You had met Jungkook when you were thirteen years old, he comforted, protected, and helped you. When you finally turned eighteen, that's when you moved in with him - that's when you finally felt peace.

Jungkook cupped your face into place. He frantically said, "____, it's me. Your dad's not here. It's me, Jungkook." His touch burned you; you felt like dying. You mustered all your strength and pushed him away. You gripped your shirt and yelled, "No! You're not him! You're not Jungkook! You're a monster and I don't even recognize you!"

Monster... That simple word rang in Jungkook's mind. Monster... Such a terrifying word. If he was a monster, his reason would be because of you. Unfortunately, all the drugs and alcohol in his system weren't enough to keep him sane for one minute. Jungkook launched at you. His hands wrapped around your throat, choking you, but still letting you breathe.

You started clawing your nails on his bare arms. Digging deep that blood starts making its presence. But all that Jungkook could see right now was red. He couldn't feel the pain you were giving him; he couldn't hear the agony in your voice; he couldn't see your wrecked state. Red became his friend.

"You are the reason for my horrible being. You are the reason why I'm a monster. You bitch! If you hadn't kept pushing me to pursue this fucking career, I would've still been the same. If you hadn't been so loving and caring and supportive, we wouldn't be in this predicament. I can't believe that I fell in love with a disgusting person like you. I can't fucking believe that I let you take control of my whole being!"

Right when you were on the verge of passing out, Jungkook released his hold on you; he backed himself on the other side of the booth. You were catching your breath. Your hands shakingly touched your neck, throbbing against your frail fingers. You were painfully coughing; mentally asking God to help ease your pain. Your eyes went in and out of vision; red and black dots were the only thing in sight.

Jungkook watched you with dark eyes. He watched as you were struggling to regain your previous state. He watched as you were crying from the pain, he inflicted on you. He watched the one person who was always with him, the one person who loved and cared for him no longer be the same. He killed you, painfully and slowly.

Present

"____, look at me. It's okay. It's okay." Your friend Lia gently held your face in place. She called out your name, praying that you would settle. She watched as you were frantically breathing; your eyes looking everywhere but her; your body shaking like the room was freezing.

Your panic attacks rarely happen, but when they do, Lia feels so useless. She wished that she could help ease your pain, she wished that she had the power to prevent this. But all she could do was hold you and tell you that you're okay.

Minutes go by until you are finally back. "____?" Lia cautioned, "____, look at me. Are you okay?" As you looked at Lia, you could see the worried expression painting her beautiful face. You hated yourself for making her feel like this, but you couldn't help it. This feeling will never go away; it gets buried six feet under, but once he appears they come back.

"Lia," you whispered, "I saw him again... on TV." Lia took a deep sigh; she hated the pain he caused you before and now. She wrapped you in her arms, holding you with such care. The second you were in her arms, you broke. You cried and cried, loudly speaking your pain.

Lia felt her shirt dampen, but she didn't care. Whatever you do to her, she will take it all in, as long as you feel better in the end, Lia will gladly be your tissue, your enemy, your punching bag. Lia murmured against your hair, "I'm here. I will always be here." She held you tighter; she didn't want you to fade away from her.

You took deep breaths to calm down your nerves. You pulled away from Lia and made your way to the couch. You brought your knees up and buried your face in the space between. You hissed, "I hate what he does to me. He's not even here!" This time you whispered, "And yet, he's able to bring me down to my knees... scared."

Lia met you three years ago; months after your event. You were just a newly hired TA. When Lia first saw you, you looked like a girl who was barely keeping her life together. You told her beforehand - when you started room mating with her, that you have PTSD and that your panic attacks happen from time to time. You didn't really tell her the whole story, just that you were in a very abusive relationship and that you experienced something so terrifying. She accepted you with an open mind and open arms; from then on, Lia became your rock.

Lia got up and sat right next to you. She wanted to ask you a question, but she was scared that you would hate her or push her away for asking. But this question has been in her mind for a while now. After taking a few seconds thinking to think it through, Lia wiped her sweating palms on her pants and inquired, "____, if you don't mind me asking... why didn't you call the police on him? You should've, 'cause I don't think he should be performing after everything he's done to you."

Your eyes started getting blurry; you told yourself the exact same thing, but there was a reason. With your head still buried, you softly replied, "It's easier said than done, Lia. I wished I called the police on him - I wish I could call the police on him, but I can't. Because in simple words... I love him. I hate myself for loving him. Even after everything he has done to me, and everything he has said to me, I love him. Does that make me a horrible person?"

Lia felt herself invisibly jumping out of the couch. No way does she think you're a horrible person. You're just a person who's been through something horribly traumatic. Her heart was filled with so much pain for you. Lia positioned herself so she was facing your small figure, and expressed, "____, no way in hell are you a horrible person. Far from it! I won't be able to say that I relate or know what you're going through, because I don't. But I am able to say that I'll support you and understand your feelings and decisions."

You lifted your head but still kept your eyes on your knees; you muttered, "I met him when we were thirteen years old. He was a very shy and reserved kid - hated social interactions. I remember..." you quietly giggled without realizing when you were remembering the fond memories, "I remember when he used to make small mixtapes every anniversary with letters. He wasn't always a horrible person. He used to be kind, supportive, and loving. One of my favorite things about him was his selflessness towards me. I loved that he would always think about my needs, what I wanted, what I was thinking, and how I was feeling, but in turn, he did the opposite for himself. It was a blessing and a curse."

Lia looked at you and saw the small smile showing. This look was rare for you, and every time it made its appearance, Lia would always treasure it. "He must have been a great person for you to smile like that." You furrowed your brows; you turned to Lia with confusion. "What smile?" you questioned. Lia rolled her eyes, "Well, there's no smile anymore."

You took a deep sigh and apologized, "I'm sorry for talking about him. It's just - just talking about him in this light makes me happy and warm... even if it only lasts for a few seconds." Lia noticed that you started tearing up. Your face was slightly contorted with pain; you were trying not to cry, holding it in but it didn't work. Your tears were freely falling, and Lia comforted you once again. You quietly whimpered, "During that time I called him a monster, but really, I don't want to remember him as the monster in my life because at one point he used to be my prince who saved me from one. I try to think and talk about him in this beautiful light that he used to be under - I want to remember him as that, but the pain he brought upon me is too hard to ignore." You started wailing at this point, "It continues to haunt me, and I hate it! I want to hate him, but I can't! I can't!"

Lia felt herself crying for your pain. She felt herself slowly dying by your words. It truly kills her that her most precious and beautiful friend is going through so much pain. As you both cried into each other's arms, you could hear Lia continuously apologize through her cries. You were so grateful to have such an amazing person as her.

Once you were calmed down, you pulled away from the still tearful woman and wiped her tears away. "Don't cry anymore, Lia." you sniffled, "What happened to me - what's still happening to me would never be fully cured, but I know that whatever happens next, you'll be by my side, and slowly but surely, I won't be able to be to feel the pain anymore. Okay?" Lia nodded her head with a soft smile. You're right, as long as she's with you and as long as you are with her everything will be fine. You guys are each other's glue - each other's person.

There is no doubt in your mind that this pain will pass by. You don't know how long that will take, but until the day comes, having Lia with you eases your heart from pain as much as possible.

"You mailed her my letter?"

"Yes, Jungkook."

The tired man finished his show with a bang, and even though people enjoyed his performance, Jungkook couldn't seem to feel all that happy. For the past year since he finished his rehab, nothing has felt more depressing.

The morning of that night when he woke up, Jonny had told him that you had left, and he was to go to rehab immediately. He hated you for leaving, he hated that you left him in such a messy state. Jungkook blamed everything on you. Jonny had told the ill man that if it wasn't for you, everything that he had worked so hard on would go down the drain. At first, Jungkook didn't understand why you left or what Jonny was saying, but as time went on, he knew that everything was his fault. His addictions and his abusive behavior were all his fault. The reason for your disappearance was his fault. Your pain - everything was all him.

Jungkook knows that there will be no way for him to fix the things he has done and the things he had said, but even so, he would try his damn hardest to fix it. When he finished rehab, Jungkook made it a mission to send you a letter every week, telling you about his days throughout the week, how much he loves and cares for you, telling you how much he is so regretful. Deep down he knows that he is being selfish, he knows that he should let you go - let you move on, but the helpless man is stuck in the past. The past is what keeps him alive. The past is his only source of reason. Jungkook doesn't want to let go of that one thing he has left of you.

Jonny felt so much pity for the man, he didn't have the heart to tell him that he didn't know your address. He would accept the letters, promising that he would mail them, but when night rolls around your letters would be burned. Jonny wanted to quit being Jungkook's manager, but you begged and begged for him to stay with the broken singer. You wanted Jungkook to at least have one person for him to lean on when things get hard. Jonny admires your strength - how strong of a woman you are, so, he agreed.

"You should just stop already, Jungkook. She's never gonna mail you back. I know your reason, but you lost her, and you can never fix that." Jonny was getting tired; tired of seeing the broken singer trying with no prevail.

Jungkook walked up to his manager and lowly whispered, "You think I don't know that, Jonny? Ever since I learned that everything is my fault... I knew that she would never come back to me. Yet I still hope - even if that hope is microscopic or nonexistent, I hope that I will be able to see or be with her again."

The fatigued man took a few steps back and lowered his heavy head down. His eyes searched the floor trying to keep his tears at bay, but it didn't work. The salty tears of this poor singer escaped and landed harshly on the wooden floor. Sniffling, the fatigued man uttered, "You think I don't know that you burn my letters?" Jungkook lifted his head up and saw the ashamed manager looking back at him.

He continued, "You're not as discreet as you think you are, Jonny. I went to your hotel room to ask for a favor... and I saw you burn my eighth letter with sadness swimming in your eyes. I connected the dots from there, and I realized that you never sent any of my letters because you don't know her address, huh? You're left in the dark like I am, huh? You know nothing about her whereabouts, about how she's doing, about anything, huh, Jonny!" The manager kept quiet; didn't know what to say.

Jungkook slumped down on the nearest chair with a hard thump. He leaned his head back with closed eyes and softly whimpered, "I now understand the meaning ‘You reap what you sow’… I'm never gonna stop. I know I can never fix this, but I promise you Jonny, I will never stop. Ten years - fifty years from now, I will keep writing her letters... knowing that deep down all of this is for nothing. I don't care if I'm shaming myself by doing this - I don't care about anything but her. She's not mine anymore but I'm forever hers. Let me live like this. Let me live with the consequences. Let me drown myself in this regret."

The destroyed man opened his eyes and gently moved his head to the side to see the lone figure of his manager feet away. With a deep sigh, Jungkook claimed, "You're just my manager, right? So, don't involve yourself in my pitiful life. Just do the job you were hired to do, along with getting my letters. Don't care what you do to them - burn them, keep them hidden, rip them up... doesn't matter, just don't let me know about it; let me falsely believe that you mailed them to her. Alright? Now please get the car... I wanna go home."

[brunnerasposts]

The List

S.H. x Female Reader

Summary: Steve is struggling to comprehend how he feels, so Dustin and Lucas help him make a list

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: angst, meanie headed boys, takes place between S3-S4, crushes to ???, minimal use of Y/N

Additional Note: this is the same idea as The One With the List episode from Friends, but with Stranger Things characters

"I don't know what I'm gonna do." Steve panted as he continued to pace back and forth in his living room. "I mean, what am I gonna do?" He turned to Dustin and Lucas, who were trying to watch TV.

"I'm attracted to both Nancy and Y/N and I think they might feel the same. Now, I don't know what to do. This is so frustrating!" Steve groaned, gripping his hair.

"I mean, you have Nancy, who I've been in love with for three years now, and then there's Y/N who entered the picture once we started dealing with the upside down shit. And I..." He leaned against the wall, looking to both boys. "Is it possible to be in love after knowing someone for such a short period of time?"

"Yes." Both boys said, glancing at each other before their attention was drawn back to the movie. Steve nodded a little, remembering that they both had girlfriends. Lucas and Max always had trouble and Dustin had his girlfriend, Suzie, who was recently proven real through musical means.

"She's so different from Nancy, and yet I just want to be with her constantly. But then Nancy has also been there for me through my whole change of King Steve..." He trailed off, knowing he could keep going.

"This is terrible. I'm a terrible person." He groaned, hiding his face in his hands.

