#I'm sure I'll peek in once or twice but I'm really going to try to stay offline outside of necessities

[inga-don-studio]

I'm planning on taking an official social media break starting tomorrow (14th) & lasting at least until the 21st (possibly the 23rd if this 8 day workweek is as rough as I fear it's gonna be).

The queue will still be rolling and I'll have notifs on in case anyone needs to reach me, but I'm going to try to be as offline as I can be.

[thefatedthoughtofyou]

Holiday Magic

Gator Tillman x GN Reader, friends to lovers, fluff( no pronouns used for the reader [lemme know if i missed any tho just in case] )

Summary: It's Valentines Day, Dot and Wayne and Scotty are all out of the house. It's just you and Gator and the cupcakes you're making. Oh and the massive crush you have on your best friend. What could go wrong?

Warnings: blind gator (if that's one), food and eating, slight mentions of past abuse, very small, like one or two sentences of it.

{ Also these are some of the songs i was imagining. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. }

🍒🧁🍒🧁🍒🧁🍒🧁🍒

"You guys have fun!" You say, smiling as Dot shrugs on her coat, Wayne kneeling to tie his shoes by the door behind her.

"Oh we will hun. And think about what I said." She ducks in to hug you, squeezing you tight. You smile and shake your head.

"Now none'a that. I'm tellin you he feels the same way." She pats your cheeks, you crinkle your nose at her, she does it back and laughs.

"I just...can't. Cuz what if-" you lower your voice and lean closer, worried your friend might hear you, though he's all the way upstairs,

"What if you're wrong? And I say something. And it just makes thing weird? I don't-" you take a deep breath, shaking your head again.

"I'm not sure I could handle things being weird between us. Just because I went and fell for him like an idiot. Ya know?" You shrug.

"Oh hun. Don't say that. You're not an idiot. And I'm not wrong." She smirks, that little twinkle in her eyes that you love so much. Wayne stands with a small groan behind her and puts his arm around his wife, smiling at you.

"She's right ya know. He's definitely sweet on you. Just try. Be brave. We know ya are." He smiles, nods encouragingly. You take a deep breath and then groan loudly, both of them laughing at how flustered you are as they head for the door.

"And hey," Dot turns, points at you, face serious.

"I know he can't see you. But you look cute enough to eat." She nods to your outfit. Just something a bit nicer than what you usually wear, nothing terribly fancy.

"Thanks." You mutter, looking at the floor.

"And I'll try... I guess... Maybe." You look back, smiling sheepishly at them. They laugh and wave as they head out the door. You lean in the doorway as they get in the car, waving again as they back out of the driveway. You shut the door and lean against it, hoping their valentine's dinner goes well. And the movie after it.

Dot had told you she and Wayne would be out late. And Scotty was at a party at a friends so you didn't have to take care of her tonight either. It was just you and Gator. And your baking. Dot offered up her oven to you, and her kitchen, when she learned you loved to bake things. And you'd been using her kitchen ever since.

You were mixing your last batch of cherry chip cupcakes when you heard Gator coming slowly down the stairs. His feet moving with precision, finding each step carefully before setting his foot down on it. You peeked around the corner, watching him, always worried he'd fall. But you'd only seen him trip once, the whole time you'd known him. He got around well once he knew the layout of places.

His blue bandana was wrapped snug around his eyes, hiding the scars you knew were there, but had only seen once or twice. He didn't like people looking at them. Or him, really, all that much. Not because of that. So he covered them. And you didn't mind not seeing, you just wanted him to be comfortable.

"They leave already?" He called when his foot hit the floor and he was on solid ground again. He adjusts the bandana, fingers pushing and tugging at the edge of it as his feet shuffle toward the living room. You look away, moving back to what you're doing.

"Yep! Mom and Dad are off on their date. Scotty's at a little valentine's party. Which is adorable to me, we never did that when we were little. I mean maybe at school but not at each others houses." You smile as you pour the cupcakes and set the tray in the oven, twisting your timer and setting your bowls in the sink as Gator moves into the living room.

His fingers twitch at his sides as he moves. And you know it's because he's fighting the urge to reach out and feel his way around. Dot had told you he did that. Hid and changed the way he got around when people were watching. You smile to yourself as you watch him, arms crossing over your chest.

"And you should have seen the little tux she was wearing. I've never seen a tiny human look so dapper." Gator's head tilts toward the sound of your voice, a laugh falling past his lips at your words.

"She's not that tiny." He scoffs, shaking his head, standing in front of the couch hesitantly. Like he's not sure he wants to sit or not.

"She's tiny to me. It's like when you're a senior in highschool and you look at the freshmen coming in, and it's impossible that you could have ever been that small. They're just babies!" You exclaim, hands flailing in front of you. He laughs loud this time, reaching down to feel the couch before plopping down onto the soft cushions.

"They're like fourteen." He argues, still chuckling.

"Yeah. Fourteen year old babies!" You concede. He snorts again, shakes his head, soothes his hands over his thighs as he sits. You can see the small smile still on his face, like he's content to just sit there and argue with you. And he is. And so are you. It's an easy rhythm you've both gotten used too. The teasing. And the joking.

"Want me to put the radio on?" You ask, already reaching for it before he answers you.

"Yeah sure. Whatcha makin'?" He asks, head tilting, nose sniffing exaggeratedly at the air. Your nose crinkles as you hold back the urge to laugh at him. Sitting there sniffing the air like a curious puppy.

"Cupcakes. Cherry chip. Chocolate frosting for the top. And I'm thinking maybe cherry frosting filling for a few. But I haven't decided." Your brow furrows as you look around the kitchen. One batch already cooling. Almost ready to frost once you get it all mixed together.

"Hmm. Chocolate covered cherry cupcakes." Gator hums, his head tilting.

"Oh. Yeah, I guess so. I didn't even realize." You mumble, wiping at your forehead with the back of your hand. You're sure your covered in flour and batter and frosting. Not that it matters, because he can't see you to make fun of your mess anyway. You hear him chuckle behind you and turn to see him shaking his head at you again. You huff loudly and he snorts at you, his smile growing.

You just stand there. Watching him. And you know you shouldn't. Know it's rude to stare. You know he doesn't like it. But you're not staring because of his eyes. You're staring because... of him. Just him. You've been finding it harder and harder to not stare lately.

The more you've gotten to know him, the more you'd liked him. And you'd watched him grow, since he got here, the new boy next door. Showing up after all the trauma with his family. A trauma he and Dot shared. And he'd been angry, and hurt, and in pain.

But you babysat Scotty for them during the week when they couldn't be home early, so you'd been around. Didn't ask too many questions, though you wanted too, and he seemed to like that. Seemed to relax around you. And when you did eventually start asking questions, he'd answered them. Mostly. Best he could.

You'd watched him grow, into himself, and into the family. And the way he was with Scotty always melted your heart. He never called her Scotty, always "kid" or "kiddo" or "bookworm". But the way he smiled and laughed with her. The way he let himself be tugged and guided gently around the house by her, completely at her beck and call, made your insides all warm and gooey.

He was your best friend. You knew that. You hadn't had many growing up. But he was a good listener. And a good talker too, once he got going, and felt safe enough to. You could listen to him talk for hours, and you had, day after day. Sitting in his room late at night, just listening to him talk and watching as his hands moved when he got more passionate about things.

You wanted to grab those hands sometimes. Just snatch them out of the air and hold them. Maybe press gentle kisses to his scarred knuckles and whisper how much you loved watching him talk. How much you loved listening to all the wonderfully weird ideas he had sometimes. Loved how creative he was even though he tried to hide it. You wanted to tell him how much you loved him.

But you never did. Never managed to find the courage. Just sat on his bed and watched him. Like you were watching him now. Sitting on the couch, his head moving slowly side to side as the radio played some love song. He was more a metal guy, but it didn't seem to be an issue today.

The timer ringing behind you on the island startles you out of your thoughts with a loud gasp. You huff a startled breath and grab it,  twist it off, and grab the cupcakes out of the oven. Turning it off and leaving them to cool. You mix the frosting for the first batch. Cherry and chocolate. You decide you're gonna fill a few.

You work quietly, filling and frosting, humming along to each song that plays. Not really paying attention to them all that well. Your tongue sticking out as you concentrate, trying to get the little swirl in the frosting just right. You're starting on the next one when Gator speaks again, for the first time in you don't know how long.

"Do you just know every song?" He asks, you almost drop the cupcake in your hand as your back straightens at the sudden noise.

"What's that?" You ask, looking across the island at him, he's turned on the couch, head resting on the back of it, one knee pulled up onto it, and if he could see, you know he'd have been watching you this whole time.

You look at him for a moment, navy sweatpants and a soft grey shirt, his socks mismatched, like always, courtesy of Scotty, you're sure. He looks so soft, relaxed, his hair falling in his face a bit. He smiles at your question, amused that you didn't hear him through your concentration.

"The songs. You've been humming to like, all of them." He nods toward the radio as the song changes again.

"You know this one too?" He asks, lips twitching against his arm on the back of the couch, head resting there as he waits for your answer.

You let the song play a little, listening, and of course you know this song too.

"Yeees." You drawl, setting the cupcake and the frosting piper down, licking some cherry frosting off your fingers.

"Of course you do." He snorts into his arm. And you know he'd be rolling his eyes if he could.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't know it was illegal to enjoy music in this house." You scoff, wiping your hands on your apron and crossing your arms as you watch him smile brightly.

"It's not illegal. But jesus. Every song?" He asks, shaking his head again.

"I like music! What's wrong with that?" You ask, taking a step around the island, toward him, you feel like you're always moving toward him these days, needing to be closer.

"Nothing!" He says, laughing as he raises his hands in surrender.

"It's just- I guess I just never knew anyone who liked that many songs and different...uh... what's it called. Like different types'a music I guess." He says, his hands tucking around his leg on the couch.

"Different genres?" You ask, taking another step, the song on the radio is slow, makes you want to sway to it. You're fingers itch with need. The need to touch, and hold, and move.

"Yeah that!" He snaps his fingers, points at you. You smile. His own smile wide with excitement that you knew what he meant.

"I just like all kinds of music. Different genres have different things to offer ya know?" You say, leaning your hip against the island as you watch him nod.

"Right. Yeah. Makes sense. You like rock and stuff too?" He asks, teeth digging into his lip.

"Yep. Love it." You say, popping the p, and smiling when he smiles, the two of you mirroring each other though he doesn't know it.

"Cool. It's not really, Valentines music though I guess." He says, slowly, eyebrows scrunching as he thinks about it.

"I don't know. There's a few ballads that'd be good I think. For rock people." You shrug, push yourself off the island as the song changes yet again, another slow song, another one you know. You watch him nod again, teeth still worrying at his lip, he looks nervous. And that's what does it, for some reason.

You take your apron off and walk over to him. You watch him track your movements through sounds, "looking" up at you when you end up standing in front of him. You look down at him for a moment, watch his tongue peak out as he licks his lips.

"Gimme your hand." You say, almost whisper.

"What for?" He asks, his voice tight, he's on edge, suspicious. Your heart aches for him, and for what he's been through to cause that feeling.

"Don't your trust me?" You tease, knowing he hates pity, always. Responds better when you put a little bite into it. The teasing he's good with. He tilts his head, like he's trying to hear your intentions.

"I um... I mean yeah. I do." His hand raises off his leg a bit, but not high enough to reach yours, stopping mid air. Uncertain. You smile, reach down and take his hand carefully.

"Here. C'mon. Come with me." You give his hand a little tug and he stands. You stumble back a step at his sudden proximity and he huffs dramatically.

"Where are we going? Aren't you cookin' or somethin'?" His voice is laced with annoyance, but you know he's just nervous, worried, that you might be pranking him. And you hate that he still thinks that way. But you don't hold it against him, years in a prison hospital ingraining that feeling deep.

"I'm just frosting now. This is more important." You tell him, giving his warm hand a squeeze as you pull him toward the space between the kitchen and the living room. A nice little open space, perfect for what you need. You stop and face him, take his other hand in yours as well. You watch him swallow nervously, his fingers twitching against yours.

"What are you doing?" He asks, his voice soft, and small.

"We. Are gonna dance. If- if you want?" You ask, shoulders jumping, hands twitching nervously in his. He licks his lips, eyebrows jumping on his forehead, popping over the bandana before disappearing again.

"Dancing? Right here?" He asks, sounding unsure.

"If that's okay with you? I know all the songs remember? It's nice to dance. And not just hum along sometimes." You breath out a small, nervous laugh, you heart pounding in your chest. Hoping he doesn't push you away, or tell you it's stupid, or something else equally horrible and embarrassing. His lips twitch, just the smallest amount, but you see it.

"I don't... really know how to dance." He says, his brows furrowing again, bunching together beneath the blue bandana.

"Only time there was ever dancing was at church sometimes. And no one ever really wanted to dance with me. So I don't... sorry." The apology is automatic. A thing he does. Not as often now. But he falls back on it. When he thinks he's done something wrong. He apologizes.

"It's okay. Dancings not so hard. Here." You move his hands slowly to your waist. And then move your hands up his arms to rest on his shoulders.

"And then we just- sorta move. Just sway with the music." You say, starting to move. He moves with you, fingers pressing into your hips as he smiles at you. He tilts his head forward a few times, like he's trying to look at his feet, before he straightens back up.

"Don't know what the fuck I think I'm lookin at. Not gonna see nothin." He mutters, and you know he's talking to himself, mostly, but you laugh anyway, and it makes him smile, makes him braver.

He moves closer, arms moving around your waist, holding you close. You smile too, bite your lip and move your hands. Let them fall over his shoulders, resting your arms there instead.

"See. You're a natural." You tell him, huffing a laugh, his nose scrunches and he nods at you. You can see his cheeks flexing, like he's squeezing his eyes shut tight or blinking hard. Or trying too.

You take a deep breath and move again, press closer, settle your head on his shoulder, your nose nearly pressed against his neck. You feel him trembling against you, feel the shakey breath he takes before moving his hands up and down your back genlty.

"I'm doing okay?" He asks you after a moment, both of you swaying slowly.

"Perfect." You pull back, eyes on his face.

"You're perfect." You whisper, eyes on his mouth. And if you were braver, you'd kiss him. But the dancing seems to be where your bravery ends. You move your hand, from the air behind his head to the back of his neck, your fingers tucking into his hair there. He sighs, seems to melt into you.

"I'm really not." He says, and you can hear that self depreciation that he hides so well.

"You are to me. For me, maybe. I don't know. But I-" your breath catches in your throat. His head moves to the side, listening, always.

"You what?" He asks, and you can feel his breath on your skin you're so close now. His hand moves up your back slowly, and then up under your arm, it finds it way to your neck carefully, his thumb brushing over your jaw.

"You what?" He asks again, insistent, his head dipping closer, his hair brushing your forehead. Your fingers twitch in his hair, against his neck, you know he can feel it.

"I just. I think maybe that I-" you cut off again, take a deep, frustrated breath. He smiles then, hums a laugh.

"You love me." He says, his head moving closer, his nose brushing against your cheek. Your heart pounds, your hands have to be sweaty, and warm again his neck and shoulder where you're holding him tightly now. He doesn't seem to mind.

"Wha- I didn't- I mean i'm-"

"You love me." He says again, cutting you off. And he's, oh you know that look, he's smug now. Lips twitching up at the corner, his thumb moves over your jaw as he smiles.

"Well you love me too." You huff, brows crinkling as you frown at him. A laugh bursts out of him. His arm still around your waist tugs you closer, you're chest to chest now and there's no way he can't feel how fast your heart is beating. He's still smiling, and now he's nodding.

"Yeah. I do. I do love you." He whispers into the the small space between you.

"I know. I- I love you too." You say, softer now, watching his face, that warm smile fading to something else. A look of concentration moving over his features.

"What? What's wrong?" You ask, your hand moving to his forehead, fingers pressing into the crease between his brows, soothing it. He softens under your touch, leans into it when your hand moves to his cheek. He shakes his head, once.

"Can I kiss you?" He asks, so soft, so earnest. You nod. Forgetting he can't see you, rolling your eyes at yourself.

"You just said you love me and you're asking if you can kiss me?" You breathe, a giddy laugh punching out of you. He shrugs, nods.

"Yeah. Asking for permission's always good right? Or does it- does it ruin the moment?" He asks, face going serious again. You bite your lip, move your hand further into his hair and smile when he sighs at the touch again.

"It doesn't ruin the moment. Just makes it better. I think." You tell him, curling your fingers in his hair.

"Good. I'm glad I didn't ruin it." His voice is thick with emotion, and your chest aches as his hand moves from your neck to your mouth. His fingertips moving gently over your lips, his thumb following them, you press your lips into his thumb and watch him smile as he leans closer, his thumb moving away the second before his lips touch yours

It's just a soft kiss. A sweet, warm press of lips against yours. Gentle and full of care. And it's everything.

His hand on your back pulls you closer and you gasp, he smiles against your lips and then his tongue hits your bottom lip, moving genlty, asking for permission. You sigh into his mouth and press closer, letting him in. His hand finds your hair, fingers moving against your scalp softly before his fingers get tangled and he groans into your mouth. You laugh into his and then you're pulling apart, reaching back to untangle him as you both laugh.

His head falls to your shoulder once you free his hand and he groans again.

"Sorry." He moans, you rub his back and pull him close, swaying from side to side again as you hold him.

