#PHEW that got longer than i thought turns out i do have ideas

[louebel]

Hi! Can I request fluff Law x fem!reader where reader is feels sick but tries to ignore it/do things on her own (she’s not used to ask for help) but as a doctor law easily can tell by the signs and it happens during their sea journey on the polar tang? Hope I’m not asking too much love ya 🥺

Feel free to add angst or anything else to your writing ^•^

this is super old and the only request i'll ever do (atm) since i had a wip— ANON SORRY IT TOOK FOREVER <\3 reader is gn since i used the second person and no description.

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: trafalgar law × gn!reader 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨/𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬: 6,124 wc. a bit angsty, ends with fluff, emotional reader for the sickness, law is bad at emotions. this turned longer than expected, i hope it's decent xdd hit me up if there's any mistakes lol. supposed to be called windows of the soul,, divider by @ benkeibear my lord and saviour. 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: sickness overtook your body and worsened your already pitiful situation. law has been ignoring you and you have no idea why... but with how you felt, there was no way you could confront him at the moment.

scrub, scrub, scrub... 

"... phew ..." 

scrub... poof! 

"Oh! — damnit — aargh..." 

Cleaning today has been a nightmare. Never been so tedious. 

Like, it was already uninteresting compared to all the other things you could do, but today it was ten times worse. You could bear it, seeking to make dusting shelves fun by humming some random tune to yourself. It was okay, something you had to do every once in a while. You could do it. 

If only you weren't sick. 

"Achoo! Achoo! — urgh... Achooo..! Damn." 

You began feeling like this some days ago, or so you told yourself as you delicately hunched down to the floor, hoping to grasp the yellow sponge soaked in foam and water without experiencing excruciating pain. However, your hopes soon shattered as your back screamed in agony and your legs trembled with soreness, almost giving up on you. 

Just the flu, you insisted, it would go away. A couple of sneezes mean nothing. You would feel better and all would go back to the ordinary. 

... Oh, how wrong you were! And how stupid for not getting a day off. 

You were capable, though! You counted on your immune system (it sounded heroic the first time you thought of that). One night is all you needed. 

Or not. 

"Ow, ow..." 

You should've told your captain. Sure, it would cost your courage, pride, and dignity, but at least you'd be cured. You'd rather die than tell him you got sick because of the one herb he instructed everybody to avoid. 

What's worse is that he's been rather distant, and he's unquestionably avoiding you. The way he shoots daggers — no, whole machetes in your direction every time you do anything, smart or not, is so clear even the crew can see it. And the worst part? You do not know why. 

It had been like this for a while now, and you detested this whole plight with passion. Everything was okay between the two of you, you were sure of it! What did you do that spurred such a reaction? From one so dear to you? 

Those sweet memories... 

From new findings you excitedly presented him, to revealing himself, his past and adventures to you after almost a year of sailing. You knew everything about him. He knew everything about you. 

So why? Why stop so abruptly? You didn't mind when he digressed about his newfound coins. When he murmured under his breath while he pored over medical books or mulled about a particular topic. When he stressed over labor and called for a brief break, where you or the crew would attend to him by delivering him a meal or helping when he wasn’t looking. He's so stubborn.

"Uurgh..." 

From captain, to Law, to captain again. Not to mention how he deftly stopped you from hanging out with him. You thought he needed space at first. Maybe he was tired and had to rest for the next few days. That’s alright. However, your thoughts deteriorated as the days passed. But well, right now it's better if he doesn't see you at all. Nor the crew‌ — oh, the damn crew. Those two.

The "two" being the pair of nitwits that constantly stand by law's side and grin at you. Seriously... 

You do not understand what Penguin and Shachi find so amusing about your situation with him. It's a tragedy, not a comedy. You love them both, truly, the minute you stepped into the polar tang they were the first ones to get you to open up and all, but goodness, you wish you could beat them for sitting there, cackling and clapping their hands while confiding some mysterious comments to each other when la — the captain, showed up in the area and walked past you with an unreadable gaze. He'd constantly salute you and the others with a bow of his head or more, depending on his mood. 

Now? If he saw one inch of your form? 

Sigh. His face always went red. 

Why can't those two just tell you? Even Ikkaku seemed to know something you didn't. She was more subtle about it, though. Jean Bart wasn't slick either. You could see him smile from a mile away. Hakugan and Clione? Shachi and Penguin 2.0, except they hid behind Jean Bart. The rest pitied you instead, sometimes patting your back — sometimes shaking their head almost in disbelief. Oh, and Bepo gave you suspicious smiles! Every time he tried to say something to you, those two animal hat-wearing goblins silenced him. Did they just want you to suffer? 

And if they did want that then their curses were working because even after grabbing the sponge (almost losing your temper as it slipped through your gloved palm twice) and straightening back to an erect pose, your head was still banging with fervor, muscles barely reacting. 

If only you could snuggle with the fluffy, warm mink right now. A bitter sigh rushed past your lips at the thought. 

Those two were just so mean. But Law was much meaner — the captain, the captain... Yes, the captain. That... That dummy. 

You groaned and shook your head while forcing your wobbly arms to scrub the table, exhausted mentally with this never-ending train of thoughts and these fanciful fists leaving invisible bruises all over your poor body. Not to point out those hands pinching your brain like dough... 

Just — you... Goodness, what was it he suddenly despised so much? The submarine felt like home. It was home, especially when he joined you. Now when he does, he — the aura he emanates is intimidating, yet everyone is either unaware of it or not affected by it. 

What made him so resentful? You can barely say anything when he strides into the place, too panicked to learn how he would perceive you or talk to you if you go on. It's like you're back on step one, isolated, too scared to be yourself with your family. Because of one man who's supposed to be the head of it. 

Being you felt like a sin when close to him, as if he preferred the private variant of who you are, and shunned your curious and spirited self. You could understand since he’s rather closed off and well, in a certain aspect you are too, but — did he not like you at all? Was it all an act to not offend you? He didn't seem to dislike your vivid reactions initially, or your foolish gestures when nearing a fresh island. You were often silent, smiling and listening to others converse, but when around your companions, you easily liked to open up since it was the only time you could do so. And they were more than just that. You entrusted all the members of the heart pirates. They meant everything to you. Even him, who stopped including you. 

Ugh... 

You wished it could all go back to normal. 

This disease enjoyed fumbling with your previously scrambled sentiments. Law did mention it brought a high fever and emotional susceptibility. You didn't consider it'd be this severe. 

"... Okay, I'm done." 

You certainly weren't, with your bed unmade and furniture still dusty; floor imploring for a good wash. However, with the croaky voice you had paired with your runny nose, you doubted you could do more. Even if you did, it'd be better not to. 

You peered down at the bucket full of water that probably smelled better than you at the moment, ignoring the small puddle beside it made by your poor handling sponges skills. Grimacing, you decided to leave it where it was in case carrying it back turns out to be a challenge. Hopefully, Ikkaku can provide you help later. 

Looking around, your droopy eyelids dimmed your perspective and further provoked you as both exasperation and exhaustion mixed and boiled in your gut, room so messy it mirrored your current state. You didn't know what was irritating you more: the light of the lamp or the disarray you resided in. 

Howling dejectedly, you turned and plodded to your bed, opening your arms, ready to throw yourself on the mattress. The more you sleep, the sooner you'll get better. Yeah, you're so brilliant. You closed your eyes and — 

knock knock. 

— reopened them a second after, remaining immobile for an extra few before glowering at your door, contemplating whether to go open it or linger to determine if they'd leave. Hmm. 

You waited. 

... knock knock. 

Fantastic.

You gritted your teeth, drawing a profound breath to settle your nerves, haywire thanks to the hellish illness. They didn’t deserve to withstand your rage, but who knows, maybe by seeing your shape, they'll show sympathy and tell you. That could work. 

Okay. 

You sluggishly trudged to the door, not bothering to adjust your unbuttoned pajamas and faking a cheerful facade. You hoped your face didn't look too awful, but you couldn't care less right now. 

Gripping and twisting the knob, you pushed it open, greeting them with the feeblest voice you've ever had, your sore nose making it unthinkable to inhale air. You rubbed the back of your head while doing so, eyelids closed to evade any light. 

"Yo, Penguin, Shachi, how can I—" the words automatically came out of your coarse and blazing throat, opening your eyes a bit to look at... them... 

Then you saw a tattoo. And more tattoos. No white, poofy boiler suits in sight. 

By barely seeing light before, you tried giving yourself mercy, but now you were only slaughtering yourself to make sure the person in front of you was, well. Him. 

Your jaw fell while your brows lifted in consternation, but shortly returned down thanks to your declining headache. Your pupils then scaled the mountain of mass before you and arrived at the peak. Another pair of eyes. 

Cool, gray eyes. The ones that just a week ago welcomed you with compassion and comfort. Now they drive you to wither away from this world. Even if you look up to them. (Hehe, get it? man, you're so silly, wow.) 

"—help … Captain. Uh, hello." and there goes your comfort zone. 

You tried swallowing down air but got pounds of mucus down your stomach instead, curved posture closing up even more in his presence, ashamed to be seen in such a weak state, instantly regretting not managing your appearance as his gaze scrutinized you from top to bottom, probably displeased with how you presented yourself.. 

You looked everywhere but at him. He only looked at you. 

Envy spurted from the plant’s toxins. How could he focus on one thing and have so much confidence to stare at someone without breaking eye contact at all? If you do the same for longer than two seconds, it feels like whoever looked at you has seen your entire personality, life, darkest secrets that you didn't really have, closest people to you — everything in poor words. The windows of your soul, perpetually agape.

How does he keep them closed? Why can't you seal them at all? Why?— 

"—so care to explain the meaning of this?" 

"Huh?" 

You stupidly stared at him, blinking and glancing at his shoulders, then back at him to break whatever spell he put on you, not able to concentrate at all. 

Barely could you see the annoyed expression on his face. You hoped he wasn't dealing with excessive stress. Making him feel worse was not your intention. 

"I said, care to explain what this is? You look... terrible—" you cringed at that, "—and you haven't come out of your room since this morning. Do you have any idea what time it is?" His scrutinizing tone made you want to crawl under your blankets and stay there forever, but his patronizing gaze didn't let you. 

You could merely fidget with your fingers and glance back at the floor to relieve your worries, which mixed with pain, fatigue, and dirtiness. You called for sleep so badly. 

"I'm—I'm sorry, Captain. I, uh, I didn't—" sniff, "—mean to skip my duties. Sorry." 

His brow creased in suspicion at your raspy voice and poor shape. 

"Is that so? Look at me while you say it." if his words weren't menacing enough, his tone was too. He knew you couldn't do that. Especially now. 

"Uh..." you unconvincingly whispered, continuing to play with your fists, until rubbing your nape once more, shuddering at how chilled your hands were compared to it. 

Your actions were, again, spotted by him, and if one more thing occurred, then he'll be correct. 

"Well? I'm waiting." 

"..." 

Sighing exasperated, you raised your head to look into his pupils once again.  

Unbeknownst to you, he already confirmed another of his impressions while taking a further view of your sullen visage. 

"I, uhm, overslept, Captain. That — that happens sometimes, yeah? Sorry about that. I'll—I'll..." stopping for a moment, you squinted your eyes and scrunched your nose while the man before you attentively fixated his stare on your frame and— 

"Achooo!" —covered half of your face whilst he recoiled back at the loud sneeze you let out, not expecting it at all. He blinked, then you sneezed again, and again. Streak of three. 

If your voice and glossy eyes already told everything to the doctor, the continuous sneezes only reinforced his thesis. 

You exhaled haplessly as he sternly said your name. 

"You're sick." his firm and coherent words could not be fooled. Your fate was sealed. 

"...Yeah." at this point, you didn't care. He was gonna scold you, nothing you could do about it. You could only hope he'll do that after you're cured because right now, you could barely stand still without shivering. You were sure if he wanted to do something he would have already, so he definitely will have a talk with you after you're healthy. 

"Why?" you've been proven wrong so many times this morning — afternoon. Evening? That you don't know what's gonna happen next. 

You stared at him numbly, almost done with everything. 

"What do you mean 'why'? I don't, I don't know. Probably our... Ugh, our last stop, isn't that obvious—" 

"Not that. Why didn't you say anything? To the others? To me?" 

If it wasn't for your head beating incessantly and the aching of your tendons ruining everything, you would think this was a dream. 

You kept gawking at him like a goldfish. His timbre wasn't as stern as it regularly was. It was a bit, just a tad bit lower. Like, barely. His eyes were softer, and if you met the man yesterday, you wouldn't be capable of identifying his mood. It's because you knew him for so long that you could distinguish it. 

"I..." you mumbled talks under your breath, awfully feeble to maintain the discussion, barring your eyes and hitching away when Law planted his freezing hand on your forehead. You fussed in protest, although it didn't last long. 

"You're cold... Off." 

"My hands are perfectly fine. You're burning," he interrupted you, stating the obvious. But you were far too deep to listen, fatigued. 

"Yeah... M'sorry." you nodded while deliberately looking down in shame, almost dropping to the ground out of fatigue. Everything seems hazy, the pressure in your skull fading, while the breaths you took were meager. 

Something skimmed over your shoulder and nape — ah, his fingertips — palm carefully tilting your head back up. Your mouth hung open, and you attempted to focus on your captain's facial features and the iconic hat to not fall asleep. 

"It's fine." But his gentle approach and mellow maneuvers set you in a soothing trance, where you couldn't do anything other than auscultate him. 

It’d be an exceptional moment to speak up about these last days, his odd actions. 

"It... It is? You, ah... You're not..." but you struggled to do so, chest too heavy to speak. He narrowed his eyes, striving to make out what you were saying, but it was all incomprehensible to him. 

"I'm not?" he urged you to proceed, getting closer — he felt warm. Wasn't he cold some seconds ago? Ah, he’s draping his coat over your shoulders, so, so cozy, — and holding you as if you were glass. Why was he holding you? It felt nice, undoubtedly nice. Oh, you were going to fall, you think. 

“Hey—hey. It’s okay. I got you. I got you.” 

Cradling you in his arms, Law cursed and crouched down, snaking an arm under your knees and sweeping you up, a short "there" slipping from his tongue, keeping you close to his breast. Naturally, you snuggled close to the source of heat, losing consciousness, unaware of your surroundings, his distress, and jogging to the infirmary. 

“Hey. Keep your eyes open. No, no, open—yes, yes, like that. Good job. A bit more, then you can go to sleep, alright?" 

While nodding lazily when he said your name again, you curled up for more warmth, and he mellowly followed your movement, hefting you up and pressing his lips upon your forehead, his frown deepening at how high the temperature was. He needed to administer medicine quickly. 

"Law …'m sorry if I smell." 

He scoffed. Thinking of such idiotic things was exactly like you, sputtering them out so bluntly. Rolling his eyes was natural at this point. 

"That's my last concern. We'll think of your scent and hygiene later. Don't speak. Shh." 

So stupid, so stupid. He should've confronted you ever since you left the island. He should've. It's been a recurring pattern these days. He couldn't see you because of his work but spoke with the others at breakfast, lunch, dinner... They all grew concerned about your distance. Uni shared that it began right after the departing... He knew something wasn't right with you, he could feel it.

Back in that inhabited location, he quickly took note of your drooping posture and fatigued breathing. He wanted to ask about it, but the following days, you acted normal, and Law thought you were queasy because of the heat.

Then he got busy checking on the crew's documents, medicine supply, the damn broken scope Hakugan sadly reported, bounties, news — and something else. He managed to give a check-up to everyone but you. It was mandatory after leaving an island.

With you evading him and him doing the same, this happened. Great. He could only hope it wasn't contagious.

... Wait.

He gritted his teeth in sour realization — Not once has he seen you in the halls or dining hall. No one mentioned you, either. Have you eaten anything at all? Oh, you imbecile.

He palmed your skin through your suit, easing your laments and whimpers, walking through the hallways of the Polar Tang and reaching the infirmary. Kicking the door open while lulling you a bit, shushing and fluttering his eyelids at your sick and quaking form. 

"There we go. Shh, I know, I know, it's awful." 

Uplifting the blankets, he quickly covered you and began searching for his equipment, rustling and metal clicks tangling with your whines. 

"U- uuh... W- where..?" 

"I'll be there in a second. I'm here." 

As he said that, he quickly came back to you, already stirring medicine in a cup. He had to give to you before you blacked out or fell asleep. Sliding a hand under your back, he carefully pushed you up, gaining a groan from you; you sounded so tired. Tipping your head forward, he brought the rim of the cup to your lips. You were delirious, could barely see or feel, but managed to follow his direct instruction to "open". The first glass was tasteless, fresh... water. 

The second tasted awful. 

"E—eugh..." 

"A couple more sips and we're done. Come on, you're doing good." 

Once you drank it all, with a small praise from Law, he gently laid you back down, about to check your vitals. He knew you were in no condition to do as he instructed, it would be all him. Idiot, idiot... 

Just looking at you made him guilty. He never saw you this awful. However, what truly pushed him were your next phrases. 

“Do you feel better now..?” 

Low and dry, they all were. He halted his movements, his hands in the bag, shifting his attention to you. 

Your question puzzled him. 

Feel better? Him? He was fine. Perhaps you thought the disease was contagious? No; you would've phrased that diversely. His forehead creased, slightly tilted to the side. 

"What?" 

“I … I missed you." 

And as clear drops cascaded down your cheeks, his limbs froze, a bittersweet ache striking his chest. 

"I—I thought I did something wrong … I’m sorry … Should've told you. 'M sorry ... really...” 

Shit. 

“No, no, don’t be. It’s alright, don't—don't speak. You did nothing. Shh...” 

And if you stayed conscious for some more seconds, you could've seen those severe pupils mitigate. The windows of his soul open up; the "stern" gaze he preserved for you withering in an instant at your vulnerability. 

All he wanted to do was clear that up. When, now..? 

“I—I’m the one that should’ve apologized, damn it…” 

"Aargh..." 

Warm. 

"Mmh..." 

It was very warm. Pleasant. 

"Hn..." 

The boilersuit felt different. Heavier, and not … poofy. Hm. 

The pillow was so nice, though... 

You sought a better position under the comforting and amiable regime of your blanket, squinting your glistening eyes as if sand had struck them; eyebrows knitting in distaste and discomfort, choler cramming up your insides — but not for long, extremely achy and sleepy to lament. 

Shouldn't it be easier to relax now that you are tired? Shifting left and right left your muscles throbbing. The peace you could achieve in your dreams was all you begged for. But no, you just had to rise two more times in the span of minutes or hours. 

When you woke up the third time, someone surprised you. He was perching on a chair near the infirmary's bed, head, presumably about to doze off. An encyclopedia of vegetation and exotic environs sat in his palms and dotted jeans, the cover made of green-coloured leather, firm to the touch. 

He looked peaceful. 

"... Law?" 

Your lashes fluttered at the fierce shudder that rocked his frame, the textbook about to fall, his eyes snapping open and rapidly darting up to you. 

"Oh. You woke up. Good. Good evening." 

You were mad at him. You were mad at him. 

His lips were indubitably moving. Whatever he was saying, you were not listening. Something about being out for hours, but you were too out of it to pay attention. 

And looking down at your body, your eyeballs almost popped out of your sockets at the sight of... Not your boilersuit. 

"I'm in my pajamas?" 

"And — hm? Oh. I changed you." Pause. "With my devil fruit, of course. Obviously. You were way too hot in it." 

"..." 

"..." 

Pause number two. 

"I'm hot?" You bluntly said,

"Not in that way." And he quickly retorted, bashful. You immediately got gloomy.

"Oh..." You and Bepo were alike. He couldn’t help but sweatdrop.

"No, no, no, don't — you look fine. That's not what I meant." 

A hoarse chuckle ripped from your sensible larynx, a noise that he hadn't heard in a while. His back loosened at your jovial note, the pressure applied on the envelope of the manual lessening. 

There was a superb illustration of the flora you accidentally whiffed. 

"You inhaled it, didn't you?" 

... Silence followed. Then a sigh.

"A simple allergy with a sore throat and emotional instability in the first phase caused by the pollen, weakened muscles and headache in the second, and heightened senses, nausea, and worsening of the body in the last one. You felt them all." 

Quick and precise, each symptom he mentioned appeared throughout the weeks you boarded on the Polar Tang. He hit the mark. Glancing at him from the corner of your eyes, you nodded sheepishly, feeling hot in your cheeks. 

"Y—Yeah." 

"I thought I mentioned dodging those peculiar red flowers. I don't expect you to recall the name, but to avoid it. Thankfully, you only inhaled its pollen, or else you would've been in this bed the moment we departed." 

"O—oh... That bad?" 

"No, not really. The symptoms would've developed quicker, but nothing dangerous. Perhaps you would have slept over two days, as all cases do when encountering this allergy," He narrows his eyes at you, shutting the book and crossing his long legs, his foot jouncing. "Not at all fatal, only worrying when the patient in question mentions nothing about the symptoms and overworks themselves.” 

“Hey—” 

“You're fine." 

A small huff left your lips, nodding lazily. Nothing was uttered after from both sides. Occasional groans from yours. Only then he spoke. 

"Why didn't you tell me?" 

"..." The answer was simple. He immediately found the illness yet couldn't pinpoint the cause of this? It was almost ironic. Your quietude wasn't taken well. 

"Well?" 

"... You ignored me. You made it clear." 

And he was faking ignorance. That glance, his attitude. You knew him too well, but had no energy to call him out. 

"I—I didn't." 

"Don't play coy, Law. Did I do something? Even the others know. Penguin and Shachi told me. I—" 

You paused when he raised his hand, glancing at it in confusion, then back at him, twice or more. He sighed and dropped it back on his thigh again, using his other one to rub his temple in distress. 

"You did nothing. I don't know what... Shachi and Penguin said," You tilted your head at his peculiar manner of quoting them. "But I've got nothing against you." 

He stopped rubbing and lifted his head to check on you again and you were unsure of what to say. His brows wrinkled the tender skin of his forehead, severity, and minor unease painting every fiber of his appearance. 

You just... didn't know. 

"Really? Then why those weird stares? Why leave the room the moment I come in? I mean." you flailed your hands around, looking everywhere as if you could find an explanation. "You never behaved this way, Law, not with anyone. I... It was fine before, right? Let me ask again, did I do something wrong?" 

"Of course not!" 

At his hasty exclamation, you blinked, uncertain why he became as rigid as stone. Palms back on the blanket, you awaited an elaboration of his thoughts, observing his adumbral face to detect any key to figure out what caused him to alter his ways with you. However, his hat, which you've always appreciated for its fluffiness, turned out to be an issue. Those eyes you've grown so fond of refused to meet yours. 

You just couldn't get it. The surrounding air grew an intoxicating no romance book would mention, one that did the contrary of setting your heart aflame, that poor muscle of yours. 

If he explained, it would've been easier. 

"Okay, 'of course not' ... Sure—" 

"We are not having this conversation. You need rest." 

He briskly cut you off, and your heart felt constricted. The words felt bitter upon both of your tongues, so bitter and revolting, they made his jaw clench and your eyes water. You weren't having it. Absolutely not. 

"I feel better now, thank you, and I say we're having this right here." You pushed, ignoring how he clenched his tattooed fist.

"No—" 

"Yes, Law! I don't know what I did, but if it bothers you, shouldn’t you tell me? There are things we can all miss." 

The pang in your brain was still active, and you had no patience nor strength to argue. Either he spoke up or you'd go straight to sleep. 

"I... You did nothing that bothers me." 

His speech was almost a whisper, a low rumble, and were you in your regular state, you'd feel sad to see him like this. Law had no trouble speaking up— perhaps with apologies, or admitting to be wrong when in the midst of a conversation. Maybe something genuinely bothered him. But he'd tell you, wouldn't he? He had to.

But you weren't the only one who had to consider the consequences. He also had to do his part. 

"... And?" you encouraged him, to gain something, something that would lead you both to that damned thing you were both chasing, that ounce of understanding. 

“And—and what?" alas, it served another wave of blistering dissatisfaction down upon the membranes of your boiling stomach. 

He couldn't be serious. 

"... Whatever. I'm going to sleep." 

"What?" 

You detested how you were feeling, a volcano of passions, the pounding in your skull, and the heat, and the ludicrous, nagging insecurity, all these wretched, gristly sensations shoved in your mouth and scraping your gullet, such a relucting and squalid dish, contaminating your palate and inflaming the gums of your teeth. 

But all Law could see was how your eyes moistened and reddened, the crinkles at the corners of your mouth, the contracted tissues above your nose. 

You couldn't feel how his heart plummeted, either. Again, he caused you to cry. 

"Hey... I—" 

"No, Law, no! I said leave! You ignored me for almost two weeks and now—now you're just..!" 

Perhaps you were being a bit too "dramatic" for something you could solve with a modest exchange, something that, compared to all the obstacles you and Law went through, was a sheer grain of dust in your shoes. Yet you erupted for the frustration, the plant's effects and that nameless thing you'll bring in your grave, for if he knew, he'd probably pity you. 

Maybe, just maybe, he should've kept ignoring you. If solely to dim that warmth. The glow in your eyes that only sparked with him. 

"I don't mind if you need time. I don't mind if you're busy or whatever, that's obviously fine! But can't you tell me? Is it that hard? Instead of treating me like a stranger? Just—just, just leave..." 

Your snotty voice seemed ridiculous, resounding through the infirmary alongside your sobs and sniffles. Vision tarnished by your tears, staring at the ceiling with resignation. It alarmed Law, whose emotions were already scattered; unnerved, anxious. 

He couldn't take seeing you like this. He couldn't. 

"That’s not it! I... I just — I..!" His broken explanations fell as your cries didn't stop; spasms traveling through your frazzled nerves. He swore under his breath, getting up and coming to you, standing close but so, so distant. His fingers jerked, impatient to wipe your tears, to calm you down, to assure you everything was alright, and this was all on him. 

"What..?" you meekly whimpered, gazing at him as he appeared in your sight. 

"I, I..!" if only he could express himself. You'd figure out. If only he could, without buckling and tearing apart at the weight of his own feelings. 

"... You what, Law?" 

It was tough to see with all those tears coating your scleras, but... His lips quivered. His jaw tensed. 

His hands craved yours. 

"I like—I like you!" 

... You wondered if illusions were part of the symptoms. Your eyelids were all but relaxed. Popeyed. 

"There. I said it. I mean it. Seriously. I—I think I love you." 

You could feel his frantic grip, slightly pulling the blankets in his direction, tense as him. You've never seen Law so … jittery with you. Perhaps when he slowly spoke of his past, or when his plan failed. 

"I—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I... I was confused. I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't... No, okay. I, I love you, but you don't have to reciprocate, really. ‌I just wanted to clarify that I wasn't—" 

This was different, however. Not the same vulnerability, nor agitation. That teetering edge coating his sayings, not at all close to those instances. 

"... Law." 

"—ignoring you, I mean, I was, but I just couldn't face you, you know? I didn't know how to act—" 

That glow, those feelings. The twinkle in his eyes Bepo mentioned when you spoke of something that fascinated you, that rare grin on his lips, and that sweetness, the swelling in his chest, and the red, and the breath of fresh air, and the intoxicating romance books loved to talk about... 

Those tints blooming in his cheeks. The faint relaxation of his defined brows. How he covered his pretty, vulnerable self. 

He's no different from you. Oh, oho ho, no, he wasn’t. Only now did you realize. 

"Law." 

"—but I missed you so much, I missed your presence, being with you, I—" 

Your heartbeats matched. 

"Law!" 

You understand now. The definitive yell induced him to quit his blabbering, and eventually, he found your gaze. Those windows were not locked at all. Not marginally, not halfway. They were fully open. You could see him. 

"It's... the same." 

It was all you could utter. His jaw loosened, and you could recognize his wide, stormy irises. 

"Huh? Wh — what?" 

"I feel the same way, Law. I—I love you too." 

Yours were open, too. They always were- yet he never acknowledged what dwelled inside. Two fools you both were. 

"... Oh..." and a breathless whisper was all he could offer. 

The silence dissipated. A delightful warmth occupied your rib cage. The pressure was gone. 

All is back to normal. 

"If... If you weren't sick. I'd kiss you." He mumbled, and his lips looked more luscious than ever. He shouldn't have said that. Now it was even harder. 

"P—pfft... Of course, of course. Can you come closer, at least?" you pouted, giving him the best puppy eyes you could muster. “Pretty please?”

"... Fine. It's — not contagious, anyway," he huffed, his cheeks a light pink, and he sat on the margin of the infirmary's bed, hustling just a tad bit closer... 

Closer... 

"Closer?" 

"Alright." 

His ears grew pink at your giggles. Your fingers graced each other, "DEATH" entwined with you. His hands were lukewarm. Long, slim, calloused in some places, but also tender to the contact. His metacarpals were partially discernible, defining the shadows. He took care of his nails, ensuring they were cut short, although they appeared slightly, just somewhat lengthier than usual. Not considerably, however; they were still short. 

How you missed holding it. 

"Sorry, by the way. About everything." Squeezing his hand, you attempted to show him what it meant to you. He squeezed it back, brushing the top of your hand with his thumb, a pensive and solemn look on his face. 

"No- I should apologize for not saying anything sooner. I neglected and avoided you. I … I don’t know what to do. You know I’m not the type for relationships.” 

You hummed in acknowledgement, but weren't as worried as Law. You'll wait. Nothing would change. 

“Mmm. I can wait for you, Law.” Saying it seemed to take him off guard, as if he hadn't thought about it. Or, rather, didn't expect you to propose it. In his head, it seemed silly because it's him. If you were to ask in his place, he'd also wait. 

He felt lighter. 

“… Truly?” 

“Yeah. We can figure it out together. Like we always did. I’ve loved you for years." He inhaled deeply, your words buttery and sweet. "I’m fine with waiting longer.” 

Thinking you wouldn't accept, if he asked, was stupid of him too. Of course you would. Of course. With another squeeze, he nodded, and turned his head away from you a bit. 

His eyes glistened. 

“I’d like that. Thank you.” 

You smiled, too, saying nothing in return. 

He can take all the time he needs. 

After some days, everything went back to the typical routine. The first thing you did was knock Shachi and Penguin's heads, (supported by Ikkaku) and since Hakugan and Clione were on duty, you couldn't do the same for them. 

You puffed your cheeks and enjoyed chewing the well-earned treat you snagged from the kitchen, reorganizing boxes since this morning. 

"Tired?" 

Peeking at the door, a smile adorned your mouth at the sight of your captain leaning on it. 

"Mm, there were a lot of them." 

"You could've asked for help. You know I don't want any of you to strain yourselves with tasks." 

"I had it. Don't worry. Although..." another bite. "I miss it." 

"Hm?" he crooned, tipping his head forward. "Miss what?" 

You gazed into his eyes, "Miss getting pampered by you when I was sick." lovingly observing how they enlarged a bit before returning to the stoic stare he always wore, swaying his head to dismiss your remarks. The chambré tint on his cheeks was as clear as day, like his light smile. Not that you'd tell him, he'd immediately disregard it. 

"... Meet me at my office once you're done." 

As he turned his back to you, his boots making clicky rumors with each step, your smirk amplified... After all, who could wait to get coddled by none other than their favorite captain?

[buckgasms]

hi I just wanted to say I love you and your writing so much! I was thinking about your question of how Daddy!Bucky and princess met but I couldn’t think of anything, I do however really like your idea though

thinking about that got me thinking about how would Daddy!Bucky tease his princess in public? what kind of looks or what kind of things would he say to her, and what would happen when they got home…. or would he touch her in public?

Hi my darling ❤️ thank you so much! I am still working as well on that idea but I appreciate your thots 😘

Another Nonnie also asked

How much do you think Daddy!Bucky likes to tease his Princess? What is a scenario where he would just want to watch her SQUIRM… and how much enjoyment would he get out of it??

So thank you lovely Nonnie also for having this excellent thought too 💕

So Daddy!Bucky is the King of teasing 😅 let's break it down:

- He likes to touch you always anyway, but when he's trying to tease you, his touches linger for longer and go places he normally wouldn't.