"I mean, I know Nancy and I have had our issues, but recently she... I don't know. She's been very flirty now that Jonathan is in California." He sighed, scratching his head.

"But then there's her." He smiled, remembering when you first entered the picture.

It was the middle of the school year, right after the Snow Ball. Steve was just becoming a new version of himself and trying to prove to his fellow students that he was capable of change. So, he was looking through the halls and that's when he saw you.

You were digging through your locker, reaching for something in the back which caused all of your things to fall and spread out on the floor.

Steve instantly went over to help, and you had been friends ever since. How you got involved in the upside down stuff was a different story. But when you found out about all of it, you didn't run and hide. You wanted to help. You wanted to protect Hawkins as well as everyone else in the group. You wanted to protect Steve.

"She was the first person to treat me differently."

"What's going on?" Lucas asked, only half paying attention as his eyes fixated on the cartoons he was watching.

Steve, realizing that he's been talking to a wall, glared at them both. "I'm talking about Y/N and Nancy."

"Oh no! Two women are attracted to Steve Harrington! Shocking." Dustin rolled his eyes, Lucas shaking his head.

Steve stared at them before grabbing the remote. He turned the television off, causing a commotion from both teenage boys. "What am I gonna do?" He asked, now having their full attention.

Lucas sat up.

"Here's an idea. Why don't you make a..uh, uh, a list! Yeah, a list of things you like and don't like about both of them." He suggested, tossing a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

"What like a pros and cons list?" Steve asked, his hands on his hips as he continued his pacing. "Yeah, yeah!" Dustin chimed in.

"Should we be doing this?" Steve asked, moving to go sit on the couch. He wasn't sure why, but something didn't sit right in his stomach with the idea of writing down things he didn't like about both girls. Especially when all he could focus on was the good.

"It might help." Lucas shrugged.

"Y/N versus Nancy: Pros and Cons." He said as Dustin stood, going to find some paper.

"Let's start with the cons!" The teen came barreling back into the room with pieces of paper and a pen. "Those are more fun." He grinned.

Steve rolled his eyes, leaning back into the couch. "Am I writing these down?"

"Nope, let me. Let's start with Y/N." Dustin said as he sat on the floor, using the coffee table as a desk. He looked to his older friend, ready to start writing some cons down.

Steve sighed, eyes moving around the room as he searched for one. "I don't know. She's amazing." He reached for some popcorn. "She's in love with you, so there must be something wrong with her." Lucas teased, ducking as popcorn was thrown at him.

A glare was sent Lucas' way before Steve resettled into the couch. "Well," His mind wandered, "I guess she can be a little ditzy." He chuckled nervously, fidgeting with the strings on his ripped jeans. This felt wrong, but he was desperate to try anything.

"Ditzy. That's good!" Dustin said, scribbling it down. "What else?"

"Um," Steve swallowed, rubbing his palms on his pants. "I guess she can be a little spoiled. But that's also because of me." He smiled, starting to feel better as he continued listing them.

Dustin wrote it down just as Lucas chimed in. "Don't you complain sometimes about how long she takes to get ready?" He asked. Steve thought about it and slowly began to nod. "I mean, I guess. She likes leaving a good impression with people, so she focuses a lot on making sure she looks nice." He shrugged.

"Too into her looks," Dustin spoke slowly as he wrote down each word. Steve winced, sucking air through his teeth. "I don't know if I'd word it like that, Henderson. Maybe like," He thought for a moment, "just say, 'takes a long time getting ready' or something."

Steve watched as Dustin drew a line through the previous bullet point and wrote the new phrase next to it. Dustin then set aside the other papers so he had more room for the one they were working on.

"Oh, her ankles are a little chubby!" He said, receiving a glare from both Lucas and Steve. "What? I thought we were all chiming in." The young teenager frowned but wrote it down anyway, his hat being knocked off his head by Steve. Dustin stared at him with annoyance before going back to the task at hand.

"Give me one more so we can have five total."

Thinking, Steve began to stand up. "I'm not sure. Let me grab a soda really quick. You guys want one?" He asked, both boys nodding.

Steve stood, going over to the kitchen. He looked around, hoping something would give him an idea as he grabbed a can of soda for each of them. He looked to the dining room, china cabinet, and his pool outside.

He never struggled with anything other than having a good relationship with his parents. They were a wealthy household, and it helped Steve turn into an asshole for a while. That is until he got involved with the group of nerds and their older siblings... and you.

"Well, Nancy and I both grew up comfortably, so we have that in common." He said as he reentered the living room. "But Y/N didn't. I mean, she has to work as a waitress to support her family." He frowned, knowing how much you hated your job but always did what you had to for your family. It was something he admired.

"Okay...and done! Now, what about Nancy? What's wrong with her?" Lucas asked. The question sent hundreds of different things he could say, but they all added up to the same point.

"She's not Y/N." He realized. As soon as he said that, everything just clicked. His feelings for Nancy were nowhere near the same as his feelings for you.

His eyes darted to the house phone. Steve then ran over to the phone, startling Dustin, who was in the middle of writing. "Dude, come on! Now it's not even her name!" He groaned but left it be.

"What are you doing?" Lucas asked as Steve dialed the phone number to the Wheeler's. The plan was forming slowly as he held the phone to his ear, letting it ring. "I'm telling Nancy the truth." He took a deep breath. God, he hoped now that she knew how to shoot a gun that she wouldn't use it on him.

"Wheeler's residence, this is Nancy Wheeler."

"Nancy!"

"Steve? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah! Well, for the most part."

"What? Do I need to come over?"

"No! No, uh, I just wanted to talk later."

"Okay... where?"

"Is it cool if I come over?"

"Oh...oh! Sure! Yeah, definitely. Uh, does ten work?"

"Sounds perfect. See you then."

He hung up the phone, looking to both Lucas and Dustin. "Are you actually going to tell her that you guys are done?" Dustin asked. "I mean, we've been done for a while. But the whole flirting thing that's been going on is going to come to an end tonight." Steve felt confident in this and he prayed Nancy would be understanding.

The doorbell rang, and Steve was not paying it much attention as he was precelebrating. Dustin joined in on Steve's celebratory dance, both unaware that Lucas went to answer the door.

Everything felt right in that moment. Steve was going to close up an old passing fling and open doors to someone he was committed to. You.

"Steve?"

Steve's head snapped up as he heard a voice from the doorway. Speak of the devil.

"Sweetheart?" He was met with you staring at him, almost frozen where you stood. Memories of your kiss from last night flooded back in his mind.

The memory was met with butterfly feelings in his stomach. Or was it a gut feeling? He didn't know, and he didn't care. All he cared about was the fact that you were right here in front of him.

"Hi." He spoke breathlessly.

"Hi." You grinned, cheeks rosy as you awkwardly showcased the cookie tin in your hands. "I brought these for your parents." She told him, walking up to him.

"Oh," Steve's smile grew as he saw how delicately the tin was wrapped in a pink ribbon, "Thank you. I'll go put these in the kitchen. Um," He looked around, "Did you want to stay for a little? I wanted to talk to you about something." He fidgeted with the corner of the cookie tin, hoping she'd agree.

"Talk? Am I in trouble?" You joked.

Steve chuckled. "No, no. I just wanted to talk to you about Nancy. I just called her." He grinned.

Your smile faltered, and Steve quickly realized his mistake. "No, no, I plan on talking to her to tell her how I feel."

A groan escaped Dustin, hiding his face in his hands from pure second-hand embarrassment.

You glanced to Dustin, eyes switching between the three of you now as your eyebrows furrowed. "Tell her...?" Your voice quivered as you trailed off.

Steve was too excited to say. He turned into a fumbling mess as he tried to explain himself. But the more he failed to explain, the clearer it was that you were getting the wrong idea.

"He's gonna tell her he's not interested!" Lucas exclaimed impatiently.

Steve sighed in relief, silently thanking Lucas for saving him. Your concerned expression turned into one that held surprise. "Really?" You asked, slightly breathless.

Steve moved to stand in front of you, tucking a loose strand of your hair behind your ear. "It's always been you, sweetheart." He promised, making you gush as you both hugged each other tightly.

"Aww," Dustin and Lucas spoke in unison, giving each other a side hug as they watched the happy pair.

A small creak noise was made as Steve accidentally touched the cookie tin to your back. "Damn it, sorry, let me go put these away." He smiled widely, placing a quick kiss on your cheek before walking into the kitchen.

Steve was on top of the world. Nancy was going to be out of his hair, you'd be at his side, and nothing else could possibly be better.

Especially with a break from all things Upside Down related, Steve could enjoy what it was like to have a real and serious relationship. He'd have his person. His other half. Maybe even his future.

As he set the cookie tin down, he began to hear a commotion from the living room.

"What's that?"

Hearing those words sent Steve's stomach churning. He knew exactly what had been found.

The List.

He scrambled out of the kitchen to see Dustin and Lucas holding the list as you chased them around the coffee table to grab it from them.

"I saw my name! What are you keeping from me?" You ask, getting slightly frustrated.

"Hey, what's going on?" Steve asked nervously, placing his hand on your back so everyone would stop chasing each other. You turn to Jim. "Those two have my name on a piece of paper, and they won't let me see." You said as you looked to him.

From behind you, Dustin and Lucas began pointing at the list in their hands, Steve gulping. "They won't. They won't?" He changed his tone, "Isn't that the...the story you were writing?"

"Yes, yes it is! It's a story... I needed to write for class!" Lucas suddenly exclaims, taking the list from Dustin before sticking it in his pocket.

That made you stop. "A story? Well, let me read it."

"No!" All three boys shout at once, making you look between them with bewilderment.

"Hey, why don't you read it to her?" Dustin asked, Lucas slowly turning to face his friend. Oh, if looks could kill...

Lucas cleared his throat, keeping away from you as he opened the paper. "Uh..it's kinda short." He said as you were led to the couch by Dustin and Steve.

You looked between both guys, Steve giving you an awkward smile before turning to Lucas. The boy shakily opened the paper, staring at the few words on it.

"It was summer..." He started, Steve unsure of how much Lucas was going to be able to come up with at the top of his head. "and it was hot." He glanced at everyone before looking to you. "Y/N was there," both Dustin and Steve nudged you, hoping you believed what was going on.

"A lonely gray couch," His voice hitched, getting higher as the lie continued. "And that's all I have. The End." He smiled widely, holding the paper behind himself.

"That's it?" Dustin spoke a little loudly. "That's all you wrote?" Steve chimed in. "You're the worst writer in the whole world!" He spoke through gritted teeth.

"Alright, alright. This isn't funny anymore. There is something about me on that paper, and I want to see it." You said as you stood and snatched the paper. Steve took it from you, who had the paper taken from him by Dustin.

"No, you don't." Lucas promised.

Steve's attention turned to you, seeing a plan form in your eyes. "You know what, you guys? I don't have time for this behavior. Alright? If you want to be children about it, that's fine." You said as you began to walk past them.

"We're all mature here." You moved away from the couch. "And I do not need... to see it!" You suddenly exclaim as you snatch the piece of paper from Dustin, all three boys yelling out in surprise and chasing you around the house.

You eventually make your way back into the living room as Lucas and Dustin dive for you on the couch, landing on each other. Steve stopped at the arm of the couch, out of breath from the jog.

Now the successor, you smirked and moved to stand several feet away before unfolding the wrinkled page.

Absolute silence.

Steve could hear his heart pounding in his ears as he saw your frustration turn to surprise and then a sudden sadness at what you were reading.

"What is this?" You whisper.

All three boys stood, pushing themselves away from each other.

Steve rubbed his sweaty palms against his jeans, watching as you analyzed the paper in your hands. Lucas and Dustin both fumbled over their words, trying to help cover up for Steve what they could.

"Oh, that's—"

"My mom needed groceries so—"

"No, no, no—"

"It was a—"

"Steve, what is this?" You ask again, angrier this time. That was the cue for both Lucas and Dustin to leave the room and head upstairs. They pat Steve on the back as a sign of good luck before their feet pattered up the flight of stairs.

Steve waited until they were gone before trying to approach you.

"Sweetheart, just... just please remember how crazy I am about you—"

"Ditzy? Spoiled?" You read, hands gripping the paper so tightly. Your voice shook with each word. You gasped softly, looking to him with watery eyes. "Too into her looks?" You ask.

"No, no, that's not true." Steve promised. "That's why it's crossed out." He chuckled nervously, following you as you paced. As you reached the next bulletpoint, you stopped in your tracks and turned to him.