"It's okay. It was funny. Kind of perfectly us." You sooth. And then he's standing straight again, his hand finding your face slowly, thumb settling at the corner of your mouth, like a guide in case he needs it again.

"You taste good." He says, like that's a normal thing to say, like it didn't just make your knees weak.

"Um... I do?" Your nose scrunches, doubting him.

"Mhm." He hums, dips forward, presses his lips to yours again and pulls back.

"Like cherry frosting." He says, smiling again, thumb moving across your lips.

"Oh. Yeah. That makes sense." You nod, your voice a little higher than normal. He nods, presses his forehead against yours, stays there.

"Need any company while you frost the rest of them?" He asks, his voice soft between you.

"I'd love some." You nod, take his hand in yours and guide him towards the kitchen.

"You'd love some. More or less, than you love me?" He teases as you park him next to where you were working. You groan at his question, pushing your hand against the smug look on his face.

"Oh. More and more as we speak." You tease as he laughs and swats your hand away. You swat back at him and he catches your hand easily, sight or no, his reflexes are great, and fast, he tugs you to his chest, hand wrapped around your wrist.

"If I stop talking. You'll love me more?" He asks, his voice pitched low as he snakes his other arm around your waist. You shake your head, dip your free hand into the frosting, two fingers covered in chocolate.

"Don't ever stop talking." You say, moving your hand slowly, so he doesn't clock the movement.

"And I don't think I could love you more than I already do." You say, sweetly. He smiles, starts to lean in for a kiss and you smear the frosting across his cheek. His mouth drops open as he freezes.

"Oooh my god. What did you just do to my face?" He asks, sounding the most offended anyone has ever sounded. You snort, grab at his neck when both his hands let you go, held up in the air by his shoulders.

"Made it better." You say, pulling him toward you and licking the frosting off his face. He makes a strangled sound in his throat and you smile and shove gently at his chest as he grabs for you.

"Now behave. I have to get them finished before everyone gets home." He pouts dramatically, and sighs. But he stays back, and you watch him bring his fingers to his cheek where you licked him. Just a press of fingers before he sniffs, realizing you can see him, and drops his hands again.

"Here. This is for you." You take one of the cupcakes your frosted earlier and place it in his open waiting hand.

He peels the paper off genlty, feels for a spot on the island and sets it down before taking a big bite. There's frosting on his nose but you can't even focus on that because he moans so loudly as he chews you feel your cheeks flush.

"Jesus." You mutter. And he smirks at you.

"Asshole." You grumble, smiling when he laughs around a mouthful of cupcake, his lips covered in crumbs and brown and pink frosting. You can't help yourself, you grab his shirt and tug him into a kiss. The little surprised noise that catches in his throat is the best sound you'd ever heard.

"Now you taste like frosting." You say agaisnt his lips.

"You callin me sweet?" He teases, licking at the frosting on his lips, you bring your hand up and wipe at some with your thumb.

"I'll call you whatever you want." You say, licking your thumb clean. He leans into you then, nuzzles into your neck.

"Promise?" He whispers into your skin, his arm circling you again and tugging you close. Your move your fingers through his hair, press a kiss to his head.

"Promise." You whisper back, smiling when he hums into your shoulder and rocks the both of you back and forth gently.

You finish the cupcakes with him by your side, both of you humming and singing along with the songs that come on. You get them moved to the table, setting them out in a heart before Gator drags you away to sit on the couch, his arms around you as you watch a movie, describing what's happening for him. You lie a few times, just to make him laugh. And he does, he buries his face in your neck and laughs and holds you tighter when you tell him what really happened.

Dot and Wayne come home and find you alseep on the couch, wrapped up in each other. Holding each other and snuggled close, safe on their couch. In their house. Together. Both of them smiling as Wayne lays a blanket over you before they head upstairs.

"I knew they'd figure it out." Dot says, smiling as they crawl into bed. Wayne shakes his head as he tugs the covers up.

"I did too ya know. Just don't know how you always know exactly when these things are gonna happen hun. It's like a sixth sense with you or somethin." He clicks off the lights and Dot curls into his side.

"It's holiday magic that's all." She sighs, cuddling closer.

"Oh. And you owe me and Scotty twenty bucks." She tugs him closer, smiling into his chest as he laughs and holds her close.

Tag list ( do i do those? Not usually but i got peeps that need to see it 🤣🤣): @jozstankovich @friendly-jester

[kimaixun]

[Curse of Bad Lucks] - [SKZ!Felix X M!Reader]

"You were a wonderful experience."

"You were everything."

M/N could only smile bitterly as he turn on his heel, walking away from none other than, Lee YongBok, Felix, who is now, officially, his once upon a time the love of his life. It was finally done. He had finally ended it. It hurts. He could literally feel everything shattering apart. M/N sucked in a deep breath, painfully, as he sat on the bench, looking towards the well lit panaromic view of Jeju.

Felix was just a wonderful experience.

Meanwhile, Felix fell on his knees as he watches M/N walk away from him. M/N had ended things with him and he knew he was in disbelieve. 18 years, 18 fucking years that they had been together, gone, just like that. They were married for god sake and they have a child. A 4 years old little boy that they raised together. How could M/N do this to him? Where had it gone wrong?

M/N was everything.

18 years ago.....

"See that barista? He is hot." Lee YongBok whispered to his close friend, Hwang Hyunjin.

Hwang Hyunjin peeks over his shoulder seeing the (H/C) tall lad. He looked young and Felix was right, he is hot, "he is good looking."

"I'm going to hit on him." Felix made his way to the counter, stopping in front of the (H/C). "Hi!"

"Hi," Felix could feel his breath hitched when M/N looked up and his (E/C) looked into his. M/N is gorgeous, "i...let...let me get my colleague. My korean is still not good."

"Oh no, it's fine. I'm australian so, you can speak english to me."

M/N flashes him a gentle smile, "thank you. How can i help you for the day?"

Felix fished out his phone, "i want to bring you out on a date so, if i could, can i get your number?" He giggles when M/N's eyes widened, evidently taken aback by the sudden confession. "You are really cute and i could get myself a boyfriend anytime soon. Life doesn't seem to get any younger, you know."

"I...Wait...you..." M/N jumbled on his words, "why?"

"What?"

"Why me?" M/N abruptly stopped in the midst of cleaning the counter and walked in front of Felix. It was Felix turn to be taken aback at how different their height difference was. M/N was two feet taller than him. "Why me? I...I'm just a barista. I have sugar in my pockets and coffee stains on my socks. I am cursed with bad lucks. I am poor. I am stupid and worthless and i am very sure that i'll ruin your life. Like i said i'm cursed with bad lucks. I'm cursed so, if you are an angel in disguise, please, run for your life."

"You are so dark and twisty." Felix said, "What if i'm a devil in disguise? Do i still need to run for my life too?"

M/N chuckled, "usually, the conversation stops there and i have no replies for what you've just asked."

"Well since you dont know what would a devil in disguise do, why not give it a try first?" Felix convinced. "I'll bring you out on dates, we can get to know each other. It doesnt have to be expensive or anything. I'm not so high maintenance and it's very easy to make me happy. I appreciate the small little things. You can get me a cup of coffee and i will grin for the entire day, i will....."

"Okay." M/N cut him off, giving him a gentle smile, "My name is F/N M/N and can i make you a cup of coffee? It's on me."

"Okay M/N," Felix said, "My name is Lee YongBok, Felix and i would like to accept your coffee offer."

15 years ago.....

"So, want to tell me how you ended up all soaked and smelly?" Felix grimaced as he turns the water on to fill the tub.

"There was a cat." M/N simply replied as he stripped off his clothes, entering the tub and submerged himself into the water, "a black cat and i should have known better that black cats are almost like a combo to my cursed life."

Felix giggled as he massages M/N's hair with the lavender scented shampoo, "let me guess. You probably saved the cat from a drain and you slipped and fall into it."

"Has this hapened before?"

"Twice." Felix replied. "but, hey. On the bright side, you aren't hurt this time. You came home the last two times with broken arms and legs. This time, you're just, smelly."

M/N couldnt help but, grin so widely that his cheeks start to hurt, "i guess my dark and twisty life is coming to a turn with my very own sunshine by my side. I love you."

"I love you so much more." Felix smiles and pecks M/N on the lips.

10 years ago.....

"I DID IT! WE DID IT!" M/N couldn't contain his excitement as he barged into the house. Felix who was folding their clothes on the couch was taken aback when M/N lounge himself onto him, knocking them off the couch and down to the floor. "I can finally open my own cafe with my very own saving and it's just a block away from here!"

"OMG! LOVE! I am so proud of you!" Felix exclaimed. They were both on the floor, Felix on top of the younger who hugged him tightly as they laid on the ground. "I'm so fucking proud of you!"

Prior to where they were, 7 years ago, M/N had told his boyfriend his life plans and Felix supported him unconditionally. It had been rough for both of them. M/N was almost working 18 hours a day to earn the money he needed and Felix had to focus on the upcoming of Stray Kids. The amount they spent together could be easily counted by fingers. Within a month, they could only meet for a day where M/N finally took the day off and so did Felix. Despite that, they made it through each day for the entire 7 years, promising themselves that once they reached their goal, they will live a life that they desired.

"I'm so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lee YongBok." M/N buried his face into Felix's neck.

Felix smiles and embrace the other tightly, "We did it love. I got something to tell you too. I will be leaving the music industry."

"Wait, what?! You love music, you love your fans, you love STRAY KIDS. Please, you don't have to do it for me." M/N jolted up.

"I do. I do love all of them but, i love you the most. I'm not doing this for you. I am doing this for me. It's time for me to slow down. I'm not getting any younger now and, i want to retire. I want to be the boyfriend who will sit in the cafe and stare at his boyfriend all day long and make sure no one is flirting with him," Felix chuckled, "I will be like those typical managers who pretend to be busy on their phones but in reality I'm just watching as the world goes by."

"Marry me, Lee Yongbok." M/N confessed. "I...I dont have a ring right now but, will you marry me? I will make you the happiest man alive. I will bring breakfast to our bed every morning. I will bring you out on dates. I will be the richest some day soon that we can stay home all day with each other in our cozy apartment. I will give you the..."

M/N was cut off when Felix slammed their lips together and as if the time froze, they kissed passionately not caring the world existed.

"Yes, Yes. I will marry you."

5 years ago.....

"Hi love."

"Sunshine, you're here!" M/N grinned as he puts down the cloth he used to wipe the counter, heading towards Felix with an open arm. Felix jumped into his husband's arms and greeted him with a kiss. "How did your day go?"

"Wonderful." Felix pecks his cheeks and they settled down at the corner of the cafe, reserved specially just for them, "I met Lee Know Hyung and Jisung Hyung. Their baby have grown so big. He's a big boy now. He can put his own pants and put his plate in the sink."

"Awww, that's great." M/N cooed. "So, while we are at the topic, i was wondering if you would want to have a baby with me."

Felix giggled, "oh love. I wish i could bear your children but, we aren't exactly living in a ABO universe."

"I mean with the amount of me breeding into you, we could've get 10 kids now." M/N winked.

"EWWWWW BOSS! The cafe isn't exactly empty!" yelled an employee of his.

"You're suppose to be working, not eavedropping." M/N laughed when he sees Felix red face. "Sunshine, i really mean what i said. We could get a surrogate or we coul--"

"Yes!" Felix answered, "Let's have a kid together."

"I love you." M/N kissed his husband.

"I love you so much more."

4 years ago.....

"Sunshine?" M/N whispered as he pokes his head into their bedroom.

"Hi love. Come in." Felix beckoned, "I just got him down."

M/N tiptoes across the room and slide under the covers beside Felix, "I am so sorry i had to ditch you halfway."

"Hey, don't be sorry love." Felix shifted as little as possible to face his husband, "we weren't expecting the cafe to catch on fire. How's the employees?"

"No one was injured, thankfully and they are doing an investigation on the cause of fire." M/N explained as he tugs his head onto his husband's chest, cuddling closely to inhale the oh-so-familiar calming scent of his husband.

"Thank goodness. How about you, love? Are you okay?"

M/N sighed inaudibly, "I....I'm scared. Sunshine, i'm terrified."

"Hey, you're okay. You're okay." Felix assures planting kisses to the crown of M/N's head as he caresses his hair tenderly. "You're okay love."

"It's just," M/N took a deep breath, "it's as if the curse of bad lucks are latching on me again and i'm so terrified that it'll hurt you and Woojin. I'll never forgive myself if any of you are hurt."

"Hey, don't be so dark and twisty." Felix chuckled, "i know love. I get where you are coming from but, let's not jump into conclusion okay? Maybe it was just a coincidence."

"I...I don't know." Felix could feel tears drenching his shirt.

"You're okay baby. You're okay." Felix shushes as he embrace his husband tighter. "We're here for you. Woojin and i will always be by your side no matter what curse you have, okay?"

"I love you." M/N sniffed.

"I love you so much more."

2 years ago.....

"F/N M/N. Which bed is he in?" Felix could feel the anxiety crept into him as he barge through the doors of the emergency department. Woojin who was cradled in his arms could sense his parent anxiousness and he squirms uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry and you are?" The nurse asked.

"F/N YongBok. I'm his husband. Please, tell me where he is." Felix pleaded.

"Oh, he's in bed 10 sir. Right this way." The nurse showed the way.

Felix couldn't help the tears streaming down his cheek as he rushed over to the said bed.

"Mama cry no." Little Woojin frowned, his lips jutting out. "Mama no cry."

"I'm sorry baby." Felix kissed his forehead. He knew he shouldn't be crying but, he couldn't help it. He needed to make sure M/N is fine first.

"Sunshine?"

It wasn't a lie when people said that legs can turn into jelly. If it wasn't the doctor who attended to M/N that catch him, he would've landed on the floor, probably hitting his head at the corner of the hospital bed.

"I'm okay sunshine. I'm okay. I promise." M/N repeated as he took Felix and Woojin into his arms. "I'm okay sunshine. I'm okay baby."

"Papa ouchie."

M/N chuckled as he took Woojin in his arms, "yes, papa ouchie. Small ouchie."

"Papa. Mama cry papa ouchie." Little Woojin pouted.

"I'm sorry. Papa no ouchie, mama no cry okay?" M/N assured as he slides his hand around Felix's waist. "Sunshine? I promise you, i'm okay."

"Seventh time. It's the seventh time you had to come to the ER this year. You end up with so many injuries all the time. You said you were just going to get cereal and i end up getting a call from the ER that you were hit with a baseball bat? I swear, i am going to lock you in our house and we will never leave the house ever again." Felix cried as he leaned onto his husband's shoulder, "i'm locking you up in the house."

"Okay sunshine. I'll be happily locked with you and Woojin."

"I love you."

"I love you so much more."

9 hour ago.....

"Have fun Mama! Papa!" Woojin waved at his parents before running back into his Uncle Lee Know and Uncle Jisung's hotel room to play with their son.

"Thank you for watching him." Felix said to the couple in front of them.

The two family were on their vacation in Jeju Island and since M/N and Felix had watched over MinSung yesterday whilst the parents were on their date, it was M/N and Felix's turn today.

"Oh, don't sweat about it. You guys have fun! Now, go. The night is still young." Jisung kicked them out.

M/N and Felix spent the rest of the day living their life like they were teenagers all over again. They went to the theme park followed by an ice cream stall and then a dinner reservation. They were just living their dream life fully.

"Sunshine?" M/N softly calls out as they walk through the quiet street of Jeju, hands intertwined, on their way back to their hotel.

"Yes, love?"

"If one day i am not around, can you promise me some things?"

Felix stopped on his track, "is that a way of you telling me that you are getting old?"

M/N chuckled, "maybe. I am being serious though. Can you please promise me some things?" Felix was not going to lie but, an uncomfortable churn in his stomach begin to arise.

"Yes love. Anything."

M/N took both of his hands in his reminding Felix of the time when they took their vow the exact same way right now or the night when M/N had proposed to him. M/N always held his hands when he needed to talk about important things taht could mean life or death.

"Sunshine, when i am gone, i want you to promise me that you will get over me within 7 days. I want you to promise me that you will forget about me thoroughly. I want you to move on with your life. I want you to inherit all my inheritance. I want you to raise Woojin with the strength of your sunshine heart. I want you to stay strong. I want you to make sure you and Woojin eat proper meals, always celebrate birthdays and occasions no matter how busy you are. I want Woojin to inherit my business. Woojin will grow up wonderfully. I want you to promise me to love yourself unconditionally. Please, promise me that." M/N took Felix's hand to his lips and tenderly kissed it. "I love you so much. I love you so fucking much."

"You.....you are scaring me. Is everything okay?"

"Sunshine, please. Promise me that." M/N pleaded.

"No, i can't suddenly promise you as if you will be gone in another 5 minutes. I can't just lie to myself to make a promise that i will get over you in 7 days. I spend half my life loving you and never regretted it ever in my life. You can't expect me to just forget you just like that! We are married and we have a kid!" Felix took a deep breath, calming himself down, "love, tell me, what's wrong?"

"I am divorcing you. I am done with you. The lawyers will send in the papers in a week and tonight will be last time you see me."

"But, why?"

Felix heartbreak is grief that comes in waves, gruelling. It is a shard in his guts that stabbed him over and over again. It feels like death just the same as bereavement and in that quiet second, it chokes the breath from his body and short circuitshis mind. What was once whole is shattered; where once was peace is emptiness, echoes of a love he put his everything into.

"You were a wonderful experience."