- He'll put his hand right at the top of your thigh and tickle it, or squeeze gently. You can't help but clench them together, but he isn't having that, he'll push his hand down and keep them apart, so he can keep playing as he pleases.

- Or he'll hold your wrists to your sides as he's talking to you. It's not for any reason, only to remind you that he is bigger and stronger than his princess and if he wants to, he can take you right here and now.

- The things this man whispers in your ear when you are in public is obscene 😅. Maybe he has plans for the evening with you? Or he wants to reminisce about the night before? Or he just wants to tease you to the point of insanity? Either way he's got things to say...

"Took me so well last night princess..."

"Saw your pussy was still puffy and swollen from last night... Did you like Daddy filling you up and using you all night?"

"Bet I could get you to suck me off right here, so desperate for me huh?"

"You better be ready for me Princess, I'm gonna fuck you any moment and I want to feel that wet tight cunt as soon as I can."

- And he always whispers it, right in your ear, his growly deep voice sends shivers down your spine.

- And you nod at whatever he says, slipping further into a daze as he drags you around town or pours you a drink at dinner.

- Now let's not forget, Daddy likes giving you little tasks. And even when he's with you, these will still apply. Especially because he knows how embarrassed and turned on you get.

- So when you are eating in a fancy restaurant he'll tell you to go to the bathroom, take your panties off, film yourself playing and then come back. But you have to do it in 5 minutes or he'll come in there and spank you.

- OR

- Lets say he's got you wearing your vibrating underwear and obviously you are already on edge because who knows when he's going to turn it on 😲 but when he does, he makes you describe all the feelings, out loud. Where it's touching you, where you feel good, how close you are. Endless questions that if you don't answer result in the vibrating to stop.

- He likes giving you looks. Like the kind of looks that pin you in place. He might let his eyes flick from your face to your breasts, ass or anywhere else he wanted to look. Then he looks back at your face, with a possessive look that lets you know you belong to him.

- I also like the idea that you'll be walking along a small street and suddenly he'll drag you down an alleyway and push your skirt upwards and play with your pussy, snarling dirty things in your ear. Then before you are even aware he's dragging you back onto the main road and continuing on like nothing happened.

Phew!! I love him so much 💕

[demon-of-the-ancient-world]

📓

Oh boy. Ohhhhh fucking boy.

I know it's probably Vikings you want to hear about so here it goes:

So I have a TON of Sad Athelstan fics but I'll try to narrow it down a bit lol. Firstly I kind of sort of started my Victorian farmer AU that I think I mentioned before, I would LOVE to eventually finish that and possibly make it a longer series with like. Athelstan working as a farmhand with this sort of eccentric Norwegian immigrant family out in the countryside, honestly not far off from canon but set in the 19th century/turn of the century because...idk I know more about Victorian era farming than I do Medieval/Viking farming? Maybe I'll just do snipits.

On that note I'd love to do an anthology-type series that's just slice of life of Ragnar's family at the beginning of the series when they're still on their farm (I really fuck with that beginning era, for some reason even just once Ragnar is earl I feel less inspired to write fic for it idk why) - mostly focused on Athelstan of course but definitely showcasing the rest of the family too, all the various struggles, happenings, strange and funny things that go on in their lives.

There's also a thought I've had for a while about like...Athelstan's first time witnessing Yul. I don't know the details of how Christmas was celebrated/handled in a Medieval monastery, but I'd guess it was a pretty solemn and sacred affair with not exactly the most revelry, and I'd like to do a shortish fic that contrasts what he's used to at that time of year versus what it's like in his new home, and how the two holidays compare and conflict with each other. Maybe I'll write that one over the holidays lol who knows.

There are so many modern au concepts I've thought of that I can't even put them all in here, but on the topic of the winter holidays I've got an idea in my head of one where Athelstan has been an after school tutor for Bjorn and Gyda for a few months and they really like him so he's sort of been absorbed into the family, and they invite him to stay at their cabin over the winter break. And chaos ensues because first of all Athelstan, a poor college student who never really knew his family, gets majorly culture shocked by 1) living even for a short time with people who Have Money and 2) with a family that loves each other and cares about him to the point where they're almost aggressive about it. Second of all, because their extended family/friend group (including many side characters from the show) are Not the type of people he's used to and they're all Scandinavian and tall and loud and probably making fun of him in Norwegian or Danish behind his back and he just doesn't know what to do with any of it. I even had this idea of like. Having it be kind of paralleling the actual events of the first season (albeit in a modernized, much more lighthearted way) because I just think that would be fun to have little easter eggs in there. Despite how much I've thought about this one I haven't made a dent in it.

Phew.

[skinni-girls-eat-books]

Tuesday, February 20th, 2024!

8:20am: Phew, that was fun, back to business now 😎 business of being a bachelorette 🤪 it's so cold I need to hook up the heated blanket bc I did that thing where I crumple up in my sleep then the stomach and back hurt from literally constricting all night. Also need to do laundry so I can get my warm clothes, they're all wet and sickly 🙃 need to start studying today (RIP this quiz) and not get another L. And also not get sick again, I need to handle these gum blisters. High key this is what happens when I have to entertain for a weekend like I am immediately behind on just so much shit. But it's so worth it ❤️ I love my family

12:22pm: Well I just don't know anymore. Every time I think I've done the worst unimaginable thing, I seem to one up myself?? I'm inflicting the karma personally now, but I don't know how to say I truly didn't mean to. Maybe my subconscious meant to. I have no fucking idea. But can we talk about how I haven't seen rain like that in months, probably won't see it again for several months, like it was just a damn bad sign. I still just think it was part of his personal karma, I just really didn't think it would get wet like that bc it hasn't rained like that since the literal summer. I think he hates me now. Well. Ok I can't do anything about that. Welp. Just kinda have no words, I was literally in fight or flight mode and he will never understand that he's the fucking reason. Fight or flight is not a reasonable train of thought in that situation. No shit I did something that makes no sense I was shaking terrified. And he doesn't fucking realize he's the goddamn reason. Good riddance.

3:09pm: well I think he blocked me on everything. A rain storm took out 8 years of friendship. And this is the what, 900th time he's chosen material objects, replaceable possessions over me? 901st time he's chosen paper, a piece of paper, over speaking to me ever again I guess. I guess I'm the shitty person, not him who lied and cheated on front of my face, nope me, who was shaking too anxious freaking out in my apartment bc he threatened my brother five days before coming to town 🤷

3:39pm: maybe this is my karma for hitting on a guy in a relationship, we just are no longer friends. Well I guess she got what she wanted, he is getting what he wants, which is to finally be able to blame me for something, and I get to have them both out of my life. This is the world now. The world is still turning.

4:00pm: It's like he was just looking for a reason to block me, just like he was looking for any reason to cheat, to leave, to break up, to move out, any little thing that could be a provoking reason and just running with it. I'm done.

I know this is technically my fault, I have apologized. Everything still feels abusive though. I was just trying to save myself, I was being selfish. But um hello so is cheating. He's not better than me and in my opinion he's still much worse than anything I've ever done to him. It's just things.

I would hope if something is actually going to come of this, his grandma would give me a warning first or something. I want to call her but I feel like everything is too heated. Let me go home, blow my nose and use the bathroom, maybe I'll call her tonight.

4:48pm: TBH we always talk about forgiving these stupid assholes. Why don't I forgive myself for this? I forgive myself. Even if I did it subconsciously, even if I was being a bitch in the back of my mind (I really don't feel this way) it's more like I was just tired of thinking about it! And look at me, thinking about it now. It's over. Whatever. He wants to take me to small claims or something? Whatever I'll live. He wants to run a smear campaign on me? Didn't he already do that? I'm still alive. He wants to take the cats as revenge? I'll live, they'll live, life goes on. If something happens to them that will be his shit I guess. I forgive myself and C said it, I'm already being Way. Too. Nice. Everybody would agree with me. I can't even bring it up bc ppl will be like ?? You still talk to him ?? Ppl would be so confused. I did the best I could without causing myself unnecessary stress on a weekend when I didn't want stress. Was I journaling this weekend? Fuck no there was a reason for that, because I was actually being happy living life. That's why y'all didn't hear from me tf. Healing continues though so we're back, still gonna push forward though.

5:19pm Damn yeah he blocked me on everything! What was even the point of speaking to me. That's fucked up to confront someone about something, something so materialistic, and then not accept an apology. Whatever. Good luck with life, good luck being a petty ass mf, acting like you're some heaven on earth angel who can do no wrong, fuck you.

5:34pm: I told my brother what happened, and he helped me feel better, I wish he lived closer to here but texting is ok now :) my family is just everything ❤️ I tried my best, it's over now, like a fever dream. On to find someone else to give my love and effort to 🥰 I'm just gonna give it to myself for now.

[kidhawks]

WAHHGUHFH.. FANTASY HAWKS.. I LOVE UR DESIGN FOR HIM AGHH!! and do u have stuff to say abt him bcos i would LOVE to hear it

YAY i’m glad u like him :’) fantasy au time hehe 😈 it’s still a work in progress but yes.. a few thoughts. i’m just spitballing here so if anyone has ideas of their own i’d love to hear them <3

hawks “”works”” for the commission (aka is owned by them) who still get to be a shady organisation whose goal is to maintain peace and order across kingdoms, which r probably ruled by important characters like endeavor, all might, all for one etc. no one likes the commission because they’re always sticking their nose in other people’s business lmao. they’ve controlled things from the shadows for a loooong time, assassinating leaders who get too power hungry, quashing rebellions before they can begin etc. they want things to stay exactly as they are, always, and so far they’ve mostly succeeded

quirks still exist but mutant discrimination is more pronounced—they only recently got equal rights in all kingdoms. it’s what allowed hawks to be basically enslaved the way he is. now the freedom laws are passed he could technically leave the commission but for a multitude of Reasons he stays. eg, his priority is also maintaining peace not because he thinks society is perfect how it is—far from it—but because upset peace means civilian death. he wants to see change but if innocents die for it then it’s not worth it. his goals align with the commission’s enough that he’ll continue to help them. however, other people, especially other mutants, can’t understand why he’d stay and he’s viewed with a mixture of “dirty commission dog too loyal for his own good” and “poor thing was raised to love the hand that hit it and can’t fathom the idea of freedom, so sad”

similarly to canon, hawks was sold to the commission when he was young and trained into a spy/assassin hehe (what’s the point of an au if it isn’t self indulgent?). the tattoos are added to with achievements. the diamond on his chest was immediately inked on him when he arrived, while the lines are added for things like significant kills, successful missions. i’m toying with the idea of them being a way of controlling him, like they cause pain if he disobeys, but i’m also fond of them just being a symbolic representation of ownership... hmm. oh!! maybe they give him power while also hurting him if he disobeys? i’ll have to think more abt how that works lol, i want him to be able to disobey at times, but knowing hawks he’ll find ways to sneakily work around orders while still technically obeying

his job consists of flying around the kingdoms and knowing everything that’s going on at any given time. there isn’t a rumour he hasn’t heard, whether from frequenting underground fighting rings or influential nobles’ bedrooms if he has to. for discretion’s purpose the tattoos can be made invisible for periods of time but never truly removed—everyone knows him now anyway, the commission’s pet with the bright red wings, so the tattoos are rarely concealed anymore. everyone thinks they can avoid letting slip any information to him but jokes on them because his wings don’t miss a whisper and he’s a charmer to the point that you don’t know what you’ve said until he’s saying “thanks, that was really helpful! great chat! bye!”

he’s also basically a messenger pigeon between kingdoms since he can travel so quickly. the commission “kindly” offered his services but everyone knows it’s a method of planting him in every castle to hear them juicy deets, and you don’t refuse the commission because you want to keep your head, thanks. so hawks is familiar with each ruler and their castle staff for good measure, and probably a fair few commoners too... he was one of them once after all. he’s originally from endeavor’s kingdom but the guy doesn’t need to know that

all might thinks he’s a charming young man but hawks is weirdly creeped out by the constant smile and actually prefers the grump endeavor who shoos him like a pigeon. all for one is terrifying and hawks knows he’s after war but he can’t prove it. if it comes down to it he might have to resort to assassination, but if done wrong that could cause more problems than it solves (plus, killing, bleaugh). he hates afo’s castle and leaves as soon as he’s delivered a message, though he enjoys bothering afo’s heir shigaraki first (hawks was eighteen when he first spotted shigaraki, fifteen, sulking around the castle like he didn’t have a friend in the world. well, maybe hawks could change that and get some info while he was at it... unfortunately shigs is surprisingly tight lipped but he’s good for board games)

i’m thinking of making other top-ten heroes into rulers of their own kingdoms? queen miruko would be awesome, imagine!! the first animal mutant queen who’s loved for not being a passive leader but a fighter with a passionate love for her people. hawks doesn’t like how unpredictable she is, it makes his job harder, while she thinks he lets himself be walked all over and it pisses her off, but i think they could be great pals if they got to know each other. edgeshot the ninja king. jeanist is a peaceful, pragmatic leader who hawks actually gets along with. sorry, pb, i have no idea how to fit wash in. washing machines don’t exist in my self indulgent fantasy AU.

if i wrote this i’d probably have afo wage war after all and hawks kicking himself for not doing better in preventing it. shigaraki is at the head of the war, but after afo is killed/arrested like in canon, shigaraki labels it as more of a rebellion with his new generals by his side, one of whom is a powerful man called dabi who hawks has never heard of, and he’s meant to hear everything. it’s not a good time for hawks knowing he wasn’t enough to stop this. if he had tried harder to sway shigaraki away from afo’s ideals... it hurts seeing the lonely kid he once knew declare his desire for complete destruction. hawks doesn’t have “friends” but he cares for people—the commission didn’t take his heart, just chained it

anyway it’s basically canon but fantasy because fantasy is sexy and cool (it would deviate a lot from canon though i don’t want it to be a carbon copy lmao)

[m4tthewmurd0ck]

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 ~ 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐱 (𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞) 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫! 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

PART 3 OF 3 (my favorite part yet!!!!! so much angst and fluff and asdf;lkajsdg;lasagnas;ld) Please click [ HERE ] to be taken to the table of contents to read parts 1 and 2 if you haven’t already done so!

word count: 7.4k

a/n: phew we’re finally at the end! i’m so glad i decided to split this up instead of doing 1 long part. i’ll save my real a/n for the end so happy reading my loves! and as always:

When you opened your eyes a few seconds later, you smiled, realizing that it was a success. Because you’d never gone back further than 1970, a small part of you was expecting to open your eyes and still be in the compound.

Taking a moment to process all that just happened, a thought occurred. Sure, Peggy was expecting you at some point, but were you just meant to wait in her tent until she came back? She might be aware of time traveling, but you doubted that the whole camp was the same.

“I’m just grabbing some files, tell him I’ll be there in a minute!”

You turned around just in time to see Peggy entering her tent. When she saw you, she jumped a little, putting her hand to her chest. “I guess I should’ve expected that, they told me you’d be coming.”

You introduced yourself and gave her a long-story-short version of how your powers worked. When you explained that you’d have to be there for around a week, maybe a little longer, you also mentioned that you have limited medical training so if it’d be easier to have you pose as a nurse, you should be alright as long as you didn’t have to treat any major injuries on your own.

She agreed that was a good idea, then mentioned that one of their nurses actually just got transferred, so for now she’d help you pretend that you were the replacement.

“Let’s go and introduce you to Colonel Phillips. I’ve got to go and give him some papers anyway. And this way if he meets you for the first time and I’m there, hopefully he won’t corner you with a million questions.”

She quickly made her way to the tent he was in, and you had to speed-walk to keep up. When you both approached, Colonel Phillips was quick to dismiss the Corporal standing next to him.

“Last surveillance flight is back. No sign of activity.”

Colonel Phillips sighed, then looked behind Peggy as if he just noticed you were there. “You the new nurse?”

“Yes sir,” you stepped forward, hand outstretched, “I’ve just arrived.” He was a little surprised at how forward you seemed, but shook your hand nonetheless.

“I’m just showing her around so that she might become a little more familiar with the layout before she’s put to work.”

He looked at you, then back at Peggy, as if debating how much he could say in front of you. Ultimately, he must’ve decided that you could be trusted… or that he didn’t actually care if you overheard.

“Can’t touch Stark, he’s rich. And he’s the Army’s number one weapons contractor. You are neither one,” he pointed an accusatory finger at Peggy.

“With respect sir, I don’t regret my actions. And I don’t think Captain Rogers did either.”

Oh. You hadn’t paid much attention to the specific date you were now in, and were only just now realizing that this was right after Steve had gone to rescue James and the others at the Hydra facility, and everyone now presumed them all dead.

“—took a chance with you Agent Carter and now America’s golden boy and a lot of other good men are dead. Because you had a crush.”

You noticed commotion outside of the tent. A lot of it. “Colonel Phillips?” When he finally looked at you, you pointed behind him at what seemed like every man at the camp, all running in the same direction.

As you followed Peggy, who was close behind Colonel Phillips, a smile made its way to your face as you realized you were witnessing Steve, James, and all the other men return.

“Hey! Let’s hear it for Captain America!” James yelled out, causing everyone around you to erupt in cheers and applause.

You clapped along with everyone else, then stepped back, not wanting to draw too much attention to yourself. James noticed you standing behind Peggy, though, and his eyes went a little wide. He may be injured, and probably even a little delirious from all that he had just gone through, but he certainly wasn’t blind. You had to be new to the camp because he definitely would’ve remembered if he’d seen you before.

In all the commotion, you made your way back to Peggy’s tent, figuring that you’d give everyone a chance to celebrate the return of all those men. James tried to search for you in the crowd, but quickly lost you. Oh well, he would search the whole camp to find you later if that was what it would take. He had to learn your name at least.

Once things calmed down a little bit, Peggy returned to her tent with a nurses uniform for you to change into. When you were ready, you followed her to one of the larger areas that housed anyone who was injured. All eyes were on the 2 of you as you walked between one of the rows of beds. They stared at Peggy because she was undeniably attractive, and a lot intimidating. And when it came to you, they pretty much echoed James’ thoughts. You were beautiful, and they all wondered when you got there.

“Most of these men just need help cleaning wounds and putting bandages or wrapping them. The more severe injuries are in the tent next door,” Peggy motioned outside. “Will you be alright on your own for a little while?”

Part of you wanted to say no. But you suspected that she wanted to go pay Steve a little visit, so you nodded. As you introduced yourself to a few of the soldiers, occasionally cleaning cuts or wrapping injuries, you not-so-secretly hoped that you didn’t run into James. You didn’t know this version of him, and he didn’t know you either, but with the previous interactions that the 2 of you had, you were terrified that you’d accidentally say the wrong thing, and then this James would hate you too.

Luck wasn’t on your side.

“Hey doll, I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”

Although this was a much younger version of him, you’d know that voice anywhere. Just because the James in your life hated you, you knew that this version still deserved respect. “Sergeant Barnes,” you turned around and forced a smile to your face, “I haven’t been around. It’s my first day, actually. But glad to have you back, you had a lot of people worried about you.”

“You here to patch us up?” He tilted his head, and you knew exactly what Steve meant when he told you about this James, how he was a bit of a flirt. His exact words had been he was the biggest flirt with pretty girls, but you didn’t want to over-analyze what his words to you meant.

“For now,” you spoke, and he walked beside you as you made your way to the back of the tent. “I’m just a temporary replacement. I shouldn’t be here more than a week.”

“That’s too bad,” He hoped he didn’t look as disappointed as he felt.

Your interest was piqued. “Why is that?”

“It means I only have a week to get to know you,” he shrugged, as if it were the most obvious answer in the world.

You had to bite your lip to stop yourself from saying anything. This James was kind, he was nice to you. You felt sad for him, for all the things you knew he would have to endure.

When you walked past an empty bed, James stepped around you and flopped down on it, putting a hand over his mouth and pretending to cough. “Think I need you to patch me up doll.” That boyish grin was back, and you ignored the feelings that came with it.

“I— weren’t you and Captain Rogers brought to that other tent and taken care of right away?” You stood with your arms crossed, raising your eyebrows.

“Nope.”

“So that wasn’t you guys?” You’d seen him walking into that tent, so you knew it was him. But you wanted to see where he was headed with this.

He shook his head. “Sorry, must have me confused with some other guy. Although I gotta say, I’m a little hurt.”

This trip was going to be the death of you.

“Alright,” you grabbed a washcloth and quickly wet it, ringing it out as you made your way back to James. “Can you sit up Sergeant Barnes?”

“My friends call me Bucky.”

“Oh friends already, are we Bucky?” It amazed you that his confidence didn’t even falter for a second.

Hearing his name come out of your mouth was a sound he knew he’d never get over. “Of course we are. I’ve known you for a whole ten minutes, I’d say we’re practically best friends now.”

You shook your head, failing to contain your laughter. “What will Captain Rogers think when he finds out you’ve replaced him?”

“Captain who?” He shrugged again.

“Hold still for me will you?” You brought the damp cloth up to his face and began to clean some of the dried blood off.

“Anything for you doll.”

God the next week better go by fast, you didn’t think you could handle much more of him being nice to you. As you cleaned his face, Bucky closed his eyes, leaning back on the pillow and sighing with content. It had been a long time since anyone was this gentle with him.

“Are you alright Ser—” you stopped when Bucky opened one eye to look at you, “Bucky?”

He nodded, closing his eyes once again. “I’m better now.”

After you were done helping him clean up as best you could, Steve entered the tent, calling out for his best friend. He slowed his pace when he saw Bucky talking to you. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Captain Rogers, it’s alright, we were just finishing up weren’t we?” You stepped aside so that Bucky could walk past you.

“Oh please, call me Steve. And it’s nice to meet you ma’am.”

“If I call you Steve, then you have to call me by my first name,” you introduced yourself, and marveled at how he looked so different, yet also so similar to the Steve you knew.

Steve held out his hand, and after you shook it, Bucky jokingly punched him in the shoulder. “Alright back off will ya’ punk? Now what’d you need me for?”

“The guys were just asking where you were.”

Bucky was silently cursing Steve for coming in to pull him away from you. He was partly still stuck on the fact that you were only going to be there for a week.

“I’ll come find you later,” he winked before turning around and following Steve out of the tent, who also waved before leaving.

It ended up being a busy night for the men that returned to camp, and an even crazier next day. So it wasn’t until 2 days later that you encountered Bucky again. You’d just walked out of the makeshift ‘hospital’, and were heading back to Peggy’s tent for a much needed break. You were a few steps from entering when you felt an arm around your shoulders.

“Miss me?” Bucky grinned, already leading you away from the tent.

You hated to admit it, but you did. Your short interaction with him on the first day was so different from the interactions with James, the one you knew. You’d come to think of that man as James, and the one that stood to your left, as Bucky. He was so warm and friendly towards you. The worst part was, you couldn’t be mad at James for how he treated you. When you thought about it, with all that he had been through, you knew he must’ve had his reasons.

As you walked to wherever Bucky was leading you, you were both thinking of the fact that your time together was limited. You weren’t feeling 100%, but you were starting to feel a little better each day. And you knew that the longer you stayed in the past and got to know this Bucky, the more it would hurt when you had to leave and go home to the James that seemed to hate you. So last night you limited yourself, but you were a little selfish in giving yourself an extra couple of days. Today should make 5 days until you return home, but you stretched it to 7. You told yourself it was because you wanted to make sure you recovered properly.

“So where are you from?” Bucky finally broke the silence after the 2 of you had been walking aimlessly around the camp for a few minutes.

“Upstate New York,” as soon as those 3 words left your mouth, you panicked a little. You should’ve said another place, literally any other state than the one Bucky was from. Another tricky thing you hadn’t thought of, how to answer questions. You couldn’t tell Bucky that you were actually from Brooklyn, because you knew that’s where he lived too, and he’d surely ask for specifics if he found out you were from the same town. But why did you have to say New York??

“D’you work at a hospital there?”

“Am I being interviewed, Sergeant Barnes?” You laughed, wondering where he was headed with this.

Your question caused Bucky to blush. He didn’t want to admit that you were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. And he was constantly stuck on the fact that your time together was extremely limited. So if you worked in New York and it was somewhere near Brooklyn, it would be a lot easier for him to come see you whenever he was home. He thought to himself, I’ve only known this woman for a few days, what is she doing to me?

“Sorry if I seem nosy, just want to know how far I’ll have to travel to visit you when I’m home,” he shrugged, figuring what the hell, he might as well go for it.

If hearts could physically shatter, you were pretty sure yours would have done so right then and there. Maybe staying a full week is a bad idea. You know you’ll regret this, but you’re hoping it’ll ease some of the pain, maybe lessen the sting a little.

Before you can overthink it too much, you give Bucky a quick kiss on the cheek. “That’s very sweet of you, Bucky, and I would love for you to come visit me, but I’m a traveling nurse. I’m never in one place for very long. I… I won’t be back in New York for a long time.”

You’ve both stopped walking at this point, and you look down. Worried that he upset you, Bucky puts an arm around you and begins walking again. “Then I guess we’ll just have to spend as much time together as possible, won’t we?”

That’s exactly what the 2 of you did. You couldn’t neglect your duties as a nurse (even if you were technically just posing as one) so you spent at least a few hours every day helping to take care of the wounded men.

Since Bucky only just got back from basically being held captive and tortured, he was pretty much being given a break. Which meant his days were completely free. He never wanted to bother you while you were working, but once you were done for the day he’d be right next to you.

Of course, you worried about what to do and say when you had to leave. What if Bucky asked you for your next temporary address so that he could write to you? How were you supposed to tell him that once you left, you’d never see each other again? Part of you wanted to distance yourself, so that you leaving might not hurt as much.

But one evening when you were sat with Bucky, Steve, and the other guys and Bucky had gotten up to go get something to drink, Steve thanked you for being so nice to his best friend. He mentioned that he thought it would be a long time before he saw him smile like that after all he’d just gone through. So there was that, and the fact that you knew what he was about to go through, so if you could bring him even just a little bit of happiness, then you’d do it. Even if it meant breaking your heart in the process.

When you’re down to just 4 days left until you go back to your time, Peggy surprises you by telling you that you weren’t needed as a nurse anymore.

Seeing the panic on your face, she smiled and brushed it off. “Not to worry, you’ll still be allowed to stay here, but apparently the request for a new nurse was put in early, and she’s just arrived.”

“Oh, so do I—”

“Just focus on resting so that you’re able to make the journey home. And I’m not blind, go spend time with Sergeant Barnes.”

You sighed, sitting down at the edge of the temporary bed in Peggy’s tent. “Do you think I’m hurting him more, by spending so much time with him?”

She considered it for a moment before sitting down next to you. “You’ll be here either way, whether you spend time with him or not. I think it would be worse if you just ended… whatever you have with him, and then you were forced to see each other everyday. What did you tell him about you leaving?”

“He asked if he could visit me when I let it slip that I was from New York. I had to lie, I said I was a traveling nurse and am never in one place for too long, and that I wouldn’t be back in New York for a while.”

“I think whatever you end up doing will be the right thing. All that you’ve done, it’s a lot. And I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through and the decisions you’ve had to make. I’m assuming this is the first time in a while that you’ve had to relax?” When you nod, she continues, “and Steve has talked a bit about you and Sergeant Barnes, I think this time together is good for both of you. Before you go back to your time, and he goes back to fighting the war.”

“Doll? You in there?” You stand up and smooth out the dress that you’d just changed into before thanking Peggy and exiting the tent. When Bucky sees you, he can’t help but stare a little. “Wow, you’re beautiful.”

“You look very handsome Sergeant Barnes,” you smile, admiring his dress uniform.

“I thought about changing before I came to see you, didn’t want to wait. I just went to talk to some people about where we’re going next, had to look nice.” Before you can respond, he speaks up again. “Can I take you somewhere?”

You looked down at your dress, then back up at Bucky. “Should I change first?”

“No, what you’re wearing is perfect.” He holds his arm out, and you once again push away the feelings that come when you link you arm with his.

You walk just outside of the camp, and a little off to the side. He points just off into the distance, and you instantly see what he’s referring to. A soft gasp escapes as you approach the patch of flowers.

“Sometimes when I need to clear my head, I’ll leave the camp and just wander around. Not too far, but I found this area one day. It hasn’t rained much lately so I’ve been coming to water them once a day,” he shrugs as if it’s no big deal, but seeing the smile on your face, he’s proud.

You bend down, gently running your hands over the tops of the flowers, soft enough that you don’t damage any of them. After a minute you sit, careful that you’re not actually on top of any. Bucky watches you for a moment. A week ago he had no idea you existed, and he already couldn’t imagine not knowing you. He still wasn’t prepared to say goodbye to you so soon.

After another moment, he joins you in sitting on the grass. He picks a handful of flowers and begins carefully weaving them together by the stems. Once he ties the ends together, he places the flower crown on your head.

(((okay so i know this one is complicated to make and it’s unrealistic that someone could make this quickly but i saw this on pinterest and fell in love with the thought. so this is what bucky places on your head 🥰)))

“Beautiful,” he looks at you in awe, and you’re blushing, thinking of the fact that it’s the second time he called you that today.

“You’re a man of many talents,” you reach up to touch the crown, heart swelling at the gesture.

Bucky gets a big smile on his face, “my sister taught me when I was a lot younger.”

Although you knew he had a sister, since you didn’t talk to James, this was the first time hearing about his family.

The rest of the day is spent laying in the small field of flowers, lots of laughter as you both trade stories about your lives. Hearing about how happy he was, and seeing how carefree the man in front of you is, makes you heart break even more for the one back in your time.

At one point, you ask if you should go back incase someone notices the 2 of you missing and gets worried, but Bucky says that he told Steve where he was bringing you. Eventually once the sun begins to set, you both stand up and slowly make your way back to camp. As you walk through, you realize it must be time for dinner since everyone seems to be scrambling around, and you hear talk of food.

Bucky puts his hand on your back as he walks next to you, and you feel yet another piece of your heart break. You know you can’t stay, but you have a bad feeling that leaving is going to ruin you.

The next day, Bucky ends up being busy for most of the day. He absolutely hates it, and spends a lot of time wishing that the work day was over already. The fact that you’ll be gone in a few days hasn’t left his mind.

You spend quite a lot of time with Peggy, and your heart aches at what she’s going to have to go through.

Around 5:30, Peggy is called away from her tent. You take the opportunity to change into one of her dresses that she oddly insist that you wear this evening.

At exactly 6pm, you learn both why she was called away, and why you had to wear the dress. As you’re walking and talking, you were so caught up in conversation that it isn’t until you stop, that you realize you’re in front of Bucky’s tent.

“Go on,” Peggy holds one of the tent flaps back, motioning for you to go inside.

You could cry at the sight in front of you. Everything had been pushed to the side, and in the center of the tent there’s now 2 chairs, and a table with 2 plates of food and a candle in the middle.

“What’s all this?” You smile as you approach Bucky, suddenly feeling incredibly shy.

“Hear me out doll,” he clears his throat, clearly nervous. “I know you leave in a few days, but the time I’ve gotten to spend with you has meant the world to me. The fighting, the war, it’s pure chaos. But getting to take this little break and just be with you, even if we don’t end up seeing each other ever again, I’m going to remember this time with you for the rest of my life. And I figured I had to take you on a date at least once before you go.”

Your eyes fill with tears, and Bucky steps forward, gently putting his hands on your face. You look up at him in adoration, and he swears he’d stop time and just live in that moment with you forever if he could.

“I don’t mean to upset you. I know our time is limited, so I just want to make the most of it. We’ve known each other nearly a week and I still haven’t taken you out on a date. Figured if it’s gonna be the only one, I’d try to make it perfect.” He pulls out a chair for you, and you again try to ignore the butterflies. You both know you’ve got less than 72 hours together, and you can’t help but wonder why he’s putting in all of this effort knowing that you won’t see each other again.

You’re both unaware of the effect tonight will have. After this Bucky falls and gets captured, he won’t have many periods of time where he remembers who he is. But during the few that he does have, he’ll think about this moment, and many others that he shared with you. And he’ll think about how maybe, if he makes it out of this, he can find you again.

Dinner lasts over an hour, you both laugh and trade more stories about childhood. You even hear a new embarrassing story that you can’t wait to tease Steve about when you get home.