"J-Just a waitress?"

Steve hesitated, unsure of what to say at this point. "Now that was..uh—" He watched as you walked past him, eyes still glued to the paper in your hands. "You know, as opposed to the uh... you know." He cleared his throat, panic setting in fully now. "Is this over now?"

A gasp escaped your lips, making you turn to Steve in full rage. "I do not have chubby ankles!" You growl before storming out of the house.

Shit.

"No, no, sweetheart, wait!" Steve begged as he chased you out of the house. He grabbed your arm gently, turning you to face him. "Look at the other side. Look at Nancy's column!" You flipped the paper, looking at it in confusion. "She's not yum?" She asked in bewilderment.

Steve gulped. "What? No, no, it says—"

"Is that some fancy phrase I don't understand because I'm just a waitress?" You ask, crumbling the paper up in your hands before shoving it right against his chest as hard as you could.

"No, sweetheart, please!" Steve called out as you walked off.

"Maybe we should go." Dustin said as he appeared next to him.

"No, you guys stay. I'm leaving." You promise as you continue walking. Steve couldn't believe how everything flipped so fast since you arrived. One second, he was excited to tell you that he wanted to be with you, and next, he's begging for you to hear him out.

Once you reached your car, Steve knew he had to attempt one last time.

He ran over, shoving his hand against your car door just as you began to open it, so it closed again. "Come on, sweetheart, I know how you feel—"

"No, you don't, Steve!" You snap, startling him. Realizing you had, you took a breath. "Imagine the worst things you think about yourself." You started, lip trembling. "Now, how would you feel if the one person that you trusted the most in the world not only thinks them too but actually uses them as reasons not to be with you?"

Steve shook his head, reaching out to hold your hands. "No, no, but see, I want to be with you in spite of those things." He promised.

You scoff, removing his hands from yours. Steve flinched, knowing he screwed up. "Oh, well, that's mighty big of you, Steve." You spoke sarcastically before looking over his shoulder.

"I said don't go!" You snap, making Steve turn to see Dustin and Lucas picking up their bikes. They instantly dropped them, awkwardly standing by the garage.

Steve looked back to you, unable to believe this was the argument you were having. Everyone has flaws. He had them, too. Not only that, but he felt like this argument was hypocritical. "You know what?" His voice hitched as it raised.

"You know what? If...If things were the other way around, there was nothing you could put on a list that would ever make me not want to be with you."

"I guess that's the difference between us." You whispered as you moved past him, getting in your car.

You turned the key in the ignition, the car engine roaring to life. "See, I wouldn't have made a list." A tear rolled down your cheek, making you wipe it away.

"Sweetheart, please." Steve whispered, eyebrows furrowing as he held himself in the open part of the door. His eyes watered, his fingers digging into the sleeves of his sweater.

You then shut the car door and began to reverse out of Steve's driveway, driving back home.

Steve let out a deep and aggravated sigh. What was he going to do now? That conversation was heavy, even for him, and he knew they all felt in the wrong for making the list.

How could something go wrong so quickly?

More importantly, you were probably never going to speak to Steve again. Of course, the universe decides the day he's mature enough to figure out his feelings that he has to go ahead and mess it all up.

What was Steve going to do now?

The End.

[the-s1lly-corner]

Maybe TADC Characters X Reader who loves gossip?

TADC cast x reader who loves to gossip!

Okok I know I have a track record of saying ik only goinv to answer a few asks then go to bed but I think I might actually

Go to bed soon

Im still feeling unwell and tbh its been getting worse; what was originally stuffy noses and sore throat is now that + fatigue and headaches (but no more sore throat!! Yay!)

Very bad sinus pain though

So uh uh

Only a handful of requests tonight then I might try to sleep

Very short since I'm sick + im on mobile + not many ideas are happening here <\3

CAINE:

Now caine looooooves to gossip, not even as a malicious thing he just likes speculating what the silly people in this circus do when hes not around

I like to think that caine definitely would play match maker should a circus member fall in love with someone, so he asks you for any and all details and secrets

POMNI:

Probably uses your habit of gossiping to try to find an exit. I mean you have a lot of into on other people, what's to say you dont have info on other things? Its worth a shot, at least in her eyes

Thus leads to her uncomfortable sitting next to you while you spew a bunch of stuff that happened before she joined the circus

RAGATHA:

Definitely on the side of "I dont like talking about people behind their back especially if its something petty or none of my business"

Obviously venting is a different story but this ask is specifically about gossip

I don't think she would like gossiping that much, other peoples business isnt her business you know?

Politely asks you to not involve her

JAX:

Jax probably has lied about another circus member before. Harmless rumors, of course, ones that are totally outrageous and only the more gullible would believe

So you two make a powerful duo, when we also take his pranks and jokes into account...

KINGER:

I think he likes some basic gossip. Like a "I heard (x) said (y) to (z), can you believe that" kind of gossip

But does it count as gossip if hes just relaying something most of the other crew knows?

Probably not but given his state of mind half the time can you really blame him?

ZOOBLE:

I took she would occasionally engage on gossip

Is it still considered gossip if its just shit talking, though? Because boy, I really do headcannon that zooble does NOT like jax in particular

Honestly you two can probably sit down and talk about stuff for HOURS

GANGLE:

Very awkward about it, similarly to ragatha I dont think she would be too big of a fan of gossiping about others

Gangle strikes me at the type to keep to herself and mind her own business tbh, not much else to say

Kind of just quietly let's you talk, very obviously doesnt want to engage in the gossip

[ingravinoveritas]

I personally think its disgusting of what she posted yet again its all about her and she the reason why micheal keeps trending 4th day oh please he was trending for days before she came in the picture. And for someone who has no career and basically living off her parter who works so hard and been ill with virus the last few days and haven't been able to perform and she post this. Taking the credit for something that has nothing to do with her. He very grateful that she keep him grounded what that suppose to mean ? He was doing better before she came in the picture since he been with her his career have been slowed a little and she probably the reason for it

What do u say ?

Oh, boy. I saw this a little while ago, and all I could think was that the bar is so low at this point--like halfway between the fourth and fifth circles of Hell--and this still somehow falls short.

I know there has been a lot of talk about the t-shirt Anna is wearing (which was a gift from a fan at the stage door of Nye), but for me, the t-shirt is the least concerning part of all this. It's a reference to a quote from Staged (it's the title of a season 1 episode, in fact), and I am sure Michael found it funny. The only problem is that without the context of why it's a joke, it actually just isn't that funny. And it sets the stage for everything else that is happening.

Which brings me to the caption she wrote, which was what primarily caught my attention. The reason Michael is currently trending on Twitter (X, whatever we're calling it) is because of the overwhelmingly positive response to The Assembly, which aired last Friday night. He is receiving a tremendous amount of praise for being on the show, how he spoke to the interviewers, and the respectful and joyous atmosphere that was cultivated on the show. And rather than allude to any of that--not to mention Michael being sick recently, or the trip they went on to Disneyland Paris--Anna made Michael trending on Twitter about her.

That is what stands out to me the most. The idea of "keeping him grounded" that is coming across more like kicking someone when he is already down. That he somehow needs that, and that she would have us believe he is "grateful" to her for, what...comparing him to a loud bird? Repeatedly making fun of his looks and interests without a shred of respect or affection behind it? I'm also confused by the implication (and the irony) that Michael somehow has a large ego that needs to be kept in check when she is the one coming across as self-involved in this Insta story. So, yes. I'm at a bit of loss here.

I just keep thinking of the things she could have said instead. How she could have uplifted Michael, wished him well on returning to the stage tonight after several days' absence, said how she was glad to have spent time with him or taken care of him while he was ill. Just something that would give him a reason to hold his head high. But I guess it might just be easier to convince herself/everyone else that he is smiling if his head is hanging down instead.

I am just glad Michael is out performing again tonight and getting to be on stage and do the thing he truly loves to do. But those are my thoughts, and I'd be glad to hear from my followers about what you think, regardless of whether you agree or disagree...

[lightlycareless]

How could you break my heart on Valentine’s Day??? Waaaahhhhhh, it makes sense but it still hurts. You’re gonna give me a part three or else 🔫

Seriously though it was really good! I loved it. I calculated and rounded up how much Naoya paid Mei Mei in U.S. Dollars and this dude really paid her around $17,500 and that’s not including all the gifts he bought Y/N. If I was Naoya’s parents, his debit card is getting confiscated. That is INSANE. I can’t imagine if they somehow managed to force out what actually happened to learn he spent all that on a girl that didn’t even RECIPROCATE his feelings like oh my god. I can’t imagine the earful poor Ranta is gonna get especially since this was kinda his idea for Naoya to confess his feelings(Although I don’t know if Ranta thought he’d go about it like this).

I wonder though if Y/N would reconsider Naoya’s feelings if she read his letter. Oof but now I’m thinking about what she’d do if she learned Naoya was the reason why she didn’t receive any gifts. I don’t know how long he’d stay on her bad side after that.

Hello anon!

Gee this is surely a really late response, but I still hope you know I appreciate your lovely words about my work!! Thank you so much 🥺❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I'm sorry that I broke your heart on the 14th haha it was kind of unexpected ngl, but that's just where the characters took me 🤭 though it's not all sad... if you know you know.

AS FOR THE MONEY HAHAHAH poor Naoya, he definitely got an earful from his parents, or more like the people in charge of the finances, I doubt Naobito cared enough to scold him (shall I make Tomoko involved? IF SHE WAS AROUND THOUGH THINGS WOULD'VE TURNED SO DIFFERENT) Damn I need to write a small drabble explaining what happened there, but in the meantime, it kind of went like this:

Ranta: What happened Naoya?

Naoya: nothing. *doesn't talk to anyone for weeks*

Ranta: That bad?

Naoya: :(

(he doesn't regret spending all that money on you. it's like a hobby of his lol he loves it.)

But anyways, I keep thinking that the third part for this series I would like something like an epilogue, a peak into the future…

Warnings: none. Fluff. A happy ending 😊. (By the way, this is the oneshot anon is referring to. Highly recommend reading this first!!!)

Happy reading!

“—And that, dumpling, was your papa’s and I first valentine’s day together! Kind of, not really, but it was the first time I got gifts from him. It was certainly different from what I expected, but if you look really closely, it was very sweet, and now, I’m able to look back on it fondly!” You smile; truly, who would’ve thought that you’d end up marrying that awkward, somewhat intense kid? And having a beautiful daughter too?

Though you could see in Naomi’s tense chubby face that this wasn’t exactly the romantic story she was hoping to hear, and you do not blame her, Naoya’s approach had been nothing short of alarming and unexpected, just enough to scare you off from ever considering something more from him!

But his subtle persistence, the small gestures he’d still give you even when openly denouncing he’ll never seek you again, is what eventually persuaded you otherwise.

Through his attentiveness when you were out on a mission with him, making sure that you were neither too cold nor too hot, either through offering you something to drink or his own sweater to wear.

Quick to save you from a curse that got too close, or a fellow student you were not in the mood to entertain.

Whenever you needed help with jujutsu—either a term you didn’t quite understand just yet, or plain practice. Naoya had much more experience than you, so it was only natural that you’d seek him; that wouldn’t change even with that awkward valentine’s interaction…

But above all, what made you see that Naoya might be the one you were waiting for all along, is the fact that he remembered all the things you liked, the ones that made you happy—from sweets, food, to even your favorite characters…

If his emotions weren’t genuine, he wouldn’t have done such a thing!

Perhaps your only regret is ever giving him the idea that you couldn’t come to appreciate him, or that he wasn’t deserving of love.

But that was long in the past, and after a few dates, and getting to know each other… you two fell in love.

Unfortunately, Naomi wouldn’t come to see it that way.

“What’s wrong, pumpkin? This isn’t the story you expected?” Naoya asks with a smile, enjoying the way she huffed in response—though that satisfaction wouldn’t last long.

“No, papa, you were creepy.” She pouted, and her mama could almost hear his heart shatter.

“Oh.” Naoya doesn’t even come to wonder how she knew of such word, undoubtedly from his cousins, but that would be a matter to tend to later after he mends his broken heart.

“Well, he’s done his due! Papa loves us very, very much and would never do anything to scare us!”

“Thanks, Y/N.” Naoya responds sarcastically. “That makes me feel much better.”

You giggle.