"You were everything."

Present.....

Ring....Ring....Ring

"I did everything you told me to." M/N spat into the answered phone.

"You did great honey."

"and as you promised, don't even lay a finger on them. if you hurt my sunshine and my child, I WILL KILL YOU, Hwang Hyunjin." M/N growled.

He could hear Hyunjin's sinister laugh in echoing through the phone, "i promised honey. I'm sending someone over to get you now. I'll see you in a couple of hours."

The call ended and M/N slams his phone to the ground, breaking it into pieces. AFterall, his life was still a curse of bad lucks. M/N couldn't help but cried his heart out, screaming in despair.

[basketballanonsblog]

Where we stand

You laid in bed, your mind restless and filled with warring thoughts.

You became great friends with Jihyo and the rest of Twice, ever since you met.

You remembered it as if it were only yesterday. After the two of you had left the bar, you stopped at a nearby convenience store for dessert. The conversation kept flowing naturally and you could talk to her for hours.

True to her word, she kept you at arms length but you meant what you said too. Whenever your schedules allowed it, you would agree to meet, whether it be in a quaint cafe or just you hanging out in their dorm. And you always bought her flowers, along with little gifts here and there just because "they would suit her".

A soft knock on your door brought you back to reality. Your brother peeked his head through to catch your eye.

"Is everything okay? I can hear your thoughts all the way from my room."

You sat up and hugged your knees.

"Just thinking and I can't sleep."

He sat beside you quietly before bringing you to sit closer to him.

"What's on your mind sis? Is it Jihyo?"

"How did you-"

"Oh please. I'm your older brother, of course I'm going to know. Is everything alright between you?"

"Yeah it's been great it's just that I'm not really sure if we're just friends or tiptoeing along that line of something more." You looked down in a sense of self pity at your situation, while your brother looked like you had said the most absurd thing ever.

"Hold the phone. You mean to tell me that after courting for her for a year, you still haven't asked her out officially?!"

"Hey!" You grumpily grabbed his pyjama top and frowned. "I would never rush or pressure her into something she isn't ready for. She did make it clear that she doesn't do dating, so I'll respect that. It's just...difficult to not know where we stand and what she's thinking."

"Well here's a bright idea, genius, why don't you try asking her?"

"Don't you think I want to?!" Your brain was too tired for this shit.

"Don't get angry with me." He raised his hands defensively. "You're the idiot who is telling their brother this at 3:30 in the morning instead of telling the person who actually needs to know all of this."

Once again, you scowled at your brother before pushing him off the bed.

"Get out."

He did as he was told but not before turning around with an annoying grin on his face.

"Love you too, my precious sibling. I hope you get the balls to ask Jihyo to be your girlfriend!"

"Oh, shut up." There was no real anger behind your words and you had to fight a smile.

You laid back down, pondering your brother's words. You knew he was right. You had to say something before it hurts too much.

-x-

You nervously stood outside of their dorm, trying to hype yourself up for today. Your brother had tried to give you a pep talk, but you were so out of it, the only words you caught were 'go get your girl, sis!' as you left the house.

The sound of someone clearing their throat brought you back to earth as the maknae looked at you.

"I was getting tired waiting for you to knock."

"Oh. Right...sorry. Is Jihyo ready?"

"She'll be out in a minute. You can come in."

You walked into the front room, and Sana sprung up from the couch and engulfed you in a tight hug.

"Hi y/n!" You also glanced at Mina and waved as best you could.

"Those flowers are cute! Are they for me?" Sana bat her eyelashes at you, making you laugh.

"Unfortunately no, but here." You pulled one of the flowers out of the bouquet and tucked it behind her ear.

"There. Now you have a flower."

She giggled and pinched your cheek.

"Ah y/n you're so sweet. I wonder if Jihyo would mind if I steal you for the day instead?" She said jokingly.

"Yes, she would mind." You whipped around at the sound of her voice, as she walked into the room.

"Hi." She smiled and any words you could've said escaped, leaving you to just shyly wave. Just like you did when you first met.

Mina came over at that moment, and took the flowers off you.

"I'll put these in a vase, but you two should get going."

"Right." You held out your hand towards Jihyo and grinned in return. "Shall we?"

She took your hand and pulled you out of the dorm.

Sana pouted as you left, sighing.

"I wish I could find someone who looks at me like that."

"I don't know unnie, I think you've already found them, you just haven't realised it yet." Without elaborating, Tzuyu walked off, leaving Sana to chase after her, asking what she meant.

~x~

"A fair?" You made it to your destination and at first you felt it had been a great idea but now, you wanted to sink into the ground. Nevertheless, you decided to stand by your decision.

"Yep. I wanted to take you here on your birthday but since we were both busy, now is as good as any time. I know it's a little...different that what we usually do but different is good sometimes right?"

She was quiet with a neutral expression, and you were just about to change your mind before she looked determined all of a sudden.

"Right."

Hours later and the pair of you had done just about everything you could there. You played games, making sure to win her prizes, ate at almost every food stall and took many, many photos. There was just one thing you wanted to do there, and that was go on the ferris wheel.

Which is where you were now. You had made it to the top of the ferris wheel and you were staring into the horizon, gathering the courage to say what has been on your mind.

"Y/n are you alright? You've been quiet and stiff for a while now."

Okay, this is it. Don't back out now.

"Jihyo, I-" You turned to her, and you felt like you had stopped breathing.

Jihyo was glowing. Literally glowing. The sunset had surrounded her in a halo of light.

"Wow." You exhaled and Jihyo tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. A sign of her shyness.

"What?"

"Jihyo, you're so beautiful."

"Yah y/n! Dont tease me."

"I'm serious." Neither of you said anything after that, the sound of your racing hearts was loud enough.

~x~

You walked together through the city, the sun had fully set, giving way to the clear night.

You just had one more stop before the day ends.

"So, where's this mystery place you're taking me?"

"If I tell you, then it won't be a mystery will it? Anyway, we're here now."

She looked at you, confused before actually looking at where you were gesturing.

"A playground?"

You nodded proudly.

"I know it's strange but just hear me out. You told me how you spent your childhood training for idol life, and you said never really experienced what it was like to just play outside in the park. So I guess for one day, I wanted to give you that. But you don't have to if you don't want to."

You looked down at your feet, while Jihyo looked at you with awe. She stepped towards you, and kissed your cheek.

"You are so sweet."

She ran to the swings, and you pushed her as high as you could. The sound of her laughter made your heart flutter.

Eventually, she sat still and you joined her on the other swing.

Come on y/n. Say it before you lose your nerve.

"Jihyo. What exactly are we?"

"Hm?"

"I know you said you don't do dating but I don't know where we stand." You held her hands to anchor yourself.

"Jihyo I'm in love with you. Every moment I spend with you, I keep falling. And I'm sorry to spring this on you out of the blue but keeping this bottled up started to hurt. I feel lighter after getting all of this out but please don't feel pressured-"

Jihyo embraced you tightly, before caressing your cheek.

"I love you too, y/n."

Nothing could wipe the smile off your face at the moment. Nothing.

You leaned into her touch, sighing with relief.

"I was so afraid that I would lose you if I said anything."

You reached into your bag and pulled out a sleek box.

"I have one more thing for you, as a late birthday present."

"Y/n...you've done more than enough."

"Shhh let me spoil you." You opened it and inside was a simple necklace with a Twice charm and a microphone charm engraved with their debut date.

"I know it's not some million dollar piece of jewellery, but I got this for you, so you'll always remember that all your hard work and sacrifices have paid off. And that if you haven't already experienced it, there will come a time where all nine of you will be standing on stage surrounded by your fans; and you will realise that you made it. When that moment does come, that feeling will never leave you."

You looked at her once more only to see that she was crying, which made you panic.

"Are you ok-" Jihyo pulled you towards her, and your brain short circuited as your lips connected. After a second, you relaxed into it and reciprocated.

"I must have done something exceptional in a previous life, if the universe has given me someone as extraordinary as you. Can you put the necklace on me?"

And so you did. The both of you admired it, and it was you this time, who couldn't resist stealing a kiss.

Not that Jihyo minded of course. In fact, she was eager to share many more kisses with you. And really, who were you to deny her that?

[thedinonuggetthief]

Mom's Brat. (Mr drama queen)

🥛| a short, agere fic based off a roleplay chat with character ai. FT Mama!Sophie bc I love her

🥛| !! this is an age regression fic. Meaning this post is COMPLETELY SFW. This post will include words like mommy, brat, and threatening punishment (timeout). But this isn't for nsfw intent. Please don't be weird just because this is what the fic includes. NOT EVERYTHING IS NSFW, so don't interact if you are nsfw or kink ♡ !!

🥛| !! Cw: Howl being called a brat (playfully), kicking, threatening time out, Sophie being stern

There was Howl, back from only god knows what. He never told Sophie where he went after the sun went down- but she knew it wasn't good. Every night Howl came back he was always completely drained from doing anything. He would get his hot bath like usual before soaking in his bed for hours, even after the night completes and a new day starts.

It worried Sophie. Really, it did. She was told she shouldn't worry, but she couldn't help it. Not one bit. So after one of the nights of howl coming back, soaked, bruised and battered, it worried Sophie so much she couldn't ignore it any longer. After Howl finished his routine bath soaking Sophie Confronted Howl about what was behind the black door. Of course, Howl shrugged her off like always. Thinking that she was 'being too personal' it wasn't personal if she was worried for his well being, right..?

"You're being overprotective again, Sophie" he chuckled lightly to himself as Sophie crossed her arms. "You got some nerve saying that to me, Mr Pendragon." She said in a stern-like tone. Her face cold and unmoving. Howl then grinned. "You live once, my dear. Make enemies along the way. It makes life worth experiencing" he winked before he attempted to go by her before Sophie grabbed his arm, stopping him. "We aren't enemies, Howl. You are just a stubborn baby" she sighed, obviously frustrated. She thought for a moment, before she looked at his face. His face no longer had that grin- no, it was soft and.. vulnerable. Sophie knew what that meant.

"Hey Howl?" She asked gently. "...do you want to regress?.. you, uhm.." she paused, looking down. "..haven't done it in awhile." Howl then shook his head. "Enticing, but I'll pass" he avoided eye contact. "You sure?" That's when Howl cracked. He bit his lip, before shaking his head. Sophie smiled. "That's what I thought." Without waiting for Howl to respond, she wrapped her arms around his waist before hoisting him up to her arms. In response, he wrapped his legs securely around her hips so he didn't fall. She brought him downstairs before settling him down at the kitchen chair.

"Uh oh, he's little again! He's gonna try and put me out again! Im sure of it!" Calcifer panicked, peeking from behind one of his logs. Howl narrowed his eyes in response, throwing him a raspberry in response. "Oh, he's alright. I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Right howl?" She asked. Howl huffed. "Yes mommy.." he muttered, pouting. Sophie left the room momentarily, leaving to get howl's paci and bottle.

"Oh yeah, leave me alone with Mr loves-to-spit!" Calcifer complained. Sophie came back, smiling gently. "Oh stop it, Calcifer. Howl said he was sorry" she turned to Howl, offering his bottle. In which, he turned his head to. Sophie then frowned. "Just because he said sorry doesn't mean he's genuine! He spit on me like.. twice!" He protested, his flames growing slightly bigger.

Sophie rolled her eyes. "I'm babysitting two kids. One including you" she grumbled. "Hardy, har har." Calcifer taunted. When Sophie tried to offer Howl his paci, he declined again before resulting to the only bad habit he had: sucking his thumbs.

Sophie sighed before setting down the two objects. She gently tried to pull his thumb from his mouth, but that made Howl frustrated. In his frustration he began to kick his feet, accidently kicking Sophie. Earning a quiet yelp of pain from her. Sophie became stern, grabbing howl's shoulders gently, catching his attention.

"We do NOT kick people, Howl. Not here, not anywhere. It doesn't matter if you're angry or not, you do NOT hurt people. Do you want a timeout? Im not afraid to set you in the corner." she said sternly. Howl took a moment to process her words, anger still bubbling at his surface. With a frustrated sigh he finally nodded. Understanding his mistake. "..sorry mama.." he murmured, this time being genuine. Sophie smiled, kissing his cheek.

"You're okay, sweetheart. Just no more kicking.. or sucking on your thumb. Okay? You have your paci for that" she ruffled his hair gently. Howl had a terrible habit of biting away at his thumb when he sucked on it, this is why she resorted to pacis instead. Finally after another couple minutes of Howl arguing with Sophie, he finally accepted it and put it in his mouth. Of course Sophie had to use reverse psychology to get him to use it, but it worked right? "You're such a brat sometimes, you know that?" She smiled.

Howl hummed softly, sinking further into the kitchen seat. What was Sophie gonna do with a 3 year old in a grown man's body? Who knows

End.

Like my fics? Awesome! Tell me in my inbox! Any feedback or criticism is always welcomed! For more longer, more detailed fics go to @stuffieplaydateinc ! A agere fic blog. :)

[anysin]

Fic: On a Tender Guard

For anon requester, a Jon/Elias with "putting a blanket on" theme! Set right after S1's last episode, Elias looks after worm-ridden Jon. Hope you enjoy!

On A Tender Guard

"Sorry," Jon says as he opens the door for the two of them, "it's messy."

Elias takes a peek over Jon's shoulder, and isn't surprised to see a perfectly tidy, if just slightly dusty, flat inside. He shakes his head, but refrains from commentary as he follows Jon in, closing the door behind them. He allows himself to look around, taking in every detail.

This is his first time inside Jon's home; as much of a mundane, ordinary moment it is, it's still thrilling. Seeing that Jon is taking his coat off, Elias reaches out for him, trying to take it from him, but Jon steps out of his reach, giving him a sour glance as he shrugs his coat off.

"You really didn't need to come here with me." Jon is trying to be stoic, pretending that every movement doesn't hurt, but even if Elias didn't know, it would be easy to see the distinct, deep discomfort on Jon's face, tugging the corners of his mouth downward. Still, Jon meets his gaze. "As you can see, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. So actually, you can go."

Elias sighs, taking his own coat off.

"Jon, you don't have to put up an act around me." He keeps his movements brisk so Jon will think twice before trying to stop him, hanging his coat and taking his shoes off too. "I saw you there afterward, you know. You made quite a rough sight, and you don't look that much better now. You need help, and since I know you won't ask for it, it's my duty to give it."

Those are all pragmatic, practical reasons for Elias's presence here, and as such they should be acceptable to Jon. But Jon frowns, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You weren't too concerned about us when we were under attack." Jon makes an effort to sound neutral, but the accusation comes through clear. "Are you trying to ease your guilt?"

The answer to that is easy, and therefore the question is not worth answering; the answer to why Elias is here in the first place is less straightforward. Maybe he wants a moment with his Archivist, who has survived his first true ordeal; while they could have managed with less damage to the Institute and without the loss of Sasha, Elias is proud of him. Or maybe he really is here for Jon's well-being, to make sure that Jon won't be further bothered tonight, except in his dreams. But none of that has anything to do with what he needs to say out loud.

"I would have a reason to, wouldn't I?" he asks softly.

As he hoped, Jon is caught off guard.

"Well-" Elias can tell that Jon wants to say 'yes', but bless him, he manages to restrain himself. Instead, Jon says: "I do appreciate your concern, although I think it's unnecessary." He sighs, his tense shoulders falling slack. "But I guess-"

"I can help?" Elias smiles. "Let's get you to bed, then. I think that's the most important thing now."

"Fine." Jon starts to walk, leading the way.

Jon's bedroom is like the rest of his flat; mostly tidy and organized with some fussy details, screaming loneliness. It's in the bedroom when Jon seems to give up on his strong act; once he's close enough on the bed, he just climbs up on it, lowering himself down on it with a deep sigh.

"You will regret not changing later." Still, Elias takes the blanket that has been folded on the back of a chair and walks over to the bed with it, spreading it over Jon.

"Probably," Jon agrees. "I guess I just want to close my eyes for a moment. Just be." Jon closes his eyes for a second, but opens them quickly in order to look at Elias. "You can leave if you want to. I can manage."

"You could, but you don't have to. I'm not in a hurry to anywhere." Elias gives into his own desire; he reaches out and strokes a lock of hair out of Jon's face, grasping his glasses carefully. "You can be at ease now, Jon. I'll be there when you wake up."

Jon scoffs at that, but doesn't stop Elias from pulling his glasses off him. "If you want to," he says, and closes his eyes.

Elias wants to do so many things with him. But indeed, for now, he will just be here.

[barry-j-blupjeans]

11 from the fluff prompts is giving me Taako or Angus vibes if that strikes your inspiration at all :) love your writing!!

11. “All I’ve ever wanted was a place to belong. Somewhere I could call home. And you gave me that. Because you are my home.”

--

"I don't know if I can do this," Angus said. "I feel a little queasy, sir."

He did feel very queasy indeed. Ever since Angus had woken up this morning (and a little last night), his stomach had been tossing and turning. Magnus had checked his temperature twice before he let Angus leave the house and Angus was sure he'd still be at home if he hadn't been so insistent on coming.

The backyard of Taako and Lup's jointed house was decorated fairly well. Over the past four years, the celebration of Story and Song had grown tremendously into a weeklong event. Everyone was expected to be at Neverwinter tomorrow afternoon, to give speeches or greet fans or whatever they needed to do. Angus was very excited to be going again, but first...

First, he had to get this out of the way.