Bucky bribed the chow hall to do something a little fancy for the 2 of you, and as you’re sitting there, it’s easy to pretend that you’re on an actual normal date, not spending your last days together in the middle of a war.

You think yet again how the James you know isn’t fond of you, but maybe when you see each other again, you’ll make more of an effort to be kinder to him. Even if he doesn’t want to talk to you, he can at least know that you’re there if he ever needs someone to talk to.

“I know it’s getting late, but I do have a couple more surprises before I walk you back to Peggy’s tent,” he smiles, getting up and holding a hand out to help you out of your seat. He leads you over to a corner of his tent, where for the first time you notice the small table that houses a record player on top of it. “I noticed one of the Colonel’s had this in his tent, guess it’s a luxury if you’re a high enough rank. Anyway, I told him I wanted to do something special and he let me borrow this for the night. I don’t know what record this is but I was assured that it’s perfect for a dance.”

“A dance,” you say softly, smiling as you watch Bucky nervously move the needle onto the record.

When the music starts softly playing, you both put your arms around each other, not so much dancing but more so swaying to the music. For the entirety of the first song, you’re both silent, enjoying this time with each other.

(((this is the song i’m imagining playing. i’ve referenced it in my other works but it’s so romantic and i just adgahsdg;asdfjasdg. it’s put your head on my shoulder’s by paul anka. i highly recommend listening if you haven’t before!)))

((((put your head on my shoulder, hold me in your arms baby, squeeze me oh-so-tight, show me that you love me too / put your lips next to mine dear. won’t you kiss me once baby, just a kiss goodnight maybe, you and i will fall in love / people say that love’s a game, a game you just can’t win. if there’s a way i’ll find it someday, and then this fool will rush in / put your head on my shoulder. whisper in my ear, baby, words i want to hear, tell me. tell me that you love me too / put your head on my shoulder. whisper in my ear, baby, words i want to hear, baby, put your head on my shoulder))))

You ‘dance’ to a couple more songs, and when the third song finishes, he looks down at you just as you look up at him, and you both know that he has to walk you back to Peggy’s tent or things might happen. And as much as you both want them to, the fact that you’re leaving soon is still heavy on your minds.

When you reach Peggy’s tent, Bucky gently grabs your hand to stop you before you can go inside. Of course you were going to say goodnight to him first, but you find it cute that he wanted to make sure.

“I know this may be too fast, but there’s something that I want you to have, doll.” He reaches into his pocket, holding something in his closed fist. “Every soldier is given two sets. And I know that when you leave, we’ll have had less than two weeks together. But I gotta tell you, even before the war, this has still been the greatest time in my life. Being with you, I’m able to just be Bucky and not Sergeant Barnes. You’ve helped me forget about the bad things going on. I know that come three days from now, we’ll never see each other again, so I want you to take a piece of me with you.” He uncurls his fist, and you’re met with the sight of his dog tags.

“Bucky, I— are you sure?”

He nods, fiddling with the tags between his fingers. “I know you see a lot of bad things too. Maybe if you keep these with you, when things are tough, you can look at them and remember our time together, when things were good. I know I will,” he pulls the ones he’s wearing from under his shirt, “knowing you’ll have the other set, when I look at them I won’t think of the war, I’ll think of you.”

You turn around and pull your hair to one side, and Bucky’s heart swells with pride as he unclasps the chain and puts it on you. When you turn back around, seeing James B. Barnes on a silver chain around your neck, he swears if the world ended right now, he’d die a happy man.

“Goodnight doll,” he steps forward, planting a soft kiss on your forehead. “I may be pushing my luck but do you wanna join us for breakfast in the morning? Steve keeps asking me about you, and I, uhh—”

He’s cute when he’s nervous, you think to yourself. Feeling a moment of bravery wash over you, you lean up and give him a kiss on the cheek. “I’d love to. Goodnight Bucky, see you tomorrow.”

When you wake up the next morning, there’s a pit in your stomach. Less than 48 hours before you go home, before you say goodbye to the Bucky you’ve grown quite fond of. Getting dressed in the morning, you smile to yourself as you put the dog tags back on, putting your dress on after. You don’t know if Bucky would be comfortable with everyone knowing he gave them to you, but you’re happy to wear them under your dress, sure that he’ll be able to tell.

Glancing at yourself in the mirror one more time, you decide good enough, and head out in search of Bucky and Steve. When you approach the tables where all of the soldiers are eating, you hear your name being called. Before you even have a chance to see where the sound came from, Bucky jogs over, having spotted you the moment you stepped into view.

He holds his arm out, “your breakfast dates await.”

“Just how many men am I on this date with Sergeant?” You laugh, seeing all of the guys not-so-subtly stop their conversations as you approach.

Steve is the first one to get up and greet you, and then you’re introduced to everyone else. Dum Dum Dugan, Jim Morita, James Montgomery Falsworth, Gabe Jones, Jacques Dernier, Happy Sam Sawyer, Pinky Pinkerton, and Junior Juniper. You’re told that you’re looking at the men that are the Howling Commandos.

Everyone is interested in hearing about you, and it’s not long before the questions begin. They’re innocent enough, simple questions like where you’re from, but you still feel terrible about having to lie. Steve glances at you, and sensing your anxiousness, moves the conversation to the mission that they’ll all soon be going on. When you hear mentions of raiding a train in the Alps, you’re filled with dread. Part of you is relieved that you won’t be here when the remaining men return from the mission, because you don’t think you could stand to experience the loss of this Bucky in person.

“You okay doll?” You snap out of your thoughts, and notice some of the guys looking at you with concern.

“Oh yeah, sorry I was just thinking,” you shrug, trying to play it off, “I’ll be doing a lot of traveling soon and I’m just planning out my trip in my head.”

Dum Dum perks up, hearing about what you do. “Where are you headed to next?”

Thankfully you rehearsed this in your head, knowing you’d probably be asked at some point. “I actually don’t know yet. I wasn’t even supposed to come here, really, I just know Agent Carter and she called in a favor for me to fill in until another nurse arrived. I might be somewhere on the West coast? Probably won’t find out until I’m already on the way.”

Bucky leans close to you, whispering, “remind me to thank Agent Carter for calling in that favor”.

The rest of breakfast goes by too quickly for anyones liking, and part of you finds yourself wishing for more time here. You know you can’t, though, so you’re grateful for the remaining 2 days that you have left.

It’s occurred to you, that there really is no rush when it comes to you getting back. You had warned Fury that it would be about a week in the past (so a little over 24 hours for them), but you could always say you needed more time to recover. But when you learn that the Howling Commandos are leaving for the Alps just 2 days after you intend to leave, you decide it’s a good idea to still go.

Bucky is called away to discuss the mission with the guys, so you spend a bit of time with Peggy. As you learn more about her, you see why Steve wanted to stay in the past and have a life with her.

When Bucky finds you later, it’s nearly 4pm, and he hates the fact that he pretty much lost the whole day with you. But he remembers how much you loved his favorite spot, so he takes you back to the flowers just outside of the camp.

The next couple of hours are spent trading more stories about your lives. Bucky mostly talks about before the war, and you love getting to learn so much about him. As he’s telling you about how awkward he was in high school, you were surprised. The man that sat as you laid down with your head in his lap was so charming and funny. You had a hard time believing that he wasn’t always like this.

“Trust me sweetheart, I may have carried myself with confidence but the girls seemed to see right through that.” He tried not to show just how happy it made him to hear you call him charming and funny. I only have her here for 2 more days, he kept repeating to himself. But who was he kidding, he was already attached.

The next day, AKA your final day before returning back to your timeline, you and Peggy discuss exactly when you’ll leave. It’s almost noon, and part of you is sad that Bucky has been busy all morning, but you can’t complain considering you’re still in the middle of a war.

“I think I should technically do it tonight, or really early tomorrow morning long before anyone even gets up. I can’t risk someone see me go into your tent and then never come out, I don’t know how you’ll explain that. I’ll sleep with your alarm clock under my pillow and set it for… maybe like three in the morning?”

Peggy nods, “I can’t believe you’re leaving already. It’s been nice having another woman around, normally surrounded by nothing but men. Will you be alright once you get back?”

You shrug, having thought about that last night too. “Unfortunately since not many people can do what I can do, it’s not an exact science. It’ll be a lot better since I spent time here and allowed my body to rest. Last time I traveled back and then immediately went home, it took me days to feel like my normal self again. I’ll probably still need time to rest when I get home but hopefully it won’t take as long.”

“Actually, you don’t have to worry about someone noticing you enter the tent and then suddenly disappear. I have a friend who owes me a favor and I think I should ask him to meet us, like you said really late tonight which will technically be early tomorrow morning. He can drive us somewhere else, that way the story can be that I dropped you off somewhere.”

“But, this friend. he knows—”

“About enhanced individuals? Yes, he was instrumental in Project Rebirth and was there when Steve was given the serum.”

(((hehehe guess whooooo)))

This surprised you, you knew there were only a few possible people that it could…

“Howard Stark?”

She nods, “have you met him before? You mentioned that the people you work with know him?”

“N-no, I just… I know his s—stories, I’ve just heard lots of stories about him that’s all.” You didn’t want to tell her that you knew his son, or what you knew about his untimely death.

“Oh, well I’m sure he’ll be very excited to meet you. I should go call him now, I’ll be right back.” She excuses herself from her tent, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

How has the past week gone by so quickly? It genuinely seems like you just got here. And now, you feel a little heartbroken yet again. You can’t stay here, this isn’t your time, the man you’ve been spending so much time with isn’t your James / Bucky. Even if you were to stay, you’d only get an extra 2 days with him before you’d have to watch Steve, Peggy, and everyone else mourn his ‘death’. And if you were to come back to the exact time you’d arrived, though it would be to this same timeline, you’d have to introduce yourself to Bucky all over again because he’d have no memory of you.

“Doll?”

You instantly perked up at the sound of his voice. Looking in the mirror, you quickly wiped your tears away and put a little more powder on your face. You hadn’t even realized that you’d been crying. “Just a moment!” You called out. After being sure that he wouldn’t be able to tell you were just moping around thinking about leaving him, you stepped out of the tent.

“You look beautiful,” he smiled, ignoring his nerves as he pulled you into his arms for a hug. You weren’t the only one that was moping around thinking about your last day. He still didn’t understand the whole traveling nurse thing and why that meant you couldn’t keep in touch, but he didn’t want to pressure you.

“Thank you sarge, you don’t look so bad yourself. Actually, can you help me?” You held his dog tags up, turning around and moving your hair to the side while he unclasped the chain. That same sense of pride and happiness filled him when you turned around and he saw you wearing them.

“I know it’s your last day and all, and I was hoping to come see you earlier but I got caught up with stuff with the guys. Are you busy right now?”

“No, Peggy just went to go call Howard about picking us up but that’s not until way later.”

You noticed the sadness in his eyes, despite how much he tried to hide it. “What time do you leave?”

Now, you were unsure of what to say. What if he asked to come with you?

“I’m not exactly sure, I think pretty early tomorrow morning like before you all get up. Just so that Peggy can be back in time before the work day starts.”

Bucky was secretly hoping that something would happen and you wouldn’t need to leave just yet. One week wasn’t nearly enough time with you. And if you asked Steve, it was not-so-secretly. The other super soldier listened to his best friend mope almost every night after Bucky would walk you back to Peggy’s tent.

“Well since you’re free right now, come on, I��ve got lunch plans for us.”

“Oh?” You laughed, linking your arm through his as you walked to his tent. He stepped inside, returning a moment later with a picnic basket. “Managed to steal this from someone, and I bribed the kitchen workers for extra food. Want to go to our spot one last time?”

Hearing him say one last time made you sad, and Bucky immediately noticed the look on your face, so he threw an arm around you and began to lead you just outside the camp. “None of that now, we’ll make today one to remember.”

And the 2 of you did. He ended up going back in his tent for a blanket to lay on the grass, and then you 2 spent the afternoon making each other flower crowns, talking about anything and everything under the sun. There was 1 subject that was avoided, but you were trying not to think about that.

“I hate that time always go by faster when you have fun,” you sigh, helping Bucky put everything back in the picnic basket as you both decided to head back to the camp. Bucky mentioned that he had one more surprise in store. He wouldn’t give you any details about what it was, just that he’d pick you up outside of Peggy’s tent once the sun went down.

“I know sweetheart, me too. But the day isn’t over yet,” he placed a soft kiss on your forehead, then grabbed the picnic basket with one hand, and held your hand in the other one. You looked down at your intertwined fingers, and felt sad for Bucky. You knew that nothing you did now would change his fate. And you couldn’t help but think of the fact that the very hand you were holding would soon be replaced by one made of metal. When he looked at you, you replaced your frown with a smile and were thankful that he didn’t comment on that. He must just think you’re sad about leaving.

As you made the very short walk back to the camp, Bucky asked if you’d like to have dinner with the guys one more time before you go. You immediately say yes, not only loving that you get to spend so much time with this Bucky and Steve, but you also love getting to know everyone else too. The Howling Commandos are legends, and it was nice to put faces and personal stories to the names.

Dinner ended up lasting over 2 hours, and you spent a lot of that time just soaking up the moments, already missing them as they slipped by. At one point Bucky put his arm around you and asked if you were alright. You assured him that you were, you were just really happy to be there with everyone.

Towards the end, everyone went around talking about the life they envisioned for themselves after the war was over. When Steve said he hoped to settle down, get married, and start a family, it was no secret who he was referring to even though they didn’t know each other that well yet.

“How long do you plan on being a traveling nurse?” Morita asked you. It was your turn now, and you felt a little awkward having to lie and say you didn’t know what life would look like for you since you’d be moving from hospital to hospital for quite a long time.

“Oh, I hope to be doing this for a while. It pays a lot better than being a nurse stationed at just one single hospital, so I’m going to do this for as long as I can and save up as much as possible. It’ll be crazy, moving around every couple of months, but hopefully the pay makes it worth it.” It went without saying that you wouldn’t be ‘settling down’ for a long time.

By the time everyone went their separate ways, the sun had already set. So you and Bucky parted ways momentarily, with him saying that he’d see you outside of Peggy’s tent in a few minutes.

You rushed to change into more comfortable, and warmer, clothing, and stepped out of the tent just in time to see Bucky approaching, with a blanket in one hand.

“Shall we?” He held his other hand out to you, and began leading you away from the camp. Instead of going near the flowers like you usually did, he walked in the opposite direction just a few feet away from where the trees ended. He spread the blanket out on the grass, and shyly explained he thought you might like to look at the stars together before you have to go.

For the first few minutes, you just lay next to each other, looking up at the sky. “I’m sorry I have to leave,” you finally break the silence. That one sentence has been on your mind all day.

Bucky rolls over and props himself up with his arms, and his face is now just inches from yours. “You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I’m really proud of you, you know? You’re going to leave this place and go on to do so many amazing things and save so many lives. Who knows, maybe we will get to see each other again someday in the future. But even if we don’t, this time with you has done more for me than you realize. If the time that I’ve spent with you so far is all that I get, I’ll still be a very happy man.”

Tears fill your eyes, and you force yourself to look up at the sky as you try to gather your thoughts, and think about how to respond. Bucky puts a hand on your cheek and gently guides you to look back at him.

“I’m sorry for making you cry again sweetheart, I just want you to know that it’s okay. The past week with you has meant so much to me. And sure, I wish we had more time together, but getting to be with you right now, that’s more than good enough for me.”

You’re still unsure of how to respond without breaking down and telling him everything, so you settle for turning your head and kissing Bucky’s hand. As he looks at you, he’s trying to memorize every single detail, but he already knows he won’t forget. He has a feeling that as much as he wishes it would end up different, that this will be the last time he gets to see you.

“You okay?” You ask after a minute. You’d turned back to look at the stars, but when you glanced at him again, Bucky was still looking at you with a small smile on his face.

“Yeah,” he nods, “sorry if I’m being a creep. It’s just from this angle, with you looking up at the sky, you have stars in your eyes. I like looking at them.” He has once again managed to leave you speechless.

After that, you don’t exchange many words. Bucky lays back down, this time a lot closer to you. You’re a little shy when you reach your hand out, but he notices and immediately takes your hand in his. You’re both enjoying these last moments with each other, so much so that it’s nearly midnight by the time you’re folding up the blanket and heading back to the camp.

When you reach Peggy’s tent, neither of you really know what to say. You can’t help but think this is it. I’ll never see this Bucky again.

Before his emotions get the best of him, Bucky drops the blanket at his feet and pulls you into his arms. He both loves and hates how it feels to hold you. Loves it, because in such a short time, you already feel like home. You make him feel cared for, and safe. But he hates it because he knows that he won’t get to do this again.

The 2 of you stand there for a few minutes, or it could be a lot longer, neither of you really knows. When you do finally pull apart, neither of you says anything at first.

“Thank you, Bucky,” you give him a kiss on the cheek. “This time with you has meant everything to me too. Life before this was really crazy. And I have no doubt that it’ll only get crazier from here. But you’ve given me memories and stories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. And if I’m feeling sad, or anxious, or scared, I can just look down,” you pull the dog tags from under your shirt, “and think of you”.

“God, doll, what are you doing to me?” There’s a very brief moment where as Bucky looks at you, he considers kissing you. But you’re leaving soon, and he isn’t sure how you’d react anyway, so he settles for one more hug before telling you goodnight and heading back to his tent.

As you listen to him walk away, it takes everything in you not to burst into tears. But Peggy is sleeping less than 2 feet away from you, and you don’t want to disturb her, or risk waking her and having her ask questions. What could you even say? By some miracle, you manage to fall asleep. You ended up staying in the same clothes, realizing it would be pointless to change into pajamas since you’d be getting up in a few short hours away.

At 4am on the dot, Peggy is gently nudging you awake. “I turned off the alarm, figured we could sleep a little longer. The higher ups usually get up around 4:45 to prepare for the day. I figured we should be gone before they even wake up, so Howard is going to meet us at 4:15 just outside the camp.”

You rub yours eyes as you nod and slowly stand up, taking your time as you gather your things. You don’t have much though, and in just a few short minutes you’re ready to leave. After changing back into the same outfit you wore when you first arrived, Peggy hands over a big file, and you begin to walk to where you’re meant to meet Howard.

As you’re exiting the tent, you laugh and admit to her that having spent so much time here, you’d forgotten about why you came and probably would’ve left the folder if she hadn’t just given it to you.

“Hey doll, wait up!” You both pause and see Bucky jogging over from his tent.

“I’ll meet you at the front,” Peggy gives your arm a reassuring squeeze, then continues on her way.

Bucky pauses when he finally reaches you, taking a few seconds to catch his breath. He actually also set his alarm for 4am, determined to say goodbye to you one more time. He thought he’d end up sitting around waiting until he heard you leave, and he didn’t think you’d be going until closer to 5, so he ended up scrambling to change and make sure he looked half decent before he rushed to meet you.

“Just wanted to say goodbye one more time,” he suddenly feels shy as he’s speaking to you. “And I know we said everything last night, but I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t do this before you were gone.” He puts one arm around your waist, causing you to step closer. The other hand, he rests on the back of your head. “Can I kiss you?”

Stunned into silence yet again, all you can do is nod. The kiss is sweet, and gentle. You get a glimpse at what it would be like to be with Bucky romantically. It pains you that you can’t stay, and that even if you did, you wouldn’t have a future with him.

“I know you have to go, but I just wanted to do that at least once.” He smiles, leaning down so that your foreheads are touching.

“Thank you, for everything,” feeling a sudden wave of bravery wash over you, you give him one more kiss. “This time with you has meant the world to me.” You pull the dog tags from under his shirt, and tap them. “Don’t forget about me, okay?”

“I could never forget about you even if I tried. I’ll remember you for the rest of my life.”

After one more hug, Bucky watches as you turn and walk away. He finds himself wishing for more time with you. As much as he hoped it would happen, he knows it can’t. Just before you step completely out of view, you turn around and wave to him before forcing yourself to continue walking. It’s only then that Bucky finally heads back to his tent, though he knows he won’t be able to go back to sleep.

You finally approach Peggy and Howard, the latter immediately rushing over and shaking your hand. You can tell he has lots of questions, and Peggy insists that you sit up front. As she gets into the back seat, she jokingly apologizes.

The journey is short, only 15 minutes. But Howard spends the entire time asking questions, and talking a bout what he hopes to accomplish in the future. At one point, he asks how you got your powers. You settle for telling him that you were experimented on. You don’t tell him the full truth, knowing nothing good could come from him knowing that the men who did this to you were trying to re-do Project Rebirth for their own selfish reasons.

He seems to just accept that answer, right away moving on to asking about what other powers you have. Once he parks the car, you raise your left hand, energy glowing around it a second later, and remove his sunglasses from his head and place them on yours. He looks like his head is about to explode. You remove the sunglasses and try to hand them back to him, but he insists that you keep them because “that was the coolest fucking thing I’ve ever seen”.

After spending a few more minutes talking about the future (with you trying to be as vague and give as little details as possible), Peggy finally speaks u and says that as much as she hates to interrupt Howard’s intense questioning, they’d better go soon before the camp is fully awake in less than an hour.

She pulls you in for a hug, whispering that you better be careful. Howard shakes your hand again, and says that if you ever feel like taking another trip to the past, he’d love to pick your brain.

You smile as you look at them both, grateful you got the chance to spend time with them. After saying your final goodbyes, you take a few steps back, close your eyes, and concentrate on going home.

To everyone else, you were only gone just under 36 hours. And because you left in the evening, it’s now extremely early in the morning just a day and a half later. You were planning on heading straight to bed and finding everyone else maybe in a few hours after you had a chance to rest, but when the elevator doors open and you look up to see Bruce and Dr. Cho heading towards you, you weren’t surprised.

“We had F.R.I.D.A.Y. alert me of any activity on your floor,” Bruce says, knowing what you were about to ask. He puts an arm around you and begins to lead you towards the elevators. As Dr. Cho begins asking questions about how you were feeling and what side effects you dealt with when you first arrived back in 1945, you know you’re being taken to the medical floor of the compound. Bruce starts to say that he’s going to tell Fury that you can’t go back that far anymore, but you insist that you’re fine. And while it might be too painful to go back and see Bucky, especially since you’d have to go way back to before he met you, you think it might actually be nice to take a somewhat casual trip back, if only to let Howard quiz you about the future.

20 minutes later, Dr. Cho concludes her exam on you and determines that as long as you’re sure you’re feeling okay, all you should need is some rest.

Just as she exits the room, Rhodey enters and tells Bruce that he needs to run a few tests on you. You allow them to put a head piece on you and you lay back as he monitors your brain activity as he asks simple questions about your journey back. He then takes a few blood samples, and you listen as he and Bruce discuss what they might find.

You were a little groggy and maybe also mentally and physically drained, but that was to be expected. This wasn’t nearly as bad as when New Hydra forced you to travel for them, and you know that you did the right thing spending a week in the past.

Fury enters the room just as Bruce and Rhodey are wrapping up, and he asks for a moment alone with you. You hand over the file from Peggy, and he flips it open, looking at a couple of pages before closing it, satisfied with whatever he saw.

He then asks you a few questions, mostly things that Dr. Cho already covered. You’re surprised when he ends the conversation, telling you to get some rest, and that he has informed the team that you’ll have the next 7 days off to rest and recover before they’re allowed to send you on missions.

Same as when you spoke to everyone else about rest, you try to protest. But one stern look from Fury shuts you right up.

“You’re a valuable asset to this team,” Fury puts a hand on your shoulder. “We don’t want you going into the field too soon. Take a little break”.

He gets into the elevator with you, but stays on once you get off on your floor. You’re starving, but also exhausted. So exhausted, that all you can do is go directly to your room and throw yourself onto the bed that you’ve missed. When you glance at the clock, you see it’s nearly 6am now, and you can only hope that you wake up early enough that you’ll still be able to go to sleep tonight.

When you open your eyes again, the clock reads 2:05pm. Not bad, you think to yourself. You may have to stay up a little later than normal to ensure that you wake up at a decent time, but you’re just relieved the clock doesn’t say midnight.

Just as you’re about to exit your room and head to the kitchen, a flash of silver catches your eye in your mirror reflection. You’re still wearing Bucky’s dog tags, it hadn’t even occurred to you to take them off earlier when you first came back. Realizing that you’ll probably run into James today, you force yourself to take them off, setting them down on your bedside table. He’d probably hate that there’s a version of himself that would give them to you.

Entering the kitchen, you’re surprised to see him there. Usually around this time he’d be getting in his second workout of the day. But he’s there, standing by the stove.

You pause, unsure whether you should still make yourself something to eat, or go back to your room and wait for James to finish up. After spending so much time with the Bucky back in 1945, you know that he’s completely separate from the man in front of you. Still, you don’t think you could handle this version hating you.

“Have you eaten yet?”

It takes you a few seconds to realize that he’s speaking to you.

“U-umm, no. I actually just slept for like eight yours,” you laugh nervously as you take a seat at the kitchen counter. “Someone mentioned that Wanda was going to bring something down, so I’ll just text her.”

“She already did,” he points to the stove. “Came by like an hour ago, I said I was sure you were still asleep so she just told me how to reheat this.” He scoops some of the pasta out of the pot, grabs a spoon, then slides the bowl across the counter.

What… is… happening? Is this version, James, somehow the same as the one you went to see? Why is he being so nice to you? But you were told that it was an alternate timeline, so…????

“This is probably going to sound really stupid. But do you… are you okay?”

He tilts his head, confused. “I… I think so?”

“Sorry. I just— I think this is the most we’ve spoken to each other in the entire time that I’ve known you. Not counting the grilled cheese fiasco, which I still don’t remember.” You desperately want to ask him why he’s being nice to you. But you’re worried that it would probably upset him, and even if it didn’t and he found out you spoke to a different version of him, he’d probably still have a lot of questions. “Anyway, don’t mind me. I’m just tired, think my brain may still be stuck in 1945. Thank you,” you slowly begin to eat the pasta, growing even more confused when James stays in the kitchen.

He desperately wants to speak up. Wants to ask how you’re doing, if you’re okay. And he knows you went back right before he went to the Alps and never returned. It’s on the tip of his tongue, did you see me when you were there? But before he has a chance to say anything, the elevator doors slide open and everyone comes rushing towards you.

Wanda is the first to greet you, saying she’s happy you’re back. Pietro practically shoves her out of the way and says that he’s even happier that you’re back. Sam rolls his eyes, but pulls you in for a hug, saying he’s glad you made it back safe too. At one point you make eye contact with Pepper, who mouths you okay? And you smile, giving her a thumbs up. Though you feel like you could still sleep for a full day, you’re happy to be home.

You spend a little time talking to (almost) everyone, and you genuinely appreciate how much everyone cares. Peter seems to fret over you more than most of them, asking if you need anything anytime you get up from the couch.

Eventually, Wanda shoos everyone off of your floor, insisting that you need more rest. James quietly slipped away to his room, and now just you and Pepper remain in the living room.

“I wish that he was here,” you say, wiping away a few tears. “Howard would’ve been really proud of him”.

It takes her a few seconds to realize what your sentence means.

“You saw— when?”

“Just before I came back. He’s actually the one who drove me away from the camp so that we didn’t risk anyone seeing me walk into a room and then basically vanish. I got to talk to him for just under half an hour. He actually asked me to come back to the past so that he could ask more questions about my powers and what I can do. But anyway, he talked about what he hoped to do in the future, and how proud he was of the work he’d done so far. And I think he’d be really proud if he could see everything his son accomplished.”

After she headed home to Morgan, you were unsure of what to do. You could’ve easily done what Wanda suggested and gotten more rest. But it was now 4pm and if you take another nap now, you might actually wake up at like 2am and then you’ll be wide awake.

Not really sure what else to do, after sitting on the couch for 10 minutes and not being able to find anything interesting on the TV to watch, you head back to your room.

Once you shut your door and turn around, your eyes immediately go to the dog tags on the bedside table. You pick them up before laying down on the bed, and your eyes fill with tears as you clutch the tags, holding them to your chest. A sob escapes, and you quickly cover your mouth. Just your luck, F.R.I.D.A.Y. would alert Bruce or somebody else about distress on your floor. You weren’t sure if the A.I. was listening in on private areas like bedrooms, but just to be safe.

You were unaware that the other super soldier on your floor had just exited his room. He wanted something to drink, and had just grabbed a soda from the fridge when he heard your sob. He wanted to knock on your door and ask if you were okay, but he didn’t think it was his place. After all, you talked to everyone but him when you returned, and you didn’t seem too keen on his company when he tried to talk to you earlier in the kitchen. When your cries didn’t continue, he headed back to his room.

This avoiding each other at all costs went on for nearly 2 weeks. For the first week, every night you cried yourself to sleep. Not just because you were tired, because you really were feeling better every day, but because you hated how you felt. Part of you wished that you hadn’t accepted Fury’s mission, or you wished that you had let one of the others on the team talk Fury into letting you sit this one out because you shouldn’t go back that far. Then you never would’ve met Bucky.

You kept thinking about how sad he was that you were leaving. And you replayed the memories in your mind over and over. Unable to keep your thoughts in your head anymore, you grab a blank notebook from your shelf and start writing everything down.

After writing about your ‘date’ with Bucky, you shut the book, unable to write any more. You realize that you’re not upset with James, really, you never were. But now having spent so much time with a version of him from the past, you see how happy he used to be. And your heart breaks, knowing exactly why he’s no longer that way.

But what are you supposed to do now? It’s killing you to stay away from James and not talk to him about the things past / alternate him told you. You know so much about him growing up, about his time in the war, yet you can’t talk to him about any of it.

Another week goes by, and Sam pulls you aside one night after dinner when everyone else has gone back to their floors. As you washed and he dried / put away, he asked you what was really going on.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” you tried to shrug it off.

“Okay, I guess we’re playing the lying game now. I am not the most handsome man on this team. There, now I told a lie too. Now you wanna really tell me what’s bothering you?”

“How did you even—”

He shakes his head. “Ever since you’ve been back, something is off. You’re quiet, you stay in your room a lot more, and we’re worried about you. If it’s still the exhaustion from traveling so far back in time, just say the word and I promise I’ll shut up and won’t say another word about it. But I think something else happened”.

A tear falls, and you quickly wipe it away while using your other hand to reach into your front pants pocket and grab the item that you’d taken to carrying with you pretty much everywhere you went.

Sam takes it from you and turns it over in his hand, eyes widening when he sees the name on the dog tags. “Bucky gave—”

“Not him,” you point up, meaning your floor. “The Bucky from 1945. I should’ve avoided him, and Steve, too. But I was sent back the same day they returned and I guess Bucky saw me in the crowd so he found me later that day. I should’ve distanced myself, but he was so sweet to me. I almost stopped him and said he shouldn’t be, because there’s a version of him from the future that doesn’t even want to be in the same room as me.”

“Did he know you were from the future?”

“No, he didn’t even know I was enhanced. Only Peggy and Howard knew. But I spent time with him every day and on one of my last days there, he gave me his second set of dog tags. Said that he wanted me to have them so that when things get bad and he looks at them, he’ll think of me instead of the war. I just… I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with him. Yes, that Bucky Barnes wanted me to have them. But the— James, can’t stand me. And it has been the hardest thing going from what I had with Bucky to… this. Complete silence. I feel like I should give these to James,” you say as Sam places the dog tags back in your hands, “but then I’d have to explain how I got them and I don’t think I could take him being upset at the past version of himself because of me”.

Sam pulls you in for a hug, and you finally give in and allow yourself to cry about this, in front of someone else. “You should talk to him,” he speaks up after a moment. “I think maybe it could do the two of you some good”.

“What do I even say though? Hey can you please not hate me anymore?”

“I mean… why not?”

You roll your eyes and give Sam the look, causing him to back up slowly towards the elevators. “You gonna be alright if I head back to my room?”

“I’ll be fine,” you smile. “Thank you”.

“Anytime, I’m basically the best advice giver and listener on the team so, you know where to find me!”

You remain in the main living room / kitchen, head in your hands as you sit at the counter and try to think about what to do. You pull the dog tags out of your pocket, and think about looking at the stars during your last night with Bucky. You felt so peaceful.