“Why don’t you leave us alone, pumpkin? Papa and I need to talk a bit.”

And Naomi obeys immediately after, not that it took much for her to do so, for her disappointment rapidly pushed her to seek something better, a bit more entertaining—like Mai and Maki’s daily occurrences, more ways to annoy her father and such.

Once alone, the two are able to freely look back on that fateful day…

“What I did back then was messed up, wasn’t it?” Naoya sighs.

“I wouldn’t say that necessarily.” You add.

“But nothing happened after that.” He says. “Things didn’t change until much later.”

“Well, I did get to see a new side of you, one I didn’t think you had.”

“What did you think of me…?”

“That you were… bold. Arrogant, a bit snobby too…” you say, Naoya’s face reddens out of shame.

“Don’t—Don’t say anything else.” He frowns. “I get the idea loud and clear…”

“But that you were sweet too.” You smile, taking his hand. “I’ve never been lucky enough to have someone hold such strong feelings for me… thought it to be something out of a fairy tale—Until I met you—someone that harbored so much love to give but didn’t know how to express it.”

“You make me sound much nobler than what I really am—I don’t know how you do it, Y/N…”

“It took me time to get there, love.” You laugh. “But it’s only because you’re so cute that I eventually thought otherwise.”

“Cute?” he huffs, ready to retort otherwise, until you lean in to kiss his cheek, gesture enough to have him willing. “Alright—but only you can call me that.”

“I better be the only one.” You warn. “Although I was hoping our dumpling would do so too when I told her our story…”

“…Well, I can’t blame her, it must’ve sounded crazy for her.” Naoya sighs. “…If someone dared do the same thing to my daughter you can be sure I’d send the kukuru to get rid of him! No jerk is going to impress her!”

“I don’t think that’ll happen; Naomi didn’t seem amused by us either way.” You reassure him. “And she’s too young to be worried about that too! All she cares about right now is when will her papa get her that kitten he promised her…”

“I’m working on it!” Naoya frets. “It’s just that kittens aren’t born until later in the year…”

“Well, let’s hope that you aren’t too late, something tells me that my sister might be already on the lookout…”

“NO, she’s not.” Naoya breathes. “I will never forgive her if she does!”

But you just shrug playfully, not really giving Naoya much of an opportunity to not worry about spoiling his daughter, fearing that he might lose the position of favorite human in the whole wide world against your sister! A rank Hinata has been coveting for as long as he could remember, competing with the rest of your family too…

A tough endeavor, though he’ll have something else to worry about now.

“By the way… I’m aware of what you did with with the gifts.” You say, he freezes.

“Ho—How?” he blinks.

“Shoko told me. Mei Mei wasn’t that… fond of keeping secrets that were too juicy to hide.” You reveal.

“That woman… she told me that—!” but he goes silent, understanding there was a much bigger issue at hand. “…Are you angry with me?”

“Yes, so angry, that I’ve decided to personally torment you for the rest of our lives!” You tease, at the mischief of your voice, a weight is lifted from Naoya’s shoulders. “I was angry, but… it didn’t last long, considering that some of those gifts were from people I didn’t really want to be involved with… so, you kind of did me a favor… though I did have to go through a whole day thinking I didn’t get anything…”

“…I’m sorry—I might’ve gotten ahead of myself trying to impress you…”

“Well, for all the chocolate I missed back then, you made up for me, tenfold!” you grin, wrapping him in your arms and placing kisses all over his cheeks until you could no more. “I love you, Naoya—you and all of your bold, extravagant, though a bit silly, ways. So don’t worry about that anymore, not when it was the reason that brought us together.”

Naoya blushes, letting himself be consumed by the incessant demonstrations of your affection and the acceptance of your words, for there was honesty behind them—even when a rocky start, it ultimately fated the two together.

What was once nothing but a dream, one that seemed so far away on the day you rejected him…

Now was his everyday reality—if not better, for it brought along a small bundle of joy that made both of your lives happier, although there were moments where she didn’t feel particularly the same, unamused by her parent’s antics from time to time…

But even then, he wouldn’t want it any other way.

They got their happy ending nonetheless :') Really, that day was only the beginning for them. It was enough for Y/N to finally set her eyes on him!! And the rest is history 🥺❤️

Thankfully I do plan to write a bit more of this HS AU, you know, the simple things like them slowly falling in love 🥺 ajfghajkghajghjkas this has to be one of my favorite au's (if not the favorite haha) can't wait to write them in time.

Now, thank you so much for your support and patience 🥺❤️❤️!!!! I'm really glad you're liking my work!!!

Take care, and hope to see you soon!!

[milimeters-morales]

So my thing with Hobie’s nicknames: I have Hobie call Lyla “Tinkerbell” or “Tink” bc she’s small, has a yellow glow, and has an attitude, so i’m probably just gonna have him base his names off of childrens’ story characters, like for example Jess would be “Kanga” and her unborn baby is “Roo”, Margo I haven’t decided yet since we don’t know much about her movie-self and Hobie wouldn’t have any character to reference bc of her technology, but from what I’ve seen she could have her nickname as something related to The Little Mermaid because while everyone is here in person, she’s in her own dimension in a life she doesn’t really enjoy, but i’m also hesitant to have him think “Cinderella” is a good name because cmon. Her parents argue a lot, and she does use being a vigilante as a form of escape, but that’s implying that they hate her and harm her, and that’s not something Hobie would say without 100% certainty. Maybe he’d just give her a non-character nickname, like Pixie (bc Pixelate, Pixie Dust, Pick-&-Choose, whatever). Okay this is getting long it’s continued under the cut.

I personally don’t like the Gwendy and Peter Pan nicknames he gave Gwen and Miles but i guess it’s cute, but i would’ve preferred something a bit more personal to Miles rather than just in relation to Gwen bc they feel less like their own people then, even tho Peter and Wendy were an adorable duo. I can see Gwen = Wendy bc she ran away from home to a “neverland” that was supposed to be a paradise basically but realizes she can’t stay, or if you take that “Gwen was going to be shot in the stomach” thing some people who worked on the movie said they got rid of and apply it to her “ghost, gwen stacy always falls, forever immortal and taking back control” thing and her relationship with death and the idea of Neverland having dead children so they are “immortal” and “never grow up” it sticks.

But (even if it’s teasing) calling Miles “Peter Pan” doesn’t even make sense because he didn’t lead her here, she led him to the Society (unknowingly). Like people want to shove “sunflower” and “flower” into everything involving Miles so badly and it feels EXTREMELY forced. I feel like Hobie would call him something else, and this is where the name “Bambi” could come in because while Miles hasn’t lost his mother or father, he’s still learning his place in the world while saving countless people now and in the future, and will eventually become a great stag, even if life wasn’t always kind to him. But again, I don’t think Hobie would do that 100% because he doesn’t really know Miles like that. Or, he could go for more recent nicknames and non-character names that are safer, like “Brave Little Toaster/Toaster” for obvious reasons, or “Spark/Bolt/Livewire” that don’t feel as child-like as “Bambi” or as forced as “Peter Pan”

I also have to take into account what things Hobie just might not have seen, because in the setting i’m talking about he’s not living in a houseboat, so he probably doesn’t have much time to see or learn about these fairytales/characters, and it’s based on chance on when he’d know about them. Because I also have to remember that his city is still highly policed and his people are forced to fit into the mold and comply to societal standards and whatnot, so even things as simple and enjoyable as short stories for kids would be heavily controlled. Libraries are fucked in his universe but they’re one of the only “safe” havens. I think it really adds to his attitude about his own life, how he’s much older than these friends despite being like 16-19, and how he feels the most responsible for them no matter how much he denies that and tries to get rid of that feeling. Calling them these nicknames gives him both the feeling of “haha, these little kids are the future and i’m an old man” and “i’m a little kid again!!”

that’s it :3

[becauseimanicequeen]

4 MINUTES Theories (Trailer + Teaser)

As promised, it’s theory time!

Since this show is written by Sammon (whose work I love and always have many theories about), it would be fun to write down my theories and see how they hold up throughout the series (and see how terribly wrong I’ve been the entire time, lol).

(And it will help me keep track of my theories, which is great for my terrible memory.)

So, with the trailer, the teaser, and the promotional posters in mind, let’s dive into a summary of the plot we’ve gotten so far before I share my theories.

Plot Summary From the Trailer and Teaser

So far, what I can tell about the story is that Great (Bible) sees 4 minutes ahead of time (obviously). (I’m not sure if it includes moments he wants to see, moments that might have a specific significance to him, or if it’s just random moments he sees ahead of time. I’m leaning toward moments that might have significance to him. Perhaps moments that might help him redeem himself for a past mistake/transgression.)

Great runs someone over with his car, which may or may not have been the trigger for his visions. It could also be one of his visions itself.

In the teaser, Great mentions that the doctor he sees (most likely a neurologist who might shed some light on his condition, considering we’ve seen images of brain scans), is arranging for him to meet with someone who has a similar condition (I have theories about who this might be).

Great also mentions that he often sees a clock that stops at 11.01.

Tyme (Jes) seems to be a doctor of some sort. I don’t think he’s the neurologist Great is seeing for his condition. Instead, it seems like Tyme is talking to a neurologist about someone who sees things that don't exist (which could be Great, but it could also be the other patient with a similar condition).

Then we have some moments of Great and Tyme being together in (what looks like) the countryside.

And then we have flashes of their sexy time, which isn’t only Great and Tyme but other characters strewn in there as well. So, there will be more than one relationship/situationship in the series.

Now, let’s get into the theories.

Theories for Days

The Characters

Let’s start with the characters and their individual posters.

We basically know who Great and Tyme are, and the similar backgrounds in their posters show that they’re connected, so I’ll focus on the others for now before I get into more theories about these two.

Based on the posters alone and the little info we got in the trailer and teaser, I believe Korn (Bas) is the bad guy, which I’m basing off his vibe both in the poster and the short moment we got of him in the trailer, while Title (Jet) might be involved with him somehow. That’s based on their similar-looking poster backgrounds. Also, Korn wears a snazzy suit while Title wears Dolce & Gabbana. I’m leaning towards brothers even though it can be a boss/minion type of relationship as well. They are also the only ones in the posters who are looking to the side rather than into the camera. They’re definitely hiding something.

Then there’s Tonkla (Fuaiz) who looks like he’s standing in front of a target. Is he a hitman or is he the target someone’s aiming at? He’s basically got a target on his back, doesn't he?

Win (JJay) has contrasting colors (red and green) in his background. He might be someone who has to battle with some contrasting, opposing forces (internal and/or external). If they continue with the DFF pairs, he will be involved with Tonkla (but I honestly have no idea if the one JJay is kissing in the trailer is Fuaiz, it's difficult for me to see).

Then we have Fasai (Natty) and thank every fucking higher power that we have a woman in the cast. She’s the only one who doesn’t have red in her background (even though there is a hint of it in the bottom left). Her background is blue (I’ll dive deeper into this below). It looks like water with trees reflecting on its surface, but it could also be a crumbling background that reveals the blue.

Den (Job) is most likely the neurologist based on the brain scans on the background in his poster. So, he and Tyme are coworkers but probably friends as well. I don’t know why, but wouldn’t it be wild if Den has a situationship with Korn? I wouldn’t mind this even if Korn is the bad guy. Den can use that time to infiltrate Korn’s whole life and get inside info. (Give it to me!)

And last, but definitely not least, we have Dome (Mio) who has a blank background. He might be a mystery person operating under the radar without showing his true alliance until the end. He might be the person Great runs over in the teaser and suffers memory loss. Or, he might be Great’s younger brother (just because I want him to be) and the blank background is just there to mess with my head. Either way, I’m keeping my eyes on him.

Another interesting thing about the posters is that they all wear dark or light or a mix of both. Tyme, Den, and Tonkla wear dark shirts, Korn and Title wear dark jackets and white shirts, Fasai and Dome wear white, while Great and Win are the only ones who wear something light mingled with dark.

In Great’s case, he has a dark shirt, but his jacket is in a light color with dark stripes, while Win wears lighter colors but the outer garment is interwoven with darker threads, which pulls it a little towards the gray side.

What’s my conclusion about this? That Great and Win might be brothers and that they will butt heads from time to time. (If I can’t get Bible and Mio playing brothers, Great and Win might be my second-best choice.)

Colors (and Symbolism)

There’s no way I would write about my theories without including my thoughts on the colors, so here we are.