"Listen, little man," Taako said, straightening Angus's bowtie. Angus hadn't even noticed it was crooked. "You're what, eight now?"

"I'm fifteen actually, sir-"

"That's irrelevant," Taako said, despite the fact that he had brought it up. "You're fine with public speaking. I should know 'cus I fuckin' hired you to do that."

"Teaching is different than public speaking," Angus said. "And I don't have a problem with public speaking, sir, it's just the... the meat of the matter, if you will."

"I won't," Taako said. "You're fine with public speaking- great, even! You know everyone here. Hell, you know Maggie, and there's no way in hell he's gonna refuse ya. If he does, then like, I don't know, I'll send a few magic missiles his way-"

"Sir!"

"And maybe he'll reconsider."

"But-" Angus started, but it was too late. Kravitz came to stand by the glass sliding door, not so subtlety peeking in to look at them. He had a microphone in his hand. Angus swallowed nervously.

"That's your cue, kid," Taako said, nudging him towards the door. "Just remember DPYP and you'll be fine."

"D- what? What is a- a Dp-" Angus couldn't even begin to pronounce the word that had just come out of Taako's mouth. He's not really sure how Taako had pronounced it at all.

"Don't Piss Your Pants," Taako said like it was obvious. "DPYP. Keep up." Angus couldn't help it, he rolled his eyes.

"I'm fifteen," he said again.

"Then you'll be fine," Taako said, sliding open the door. "Go on. Get."

Kravitz held the microphone out to him, smiling comfortingly.

"You'll be great," he said, pinching Angus's cheek when he took the microphone. Angus squirmed away, rubbing his cheek to get rid of the sting.

"Right," Angus said. The momentary distraction of Taako making fun of him faded away. Angus tiptoed his way to the little stage they had set up- Captain Davenport had given a little speech earlier, but it hadn't been much. He paused at the steps, taking a deep breath. Taako and Kravitz took their seats and from next to them, Lup nudged Magnus hard in the ribs, pointing over the stage.

Angus took a deep breath and made his way up before he could chicken out. The little crowd in the backyard came to a silence relatively fast. A lot of that had to do with Lup leaning over to smack Merle in the head when he didn't shut up fast enough.

"Uhm," Angus said into the mic. All eyes were on him now. He wiped his hand on his pants. "H- hello everyone. Uh, it's nice to see you all again! I'm gonna try to keep this brief.

"Five-ish years ago, I met three men on a train. They all, uh, they all bullied me pretty much that entire train trip, I think. And then threw me off the train."

"Woo!" That was Taako from the audience, which sent a ripple of laughter through the crowd. A little bolder now, Angus continued.

"If you somehow don't know," he said. "Those three men were Taako, Merle, and Magnus. Once I started working with the Bureau, I got to see them a lot more! A lot of Taako, at least, because he was teaching me magic. But eventually, I started hanging out a bit with Merle and Magnus too! It was a really good time, besides the times they all almost died. And did die, I guess.

"I don't know how many of you know this, but before I joined the Bureau, I was just sorta living on my own. Which was fine! I was fine, I had everything I needed. Or at least, I thought I did. But after joining, I realized the one thing that was missing. And- and that was friends!

"I'm not... the best at making friends," Angus laughed, a little nervously, but hardly anyone else did. Kravitz sent him a thumbs up to make him keep going. "But- but it was easier, at the Bureau! And I didn't realize how much those friends meant to me until I didn't get the chance to be with them anymore. After Story and Song, we weren't really living on the moon anymore. I'm sure I could have gotten help somewhere, but I really didn't want to? I- I wanted to be mature and make my own decisions, mostly due to the fact that I knew I could, if I had to.

"But- but then," Angus said. "When I brought that up to Magnus, as I was in the process of moving out, he offered me a place to live. His place, to be exact. And he wouldn't really let me refuse? Uhm, so when I eventually said yes, I didn't really know what I was getting into."

He swallowed around the lump in his throat, finding Magnus in the audience. He was watching attentively, his elbows up on the table and his head in his hands.

"The years that followed were some of the best years of my life," Angus said. "When I was... alone, by myself, I had a lot of thoughts about what would happen next, when really, all I ever wanted was a place to belong. Somewhere I could call home. And Magnus, with his hospitality, gave me that. Because- because he is my home."

Angus brought a hand up to wipe away his tears. His voice was shaking a little when he went on.

"Which is why I wanted to ask Magnus today, right now, if- if..."

This was it. Magnus's expression had grown a little serious, maybe a little concerned. Lup gave him a big smile. Taako gave an okay sign with his hand.

"If he'd be willing to adopt me," Angus got out, finally. "So I know that no matter where I go and- and what happens, I'll always be able to come back to him. And he can always come back to me. So, uhm, if- if you would like that arrangement, Magnus, please... please let me know?"

A few heads swiveled towards Magnus's direction. Angus's heart clenched uncomfortably in the seconds of silence that followed. But then, Magnus split into a grin. A big, teary grin like he sometimes got when talking about dogs that he really liked or one of his family members or even Julia. He stood up, rounding the table, and rushed to scoop Angus off the stage.

Angus dropped the mic (it made a horrible sound, but he couldn't be bothered) and wrapped his arms around Magnus the best he could, burying his face in his shoulder. He was trying not to cry too hard yet.

"Is- is that a yes?" Angus asked quietly. Magnus pulled back, holding him but the pit of his armpits- he was still amazed Magnus could do that even though Angus was so big now. He was grinning impossibly wider.

"Of course it's a yes, Ango!" Magnus said, sort of teary himself. "I could never say no to this little face!"

He set Angus back down on the stage, pinching at his cheeks like Kravitz had. Through the applause and the tears now streaming down his face, Angus couldn't bring himself to mind the sting as much as he did before.

[worldviewcast]

Scenes your the new owner/parent to Lux I wanted to know if you had a partner for them or someone you like to ship with them or if you ship them at all. I like making sure I fallow ship canon when it comes to AUs.

Well....I don't really have anyone in mind for Lux, and the information you're trying to draw on is probably a little outdated? Since this is the second inquiry I've gotten about Lux in the last week I'll give you all a bit of a sneak peek of what I got planned for her. :) Yes she does need a new reference sheet, I've just been very busy so consider this a rough draft. But I won't mind giving out a few key details regarding her existence.

Lux is a Principal of a Capital city in Mainstay, one of the highest education centers of the world and her place of work is an highly political area, the school is sat right next to an international embassy

Lux is the adopted daughter of a m/m relationship, and she lost one of her fathers in a car accident. The same accident caused a permanent crack in her skull that allows her ability/magic to 'seep' through

Her ability is a moderate flame power that burns the same color as her magic

She achieved principal status at a young age due to her tenacity and exemplary behavior and ability to delegate between students, staff, and parents

She still spends lots of time with her adopted father and goes over to his house at least twice a week so they can have dinner together

She does have a rage streak and likes to go to an Elemental Magics Center to let off some steam once in awhile (Basically a place where you can throw fireballs without hurting anyone or property.)

I have not decided on her nationality yet, but I am hesitant to make her a Mainstay native, since the area she lives in is sort of a international center and I'd like to explore and expand on some of the other cultures I'm developing outside of Mainstay ~

If I DO develop a romantic interest with someone for her I'm sure you guys will get some cute ship art, but it will most likely be an OC of some kind. ^^

And there ya go! A little bit of info on Lux!

I do plan on giving her a short spin off comic at some point, but we're not there in the story yet. XD Worldview will have many chapters and she has minor to major roles in a few that I can think of off the top of my head, mostly regarding Juniper and maybe a later chapter involving Finch.

[casspurrjoybellbittner]

Wreckless - The Delivery

*Warning Adult Content*

Emmett

I get a call on Tuesday morning from some dude saying they'll arrive in twenty minutes.

I have no idea what he's talking about but the signal is so bad that I can't really ask.

I assume he called the wrong number and forget about it until a big truck pulls up in front of my house and two guys hop out.

"Emmett Locke? We've got your uh, let's see, washer, dryer and refrigerator. Is your old fridge empty?"

Why the fuck would it be empty?

"There's some..."

Finnegan... no mistake.

Finnegan... fuck.

"We'll start with the washer and dryer, says here there's a basement? Is there a door around back?"

"Can you guys just hold on a minute?"

I need to call Finnegan... now.

"Not really man, got two more before lunch."

The other guy is already opening the back of the truck and unloading shit.

This isn't their fault and I should tell them to leave but my head is sort of spinning and...

"Fine. I'll unlock the back and empty the fridge, door's under the deck."

My fridge isn't that bad, really, it just rattles sometimes when the compressor comes on.

And yes, I have to keep it set to freezing cold and sometimes, in July and August, it gets a little iffy as to whether or not I wanna risk milk that's been in there awhile but I'm used to it.

I pull my cell-phone out as I head to the basement.

Finnegan doesn't answer his cell so I try the office number once I'm back upstairs, using my free hand to toss everything from my fridge onto the counters and table.

What the HELL?

"Good morning, Vice-President Finnegan Walker's line."

"Is he free... it's Emmett Locke."

I'm not sure if she knows who I am or my name but it just comes out.

"I'm sorry, he's in a shareholder meeting, can I take a message? He should finish up just before noon."

Because noon is when we're meeting for lunch.

"No, no thank you."

Emmett has bigger things to deal with than his boyfriend blowing a gasket over some white-good appliances.

Still.

I look out the window and the washer is heading inside.

I know it's the washer because it has a huge round window on the front.

It looks like a fancy one.

They've got it on straps between them and are just carrying it... that always amazes me.

Ten minutes later they're knocking on the front door and I run downstairs to peek while they move the fridge out.

Damn... these are nice.

That makes things more complicated because I would have bought the cheapest little dryer they had.

This set probably cost two grand and paying him back is going to kill me.

Fuck, if the washer and dryer are this fancy, the fridge must be.... I run upstairs.

Holy shit, it's one of those big french refrigerators... is that what they're called?

The top has two doors and then there's a small wide drawer below it and a huge one at the bottom.

It gleams. It's quiet. It's probably already cold. 

It has water and ice in the door. 

I love it. I can't keep it... can I?

But they took mine so... shit.

"Sign here," the man demands, slapping a paper down on the one bit of counter space I still have.

"They're all set up except the fridge water, have to have a plumber run a line. Have a good day," and then they're gone... the truck lumbering up the road.

I spend at least fifteen minutes putting stuff into my new fridge and freezer.

It's so bright and it's huge.

I re-arrange things twice and then figure I'll sort the rest out before I hit the store later.

I have plenty of laundry to do and take a load down, then realize I can fit another half a load in, as well.

The washer is enormous.

I usually wash my really dirty work clothes twice but this has a heavy duty cycle, a pre-wash, an extra rinse and all sorts of things.

The only thing it doesn't do is put the clothes into the dryer when it's done.

Damn, rich folks live nice.

I have no idea what I'm going to do about any of this.

I'm sort of pissed but I can't go into his office and let loose in the middle of his work day.

Emmett did it to be nice... I get that and I know he won't want me to pay him back which will be another battle.

I pull out my cell-phone, hit the Home Depot web site and try to figure out how much he spent.

It doesn't help... the fridge alone probably costs more than all the other appliances in my house combined, well before the new laundry set.

He shouldn't have done this.

It's gotten late and I need to stop by the deli and grab some salads for lunch with Finn and it'll be busy.

When I get to Finnegan's office Megan buzzes him, then she tells me to head right in.

"Hi Emmett."

He looks really happy to see me but his face sours a bit... probably in response to mine.

"Did you get them?"

"Yeah, salads from 'Finches' and four grand worth of appliances. It's been a busy morning."

"Are you mad at me? Please don't be mad, Emmett."

"I am a little but we'll talk about it later. Here you go, lunch."

I hand him the Chef's Salad and then pull mine out as well.

"I wanted to do something nice for you."

I hold in my sigh. 

I know that's why he did it. 

"I would have handled it, Finnegan."

"I know... I know you would have."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

I've been doing it for a long time.

Finnegan walks over and puts his hand on my arm.

"I know that. I know you can take good care of yourself or I wouldn't trust you to take care of me."

Some of the tension slides off of my shoulders.

"I know you were trying to be nice but it's going to take forever for me to pay you back," and put the new car off for another year.

Finnegan scoffs and looks at me like I'm crazy.

"They're a gift, you're not paying me back."

"Finnegan..." I start but he holds his hand up to silence me.

"No. You had a situation that needed to be fixed. I had an easy way to do that. So I did. You would have done the same for me, you know you would have. You DO the same for me all the time."

"I don't throw money at you, Finnegan."

"No, although you're stubborn enough about it to make me crazy. No, you fix things in other ways. You make me laugh, you tell me things are okay, that I'm okay. You help me relax so I can get through the week. You make sure I eat well, do my laundry, make sure I go to doctor appointments, make sure my car is up and running. I have very few ways of doing things for you, okay? Look, it was a lot of money for you and I get that but it's not a big deal for me and you're just going to have to accept that."

Okay, he has a point.. several points.

"I don't like you spending money on me."

"Get over it. I bought you a t-shirt at the zoo and you didn't mind too much."

"Because... that was fifteen bucks."

"$19.99, Emmett. $19.99."

He's... he's... why am I laughing?

"There's not much difference to me, Emmett and I promise that I can still pay my rent this week."

"I know. I just wish you had talked to me about it first."

Finnegan nods.

"Yeah, I should have. I thought about it but I knew you'd argue. Still, I should have. I will next time... if you promise to a least think about it and try to be reasonable."

"Next time?"

"Hey, I didn't buy the matching dishwasher, microwave and stove and let me tell you. I wanted to get you the whole pretty set. I may still do it, can I?"

"No." 

Not that it wouldn't look sweet as hell.

"You didn't even think about it Emmett but maybe you'll think better with your cock down my throat. I'm more than happy to let you take out some frustration on me while you reconsider."

The little brat... he's such a little shit.

"No... I'm mad at you."

But not really, well maybe... no, no... I'm not.

Just sort of unhappy with the whole situation.

I've decided to be mostly mad at my dryer for breaking in the first place.

I cross my arms over my chest and he laughs.

"You sound like a little. Now just keep your hands there and out of my way."

"Finnegan. Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously. I just headed up a shareholder meeting and the only thing that got me through it was thinking about you and this. I have interviews this afternoon for a new head of accounting and I need, capital N E E D, some of you if I have any hope of making it through. Please Emmie?  You got your delivery today and now I need mine."

He's on his knees, waiting and I sort of like him there like that. 

"I brought you lunch."

"Yes, you did but I need dessert too. I'm a very hungry boy."

Apparently today won't be the day I learn to say no to him either. 

[kakashish0e]

Interruption || Gaara x Reader

♥︎ Master list

Pairing: Gaara x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Oral (Male receiving), hair pulling, blowjob, slight choking

---

It was just a normal day, you sitting on his lap and giving him warm and tender kisses as usual just to relieve his stressful days as kazekage. Your kisses would always give him comfort and always loves it. He loves you with all his heart and would always give every desire you had in an instant. But this one in particular had him thinking twice. You broke the kiss and looked up at him in a way he had seen in a long time.

"How bout it gaara, wanna give it another go like last time?" You said with a smirk on your face as you trailed your hands down to the now forming bulge in his pants. He looked at you and then he turned his gaze and he was trying to think. He thought about it for a little, he was beginning to be very unsure about it. "What if temari walks in on us again? Or maybe worse, what if anyone else walk in like a group of genin?"

You gave him a glare as you rolled your eyes. "You're always thinking negative gaara, lighten up a little". You said as your lips went back to his. "Fine if you won't decide then I'll just do something else instead" You said in a low voice as you slid off his lap and kneeled on the floor with your upper half in between his thighs. "Just do your work while I sit down here and relieve your stress". You said calmly as you first cupped his bulge and started to rub his pants.

You unzipped his pants and pulled them slightly down. "How can I focus if you're currently doing this right here?" He said in a low tone as he looks done at your hands pulling down his pants. You chuckled at him, "I don't know, just not look down here I guess?"

Gaara made an odd noise once you pulled out his hardened length and slowly pumped your fist up and down. He tried his hardest to focus on his work but you sucked on his tip. He wasn't prepared so he let out a moan, "your moans are so hot gaara, do it again" You sucked on his tip and went further down. "Y/N". He said in a heavy gasp. Watching you as you take his whole length in your mouth, He grabbed a fist full of hair and tugged it slightly.

His focus was all on you and didn't realize that temari was standing there, leaning on the door frame with her arms crossed. She laughed and said, "is y/n giving you a good time down there?". Your eyes widened as you stopped sucking, and shivers sent running down your spine. "Temari..." He repositioned himself. "I'm telling kankuro, he'd love to know what his little brother does when we're gone"

Gaara jolted and pulled up his pants, stopping temari from leaving. "Temari please don't tell kankuro, one person knowing is more than enough...plus you know how kankuro spreads secrets really fast". Temari walked out and said, "chill out little brother, I'm not telling him". You crawled out from under the desk, "gaara? Are you okay?" He scratched the back of his head wondering if temari is telling or not.

He turned back to you and said, "should we continue this or not?" You nodded your head and patted his chair, he sat down and you went back on your knees and unzipped his pants once more. He placed a hand on your head and stroked your hair. You continued your business, you knew you were pleasing him even more because he gripped on your hair and slightly moving your head up and down. Gaara finished quickly because he almost reached his limit before temari had shown up and interrupted.