That’s it, you think. Maybe that will cheer me up.

After making a quick stop at your floor for one of your thick blankets, you head up to the roof of the compound. Luckily it’s quiet, and there isn’t a single cloud in the sky, so you can see all the stars tonight. You hate that everything now seems to remind you of Bucky. Looking at the small garden on the roof, when you see the flowers, you think of him too.

Before you can think about it too much, you go over to the flowers and pick just a few, mentally noting to come up and plant some more soon. You go back to your blanket and sit down, carefully weaving the stems together just like he showed you.

“Oh, I didn’t realize someone else was up here.”

You were so focused that you didn’t even hear the door open and shut behind you. And you also didn’t hear James approaching. “Holy shit you scared me. Umm, I can leave though—” You begin to gather the unused flowers to put them back in the vase.

“I’m sorry,” Bucky interrupts you, suddenly desperate for you to hear him out. It has been torture seeing you avoid him since you’ve been back. You still don’t know that he knows… pretty much everything. “Please, you don’t have to go.”

Not at all prepared for that response, you sit back down.

“I know you think I hate you, but I promise you that I don’t. I just… I see how you’ve been avoiding me so I just started doing the same thing because I don’t ever want to make you uncomfortable and I’m sorry if I already have.”

“I think you’re a little confused. You’re the one that hates me. Ever since you came back, at first you barely said two words to me. Then you weren’t at all subtle leaving the room whenever I entered, what else am I supposed to think?”

When your response is met with silence, you sigh. But before you can even stand up to go back inside, Bucky speaks up. “I fucked up. I was jealous of how close you were with Steve and I shouldn’t have… you didn’t deserve for me to take it out on you. I should’ve talked to Steve and told him how I felt, and you, too. I just… I didn’t know. I was here, then I was gone, then I came back and everyone said five years had gone by. I thought there was no way that was true, it had to be some sort of sick joke. But it wasn’t, and everything was different. I was jealous.”

“Of me??”

“Yeah,” he nods, taking a seat next to you on the blanket. “I’ve done a lot of messed up things, I’m sure you’ve heard the stories. But I’ve been trying really hard to be a better person. I guess part of me is still convinced that everyone on the team hates me and only tolerates me because of Steve. So when I saw you, and you’d only been on the team for what, half a decade, and they already all loved you? I don’t know, I just— I know I messed up.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” you say softly, looking down. “Do I wish that you had come and talked to me? Of course. But I can see why it would’ve been hard for you. So you don’t have to be sorry”.

“You forgive me?”

Still unable to look at him, your eyes remain down as you shrug. “It might take some time, but yeah, I do. I just… feel different now, about life, I guess. I don’t see the point in being upset at you, especially not when I now know why you’ve been acting the way that you have”.

Now he feels even worse. How are you so nice to him after how he treated you?

Knowing that you were probably a little uncomfortable like he was, Bucky tries to change the subject. When he sees the flowers you were holding, his face lights up. He takes a few of them and begins weaving the stems together, just like his sister taught him a long time ago. “I used to be really good at this,” he mumbles, finding that maybe he doesn’t remember how. But you can tell by him biting his lip and the look of determination on his face, that he’s gonna keep trying until he gets it.

“Didn’t she say you were supposed to alternate flower colors?” You freeze instantly, realizing what you just said. This James never told you that his sister was the one who taught him. Fuck.

“How did you—”

You quickly stand up, suddenly needing to go back to your room. “I’m actually feeling pretty tired so I think I’m gonna go to bed. Night James”. Without waiting for a reply, you turn around and head back into the compound, going straight for the elevators. Once you’re back on the fourth floor, you go to your room and shut the door. When you don’t hear James returning to the floor after a few minutes, you let out a sigh of relief.

Maybe he didn’t catch on, or he assumed that Steve told you. You’re of course unaware of the fact that Steve didn’t even know. After a few more minutes of debating on what to do, you settle for taking a shower. You really do still feel exhausted and wouldn’t mind going to bed early tonight. Plus, the hot water always calmed you down.

Although the rest of your body wouldn’t mind going to bed, your brain clearly didn’t get the memo. It’s now 11pm and you’ve been laying in bed wide awake for over an hour.

“If I’m going to be awake, I might as well get something to eat,” you mumble to yourself, finally getting out of bed. You open your door, and end up walking directly into James. Letting out a little yelp as you stumble back, he reaches out to steady you on your feet. “Wh-what are young doing? Did you knock? I didn’t—”

“No,” he shakes his head, “not yet. I was still trying to work up the courage to.”

“Oh… well… did you need something?”

“How did you know?”

You wonder if you should lie. “Know what?”

“Please, how did you know my sister was the one that taught me?”

There’s no going back from this. You’ll tell him everything, and he’ll probably get upset at the version of himself that was nice to you. He follows you to the living room, and you both take a seat on opposite ends of the couch. “You told me”.

“I— I told you?”

“Not you, I mean, Bucky in 1945. I saw y—him, when I went back. And he told me.”

“Was it actually me though? I don’t remember…” He looks away, trying to see if he can force the memories to his mind.

You shake your head. “No. It was a past alternate version of you, that’s why you don’t remember. When I had to go back to get the files from Peggy, it turned out to be the same day that you, Steve, and all the other guys returned from…”

“When Steve saved me,” he whispers.

“Yeah. I was stupid and I should’ve avoided everyone except Peggy, just kept my head down. But the first day I was there…”

“What did I—he, do?”

“Oh, nothing. He just introduced himself. And I tried to refer to yo—him, as Sergeant Barnes, because I was meant to be posing as a nurse so it was also as a professional courtesy, but he insisted that I call him Bucky because all your friends did, and he said that after ten minutes we were already practically best friends. I didn’t see him the next day but then I did pretty much every day after that, he was very persistent.”

James sat there, processing everything that you just told him. He doesn’t doubt it for a second, remembering how he was back then, he knows that’s exactly something he’d say if he saw a pretty nurse. “And the flower crowns?”

“It was like my fourth day there. He found me one day and said he wanted to show me something just outside of the camp. We sat by the flowers for the entire afternoon, and he made me a crown. I made one too, but mine didn’t look nearly as nice.” Though you’re not sure you can handle the answer, you ask the question that’s been on your mind anyway. “Are you mad?”

“Mad?”

“That I spent so much time with a past version of you.”

“Why would I be mad?”

You hadn’t really planned on having this conversation tonight, but here it is. “Because you—”

“I thought you were scared of me, now, after I was an asshole to you. I swear to you doll, I don’t hate you. I don’t think I ever did. I was just mad, and confused, at the world, really. I shouldn’t have taken that out on you. And like I was trying to explain earlier on the roof, I’m trying to be a better person and make amends for the things I’ve done wrong, the things the Winter Soldier did. You’re the first person I want to apologize to, because you didn’t deserve to be treated the way I treated you when I first got back. So I’m sorry.”

“You’re not him.”

“What?”

“You’re not the Winter Soldier. You weren’t in control, HYDRA was. You don’t have to apologize for the things he did, because you had no say. I— how much do you know, about me?”

He knows exactly what you’re referring to. But it wasn’t a conversation he was meant to hear. “I know that Steve and Natasha rescued you, and that you’ve stayed with the team ever since…” He trails off, not really sure what else to add.

“That’s true, but there’s a lot more to it than that. I think part of the reason that Steve and I grew so close was because of where he found me when I was rescued. I don’t know if they told you because the program got shut down, the members are all either dead or they’ll be in prison until they are dead. But I was with New Hydra. I was the first new Winter Soldier. I was with them for less than a year, but I remember a lot. They didn’t always put us in cryo after missions. I blamed myself, for a long time. I even told Steve, and my therapist, and anyone who tried to comfort me. I may have been in Winter Soldier mode, but it was still me that did those things. The blood was, and still is, on my hands. It’s only during the past couple of weeks that I’ve been realizing that it’s not true. And maybe a part of me will always still blame myself for the things they made me do, for the person they tried to turn me into. But I’m working on getting better, working on seeing that it wasn’t my fault.”

He doesn’t even realize he’s crying until you reach out and wipe away the tears that had fallen. It was almost like a reflex, you didn’t even think about doing it. When you pull your hand away, he almost wants to reach out and grab it.

“Sorry,” you look down at your hands, “but I don’t think you have to make amends for anything. I think it would be good to forgive yourself, you didn’t do anything wrong”.

Somehow the words carry more weight when you say them. You understand more than anyone. So maybe if you say he should forgive himself…

“But adding on to what I was saying, I think part of the reason that Steve and I got so close, was because I reminded him of you. He felt bad that he didn’t find you and save you sooner. One night I let it slip that I was scared that they were somehow going to come and find me and take me again, and he swore he wouldn’t ever let that happen. I don’t think he meant to replace you, and I’m sorry if I made you feel that way. ” Now it’s your turn to wipe away your tears. “God, you think I’d be done crying about all of this every night by now.”

“Am I the reason you cry every night?” James didn’t think it was possible to feel any more guilty, until he heard that.

“No, no. I just— not you. It was hard, feeling like I lost a big part of Steve when he went back to be with Peggy. Then to come back and think that you hated me. And then spending time with an alternate you and having to come back and pretend like nothing happened because I know it wasn’t actually you.” Although you don’t want to part with them, you slowly pull the dog tags out of your pocket and hold them out to James. It doesn’t feel right to keep them anymore.

“When…?”

“One of my last nights there.”

He’s quiet for a moment before speaking up again. “What did he say, when he gave them to you?”

“It doesn’t matter, but you should have them back—”

“Please,” you hear the desperation in his voice again. “It does matter. What… what did I say?”

You look up and blink a few times, willing the tears to go away. “It was right after we had dinner,” you decide to leave out the part about it being a planned date, “we had just walked back to Peggy’s tent and he—you, said that I should keep these because just knowing that I have the other set, when you look at yours you won’t think of the war, you’d think of the time you spent with me.”

James puts a hand on your cheek, and you find yourself leaning in to his touch. “God, I wish I could remember. I wish that was me and that I had those memories of you to get me through… all of it. I’m so sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“I like who I was back then a lot better than who I am now. And I’m sure it’s a little disappointing to come back to, well, me.” He moves his hand and shrugs, trying not to seem as upset as he actually is.

“I’m not sad because I’m disappointed. I could never be disappointed at you. Knowing what you’ve been through, it’s understandable that you’re not the same person that you were before. Like I mentioned before, it’s just hard to separate who I spent time with in 1945, versus now because you don’t see me the same way. And I was sad because, I don’t know, I… don’t want to make you feel like you have to be my friend.”

Letting out a chuckle, James runs his hand through his hair. “I’m terrible at this. I’ve wanted to be your friend, for a while now. I just didn’t know how to show it. My first official mission with the team, I don’t think anyone had seen me that nervous in a long time. But it wasn’t because I was worried about the mission, or getting hurt. I was worried about you getting hurt. Didn’t show it so well though because then the next week you were already going back to 1945 and you overheard me and assumed I was trying to sabotage you. But I wasn’t, I swear. I don’t know you that well, and I know that’s my own damn fault. But you’re someone important to Steve, and that was enough for me to want to protect you. Do you— do you think we could start over? I know it might be hard considering how I treated you before but I really do mean it, I want a shot at friendship with you.”

He didn’t say it out loud, but he was also thinking and maybe something more in the future. Now that he knows there might be a chance, if you liked past him. “Can we go somewhere?”

You follow him to the elevator, and end up on the roof again. Sitting next to each other on the blanket, you watch as he picks up the flowers and once again begins to weave the stems together. Just a few minutes later, he’s finished. He stands up and goes behind you, telling you to close your eyes.

“Why do I need to close my eyes?”

“Just trust me. It’s a crowning ceremony and right now it’s imperative that you close your eyes.”

“Wow imperative. Big word.”

He tries, and fails, to hold back his laughter. “Alright doll is this what friendship with you is like? You know what, don’t answer that. Just humor me and close your eyes please.”

You close your eyes, expecting to feel the weight of the flowers on your head. But instead, you feel something around your neck. Instantly, you open your eyes. He gave you the dog tags.

“You don’t have to—”

“I want to. I may not be the same as the Bucky you met back then, but I remember the war like it was yesterday. You helped that version of me through a really tough time. In… I guess in this timeline or reality, after Steve rescued me I was a mess, and I just moped around. The fact that there’s a version of me out there that instead spent the next week laughing and talking, and spending time with a beautiful woman, even just the thought means a lot to me. You gave that to me. And you should keep these. He’d want you to, and I do too.”

Before you can think about it too much, and change your mind, you stand up and throw your arms around him, feeling relieved when he returns the gesture. For you, this feels familiar. A different body, but still the same sense of peace, and calm. For James, it’s different. He isn’t used to people being affectionate towards him. The first few times Steve gave him a hug, he had to do everything he could to not tense up and immediately pull away. But it feels right when you’re in his arms.

“Now,” he bends down and gets the flower crown, placing it on your head. “There we go. This must feel like deja vu for you, huh?”

“No,” you shake your head, smiling as you reach up to touch the flowers. “I think I like this version better.”

Having actually talked to you and spent time with you, it’s easy for James to see how he could fall for you. “Besides, you know… how are you actually feeling? That’s gotta take a toll on you, going back so far.”

“It took about a week for me to be feeling completely back to normal, but it’s fine. I’d rather use my abilities to help the team than what I was forced to do before, so… I don’t mind.”

Seeing how much you care for everyone, it worries James. “Maybe you could speak to Fury about not making you go back that far though. What if something happens or one day you can’t stay in the past that long?”

“I— I hadn’t thought about that. I don’t know what’ll happen, but the Avengers saved my life. Well technically Steve and Nat did, but, you know what I mean. I owe them everything, the least I could do is whatever they need.”

James takes one of your hands in his, and slowly shakes his head. “Not if it comes at the expense of your life. I know we’re just now starting to actually become friends, but I care about you. A lot. And I don’t just mean to make it about me, what all of us would do? Yes your powers are a big help, but it’s not worth it if it hurts you. You have to be careful”.

“I know, and I will, James, I promise. I’ll talk to Fury, maybe I only go back that far if I have to see Peggy or Howard, someone who knows.”

“Why do you call me James?”

“Now it’s just a habit, I guess. Remember I didn’t exactly think we were friends, and only friends call you Bucky.”

He looks down for a moment, then back up to you. “My ma was pretty much the only one to ever call me James. I kinda like how it sounds when you say it.”

“James,” you say softly, and when he smiles, you find yourself slowly falling for this man. You get a glimpse at who he was in the past, and feel lucky that he’s opening up to you like this.

“Quick look up,” he points, and you glance up just in time to see a shooting star go by.

“I’ve never been able to actually see one in person before!” You close your eyes and make a wish in your head.

“Well don’t keep me in suspense, what’d you wish for?”

You laugh, shaking your head. “I can’t tell you that or it might not come true.”

“Do I get a hint?”

You don’t tell him that your wish was about him. “I think— it will come true one day.” You wished that he’d one day be truly happy, and be able to see that he doesn’t need to apologize for the actions from his past. You know that he’s a good person, and you wished that the world would see that too. “I have something on my face?” You laugh, laying back down on the blanket. You could somehow sense that he was looking at you.

“Sorry I don’t mean to stare. Just, from where you are right now, you have stars in your eyes. I like looking at them.” As he looks at you, admiring the sky, he feels it. For the first time in a long time, he feels safe. This sense of somehow knowing that whatever happens, he has you in his life now, and it’ll all turn out alright.

thank you sooooo much to @cryonme​ for hosting the writing event (and also sorry it took me 1000 years to post asdfhasdg). to everyone who had read to the end, THANK YOU TOO!!! if you enjoyed this mini-series, click [ HERE ] to check out my masterlist of all other works, as well as my reading recommendations! and click [ HERE ] to check out my WIP’s, and maybe let me know which ones you’d like to see first! thank you thank you thank you to anyone that followed along on this emotional rollercoaster. that was the finally part, and i hope you enjoyed! feedback in the form of likes / comments / re-blogs are very much appreciated! ALSO i’m not sure if anyone would be interested in a sort of continuation of this? i just had some thoughts about the beginnings of your friendship / eventual relationship with james, given the ending :)

[jessikahathaway]

Baby Talk - Part I

Hellooooo!

I've had this in my WIPs for a while and I wanted to get some of it out so that you all could enjoy it! Let me know what you think and if you want more??? Tag lists are open for all of my ongoing fics so if you want to be added just let me know!

Please enjoy!

Pairing: Jikook X Reader (Jimin X Reader X Jungkook)

Genre: Surrogacy!AU, Polyamorous!AU, Romance. (Future Smut)

Warnings: Medical Procedures, Assault (not descriptive), Profanity. If I forgot anything please let me know!

Words: 11.3k (Phew chill Jess~)

This wasn’t a big deal, you thought to yourself as you signed the paperwork in the clinic.

Just, you know, getting artificially inseminated for money. Nothing weird about that right?

Becoming a surrogate wasn’t something you’d planned on in your life, mainly sticking to your job and working towards a better tomorrow or whatever they say.

You were young, healthy and full of life.

The only thing you lacked, was a full bank account.

The realization hit a little harder than you thought it would. Being a receptionist wasn’t exactly what you’d had planned for your life but, it was simple work and it made you happy.

Going to college wasn’t really ever an option for you anyways. Your parents had died in an accident when you were little, forcing you to go live with your Great Aunt until you turned eighteen. She hadn’t forced you out, but you did leave. Wanting the adventures that life had to offer.

However, you quickly realized that it wasn’t easy pickings out in the world. That’s when the notice came to the door of your apartment that you either paid your late rent in full by the date or you could get your ass out.

Fear trickled down your spine at the thought of being homeless. You briefly thought of going back to your Aunts but, she lived out in the country and the city is where you’d made your home. As much as you cared about her, it just wasn’t going to happen.

That’s when your friend Namjoon and his husband Jim invited you over for dinner.

You were beyond excited, because these two had just had their baby girl Annie.

They had used the local fertility clinic to get a surrogate and had their baby just a month prior. You had been dying to meet the little bundle ever since you heard the news they were having a baby.

God, that kid was going to be spoiled rotten.

Quickly, you had gone over and enjoyed a nice meal with the three of them. Annie still partaking in formula.

You had tried to make conversation, but your eyes kept wandering to Annie and her little hands and feet. You felt a slight clench in your chest at the sight of her round face and sweet eyes.

“Earth to Y/N? You doing alright?” Namjoon’s voice echoed through their lovely, luxe apartment.

“Y-Yeah! Fine, I’m fine,” you smiled.

“You sure?” Jin asked, getting up to take his and Namjoon’s plates to the kitchen.

“Mhmm,” you said, eyes glancing back over at the baby.

“You’re so whipped, Annie has claimed yet another victim,” Namjoon snickered, looking at the blissful gaze your eyes had taken.

“You ever want kids, Y/N?” Jin asked, coming back in with dessert for each of you.

“I guess so, I mean. Just gotta find someone to make the baby with,” you joked half heartedly.

It was no secret among your friends that you were the black sheep. Not dating, not even entertaining the notion of having a significant other. The idea was, honestly, draining.

“Don’t feel like you have to be married to have a kid, Y/N. Single parenthood is just as valid as a couple,” Jin reminded.

“I’m nowhere near financially stable enough to pop out a kid right now,” you sighed.

“No? I thought the job at the hotel was treating you well,” Namjoon said.

“Yes and no, they treat me well. But pay me next to shit... I-I gotta make some quick cash, or I’m gonna be homeless,” you whispered.

“What?!?” The two men shouted, looking at you with heartbreak in their eyes.

“Y/N, why didn’t you tell us you were struggling! We could’ve done something!” Jin says, rubbing his face with frustration.

“No-No! It’s fine, I’ll figure it out! I always do,” you encouraged, trying to keep the fear out of your eyes.

“How far behind on rent are you?” Namjoon asked.

“A little under six grand,” you sighed.

“Y/N!” Your two friends looked distraught.

“I don’t understand how a society can function like this, I hate it,” Namjoon said, looking down at his dessert he no longer wanted.

Annie started fussing, kicking her feet and wanting attention.

Jin sighed and got up, taking his beautiful daughter with him. You and Namjoon sat in cold silence for a while. Neither of you willing to talk to the other.

You were too proud for your own good. Even if it meant crashing and burning, you’d do that before you took anyone’s pity.

“How can we help?” Namjoon asked, looking at you with so much worry.

“I really don’t know Joon, there’s no where that’ll give me that kinda money with my credit and... even if they did I couldn’t pay it back anyways,” you sighed.

“Have you thought about going to school for something? Maybe you can get a degree and, I don’t know I’m pulling at straws here,” he said.

“I can’t go to school Joon, with what money? And even worse, I wouldn’t know what to go into,” you said, swallowing down some more wine.

“I wish we could’ve had you surrogate for us. We paid that woman a small fortune. Had I known you were struggling I would, maybe you could’ve done it instead,” he said quietly.

“How much did you pay her?” You asked.

“Around $80,000,” he said, shrugging.

You choked.

“Damn you filthy rich kids,” you grumbled, crossing your arms over your chest.

“That’s it!” Namjoon said.

“Huh?” You asked, looking at him in confusion and despair.

“You can’t be our surrogate, but you could be someone else’s!”

Your body ran cold at the thought.

“I-I don’t know if I could do that Joon,” you said.

“Doesn’t your family have a high chance of twins?” He said, looking at you with a smile.

“I mean, yes but-”

“Say no more. I know a couple that’s been dreaming of a baby. They actually were supposed to meet the woman who wound up being our surrogate. But she decided to go with us. Jimin and Jungkook, they’re really good people Y/N,” Namjoon said, smiling.

“Namjoon, I don’t know if I can have a stranger’s baby!”

“I mean I won’t force you to sign up or anything. But Jungkook and Jimin are really good guys who have been waiting forever to have a baby. They said they wanted twins but, most importantly they wanted a healthy child. How sweet is that!”

You worried your lower lip with your teeth. This was just ridiculous. There’s no way you’d be able to do it. No way.

“Let me show you a picture of them!” Namjoon said, pulling out his phone.

“Joon really-”

Although, before you could argue anymore, you saw their faces.

A smaller, blond man. Whose smile was brighter than any star. And a taller, lean brunette who looked at the camera with a goofy grin.

“Jimin is the blond, Jungkook is the brunette,” Namjoon explained.

“Okay?” You said, trying to calm your racing heart.

They were both handsome. Deathly so, it made your stomach clench in a weird way to look at them. You wondered what kind of babies they would make. If they had that smile Jimin was packing, no one would be safe. That child would get whatever it wanted.

“I’m just saying, it doesn't have to be them but they’ve wanted a baby for so long and... you could help them with that and get a lump sum of cash on the side. Bad a bing bad a boom! No worries!”

It wasn’t such a hard decision in the end.

You needed the money.

So walking into the clinic had this weird sense of finality to it.

The receptionist looked at you with a smile.

“Hello dear, how can I help you?” She said.

“I-uh, wanted to sign up to be a potential surrogate?” You said, wringing your hands together.

“Of course! Did you bring your medical records and things of the like?”

You nodded quickly, handing over the required paperwork. She clicked away on her keyboard and got you all signed up and ready to go. Soon, you were getting your preliminary check up to see if you were able to have children.

Although your period had some irregularities in the past, the doctor’s said it was probably due to stress and the balancing out of hormones. But it would all work out, you were healthy and fertile!

You managed to tell Namjoon that you signed up without him having a full blown heart attack.

“How long until you need to be out of the apartment?” He asked, sipping his coffee.

“I need to be out in three weeks,” you said softly.

“Well shit you’re kinda on a time crunch there sweets, but don’t worry, you can do it! I’ll let Jimin and Jungkook know that you signed up, they’ll want to meet you. I know it,” he said.

“Namjoon, it’s okay. I don’t care who I surrogate for, as long as it’s soon,” you said, trying to keep your heart rate under control.

“Okay, but Y/N, I’m telling you. They’d be the perfect fit for you!” He said.

You said your goodbyes before hanging up the phone. The days to come would be challenging no doubt.

—

You were rather popular at the fertility clinic it seemed, because you’d had three meetings already.

One was a couple that had been trying for years and it just wasn’t happening so they were resorting to a different method. Although for this one they wanted to do an egg implantation. You weren’t sure you wanted to do that.

Another was an older couple who looked like they were just planning on having kids but their own clocks ran out.

But finally, you got one more call from the clinic.

“Miss Y/N, you’ve got another request for a meeting,” the receptionist on the other line said.

“Oh? With whom?” You asked.

“A Mr. Park Jimin and a Mr. Jeon Jungkook, they asked for you personally,” she said, tone light.

You almost spit out your drink.

Th-They had asked for you?

The fertility clinic was big, a huge database of surrogates and people willing to conceive for the right price.

But they had asked to meet you.

Personally.

“Miss Y/N? Still there?” The receptionist asked, sounding far away from you.

“Yes! Yes I’m here,” you said, coughing.

“Wonderful, they said if you were willing they’d like to treat you to a meal, of course I can’t give out your contact information without consent from you but if you’re willing to meet with them we can arrange this.”

You heard yourself agree before even thinking about it.

Soon, you were on your way to the higher end of town. Heading towards a good Korean Barbeque place that was notorious for having the best meat in town.

Walking in you looked around, noticing how luxurious the place was. It made you feel a little out of place to be honest. But, not letting that get to you the host came up and asked for your name.

“Miss Y/N, ah yes. You’re with the Jeon party, lovely. Come right this way,” he said, taking you back into the bowels of the beast it seemed.

Winding through tables and chairs you found yourself in front of a private room. You didn’t want to think about how much this cost, so you simply just let your mind wander to other fun topics.

Such as the fact that you were potentially meeting your surrogate partners.

“Mr. Jeon? Mr. Park? A Miss Y/N is here for you,” the host said, through the door.

“Let her in,” a higher pitched male voice said.

You bit your lip and waited as the door opened. You looked inside and saw a beautiful wooden table, laid out with the finest meats and other various types of noodles and food. Then, there was the other feast, one for your eyes.

Park Jimin was a smaller man, but so incredibly handsome it made your head swirl. His soft blond hair tucked under a beanie as he looked up at you with what could only be called wonder. He looked at you gently, a small smile making its way to his lips.

Jeon Jungkook was a different story. Lean but cut, tiny waist accentuated by his pants. His arms were strong looking and one was covered in tattoos. His hair was pulled away from his face in a precious man bun that made your heart stutter. His eyes were big and glassy, looking at you. As if breathing you in.

“Hi,” you said quietly. “I’m Y/N.”

“We know,” Jimin said with a gentle smile.

“Come, sit down,” Jungkook said, moving a chair out for you to sit.

“Okay,” you agreed, moving to sit down.

“Get whatever you want,” Jimin encouraged, handing you the menu politely.

“Thank you,” you blushed, trying to not faint with his eyes on you like that.

Ordering a few things for yourself the three of you sat there with awkward silence filling the space. Jungkook wouldn’t really look at you and Jimin seemed like he was too nervous to start.

“So,” you said, clearing your throat. “How long have you two been together?” You asked, trying to sound cheerful.

“Five years,” Jungkook said, placing his hand over his glass.

“Oh wow, congratulations,” you said, rubbing your hands on your thighs.

“Thank you,” Jimin breathed.

“Our friend Namjoon said you were kind of in a tight spot and needed some help financially, is this true?” Jungkook asked, finally glancing your way.

“Y-Yeah, I wish he wouldn’t just tell other people that but, no sense in denying the truth. I’m almost six grand behind on rent,” you sighed, rubbing your face.

Both of their faces fell, looking at each other in worry.

“It-It’s okay though! I’ll be okay, I always am,” you said, trying to keep your tone light.

“It’s okay to be scared, Y/N, I would be scared shitless if I were you,” Jungkook said, taking slow drinks from his glass.

“Yeah,” you sighed, trying to avoid the stinging in your eyes.

“What do you do for work?” Jimin asked, trying to keep the conversation from turning to dark.

“I’m a receptionist at the local hotel. It’s not much, but I really like it,” you said, a grin taking place on your face.

“Hey, if you like it then that means something,” Jimin encouraged.

“So, you two want to have a baby?” You said, trying to get down to the topic at hand.

“Yes, more than anything,” Jimin said, a wistful look crossing his face.

“That’s amazing, to love each other that much and want to build a family is... Super important,” you said, meaning every word.

“What does your family do, Y/N? Do they live here in the city?”

You awkwardly rubbed your hands together.

“Um, my Great Aunt lives out in the country. But, my parents and most of my other relatives have passed on,” you said, trying to hide the emotion that came up.

“Oh, so sorry for your loss,” Jungkook said, face pinching.

“It’s okay, it was a long time ago,” you whispered.

“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt,” Jimin argued.

“You’re right, but, it’s okay,” you said.

“So, you have a high chance for twins,” Jungkook said, looking at some papers you didn’t notice were on the table.

“Yes, my mother was a twin. It runs way back in my family,” you said.

“Jimin has a good chance of having twins as well,” Jungkook said, gesturing to his loving partner.

“I do I do,” he said with a grin.

“Do you two want a set of twins?” You asked.

“It’s preferred but not necessary. As long as we get a baby, that’s all that matters,” Jungkook said.

Soon, the food was delivered and Jungkook and Jimin insisted on cooking the food for you. Something about not stressing you out too much.

After a full meal, you leaned back and let your head fall comfortably. Jimin and Jungkook exchanged a glance at each other.

‘She’s the one,’ Jimin mouthed.

Jungkook smiled and nodded back.

“Thank you for the meal, I really do appreciate it. I haven’t eaten like that in months,” you said.

“Well, if you want to have our baby, we would gladly provide you with all the food you could want,” Jimin said.

“T-That’s alright, it wouldn’t be necessary-”

“Yes it would, Y/N. If you carry our child that means we’re responsible for you, everything you need or want will be yours. We swear,” Jungkook said.

“Right,” you swallowed thickly.

“Does that make you uncomfortable?” Jimin asked.

“I-I’ve never really been one for dependence on other people. You know? I like to do things myself if I can,” you said.

“Well, we wouldn’t force you to do anything of course but, if you did want or need anything, we would be more than happy to provide you with it,” Jungkook said.

“Thank you, that’s very sweet,” you said.

“You’d be carrying our child,” Jimin said as if it were obvious.

“Of course,” you said softly.

“Hey, if you don’t want to do this then don’t feel pressured. Don’t let money be an object in what you want to do with your life. It’s not healthy,” Jimin said.

“Thank you,” you said again.

“Well, I think it’s time to get going. I know you’ve met with other couples that have no doubt tried to convince you they’re the best option but... I really hope you chose us Y/N. You’d be the perfect surrogate for us,” Jungkook said, looking at you with a softened gaze.

And you knew it too.

You knew they were the couple you wanted to surrogate for, even if it cost you everything. You knew they deserved it. Not that any of the other families you had spoken to didn’t, but, they were the ones for you.

Your fertile window and ovulation were coming up so you had to make a choice and soon.

You’d met with the doctors at the clinic and they said that they were just waiting on you. Whomever you picked would have a meeting with you before the insemination on the rules and what you would have to do in regards to taking care of yourself. And then the money would be yours in full.

Calling the clinic you told them your answer.

“I would like to surrogate for Mr. Jeon and Mr. Park,” you said.

“Alrighty, I will give them a call and set up the appointment for them to get their end of the deal all set up and then we can get you all ready to go!” The receptionist said.

“Okay, thank you so much,” you said before hanging up.

Namjoon and Jin invited you over wanting to hear the news of everything going on with you.

And you couldn’t wait to see Annie again.

“Aw, you’re getting so big!” You said as you were greeted by Annie’s face in Jin’s arms.

“Yes she is!” Jin agreed. The cooing baby leaned forward, moving to capture your hair in her little fist.

You laughed and took her from Jin easily, he didn’t fight you and let you have your time with her. Rocking and bouncing her on your hip while the pair of them talked in the dining room.

Soon, a knocking came to the door.

Confusion swept over you, but regardless, you went to answer the door anyways.