I’ve already written about the black and white clothes in the promotional posters. But black and white show up in the trailer as well, where Great is often in lighter colors while Tyme is in darker colors. I’m sure this means we’ll see Great and Tyme contrast each other personality-wise (perhaps on a moral level as well).

(Others are more well-versed than I am in the whole black/white, seme/uke connection, so I won’t go into that.)

I’ve previously mentioned that water might have some significance in the show.

Water is often connected to the color blue, emotions, cleansing, a natural rhythm, reflection, etc.

There are both positive and negative symbolism connected to practically everything, including water and the color blue. Blue can symbolize serenity (tranquil water) and the unknown (the deep blue sea). Water can also be a source of truth (its reflective surface) and uncontrollable emotions (stormy seas).

I got the feeling that the water connects Great and Tyme. Every time water is shown in the trailer, they are either together, seem to talk to each other, or Tyme calls out for Great.

It might also be that Great (and potentially Tyme) is connected to our mystery lady, Fasai, considering her blue background in her poster. And if I’m to guess, I believe she might be the one with a condition similar to Great's. That’s solely based on the blue in her poster and the woman in that red room with the clock (I’ll come back to this in a moment).

Something is going on beneath the surface, that’s for sure, and I have a feeling the story will get emotional.

I previously mentioned that red also seems to have some significance.

There are the numbers on the elevator, the red car, the red light, a red umbrella blowing in the wind, and even a red room (which I’ll get back to in a moment).

Red is often connected to fire, strength, and passion, but it’s also connected to anxiety.

Red often shows up around Great, especially in the form of light.

It also shows up in this red room where the numbers say 04:00 and (what I believe to be) Fasai sitting on a bed with images of brain scans shining down on her (which includes a light that looks blue, btw).

If that is her, I believe she might be locked up in that room because of her ability to see what happens in the future. For that reason, I believe she has some connection with Korn. She might be his sister. And she might be locked up for trying to stop Korn from doing something bad, or because she didn't want him to use her ability for his own purposes.

But, back to the red…

It’s interesting that red shows up together with clocks more than once, but I believe it’s because Great is anxious about his ability to see 4 minutes into the future. Time has become a source of anxiety for him, whereby the red shows up in connection to time (at least in the trailer).

I also have a theory that the red light might indicate that Great is in a kind of dream world (or entering said world). We see him wake up from a dream in the trailer, and there’s no longer any red in sight, which is in contrast to the image above.

Besides the blue and red, there’s also a lot of yellow in the trailer (especially in all the intimate scenes, no matter which characters are involved), and some green (especially in the countryside scenes with Great and Tyme). (I might, or most likely will, write about these colors in a separate post when the show is airing.)

Even though I don’t have any major theories about these colors right now, I do want to mention them because that means we have the primaries (yellow, red, and blue) as well as green. That also means that we might not only get the contrast between dark and light but also the contrast in temperature. The cold (blue and green) against the warm (yellow and red). Color me intrigued.

Let’s move on to some other theories I have.

Tattoos

I’ve previously mentioned the rune tattoos, which someone in the comments to that post made me aware of are Bible’s real tattoos (and I reacted to that here in a comment that was sent to me about this as well). But I still want to keep those theories a little longer (until they show me the tattoos have nothing to do with the show) because they were displayed so prominently. So, let me be a bit delulu for a while longer until they tell me I’m wrong (and learning from my time with DFF, and still being in the clown car believing Non is alive, you can count on me being delulu about the tattoos even after I’ve been told they have no significance).

Adding to what I wrote in that post, my theory is that the tattoos have something to do with the story. Perhaps they’re connected to Great’s power, perhaps they’re connecting him to another character (maybe Fasai or a possible brother), perhaps they only show up when he’s ahead of time before he’s thrown back again (I know, delulu as fuck, but I choose to be delulu about this).

Great’s Powers

Since my theory is that Korn is the bad guy (who holds Fasai locked up in that red room), he might find out about Great's abilities to see the future, which leads to Great also becoming Korn’s target just like Fasai.

Or, perhaps Great will help Fasai escape that room after finding out about their similar abilities and ends up becoming Korn’s target for that reason.

I think that Great’s powers also have something to do with him seeing the clock get stuck at 11:01.

Something clearly happens at that time (or, at least, it has some significance). My theory is that Great hit the person with his car at 11:01 (or they died at 11:01) and that’s why he sees clocks stopping at that time.

It could also be that his visions start at 11:01. So he might see 4 minutes ahead of time twice every day (because I don’t think they’re using a 24-hour clock).

Someone Will Die/Fake Their Death

Since this is a Sammon story, I’m sure someone will die/fake their death.

There was blood in the trailer (which may or may not have been fatal), a body bag (at least that's what I think it is), and an actual body lying there lifeless (the person Great hit with his car).

And let’s not forget that there are guns involved since we saw Tyme pointing one at a place/someone in front of him.

There’s a high likelihood that the person Great hit with his car dies (Great might try to cover this up, which might trigger his ability to see into the future). But it can also be that they need to fake Great’s death so that Korn believes he’s gone.

Sammon has killed characters before (both to kill them off and to fake their deaths), sometimes over and over again, and she’s done so in different ways. So, perhaps this time she’ll go Pit Babe-style and try out a medically induced death to trick everyone. Since Tyme is some type of doctor, he can probably make it happen (if it is medically possible, of course).

Summary

Those are the theories I have so far. So, let’s recap (I’m adding this summary of all my theories to make it easier for myself to find everything when the show airs):

The moments Great sees ahead of time are moments that might help him redeem himself from a past mistake/transgression.

The car accident is the trigger for Great’s visions.

Korn is the bad guy.

Title is involved with Korn (might be brothers or boss/minion).

Tonkla has a target on his back.

Win is battling some contrasting, opposing forces (internal and/or external).

Den is a neurologist and friends with Tyme.

Den has a situationship with Korn. (Please make this happen! lol)

Dome is a mystery person operating under the radar without showing his true alliance until the end.

Great and Win are brothers who will butt heads from time to time.

Fasai is the other character with a condition similar to Great’s.

Fasai is locked up and has a connection with Korn (who locked her up).

Great sometimes enter a kind of dream world.

Great’s (Bible’s) tattoos have something to do with the story. (Because I refuse to believe otherwise! lol)

Great becomes Korn’s target because he can see ahead of time.

Great hit the person with his car at 11:01 (or they died at 11:01) and that’s why he sees clocks stopping at that time.

11:01 is when Great can see 4 minutes into the future.

Someone will die/fake their death.

Well, if that isn’t delulu, I don’t know what is. Now, give me the show so I can see how wrong I am!

(Is it the 26th yet?)

[the-fluff-piece]

"I just want some f**ing wine"

Sanji x fem!reader modern day AU

for the stressed millenial who just wants to be pampered and loved unconditionally

-> find part 2 here

-> and part 3 here

Check out my other stuff:

My Masterlist - Short and Multichapter stories

Headcanon Masterlist

A warm thanks to @zoros-sheath ,who showed me that AU stories can be hot and fun. Check out her stories!

You have a typical bad date at a good restaurant - which gets crashed (or saved) by the handsome chef that has a thing for you.

This is with a fem!reader in mind. Who is very exhausted and unnerved.

involves fun things like swearing, smoking and alcohol. But no smut. We are not having so much fun 🤨

For additional flavour, check the corresponding moodboard

Your evening was horrible, it even beat your day of totally unnecessary meetings. Sitting opposite Thomas, your blind date for the evening, was a test for your mental health. He went on and about his ex-girlfriend, who, as he told you, was absolutely crazy, stupid, hysterical and he was so over her after almost a year. Yeah buddy, tell yourself that.

And that after he had been so extremely nice on the dating app where you met him. Shame. He was actually good looking and had a stable job, he was funny and smart. And still hung up on his ex for some reason. By now, you knew everything about her. You sipped at your wine, bored out of your mind by the next story about how horrible she was on their last vacation together. At least the wine and food were excellent. Thomas picked the location. Bet he was here with his ex, too. You see a waiter running around and wave with your glass to indicate that you need a refill. He swiftly came by and asked: “The pinot grigio again?”. You just nodded, that wine was tasty. “Or might I recommend the wine our chef has picked to be paired with the main course?”

“No thank you, I'll have more of the pinot.” you insisted. Better stay with what you know.

The waiter, however, came back with another glass as you listened to Thomas now talking bad about other dates he had found on the app. Oh boy, do you think I now feel better than the others? Knowing how you talk about women you dated? You think, only noticing in the last moment that the wine you were brought was red instead of white. “Excuse me”, you call the waiter back. “This isn’t the pinot?”

“Chef’s recommendation, he said it’s on the house”, the waiter informs you with an apologetic smile.

Free booze! “Tell him my thanks”, you say as politely as possible. This evening just got better.

“You know, you shouldn’t drink so much”, Thomas commented on your second glass of wine with a well intended, but ultimately unnerving wink. Yeah, just destroy my happiness, you think as you already feel a bit guilty. You knew you shouldn’t indulge. Just like you should work out regularly, stop smoking and eat more veggies than instant ramen. Since this was your first date in ages with no other currently in sight, you set the glass down and ate something of the incredibly tasty pasta you were served. The sauce was just the right consistency and tasted of fresh herbs, tomatoes and childhood summer evenings. So delicious you actually had to sigh. And it went so perfectly with the wine. Another sip.

“Y/n, what do you think?” Thomas asked, it was all of his monologue you could hear.

“What?”

“I asked what do you think about the elections?” he repeated his question, talking very loud and clearly.

Fuck, politics. It would be wise to know about that before this got serious, but you where exhausted. “Uhm” you eloquently started, “I think elections are important for democracy.”

Thomas turned into the blank face emoji. It looked funny enough. Needing a pick-you-up, you excused yourself and pretended to go to the bathroom. Instead you headed to the small garden of the restaurant to have a secret smoke. The cold wind was refreshing and you took out your zippo. Looking at the childish motif you had to smile– a cute comic reindeer eating ice cream. It was it a moose? Tanuki? Never mind.

Zip, zip

only a few sparks, no flame.

Ok, trusty zippo, don’t leave me hanging.

Zip, zip,zip...nothing.

“Fuck”

The clicking of your futile attempts goes on and on – until finally, the sound of an igniting flame. You shield your cigarette from the wind when you realize it wasn’t yours that actually worked. A flame is held against the tip of your cigarette, you breathe in, igniting it and inhaling the first draft of sweet smoke.

“Oh thank yooouuuuu” you started your sentence well but screwed up at the end, sounding like a screeching car instead of a human. Unprepared to stare into the clearest and most fascinating blue eyes you have ever seen, your cigarette almost fell out of your gaping mouth. The eyes were embedded in a perfect, male face. He was tall, blonde, with a perfectly groomed goatee and creamy-white skin. His blonde hair was expertly styled and fell over one of his eyes. You noticed that the eyebrow that was not covered with a golden lock was bent into an elegant curl. His perfect mouth gave you a warm smile as he said: “You’re welcome, my lady.” He took a draw from his own cigarette. It looked like in ads. If you wouldn’t have been smoking since you were 14, that would have been the time to start.

Unable to resist you looked him up and down. Tall, slender, long legs. He was wearing a fine taylored suit, complete with a west and tie, an ensemble that accentuated his narrow waist and broad shoulders. Trying to act like a normal person you pried your gaze away and politely ignored him. Besides, it was ridiculous to drool over a guy of that calibre. While on a date with another. You tried to stay realistic, your blonde gentleman surely already had a girlfriend. Or two. Probably just as pretty.

Watching your last puff of smoke curl in the night sky, you decided to get back and give this date your sincerest efforts, like a real adult would. You turned to throw the gleaming bud in the trash.

“Whoa” the blonde model man stood far too near to you. When did he move closer? Unable to stop the momentum of your turn, you bumped into his chest.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there” you blurted out and smiled out of pure embarrassment.

“No worries” he said confidently. “OH MY GOSH YOU’RE SO CUTE” he squeaked, a total contrast to his previous demeanor, staring at your face, visibly blushing.

“Uhm, thank you…?” you said with a clear question mark at the end of your sentence.

“I hope you like the wine I picked for you, my lady” he continued like nothing happened, still smoking.

“Uhm what?” you asked.