You helped gaara clean his sweat, and fixed his hair. "Next time lock the door gaara, so this doesn't happen again" Gaara pulled you towards him and kissed you. "I promise to lock the door next time you visit y/n". You opened the door peeking both sides of the hallway making sure the coast was clear and you left. Temari was standing outside of the office, not sensing her presence you ran into her.

She wrapped her arm around your shoulder, and teased you. "My little brother getting a blowjob isn't something you see everyday". You blushed in embarrassment not knowing how to respond. "I'm keeping this secret, it's the best one I've ever kept". She continued to tease you, getting you more embarrassed. "I just know you and gaara are gonna do it again. After doing it once, he's gonna ask you to do it more times".

You covered your face with your hands. Temari laughed at every reaction you made. "Well I have to go, see you later y/n" You sighed in relief, thinking her talking would never end. "She's gonna be a pain for a short while". Your miserable legs took you to your apartment heading to the bed and falling asleep.

[timbertumbr]

Wait- TODAY'S WHAT?! (Kiyotaka Ishimaru X Reader)

Something I thought of, happy late April fools! 

This is just a oneshot where the reader forgot the day and tried to confess to Ishimaru via an anonymous note- Oops- Don't worry, happy ending! :)

Okay! Today is the day! You're going to confess to your friend Ishimaru! Through an anonymous love letter because you're too nervous to do it face to face. The plan was simple: wake up early, earlier than Taka, go to the school and slip the final version of your confession letter into his locker before hiding out in the bathrooms until it was time for class. 

And the plan worked! Now you just had to wait for the day to run its course. You nervously sat through the first few classes, taking glances at the moral compass as you tried desperately to do your work. 

As you were going to your classes however, you noticed Kokichi was pranking more than usual and that several other students looked wary. You shrugged it off, crazy things happened all the time so you weren't going to let it bother you.

When lunch finally rolled around, you decided now would be a good time to find him and explain it was you who gave it to him. But as you were looking for him, you noticed he wasn't in his usual areas or doing rounds to catch any rule breakers… that's concerning.

While peeking into a classroom, you got a text from Chihiro asking you to come asap, it was an emergency and gave you a location. Least to say, you sprinted there. And when you arrived at a little corner of the school, you saw Mondo patting a curled up and shaking Taks on the back gently, Chihiro patting his shoulder while trying to verbally comfort Taka.

"What happened?" You asked, a mixture of worry, nervousness and a bit of anger of whoever or whatever did this to Taka. Mondo sighs angrily. 

"Some prick decided it would be funny to prank Taka by playing with his feelings," He hissed.

"L-Language…" Taka muttered, your eyebrows furrowed. Did someone see you and decide to be cruel?

"How?" You needed more information before you could properly help your friend, Taka sniffled and pulled a note out, handing it to you before curling back up. You open it and see it's your own letter. 

"How is this a prank?" You asked confused, Chihiro frowns.

"Well, it is April Fools…" You blink. Once. Twice.

"Wait, it's what?" Mondo gives you a look.

"You didn't know?" . . . WELL SHIT. Now you feel bad.

"No, I didn't. I uh… I think I know who sent that letter," Mondo is quick to stand up and punch his open hand. 

"Who is it?! I'll make sure they don't pull this shit again!" 

"Mondo, n-no violence… and language!" Taka mutters, Mondo gives a quick apology before turning back to you. You swallow.

"Well, I uh- I didn't know it was April Fools and uh… I made that letter, but It wasn't supposed to be a prank or anything hurtful!" You quickly explain, waving your hands frantically. Mondo stares at you, the gears turning in his head, Taka stopped shaking and peeked over his knees. Chihiro gasps.

"W-Wait, you were trying to confess your feelings?! Finally! Horrible timing but finally!" Mondo looks at Chihiro surprised, you glance away rubbing your arm.

"Yeah… I'm sorry Taka," You mutter. Mondo glances between you and Taka, who was now red for a different reason. Chihiro pulls on his sleeve and leads Mondo away to give you two some space. You both wait in silence.

"Did you… really mean it?" Taka asks, uncurling from himself and wiping his eyes before looking at you. You smile with a slight blush and nod.

"Yes, I meant every word. I'm so sorry, I should've checked the date before-" Taka gets up and hugs you tightly, crying for a different reason now. 

"I'm so honored… Thank you…" He mutters, burying his face into your shoulder. You gently pet his head.

"Why are you thanking me? It's just how I feel about you," He hugs a bit tighter, you sigh.

"How about we watch a movie at either your house or mine, as a way to apologize for this misunderstanding," He pulls back and smiles at you.

"I-It's a date," You smile back and wipe the tears off his face with your free hand, he blushes at the contact but lets you.

"Yeah, it's a date," You stare at each other for a while before a cheer erupts from the hall.

"WHOO! NICE JOB YOU GUYS!" You turn to see Mondo cheering with Chihiro by his side peering from a corner.

"GUYS WHAT THE HECK?!" You ask a little angry but mostly amused, Taka wipes his eyes again as he laughs. He's glad to have his friends and his new significant other. He wouldn't trade this day for the world. :)

[johnsamericano]

𝔖𝔲𝔤𝔞𝔯 ℜ𝔲𝔰𝔥 𝔧.𝔧.𝔥 •2•

Hi hi! I'm back with another chapter. This one might not be as good(?, it's a really fluffy chapter so bear with me.

warnings: sugar daddy jae, he's a big baby, tooth rotting, kinda long.

sugar rush m.list.

taglist: @thoreeo @trustmahluv @sunny-nyu @nanascupid @silent-potato

“Sir, there’s a girl asking to see you.”

“Hey, I’m not a girl!” He chuckled as his finger pressed the button to communicate with his secretary.

“Hey, I’m not a girl!” He chuckled as his finger pressed the button to communicate with his secretary.

“Hey, I’m not a girl!” He chuckled as his finger pressed the button to communicate with his secretary.

“Let her in.”

Only a few seconds later, your head was peeking through his door.

“I brought you coffee.” You extended your hand out, showing him the carton containing two iced drinks. “Are you busy?”

“Not at all, come in.” You sat on the elegant, individual sofa in front of him, his desk serving as a separation. “Are you here to spy on me? Don't you trust me with your father's case?” He pouted, typing something in his keyboard while your palms started sweating.

How could you not trust the man with the highest case winning index in the whole country?

Briefly, after your encounter with the other lawyer, you'd googled him as well as his company. Because of his incredibly high fees, he didn't have many clients, but those few who had enough money to cost him were almost assured to be on the winning side. So then, why hadn't an excellent lawyer like him popped up when you'd first looked for popular firms? Simple, he wasn't popular.

Just like a hidden gem, only a few had the pleasure to know Yoonoh, and you felt beyond grateful for paying that stupid membership weeks ago.

“No, no!” You were quick to defend yourself, frantically shaking your hands to support your previous statement. “Just wanted to be of help.”

Truth to be told, after receiving your first weekly allowance, an unsettling feeling had been squeezing your heart ever since. Call it guilt or whatever, but it didn't set right to be receiving si much help from him when you hadn't had the chance to do anything in return. The least you could do was trying to be polite.

“You shouldn't be spending your money on me. I'm the one supposed to spoil you, remember?” He grabbed the plastic container by the lid, sipping the bitter liquid with an amused smile. “But thank you.”

“I paid my rent yesterday.” You blurted out, trying to avoid the uncomfortable silence threatening to settle between the two of you. “And I still have money left to save for my father's hospital bills, maybe even buy a present for my aunt.”

He admired how noble you were, making sure those around you had enough before even thinking to do something for yourself.

“I have a party this Friday, would you like to attend with me?” Your presence wasn't required as it wasn't a big event, but by the look in your eyes, he knew you were itching to do something in return for his kindness.

“Yes, of course!” Your orbs sparkled with excitement, finally feeling yourself useful.

“If you don't mind waiting, we can go buy something for you to wear right after I finish with this.” For what seemed like the tenth time in less than ten minutes, small beads of sweat rolled down the back of your neck. Thank God he wasn't able to see them. “Oh, come on, don't give me that look!”

“You’ve already done so much for me. I can buy the clothes myself, don't worry.” With a deep sigh, Yoonoh rose from his chair, taking long strides to surround the desk separating you. “W-what are you doing?” Now kneeling on the floor beneath you, his face was dangerously close to yours, coffee breath crashing against your nose.

“Using mind control to convince you to let me take you out.” He stared at you for a couple more seconds before saying: “Is it working?”

“I think your mind control is broken.” You whisper, unable to hold back the small giggles bubbling at the back of your throat.

“How about now?” He batted his eyelashes, trying to act cute despite his bold features. You shook your head.

Just as you thought it was over, his hand went up to cup your jaw, his thumb drawing uneven figures on the ticklish skin.

“How about now?” He repeated. You stammered, unsure of what to say. “Sorry, that was inappropriate.” Aware of your awkwardness and the rising heat in your cheeks, he stood up, walking back to his chair. “But I do want to get you something, would you let me?”

With your mind busy and your guard low, you nodded, unaware of the silly smile on his face.

“I have a few novels on my shelf in case you want something to kill time.”

“Thank you.” You moved to the huge bookshelf facing his desk, grateful your face wasn't visible anymore.

The books were ordered by genre and size, starting from the biggest law-related textbooks to pocket-sized novels, ending with the smallest one he had. The little prince.

Your eyes widened in disbelief. Yoonoh didn't seem to be the type to read that kind of heartbreaking yet beautiful book. Nonetheless, as many said, you can't judge a book by its cover.

An hour or two later, you were halfway into the first book of flowers in the attic, immersed in the small world the author had created. Yoonoh had finished his work a few minutes before, but distracting you when you were reading so vividly, seemed like a crime. He enjoyed the way your eyebrows would knit together every time something shocking happened, clearly too immersed in the novel to notice his intense gaze.

“Y/n...” He whispered once he noticed you were starting a new chapter. You blinked twice, hands clutching the book tightly as you noticed he had finished his work. “You can take it home, don't worry.”

“Sure?” He flashed his pretty dimples as his eyes turned into half-moons.

“You can come back for the rest of the saga when you finish this one. Take as many books as you please, I’ve already read them all.”

“Thank you.” Another act of kindness you had no way of returning. His favors just seemed to be piling up before you could even return any. “Would you like to have dinner with me today? I'm a great cook, or so did my father said.” You blurted out quickly, twisting your hands nervously as you waited for an answer.

“I’d love to. But I might have to attend some work calls if you don't mind.”

“I don't, maybe I'll even have time to bake a cake while you're at it.” God, how bad he wanted to take a picture of that adorably nervous smile.

“Great, so it's settled. Dinner at your place after we go shopping.” He had already put his blazer on, offering his arm to guide you out. With shaky fingers and sweaty armpits, you grabbed it, walking by his side with his secretary’s gazed glued on you. So much for a girl, huh?

Once seated in his car, with the book resting on your lap, you allowed yourself to relax. Yoonoh wasn't a bad person, on the contrary, he was very kind, so there was no use in keeping your guard up when he was around.

“Ready to roll?” You cringed at his use of slang, making him drop his head back to laugh. “What? Isn't it a thing you cool young adults say?”

“Maybe twenty years ago, Yoonoh.” It was the very first time you used his name so informally, and, oh how good it felt to hear you saying it?

“Fine, I won't use it anymore.” He poked your arm like a little child, and for a moment, you wondered if he was actually more than a decade older.

Several bad jokes, two dresses, and a quick stop at the grocery store later, you arrived at your apartment. Yoonoh held everything while you entered the passcode, struggling not to drop a can of vegetables that was starting to bend the edge of the paper bag.

“Ready, hand me something.” You both entered with your hands packed with different things. You went to your room to leave the new dresses while Yoonoh set the paper bags down on the kitchen counter.

“So...” He clapped loudly. “What are we cooking?”

“I bought the ingredients for lasagna. Is that okay with you?” He nodded, lips pressed and dimples in display. “Alright, let's do this.”

It would've been of great help if Yoonoh had told you he didn't know how to cook. But of course, part of the fault was yours for not noticing when he tried to add ketchup to the recipe.

“I burnt it.” He looked at the semi-carbonized pasta with disgust, feeling ashamed of having ruined your dish. “Let’s just throw it away and order something.” He was about to touch the hot container until your grip on his wrist halted his movements.

“We just pulled it out of the oven.” You shook your head in disbelief at the man standing in front of you.

“Sorry.”

Despite Yoonoh’s endless complaining, you ate the lasagna. The flavor wasn't that bad when you scratched off the burnt parts, especially when accompanied by a cold glass of wine.

“It’s not that bad.” You repeated over and over again. A phone call interrupted him from self-pitying any further. “Go on, take it.” You continued eating while he spoke in the living room.

It wasn't until a couple of minutes later that you realized he was whisper yelling at whoever was on the other line. It was your first time seeing him angry, and you didn't like it one bit. The way his face turned completely stoic, his eyes cold as his hand rested on his hip. Sweet, caring, Yoonoh was gone.

“I told you I needed it for today.” He said through gritted teeth. “You better get it before I arrive back at the office, or you can find yourself another job.” Even after he hung up, Yoonoh stood in the middle of the shared area, clutching his phone so tightly, it seemed like it would break any minute.

You wanted to ask if everything was alright, if he needed any help, but most importantly, if the things he needed were related to your father's case, but all the words stuck to your throat like insects in a spider web.

“I need to go.” He simply said, not even bothering to fake a smile. “Thank you for dinner, I'll see you on Friday.” With his free hand, he grabbed the coat hanging from his chair and left, slamming the door on his way out.

Was that the real Yoonoh?

A shiver ran down your spine. What had you gotten into? From what you'd seen, it was only about time he would show his true self to you as well.

All the trust you'd built up during the day, had crumbled down in a matter of seconds. The worst part? You didn't even feel entitled to be scared, not after all he'd done for you.

‘Just keep your distance.’ You repeated like a mantra as you got ready for bed, leaving the book you'd borrowed right where he'd left it, afraid it would burn your fingertips even with the slightest touch.

(...)

The week wasn't nearly as long as you'd wanted it to be, and soon enough, you were struggling to zip the dress you'd bought days ago. Your makeup was done, and Yoonoh had texted you he was on his way, yet, you'd been fighting with the zipper for at least ten minutes. Your fingers were cramping, and the clock was ticking.

Just when you'd finally started to drag the small piece of metal, the doorbell startled you, causing you to let go of it.

“Fuck!” Have you ever felt so desperate that tears start pricking your eyes? Well, that was the exact case happening at the moment.

You opened the door with the salty water collecting at the corner of your eyes, surprising Yoonoh, who was wearing his best dimply smile.

“What’s wrong?” He had a bouquet poorly hidden behind his back, probably to apologize for the night he abruptly left and almost knocked down your door.

“I-I can't zip up my dress.” Your voice came out shaky, giving away the emotions burning your gut. Thankfully, Yoonoh didn't seem to notice, and if he did, he didn't mention it.

“I’ll help you.” He, not-so-discretely, put down the bouquet, gently turning you around to your discomfort. His cold hands touched your back as he dragged the zip up, noticing how tense you were but deciding not to comment on it. “Oh! You haven't moved the book from where I left it.”

“I haven't had time to read.” He hummed, crouching to reach for the bouquet and hand it to you. “Thank you.”

“It’s my way of apologizing for the fit I threw a couple of days ago.” A fit? That was one way to call it.

“It’s okay.” You lied as you pushed the corners of your lips to form a credible smile. “Let’s get going.”

The flowers were left on the kitchen counter before you left. The ride in the elevator was awfully quiet, and Yoonoh had no idea what had happened. You were so chatty the last time he saw you, so of course, he was taken aback by the sudden change.

“It’s not going to take long, so we can head out for some drinks later if you'd like...” You nodded, for you knew speaking would only expose your discomfort. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah! Just nervous about the party, that's all.”

You stood by Yoonoh’s side for the rest of the evening, smiling and nodding at his acquaintances’ comments. At one point in the evening, a man, not much older than you, approached you both with a wide smile.

“Dude, I hadn't seen you in ages. Stop sending your workers and come see me yourself.” They hugged. Why were they hugging?

“Y/n, this is my brother, Sungchan.” The man with puppy-like eyes embraced you tightly, almost as if welcoming you to his family. “Sungchan, this is y/n, my girlfriend.” He said it so naturally, it’d take a detective to figure out the truth about your relationship.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. I'm sorry for your father. But don't worry, we'll take those bastards down.”

“I’m not following...” You blinked repeatedly, eyes going back and forth between Yoonoh and his brother.

“Sungchan is a doctor. I asked him to look at your father's case for further evidence. My assistant was supposed to pick up the report the day we had dinner, but she forgot to drop by. Now we’re a day behind schedule.” The dark cloud surrounding him seemed to be slowly dissipating as you heard his explanation. “This is an important case, and I want to be as meticulous as possible.”

Thank you didn't seem the right thing to say at the moment, at least not with Sungchan standing there, so you simply grabbed his hand, squeezing it to let him know how grateful you were.

To your surprise, he didn't even flinch as he locked your hands together, causing a small giggle from Sungchan.

“Okay, love birds, I'll get going.” He waved you goodbye, making his way to another table where his friend waited for him.

“Can we talk?” You whispered in his ear, afraid one of the numerous attendants would hear you.

“Sure.” Without letting go of your hand, he drove you to a small, private garden just outside the ballroom. “Are you gonna tell me what's wrong now?” His thumb caressed your knuckles with gentle strokes.