Annie still on your hip, you opened the door to reveal Park Jimin and Jeon Jungkook, your new surrogate partners.

Frozen in shock the two of them looked at you as if they were equally confused.

You wondered if the clinic had told them you picked them yet. You had just gotten off the phone with them today, so you weren’t. Jungkook’s face went to you to Annie and then back to you.

“H-Hi?” You whispered.

“Y/N? What are you doing here?” Jimin asked, cocking his head to the side.

“Came to have dinner with Jinnie and Joon, and Annie of course,” you smiled, raising the little one up on your hip more.

“Oh, did you know we were coming?” Jungkook asked.

“No, I had no idea,” you said.

“Ah! Are those the boys?” Jin’s voice echoed throughout the hall.

“Yes!” You yelled back.

“Let them in Y/N! We invited them over too!” Namjoon said.

“Please come in,” you said, moving out of their way as the couple greeted Jin and Namjoon fondly.

It appeared as though there were no hard feelings in regards to them getting a surrogate they wanted. But, you could see Jungkook’s longing on his face when he looked at Annie in your arms.

“She’s beautiful,” Jimin said, looking down at Annie as you rocked her to sleep.

“Mhmm, gorgeous. She’ll be stealing hearts just like her dads,” you said.

“Hey, Y/N,” Jimin said, keeping his eyes trained on the little one in your arms.

“Did you make your decision yet? It said on your profile that your ovulation window was coming up and I was just curious,” he said quietly.

“I did,” you said.

Jimin’s face fell.

“I see,” he swallowed.

“Jimin-”

“Alright you two, paws off the baby, my turn!” Namjoon said, walking in.

You handed the sleeping baby over without a fuss before you and Jimin both walked out into the living room. Jimin whispered something to Jungkook and his face dropped. But you couldn’t find the words in your mouth. You wanted to tell them you picked them. You moved to talk to them when you felt Jin’s presence behind you.

“Y/N? You alright?” Jin asked, placing his hand on your shoulder.

“Yeah.”

It was getting later, and you were feeling sleepy from all the food you’d eaten during the night.

Jimin and Jungkook looked at your sleepy form and their hearts broke all over again.

“I can’t believe she didn’t pick us,” Jungkook said, face betraying how he felt.

“Babe, you can’t force her. I-I thought we had a good chance but,” Jimin sighed.

“I don’t want to keep looking for a surrogate if this is going to happen every time,” Jungkook said, pain coming through in his voice.

“Jungkook you know how badly I want this too right? It’s not just you hurting here,” Jimin said.

“We’ve been trying for two years to find a surrogate and when we find one we want, they always pick someone else. Why? Are we that undesirable? I don’t understand,” Jungkook sighed.

“It’s not that,” Jimin whispered. “Maybe it’s just not our turn yet.”

“When is it gonna be our turn, huh?” Jungkook said. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”

“We can’t give up,” Jimin said softly. “I don’t want to give up yet.”

“I know baby,” Jungkook said, kissing Jimin’s cheek softly.

You felt your heart pounding in your chest. These poor men were really hurting for a baby. A family to call their own.

Sitting up Jimin and Jungkook looked at you in fear.

“Y/N? Y-You were awake-oh God I’m so sorry you had to hear that-” Jimin said frantically.

“I picked you two,” you said.

Their eyes shot up to meet yours.

Jungkook’s were glossy from unshed tears and Jimin’s were widening by the second.

“You what?”

“I said I picked you two. I want to surrogate for you two,” you explained.

“But-in the nursery you said-” Jimin started.

“I said I had picked someone, I didn’t say who silly,” you smiled.

“Oh thank you Y/N!” Jungkook said, coming over to hold your hand in his.

“You don’t know what this means to us,” Jimin said.

“I know you two want this baby more than anything, I want to give it to you. Honestly, you two have waited long enough,” you said, heart stammering at the look of hope in their eyes.

“You’re perfect Y/N! Seriously!” Jimin cried, holding onto Jungkook for dear life.

“Thank you, you’re very sweet. I’m supposed to go in for the, you know, business end of it on Monday. They said they’d call you tomorrow. I just gave my answer today,” you told them.

“Okay, alright sounds good,” Jungkook said, wiping his eyes furiously.

“You gonna be okay?” You asked, looking at the two of them.

“Of course, more than okay.”

—

Monday creeped up on you quickly, faster than you thought.

You went to the clinic and sat down, getting signed in and everything before you saw Jungkook and Jimin waltz in looking like a million bucks.

Dressed head to toe in designer clothing, you realized you didn’t know what they did for a living. You hadn’t really looked at their profiles all that much. But you knew their baby would have everything they could ever want and more.

Smiling at them and waving, the two of them made their way over to you.

“Hey! What’s going on?” Jimin asked, sitting down in the chair next to you.

“Just waiting,” you said, looking at the pair of them together.

They looked like the traditional power couple. Strong, dependable and handsome to boot. It was kind of overwhelming.

Jungkook was wringing his hands together, biting his lip as he looked around the room.

“You alright Jungkook?”

“Yeah just-”

“Mr. Jeon, Mr. Park and Miss Y/N? The legal assistant will see you now,” a voice from the corner called.

“Let’s go,” you said, standing up and heading towards the back room.

You sat down and the rules of the road were laid out.

If you signed the contract Jimin and Jungkook were the parents of the child. You had no rights unless they said otherwise. You would be given a lump sum of money, transferred into your bank account the day they know you’re pregnant and expecting. If anything happens to the baby such as a miscarriage or something of the like that you had no control over, you would be able to keep the money. But, they would like to try again to see if the next one stuck better.

“So, if you conceive twins, which your likelihood is good, Mr. Jeon and Mr. Park have agreed to pay you double,” you almost choked on your drink.

Double?

“What?” You squeaked out.

“It’s written right here,” the legal assistant said, pointing to the document in her hands.

“Okay,” you said softly, not wanting to make either of them uncomfortable.

“The total of your payment will come to $153,000 dollars,” the legal assistant said. “If you conceive twins.”

Your head swirled.

What would you do with all that money? Jimin and Jungkook looked at you with worry.

“I-Is it not enough? We can give you more if you want-”

“No! No no, that is totally acceptable. More than,” you said.

“Okay, just making sure,” Jimin answered.

“If you would please initial here, Miss Y/N. And then a signature here at the bottom and then you two will also need to sign as well,” she said.

After all the paperwork was done your date for insemination was set.

Jimin and Jungkook looked at you as you walked out of the clinic.

“Hey! Y/N! Hold on,” Jungkook said, walking forward.

“Huh? What is it?” You asked turning around.

Jungkook’s bright eyes blinded you as he gazed into your own. But you kept your breathing steady as you could.

“Do you want a ride home? Jimin and I cleared our schedules so we could be here today, and... Well we don’t want you to get hurt or anything,” he said, pointing to the black suburban.

“Oh, it’s alright I was gonna go to the bookstore and get a few things and then head home but I’ll be fine, no worries,” you smiled.

“We insist, Y/N,” Jimin said, walking forward to take his partner’s hand.

“Um, well... It’s really not that far, I’m sure it’ll be okay,” you said.

“Well, if you’re really sure,” Jungkook said.

“Yeah, but I’ll see you two on Thursday right? That’s when I’m supposed to... Well, you know,” your said, looking down at your feet.

“Of course! If you want us to be there that is,” Jimin said.

“Yes, it’s your baby,” you said.

“Okay, we’ll see you Thursday then,” Jungkook agreed, waving at you before he and Jimin got into the suburban and left.

But you couldn’t help the feeling you had as you watched them drive away.

Sadness.

—

You walked into the clinic Thursday morning, sweat pooling in your palms. You were reaching the end of your wire at your apartment. And you weren’t going to get the money in time. You were worried and didn’t want to bother Namjoon and Jin... So you just kept it to yourself.

You felt the fear and worry eating you up inside as you sat in the waiting room.

The doctor called your name and you headed back towards the room, when someone shouted your name.

Jimin and Jungkook were there, smiling brightly at you.

Your heart eased at seeing the two men, so happy and radiant. Everything you weren’t currently. But, knowing you were giving them something so important really made you feel better. Even if it was just for the time being.

“Oh my gosh, we’re finally getting a baby!” Jimin squeaked.

“Easy, it’s probably not going to happen first try,” you reminded him of what the doctor said.

“Bet I could get you pregnant in one shot,” Jungkook smirked.

“Oh shush Kook. But if you got her pregnant you wouldn’t get those twins you want so badly now would you, butthead,” Jimin said, shoving the younger man around slightly.

You tried to keep yourself from blushing but the redness that twinged your cheeks was there regardless. You were here to get pregnant, that was the end goal of today.

“Alright, Miss Y/N, we’re going to take you back and get you all set and then Mr. Park and Mr. Jeon have said they wanted to take you home after. Is that alright with you?” The doctor asked.

“Yes, that’s fine,” you said.

“Okay, let’s head back then,” Jungkook gave you a gentle smile before Jimin came forward and gave your knuckles a quick kiss.

“Good luck, Y/N,” he said.

“Thanks,” you answered before heading back.

The whole process took around a hour and a half, most of it waiting.

The sensation wasn’t too bad, but you were a little uncomfortable. Everything was super sterile and not how you expected you’d get pregnant, but... It wasn’t your baby at the end of the day. You tried not to wiggle as you laid there, letting Jimin’s seed try to impregnate you.

Finally, the timer went off and you were allowed to leave to go home.

Jimin and Jungkook were sat in the waiting room, chatting with each other excitedly. You knew that this was it, that they were more than perfect for this baby. You were beyond happy you could give it to them.

“Y/N!” Jimin said, walking up to greet you.

“Hey,” you said easily, noticing Jungkook come up behind him.

“We’re here to take you home!” Jimin smiled.

“Thanks guys,” you said softly.

“We brought the car around already so you don’t have to walk too much. Don’t wanna spoil all our hard work,” Jimin said, looking at your tummy with affection.

“Like I said Jimin, it probably won’t happen this time. But you never know, you might have some strong swimmers,” you joked.

“You have no idea, Y/N,” he said, gazing into your eyes for a moment.

Your breath caught in your throat. He looked like an angel wrapped in sin, as if he were so good yet so bad for you. It made your head spin.

Jungkook held the car door open for you and you got in carefully. Jimin sat in the back with you while Jungkook sat up front.

Of course these two had a driver...

Jimin was looking out the window and noticed that they were getting into the sketchier part of town. His worry was eating him alive. He didn’t want the mother of his child staying here! That simply wouldn’t do.

You got out of the car, heading towards your apartment when the landlord approached you. Jungkook and Jimin were still getting out of the car when he exploded at you.

“There’s the little bitch now!” He growled, grabbing your wrist and twisting it painfully.

You yelped, trying not to move so much. It only made it hurt more.

“Let me go!” You said.

“You filthy cunt, you owe me almost six thousand dollars! And you dare to come back here without anything? Huh? Nothing? Where have you been huh? Selling your body to make some cash I bet, that’s what little whore’s like you do right? Fucking pathetic,” he spits at you.

“I-I just need a little more time-” a resounding smack is heard through the parking lot.

Jimin and Jungkook look up to see your head turned sharply to the side and a man gripping your wrist.

Both of the men flew off the handle.

“Let go of her you fucker!” Jungkook yelled, walking forward with purpose.

“Don’t you dare touch her!” Jimin growled, pulling you away from the man.

“Did you fucking hit her?” Jungkook said, looking at your reddened cheek.

“Bitch owes me money, she knows that-”

“Fucker!” Jungkook snarled, grabbing the man by his shirt and lifting him.

“Y/N? Sweetie can you hear me?” Jimin whispered. Your head was swimming with pain and discomfort. Your cheek was screaming at you. But what hurt worse was the embarrassment. They saw it all, that you couldn’t take care of yourself. How on earth were you going to take care of a baby if you got pregnant for nine months? Huh?

“I’m sorry,” you whispered.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, he hurt you. Jungkook put him down and call the cops,” Jimin said.

“I owe him money, I just-”

“You can’t arrest me! You fuckheads, do you know who I am?” He asked.

“Do you know who we are? Hi I’m Jeon Jungkook, heir to the Jeon Law Firm here in the city. You might have heard of us, and she is the mother of my future child and you won’t be putting your hands on her ever again,” Jungkook said.

“I just wanna leave, I don’t... I don’t wanna be here,” you whimpered.

“But Y/N,” Jimin said.

“Can we leave? Please?” You begged, looking up at him with a swollen cheek and glossy eyes. Jimin’s heart broke five times over, seeing you so upset.

“Jungkook, come on. Let’s go,” Jimin said.

“And leave her with this fucking piece of shit? I think not, no we’re going to-Y/N? Are you alright?” Jungkook asked, coming forward and looking at your face with a tenderness you didn’t know was there.

“We’ll take her home with us,” Jimin said easily.

“Okay, yeah. But we’re calling the cops on that dickbag when we get back. I want him arrested for hurting her,” Jungkook said with finality.

“Of course baby,” Jimin said, soothing the younger male.

“Can we just go?” You asked, looking up at them for a moment.

“Yes, of course we can, let’s get you in the car and go back to our place,” Jungkook said, coming forward and getting into the back seat this time. Jimin encouraged you to get inside, so you did, him following shortly thereafter.

“Take us home please,” Jungkook said, shutting the little window between the front of the car and the back.

You sat between the two men, each of them looking out the window and appearing to be deep in thought. You were as well. You hoped this didn’t affect your chances of getting pregnant. You don’t know what you’d do if you couldn’t get this baby. The prospect of so much money on the line, you very future.

Also, you worried for Jungkook and Jimin. You really wanted this to work for their sake too.

They’d been waiting so long.

You were swallowed into the dreamscape of your thoughts. Nothing really getting in or out of your mind. You were just reeling at everything that had happened in less than four hours. You had your first attempt at insemination, went home and got assaulted and now you were heading to the upper end of the city with the two men who wanted you to have a baby for them.

This was all so much to handle.

Finally, the car stopped moving and Jimin quickly ushered you out of the vehicle. You stood there and looked up at the stunning building with a weird sense of fear. It loomed over you, almost intimidatingly so.

Jimin told the driver to go park the car and take the rest of the day off while Jungkook gathered their things from the back. You looked around and noticed that people were staring at you.

No doubt you looked like a sore pink thumb right now. Tear stained and swollen cheeks making you look even more outlandish in the area. But, Jungkook quickly moved everyone inside.

The door man asked who you were and Jimin and Jungkook simply told the truth.

“She’s our surrogate, we’re having her stay with us for a while. If she needs anything, make sure she gets it!” Jimin said.

“Absolutely Mr. Park,” the doorman said.

“Come on Y/N,” Jungkook said, heading towards the elevator.

You followed behind them quickly, getting in the mirrored elevator. Looking at yourself you felt all the anxiety and fear come back. You didn’t belong here, you were wearing a pair of fucked up jeans, a flannel and t-shirt. They were dressed in beautiful clothing, dipped in the finest silks and satins.

You looked like a charity case no doubt.

It made your stomach churn in discomfort. But you kept your mouth shut. You were providing them with a service. And in turn they were paying you. It was a give and take situation. But you couldn’t help but feel as though you were taking more than you were giving.

Jungkook held the door while you and Jimin entered the house. You looked around and the apartment was massive. Bigger than your Aunt’s tiny house in the country. You wondered just how much money these two had.

Soon, Jimin was sitting you down on the couch and tending to your cheek. His heart crumpled when you flinched at his touch. He tried not to take it personally, you were literally just assaulted. But he hoped you weren’t scared of him, or Jungkook.

“Should I call the doctor?” Jungkook asked, coming in and sitting next to Jimin.

“No, she’s just a little swollen, she’ll be alright,” Jimin said, handing you the painkillers and some ice.

“Can she have that?” Jungkook asked, referring to the pain medicine.

“It’s acetaminophen she can have it,” Jimin confirmed.

“Okay,” he said, standing up and heading towards the kitchen.

“Are you hungry?” Jimin asked, looking at you for any signs of discomfort.

“Not particularly, but I should eat. Especially today,” you said, a weak smile on your face. Jimin nodded, but headed towards the kitchen regardless.

Soon after, a wonderful aroma filled the apartment. But you hadn’t moved from the couch, keeping your eyes trained on the TV Jimin turned on for you. You didn’t particularly want to watch the news, but you weren’t sure on how to work this TV. It made your brain hurt. But, whatever, you kept your eyes on the screen, not looking anywhere in particular.

Jimin soon came out, wearing a smile that must be a signature for him or something. He told you dinner was ready and to follow him. Turning off the TV with a swipe of his finger on the screen you marveled at the technology.

He patted your cheek and brought you into the dining room.

Jungkook was finishing putting the food out when you sat down. He and Jimin were deep in conversation. You picked at your food, eating a few pieces if Jimin put them on your plate. But other than that, you sat unmoving in the corner.

You supposed you were still in shock of what had happened today.

Soon, you felt the distinct cramping in your lower stomach, something you were told is to be expected. Especially if the pregnancy took. Letting out a puff of air, you held your stomach. It wasn’t terrible, but the discomfort had you adjusting in your seat.

Jungkook’s head snapped in your direction, carefully observing you.

“Everything alright? Y/N?” He asked, cocking his head to the side in a cute way.

Forcing a smile you nodded.

“Yeah, just cramping a little bit,” you said, keeping your hands together underneath the table.

“Is it bad?” Jungkook asked, leaning towards you.

“No-ah!” You said, clutching your stomach. It didn’t hurt as much as it caught you off guard. But the two men were beside you in seconds.

“Y/N? Do you want us to call the doctor?”

“Is there something we can get for you? Do you want more pain medicine?”

“N-No, honestly, I’m okay,” you said, giving them each a squeeze to their wrist.

Jimin nodded, standing up and moved to start cleaning up the meal. Jungkook placed a couple more pieces of meat on your plate, asking you to eat them. He thought it could help your cramping, but he mainly just wanted to see you eat something.

Soon, the pair of them had cleaned up the meal and had gathered some clothes for you to wear to bed.

“We’ll pick up some stuff for you to wear tomorrow,” Jungkook said smiling.

“N-No that’s alright I can go back and get my stuff,” you said.

“You’re not going anywhere near that building,” Jimin warned, voice low.

“What? I have to get my stuff-”

“We’ll have someone go collect your things and bring them back here,” Jimin said, careful.

“I can go it’s not a big deal-”

“Y/N, please, just let us take care of this,” Jungkook said, quietly coming over to your side.

You were far too tired to argue. But you already felt like a cat in a cage. So you waved off the disagreement and decided to just head to bed.

The cramping was still there, but not nearly as bad as it had been when you were at the table. Laying down helped, but you felt something in your underwear.

Quickly, you went to the bathroom and noticed some blood in your underwear. Biting your lip, you tried to keep yourself from panicking. Putting them back on you went to living room and found Jimin sitting on the couch, looking tired.

“J-Jimin,” you said quietly.

His head snapped up and he gave you a little smile.

“Yes, Y/N?” He asked, coming towards you. You sighed and ran your hands through your hair.

“I-I was bleeding,” you said, voice straining slightly.

“You were? Where?” He asked, brows furrowing.

“M-My, uh, I found it in my underwear,” you said, breathing in deeply.

“Was it a lot?” He asked, keeping a cool exterior.

“N-No, not a lot but it worried me,” you said, trying to keep yourself from freaking out on him.

“It’s normal to spot a little after the IUI, don’t worry. But tell me if anymore happens. They did just shove a tube up your business,” he said, laughing lightly.

Immediately you were put at ease. Sensing your relief, Jimin patted your shoulder.

“It’s okay to be nervous, we are,” Jimin said, nodding towards the closed door you assumed was to their bedroom.

“Yeah, I’m-I just really want this to work,” you confessed, feeling yourself relax a bit.

“We do too, more than anything,” Jimin answered, giving you a genuine grin.

“I’m glad that the baby will have you two as parents, makes me feel good knowing that they’ll be taken care of,” you smiled back.

Jimin’s face seemed to morph into a look of joy and agony at the same time.

“You’re too sweet, Y/N, honestly. Jungkook and I are beyond excited,” he explained.

“Have you always wanted to be a father?” You asked him, out of the blue. Jimin blushed and looked down at his feet.

“Y-Yeah, ever since I was little I always wanted a family to call my own. And when I met Jungkook I knew it was just meant to be you know? Like, everything just made sense,” he said, a sheepish look taking over his features.

“That’s so sweet,” you gushed.

“It’s the truth,” he shrugged.

“I want someone to look at me the way you look at Jungkook, like I’m their whole world and more. I’ve never been one for dating though,” you said, looking down at the floor, embarrassed.

“No? How many boyfriends or girlfriends have you had?” Jimin asked, not thinking. When the shocked look took over your face he back peddled. “I-I shouldn’t have asked, that doesn’t deem your worth or anything like that-”

“None,” you said, blushing bright red.

Jimin’s face changed.

“Tell me if I’m out of line here, but have you ever, uh... You know, um,” he said, rubbing his hands together.

“Oh? Sex? Yeah, I’ve done it before, but it wasn’t really anything special. I don’t even think I-um... Nevermind,” you said, biting your lip hard.

“You don’t think you what? You didn’t cum?” Jimin said, as if he were shocked.

“No! Now keep your voice down!” You yelped.

Jimin frowned.

“That’s horrible, you deserve better,” Jimin said matter of factly.

“It happens, but, this conversation has gotten away from us,” you said, trying to steer it away from your pathetic sex life and more towards the fact that you both need to go to bed. “I’m tired, had a long day.” You said, rubbing your arms.

“Of course, absolutely! If you need anything or something happens, our room is right here just come get us,” Jimin said.

“Okay, thanks,” you said, turning, but not before you wished him a good night.

Jimin gave you a small smile. “Good night, Y/N, sleep well.”

—

Soon your stuff was all moved into the boys apartment. You questioned when you would be leaving, but the boys said that you didn’t have to worry about departing for the foreseeable future.

They had originally wanted you to live with them if and when they found out you were pregnant, that way they could be there through it all. But, these stages after the insemination could be hard on you and they decided to keep you with them.

You felt like a little kid half the time, but you had to call in to work often because of these appointments. And quickly, they tired of it.

“Y/N, we love you and we want you to pick here to work, but honestly your attendance is a severe issue right now,” your supervisor said over the phone. You called in that day because you just were feeling super exhausted.

You hadn’t told them you’d signed up for a surrogacy. You weren’t sure how that would go over, but, maybe you had to if you wanted to save your job.

“I-I’m calling in all the time because I’m trying to get pregnant,” you said softly.

Laughter came from the other side of the phone.

You were being laughed at.

“Oh my God, Y/N, that’s hilarious! But seriously, I have to put you on a two week suspension without pay because-”

“Dawn, I'm serious. I signed up with the fertility clinic and I’m currently trying to become a surrogate for a lovely couple,” you said, honestly.

“Y/N, why did you sign up for that? As far as any of us knew, you weren’t that into kids,” Dawn said over the phone.

“I-I like kids, but the baby won’t be mine to keep. The couple gets to keep them once they are born. I lose all rights as a parent,” you explained.

“That’s kinda cruel... Let you carry the baby for nine months then force you to leave them. I don’t know if I could do that,” she said.

“I-It’s the way it is,” you said. “But I need to have the day off, I have an appointment at the clinic.��

“Y/N, would it be easier if we just let you quit?” Dawn said.

“What?!” You shrieked into the phone.

“Well, it’s a delicate time and we'd have you working on your feet for long hours. I don’t want anything to happen to you or your baby,” she said, sounding sad.

“But I don’t wanna leave you guys,” you whimpered.

“Well, once the little tike is born come back. We’ll hire you back, I promise. If you want to come back,” she offered.

“Y-You’ll really let me come back?” You said, biting your lip.

It would be nice to just focus on the pregnancy and helping Jungkook and Jimin. If you had the option, maybe it would be better to take her advice and go back when you were ready. Hopefully they don’t screw you over.

“Of course we will! We love you! But, right now isn’t the best time for you to be working. Focus on you and your little bundle okay? We’ll be waiting,” she said.

“Oh thank you Dawn! I love you guys too!”

After a little tears ‘see you later’, you hung up.

Soon, a soft knock came to your door. Looking up you saw Jungkook there, dressed to the nines looking at you. Raising a brow you assessed the situation.

“What’s up?” You said, setting your phone down to give him your undivided attention.

“I was wondering if you needed a ride to work, you’re already an hour late,” he said, pointing to the clock on your wall.

“Oh, about that,” you said, rubbing your hands together.

“Did something happen? Did they fire you for being our surrogate? Oh just let me make one phone call, that’s illegal! I’m a lawyer, let me talk some sense into them!” Jungkook said, turning to walk out.

“No, Jungkook! It’s fine, they told me to take the time off. To spend time focusing on myself and to take care of the baby,” you explained. “My job will be there when I’m ready to return.”

Jungkook stopped and looked at you. His features softened before nodding.

“Okay, but if they try to tell you you can’t go back when you’re ready, you just tell me. I won’t let anyone disrespect or lie to you,” he said, a stern look on his face.

“Thanks Jungkook, that means a lot,” you said, giving a smile.

“There’s food in the fridge, all you have to do is heat it up. You have the house to yourself so, do whatever you want,” Jungkook said, waving before walking out of your room.

You sat there for a minute, really mulling over what you wanted to do. Honestly, you were so sore and tired you just wanted to fall back asleep. But you decided that it was better to get up and do some activity. Hopefully that would be okay.

It had been about ten days since your IUI appointment and you were mainly just tired. Although fatigue was a symptom of an attachment. But that was the only symptom you were having, you were meant to test in a couple days to see if you were pregnant, but something had you worried.

If you weren’t pregnant, you’d have to wait a whole other month. They did tell you that sometimes it took multiple tries to successfully impregnate someone. But you really wanted this to work, you just wanted to get this going.

That way Jimin and Jungkook could have their baby already.

You knew they’d be amazing fathers, already with their dutiful actions towards you. So willing to do whatever you asked, but you tried your best not to pester them too much. You tried to make it as though you weren’t even there. But they insisted you join them for dinner so they could make sure you were eating well.

For your day you mainly just puttered around the house, picking up and doing little things that wouldn’t aggravate you. So, you settled down with a book in your hands and soft music playing in the background.

That’s how Jimin and Jungkook found you when they came home. Curled up on the couch with a novel between your fingers. Jimin smiled softly, looking at the picturesque scene.

“Do you think she’s pregnant?” Jungkook asked, looking at his boyfriend with apprehension.

“I hope so,” Jimin answered.

“She’s really tired lately, sleeping late and going to bed early. That’s a sign, right?” Jungkook said.

“It is, but that’s also a sign of a woman’s period coming up,” Jimin warned.

“Damn...” Jungkook said, rubbing his face.

“But I don’t know, she’s due to test soon so, we might have our baby,” Jimin soothed.

You looked up from your book, noticing the pair in the entryway. Giving them a shy smile, you waved, nose getting buried back in the book. Jimin laughed lightly, heading towards the kitchen.

The two cooked dinner, making something easy to digest. Your stomach was on the fritz yesterday so they want to make sure they don’t upset your sensitive tummy. But, as Jimin looked out at you reading on the couch, a blanket draped along your lap. He couldn’t help but love the domesticity of it all. You looked at peace, in your element and comfortable.

Jimin hoped it would stay that way. With you, comfy and cared for.

Jungkook rushed past with the boiling soup in his hands, moving quick like a little kid to set the table for you all. Jimin just laughed, smacking his butt when he came back.

“Hey! Paws off,” Jungkook pouted.

“Hmm? That’s not what you were saying the other night,” Jimin laughed at the scandalized look on Jungkook’s face. “I’m kidding, come on go get Y/N so we can eat.”

Jungkook went to gather you from the living room and was met with an unusual sight. You passed out, wrapped in the blanket with your book on the floor.

He smiled, moving towards you slowly. He placed a soft hand on your head, patting your hair gently. Your eyes opened slowly, looking up at him with sleepy eyes. Jungkook helped you up, leading you to the dining room.

The meal was quiet, Jungkook and Jimin making small talk with you, but mostly you were just eating peacefully.

You ate well and leaned back, as you tended to do when you were full and let out a huff. Jimin repressed the smile on his face with the back of his hand. Jungkook smiled openly, looking at your sleepy form.

Sitting back up you took a few more swallows of water before you stood up and thanked them for the meal and headed towards your room.

Jungkook and Jimin watched you go, each having a weird tightening in their chest at the sight of your swaying hips.

—

You had finally reached the two week mark.

Time to test.

Jimin and Jungkook went with you, driving you to the clinic for your appointment at the ass crack of dawn it felt like.

Jimin was chatting excitedly in the front seat with Jungkook. You could see the looks of love on their faces as they talked about their future with their child. It made butterflies rise in your stomach.

Quickly smacking your cheeks, you tried to forget the sensation of hope building in your belly.

Soon you were all at the clinic, Jimin helping you out of the car. The two men walked on either side of you, making sure everyone knew who you were here with. It made you feel protected, watched over.

Important.

After all the paperwork was done for the visit, Jungkook and Jimin sat down next to you. They interlocked their hands, smiling brightly at each other. You locked your hands together and looked down at them.

“Miss Y/N? Mr. Park and Mr. Jeon? Are you all ready?” A nurse called and you all headed back to a secluded room, a few chairs and the like ready. You saw the needles and everything set up and you swallowed hard.

You hated needles, with a passion.

But you’d done it before, so you’d do it again.

“Y/N? You okay?” Jungkook asked, looking at your paling face.

“Y-yeah, nervous around needles,” you confessed.

“Oh, do you want some water or something?”

“No I’m okay,” you encouraged.

“If you’re sure,” Jungkook said, looking like he wanted to do more...

“Alright! We’re gonna take some blood and a urine sample, so if you two would just wait outside for a moment while we get her changed, then you can come back in if you want,” the nurse explained.

You got changed and hopped up on the table.

They asked a bunch of questions, all fairly standard. Then they brought out the needles. Jimin saw you flinch when the packaging came off and you saw the syringe come closer.

“Hang on,” Jimin said, standing up.

The nurse stopped and looked up in confusion, that’s when Jimin took your hand in his and squeezed.

“You can hold my hand while they take your blood okay? Just squeeze if you need to,” he said, looking at your face for any signs of resistance.

You bit your lip and nodded.

The nurse took your blood quickly, getting a few vials full. Jungkook watched as his boyfriend held your hand the whole time, keeping you calm and at ease.

He hoped with everything he was that this had worked.

God, he wanted it to work so bad.

Soon, the two men were being ushered out of the room so you could do your urine sample.

After everything was done and over with, you got dressed and went to the waiting room. Jimin and Jungkook stood up when they saw you, waving you over to sit with them.

All three of you waited with baited breath as they ran the tests. They kept asking if you wanted anything, water, juice or something to eat. But you politely declined. Knowing if you put anything in your body right now you’d puke it up immediately with how nervous you were for the results.

They said it shouldn’t take too long.

It had been about an hour when a nurse popped her head out, signaling for all three of you to come back.

“Dr. Heinz will see you now,” she said, giving you all a small smile before leading you down the hallway towards the offices.

Shortly, you were sat on a comfortable sofa with Jungkook and Jimin in front of you. Jungkook and Jimin were holding onto each other so tight you feared for their circulation. But, Dr. Heinz was quick to get to the point.

“Well, I want to say, congratulations, Mr. Jeon and Mr. Park... Y/N is pregnant,” he said, talking like you weren’t in the room.

“Oh my God!” Jungkook shouted, standing up and hugging Jimin to him tightly. They kissed several times, tears falling freely down the new father’s faces. Dr. Heinz let them have their moment, smiling at the happy couple. You looked down at your stomach and bit your lip.

So this was really happening...

“Jungkook, I love you,” Jimin said, holding onto his boyfriend tightly.

“I love you too babe, I love you too,” Jungkook affirmed.

“Okay we do have to discuss her health however,” Dr. Heinz said, having the men sit down quickly.

“Is she alright?” Jimin said, looking at you with worry written all over his features.