“The red wine. Goes with the pasta. A perfect combination. From the look on your face, you enjoyed it” he explained matter of factly, looking all cool and business again. “After my shift, we can drink some more together.”

Was he hitting on you? He must have seen that you were with someone.

“I am actually on a date…” you voice trailed off.

“That’s a date? Looks like a piece of work” he says and chuckles. “I can show you a really good time. I'm Sanji, what's your name?” he said with a bow, clearly courting you now. And getting a bit creepy.

“You know, I gotta go now” you excused yourself and quickly returned inside.

“Wait till you taste my dessert!” he shouted behind you.

What a strange guy, looking like an actor while acting like a total creep. You didn’t get it, a handsome man like that wouldn’t need to be so pushy. A bit of charm and every woman in sight would eat out of his hand. You sat down at the table again, Thomas was scrolling on his phone, barely acknowledging your presence. He wasn’t much but at least you knew what kind of man he was: after a bad breakup he got a little bitter, and judgy. But other than that, he was better than most. Wasn’t that the best you could hope for? Everyone told you that your standards were too high.

Just as your thoughts took a gloomy turn, the waiter sat down a beautifully decorated plate in front of you with a crème brulée and strawberry sauce.

Thomas looked up from his phone to inform the waiter that they didn’t order that. The waiter looked uncomfortable as he answered: “A gift from the kitchen. On the house. For the lady.”

Perplexed, you twisted and turned in your chair until you caught a glimpse of the kitchen entrance, and, unsurprisingly, there stood a tall, handsome man, now with an apron over his fine suit, and winked lewdly at you.

You already drank the wine. Free dessert couldn’t hurt. Besides, shifts in the kitchen ended really late, you would be gone until he was free. You dug in. The crust on the sweet treat was crispy caramel with a vanilla cream underneath. You couldn’t help it, a pronounced “mhmm” escaped your mouth as you savoured every bite. It felt like the most comforting thing in the world, it tasted like coming home after a long day. To a real, cozy home. A feeling you were barely able to enjoy anymore, being too stressed and exhausted to even properly relax. This was your treat after a long week and you ate with your eyes closed.

“You like it?” you heard Sanji's voice in your ear, much to close. Startled, you wanted to jump up but instead just pushed the chair back, falling backwards. The chef caught you casually with one hand and sat the chair back in the floor.

“You’re so beautiful when you enjoy something” he praised you with a husky, soft voice. The dreamy expression on his face was almost too much.

“Excuse me, who are you? Can you believe this guy...?" Thomas spat the words out angrily, looking at the scene with disbelief.

"I cannot believe you can be sitting in front of the cutest Lady in the world and you stare at your phone? Your loss” you heard Sanji say in a taunting voice, suddenly sounding like a street thug.

"I want to talk to the manager" Thomas demanded, standing up.

"Let's everyone just calm down, because there is no problem and nothing" You tried to save the evening while the two men attacked each other with hostile glares. "Thank you for the dessert, it was delicious" you say to Sanji, whose eyes have turned into hearts the moment you adressed him. And turning to Thomas you say "let's just get the cheque and call it a night. It was a nice date, let's do that again some time!" You may not have sounded entirely convincing, but it was enought that both of them backed off, muttering curses.

While splitting the cheque and getting ready ti go, you heard loud noises coming from the kitchen - and lots of cursing.

Sanji

Zeff beat him up really good that night, stupid waiter snitched on him hitting on guests yet again. The restaurant couldn't take one more bad review about him.

But he just couldn't help himself. Watching her face light up as she ate his food was unresistable to him, having a quiet smoke together and watching her suck on the cigarette, blowing out the steam from her perfect lips...he couln't resist.

As Jeff kicked his ass out of the restaurant, ending Sanji's shift early, he decided to call it a day and get home. His feet hurt from standing in the kitchen all day and he was tired from the long hours he worked. Lighting a cigarette, he decided to walk the rest of the way home, he could use a little exercise.

The night air was fresh and the streets empty and quiet. He often walked home alone after work. The loneliness was both soothing after a stressful day, but it also made him painfully aware that no one was beside him, no hand he could hold, no one that would need his jacket to keep warm.

He imagined the girl from the restaurant walking beside him. She looked tired, unnerved when she came in. Nothing special. But when she got the chance to relax, her whole being seemed to change. She enjoyed life's pleasures intensely, fully. And to his eyes, she became a princess. He imagined her with him, grumpy and tired - until Sanji gave her his jacket, put his arm around her and kissed her hair. His head spun a fantasy of her beautiful smile that was just for him - causing him smile in reality. Alone. He swore that if he ever found her again, he would do anything to make her enjoy herself again.

His little fantasy improved his mood and he hummed french chansons all the way back home. His apartment building was old, but charming. It was usually pretty quiet and empty when he left around noon, and dark and deserted when he got back in the middle of the night. He hardly ever met the other inhabitants. That night, one of the flats still had some light in it. He looked up - his cigarette escaped his mouth and fell on the cobblestone of the street.

It was her, no mistake. She leaned out of a window and had one last smoke before bed, he figured. He watched, mesmerized, as her little mouth puffed out tiny clouds.

She lived just next to him, all this time. Fate has brought her to his restaurant tonight, it was meant to be! He stared a few more minutes until she was finished and retreated back inside, switching of the lights.

A tiny flame illuminated Sanji's face as he lit another cigarette. "I'll win your heart, my princess. Just you wait."

Now that you've read the whole thing, let me know in the comments if you liked this slow burn! 👇

I am planning more parts where Sanji tries to win your heart and you get to know him better as a person, there will be hot moments and endearing situations. Please let me know what you would love to read! I srly absolutely need your people's written feedback on this because it's a niche and I am no good writing into the void. Dm, comment, reblog kath cryptic tags....anything.

[cakerybakery]

I want to finish writing the devil’s bride. I have some rewrite ideas, points I want to go back and make stronger. Part of me wants to print the whole thing out and get out the sticky notes so I can go. “Oh I can adjust here.” And “the scene I’m thinking of would go well here.”

There are time skips so I feel like I’m missing some emotional connections being made. But I also can’t add scenes directly to the time skips. One part because of the humour involved, the skips have to be brief and can’t languish on emotional connection scenes. The other that the scenes provide plot points and for the passage of time necessary to drive the story forward.

Originally I wrote chapter two directly as the morning after. It’s a deleted scene now but I’ve cannibalized parts already. I’m hoping to work in this scene.

-

When Adam sat up he saw Lucifer bent over some papers, a small pair of glasses resting on is nose.

Had he always needed glasses or did even angels get old?

When Lucifer noticed Adam was awake he put down his pen, stretched, and pushed his chair back from the desk. He rested his head in one hand, smiled at Adam, and crossed his legs.

Adam’s heart jumped. He stared at the Lucifer’s sleeves, rolled up his forearms, the jacket draped from the back of his chair. He was reminded of last night, watching Lucifer undress and realizing he was about to get fucked. Realizing he might actually want to get fucked.

-

I like the imagery of it.

I also like this bit of Adam’s inner monologue

-

‘I miss being stabbed to death. Life was so much easier back then. I died. The end. Good times.’

-

There’s also a bit of Lucifer making modifications to their space. Due to Adam being traumatized by heaven in the first chapter he doesn’t exactly become clingy towards Lucifer but doesn’t feel safe outside of Lucifer’s private rooms. Which is very inconvenient over the passage of time.

It’s not good for Adam’s mental health to confine himself to a bedroom with a bathroom. Nor is it convenient for Lucifer’s life. He likes it when Charlie visits, and he’s not going to just have her visit in his bedroom.

Plus Adam needs to talk to someone other than Lucifer or they’ll both go nuts. Adam can trust that Charlie and Vaggie aren’t working for heaven.

So I think I’ll alter a line in chapter three I didn’t like as much to include how Lucifer will need to make some changes, since it’ll work there.

I’ve reread this story so many times I’m getting a little sick of it. Thus the break yesterday and writing The Best Mom (on AO3, same username). I got to use a bunch of story elements I’ve proposed before.

Adam knowing how to do braids because he had to make his own twine and ropes. Having lots of kids, daughters, so of course he’d done braids before. Being a parental figure to the exterminators without meaning to. Not really being a great dad, at least in his own mind. And I like the idea that a lot of Adam’s hang ups and attitude stem from being The First Man and heaven’s expectations of him as The Man.

It’s something I’d like to explore more in the Devil’s Bride as well. How much of his misogyny is due to his perception of his masculinity. The Best Mom I had to keep short, well, short for me it seems. But I wish I could have explored it more there. I know I already have elements to it in The Devil’s Bride I just want to do more with it.

[thesamoanqueen]

Blackwater XI

Raiting: 18+

Warnings: smut, threats to an innocent special counsel, someone snapped again, Roman is Roman and I could go on.

A/N: quoting a poor samoan twin “its a mess”

For some strange reason she still hadn't figured out, her she-wolf had stopped talking over a month ago, but as soon as the trial story came out Y/N had started hearing her again and neither the morning's run nor suppressors had shushed her.

We need him. He's our mate.

- It's clear, shut up now - she sighed exasperated, as if that were enough.

The trial had caught her unprepared and she hated it, because nine times out of ten nothing good happened if she wasn't in control. She thought she found security, stability and everything had shaken in just half a day. She hadn't liked finding out that Roman was hiding something, much less getting involved in matters she knew nothing about. She had always looked after herself in those years, always ten steps ahead of anyone, she had always known what to do to avoid ending up with her back in a corner and on that occasion Roman had done it for her. He'd been wrong to cut her off, but he'd also protected what they had and she couldn't be mad about that.

The mere idea that something similar could happen again had put her on defensive, Y/N however was tired of trying and mostly, what she had said to him also applied to herself. There were questions she wanted to ask, answers she wanted to know. They had to keep the bond together though and if he shielded her, she might as well turn a blind eye to the rest, trust him when he said not to worry. And she honestly wanted to do it, now more than ever so as not to lose what she seemed to get back after a lifetime of running away and avoiding everything.

Mate! Mate!

Without even realizing it, she had ended up in the home office and just seeing him made her shoulders sag with a sigh. A month and a half ago she would have wanted nothing more than to run to the other side of the world to stay as far away from him as possible and now instead she was looking for him for comfort. It took only a few seconds and Y/N saw him turn, his gaze softening, as she approached.

- How was your run? – he asked, leaving a folder on his desk and Y/N softly clicked her tongue.

She loved running, it made her feel complete, relaxed and since their bond had taken a good turn, Y/N took advantage of every inch of his reserve to let off her energy. That morning though, running hadn't helped either, as had everything else, but there was no need to talk about it with him after the way he'd refused to say anything the night before.

- I went all the way to the warehouse, I thought you'd showed up at some point

- I had some business to take care of before work– he confessed and Y/N found herself staring confused at the folder he was handing her.

She had said she wanted to help him, that she was ready to do anything, but she didn't expect much after that scene. And she certainly wasn't expecting what was inside the folder, when she finally brought herself to open it and look. There were heading pages with the Bloodline and state logo, dozens of names she didn't know, articles she'd have to look up to figure out exactly what they were legally referring to, Roman's signature under every single page.

-It's a property deed – she finally acknowledged, while Roman pulled her onto his lap, stroking her back and legs with full palms and a serious look.

- An impromptu businessman wanted to build a wellness center there, I think, after winning the property during an auction. He sold it to me anyway - he said, and Y/N stopped short, looking in disbelief from the plan on one of the pages to Roman.

Mate takes care of us. Our mate.

She knew that floor plan. It had been years, but she had spent so much time inside it in her memories, that she couldn't believe it was physically in her hands. It couldn't be true, he had…

- I don't want you to go there, you heard me? Your place now its here, this is your home and you’ll stay here with me. But… maybe one day, if you want, we could renovate it and go see the house together.

Speechless, she traced the walls perimeter with her eyes, remembering exactly every window and door, the crooked steps that led to the garden, the back hillside that went down to the strip drawn on the paper where she used to play. Roman had really done it. He had found and bought her old house. She didn't know how or when, but Roman had done it for her and Y/N physically clung to him with every fiber of her body.

Mine. Mate-

Her wolf's voice disappeared when his hands pulled her better on top of him, holding her hips, squeezing her ass, while she crashed her mouth on him trying to take as much as she could, abandoning the folder who knows where in what didn't even begin as a chaste kiss. She heard him growl hoarsely, as he had every morning for over a month and she rocked on top of him, rubbing against his firm chest without holding back, warmth building rapidly like their awakenings. She moaned into his mouth, sucking Roman’s taste, tracing his bottom lip with her tongue, nails scratching the back of his neck guiding him toward her even though there was no need to.