“I’m so sorry.”

“What for?”

“I pushed you away at the minimum trouble when you were only helping me.” He hummed as if he already knew about it. “And it will probably happen again, so please, be patient with me. I'm going through-” Your face collided against his chest as his arms draped over your shoulders, squeezing you tightly.

“Call me reckless, but I've wanted to do this for a while.” Your hands hung at the sides of your torso, unsure what to do next. “You can push me away, I'll understand...”

Instead, your palm found its place in his back, rubbing up and down the designer jacket. Your hair started turning messy from the night breeze, some strands striking Yoonoh’s chin as his embrace only grew tighter.

“Let’s get out of here.” He mumbled, crawling the back of your head with his hand. “Sungchan can deal with my father's friends.”

“Are you sure?” His hum vibrated through his chest, making you giggle at the odd feeling.

Once seated in his car, his hand found yours like a magnet, the warmth emanating from it comfortably enveloping your skin.

The calmness of the atmosphere was interrupted by a call from his brother, who seemed to be anxiously explaining something through the phone.

“Just tell him I had a work emergency.” With that said, he hung up, placing his hand back again on top of yours. “Sorry, he said it was urgent.”

“It’s okay.” An unsettling feeling pinched your stomach, but you decided to dismiss it, immersed in the chilly weather of the dark streets.

You arrived at the river, where Yoonoh asked you to wait for him while he bought a couple of beers. It was a sight to see, both of you clad in fancy clothes, barefoot and chugging down can after can.

“I think I like being with you.” You declared, mind fuzzy from the alcohol intake.

“I think I like it too.” The tips of his ears were rosy, revealing he was as intoxicated as you, maybe even more.

“Would you like to visit my father with me tomorrow?” The words flew out of your mouth before you could even realize. Afraid you'd killed the mood, you tried to excuse yourself, only to be interrupted by his lips grazing your ear, placing a timid kiss on your lobe.

“I’d love to.” It was the sweetest peck, no ulterior motives behind it, just pure affection.

“Are we going too fast?” In your drunken state, what you had felt like a real relationship, not a simple agreement. And this sure felt like a first date.

“We’re moving at our own pace, I believe.” He dropped his head on your shoulder, pressing against it to relieve the dizziness clouding his mind. “Are you okay with that? Maybe you don't want to be with an old creep like me, and I'd totally get it. Just don't let me get my hopes up if that's the case.”

“You might be old, but definitely not a creep.” Your fingers combed through his abundant hair as your mind wandered into the future, grateful for the fact that he wouldn't become bald soon. “Or are you?”

“I don't think so.” Anyone who walked by would've seen a couple of goofs, too intoxicated to talk without slurring the words, but you were living in your own, comfy bubble. “I should get you home before it gets too late. Come on, I'll call a driver.” He tried getting on his feet to no avail, stumbling back a little before falling back on his ass.

“My apartment is nearby. You can stay for the night.” You grabbed both pairs of shoes as his arm surrounded your shoulder for assistance. “If you keep supporting your whole weight on me, we're both gonna fall.” People on the street shot you a couple of funny looks, which was understandable since it wasn't usual to see two drunk idiots walking barefoot in the middle of the night.

“How long till-” Hiccup. “-we get there?” His stare seemed to worsen with every step. “God, I think I might throw up.”

“Stop acting like a teenager, we're almost there.”

As soon as you arrived at the small apartment, you sat him down on the little step where you changed your shoes. You left both pairs on the rack, proceeding to put on slippers to enter the house.

“Don’t leave me here!” He whined, stomping his feet like a little kid.

“Just wait for a second!” His attitude was starting to get on your nerves to the point where you couldn't feel the effects of the beer anymore.

You grabbed a rag from the kitchen cabinet and dampened it under the sink. Yoonoh was half asleep when you walked back to him.

“My head hurts.” He mumbled as you sat in front of him, placing his left foot on your lap. “What are you doing?”

“I don't have any slippers that will fit you, and I don't want your dirty feet making my house dirty.” With utmost delicacy, you wiped away the dirt from his toes, noticing the small scratches caused by the gravel he walked on.

He touched your hair while you finished with his other foot, tangling the strands with fascination.

“Done, get up.”

He followed your indications as you guided him to your room, where you laid him down on his side in case he threw up.

“Are we visiting your father tomorrow?” He asked while snuggling under the covers.

“Sure.” You cleared his forehead from the strands falling in it, grazing the soft skin of his forehead. “Sweet dreams, gigantic baby.”

[wornoutmouse]

Baby Daddy Shigaraki fanfic pt2

It was a miracle that no one questioned the name put down when Shigaraki had to sign the birth certificate. You summed it up as fearing for their lives but it could be many things you try to convince yourself as the reality of your new life truly set in.

The after birth pain, though constant, was numbed whenever you looked down on your son's face. He had yet to do anything more than sleep, much to your annoyance. And was aggressive when breastfeeding  much to Shigaraki's enjoyment, "Just like his father." 

Dabi was the second one to hold Daiki after Komugiri but the look of horror on his face when you fully released the baby into his arms was one that deeply concerned you. "It's breathing." He whispered to you eyes wide.

You signal for Komugiri to stand close behind Dabi just in case he really lost it. "Yeah Dabi.....he is breathing...cause that's what living things do." 

Time skip

You sigh as you finally set Daiki down inside his new bed for a nap. His small face looked so delicate surrounded by soft lavender blankets. His whole room theme was a soft purple as preferred by Komugiri. 

You closed the door till there was only a sliver of light coming in just in case he woke up again, then you headed to your living room. 

Shigaraki sat on the couch shirtless and flicking through TV channels. "Why are you still here?" You ask as you walk to the kitchen to find your tea. "What do you mean?" You stir four teaspoons of sugar into your coffee. "I got Daiki under control, you don't have inconvenience yourself."

Tomura flicked through the channels once again. "You and Daiki are not an inconvenience, you're both my responsibility now." You release the spoon causing it to clink loudly against your ceramic cup. "I don't want you to force yourself to be here, you've obviously proved that you don't really want to be apart of this."

"Y/N come on now this again?!" "Yes this again!" Shigaraki groaned scratching idly at his neck. "I've already missed the hidden trailer off Daiki's life I'm not going to miss the prequel sequel." You groan softly, "Stop talking in video game terms you know I don't understand!"

Shigaraki stands up and walks to the kitchen now leaving only the island separating you. "Look you can hate me all you want, I don't care, hell I'm used to it. But you are not keeping me from my son." You shudder at the tone Tomura spoke at.

There were very few times when you've heard this voice and luckily it was never directed to you. This voice meant that what he said was final and he would not go back on it no matter who got in his way. "I would love to have you in his life Tomura, but I don't want what comes with it." You finally say, making Tomura throw his hands up in defeat.

"What do you expect me to do woman?! Make him tag along on "Bring your child to work day?" You turn away trying to contain your annoyance in fear of waking up the baby. "I'm giving you one chance to get your shit together, don't mess it up." Behind you, you could hear the steady steps of Tomura retreating, "And I'm giving you a chance to see how stupid you're being right now."

Before he completely walked away he stopped, "I am going to check on Daiki since it seems like he's the only one that appreciates my efforts."

Once you heard the familiar creak of Daiki's bedroom door you let out a breath you didn't even know you were holding. "How did I get like this?" 

It of course was on a Saturday, as all good stories do. You were working a waitress job at Denny's as a way to earn some pocket money for your first year in Japan. 

"Table 3 we got your Bourbon Chicken skillet, Fish and chips, two waters, and a cherry sprite." Your say setting down all your items before walking to the booth next to them. 

"Hello welcome to Denny's, what can I get for you all tonight?" Dabi at the time, had a nonchalant hand over Twice's mouth most likely to stop his internal bickering. Komugiri was navigating the kids menu with a then 15 year old Toga. Spike ordered some Fish and Chips as per usual and Shigaraki was starting at your tits.....

Shigaraki was staring at your tits.....

He was STARING- I think you get the point

"Hey birthday bitch what are you ordering?" Dabi said snapping Tomura back to the present. "Uh.. get me a steak skewer." Dabi gasped, "I spent all my time and hard work scrounging up money and you get a damn steak skewer for your birthday?!" 

The five stages of grief came over you internally as you had been standing there way past your recommended time. "If you guys aren't ready to order, I'll just come back-" 

"No no no, we are ready. Can we get chicken on a stick with a side of grapes and fries for the young lady. Steak and eggs for me...Dabi? Dabi leaned back simultaneously releasing twice. "We would like a 3-egg omelette-with some cock!" 

You didn't get paid enough for this.

"I'll get you the omelette but I'm afraid I'm out of stock for that last part." You smirk, putting down the orders so far. Dabi snapped the menu shut, "Do y'all have chicken tenders?" Dabi asked, looking at you hopefully. You nod and he fist bumped Twice for some unforeseen reason. 

"Uh get crusty over there a Supreme Sizzling Skillet." "Wait why can all of you get chicken but I can't?!" You wrote down the orders and glanced at Shigaraki who was now looking directly at you as if you held all the answers. "Okay for drinks?"

   As you got off work, you took the back alley entrance to the bus stop. "Hey." Your scream and toss a punch into the darkness effectively making skin to skin contact. "Ow what the fuck?!" "What do you mean what the fuck you're the rapist!"

Shigaraki's signature light blue hair appeared from the shadows almost glowing from the dim alley light. "Rapist? No, I'm more on the lines of stalker." You stand there for a moment rethinking your life choices. "Yeah okay well I'm going to go-" "Wait!" 

You feel half of a hand grip onto your wrist stopping you in your place. "I uh... Think you're cute and, ah crap what did Dabi tell me to say?!" 

As he mulled over his choice of words you hesitantly reach into your purse for pepper spray. "Uh I was wondering if I could get to know you?" He finally ended off staring at you expectantly. You looked back at him expectantly.

"I know this seems creepy but I'm not exactly good at talking to people that are not my friends so you're kinda boss level interaction." For a while your stare at each other as the cold fall wind blew past the two if you. Giving up, you sighed and pulled out a price of paper, "Look, if I wake up tomorrow and none of my underwear is missing and window is not mysteriously open, I'll give you a call, but don't expect it!"

And he didn't expect it. To your surprise, you never found any ominous signs of entry into your substitute home, and he never 'conveniently' showed up at your job. 

Even so, the very fact that you called him was during a moment of weakness. You were extremely home sick and you had just moved into your new home that was only equipped with a fully furnished bedroom and a microwave. 

When you heard the hesitant knock on the door you quickly put your cup of noodles down and opened the door. In your face was a rose...a single rose in a pot. 

Thats different

"It was short notice and it's not like any flower places were open.... So I stole it." You gingerly take the plant into your hands, "It's the thought that counts (?) Come in." You shut the door behind him and set the plant in the kitchen. 

"You must forgive the dryness of my home, I just moved in so there isn't much going on." Tomura hummed as he felt his bones relax as the warmth of the house filled his body. You stared at each other for a while, awkwardly sweating back and forth. Finally, you both opened your mouth to speak up.

"I didn't know I'd get this far so.."

You blink at each other before you double over with laughter. "Uh okay, well how about we watch a movie, get comfortable. The TV is in my room so I hope that doesn't bother you." 

You put on Wall-E for lack of better mood as Tomura hesitantly settled on your plush bed, hands clasped tightly between his thighs.

You two watch these movie in silence and shared popcorn. It wasn't awkward silence though, it was needed. A unspoken message saying that you both acknowledged that this was weird but it was a good weird. Both of you were willing to give it a try.

"Hey pass the popcorn." Tomura said blindly patting the air in front of you. "No you've ate most of it already!" You opted to keeping the bag as far as possible. "It's good popcorn now hand it over." You continue to resist but he was more stubborn.

Unable to think of any other way to save your beloved popcorn you clench your eyes shut and deliver a small peck to the tip of Shigaraki's nose. 

Almost as if shocked, he slides away holding his nose gently. You huff with airy laughter at his flushed face, "Told you, this is my popcorn." 

You smile softly at the memory wiping away a stray tear from your face. "One chance... I'll give him one chance."

You tiptoe to Daiki's new room and peek inside. It was too dark for you to see inside so you opened the door completely. You blankly look into the empty room before falling to your knees. "SHIGARAKI TOMURA I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" You scream into the night air as you glared into the baby less crib.

"Man are you sure you should have him here? He's still a newborn and nothing's baby proof, hell this is a bar so it's far from sanitary!" Dabi said glancing into the baby carriage. Daiki sleepily gazed up at Dabi and babbled. 

"Y/N and I are going through a small set back so I decided to give her some space." Tomura unclipped Daiki from his carseat and picked him up holding his head in a four fingered hold. "We decided to give her some space isn't that right?" He cooed at Daiki who gingerly hit his nose.

"Dude stop, seeing you with a baby is giving me the creeps." Shigaraki glared as Dabi took a shot, "Ignore your uncle Dabi he's just mad he's not as cute as you."

Komugiri was washing dishes until a shiver went down his mystical spine, "I feel a disturbance in the force.

[sebstanseabass]

Afterglow (A Bucky Barnes AU fan fiction) - Chapter 11

Afterglow chapters

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

A/N: I am not from the US and I've only been in New York once when I was a kid (I don't remember much lol I was six, I think), so I apologize if some of the places are inaccurate but I tried my very best to do my own research. Anyway, this is one of my favorite chapters I've written and I hope you guys enjoy it as well!

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The first whisper of the Monday air, brushed among the streets of the Upper West Side as you and Bucky decided to grab your running shoes and spend this day outside in the open air, hoping to burn all the calories you consumed last night. With a bottle of water in both your hands, you reached Central Park, catching your breaths. With sweat dripping down your forehead to your eyes, you saw a vacant bench and took the liberty to sit on it with Bucky behind you.

"Do you," Bucky sat beside you, panting and squinting his eyes and shaking off the sweat on his face, "do you run everyday?"

"Not everyday." You chuckled, taking a sip of water. "Four times a week."

"Why do you even like running? I feel like I'm in hell." He sighed, resting his neck on the brace. His breathing was restless and uneven but soon calmed down after a few moments.

"It takes my mind off things. I got a lot going on up here, y'know." You replied with much honesty. "Other people do it to keep in shape but I do it because I need it."

"I've never considered running. I just go to the gym and lift weights. Well, I have my own gym but if I'm being honest with you, I've been slacking off since the day I got here in New York."

You smiled and lifted your eyes to look at him. His face was glistening under the bright morning sun.

"Maybe it's a good thing we ran today." You nudged his shoulder with yours, his sweat-drenched skin rubbing up against your own. "You should run more. The more you do, the less you'll hate it. Trust me."

"You know what, as long as I'm with you, I will." He chuckled. "Ain't running with anybody else but you, doll."

There was a warm sensation moving up towards your cheeks. You didn't know if it was the heat of the sun or the warm blood rushing in but either way, you just knew that a pink flourish was becoming visible on your cheeks.

During that moment all you could muster was: "S-sure."

You hid your face by facing the opposite of Bucky and looked at the crowd that Central Park held. There, across the field lay a dozen picnic blankets on the bright green grass where a bunch of families and couples were reading, eating and talking audibly. Some were sitting underneath the tree for some shade. Some were walking their dogs on a leash and a poop bag ready on hand. Some were tourists with heavy backpacks just walking around. The chirping birds soaring in the air grabbed my attention, making you look up at the sky in which the bright sun hurt your eyes. You closed your eyes after that, trying to regain most of your vision. Once you did, you opened your phone and checked if Peter had left any messages. Unfortunately, there weren't any.

Peter was very vague about where his corporate retreat was, sticking to his notion that in order for him to take his mind off things, he also needed to be away from his real world, whatever that meant.

You sighed, texting Peter anyway, telling him everything was fine and that Bucky had been with you ever since he went away. You asked him how he was and hoped that everything was fine and well, and that he was enjoying his corporate retreat.

"Hey, let me take you somewhere nice today." Bucky said while tapping your sweaty shoulder, making you look up from your phone.

"Why? Where are we going?"

Bucky stood up, typing on his phone and looking around the park. "Wherever my car takes us. I figured since the bar doesn't open on Monday, you and I could do something fun that'll help you relax. Come on, you can go shower in my penthouse. I already have clothes sorted out for you in the guest room."

Your mind was still processing the part where he said that you could go shower in his penthouse.

Confused, you asked. "Wait, now?"

"Yes. Now, get up on your feet. My car's waiting on the road."

He didn't give you much time to comprehend his words, and respond, as he grabbed your hand, pulled you up from the bench. And as you ran, hand in hand, amidst the crowd, there it was again, that after feeling of spontaneity, fleeting; that same feeling you couldn't seem to explain really well — that same feeling you were wishing to avoid.

You and Bucky jogged towards the streets where a black and white Maserati with fully tinted windows was waiting on the side of the street. You thanked Bucky as he opened the door for you. He gave you a cheeky smile in response then hopped in beside you, introducing you to the driver named Howard. Howard nodded his head and smiled at you through the rearview mirror.

Once the car revved forward, you shifted uncomfortably in your seat, weary that your sweat was getting all over the expensive leathered seats of Bucky's car. You moved a bit forward in an oh-so-subtle movement, pushing your body against the strap of the seatbelt across your chest and did your best as you could to avoid sweating all over the seats. With one strong swift move, Bucky pulled your arm back, throwing your back against the seat and told you to relax.