“She’s at a very fragile point in the pregnancy. IUI can be tricky so we need to be very careful with what happens next. I don’t want her doing anything strenuous. Especially with the lower body until we can get her in for an ultrasound. Her uterus looked good on her preliminary but getting pregnant can really affect a woman’s body, so we need to take all the precautions,” Dr. Heinz explained.

“But is she going to be okay?” Jungkook asked, placing a gentle hand on yours.

You looked at his big hand covering yours, blinking slowly.

“I’m worried about her low white blood cell count. That makes her more susceptible to colds and infections, so you need to be very careful. Her red blood cell count was also low, showing early signs of anemia. So lots of red meat and protein to help keep her levels up. Although the anemia will be aggravated by the pregnancy, so make sure she doesn’t stand up too fast or tax herself too much,” he said.

“I am right here,” you said, glaring at the doctor.

“Sorry Miss Y/N, they’re the parents in this situation. I want them to be informed of your situation,” Dr. Heinz said bluntly.

“There are four of us in this room, I’ll remind you of that. Don’t talk like I’m not here please,” you said, folding your hands and crossing your legs.

Jimin almost burst out laughing.

Damn you were feisty!

He really liked that...

“I-I apologize, Miss Y/N,” he said, swallowing quickly before continuing on. “Also, you’re going to start having more symptoms than the fatigue you mentioned. Morning sickness is extremely common and expected, although every woman is different. Headaches, dizziness and blurred vision are also to be noted. Even some spotting can happen, but please do tell us if you’re spotting or bleeding. Now, do any of you have questions?” The doctor asked, looking at the boys and you.

“Is there any way to know if we are expecting, more than one?” Jimin asked, looking down at your stomach with pure adoration on his face.

“We won’t really know until she’s further along. Quite a bit further actually. But for now, enjoy this. Enjoy the early stages, it’ll be tough but you can pull through. I wish you all the best of luck,” Dr. Heinz said, handing some paperwork over to Jungkook before the three of you stood up and headed out.

Jimin and Jungkook were so excited, chatting with each other about if they were having twins. If the baby was a boy or girl. You were in the car, hands folded in your lap while you looked out the window.

Honestly, you were scared out of your mind.

The doctor had mentioned this was a really fragile part of the pregnancy. That you’d have to be careful, not to mention it was important for your own health as well. If something happened to the baby, something could happen to you and vice versa.

Jungkook insisted on taking everyone out for dinner.

This was a big occasion after all.

Sitting down in the very resturant you all had your first meal in, felt kinda surreal.

Now, you were pregnant with their baby. It felt kinda full circle.

Jimin and Jungkook insisted on getting whatever you wanted. But you weren’t terribly hungry yet, maybe it was the nerves of the whole day catching up. But you ordered a few things, making sure to eat. You knew it made them happy when you did, because it showed you cared about your body and the life growing inside of you.

Jungkook was drinking, a lot if you were being honest. Jimin just watched him as his cheeks flushed red as he continued to talk animatedly at the two of you. Smiling, you filled up Jungkook’s water before urging him to drink some.

“Thanks youuu,” he said, beaming at you.

“You’re welcome, but drink up okay?” You said, gesturing towards the glass.

He did as you asked, drinking all the water. You sighed in relief, knowing at least he’d be hydrated when he went to bed.

“Well, guess you aren’t driving you big lug,” Jimin laughed as he hauled Jungkook out of the restaurant a while later.

“Mmm, we’re having a baby baby!” Jungkook cooed at Jimin, holding his cheeks in between his hands.

“Mhmm, yes we are. Now get in the back with Y/N, okay?” Jimin said, opening the back and helping his very tipsy boyfriend inside. You were about to climb in when Jimin placed his hands on your hips, causing you to jolt so hard you smacked your head on the roof of the car.

“Ow, fuck,” you said, holding your head tightly.

“Y/N!” Jimin yelped. Jungkook’s head popped up.

“What happened?” He asked, looking at you with bleary eyes.

“I just smacked my head, I’m alright,” you said, rubbing your head gingerly.

“Can I take a look?” Jimin asked, biting his plump lips harshly.

“Y-yeah,” you said, leaning towards him.

Jimin’s gentle hands on your scalp proved to be dangerous. Because now, you wanted him to touch you here all the time. Combing his fingers through your hair. Massaging the tender flesh there.

“Well, you aren’t bleeding, but you’ll have a massive bump for a few days no doubt,” he reasoned.

“She’s gonna have a massive bump here soon too!” Jungkook cheered happily, pointing at your stomach.

“Jungkook, enough,” Jimin warned.

Grumbling to himself, Jungkook backed off.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jimin asked. You nodded, already feeling the throbbing in the base of your skull starting.

“I’ll take a few pain killers when we get back,” you said.

“Okay,” Jimin said, running his hand from your head down to cradle your cheek in his palm. You’re cheeks heated up at the feeling of his skin on yours, but shortly he was retreating to the front of the car.

Soon, you were underway.

Jimin turned on the radio quietly, driving carefully around town.

Jungkook had managed to fall asleep against the window. When suddenly, the car was jerking to the side. Jimin laid on the horn, yelling a couple explicit words out the window. But, Jungkook’s body had already fallen into your lap.

His head rested comfortably against your thighs, arms draping across your legs. Jungkook continued to sleep peacefully while you inspected him. He had a beautiful nose, button like and slotting perfectly along with his already perfect features. His plush lips pouting as he slept. Your eyes widened at him, heart hammering in your chest as you gazed down at him.

He was incredibly handsome.

But, you knew his personality too. He was kind, but strong and sure of himself. He had an air of confidence that was almost infectious. But he also had a childish nature about him. Not immature, but there was something about the wonder in his eyes when he tried something new. Or the nostalgia that ran through him when he ate his favorite food or, just the sparkle in his eyes when Jimin came home.

You, as if possessed, took your hand and ran your fingers through his soft black hair. He groaned in his sleep, gripping your legs tighter. You continued to run your fingers through his hair, watching his face for any signs of discomfort.

Jimin looked in the rearview mirror and saw you stroking Jungkook’s head with a gentle hand. His heart thudded dangerously in his chest. You were so caring and tender, everything you did had purpose behind it.

Jimin felt relief flood him at the idea of you being the mother of he and Jungkook’s child. Technically just Jimin’s but Jungkook was also the father but he didn’t get any genetics in this one.

This one...

Did Jimin want to have more children?

You just got the announcement today and he was already giddy at the prospect of you growing large with his child. But confusion swept through him. Was this just because he was grateful to you? Or was it something more?

Looking at you and Jungkook in the back, he thinks he might already know the answer.

[imaginativeamateur]

[Kakashi Hatake X Reader] One Year, Forever Mine

Pairing: Kakashi Hatake x gn!Reader

Note: Okay, phew, this one is definitely longer than what I usually write because I don't want to make it a multi-chapter fic :DD Also, a huge thank you to @kazuhoya for suggesting this idea, you are brilliant!!! This one is quite angsty, to be honest, but it's also fluff, too! The ending is a bit rushed because I ran out of creative stamina :D Alright, without further ado, please enjoy!

It all started the morning you came to the hospital to get your health examination results back. As a Jonin, it was required to have an examination after an S-rank mission, which you just successfully completed several days ago. You thought the results would come out fine. You experienced minor injuries though you got some deep cuts that might leave scars, but they were all physical pain that could heal with time—it was unexpected when the Medic informed you that you could only live for another few years.

You stared at the file unyieldingly, pupils dilated to register the words printed in black ink that stood out from the sickly white sheet.

“The cause that we can deduce right now is that because you were one of the test subjects that Orochimaru performed his cruelties on,” you heard her said, “there are damages to your chakra reserve that just start to show just now. We need to do more tests to get a better understanding. There’s still hope—”

“I’m going to die in a few years?” You questioned, finally able to peel your gaze from the paper.

“Y/N,” she placed her hand on yours and squeezed it slightly as she encouraged you, “there’s no concrete evidence yet. This is just a finding, and we might be wrong.”

With the look of her eyes, you were certain that your condition was approaching a dead-end. You left the hospital in a daze, everything in the past hour seemed as though it was on the verge of evaporating—you wanted it to. You did not know what to do next, the news came with you totally unprepared, and you suddenly felt as if you were pressed to the ground by a gigantic block of stone. Your eyes were red-rimmed, you just wanted to squat down on the road and break down into tears, your ears were buzzy, and you could not hear anything anyone said as they passed your swaying body. At that moment, you were thrown into a never-ending tunnel of despair.

Within a week after receiving the results, you paid frequent visits to the hospital for check-ups and various straining procedures. You were hanging on a string of hope, waiting for every day to pass until they informed the final notes. You did not inform anyone about your conditions. If you were to disappear from their world, it was best to leave without spurring sadness and shattering their hearts. You made the hospital staff promise to keep your illness confidential—it was the most you could do to protect the smiles of your loved ones.

However, Kakashi saw through your mask after three days of your seemingly spotless performance when you went back to work. He held you back after the other Advisors were dismissed and beckoned you to sit at the tea table in his office. He looked dreadful, “What’s wrong?”

Although Kakashi’s words were feather-light, your shoulders slumped as though they were made out of lead. That same two words sounded comforting when he helped you and showed up when you needed him most, but right now, they stung your heart. He was the one that you wanted to hide your illness from most. Gulping nervously, you looked down at your hand, “I’m just feeling a little tired, that’s all.”

“Really?”

Your back stiffened, “Why would I lie to you?”

It was true. Not only was he your superior, but Kakashi was also your love. He was your teammate in ANBU, then your colleague when both of you joined the Ninja Academy, now your superior turned significant other—you did not know when he started to become an important part of your life. Thinking of parting the special silver-haired brought tears to your eyes, your orbs now rippled behind a thick layer of midst. Kakashi immediately noticed your change in expression and walked to you with measured steps. “Tell me, what’s wrong?”

You looked at him with veiled ambivalence, speaking after a long pause with a calm expression, “Will you hate me if I leave you, Kakashi?”

-

You left Konoha the day after unannounced and resided in a land far away from home. Just like that, you disappeared without a trace, vanished from the Land of Fire, leaving your memories and love behind. Here, you led a normal life of a citizen, selling vegetables in the market for a living and teaching kids basic Ninja skills in your free time. The pain in your chest began to severe after a year, but you managed to live with it, the sharp agony never failed to remind you of the harsh reality—you were going to leave this world in no time. You would count the days you had left and cross the calendar with mixed feelings. You would spend your nights imagining what life would be like back in Konoha, your family, your friends, and him, then put yourself to sleep with tears yet to dry.

Your mere exit to all this suffering was approaching, yet, you still hoped that someone would be here by your side, that he would be here with you.

Your life would carry on the same pattern if it were not for the gossips you caught on in the market this morning. Merchants said the Hokage would visit the place to discuss political matters in a few days. They also said that he was someone with a great reputation, a Ninja feared by nations, and a look that defined beauty. While the young ladies daydreamed about the Hokage and the young lads admired his talents, you smiled at yourself mockingly and left the crowded place—Kakashi… he would probably hate you a lot, as much as you loved him.

It was just another day at noon when you gathered your things to go back to your place, you saw a crowd at the other end of the road. Curious, you made your way there to take a better look at the people they were mounting around. Unfortunately, you were squeezed in between the throng, happened to tumble forward, and fell. Your palms scraped against sharp rocks on the ground and blood poured from the cuts as you hissed. The hairpin hanging loosely on your tousled hair fell off and landed on the dirt without you noticing it. When you got back up on your feet, they had already left long ago that you could only look at their fading silhouettes.

The next day you arrived at the market, you felt weird glances being cast in your direction, but when you gazed back at them, they all turned their heads away from you. You suddenly felt nervous—there was definitely something going on. Yesterday, you managed to lose your hairpin, a precious gift that Kakashi gave you when you got promoted to Jonin, and your mood had been severed since. Clueless, you stopped at a woman that you were rather close with as asked quietly, “Do you know why they are giving me such looks?”

“You don’t know?” The woman exclaimed in surprise.

You shook your head embarrassedly and she sighed, “Yesterday, the Hokage searched the whole place up to find you.”

“Find me? The Hokage?”

She nodded, her gaze stopped at something behind your back, and you turned around out of curiosity. The sight that greeted you had you turn back in mere seconds. Kakashi was standing several feet from your location, eyes glued on your figure. You pretended as if you did not meet his gaze and sprinted in the other direction but his voice called you to a halt. “Don’t pretend like we don’t know each other.”

You refused to look back at him, feet grounded in your position, "I have nothing to say to you, Hokage-sama."

It took the silver-haired a split second to appear in front of you. If you had your full chakra reserve one year ago, you would have been able to flee the scene, but your health was deteriorating, and you no longer had the ability nor strength to. Seeing him again made your heart beat rapidly, causing your breathing to become labored—and Kakashi noticed it.

“Y/N?”

The sudden constriction of your lungs made you reach out to the nearest object for stabilization, and it happened to be his torso. Your face was as pale as a sheet, and you started coughing convulsively. The commotion stirred by your encounter had others sending inquiring looks in your direction, you felt uneasy and pained. As if he could read your thoughts, Kakashi lifted your body in his arms and speedily filed outside of the marketplace. You clutched onto his shirt and the memories of your happy time in Konoha flooded your mind, bringing tears to your eyes—your wound was once again stripped open for the wind to salt. You were supposed to put a distance between the latter, but what you did seemed to result in the exact opposite. Sobbing, you buried your face in his warm chest.

Kakashi was flabbergasted—he knew you were sick but seeing you broken was just beyond his imagination. His heart ached, the first thing you said to him after one year away was to deny your relationship. The silver-haired came to a stop with you snuggled in his arms and asked with a whispering voice, “What’s wrong?”

His words pulled you back to the very day he asked you the same question one year ago. At that time, you thought you could bear the burden by yourself and leave Konoha behind, yet, the present you teared up from seeing his familiar figure. You bit down on your lower lip, “I won't be going back...”

You were not able to come back to him, not anymore. You only had one year left, and you did not intend to not make anyone suffer with you. Yet, how pathetic were you present yourself like this? You smiled at yourself dejectedly before lifting your gaze to capture a glimpse of his face—every moment from now on might be your last. “... I don’t have long.”

Your voice was soft as though it could dissolve into the thin air if he did not catch hold in time. You could see his eyes wavering, and they set a tone darker. The silver-haired turned to look at you with a stance that emanated resolution, “I know, your illness. And I'm here to bring you back to Konoha. It doesn't matter, Y/N. I only know that you're still here, and I still love you.”

By the time he finished, you could not hold back your whimpers. You knew you did not have a lot of time left—you did not worth his love and care, you owed him a lot. A man like him should stay with a woman of power and nobility, someone that could live with him until the dusk of life, not someone who was on the verge of death in the springtime of youth. But you wanted to be selfish for once. You wanted to be the one to receive his affection and return his love. You wanted it, but you would never have it.

He continued, “Now that you're here with me, I'll never let you go.”

“Kakashi...”

“I realized two things when you left,” he smiled while putting the hairpin on your hair again. “That you’re important to me, and I can't ever stop loving you, and I simply won't.”

Love always waits. Love heals. Love brings life. Love fights for itself.

------------------

Taglist: @dai-tsukki-desu @thenightfallingstar @animepickle7 @iam-gaaras-loveintrest @tirzamisu @rinnegankakashi @the-tiniest-one @greenshirtimagines @theacevampire

[theinvisiblecapricorn]

Surprise, surprise.

Author's note: This is my first ever written one shot. The inspiration popped into my head during my shower. Please let me know what you think. Enjoy

Fluffy one shot.

Part 1.

// Introduction //

A little info about Y/N and Vinnie.

So, you guys met during the first Covid lockdown.

You weren’t really seeing anyone of your friends during this time because you didn’t feel like taking any risks. So the only way for you to interact with anyone, was via social media. Before lockdown you also kind of give up on the idea of finding a lover because the last time you gave it a shot it didn’t work out.

You remember one of your best friends told you ‘’ Once you start focusing on yourself, it’ll come to you. ‘’ Well, what better way to focus on yourself other than during quarantine?

That’s when Vinnie came into the picture.

After many failed attempts of having a normal conversation with serval people, the last thing Vinnie expected was to meet someone like you. A lot of the time people tried to take advantage of the fact that he was famous. They would post his personal info on social media and share their conversations for clout. Just like you, Vinnie was kind of over the idea of meeting someone who would like him for his personality instead of his name.

You guys instantly clicked. It felt like talking to someone you’ve known your entire life. There wasn’t a thing you couldn’t share with another. But because the two of you lived in different time zones you couldn’t talk as much as you’d like, but you made it manageable. There was only one problem; traveling was not an option due to Covid, so the two of you had never seen each other in real life.

Until now…

// End of introduction //

Alex (Warren) set up his camera to make a video.

He clicked on record and looked into the camera.

‘’ So as you guys know, Vinnie and Y/N met online in the beginning of Covid, but they’ve never officially seen each other in real life. Now that traveling is allowed again and Vinnie hasn’t been feeling himself lately, I thought it was a good idea to surprise him. I bought y/n a plan ticket so she can come over and hopefully cheer Vinnie up. And I will document the entire journey. ‘’

// Vinnie’s POV //

It’s noon. I lay on my bed, scrolling on my phone through TikTok. I haven’t heard from Y/N all day. Normally she would call me before going to bed herself, but she never did. I tried texting her but no reply.

Y/NNNN????

Yo bro, you there???

I miss your voiceeee

Please don’t be asleep already 

Pick up!!!!!! Or else I’m coming for you.

God, I wish I could just fly to wherever she was at and kiss her entire face. Because, yes, I am indeed in love with her, and she feels the same way about me. I just never thought I could recognize so much of myself in someone else. She’s the most kind, beautiful and loving person I know, and I can’t wait to hold her in my arms one day and never let go.

I’m starting to daydream about a life with y/n without the long distance, because it truly sucks. Then I hear a knock on the door and before I know it Alex comes rushing in with his camera in his hand.

( Vinnie & Alex )

‘’ Vinnie, say hello to everyone! ‘’

‘’ Hello everyone. Alex what do you want? ‘’

‘’ Why are you assuming I want something from you? ‘’

‘’ Because you only enter my room if you either have one of your crazy ideas to share or if you want me to get involved in something I probably shouldn’t get involved into. ‘’

‘’ Pfft, not true. My ideas aren’t crazy, they’re brilliant in their own way. ‘’

Alex grins at me. Suspiciously.

‘’ Anyways that’s not the point Vincent, I actually came in to see if you would join me to get some groceries because the only thing left are rise waffles and I’m starving. ‘’

Alex is blinking his eyes with the same grin he has had on from the moment he came into my room.

He’s not going to leave until I agree on coming. So before I know it, we’re on our way to the grocery store.

// Y/N’s POV //

I received a text from Alex a few weeks ago. He told me about his idea to surprise Vinnie. I couldn’t be more excited. Ever since Vinnie and I started talking I have pushed many of my personal boundaries. In a positive way. Vinnie has helped me regain trust in others and has showed me that love is real. I have lost my faith in love due to my previous experiences. That’s why the connection that I have with Vinnie is so important to me.

I have arrived at the airport as I turn on my phone. My phone starts to receive all the missed text messages and calls from Vinnie. I smile as I read through them.

‘’ Oh Vin, if only you knew ‘’ I think to myself.

I hear someone yelling my name behind me. As I turn around, I see Nailea running towards me.

Nailea is a close friend of Vinnie so of course she was the first to know about Vinnie’s contact with me. She’s been super kind to me, and I consider her as the sister I never had.

Nailea hugs me once she has approached me.

( Y/N & Nailea )

‘’ OH MY GOD. Girl, I am so happy that you’re finally hereeeee!!! ’’

I laugh as I see people around looking at us.

‘’ I am also very happy to be here. To finally meet everyone. For real. ‘’

‘’ Yea, now tell me, does my nose look bigger on the screen than in real life? ‘’

‘’ Hahaha, no Nai. You look fantastic on the screen and even better in real life. ‘’

Nailea and I take my stuff and walk out of the airport.

Once settled in the car, I receive a text from Alex:

We’re almost at the store. He hasn’t got a clue. See you there.

This is all a part of Alex his big plan. First, I will act like a regular costumer shopping at the same store as Vinnie and Alex. Then once they get back, Alex will distract Vinnie just a little longer, so he won’t notice me walking past the car right away. Brilliant.

// Vinnie’s POV //

Alex and I walk into the store.

‘’ Alright, what do we need? ‘’

‘’ Anything but rise waffles. ‘’

I shake my head, laughing, as I walk to the lemonade aisle.

Alex is taking out his camera and starts filming me from a far.

I start singing Paparazzi by Lady Gaga as I act like I'm hiding from him.

‘’ Oh, you should also take a few cans of coke. ‘’ Alex suggests.

As I walk towards the aisle with cans of lemonade, I notice a girl standing in front of it. Her hair instantly reminds me of Y/N. The exact same length, color and texture. Call me a simp, but I just pay a lot of attention to the girl I love. I slowly approach the girl before Alex attacks be by throwing a teddy bear on my head.

‘’ Hey, watch it! ‘’ I fix my hair.

‘’ Sorry man, I just know how much you like teddy bears. ‘’ Alex’s laughing out loud as he zooms in to my face.

I laugh, as I start to think back to the day Alex thought it would be funny to buy a giant teddy bear and have Patrick in it to scare me.

Just then, I notice the girl was gone. I didn’t see her anywhere else again.

After collecting all the stuff, we needed, we went home.

Once we arrived home, Alex stopped me before I opened my car door.

‘’ Let’s just sit here for a bit and talk about some stuff. ‘’ I stare at Alex with a confused look on my face.

‘’ Yea, because the viewers want to know, how are things going between you and Y/N? ‘’

I scratch the back of my neck and start feeling the heat take over my cheeks.

‘’ I mean, it’s hard sometimes. She’s one of the most important people in my life, yet I haven’t even met her in person. But I just know that once I do, that everything will naturally fall into it’s place. ‘’

Alex pouts as he listens to all the sweet things I have to say.

‘’ You really like her, don’t you? ‘’

‘’ I mean, yea I do. I really do. ‘’

‘’ Alright, so imagine her standing in front of you right now, what would you do? ‘’

I look at my hands as I start to imagine a situation like that.

‘’ Uh… If she was standing in front of me right now.. I would.. ‘’ My eyes scan a figure walking past the car and I couldn’t believe my eyes.

// Y/N’s POV //

Shit, I almost got caught. The plan was to go into the store, just to admire Vinnie from a far. I didn’t plan to stand in the exact aisle, where he needed to get something from. Luckily, Alex had a plan to distract Vinnie while I fled to the exit. Phew, that was close.

Alex texted me, saying they were on their way home. That’s when it hit me, I am going to be able to see, touch and kiss Vinnie for the first time ever. Nailea noticed my anxiety kicking in and she told me everything would be just fine.

It didn’t take long before Alex’s car pulled up on the driveway. Alex and Vinnie stayed in the car for a bit. My phone started buzzing as I read the notification: ‘’ Now!’’ That was my cue.

As nervous as one can be, I walked past the car with the person who’s the other half of my heart in it. I didn’t dare to look in his direction.

// Vinnie’s POV //

I couldn’t believe my eyes. This isn’t real right? Was I dreaming? I mean, I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night because I was worried sick due to Y/N not responding to me anymore.

I rub my eyes as I watch in the direction of the person again and there’s no way it couldn’t be her.

Then she turns her face into my direction and my heart starts pounding. There she is, the love of my life, the only person who can make my day just by popping up in my notifications, Y/N.

As I try to open my door, I hear Alex locking it.

‘’ Let me out! ‘’ I look at Alex as I try to unlock the door, but unable because he keeps his hand infront of the lock.

‘’ You haven’t answered my question yet. ‘’ Alex smirks at me, but I do not find it funny at all.

‘’ Please, let me out and I’ll show you what I would do if she were to stand in front of me ‘’

And with, I heard the door unlock. I jumped out of the car and ran as fast as I could to the person who I longed for the most.

Click here for part two;

[thefanficmonster]

Bouquet

Corpse Husband x Reader (Female)

Warnings: None

Genre: FLUFF, RPF (Real Person Fic)

Summary: Having come clean about being single for a very long time now and considering herself completely out of the dating scene, Y/N’s confession is taken and responded to with a ton of kindness, especially from a special someone...

Requested by Anon. Hi hun! Thank you so much for your lovely request, it was such a joy to write! I’m so sorry for the long wait you had to go through but the fic is finally here and I hope you enjoy reading it! Love, Vy ❤

I roll out of bed with little to no desire to start my day. We haven’t got a scheduled stream for today and the clouds glooming in the sky seem to be promising rain so really what do I have to get up for except that it’s a rule society installed?

Just kidding, I’m basically stalling and that’s all.

So what happened was the streamer gang and I were playing Among Us last night and our conversation during the pause between rounds somehow swerved into relationship territory. I stayed quiet the majority of if not all the time because I had no valid input to offer. 

If you know me you know I’m not one of the performers on the dating scene. I have never really confirmed it with my fans - well, until last night, that is - but I bet they have picked up on that fact considering I’ve been on YouTube for around a decade and have never had a partner. That being said, I’d have to also mention that I have in fact dated but someone but it was before my YouTube era started. Me choosing this career path, which back then was just a hobby, had nothing to do with the relationship ending but it still motivated me to not to actively look for a relationship while I’m still focused on my career. It’s too much work, too much stress and requires a lot of balance I most certainly either don’t have or I don’t have the energy to put in balancing my romantic and professional lives. Luckily, no one’s ever pressured me into finding a significant other, not yet at least, so no societal pressure for me!

But I gotta admit I felt real awkward admitting all this last night.

“Hey Y/N what do you think? You’ve been awfully quiet?“ Rae asks, causing me to jolt in my seat from where I’ve been reading my chat for the past five minutes, my mic muted.

I quickly unmute to reply, blushing ever so slightly, “Um, sorry I was reading my chat. What do I think about what?”

“The gesture of giving flowers to your significant other, is it romantic or a waste of money and plant murder?“ Rae explains, still managing to catch me off-guard with her question.

I ponder what my response should be for a little bit before deciding to level it to a neutral level where I almost sound indifferent, “It is in fact plant murder basically and artificial flowers would definitely be a better gift - plus they’ll last longer.”

“Mhmm yeah that’s true.“ Poki agrees with me, “But there’s still the question of whether it’s a romantic gesture or not. I personally don’t think it’s overrated or cheesy, I actually quite like it. What about you, Y/N?“

And now she’s got me in a real trap that I can’t wiggle out of without speaking my truth. I don’t know where this sudden anxiety around the subject came from but it now resides within me rent free and makes me feel self-conscious and embarrassed of the confession I’m inevitably make.

“Um, I wouldn’t know for certain, I’ve never received flowers myself...“ I say sheepishly, cringing at the sound of my own voice, “It’s not like I’ve dated plenty of people and the one guy I did date wasn’t really romantic or anything, I mean - we were teenagers, after all. But when I think about it in theory I think I’d like the gesture: it’s thoughtful, plus you get a temporary but beautiful piece of décor out of it.“

I’m gonna hope I didn’t sound too pitiful or desperate. Of course I’m not gonna check afterward on the stream cause I’d rather live in the illusion of having sounded humorous rather than be given the confirmation that I didn’t.

“Wait, wait, wait, did you date your last boyfriend like a decade ago?“ Corpse is now the one talking and that makes me feel even more anxious. This is not the impression one would want to give to their crush, is it? Oh well, no turning back now.

“Correct.“ I reply with a laugh that I hope didn’t sound as nervous as it was.

“And you’ve never, like in your whole life, received flowers from someone?“ He sounds astonished which sort of makes me want to shrink up in my shell like a turtle. Too bad I don��t have a shell though. I’m genuinely thinking of the option to rip the router out of the outlet right now to save me the troubles but I’m not that immature. I’m surprised I’m even reacting this way - this topic doesn’t usually bother me at all but now for some reason I’m red as a tomato and shrinking in my chair. 

I know what the obvious answer is but I’d rather die than admit to it.

“Yeah, yeah, I know it sounds bad but I really don’t care.“ I make an attempt at changing the subject, swerving it back to the main topic rather than my lack of a love life, “I do, in fact, find the gesture sweet - it adds vibrancy to the relationship just like the flowers would add vibrancy and color to the space they’re put in.“

“Oh my gosh, that’s such a cool analogy!“ Rae gushes, “You’re totally right, it might be an old trick, but it’s aged like fine wine.“

Phew, God bless you Rae.

“Exactly, exactly.“ Corpse agrees as well but I don’t think he’s fully heard what Rae said since he sounds to have fallen in deep thought.

At least I got away with it with only making a SLIGHT nervous wreck of myself.

Yikes, was that horrible, though I don’t people will remember it for long. Sure, my fans have sent me thousands of lovely messages and pictures of bouquets and will maybe continue sending them for another day or two - which I highly appreciate, don’t get me wrong. I’m severely touched by this gesture of theirs and it almost makes me glad I finally ‘came clean’ about my romance-less life - however, it’ll fade overtime. I mean, who the heck cares if I’m single or not?

As I pour the milk over my cheerios which I’ve been snacking on dry for the past half hour as I rifled through the many notifications clogging up my lock screen, I hear the doorbell ring. I’m understandably puzzled by this, seeing as how I never get visitors so that doorbell rings only when I’ve ordered something, be it takeout or a random item off Amazon. However, I can’t remember ordering anything, at least not anything that should be arriving at the moment or even anytime soon - that glow-in-the dark curtain isn’t supposed to arrive until next week.  I make my way to the door, unbothered by the fact I’m still in my pajamas, and take a look through the peephole.

It’s a delivery guy...and he happens to be holding a huge-ass bouquet.

“What the...“ I mutter to myself as I unlock and swing open the door in the blink of an eye, “Hi?“

“Hi there, are you Y/N L/N?“ The delivery guy, who I’ve seen many times before and who I’m on pretty friendly terms with, asks me jokingly, sending a wink my way.

“I sure am.“ I reply, my gaze fixated on the breathtaking flowers he’s holding, “But those can’t be for me, that’s for sure.“

He fishes looks at his clipboard one more time, nodding before he looks back at me, “I double and triple checked, Y/N, they’re for you. Here, have a look if you don’t believe me.” He turns the clipboard  for me to see and he is actually telling the truth. I mean, I doubt he’d have any reason to lie to me but mix-ups happen all the time.

“Um, ok thanks. Sorry for the halt, it’s just...I’d hate to be the recipient of the flowers meant for another girl.” I apologize as I take the bouquet for him, still in awe of the fact I’m the one it was made and meant for and sent to.

I say a quick ‘bye’ to the delivery guy before practically running inside to inspect this bouquet for a card from the sender. I have my guesses: it has to be someone who was present during the stream last night and someone who knows my address. Hopefully it’s someone from my friend group and not a fan who watched the stream and just happens to know my address. I’d still appreciate the gesture, but I’d also install security cameras if that was the case.

Something about the color scheme of the flowers - pink and black - gives me Rae vibes since she constantly teases me about my aesthetics contradicting each other. But then again, Poki does it too so it could be her as well....

Oh...OH GOD IT’S NEITHER OF THEM

                                                               ~ ~ ~

I’ve been sitting here, keeping myself a safe distance from my phone so I’m not the first one to send her a text. So I don’t ask if she got what I sent her. So I don’t ask what she thought of it, how the bouquet looks in her living room, how it smells, how it makes her feel. I have so many questions so that phone is best off at a major distance from me. I’m the one who’s better off with such a huge distance between me and the device, to be perfectly honest.

Was it a bad idea? Should I have slept on it - or just thought about it longer cause sleep and I don’t get along? Should I have at least waited a day or two? Should I-

My phone vibrates with a notification and I practically fly to it from across the room, grabbing it and unlocking it asap. My heart sinks and takes off like a rocket simultaneously when I see I’ve been tagged in Y/N’s Instagram story. I nervously tap the notification that sends me to the picture of the bouquet I sent her with some text written over it.

“Thank you, Romeo ;)“

Somehow that one sentence answers all those aforementioned questions.

Is this what people refer to as butterflies in one’s stomach? Cause it feels significantly more like a crush...oh wait.