- I own you one… thank you - she murmured softly, noses touching and watched his smile bend into a dangerous grin, eyes darkest than before.

- I've a perfect reward in mind - he laughed low, hands running down her thighs, to lift her and place her on the desk, moving away without the slightest care whatever was on top.

- Take it, its yours…

The grin on his face seemed to widen again, dangerous and so did her legs as Roman plunged his head into her neck, biting and marking her sensitive skin, his huge body wedged into hers. She had never wanted to hold, claim, fuck and feel anyone so badly before him and it was an emotion that amazed and frightened her every time, but it was just a shiver from the past, a thought in her mind for how hard life had been with her that faded as Y/N hands felt his body against her skin, the tension in his muscles, the raw growl of his voice in her ears. She moved her hips, following the thrusts of his pelvis, encouraging that almost unnatural sound that arose from Roman chest as he heard her gasp and threw her head back. One of his big hands pushed her down, while the other fumbled with his pants and Y/N admired him with watery eyes, chest that seemed about to burst, her belly contracted as she saw his free manhood. She curled her legs behind his perfect ass, but Roman pulled them up over his shoulders, pinning her down and with her breath already ragged before they started, Y/N gripped his arm, kissing along Roman’s jaw, beard, until she found his mouth again.

- F-Fuck ahn! – she breathed already broken, feeling him force his way into her and Roman resting his forehead letting out a moan even more menacing, when she kissed his face with not a single regret.

***

Standing in back parking of the shop he made a face seeing his brother throw the door open, looking furious, fists clenched around nothing. He would have recognized that face anywhere, because it was hard to really piss Jimmy off, but this one, he putted that on only for one person since they were four and none of them had been four in a while but the face was there.

- He called you too? - he asked even if there was no need and in his eyes, his own dark eyes, Jey saw a shadow that made him bite his tongue.

The right arm is not the left.

It had become a habit in the family to distinguish them for the wrong reasons.

- He sent a message. “Please don't fail again” Fail again? I'm tired of this story Uce, we lost for a mess that he started and now he treats us like this?!

- We got screwed. We have to do it and fix it - he reminded them both and Jimmy said no almost to the point of wringing his neck.

- Hell no! He put us in this story, he has it inside his freakin head and every time we have to go ahead for everyone. We haven't even unpacked our bags and he makes the wiseman look for us like two hoes? We are not at his disposal, we are a family! It must be mutual! And here the only ones to sacrifice everything are us instead! He's been avoiding us for months! - he spat out, not even bothering to lower his voice and Jey crashed his hand against the door, trying to do what he could even knowing they were among friends there.

How they got to that point he didn't know. A few months before everything was fine, everything was normal, in that normality they had established for years and the second after something in their mechanism broke. And more days went by, worse the situation got for everyone, bringing to light bad moods and old fights that at any other time they would have put aside. He wasn't good with these stuff, he wasn't good at looking for answers, but he cared about his family more than anything else. And now his family was a mess.

- And what else you wanna do? What we should do?! - he said, hands pressed to his head, physically trying to stop the pain he felt growing.

- I want answers, he has to say it to ma face. That's how families work!

Jimmy was right. A family had to be a safe place with people who accept you and support you, who don't slam the door in your face if you make a mistake or fail. People willing to push you when you can't do it alone, willing to do anything for you. A pack supporting each other to survive together. They had raised all of them like this, like brothers, and that was how Jey wanted to go-on, but to do so they had to remind it to Uce and that was easier said than done now that things were going wrong.

- Are you coming with me there or not? - Jimmy called him back and only at that moment Jey realized that he still had his hand on the door and was blocking him.

- It's not a good idea to go there – he replied immediately, mind running at full speed.

- We have no beef with her, brother. She’s family, ain’t like him.

They would have put her in the way as soon as they stepped out of the car, meeting her or not. He would have taken it badly, he would have seen it as a threat, like that morning they went to look for him after the trial. Jey knew what was going through his head, he knew him.

- If you don't come, I'll go by myself - he heard Jimmy suddenly announce and his shoulders sagged instantly, while his hand slipped away from the door.

***

All his life he had tried only to have his worth proved, to make his family proud and to show everyone who had called him a dog wrong they were. He wasn't proud of the choices he'd made a few times, but they'd gotten him where he was now, guaranteed that role and secured it. They had been sacrifices that he had had to make and that he had chosen to do, sacrifices that few others would have guts to bear. It had taken years to get something back, but now he had everything and was ready to do the impossible to keep it.

He had screwed up when he could. He had learned from those mistakes and when the time came, he had stopped making mistakes. The hard work had paid off, allowed him to be ten steps ahead of everyone, take his pack with him to the top, secure everything for his family. And a hitch, transformed into an error and then into incapacity, was enough to put everything at risk.

The notification reached him as always, louder than it should have been inside the suv he'd been in and out of for most of his day, but Roman ignored it as he had done for months now.

For every attempt, he had given an opportunity back, and with every opportunity they had failed. Anyone else in their place would have ended up badly, but they were his family despite everything and he had been generous. So generous that he didn't act even after the trial, his trial, even after he found out they were talking to the elders, when he should have been the only one doing it. They had questioned his authority, had weakened his position within and outside the family, and now he had to bear even the disrespects of packs of idiots who believed they could wrest control out of his hands as they had with his cousins.

In another moment he would have found it almost funny, but not in this one. Not when he had other, more important things in his mind, when he had kept Y/N from going down the wrong path almost for miracle. The thought of her prompted him to take his phone, leaving a message to warn her of tonight's plans, and dial another number.

Roman had managed to convince her not to think about that story, but he knew that it would not last long with that little head she had and he had no intention of seeing the trust gained burn again as it had almost happened the day before. He needed her to understand how things really were, he needed her to know she was on the right side. With Y/N and his status, he had too much to lose now.

He heard the line drop and let out an impatient growl. When he shifted his attention from the phone to the driving mirror, Solo was staring at him, his face impassive as always, body motionless in the front seat of the big suv.

- Call the wiseman, we have to pass by a place before going back home.

He could have cut the air with a knife and he didn’t like it.

***

She had risked spending the whole day with that plan in her hands, looking and relooking all those pages and that old house miles away from her as the best Christmas present for a little girl, but she had calmed down at a certain point. She'd spent the rest of the time with the album that Roman had placed on the desk where they'd had sex and that she'd carried around instead of the plan until he wrote he was coming back and Y/N had to get ready for another date.

Those dates had become as habitual as their sex before breakfast — often even during and after it — and honestly, Y/N loved those moments because no matter what they were doing, they had a value to her. Like a special routine she'd never had before with no one else.

The noise of some voices outside distracted her enough to interrupt the flow of her thoughts while waiting for Roman to finish getting ready, but when it was joined by the crash of something banging her senses fully snapped, sending her across the living-room without waiting any longer. She had learned over the years in unpleasant ways, when it was appropriate to take an opposite direction and when not, but Roman kept saying that this was her home now and Y/N more, recognized those voices. When she stepped out into the garden, they were both already getting back into the car, but Y/N would have recognized that mullet anywhere by now. Watching the suv almost uproot a bush and leave a visible mark on the lawn, she approached Paul, who stood there with a more tense expression than usual.

- Why didn't the twins come in? - she asked, sensing a trail of their bad mood that vanished before she could even finish speaking, along with their car.

She hadn't seen or spoken to them in over a month. She had overheard a few hurried messages saying they wanted a call back, but Roman had never done so in front of her and even though Paul was always holding the damn red phone in his hand, she hadn't been able to hear them even from there. Seeing them, even if in a rush, brought back something else Naomi had said days before and maybe she still remembered what had happened, but that run didn’t smell well for her.

- They were busy. The Bloodline territory must be monitored continuously to maintain the position that our Tribal Chief has conquered with his sacrifices. It takes perseverance and a continuous effort to stay on top – Paul explained, after a second too long by his standards, absently running his hand over the suit as if he wanted to fix it.

Y/N's gaze followed his fingers straightening the pocket handkerchief, phone clutched in one palm with the screen off, the lines between his eyebrows more evident than usual, his mouth forming that condescending expression he addressed to who he was forced to have to explain something.

Paul was an extraordinarily good puppet master. He was able to convince and manipulate anyone, adapting and making the best of every situation, it was part of his nature as a beta and a unique talent, which Y/N acknowledge in him. But she didn't like that he hadn’t stopped a single day trying to play that game with her as well, to put her in a plan that Y/N didn't want to take a part too.

- They're not two guard dogs - she replied stiffly, watching him feign concern as if her insinuation was too much even for him to listen since he was part of the family.

- I would never dare! I've seen them grow up, no one is like them. Never seen such talents, they are two direct descendants of the wild samoan wolves and its a priority for them to prove the value of the blood that ru-

- They've been away for a whole month, there’s nothing to prove. They should be with their families – she shushed him again, leaving him with his hands hanging in the air and his face twisted.

Wild samoans wolves, legacy, position, blood, Y/N knew by now that traditions were fundamental to them and that they had made them what they were now, but that kind of approach didn’t work if value and rights of her family members were in questions.

Yes, it was her family that was being talked about now.

And she wouldn't have been standing there listening, especially if those turns of phrase came from someone who had been helping Roman for years to eradicate from people's minds the idea that they were savages just because they shifted as easily as they dressed, negotiating for him, traveling with them and sitting at the same table.

- Certainly, without a doubt. But I'm sure you'll understand that supporting the Tribal Chief in this mission is an honor and a great responsibility... no one should know it more than you. We all have different roles, me, you, Solo, the twins, but the goal is to always support him for the sake of the plan of relevancy he has for everyone and without that plan things could get, unpleasant. - he tried again, in what perhaps to many would have seemed a more polite approach, but she was not many and maybe it was the right time to show him how things were.

- Paul, do you know how to shift? – she asked calmly, staring at him and for a second Heyman looked at her in disbelief, the suspicion that she didn't understand clearly written on his pale plump face.

And Y/N was sure he wanted nothing more in the world right now than to verbally demolish her like he would have done with anyone else, but his extraordinary toxic tongue was out of the picture with her, they both knew it. There was only one other way left to clear things between them and omega or not, she had no problem choosing it.

He fluttered her eyelashes theatrically, waiting for his answer like one of those beautiful women he wa able to have by his side in all parts of the country, seeing him physically swallow whatever he wanted to say, his expression exasperated.

- No, but the human approach was still more suited to my abilities, even if I personally find that certain methods are sometimes more effective than others in the right situations - oh, they had something in common in the end, they agreed on that.

- Then I'll make it effective. Try playing me stupid again and your gorgeous ties will be a memory for your neck – she warned him in a low growl, taking a step towards and wedging him against one of the palm trees along the driveway side.

His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, eyes staring at her and than to the hand Y/N had put over him, a strangled sound, panic making his face even whiter as her nails stretched out the expensive fabric of his suit. She clearly felt the fear emanating, sweat rising, heart racing, yet up to a minute ago he'd been standing there talking about wild wolves, legacy, bloodlines.

Mate.

She didn't even remember how many supposed men in her life had tried to manipulate, screw and fuck her, she had lost count. But she knew exactly how many had succeeded: zero. And if he really was the brilliant mind that he seemed, he had better choose well what to do and who to play if she was around or that job as special counsel would be the last of his career.

- Y/N! – she suddenly heard Roman calling from home, loudly, probably not finding her and she moved away from Paul.

- Im here.

She looked him over in silence one last time, before turning to see Roman walking out, his eyes searching her relentlessly as always before locating both, her and Paul. When she reached him his hand slid fast on her hip, pulling her against him, possessively sinking her fingers into her clothes and Y/N softened against him, slowly scratching his arm with her nails in that gesture she had learned for a while to reassure him.

- You’re okay? – he asked softly, leaving a kiss on her temple and Y/N nodded.

- Yes, its okay.