You greeted Leonard with a smile and a wave once you arrived in White Wolf. You and Bucky exchanged some small conversation in the elevator which led right into the penthouse, something about the last time you were here. You both laughed at the memory as you teased him about it.

The penthouse didn't change as much the last time you were here; the only difference was there was no woman with little to no clothing waiting for Bucky to arrive. You looked towards the huge glass windows, your lips curved downward as you were hoping to get a good view of New York that was hiding behind the draped curtains. Bucky led the way towards the guest room in a well-lit hallway on the second floor. You walked under little chandeliers hanging from above. On the walls were duplicate Van Gogh paintings, and framed photographs of nature that blended well with the color scheme of the paintings, as well as the penthouse.

"I picked out some clothes for you that I thought you might like and had my assistant bring them over here." Bucky said, opening the door.

Feeling a bit guilty, you said: "Bucky, you didn't have to."

"I insist. Besides, I'm in charge of you for the whole week." He smiled, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.

You playfully rolled your eyes. "I told you, I can take care of myself."

"I'm older than you so you do what I tell you." He just dismissed your remark, and added: "Now go shower. I'll meet you downstairs for some brunch."

With that, Bucky closed the door behind him, leaving you in a state of awe as you looked around the guest room which was twice as big as your room. It was like a duplicate of the living room but smaller, and with a king-sized bed in the middle on the far back with clothes and some towels draped along the edge. A telescope stands near the glass walls. Beside it sits two dainty cushioned chairs, and a miniature coffee table. There was a flat screen 32-inch television facing the bed.

You walked near the curtains, slithered your finger between the noticeable gap and took a small peek outside.

You stepped into the insides of the bathroom which was near the size of your room. Everything felt so unfamiliar to you but you bathed everything in and relaxed as soon as the small prickle of the cold shower water hit the soft spots of your body.

You got out of the guest room, feeling fresh from the cold shower. You wore some cropped halter top, heathered trousers and slipped on some fuzzy slippers that were quite big for your size, even though your feet were already big. You quickly assumed it was Bucky's.

"Did you, by any chance, get me some shoes too?" You joked as you approached the kitchen, eyeing the bagels on a big plate on the rectangular island in the center. You hopped on one of the high stools, grabbed one and smeared cream cheese on it. "Just kidding, I love these fuzzy slippers."

Bucky's back was facing you, busy flipping some pancakes on the stove. "You're not wearing that outside. And yes, I do have some but they're mostly Peter's. Don't worry he hasn't used them yet."

"That's alright. We're the same size."

Bucky turned around, a big pan on his right hand. He approached you and flipped a pancake on top of a tower of pancakes on a plate.

"You like the clothes I picked out for you?" He asked and sat down on the high stool.

"Yes, thank you. But seriously, you didn't have to."

"Okay, so let me get this straight... You let me pay for food and alcohol but not clothes?"

You laughed. "It's a different thing! Those were cheap, these," you touched the fabric of your shirt and trousers, "are obviously expensive. They don't have that thrift smell my clothes have. And besides, I need food but not clothes so you paying for my food was a big win for me."

Now, it was his turn to laugh, shoving a piece of pancake into his mouth. "Okay from now on, all I should hear from you when I give you stuff is thank you."

"But... why?"

"Because social convention dictates us to."

"I know, but, why are you giving me stuff?"

"How else am I going to keep you around?" He winked as he continued to chew.

"Bucky." You warned.

"Okay, okay." He chuckled. "The thing to know about me is I love spoiling people — people that I trust and I'm obviously comfortable around you."

Not knowing any other way to answer, you just said: "Oh, well... Thank you."

"And of course, the thing I said before too." He laughed and you threw a bagel at him in response.

You and Bucky enjoyed your little brunch while planning the day ahead of you: go around Fifth Street, and perhaps Broadway, maybe go to the Chelsea market and as Bucky said: "Just go wherever our feet take us!"

Once both of you were done, you headed down White Wolf, with Bucky's Maserati waiting in front. You greeted Howard as you climbed in.

"You know what would be nice?" You started once the car moved forward. "Capturing people's moments in a crowded street." You said, picturing Fifth Street in your head.

"Oh, that's right." Bucky replied. "Here." With his large hand, he handed you a camera. But it wasn't just any camera. It was yours.

"Wait, is this my camera?" You asked, taking it from him. He nodded in response. "Bucky, what the hell, you went through my stuff?"

"Not me. Howard."

"Howard?!"

"Don't worry, miss," Howard spoke, glancing through the rearview mirror where you saw your own reflection, "I didn't take anything else and put everything back in place. I just did what Mr. Barnes told me to do."

"James." You scolded.

"What are you James-ing me for?" He said, leaning against the seat, clearly stifling a laugh. "He's the one who went through your stuff!"

"You are such a child." You rolled your eyes. "You're the one who told him to."

"You heard him, he didn't take anything else."

"Next time you pull something like this, you ought to let me know okay?"

He lifted his eyes to look at you, teeth biting his inner cheek, a smile wanting to reveal itself. "Okay."

You sighed but you also couldn't help but smile at your camera. It had been a long time since you've operated it as you have been so busy in the bar and hadn't had clients for a while now. You closed it immediately, seeing as the battery was just at fifty percent.

You and Bucky got out of the vehicle as soon as Howard reached Fifth street and entered the Lacoste building with no rush. You held your camera close to your chest, the strap feeling a bit heavier on the back of your neck as the hours passed but the weight of pleasure of taking photos of the street from the inside of the glass windows overwhelmed that.

All the stores looked so unfamiliar to you. The stores you usually go to had dimly-lit rooms with low ceilings, and instead of tiled floors and walls, they had chipped to almost rotten wood walls. The smell of new clothes in these designer stores filled your lungs, the bright incandescent lights nearly caused blindness to your eyes, the amount of men and women dressed in suits, stockings, and skirts were nothing you had ever seen before, designer clothes were hanging on racks color-codedly, or by season, or by new and old collection, the eyes of the security guards in each entrance lurked from miles away until you get inside the store, and today, you have seen Bucky's sleek, black credit card get swiped into the little machines a hundred times. He bought some clothes for himself, and Peter, whom he actually promised to.

Bucky even handed you some clothes, told you to put them on and when they did fit you, he immediately went towards the counter.

Feeling as if everything was too much, you refused but all he said was:

"From now on, when I buy you things all you have to say is thank you."

Overpowered, you just nodded and said exactly what he wanted you to say: "Thank you." And as hours passed more shopping bags were in my bags (yes, you insisted to carry what he had bought you, and when he refused, you gave him back his words, a little taste of his own medicine: "From now on, when you buy me things all you have to do is let me carry them.")

"Ah, throwing my words back to me. I see."

As you walked around a whole lot more, side by side, exposed elbows and lonely fingers constantly brushing against each other, you talked about things you both loved. Nothing about Bucky's hotel business, nothing about the bar, just the things in life which made you both happy — photographs, paintings, and everything about art. He saw the world through yours. You were just beginning to see his but the details weren't enough for you. You craved more of what was in his mind and in his life — no, not the business, parties, booze and all that.

But the things that separate him from that world, and the things he grew up with before that.

A lot of questions swarmed in your head, trying to think of ways to ask them but Bucky merely insisted on knowing you. All of you. But just like him, you too had your guards up, especially around your family issues.

Then you reached Chelsea market. You didn't know how but you did. You spotted Bucky's car parked on one street and told you to leave all the things he had bought inside. After saying your goodbye to Howard who, afterwards, drove towards the bumper-to-bumper traffic in Manhattan, you and Bucky headed to wherever your feet you. You were feeling a ton lighter without the shopping bags dragging your hands and you could now freely touch and open your camera.

Bucky, with a Grande Starbucks cup in one hand, looked around with a big smile planted on his face. You walked around, seeing the art district of New York through your lenses. You grabbed Bucky's attention by calling his name and when he turned around, you snapped a shot of him. Eyes wide. Brows furrowed together. Lips in a state of bafflement.

"Hey, delete that!" He protested.

You laughed, turning your body in the opposite direction. "No way! It's a good picture!"

"No, it's not!"

You kept on laughing, mumbling a bunch of "sorry"s and "excuse me"s along the way, the camera still shoved in your face.

Your lens caught a familiar name from afar, printed in neon red: Wanda. You stood there in the middle of the crowd, leaving Bucky to wonder what had happened.

"Let's go there." You said, making your way across the street where it was.

"Where?"

"Just follow me."

Bucky held no questions no more as your feet treaded towards the building of Wanda's studio. Once you reached it, you merely stood meters away from it, looking at the sign.

"Wandavision." You mumbled under your breath then bit your inner cheek afterwards, contemplating if you should go in and say hi but that didn't matter anymore because standing behind the tall glass windows was Wanda herself.

Again, she gave you that oh-so-sweet smile of hers, long red locks cascading down her shoulder as she walked towards the door. You gestured to Bucky to come with you, no questions asked.

"Y/n!" Wanda exclaimed, wrapping her arms around you as you and Bucky entered the building. "Oh, it's so good to see you."

"You too, Wanda."

"And who's this dapper man of yours?"

Beside you, Bucky's body vibrated, a chuckle coming out of his mouth as he offered his hand. "I'm Bucky Barnes. Nice to meet you."

Wanda shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, too." She gave you a knowing smile, taunting you, but you dismissed her assumptions by shaking your head no, and then she pouted.

Wanda led you further down her large, wide studio, giving us a tour.

"I'm quite surprised you came by, Y/n."

"We were just walking around the market and saw your studio." You replied. "Wanda, what you have here is... so beautiful."

"Thank you. I really appreciate that. I've wanted this since I was a little girl. It's always been the dream."

The inside was bright, with fair white walls, floor and ceiling, and smelled of fresh lavender. On one corner, it smelled of fabrics, make-up, and hairspray. Framed photos of Wanda hung on the walls. There was a dressing area on a corner, and a comfortable couch, perhaps, for visitors as well as the models. A mini kitchen stood in the far back. On top of the cute marbled island was a coffee maker, and a mini fridge. There was one room solely for the post-production process, her main office. A giant paper backdrop had taken a huge space on the floor. Around it were different kinds of large lights, tripods, chairs and other expensive equipment for photography.

She had it all. Everything you've pictured yourself having.

Wanda had it all.

"You've come at the right time. There's not much going on today but I have tons of clients coming for the next few days but really, feel free to come by anytime you want."

"I will, thank you."

Howard picked you right up outside Wandavision. The whole ride was filled with uncomfortable silence.

"Your friend's really nice." Bucky said, trying to clear the atmosphere. "She's a bit too chatty for me but she's nice."

"Yeah." You answered, your head pressed against the window. "Really nice."

"Are you okay, doll?"

You hummed. "I am. Just a bit tired s'all."

"Listen, I just have to head to the White Wolf but Howard will drop you by the apartment, okay? The shopping bags are already there but you don't have to worry about them, I'll take care of them as soon as I get back. Just take a rest, okay? Maybe a short nap. I'll grab you dinner on the way. How does that sound?"

Tired to even tell him you didn't need to babied, you just said: "Okay. Thank you, Bucky."

You did as Bucky told you to. You ignored the bags sitting on the couch, placed your camera on your nightstand and took a damn nap. When you woke up, instead of feeling better, you felt sick to your stomach. Your phone lit up, a message from Bucky displayed on the screen:

"Sorry for the delay. I'm currently stuck in traffic. I'll see you in 20."

You sighed and with an empty stomach, and an occupied mind, you put on your jacket, anticipating a cold rush, grabbed your keys to the bar and headed down. You went straight behind the counter, jumped over it and found an unopened vodka.

You drank the vodka, drank all your troubles away and as you sat there on the floor, weeping, the place you worked at felt too much familiar to you. So much so that you began to hate it and to hate the kind of life you had been living. Who were you fucking kidding? No, you didn't like juggling two jobs. It sucked. Even though it had been giving you the ability to pay half of the rent, it still sucked.

This wasn't what you wanted.

A few moments have passed. You were already on your second bottle. There was a sound coming from the back which began to startle you. A certain Steve emerged from his office, a look of concern evident on his face.

"Stevieeee!" You stood up, well, tried to anyway. "You're here!"

"Y/n, what the hell." He took you in his big muscular arms, his one hand carefully yanking the bottle of vodka on your hand and placing it on the counter. "You're drunk. You should go home. Where's Peter?"

"He's away. He left. Wait, why are you here?"

"I just had to take care of some things."

"Is Nat back there with you? It's okay, shh, shh, I know about you too."

"Oh, God. Did she tell you?"

"Puh-lease! You imprinted your scent on her like a werewolf."

He just sighed. "Let's get you to your apartment."

"Don't worry, Stevie, I won't tell. Hey, call Bucky. Grab my phone. It's on my ass." You giggled and then hiccuped. He carefully grabbed your phone from your back pocket, let you enter my password which took forever, and then called Bucky.

"He'll be here in a minute or two." Steve said, sliding your phone back in your pocket. "Let's get you seated, alright?"

He sat you in one of the booths. "I'll get you some water, okay?"

You didn't respond. Your eyes were fixated on the photos on the wall. With your breath rapidly increasing, you stood by your knees, and grabbed as many photos as you could. Steve slid in the booth with you, handing you a glass of water. You took a small sip, avoiding his eyes.

"What happened, y/n?"

You didn't give him an answer to his question and just downed the water. But you did ask him something. "Why'd you buy my photos, Steve? Is it because you pitied me that day?"

"What? No, I truly believe you have amazing photos."

"But what?"

"What?"

"There's always a but. What is it, Steve?"

"But nothing, y/n."

"Liar." You muttered. "You're a liar."

"Look, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on."

"I don't need help. I'm not a child!"

"You clearly are, especially when you're behaving like one. You come in here, drink an expensive bottle of whiskey, cry on the floor and ask me a bunch of ridiculous things. It's okay to ask for help sometimes."

"I'll pay for the bottle if that's what you're asking."

"No, I don't care about that. I care about what's going on with you right now because this isn't you, y/n."

"Oh please, you don't. You just pity me! That's why you bought those two photos, that's why you let me put my photos up here in the bar. I'm no good, Steve! I'm no good."

"Y/n — "

Then, a door slammed, a running Bucky coming inside. "Hey, doll. I'm here. Hey, hey, what happened?"

"Let's just go, Bucky." You stood up beside Bucky who held your waist for balance.

"Thank you for calling me." Bucky told Steve.

"Just take her home safely."

"I live right upstairs." You groaned.

"And make sure she doesn't drink anymore or do anything stupid." Steve scolded, his eyes locked on yours.

Bucky held you all the way towards the outside of the bar, and guided you towards the steps that led to the sidewalk. A black limo was on the street. With the windows rolled down, Howard asked, "Is everything alright, Mr. Barnes?"

"Everything's okay, Howie. You can go back now."

"Wait!" You exclaimed, slipping away from Bucky's arms and headed towards the limo. "Howard, take us somewhere."

"Y/n, what are you doing?"

You didn't give him time to wait for an answer as you opened the door and climbed inside the spacious limo. Bucky climbed in, confused.

"Y/n, are you going to tell me what's going on?"

You gave no answer, instead, you gave Howard the address. "450 West 15th Street."

The ride was more silent and shorter. He tried offering you food he had bought but you kindly refused, dreading to get out of the limo. You held on to your photos so tight that marks, scratches and folds were visible even in the dark.

When you reached your destination, you quickly hopped out, with Bucky following you.

"What are we doing back here?"

You were standing in front of Wanda's studio, the red neon lights illuminating on the concrete street, giving a bit of life on this side of New York.

You sat down on the floor, against a big pot of plant, your eyes never leaving the sign. Bucky, still confused, followed suit anyway.

"You know, my parents told me I'd never make it here. The day I left my home to live here, they told me, 'you'll never amount to anything. You'll never have a good life in New York. You'll never make it as a photographer. That's not a real job.' And I told them I will make it that I'll work my ass off, blood, sweat, tears, I'll do anything to prove them wrong. But don't you just hate it when they're right? I left my family, lost my communication to my siblings for this ridiculous dream I've been chasing for years. Everything I've done here feels like nothing."

At this point, you didn't want to hear anything or anyone besides yourself. So you were more than glad to hear nothing from Bucky, and to feel his fingers interlaced with yours.

"Wanda and I met in college; a year younger than me. We shared a love for photography and arts. Then we kind of just lost touch after I graduated. And then I saw her a week ago. She looked so happy and so content and I could feel her pity on me, her eyes, her touch. It was the first time I felt so small and I didn't think I could feel smaller but then we went here. Everything I wanted for myself, the things I pictured myself having and doing... She's living it. She's out there and I'm not. And I really hoped that by now, I've proved my parents wrong but turns out they're right. They were right all along. I don't amount to anything. I'm nothing."

"Wandavision." You laughed bitterly. "Wanda's vision. That right there. That's fucking clever."

"Let's get you home, doll. Please?"

"I want to stay, Bucky."

"We'll talk when we get back. Please, y/n."

You didn't agree to anything but he lifted you up anyway, guiding you towards the limo which was still on the street.

The partition was up. Even though Howard was inside the limo as well, at that moment it was just you and Bucky.

So, you cried, like how the skies cried, in Bucky's arms. You wept for all the unpaid rent and debts, for the menial job that you ended up in, for your failed career as a photographer, for your selfish parents, for your isolation from your college friends, for your insecurities, for your dog that died when you left for college, for your former lover that abused you, for the books you left unread, for all the wrong choices, for all the money you wasted during your college days, for all the toxic people you've ever met, for all the alcohol stains you had to wipe for years, for all the food intake during your peak of stress in school, for the only cherries you tasted, for the drunk sex you've always regretted, for the drunk kiss with Peter you've always regretted, and for the incoming mistake you were about to do.