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[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers VANDEAD CARNIVAL ;; Present from Sakamaki [PART 1]

ー The scene starts in the classroom

Health committee member (1): ーー There we go. That should conclude the check-up.

Yui: Thank you. Phew...

( Hm...I wonder if it’s because I’ve been having my blood sucked, but my weight has gone down a little. )

( I don’t know whether I should be happy or sad...It’s a complicated feeling. )

Health committee member: Is something the matter?

Yui: Ah, no. This is my health report card.

Health committee member: Yes, thank you very much. (2) ーー Ah.

Yui: ...? Is something wrong?

Health committee member: Oh no, that’s not it.

Here...Your date of birth. It’s your birthday tomorrow, isn’t it?

Yui: Ah, now that you mention it...

Health committee member: I’m one day early, but congratulations!

Yui: ( I honestly didn’t think I’d have anyone congratulate me for my birthday after moving to this city. )

Thank you very much. I’m so haーー

*Rattle*

Laito: Nfu, Bitch-chan~! Laito-kun’s here to pick you up~!

Yui: Laito-kun...!

Kanato: You’re late. What were you doing? You really are such a slowpoke.

Yui: K-Kanato-kun as well...

I’m sorry for keeping you guys waiting. The examination has finished already so let’s go.

Laito: By the way, Bitch-chan~? What did you hand over to the lady just now~? 

*Flip*

Health committee member: Eh? Ahーー!

Yui: L-Laito-kun! Y-You can’t!

Laito: Aah~ Right, they took body measurements today, no?

Yui: I’m begging you, don’t look...!

Laito: Hm...? Oh dear, oh dear, what do we have here...? I see...~ 

Yui: Geez, Laito-kun...!

*Flip*

Laito: Well, I’m not really interested in this stuff so I’ll be nice and hand it back. More importantly, let’s hurry back home.

Yui: ( Thank god. He handed it back right away... )

U-Um...By the way, where’s Ayato-kun?

Laito: The・truth・is...~ He got such a bad grade on his test this morning. 

So he got called over to the faculty room~

*Rattle*

Ayato: ...The fuck?

Laito: Ah, well done getting through the teachers’ scolding~! We were just talking about you.

Ayato: Che...The fuck’s their problem? They kept on naggin’ at me just ‘cause I didn’t get the best score.

Kanato: You reap what you sow. If only you were intelligent like we are, you poor thing.

Ayato: Aah!? You two aren’t much better, are you!?

Laito: Eh~~? We’re not on your level.

Kanato: You had a single-digit number, right? Please do not group us together.

Ayato: Che...

Yui: U-Um, Ayato-kun. Please don’t beat yourself up over it...

Ayato: Fuck off! Come on, Chichinashi. We’re goin’ home already!!

Yui: Y-Yeah...!

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the limousine

Reiji: Haah...Because of you lot, we are running horribly late.

Yui: ( Uu...I’m pretty sure I informed him of today’s physical examination before we left for school today though... )

Reiji: For one, people such as you lot who fail to stick to a time schedule on a regular basis, will surely experience problems in your daily life as weーー

*Rustle*

Ayato: Oi, Chichinashi. Give me your blood once we get home, ‘kay?

This irritated feelin’ is makin’ me thirsty, so I’ll suck you plenty.

Kanato: Could you not just decide that by yourself?

I am just as irritated because you kept us waiting.

I will be sucking her blood first once we get home. Right, Teddy...?

Ayato: Ah? Excuse me...?

Laito: Nfu~ Bitch-chan’s blood, how nice. I’m hungry as well, so why don’t we equally split it amongst us three?

Reiji: ...Haah...I wonder how I got stuck with a bunch of stubborn fools who refuse to listen to what someone is saying...

Shuu: ...

Reiji: ...That being said, I suppose they are still better than the guy who falls asleep before he can even listen at all...

This good-for-nothing...!

Yui: ( R-Reiji-san... )

I-I’m sorry. It’s my fault we were running late. We had a physical check-up today and...

Since I’ve been a little anemic, it took slightly longer than I expected...

Subaru: Hm? ...Oi, have you really been feelin’ anemic?

Yui: Yeah...

( Could he be worried about me...? )

Subaru: I don’t give a damn ‘bout what happens to you...But it’d suck if you’d run dry of blood. Make sure that stuff gets replenished, ‘kay?

Yui: R-Right...

Reiji: Exactly. Your blood is the only value you hold after all.

Yui: ( Of course. That’s all I’m good for to them. )

( What made me think they’d be worried about me...? )

( I should know that already but...For some reason, it makes me a little sad. )

Laito: ...Nfu~

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to Yui’s bedroom

Yui: Phew...Somehow I’m really exhausted today...

Tomorrow’s a free day, so I’ll hit the hay early and spend some nice, quiet time.

*Rustle*

Yui: ( Tomorrow’s my birthday, huh...? I wonder if I’ll be able to head out somewhere...? )

ー The scene shifts to the living room

Laito: Attention please~! Thank you all for gathering here on this fine evening~!

Ayato: ...Geez, what do you suddenly want? I was thinkin’ of droppin’ by Chichinashi’s room for a sip of blood.

Kanato: My poor Teddy had his snacks stolen by Laito, you know...!? I won’t forgive you if you made me come here for nothing!!

Subaru: Che...

Shuu: ...Pwaah...Sleepy.

Reiji: ...Now this is unexpected. I did not think you and Subaru would show up as well.

Shuu: No...I was already taking a nap here when you guys just started gathering one after the other.

Laito: Nfu~ I plotted this get-together immaculately, no~?

Reiji: ...I suppose one could say you used your brain for once, Laito.

ーー So, what is this about? Please stop beating around the bush, and explain to us what is going on.

Subaru: It better not be some bullshit or you’re not gettin’ away with it!

Laito: Hm~ Thank you for your typical input, Subaru-kun~ However, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love hearing about this?

Kanato: What do you have to tell us then!?

Laito: You see, it happens to be Bitch-chan’s birthday tomorrow~

Ayato: Ah? Birthday?

Laito: Yes, exactly!

So...I figured we would all throw a surprise birthday party for her!

Subaru: Ah!? Who in their right mind would waste their fuckin’ time on somethin’ so ridiculous!?

Laito: Oh come on~ I mean, she’s always giving us her delicious blood, no?

Ayato: ‘Giving’, my ass! It belongs to me either way.

Laito: Relax! That’s not what matters right now!

I don’t think it would hurt to show our gratitude and do something in return for once though~

Kanato: Surprise birthday party...

Ayato: Keh. Why do we have to show our gratitude? She’s our prey!

Laito: Eeeh~~~? I thought it’d be fun though. I mean, if none of you are up for it, I guess I’ll drop the ideaー

Don’t you think you’d get to indulge in plenty of takoyaki or sweets? It is a birthday party after all.

Ayato: ...

Kanato: ...

Laito: But well, seems like I’m out of luck, so I suppose I’ll have to give up~

Kanato: Please wait. I cannot possibly turn down an opportunity to eat sweets.

Ayato: I’m in too! Let’s prepare a whole mountain of takoyaki and throw this party!!

Laito: Nfu...~ Now that’s sounding more like a proper celebration.

Reiji: Haah...I feel ashamed having to call those three my brothers...

Shuu: ...Who cares. Just do as you please...

Ayato: Stop complainin’ if you’re not even gonna join in. That only means there will be more food for me, so don’t even bother showin’ up!

Kanato: Agreed. You won’t join either, Subaru?

Subaru: No way in hell I’m botherin’ with that annoyin’ crap!

Laito: Hm~ I would have loved it if we could all participate though. You’re skipping out as well, Reiji?

Reiji: Well, under normal circumstances, I would never consider taking part in such nonsense. Howeverーー

It cannot be denied that she has been donating her blood to us.

Furthermore, I cannot see things ending well if the three of you combine forces. 

Worst-case scenario, the whole manor will be blown into the air...Which would be highly troublesome, so I shall participate to keep an eye on things.

Ayato: Keh, there you go talkin’ shit ‘bout us again.

Laito: Well, I guess the four of us will celebrate Bitch-chan’s birthday together then.

Reiji: Halt. Do you truly believe that I can supervise all three of you just by myself?

Laito: I’m pretty sure we don’t need someone keeping an eye on us though~? 

Reiji: I am not that naive to fall for those words.

I am using my veto to impose mandatory participation on every member of this household, understood?

Subaru: Haah!? What gives you the right to do that!?

Reiji: Do you have any idea how much I look after all of you on a daily basis? 

Subaru: Aah!? Fuck do I know!? Besides, we never asked you to do that shit, nor do we actively try and trouble you!? 

Reiji: I suppose those being looked after do not realize how privileged they are themselves. ...That good-for-nothing over there is a prime example of that.

Shuu: ...

Reiji: Better be safe than sorry. You shall participate to protect the manor.

Shuu: Ahー ...What a drag. Fine, so just shut up already...

Reiji: Very well. Well then, Subaru. You will join in as well, no?

Subaru: Hell no.

Laito: Oh come on, why not~? You should join the fun as well. It’s not like you get the chance every day? Right?

If you continue to be stubbornー...

Nfu~ We’ll hold the party over at your room, okay?

Subaru: Haah!? No fuckin’ way!!

Laito: Perfect! That means everyone’s in!

Subaru: Oi!! Don’t make that choice for me!

Laito: Eeh~~? But then we’ll throw the party in your room though? Are you fine with that?

Ayato: Actually, didn’t you lose your temper the other day and busted another hole through the wall?

Shuu: Haha...Taking a nap while enjoying the night breeze honestly isn’t that bad though...

Subaru: ...Don’t come here to sleep...

...Fuck...! You guys better don’t make me do all of the shitty tasks!

Reiji: Well then, I suppose that wraps up this discussion. As for what we need to prepare, the obvious things would be...

Ayato: Takoyaki, duh!

Kanato: I want to eat a cake covered in whipped cream with a bunch of large strawberries on top!

Reiji: Those are the things you guys want to eat, no? We should at least try and consider what she likes.

Ayato: Ah? What are you sayin’? We’re already doin’ plenty by celebrating her birthday, no?

Laito: They say it’s the sentiment which counts, right?

Reiji: Guh...I am baffled to hear something sensical come from you lot’s mouths for once.

Kanato: So, what exactly do I need to do to get my strawberry cake?

Subaru: ...Aren’t we kind of missin’ the point now?

Laito: Oh well, wasn’t there this one important guy who said that participating is more important than winning?

...That being said, let’s go shopping for all the foods we want to eat!

Kanato: I don’t mind if you go buy it for me, but it better be delicious.

Subaru: Then go buy it yourself!

Kanato: Me? Going grocery shopping? Why would I bother doing something so troublesoーー

Right...In one of the books I read in the past, it said that a birthday cake is best when homemade.

I can put on as much whipped cream as I like, before decorating it with a bunch of strawberries...Fufu, my own exclusive cake.

Haah...Just imagining it is making my mouth water...I’ve decided. I will make a delicious cake.

Reiji: Not in my book.

Kanato: Why do I need your permission? I decided I will make it, so it’s already settled.

Ayato: Oh, sounds kinda interestin’! In that case, I’m gonna try my hand at some homemade takoyaki as well!

Reiji: You make it sound so easy...Do you truly believe you can pull it off?

Shuu: Haah. This situation is steadily going downhill...

Laito: Nfu~ Homemade, huh? It’s starting to sound more and more like a real birthday party.

Reiji: Laito, why are you pretending as if you take no responsibility in this?

You are the one who brought up the idea in the first place, so you should make sure things are kept in check.

Laito: Eh~~~? But that’s what you’re here for, no?

Ayato: ...So, what else needs to get done?

Kanato: You aren’t thinking of making us do all the work, right?

Reiji: Of course. For one...

I have yet to hear of a birthday party with only takoyaki and a cake.

Ayato: Haah? What’s so bad about that?

Reiji: It is a day on which humans celebrate their very short life, so do you not believe there should be a diverse, luxurious buffet as you would see at evening galas or dinner banquets?

Kanato: I do remember how noisy those evening parties would be. However, I am not interested in anything besides the cake.

Reiji: ...Haah, you are only thinking of your own gain. Truly what one would expect from you lot.

Ayato: I mean, I doubt Chichinashi will enjoy it, unless we’re having fun as well!

Subaru: Che...Ridiculous...

Reiji: Good grief...I suppose I have no other choice. In that case, I shall be in charge of making the main course...

Laito: In that case, I’ll help out Ayato-kun~ Making takoyaki sounds kind of fun, to be honest.

Shuu: Pwaaah~ ...Doesn’t seem like there’s anything I need to do...

Reiji: You shall keep an eye on her to ensure she does not leave her room.

It is a trivial task, perfect for someone like you, no?

Shuu: ...Che...What a chore...

Subaru: Haah, whatever.

Reiji: Subaru, you will be doing your fair share as well.

Subaru: Haah!?

Reiji: Do you truly believe I can trust Kanato by himself in the kitchen? Make sure to keep an eye on him.

Subaru: Why me!?

Reiji: Since you are the only one still left without a task, obviously?

I expect you to put your life on the line to ensure the kitchen does not go up in flames.

Subaru: Annoyin’...

Laito: Okaay~! Well then everyone, off we go! (3)

*TIMESKIP*

Ayato: Oi, Reiji! Step back! I gotta be the one walkin’ in front!

Reiji: Pipe down, Ayato.

Kanato: Good grief...I cannot stand all this noise. Say, you feel so too, don’t you, Teddy...?

Subaru: We’re not lil’ children anymore, so wouldn’t it have been better if just one of us did the shoppin’ by themselves...?

Laito: Oh come on, don’t you think it’s fun to all go grocery shopping together for once~?

Subaru: ...Che. Don’t talk to me as if we’re buds.

Reiji: ...Hm? Everyone, wait one second.

I cannot see Shuu anywhere around?

Subaru: Haah? Who cares? He’s probably snoozin’ again somewhere.

Reiji: Good grief...Here I thought he was actually joining without any protests for once, but there he goes acting off his own accord again...Truly infuriating.

Even though we have to ensure we are back at the manor by the time she wakes upーー

Ayato: Oh! They’ve got a takoyaki grill! Laito! Let’s go check it out!

Laito: Huh~? But don’t we already have one of those?

Ayato: Ah? Like I know where to find that thing. It’d be too much trouble lookin’ for it.

Laito: Good point! Let’s go have a look then!

ー The two of them enter a store

Reiji: Ah, halt! We should stick to the planning and only visit the necessary stoーー

Kanato: I simply cannot spend another minute with this rowdy bunch.

I will go my own way, so come look for me if you need me.

ー Kanato leaves as well

Reiji: Hey! Where are you going, Kanato!? I will not let this selfish behavior slide!

Haah...

Shuu: Pwaah...Like this, I can’t relax no matter where I go...

Reiji: You good-for-nothing...You shamelessly come walking up to me and that’s the first thing you say...?

Shuu: Nn...I’ll be over on that bench over there, so just come wake me up once you’re done shopping...

Reiji: At this point, your laziness has surpassed the point of being disappointing, it almost feels refreshing.

Shuu: Thanks for the compliment...Sleepy...

ー Shuu steps away

Reiji: It honestly is not even worth insulting him...

Subaru: Haah...The fuck is this farce? I want to go back home...

*SCENE SHIFT*

Ayato: Oi, Laito! Do you know what ingredients we need to make takoyaki?

Laito: It’s called takoyaki, so octopus is a given, right?

Ayato: I know that much as well!

But I want to make takoyaki like nobody has ever tasted before!

I’m gonna make so many of them, they’ll pile up all the way to the ceiling!

Laito: Nfu~ Sounds like something you would do. In that case, we need to stock up on plenty of ingredients.

Ayato: Yeah! We’ve got plenty of people with us to carry the bags!

Laito: If we’re going through the trouble of making them, it’d be a little dull to stick to normal takoyaki, right? ...Ah, how about this?

Ayato: Wasabi? Whatcha gonna do with that?

Laito: Fufufu, that’s something to look forward to at the party.

Ayato: ...This and these, also those over there...

Laito: Let’s put them all in our basket! I’m so excited, nfu~

*SCENE SHIFT*

Reiji: Honestly those triplets, always doing as they please...

Subaru, wait right here. I will go call them.

Subaru: Haah!? Why do I have to...Wait, oi!

��� Reiji leaves

Subaru: ...Haah. This grocery run is fucked up.

Shuu: ...

Subaru: This guy is seriously out here snoozin’...

Shuu: ...Shut up. I’m still awake.

Subaru: The fuck!? You’re actually awake...

Shuu: Haah...I just don’t want to move because it’s too much of a chore...

Subaru: Then why did you even join us in the first place...

Shuu: I could ask you the exact same thing...Pwaah...

Subaru: ...Che.

ー Subaru starts walking away

Shuu: ...Oh? Going home?

Subaru: Shut up. Leave me alone.

ー Subaru leaves

Shuu: ...

*SCENE SHIFT*

Subaru: ...

Kanato: Aah, as if on cue. Subaru.

Subaru: Che, goin’ home now after he said that just doesn’t sit right with me...

Kanato: Subaru.

Subaru: That bein’ said, I don’t want to just have to stand there and play supervisor either. I’m goin’ home because I want to.

Kanato: Subaru!

*Rustle*

Subaru: Ow, the fuck you doin’, bastard!?

Kanato: How many times do I have to call you before you come? Are those ears there just for decoration?

Subaru: Ah? I filter out that annoyin’ voice of yours.

So, what do you want?

Kanato: I’ve settled on the ingredients I want for the cake. Please carry the basket and follow me.

Subaru: Haah!? Why do I have to act as your personal carrier!? I was just ‘bout to head home!!

Kanato: What are you saying? The two of us are in charge of preparing the cake together, so it only makes sense for you to help out, no?

Subaru: You’re the one who wants to make that damn thing, aren’t you? Then shouldn’t you be carrying the basket yourself?

Kanato: I’m already holding Teddy. How am I supposed to do that?

Subaru: Aah!? I’m gonna punch you, you bastard!

Kanato: Punch me? You’ll ignore my request and hit me...? Even though you’re the one just standing around there, doing absolutely nothing?

Yet you trample all over my generous attempts to try and help you be useful...Who do you think you are!?

If you fail to understand that, then why don’t you punch yourself on the head instead? Come on, hurry up and do it!

Subaru: Haah...Shut up. Ahー Fine! I just have to carry your stuff, right?

Kanato: Hmph. ...You should have just done so from the very start. Right, Teddy...?

Subaru: Fuck off! I’m comin’ so shut up and show me the way!

Kanato: Fufu, it’s this way.

Subaru: Honestly...I seriously should have never tagged along...Fuck.

*SCENE SHIFT*

Reiji: ...That’s...

Subaru: ...

Reiji: Subaru. Why are you here?

Did I not tell you to wait by that bench over there earlier?

Subaru: Ah, geez! Stop naggin’ at me this whole time! I can go wherever I want!

Reiji: Do you not think you are at fault for not simply saying no earlier? Honestly, it’s always the youngest ones that cause trouble...

Subaru: Oi, you jerk. What didya say just now!?

Reiji: I only stated the truth. So, why are you on the move?

I gave you that task because I figured you would not want to have to walk around.

Take a look! I have brought Ayato and Laito along with me.

Ayato: Ah? 

Laito: Nfu~ You’re talking about us as if we’re your luggage~

Subaru: Not my fault! I’m not doin’ this ‘cause I want to! If you want to complain, then complain to Kanato instead!

Kanato: We’re going to buy the ingredients for the cake. You really are the very definition of a creep, trying to track my every move.

Reiji: ...

Ayato: Oi, Four-Eyes. I know what I wanna buy so gimme some cash.

Reiji: You sure have some nerve to ask me for money after you have been doing nothing but acting selfishly this whole time. Do you really think you can get away with that!?

Ayato: Ah? Why are you snappin’ at me? You’re such a cheapskate.

Kanato: Exactly. Why do you not try and keep your calm a little?

Laito: Nfu~ Perhaps you’re running a little low on calcium~? (4)

Reiji: ...

Subaru: ...

Reiji: ...Very well. Just do as you please. However, I do not intend to give you lot a single yen.

ー Reiji leaves

Ayato: Ah! Oi, wait! ...O-Oi, do any of you guys have some cash?

Kanato: Are you dumb? Why would I have money on me?

Subaru: Oi, what are we gonna do...

Laito: This is your fault, Ayato! Go apologize to Reiji!

Ayato: Haah!? Why do I have to say sorry!?

Kanato: That’s easy. Because you’re to blame for everything.

Ayato: Haah!? He was upset with you as well!

Laito: In that case, the two of you should go say sorry.

Kanato: Why are you trying to escape the blame when you’re the one who was together with Ayato in the first place?

Ayato: I’m never apologizin’!

Laito: Get going, you two.

Kanato: I’m not going either!

Subaru: Ahー God! Stop the damn arguin’! All three of you should go apologize!

Ayato: Why do I have to!?

Laito: Ehー?

Kanato: Under no circumstances!

Shuu: You guys are way too loud...You’re practically shouting for the whole store.

Pwaah...That being said...You’re still not done...?

*TIMESKIP*

Subaru: ーー There you have it. So Reiji, just give in already.

At this rate, we’ll never make it back to the manor.

Reiji: Even so, I cannot give in now.

Subaru: ...

Reiji: ーー However, right...I suppose I shall show my gratitude and let it slide this once. Although I have yet to hear an apology.

Ayato: What is this Four-Eyes goin’ on ‘bout?

Reiji: If you continue to call me that, I would not mind just heading home straight away.

Ayato: Che...

Reiji: Hmph...

Subaru, I will be joining the three of them.

Meanwhile you will go look for Shuu so the two of you can purchase the ingredients I need for my own dish.

Subaru: ...Hah? Why not just buy them yourself?

Reiji: Perhaps try using that brain of yours a little and you will realize that it is simply impossible to look for the items on my own list while also keeping an eye on those triplets at the same time.

Above all, I want to ensure that good-for-nothing at least does something as well.

Subaru: I don’t get it. I’m not doin’ anythin’, understood?

Kanato: How can you be so selfish?

Ayato: Exactly! Are you goin’ to ruin this whole thing ‘cause you’re being a selfish prick?

Laito: Reiji’s mood finally improved, but now Subaru-kun’s going to ruin it again?

Subaru: Fuck...What is your problem!?

Laito: It’s easy, no? If Reiji doesn’t give us any money.

We can’t buy the stuff we need for Bitch-chan’s birthday party, right? Ah-ah, I’m sure she would have been so happy as well.

Subaru: ...

Che...I just have to go buy that shit, right!?

*Flip*

Reiji: Very well. I have written down everything with the exact quantities I need on this note.

Subaru: ...You nitpicker.

Reiji: It would be bad to overbuy, no? Please call it effective instead.

I will pay for all ingredients together, so please wait in front of the cashier once you’re done.

*Rustle*

Subaru: ...Hmph.

ー Subaru walks off with the memo

*SCENE SHIFT*

Subaru: Shuu!! Wake up!

Shuu: How could I sleep under these circumstances...? You guys are really noisy...

Subaru: I have to go through this shit ‘cause you were loafin’ ‘round! Now get up and make yourself useful!

Shuu: ...Haah...Guess I have no other choice. I heard most of the conversation earlier, so I’ll make an effort to move today...

Nn...So, what do we have to buy...?

Subaru: This.

*Rustle*

Shuu: Haah, that’s quite the list...Subaru, you carry the basket.

Subaru: Haah!? You can go get it yourself, no!? Why is it always me!?

*TIMESKIP*

*Rustle rustle*

Yui: ...Nn...

( I wonder when I last got such a good night’s rest? )

( Usually, someone always barged in to suck my blood the second I try to go to bedーー )

*BOOM*

Yui: W-What was that!?

( That sound just now...I didn’t just imagine it, right? )

*BOOM*

Yui: A-Again!? Also, I can smell something burnt as well...

( I-Is everyone okay...? I should go check up on the situation... )

ー Yui tries to leave her room

Shuu: ...

Yui: ...S-Shuu-san! What is happening!?

( Why is Shuu-san lying on the floor in the middle of the hallway...!? )

*BOOM*

Yui: Another explosion...!?

Shuu-san, wake up please! ...Shuu-san!

( Oh no...He’s not waking up at all. There might actually be something wrong with him... )

Um, Shuu-san...! P-Please wait right here! I’ll go call someone else!

*Rustle*

Shuu: ...Shut up. ...Oh, it’s you.

Yui: Shuu-san...!

( T-Thank god. He was just asleep... )

Shuu: ...My muscles are sore...

Yui: Geez, it’s because you slept on the ground. More importantly, why are you here?

Shuu: Ahー... I have no other choice, do I? ...I have to keep an eye on you...

Yui: ...?

Shuu: ...No, it’s nothing.

*BOOM*

Yui: ( ...!! )

U-Um...Do you have any idea what these loud blasts are about...?

Shuu: Hm? Aah...You’re just hearing things. Now hurry back to your roomーー

*BOOM*

Shuu: ...

Yui: That sound again...!!

Shuu: ...Guess we’re not using the kitchen for a while after this...

Yui: Um, what did you say just now...?

Shuu: Nothing...Well, you can just continue sleeping, don’t let it bother you.

Yui: E-Easier said than done...

Shuu: Whatever, just go to bed....If not, that fussy guy will...

ー Reiji joins them

Shuu: ...Too late.

Yui: Ah, Reiji-san...!

Reiji: I came to check up on you because I could imagine you would be sleeping on the job again...

Yui: ( The job? What is he talking about? )

Reiji: You...You’ve woken up, I see?

Yui: Um, is something the matter? I’ve been hearing these explosions this whole time.

Reiji: No, it is nothing serious. You should return to your own room.

Yui: But, I’m worried about the others...

Reiji: Your concern is meaningless to us Vampires. Now get back to your room.

*BOOM*

Yui: A-Again!? Um, Reiji-san...?

Reiji: ...Haah, for god’s sake...

*SCENE SHIFT*

*BOOM*

Ayato: Uwaaah!? What the fuck’s happenin’!? Do somethin’ ‘bout this!!

*CRASH*

Laito: The fire, Ayato-kun! Hurry up and extinguish the flames!!

Ayato: You do that!!

Laito: Okay, here I go!!

*SPLASH*

Ayato: Oi, that’s damn cold...!!

Kanato: What are you doing!? It nearly got on Teddy!!

Ayato: Complain to Laito, not to me!!

Laito: Ahaha! My bad, my bad~! My hand slipped a little~

*Thud*

Ayato: Ah! Hot, hot, hot! Oi, this thing’s hella hot if you touch it!

Subaru: Oi, you fool!! Of course it’s gonna be hot...Che!

*SHATTER*

Kanato: Why do you keep on getting in my way, Ayato!?

Ayato: I’m not doin’ it on purpose either!

Kanato: Then get out of my sight! You’re in the way!

Laito: Uwah~ This situation keeps on getting worse and worse. I feel like it’s beyond saving at this point?

Subaru: Don’t be standin’ there makin’ a calm observation of the situation and do somethin’ ‘bout it instead!

Laito: Ah~ No chance! Once things stop exploding, we’ll just have to start over from scratch, okay?

Kanato: Don’t be ridiculous! Do you have any idea how much time and effort I put into getting this far!?

Ayato: Crap! I think it’s gonna boom again!

Subaru: Oi, idiot! Don’t come my way with that thing!!

*BOOM*

*CRASH*

Subaru: Fuckーー!! Which one of you bastards thought this was a good idea!?

*SCENE SHIFT*

*BOOM*

*CRASH*

Yui: ( I could faintly hear Ayato-kun and the others in the background. I’m sure they’re the ones behind these loud noises... )

( I have no idea what they’re doing, but I can tell that the manor is on the brink of destruction... )

Reiji: ...

Yui: ( Reiji-san’s temples are twitching...I’m pretty sure he’s infuriated...? )

U-Um...If there’s any way I can help out...

Reiji: ...No, that will not be needed. I will take care of it...

Yui: I see...

*BOOM*

*SHATTER*

Yui: ( Honestly, what is going on? I can still hear everyone shouting too... )

Reiji: Shuu, how long do you intend to sleep amidst this ruckus?

Shuu: ...Shut up, I’m awake. I’m doing the task given to me, no?

Yui: ...Task?

Reiji: Aah...It is nothing that should concern you.

I will come and call you later, so do not set foot outside of your room until then.

Yui: Eh? U-Um...

Reiji: Understood?

Yui: ( S-Scary...I probably shouldn’t ask any more questions, right? )

...Yes...

Reiji: Very well. Well then, good-for-nothing. You will be switching duties and head towards the kitchen with me.

Shuu: Haah...What a drag...

ー The two of them leave

Yui: ( ...What on earth is happening in this house? )

( However, I have no other choice but to return to my room after what Reiji-san told me, right? )

ー Yui goes back inside her room

Yui: ( I went back inside as I was told to, but... )

*CRASH*

Reiji: Ayato! Cut it out! What are you even trying to do!?

Ayato: I just...!!

*BOOM*

Ayato: Uwaaah! This damn thing exploded again!!

*THUD*

Yui: ( Don’t let it bother you, just ignore it... )

Subaru: Uwaah! The fuck you doin’, Kanato!? Don’t point that dangerous thing towards me! 

Kanato: ...Fufufu, I talked it over with Teddy, and we’ve decided to take down Ayato with this!

Laito: Then point it towards Ayato-kun instea...Uwaah!!

*BOOM*

*SHATTER*

Reiji: Ah, you lot...Stop this at once!!

Yui: ( Peace of mind...Positive thinking... )

Kanato: Ayato! Keep still and let yourself get hit!

Ayato: In your dreams!

Laito: Ooh~ Nice catch, Ayato-kun! Now dump it inside the water...

Ayato: Kanato, you should go ahead and blow up!

*BOOM*

Yui: ( ...Haah, I feel as if it just keeps on getting worse... )

( Speaking of which, I can’t hear Shuu-san at all. He can’t possibly be asleep amidst all of that...Right? )

( Even a Vampire would get hurt, no...? )

( Above all, it’s kind of rare for all of them to gather and do something together. )

( Hm...I honestly can’t imagine what they could be doing. )

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) At Japanese high schools, they usually have a health committee with a representative in each class. This student is in charge of helping out during the physical examinations, will escort students when they are feeling ill or have injured themselves to the infirmary, etc.

(2) In Japan, it is quite common to say ‘I have received it’ when somebody hands you something. (People at stores might say it when you pay and give them the money as well.) However, the translation ‘Thank you’ just sounded more fluent and natural in English.

(3) 持ち場に着く or ‘mochiba ni tsuku’ usually gets translated as ‘to get to your station’ or ‘to get in position’. However, since some of them are actually moving places/leaving the house, I altered the translation a little. 

(4) I had never heard of this before, but I googled the terms ‘calcium deficiency’ and ‘irritation’ in Japanese and did find multiple articles talking about a possible link between a bad mood and lacking calcium.

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

[ Part 2 ] →

[ff-imagines]

Oh snap you're opened. Welcome back! Can you please do the nsfw alphabet for peking duck? I really like your writing!

Peking duck: nsfw alphabet

Minors dni xoxo

A - aftercare

The best at it, honestly. Might seriously cry a little afterwards lmao. You don’t have to ask for anything because he’s already thought ahead and is shoving everything you could need your way. It might get a little ridiculous with how careful he is with you, he doesn’t mean to baby you, he’s just terrified of hurting you. If you’re sore at all he feels incredibly guilty, even if there is a tiny part of him that twinges in pride when you remind him you’d asked for a rough treatment and, well, he’ll be damned if he doesn’t give you exactly what you asked so nicely for.

B - body part

Of yours, it’s more a question of what he doesn't like. If he had to make a choice, he’d say your stomach. It’s good to lay his head on it, and it’s one of the softest parts of your body so it’s nice and warm. He’d die before he admitted it but some nights he goes a bit harsher than usual, splaying his hand across your stomach and feeling how deep his cock is inside you as he thrusts- it drives him insane really.

He also loves your hands, always wants to be holding you hand, especaily during sex. Will pin you down in a loving way by lacing his fingers with yours above your head.