Tag squad: @sunnyfleur23 @racerchix21 @alyyaanna @angelreigns444 @romanreignsdefencesquad @romanstheory @claymorexpunisher @keybladeofsteel @msbigredmachine @nayys-world @gobbersworld @utika151209 @cumxxslutt @civildawn @romanmydaddy @triscillal @papireigns-05 @helensanders92 @ichdrachenfrau @darqchilddaydreamz @meggylynnloves @unfriendly--blvck--hottie @nicolewoo @reignsx @reigns-central-blog @kianaleani @daguenoire @extra-11 @thedonsfactory @snowpanda18 @brattyfics @mzv11 @romanreignseater @namjoonspinkytoenail @tribalchiefdaily @2baddies2furious @vebner37 @depressedneedingrevenge @cyberdejos2 @thewarlordsworld @jeonmahi1864 @jxtina-86 @harmshake @harlem11680 @joanoai @southerngirl41 @blkbutterfly816 @spritelucozade

[ubtendo]

Could you tell us about your oc you posted? She looks super cool and I wanna know about her

Wait, like actually for real?

I mean sure, might as well (tldr: a bit lengthy background story about how the oc came to be; you can skip that if you want)

So like about 6 or 7 years ago (so like, when I was 13 - 14ish) I actually had a bigger friend group I was hanging around with by the end of my school years and we DID have a plan to play a dnd campaign but we never even played one session and the friend group dispersed soon after we made that plan since we all graduated and switched schools so we never saw each other again (only got contacts with one of the guys anymore so yeah, wah-wah, nobody wants to hear the sob-story but I feel the background is imp to mention)

I don't have any previous drawings of her and only sparse notes flying around, and I was only reminded of her existence by that friend more or less recently, since I told him about my current interest in dnd

(Also here please note, we were children who didn't know dnd, any mechanics or how to play, we were just having fun with our imagination, so if anything doesn't make sense about this character, this is why)

So here ACTUALLY what this characters is about:

Her name was supposed to Silvester and she was a bard wood elf, about 200 years old and actually stupid tall, I'm talking about 7 to almost 8 ft tall (I know that this is a ridiculous hight, don't come for my teen self💀)

The "staff" she is carrying and using is what we call a "Teufels Geige", which translated means "Devil's Violin", and I only know about that thing because I saw an old video of when my dad was a teen and he played it (I don't know if there is an official English name for it? From what I know it's primarily used in European countries in folk music and to accompany other instruments but you could just play it on it's own) (The devils head on top is placed there because of its name but I wanted for Silvester to match that energy so she made herself a headpiece out of a cow's horns)

Since I'm not really a singer type or like super witty and funny, I was having trouble with making her character, but one of my old friends said that she doesn't have to be a singing performer but that she could be a poet of sorts. Now, I'm not a poet either, but I could work with that better.

So Silvester here was striving throughout the land watching people and writing down and collecting stories she heard from others or witnessed them herself, to make poems, stories and nursery rhymes out of them.

And well she had hundreds and thousands of these stories and stuff written down, but one she had never finished about a mother and her four children, which would have been a rather sweet rhyme, but in the end she would get way to upset just thinking about what happened.

Not gonna continue here because that part of the backstory got unnecessary dark and morbid because it would involve deaths and I was still a bit edgy with my story writing.

She was chased away by people living in a village near her cottage in the woods, by burning down that small forest she was living in.

After that she still continued to write down stories and poems. But they usually ended up being dark and grotesque now. (Because a lot of nursery rhymes and children short stories we were told about as kids were about injury and death and tragedy, for some reason, don't ask😗🫰) (I would put some examples out the top of my head here but I would have to translate them and then they would sort of lose their charm and meaning)

Annnnnddd I don't remember how she actually met the rest party after that since we never got that far💀

But yeah that's about the gist of it

If I ever play dnd I would really want to reboot her character since I kind of think that she had an interesting concept.

(+ here is also a little warm up drawing of her)

[tsukimefuku]

Human resources, tasukete!

You're concerned and decide to ask your friends about Jujutsu High's HR policies regarding romantic relationships.

Tags: Implied/Past Nanami x OC/f!Reader. Higuruma x OC/f!Reader. Slight jujusanpo vibes. Crack taken (somewhat) seriously. Slice of life vibes. Humor. Angst. Fluff. Gojo, Shoko and Ijichi are at a loss. Reader is terrified of Shoko.

This is part of my "Jujutsu Partners Canon Divergence AU". A sequence of short stories and random drabbles for a Nanami x Reader x Higuruma long fic I might write. To see the ever-growing list of one-shots and short stories, please visit my masterlist :) 

Disclaimer these stories are NOT written and posted in chronological order of events. To see where this story fits in the timeline, please check the masterlist mentioned above.

"So, Hiromi, I have some concerns." You said, sat beside him on a bench, as you both took a break from strolling around Tokyo. You had a bag of sweets to bribe Gojo the following day, and licked mindlessly at your popsicle.

"You always have concerns, my dear." Higuruma answered, sipping on his soda through the straw, glad the cold beverage provided him with some relief in such a hot day. "What is it?"

"I have no idea if we should be publicly involved. I mean, I don't mind keeping it to ourselves, but-" You stopped to ponder for a moment. "Does Jujutsu High even have some kind of policy regarding relationships in the workplace?"

He looked at you and shrugged. "Whichever you decide is fine by me." He took another sip. "They might, given there are some missions involving two or more parties."

"Yeah, but there are those two weird siblings that usually go together on every mission, so I don't know, really." You paused. "Do you think they need to follow labor laws of any sort?"

Higuruma snorted at the sheer absurdity of it, grinning sardonically. "Well, I really don't think so. And if they do, any sensible lawyer would refuse their case. I mean..." He vaguely gestured in the air.

You smiled, a little embarrassed at the stupid question. "Yeah. Probably not. But it is a possibility they have some sort of internal policy about it, so I'll try finding out about it, okay? Because they barely tolerate me, and your sentence is merely suspended, as far as we know."

"Well, if we make our relationship known," he said, pulling you from your waist to press against him. You chuckled, and he planted a small kiss on your lips. "I'll get to kiss you whenever, wherever. I'd like that very much."

***

"Spill it." Shoko said, turning around and looking straight at you, while holding her cup of coffee. You were both seated at the morgue, as you helped her with her reports, having nothing else to do today. She clearly noticed your eyes burning a hole through her back, choked up on words.

"So, if someone hypothetically had a relationship with a co-worker here in Jujutsu High, how should they proceed?"

"What?"

"I mean, paperwork. What should they do?" You explained.

She was silent for a few moments, a little taken aback by your question. "Are you and Nanami-"

You sighed. "Shoko, the question is hypothetical."

She walked towards you, putting her coffee cup over one of the gurneys, and hovered, ominously. You involuntarily made yourself smaller, pinching your shoulders, as you sat on a small bench.

"Well, hypothetically, are you and Nanami together?" She inquired. 

Shoko had seen the glances, smiles and eventual hugs you two had shared in vulnerable moments. On top of that, she was familiar with Nanami ever since high school, and knew for a fact he wasn't the smiley-huggy type of person. The tension between the two of you was palpable to anyone whenever you and him were both in the same vicinity.

"I don't know what you're talking about." You answered, slightly scared.

The ominous energy grew dire. Shoko wanted her tea and she was going to have it one way or the other.

You leaned back, defeated. "No, it's not Nanami."

"Say what now?" Shoko asked, surprised. "Who is it?"

"Can you promise me not to talk to anyone about this, please?" 

"Yeah, yeah, fine." She dismissed your concerns, shaking her hand in the air. "Now who is it? Don't tell me it's Gojo-"

"What the hell, Shoko!? Ugh, no, never." You answered, shivering, and not in a good way. A great friend, but a man child, after all. "It's Higuruma."

"Oh..." She let out, "He's kinda brooding, I can see the appeal. But... I always thought you and Nanami-"

"Me too. I was wrong, clearly." You replied, sharply, feeling a knot bubbling up your throat.

"What do you mean?" She inquired.

"Ask him." You spat out, grabbing her cup of coffee and taking a sip. You grimaced. How does this woman drink this with no sugar or sweetener whatsoever?

Shoko noticed your face twisting, taking the cup back from your hands. "Sugar is for the weak."

"Then, I'm a weakling." You retorted, getting up. "I'll try to find out if there is anything I should or not do about this regarding Human Resources, or whatever the hell you have in place here."

"I mean, if I were you, I'd just keep it to myself." She pointed out, earnestly.

"Well, I thought about it, but I'm worried that saying nothing might be detrimental to me or him, given our... Particularities."

"Hm. Maybe you're right." Shoko answered, as you made your way out of the morgue.

Nanami how tf did you let that happen?! Shoko chastised him, texting as soon as you left the morgue. 

Ieiri, I have no idea what you're referring to. Could you please be more specific?

The woman you so clearly love is dating what's-his-face black suit.

The typing icon appeared and disappeared on Shoko's screen around six times. It disappeared for a minute, and then came back, lasting a long time.

It's for the best. I hope she's happy.

On the other side of the conversation, Nanami was splayed over his sofa, staring at the ceiling, trying to not feel too sorry for himself. His efforts weren't working as well as expected, as he drowned in a mixture of jealousy and longing for you. But at least, like this, he'd surely have no other chance to slip up and hurt you like he did ever again. 

At least, he tried muttering to himself, willing this fantasy into existence.

At... Least. He covered his face with his forearm, sighing deeply, as he picked his book up to resume his reading session. The words on paper were no longer making any sense.

***

Gojo saw you approaching him in the dojo. He had his casual on, white long sleeve shirt and glasses, after training one of the first-years. 

"Hey, Satoru! How are you?" You said, walking towards the sorcerer holding a paper bag. "So, I remember you liked this particular type of kikufuku-"

"Stop right there," Gojo answered, leaned against the wall, tilting his head to the side with his frivolous smile plastered on his face. "I know bribery when I see it."

You sighed. "I mean, do you actually care that this is bribery or not?"

He chuckled, extending his hand and motioning you to proceed. "Of course I don't. Give it to me. What flavor are those?"

"Matcha."

"Oh, yeah. Very nice." Gojo said, satisfied, as he took the paper bag from your hands. "What do you want from me this time? Saving somebody else's life? Just my fantastic company? Tell me!"

You chuckled, sitting on the ground, looking up at him. "Human resources."

"... The what now?" He answered, pushing an entire kikufuku inside his mouth, looking very pleased. "Wow, I need to know where you bought these. Is it a new store?"

"That's unimportant right now." You shut down his rising antics. "If someone has a relationship with a co-worker here at Jujutsu High, do they have to report it?"

Gojo looked at you, surprised, swallowing his sweets. "Hm... Seriously?"

"What?"

"Why would I know the answer to that question? Do I look like I have a secret sorcerer affair or something?"

"... Huh? This isn't about you, Satoru. What the hell." You retorted, incredulous. "I just need to know if there is any paperwork involved."

He simply shrugged, munching away. "Beats me. No idea."

This was useless.

You got up, in frustration, and that was when Gojo actually processed the words you just had said. "Wait, what do you mean 'you need to know' anything about that? Are you-"

"Bye, pretty boy!" You said, leaving the dojo completely empty-handed. What a waste of money on those kikufuku. Gojo seemed happy to receive them, at least.

***

"Ijichi, you're my last hope!" You jumped him, almost yelling, and the man nearly passed out when you left the bushes looking like a maniac. He thought Master Tengen's shields could have been compromised, and he was being lunged at by a curse.

You were walking around the campus relentlessly, like a predator in the middle of a hunt, trying to catch Ijichi before he left, considering most of his days were spent at home office, from what you had gathered.

"Y-yes, Ms.? H-how can I help you?" He asked, shaking briefly like a frail twig, before recomposing himself and adjusting his tie.

"How do I report a romantic relationship to whatever you guys have for human resources? Or I don't have to?" You asked, holding his shoulders, looking intently at the man, while taken by some kind of desperation.

He was, indeed, your last hope, before you had to speak directly to Yaga in order to inquire him about it.

Ijichi blankly stared at you, buffering your question before he could muster up an answer. "We don't really deal with those kinds of things administratively. So you don't have to report anything, I g-guess." Are she and Nanami-san...? He began pondering, mentally.

Ijichi never got to finish his thought, though.

You sighed, relieved, and pulled him into your arms, hugging the assistant tightly, almost jumping like a schoolgirl. "You're my hero, thank you!" 

His face faintly blushed at the sudden appreciation received from a sorcerer, with no back-handed innuendo. "Y-You're... Welcome."

You let him go, smiled, and started frolicking your way out of the campus, glad there was nothing to report to any kind of higher authority other than your own anxiety due to this whole situation.