"Kiss me." You whispered, lifting your head from his chest. "Kiss me, Bucky."

He shook his head no. Your noses touched. "Why not?" Your breaths moved together.

"Because right now, you're a mess." He whispered. "You're very vulnerable and drunk. I can't."

"I'm giving you all the consent I need. Kiss me."

"Not like this, doll."

Instead of going for your dry lips, he placed his lips on your forehead, his mouth and breath lingering. "Not like this."

[imagineabrighterworld]

Psy-Cutie pt. 1

Summary // Mind Jack is an S-ranked villain who always manages to evade capture. You are a florist working in the city and never really minded what was happening around you. You kept an ear open for more relevant news, but you never heard of Mind Jack or his schemes. This works in Hitoshi Shinso's favor as he crashes into your shop one day, injured and unable to take care of himself. Lucky for him, you are just the healer he needs.

A/N: Based loosely on the song American Beauty/American Psycho, hope you enjoy! ^^

- - -

Hitoshi knew two things when he woke up in an unfamiliar bed.

One. He was in pain.

Two. He was safe.

He knew he was safe with clear surety because if the person who saved him knew who he was, he would have on handcuffs and a muzzle rather than a blanket and bandages.

-4 hours earlier-

Twisting the dial of his mask, Hitoshi tests the new vocals he had acquired.

"Help me! Please Akane!" The voice of a 45 year old woman echoes in the room, bouncing off the concrete walls. The voice belonged to Hiromi Sasaki, the wife of a broker who had ties to several Pro Heroes in the Coruscant district. She had been a thorn in Hitoshi's side what with her providing new equipment and upgraded tech to superheroes. Last month he had nearly been foiled by a beam that concentrated a hypnotic ray. But now he had the perfect plan to get rid of her.

Or rather, get rid of her clients privacy.

"Hiromi! Are you here?!" Akane yells from afar, finally catching up to him after following the sound of her wife from blocks away. Now that they were in a closed and controlled area, Hitoshi felt no need to continue this game of cat and mouse.

"How precious." His voice rings out. "You really do love her don't you. If only that love was enough to keep her safe." He steps out from his spot behind a pillar, looking at the now frozen broker who stood still at the doorway. Her eyes were wide open, a blank canvas.

He stalks forward, lowering his mask into the folds of his capture weapon. "You're going to listen to me now." Hitoshi beckons her with a finger, walking backwards to a single chair. "Come. Let's go over the terms of our agreement."

The woman sits down on the rickety chair, showing no signs of fear as it buckles under her weight.

"From now on, you'll be attaching these to all the equipment you sell to your heroes." He unties a small bag from his waist and tosses it onto her lap. They were tracking devices. "If you get caught, your wife will not come back from what I'll do to her."

Nothing, nothing showed on her face that she was listening, but he knew his instructions ran clear. He could feel his control taking over. His quirk had evolved since his time at U.A, no longer was his brain washing temporary, no, he could give long term instructions. It was very, very useful. An evolution he was sure his old classmate would have loved to jot down. But today wasn’t a day for lamenting old friendships he already burned.

Bang!

His focus snaps to the wall next to him, the concrete was beginning to crack as a barrage of fists pummeled into it.

Shit.

"Don't forget what I told you." Hitoshi pulls his mask back into place, cutting off his connection to the broker, not sparing another second to watch her as he bolts to the farthest window with his capture weapon in hand.

Breaking through the glass he sends the end of the scarf to a faraway pole, using it to swing onto a nearby building. He curls into a ball and tumbles to lessen the impact on his joints before sprinting across the rooftops. Narrowly he evades the paralyzing bullets of police officers on the ground, shouting to the heroes who were hot on his tail.

It was fun, in a way, they were finally making it fun for him after being so easily put down.

But the heroes were prepared for him. Finally, they learned to bring proper backup.

"Mind Jack!" The hero Racer yells from the rooftop next to him. The hero beside them creates a ramp of metal, allowing Racer to send themselves flying onto the rooftop he was currently on.

Hitoshi coils his capture weapon around Racer's leg as they fly midair, twisting them around and throwing them into the new hero behind him. The group that had begun to accumulate was a mixture of A and C ranked heroes, which normally would be easily handled by himself. But he was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of a telekinetic that sent him plummeting into the ground and through the floors below him.

“Damn!” His scarf wraps around the exposed edge of a steel pillar poking out of the concrete floor, allowing him to swing out of sight from the heroes that continued their path downward where they assumed he had fallen. But it didn’t mean he was safe.

All he remembers is the cold wind rushing past him as he breaks through the window of the thirtieth floor and freefalls to the unforgiving ground.

- Now -

Now he was staring at a pitcher of water with slices of lemons and leaves of mint.

Just where did he land?

"Oh you're awake!" A voice chimes in from behind a curtain. He squints at the fuzzy shadow, making out something round and human shaped.

A hand grabs the curtain and pulls it aside, the roundness now obviously a ceramic pot and the human shaped figure.. A very cute human.

He tilts his head as he watches you balance the pot of dirt on your hip, your cheeks smudged along with your gloved hands.

Who were you?

"You scared me earlier! I almost didn't get to you in time." You place the pot on a chair and pull up a stool from the vanity against the wall, crossing your legs as you sat down. "My quirk is a little reckless, so I was afraid I might hurt you more than help you. But you're a sturdy one."

"What is-!" Hitoshi cringes at the pain in his throat, reaching up a hand to cup his jugular. It felt like crushed glass was grinding against his vocal cords.

You stood up at the sound of his voice, already preparing a cup of water to give to him. "My quirk? It's repel. I can repel anything, living or non-living- but the force I exert can change from moment to moment if I'm not careful. So when I saw you falling, I had to use it in small bursts to keep you from smacking the pavement too hard."

Well, he was asking for your name but he took the water anyway, looking it over for traces of a sedative. Deeming it clean, he mouths a quick ‘thank you’ before drinking.

Using the opportunity to collect clues on what kind of person his host was, Hitoshi takes in the sight around him. A pitcher of water on a chipped black nightstand. Macrame potted plants hanging by an open window. A wardrobe with a sweater peeking out. A worn beige carpet on vinyl floors. Photographs of friends and family. Clippings of plants and dried out flowers in picture frames. 

Nothing out of the ordinary. Safe.

A part of him wanted to cringe. How long had it been since he was around something so ordinary? He didn’t live in places long enough to decorate it. He didn’t leave windows open, chancing a police officer spotting him. He didn’t have any of these things you had.

“So..”

He turns his attention back to you.

“Would you happen to be Hitoshi Shinso?”

His grip on the cup tightens instinctively. Without his voice to activate his quirk, he settles on relying on his physicality. Hitoshi reaches instinctively for the scarf around his neck-

But it wasn’t there.

He settles on a nod, preparing to bolt out of the bed should you try screaming for help. Even without his scarf, he was prepared to scale the walls if he had to.

However, it isn't a yell of fear that he is met with. Surprise floods him as he watches your face light up with a smile. You lean forward with your hands tucked under your thighs. “Really?! I watched you in the U.A sports festivals when I was a teenager! You were amazing!”

Without knowing it, his hand raised from his neck to his face, covering his mouth as you continued on, a warmth building in his cheeks.

“I live pretty far away, but I took a trip to U.A. for my second year, and to see you take down students twice your size was so cool! You really worked hard after the first festival and it showed-“ A blush of your own takes root on your face. You scoot your seat backwards. “Ah- sorry about that.. I didn’t mean to be so forward.”

He shakes his head, looking at you with much softer eyes. He was a villain. And had been a villain after leaving amid his third year at U.A. He didn’t regret his decision and never cared for the love the media gave his former classmates. He didn’t need praise or the affection of strangers. He didn’t care about any of that.

But to hear someone praise him for his hard work, and to hear someone put him in such a light? To hear that someone saw him as more than his quirk?

Hitoshi could get drunk on your words alone.

“You don't mind..? I understand if it’s creepy. I've met fans of Deku who even I was uncomfortable next to.”

Once more he shakes his head, unbothered by your enthusiasm. In fact, he liked it. More than he thought he would.

Was this why heroes strived to be popular? The warm feeling it brought? Or was it because it came from you? Someone so blissfully ignorant of what he has done. 

You still saw him as a hero.

A hero.

“Oh! I need to get back to the shop! Your fall left some of my pots smashed, I need to clean it up before someone gets hurt.” You get to your feet and take his now empty glass, refilling it before handing it back. “Take your time,I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.” 

And just when he thought you couldn't get any better, you stumble on your way out, drawing out a squeak from your lips.

He was truly and utterly whipped.

[lavenderbexlatte]

Hello!!! Welcome to 🦋 anon's probably-way-too-overthought analysis on the m&m series in light of the new part. I have stopped crying and had about 24 hours to think, and I have discovered I have many thoughts, and this will probably be way more detailed than it should be.

The first thing I would like to address are some of the accusations Chan made at the end of the most recent part. (While I understand that they're supposed to not quite be accurate because of their obvious root in insecurity, and a lot of what I'm saying may just be like "yeah, obviously," I still would like to tell at the character a bit but I can't so this is what I have.)

Claim #1: "You fucking came at us at that party with your little girl-dom agenda and the guys fell for it, hook line sinker!"

This one's fairly self explanatory, no she didn't. They literally came onto her, even him, with his "There’s that pretty blush," and "Whatever you want it to be," lines. (And while yes, it's very likely that he was just trying to play it cool, but there's no way she could've known that, I'll come back to this later.)

Claim #2: "Nobody fucking asked me what I wanted!" "Nobody asked if I was sure that I wanted…"

Also mostly false, but he does have a tiny bit of a point. Yes, reader did grab his hair without asking, which is a little iffy, but she didn't actually rough with him until he goads her on. But I would argue that the reader is actually the ONLY one who asks him what he wants, if he's okay with things. While there may have been a little bit of discussion on the decision to approach the reader that we didn't see because of perspective (him saying this is kind of telling me that there wasn't, or at the very least not enough, maybe even some pressure for this to be the moment), or maybe Changbin said something while reader is with Jisung on the couch, after that, we don't see Jisung and Changbin check in with him at ALL, and there's not really an opportunity any other time for it just not have been noticed by the reader. As his partners, and the ones in the situation who have the full knowledge of Chan's situation, it should've been their responsibility to make sure he was alright throughout the process, even if they're not the ones in control for this situation, ESPECIALLY if they're going to keep this information from their Domme for the night (which really, I would say, wasn't a good idea, but no one is required to out themselves so I'll leave it alone).

HOWEVER, the reader does check with him, several times. She asks for boundaries/hard limits/etc before they even start anything, and while again, he's not required to say "hey, having a sexuality crisis, first time with a girl, kinda nervous," and he may not want to tip off Jisung and Changbin that something's wrong, that would be the time to say something like "I'm not feeling anything rough tonight, if you could be gentler that would be great." She asks them if there's anyone that doesn't actually want to fuck her. Also, she implements a safeword system (which she specifically calls him out to make sure he's okay with), which they weren't even going to USE, and asks them at least twice throughout the scene for their color, and Chan specifically if he's okay at least two more times besides that. Actually Chan almost makes fun of her for asking so many questions, so I think this claim is just another part of his insecurity-fed delusion that she's conspiring to ruin his life, or something, but again I'll come back to that. My point is that despite being the only one who doesn't know his situation, reader is also the only one who checks in with him.

There are a few other things he said that I took issue with, but those are the main two.

Next; Chan's delusion that reader is like conspiring to ruin his life. (Really like how you depicted this by the way, though I may be thinking wayyy too far into this.) I remember watching some video when I had one of my mental health/disorders hyperfixations. The video was about schizophrenia, and while I definitely don't think Chan has schizophrenia, one of the things the video talked about was types of delusions, and this kind of reminded me of one of them. I don't remember what it's called, but it's basically a delusion based around one idea, and then you force the world around you to fit into that idea. One example of this that I can think of is Azula from ATLA. Towards the end of her arc in the TV series, she starts seeing hallucinating her mother everywhere, and you get a peek of her fixed belief that her mother is behind everything that has gone wrong in her life, which is expanded upon a little bit in the books. Obviously Chan's not experiencing delusion to the extent that she did, but I did see some (albeit much less intense) parallels that were interesting. See, if he only talked about how his boyfriends seemed to like the reader more than him, that would be one thing, but he brings up his mother as well, which even though they did speak, it's a little out there to say that your mother likes someone she's talked to once more than you. That, combined with his insisting that the reader is playing some sort of game makes me think of that a little.

Of course this was only at first, when I was like "wtf, where is this 'my boyfriends like you more than me' thing coming from?" And then I reread the first few parts for this monstrosity of an ask that I'm writing rn. While at first I thought that this was entirely out of left field, when I read through the first few parts, especially the second one, with the knowledge that he felt that way, I noticed a few things you had put in there.

For the majority of the scene, or at least the first good chunk, the reader deals with Jisung and Changbin alone, leaving Chan by himself to watch. Obviously, as we see the reader's perspective, we know that it's because she found Chan's attitude intriguing and wanted to be able to deal with that one on one (at least that's what I got from it), it's easy to see now how to someone who's already insecure about their relationship and themselves, that would read as someone replacing you. Especially when Jisung, with no ill intent, but still, outright rejects his help in favour of the reader, and once again, he is left out, only this time it's accompanied with the sting of knowing (or at least feeling) that your partner didn't want you involved.

Now I kinda want to go character by character, and idk, talk about what I think they did wrong? We'll see, I'm not going to edit this so here we go.

Jisung and Changbin : Honestly, looking back on 3racha's first encounter with the reader, they really should have done better as Chan's partners. Like I said earlier, as the ones who knew Chan's situation, and the ones who likely pressured him slightly into he whole ordeal, it was really their responsibility to make sure Chan was okay with everything that was going on. That, and them feeling the need to sneak around with reader behind Chan's back doesn't sit right with me. I get that they have an open relationship, but there's a difference between having an open relationship and hooking up with someone your partner doesn't like, and actively trying to hide that you're hooking up with them. Their relationship boundaries may be fine with that, but idk, something feels off about it.

(I couldn't figure out where to put this and you may have already addressed this but it's my little theory/headcanon that Chan actually suspected it was reader at Jisung's place, and when there wasn't anyone there, he kinda gaslighted himself afterwards, idk. With the new knowledge it feels likely.)

Also, knowing that they were together for a while before Chan joined the relationship I think explains so much about the communication issues they seem to have with him. While I do think Chan has trouble communicating his feelings about things, I think their established communication and knowing eachother really well doesn't help. I may just be making things up at this point, but I feel like they have trouble with communication with Chan specifically, maybe forgetting that he doesn't have the same time/experience thy have with each other? If that makes sense?

Chan : oh boy. I've gone into a lot of detail already, so I'll try to keep this brief. Obviously, I think he has a looooottt of insecurity he needs to work through. If I were reallllyyy analyzing this I would say maybe a past cheating partner(?), but unless that's relevant to the plot I'm not sure if that's just me reading too much into this. Also mentioned before, COMMUNICATION ISSUES. One thing that would prevent half of the issues with this series is Chan communicating with his partners, though I suppose that wouldn't be near as much fun to read. Or just communicating I'm general, like I said, he had a plethora of opportunities to communicate to reader if he wanted something different, and didn't. So, yeah. Honestly I think he causes most of his own problems, but I feel like we knew that.

Reader : Now. I spent most of this series completely on the reader's side. Last night after reading part six, I was like "oh my god. He's right!" But then I took a while and thought a lot about it (as you can see), and honestly, I think reader probably did the least wrong out of everyone. Yes, the hair thing was a little iffy, like I said earlier, but once I went back and realized that he was actively participating and egging her on, I don't think that's necessarily something she did wrong. Beyond that, she did the most in regards of communication (at least during sex, after is another story), even more than the partners themselves. I think she did the best she could with the information that was given to her. She saw three guys approach her as a unit, and while yes, she didn't ask before engaging with Chan, I don't think it's really her fault for assuming that they were all interested as a unit as well. She had no reason to question any of their sexualities, why would she? She sees three partners approach her in unison, why wouldn't she assume they were on the same page? Anyway, all that to say, I think reader is the most innocent of all the main characters so far, though I may feel different after sitting on this for more time.

Anyway, here's this unedited brain dump, loved the new part, enjoy. Or not ig - 🦋

i've been sitting on this for like a week bc it's just so long and amazing??? and i have no idea what to say?? 🥺🥺

the bit about chan having a sort of delusion that reader is out to ruin his life in a pointed, conspired way is VERY interesting. their dynamic is actually something that i pulled from myself, in a way. i'm really superstitious about dumb things. i hate, like, bumping into someone or accidentally saying something that hurts someone's feelings bc i know that that karma/vibe/intention (whatever you wanna call it, i'm not spiritual just paranoid) is gonna come back around.

reader is the opposite. she's just walking around doing things and thinking about herself, and then being shocked when there are equal and opposite reactions to the stuff she does. i overthink everything, so reader doesn't think nearly enough.

but lemme say

that the best thing you said is how jisung and changbin are absolutely not the innocent bystanders that everyone seems to think they are 🤐🤐 most readers LOVE those two. but think about it...what are they trying to accomplish, here? 👀