On himself? Definitely his hair. Playing with his hair and giving him a scalp massage makes him feel some type of way. Sit in his lap while you run your nails across his scalp and he’ll bury his nose in the crook of your neck and moan for you, whatever happens next is up to you babes xoxo

C - cum

It’s not a crazy amount but it’s pretty thick. You can’t tell me he doesn’t have a big ass breeding kink. What can he say, Peking Dad is a family man! Just the thought of cumming deep inside you has him thrusting all that harder. Beg him to cum inside you, I dare you. You’ll see a side to him that’s much more feral than you’ve ever seen this sweet man. Would 100% cum inside and buck into you just a bit longer to fuck any cum that’s slipped past his cock back inside you.

D - dirty secret

He wants to take pictures of you while in your blissed out state. He loves you so stupidly much, he’s already got tons and tons of pictures of you going about your daily life. He’s the type to see a cat asleep and go “what a rare moment I must capture it forever” and that stays true with his beloved. If you’d let him, he’d love to make some… home videos with you, ones he’d definitely come back to rewatch to the point where your whines are committed to memory like the lyrics to his favourite song.

E - experience

I’d say he’s not a green bean with sex. I don’t think he’s been around the block either. He’s probably opened up such intimacy with a few others before just to test the waters, but hasn’t really felt passionate about opening that part of himself back up for quite some time. He’d most likely fumble a bit to begin with as he recalls the motions.

F - favorite position

Whatever yours is! He’s the definition of a true switch, let him soft dom you or treat him how you like, it’s up to you!

If he had to pick, he’s most likely a sucker for when you’re on his lap. No matter if he’s in charge or not, he just loves to look up and see the way your face scrunches when he bucks and hits that one spot inside you that makes your mind vacate.

G - goofy

Not…. Really? He’s accidentally goofy by saying something super out of place during intimate moments or by fretting over something you wouldn’t even think to be worried over. You could have his cock buried so deep in your insides will feel like they’ve molded to the shape of his dick and he’d stop and ask if you remembered to turn the oven off lmao

H- hair

On himself he mostly trims to keep it simple but like, that’s it. He’s got a light happy trail that he doesn’t really trim since it’s not that thick, it doesn’t really bother him.

On you, he literally doesn’t care. Shave or don’t, he’s your personal cheerleader either way.

I- intimacy

It’s his expertise, your honour! He lives to be closer to you, learn more about your desires, what makes you happiest, please let him treat you good, he adores you so much, and precious things get treated like royalty in his hands. He commits your body and reactions to memory, almost like he’s taken a photograph of every single touch- and like I said….. if you let him…. he would take pictures ;)

J- jerk off

You’d think he’d only do it occasionally but he actually does it quite a lot. He thinks it’s healthy to release regularly, it’s better to cum now than have a weird spike of horniness in public. He’s probably considered the chance that you walk in on him, and he’s surprised by how much he wants that to happen. For him to be desperately close to the edge and for you to walk in and take over, him a deer in the headlights as you take control, he’s could probably cum to that fantasy alone, honestly.

K- Kinks

Well, obv a big ole breeding kink. The thought of cumming in your deepest parts has him frenzied beyond belief.

Idk if the taking pics thing is a kink but also… that ofc.

I think he’s also into sensory deprivation. Allow him to blindfold you, tie your hands behind you, let him take care of you. He’ll handle everything from here, sweet thing, all you have to do is keep moaning for him in such a pretty way.

He’s also, surprisingly, into masochism. He doesn’t care for sadism at all, he’d die before he left a mark on your perfect skin, however….. if you decided to roughly pull his head back by his hair and bite just a little too hard, you might find him bucking into you a little faster.

He’s probably thought a bit about cock warming, but surprisingly he doesn’t really want it to be…. “sexual” as much as he desires to be closer to you. You sitting in his lap, feeling you exhale against his neck with your arms wrapped around him, all the while is cock is buried deep inside you, it just sounds so intimate, and he finds himself craving to be that close to you often.

The biggest of all? Praise praise praise. Body worship as well. He’s literally always babbling about how gorgeous you are, how good you feel, how amazing you make him feel. Always encouraging and always admiring you, just like he does every single day in non sexual contexts, always sneaking in ways to remind you how much he adores you. Tell him about a certain part of your body you don’t feel confident in, he’s paying extra attention to making it known how perfect everything about you is. Everything you have, own, are, all of it. Peking is your number one fan, sit back let him remind you just why he finds you so lovely, you won’t regret it.

L- location

He prefers to be in a secluded area, he knows he’s loud and he’d be really embarrassed if anyone but you brought up the….. volume of his whines.

However, he’s very weak when it comes to your begging. If you're in a less than private location, he’ll most likely let you lead and just try to bite his knuckle to keep from crying out. It'd be soOoOo awful if you made a game out of trying to get him to break and whine out for you unmuffled as you play with him, oOoOoHhHh the horror >:)

M- motivation

He’s an old dad with an enormous you-shaped hole in his chest, just ask him and he’ll give everything he has to his name to you. You don’t need to wear that certain perfume he loves so much, you don’t need to breathe across his neck like that, you don’t need to run a finger down his spine so slowly, he’ll give you anything you ask for, please don’t tease him so much.

If you straight up ask him for sex, he’ll mostly lean towards soft service domming, if you choose to purposely rile him up, he’ll be in a much subby-er mood.

N- no

Like I’ve said, there really isn’t a sadistic bone in his body. He also doesn’t have literally any desire for humiliation kinks. He just doesn’t like it, giving or receiving. He’s a big ole simp with a big heart and it’s in the palm of your hands, please treat it nicely :’(

O- oral

P l s let him give you oral. He might not be an expert but he lives to make you feel good.

Afab readers…. He’ll most likely try to make you sit on his face at least once, please please he wants to feel your thighs against his head while he works his tongue on you.

Amab readers, he fuckin loves to rub his thumbs on your hips to keep you from bucking as he swallows your cock, he’ll open his mouth for you after you cum, swallow, and open his mouth again to prove he didn’t let a single drop go to waste.

As for receiving, phew boy does he love receiving. He cannot for the life of him figure out where to put his hands so it’s a frenzy of him grasping the sheets to biting down on his knuckle to placing a hand on your head. If you made him look down at you and lock eyes while his cock is in your mouth his soul would leave his body lmao

P- pace

Not very fast at all, he prefers to thrust deeper than should be possible. He really likes when you beg him to go faster, and as soft as his heart is, this is the only time he might withhold himself from giving into your begging for a bit, he just loves pulling out so slowly and watch you almost cry out for him to thrust back, deeper harder, faster, please, he’ll give into you eventually, just let him savour the feeling of you needing him badly enough to cry for a few more minutes.

Q- quickies

He prefers long, drawn out rounds, but if you really need some relief quickly, he’s not one to deny you. He will most likely give in, and later on in the night when you're back home and out of the public eye, suggest you two have a much more... thorough round as quick rounds just don’t satisfy him enough.

R- risk

Surprisingly…… he kinda likes the idea. The thought of someone, maybe even someone who’s been pining for you, to catch him in the act of making you beg and cry for him. Alternatively, making them watch you as you give your full attention to him, pleasure him, make them watch you love him instead of them. It riles him up in a way even he’s not used to.

S- stamina

He’s an old man, his refractory time is kinda long lmao. He prefers one really long round rather than multiple. He doesn’t mind or judge if you need a little more, and doesn’t mind giving you a few more orgasms with his tongue or hands.

T- toys

He doesn’t have any, but he’s open to the idea! Admittedly, he likes the idea on himself, like, really likes the idea. Give him a cock ring and watch him cry out as he begs for a break that he doesn’t actually want to take because the bliss you’re giving him is making him feel like jelly.

U- unfair

He's tried to edge and tease you before but he gave in so damn quick it was almost embarrassing for him. He just adores you, he lives to please you, even if you beg him not to give in and try to tease you he just can’t, his heart is so so squishy and he loves you very much dear, please let him treat you exactly how you beg to be treated.

Overstimming however….. he does it accidentally a lot, he just loves prolonging your pleasure, watching you squirm a bit as he forces a second orgasm out of your poor spent body.

V- volume

He’s very loud honestly. If you decide to dom him he talks a lot. He's got a bad babbling habit, words of adoration bleeding from his lips that get more and more incoherent the longer you toy with him. Play with him long enough and he’ll forget how to form words, letting out loud whines and he squirms under you. You might catch him attempting to cry out your name but the poor thing just can’t seem to form the right words.

If you let him top you he’s still throwing out every compliment he can think of and he still whines a lot, he likes to bury his face in your neck to muffle himself and listen to your moans. He lives to hear you come undone, but he can’t help being so loud, you’re just so warm and you feel so good :(

W- wild card

I think jealous sex will be more common than you actually think, Peking is just very quiet about the reason he’s suddenly a bit more handsy. He knows it’s not rational to worry about his place in your heart, but it just eats at him sometimes when he sees the way you blend in with others so easily while he just… doesn’t. If a stranger/friend is more overt about their flirting he will probably be more obvious about the jealousy burning through his veins. Even if he wasn’t prompted through jealously, pillow talk sometimes leans towards him venting his fears to you. Please praise him, tell him how much you love him, he needs it :’((((

X- X Ray

A lot bigger than average and a bit curved. He never considered himself to be out of the norm, or never really considered his cock to anything else than, just, “well, its there” I suppose. He does appreciate the curve a lot more now because it makes it easier to hit your weak point. He feels a bit of pride nestling into his chest if you cry about him being too big.

Y- yearning

Fairly often, but he doesn’t mind not acting on it. He can still function and do his work if he’s only surface level horny. Literally anytime you ask he’ll deliver with very slim exceptions. He’d like it to be a regular thing, since he really enjoys the intimacy, so maybe 3-4 times a week, 1-2 if you prefer it to be.

Z- zzz

Oh man he loves cuddling with you after sex. He also loves cuddling with you period but god he loves to the pillow talk with you in his arms, listening to your sleepy voice as your grip on him slowly loosens -but never lets go, as you succumb to sleep. He isn’t overly sleepy himself, instead choosing to close his eyes and comb through your hair, or run a thumb across your cheek if your hair isn’t a texture that can be combed through. Sleep will come to him eventually, he just likes savouring the warmth you bring him.

[sixeyesgojo]

Pictures of You

Summary: prequel to I’ll Be Your Enemy - fluffy!

Characters: IBYE!Reader, Gojo, Yuji, Megumi, Nobara

Word count: 2,3k

Content warning: none

A/N: requested by @thecaptainsbride

If anybody got the reference Gojo made when he was late; congratulations, you have been successfully hurt (but this time it was not me).

Since I left the relationship between Gojo and the reader up for interpretation in IBYE, I will do the same here! Consider this piece me trying to mend your hearts <3

Taglist applications open for anyone who is interested!

“A trip to an amusement park or something like that doesn’t sound so bad,” you mused in front of Satoru. “It serves as relaxation and maybe the first-years can get closer to each other, you know, bonding and so on. They will see each other many times from now on, so getting along with each other is important,” you reasoned, your eyes almost sparkling from the thought of a day off.

“But Jujutsu Sorcery is an individual–” he began.

“Satoru, I think you should see this as vacation. A vacation where you can eat sweets until your teeth rot and absolutely nobody will hold you back,” you interrupted him.

“Okay, I am sold. Am listening now.” You just knew how to convince him. Sweets.

So that was exactly how the first-year students and you ended up at a fairground somewhere in Tokyo; it was quite neat, not too small but not too spacious either. None of you could get lost in it. Still, it was buzzing with life and all kinds of people mingled. The colorfulness was a refreshing sight to take in, compared to the dark world of Jujutsu Sorcery where seeing people suffer was your daily routine. The pleasant smell of food wafted through the air, making your mouth water, as you walked past the different booths with them. Waffles sounded like absolute heaven on earth right now.

Jujutsu Sorcery certainly was a draining sport, mentally as well as physically. Therefore it was only right to take a break at times, right? Self-care days were just as important as working.

In order to wind down a bit, you had suggested a one-day trip – just you, Satoru and the three first-year students you had adopted in your mind right away after meeting them several times.

“Sensei, you look very pretty today!” Yuji complimented you. Even Megumi noticed: “Did you have a haircut? Your hair seems a little bit shorter.”

“Yeah, Nobara had a field day with me. Cutting my hair.. or more like trimming the ends, choosing my outfit, doing my make-up and so on just for today,” you gushed as if you were a high school girl again. “Leave it to master stylist Kugisaki Nobara and nobody will ever look bad,” the brunette girl commended herself. Yuji was affectionately patting her on the back.

Undoubtedly, Satoru was late – nobody was surprised about that. You already went ahead and generously treated the trio of students you loved dearly to some food.

“Thank you for the food, sensei!” As usual, Yuji and Nobara were in perfect harmony with each other, seemingly sharing a brain.

“Thank you very much,” Megumi also expressed his thanks sweetly. If you hadn’t known better, you would have thought the way his lips seemed to twitch was unintentional. “Absolutely no problem, kiddos. You guys enjoy it while I try to contact Gojo-sensei, yeah?” you shot them an apologetic smile, already fishing out your phone. The three of them nodded in perfect synchronization. They’re as cute as little ducklings, you thought.

You didn’t even need to bother calling.

You were about to dial Satoru’s number on your smartphone when Yuji’s voice boomed, “Oh! There he is! Gojo-sensei, we are here!!”

The boy waved at his teacher.

Satoru immediately spotted the pink-haired student and skipped over to where you all were standing. “Sorry for the wait! I’m afraid I got lost on the path of life!!”

“Nice of you to finally join us, but sadly, the fun is already over and we decided to go home. Just wanted to call you to let you know! We’ve been here since morning,” you deadpanned as the white-haired man arrived, looking Satoru dead in the eye – if they weren’t covered. “Wait, wha– Hold on, I am very sure I am not that late. MY MOCHI?” Satoru sounded frantic, facing his students who just shrugged their shoulders. “Serves you right,” Megumi stated calmly. Nobara, being the sassy girl she was, also joined in, “Losers don’t get to have fun and that’s a fact.”

It was such a wholesome and funny moment for you to see the students playing along with your prank without being told beforehand.

You broke out in laughter, not being able to contain it any longer, “You should have seen your face, dumbass! I was just joking!”

“Phew, I almost thought I had to kiss the idea of eating sweets today goodbye. What a horror that would be, my day would be OVER this instant,” the blindfolded man pouted, “so where should I buy my sweets? I’m gonna buy the entire place anyway, but where do I start? Any suggestions for Great Teacher Gojo?”

“Hold up, Satoru! We gotta take a picture together to commemorate this special day!” you suggested, bouncing up and down with enthusiasm. “I swear I just saw sensei’s eyes sparkle but I might be wrong,” Yuji remarked, looking at his dark-haired friend for confirmation.

“Sensei, if you want to take a picture, we have to take it at the right angle!” Nobara chimed in, the secret Instagram influencer in her on full display. She continued to explain, “It would come out great if Gojo-sensei took the pic, long arms privilege and so on.”

The female student almost seemed more into it than you were, it was adorable to you to see the usually bold student be this into taking pictures.

You hand the tall man your phone, but not without shooting him a “if you drop my phone, I’ll make you drop dead” look.

“Okay, ladies, now let’s get in formation,” the male teacher commanded loudly. Upon hearing that, Megumi immediately slapped his hand in his face and turned away in embarrassment. Why was this man like this?

“...Ladies?” Yuji asked, the expression on his face screaming ‘confusion’ “Gojo-sensei just referenced a Beyoncé song, Itadori,” the dark-haired boy explained in a hushed tone, turning back slightly as if he did not want to get caught.

“And it’s not just any song!” Satoru happily chimed in. “Yes, yes, the good old Formation,” you added, nodding in satisfaction. You remember how you showed him the album when it dropped.

“Can we all just ignore Gojo-sensei and take our pic?” Nobara inquired as she shoved everybody into their respective spots. “Alright, everybody, smiiiiile for the camera. Say cheese!”

Click, click, click, click.

Finally, Satoru had gotten his share of sweets. Complying with his sweet tooth was always an effective way to calm him for some time. Almost like feeding a baby, in a way.

Now it was time for fun rides!

...or at least that was what you thought… until Satoru dragged you along to ride a freaking pendulum ride with him. The three students had managed to talk themselves out of stepping foot on that monster of a ride but Satoru didn’t even give you a chance to refuse, he simply gripped your arm and walked towards it.

Stopping only when you were already standing in line, you nervously eyed the metallic behemoth with its iron arm. The monstrosity was seemingly ready to make you throw up from the way it would spin you through the air repeatedly, going back and forth and back and forth again. Why did you have to do this?

“Satoru,” you called his name timidly and tugged at his sleeve, the strange feeling not leaving your gut, “do I really, really have to do this?”

“Absolutely! I promise it will be very fun,” Satoru replied with a signature grin you wanted to wipe off of his face at that moment.

No, it was not fun. At all. You were dizzy and your fear of height was kicking. The blasts of air hitting your face left, right and center were not helping at all and you were sure, if anybody took a picture of you right now, you would look horribly green.

“I– can’t do this anymore!” you shouted mid-air, right before the ride swung to the other side. The force knocked the air out of you once again.

“SATORU, PLEASE GET US OUT OF HERE!” you begged and squeezed his arm with an iron grip. The height was too overwhelming. “Mid-ride?” Satoru asked and you nodded frantically. “Now that’s what I call reckless! Sounds like fun. I’m in!” he declared with a grin.

“Domain Expansion: Infinite Void.”

That was the last thing you heard the tall man say before he touched your head with his large palm.

Your eyes widened in horror as you realized this man used his domain this recklessly, for fun. Maybe it was a side effect of being able to use it multiple times a day.

The infinity gently wrapped itself around Satoru and you. Almost movie-like, you watched as the entire, vast universe beautifully unfolded in front of your eyes. Each star being created separately, then abruptly flashing by as a sea of stars – as if you were in a wormhole. You perceived the entire domain within a flash of a moment, yet tasted eternity in it. Everything but nothing at once.

Despite being touched by Satoru himself, the sensations weren’t without merit. If this was how it felt to be in the safe space of Satoru’s touch within his inner world of Limitless, you would rather not fathom how it felt to be the one hit by this powerful domain.

It took you some time to process things and recollect.

“When I said I wanted you to get the two of us out of that thing, I didn’t mean ‘send me to your domain’,” you scolded him.

“Well, it was convenient,” he defended himself and you could almost hear the grin on his face, “Bet you’ll hate me after this though.”

“Hating you was never really an option I’d ever consider but okay, we’ll run with it this time. Now undo your domain, please, while I am asking nicely.”

“Your wish is my command! This time at least.”

“Satoru.” A stern last warning fell from your lips.

“Yes, yes, boss. On it.”

“I thought you said it’ll be fun but I am absolutely not riding that thing ever again,” you took deep breaths to calm down as your feet securely touched the ground again. Your legs were still trembling a bit.

“And it was fun! At least for me! I like seeing you struggle – it’s so funny – and the way you clung to my arm? Adorable! You are so tiny compared to me, like a bug I could crush between my fingers!” The annoying sorcerer laughed merrily.

“Gojo fucking Satoru, the only thing that is about to be crushed here are your balls. With my leg. You are very lucky to have that damn Infinity of yours or else,” you threatened.

“Ouch, you really do know how to hurt an invincible man,” he snickered and flicked your forehead lightly.

Rejoining with the students was easy as they all saw the barrier Satoru’s domain created.

“You are lucky there was some kind of show going on down here. That barrier above would have freaked people out if they weren’t distracted,” Nobara said, looks shooting daggers at her weird teacher. Innocent and as nice as ever, Yuji pitched in as well: “Yeah, Fushiguro also tried to distract children with their wandering eyes! I think he did a good job.”

“Okay but what did he do though?” you asked curiously and looked at the boy in question.

“...Shadow puppets,” Megumi slowly admitted, looking anywhere but at the people in front of him.

“Oh? You love your foster-dad-turned-great-teacher this much to embarrass yourself out in public? That’s new!” Satoru teased the poor boy. “Someone has to be the voice of reason around here or you’d all be in jail. That includes preventing civilians who are able to see curses from seeing you use Jujutsu while floating mid-air,” he justified, ignoring the tall teacher’s mockery completely. 

“As much as I love slandering Gojo-sensei, I’d rather spend my day actually having fun,” Nobara pitched in, reminding everybody of why you were here in the first place.

“So, let’s go ride the ferris wheel!” she added excitedly.

More fun rides.

Before you knew it, the day passed by. You could already feel the heaviness in your legs from walking. The swirling feeling from all the rides boded in your chest – you probably would not be able to sleep well tonight. It was definitely worth it though, you thought.

You had already brought the students back to their dorm – Satoru had ran off to the school because he remembered he had to do something – and were on the way home yourself.

You were in some sort of trance, completely immersed in your phone, so you hadn’t registered when Satoru called your name until he gently tapped your shoulder, falling into step with you.

“Yeah?” you looked up to Satoru, snapping out of your train of thought.

“Just wanted to tell you; ‘Operation: Relaxation Day’ was a great success.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Satoru.” A genuine smile graced your lips and for a moment, he softened at the sight.

“You know what? It was amazing, I really should start listening to you more often,” he confessed with a smirk.

“Well, it’s thanks to your amazing power of persuasion that we got to spend it like this, so thanks for today,” you half-heartedly complimented him.

“You do know I only said we’d not be available today and then dashed, right?” he asked you, the usual playful tone lacing his voice. “Exactly what I meant by saying ‘your amazing power of persuasion’.”

“I think I’ll frame the picture we took,” you murmured softly, fondly looking at the screen of your phone. The picture from earlier was displayed on your homescreen.

Surely, you would hang it on the blank wall in your home as well. It was a personal treasure now.

Taglist (dm me if you wanna be added): @assbuttbaek​ @megumifushi​ @bleueluna​ @gojos-mochi​ @delammi

[strawberry--bride]

DIABOLIK LOVERS Haunted Dark Bridal ー Sharon’s Route [DARK EPILOGUE]

*FLASHBACK STARTS*

Location: Kitchen

Mother: Ready...?

She places a large cake on the table.

*Thud*

Father: Go ahead, open your eyes!

Little girl: Wah...~! 

Mother & Father: Happy birthday!

Little girl: A strawberry cake!

Father: I can’t believe my little girl is turning five years old already.

Mother: Fufu, they do grow up fast.

Father: Come on, blow out the candles and make a wish!

Little girl: Mmh! ...Phewー!

*Clap clap clap*

Mother: Of course, we got you a present as well!

Father: It’s small, but we think you’ll like it a lot.

They hand her the present.

Little girl: Let’s see...

*Rustle rustle*

Little girl: Ah...

Mother: What do you think?

Little girl: It’s a strawberry! ...Looks yummy~

Father: Haha, don’t eat that one. It’s a hair clip after all.

Mother: We wanted to give you something you could keep on you at all times. That way, there will always be a part of us with you, even when we’re apart.

Little girl: Mommy! Can you put it in my hair?

Mother: Of course. Hold still one second, okay?

*Rustle*

Father: Look at that! Our little strawberry!

Little girl: Does it look good?

Mother: Fufu, why don’t we take a picture to remember today?

Little girl: Yes!

Father: Let me get the camera!

Little girl: Mama, papa!

Mother: Hm? 

Father: What’s wrong?

Little girl: ーー Thank you. I love you!

Mother & Father: Haha...

Mother: We love you too.

Father: In the past, the present ー and in the future. 

Mother: You were everything we could ever wish for. 

Our cute, little...

ーー Nozomi (*). 

*FLASHBACK ENDS*

Location: Sakamaki manor ;;  Sharon’s room

*Creaaak*

Sharon: Nn...I can’t sleep.

She sits up on the bed.

Sharon: ( In the end, I never found my hair clip... )

Sharon reached underneath her pillow, clutching a photograph against her chest.

*Rustle*

Sharon: Mom, dad...

I’m sorry. The hair clip you gave me...I lost it.

( I always thought that as long as I had that hair clip, there would always be a part of them with me. )

( So what should I do now...? )

( Aside from this picture and mom’s recipe book, I barely have anything left of my past... )

Perhaps this is a sign...

A sign that it’s time to move on.

*Knock knock*

Sharon: ...!!

( Who could that be...? )

Coming!

She runs over to the door to open it.

Subaru: ...Yo.

Sharon: ...Subaru-kun? What brings you here?

Subaru: ...Nothin’ special. Besides, you’re our prey, so I shouldn’t have to justify myself!

Sharon: R-Right! ...Come on in.

( I better not upset him. I don’t want a hole in my bedroom wall... )

Subaru steps inside the room.

Subaru: ...Here.

Sharon: Eh?

Subaru: This is yours, right?

Sharon: That’s...!!

*Rustle*

Sharon: My hair clip...! Where did you find it!?

Subaru: The entrance hall. Don’t leave your shit layin’ ‘round. You’re lucky I’m the one who picked it up this time. 

Sharon: Thank you so much! I honestly don’t know how to repay you...I thought I had lost it forever.

Subaru: Haah? ...’s fine. Besides, don’t make such a big deal out of a hair clip.

Sharon: I’m sure it’s nothing but an ordinary hair clip to others, but it holds a special meaning for me.

ーー This hair clip was given to me by my late parents.

Subaru: ...

Sharon: No other hair clip could ever replace it. ーー So thank you, I mean it.

Subaru: Che...

Sharon: Are you sure there’s no way I could return the favor?

Subaru: ...Oi, do you understand what you’re saying?

Sharon: Eh?

Subaru: There’s only one thing a Vampire could want from a human, right?

*THUD*

Sharon: ...!?

( H-He pinned me against the door...!? )

Subaru: I’m not all that thirsty right now, but since you insist...Hehe.

Sharon: W-Wait! I neverーー

Subaru: Too late to back out now.

He leans in close.

*Rustle*

Subaru: ...Hah?

Sharon: ...?

( What’s wrong? He’s staring right at me... )

Subaru: You...

...Tsk!

*RIIIIIP*

Sharon: Kyah!

( My nightgown...! )

Subaru: I knew it...

Sharon: (  Ah... )

( Those marks... )

( That’s where Shuu-san bit me earlier... )

Subaru: Reiji...? No, Shuu...? 

Tsk. You gave me a whole sentimental speech ‘bout your hair clip earlier, but instead of actually lookin’ for it, you were lettin’ that guy feed off you, huh?

Sharon: N-No, Iーー!

Subaru: What? Trying to make excuses now? These marks don’t lie though.

I bet you enjoyed it, didn’t you? Heh. All of you human chicks are the same.

I don’t like the idea of havin’ someone else’s leftovers, but since you’re so persistent ‘bout thanking me, I’ll give you these fangs.

ーー Right here.

Subaru bites her.

Sharon: Ah...!

( His fangs...are sinking inside my shoulder... )

( It hurts...! )

Subaru: Nnh...Mm...

Sharon: Uu...

Subaru: ーー Hah! ...Not bad for some dull human.

It flashes black before her eyes for a few seconds.

Sharon: ( Huh...? )

Subaru: ...?

Sharon: ( I feel a little...light-headed for some reason... )

( Could it be because I had my blood sucked twice on the same day...? )

Subaru: Oi...

Sharon: ( It’s no use...My consciousness is slipping... )

Everything fades to black as she collapses.

*Thud*

Subaru: ーー Oi!!

Monologue

Amidst my fading consciousness,

I could have sworn I heard Subaru-kun’s voice,

calling out for me.

ー No, the name falling from his lips.

Isn’t who I truly am. 

Or is it? 

At this point,

I no longer know myself. 

What I do know,

is when I opened my eyes again,

I was met with the familiar warmth and softness of my bed.

*Rustle*

Sharon: Nn...

*Rustle rustle*

She opens her eyes in her room.

Sharon: ...My bed? How did I...?

Subaru: Che. You’re finally awake? Took you long enough.

Sharon: Subaru-kun...

( Right. I started feeling faint right after Subaru-kun sucked my blood. )

( Does that mean he’s the one who carried me back to bed? )

Subaru: Honestly, you humans are way too frail. 

You lose a few drops of blood and immediately collapse.

Sharon: ( I’m sure I lost more than just a few drops... )

( However, despite his complaints, he actually stayed my by side until I woke up. )

...Thank you.

Subaru: H-Haah!? Why are you thankin’ me!? I only stayed ‘cause I had nothin’ better to do! Don’t get the wrong idea!

Sharon: ...Fufu.

Subaru: What’s so funny!?

Sharon: Oh, nothing...~ 

Subaru: ...Che. Seems like you’ll be fine. I’m leavin’ then.

Sharon: Mmh. I’ll be okay.

Once again, thank you so much for returning my hair clip.

Subaru: ...Whatever.

Subaru leaves the room.

Sharon: Phew...

( I still feel a little sluggish. I should get some more rest. )

*Rustle*

Hm...?

( Ah. The photo. I must have forgotten to put it back earlier. )

Sharon returns family photo to the recipe book before slipping it underneath her pillow.

Sharon: There we go...

She reaches for the hair clip on her bedside table, pinning it to her side bangs.

*Rustle*

Sharon: Welcome back...Mom, dad.

ーー DARK EPILOGUE: END ーー

<- [ Dark 10 ] [ Maniac Prologue ] ->

Writer’s notes

(*) Sharon’s birth name is Nozomi (望実) written with the characters for ‘hope/wish’ and ‘sincerity/honesty’. 

[fatui-gf]

hello dear! your works are my current obsession i love them all!! youre v good :)

ive been thinking about like, coming home after a long dag of working to diluc and making dinner together and taking a stroll outside the winery and just soft domestic fluff??? whag i wouldnt do for that man heheh!!

have a good rest of your day n keep up the good work!!!

Hiiii!! Thank you so much for your kind words, it really means a lot to me and helps me keep motivated!! I’ve actually already planned to write some fluff for Diluc, he’s one of my favs, haha. Anyways, I hope you like this fluffy scenario! I took an artistic liberty and made the reader and Diluc married, I think it fits the domestic, sweet vibe and I hope you won’t mind :D

Diluc x reader - Can we kiss forever? (sfw fluff, the reader is gn as per usual)

word count: 1680

It was a tough day for the adventurer’s guild today. Loads of work and not that many people to take care of everything. If you said you weren’t tired then you’d be lying.

It wasn’t completely exhausting but you still couldn’t keep your mind off Diluc, especially during the end of the commissions you were supposed to do. Your mind would crawl back to him, the memories and how much you wanted to see him again, remembering the good morning kiss he had placed on your cheek. You touched your face, caressing the spot that had kissed earlier, lost in thought.

Are you done with your work today? - a familiar voice approached as you paused in your actions.

It was the fellow adventurer from the guild. You averted your eyes, a little flustered that they had seen you daydream just now.

Yeah, I was about to head home right now - you said, giving them a friendly smile.

Alright then, see you again tomorrow! - they exclaimed happily as you turned your own way.

Phew, they didn’t question what you were so intensely thinking about. You smiled to yourself as your mind drifted to your husband again.

You headed to the general goods store to get a few ingredients for dinner. You remembered your agreement with your husband that today the both of you were going to cook together.

After the shopping was done, you headed to the Dawn Winery where Diluc was waiting for you. He had already cleaned the kitchen and prepared what he could. You’ve placed the paper bag with ingredients on the counter as you spread your arms, inviting Diluc for a welcome hug which he gladly accepted. You stayed like that for a little longer, him enjoying the closeness he always missed.

It was beautiful to finally see the man feeling appreciated. He still needed a lot of reassurance, though. After what he has been through, he can’t let anyone he loves so much leave his side anymore. You were like treasure to him, someone whom he would always protect and take care of. He was devoted. Actually, really devoted and committed to the relationship. Most people wouldn’t necessarily describe him as a romantic person and truth be told, his stoic demeanor might suggest that. However, he tried his best to make you smile and happy, usually in the most subtle ways. You could notice he never forgot to greet you with a kiss in the morning or how he would gently hold your hand when you were nearby. It was the little things for him, mostly in the comfort of our own home, away from the sight of others. He didn’t need to show everyone you were his nor did he need the approval of strangers. All that mattered to him was the truth of your feelings.

Cooking the dinner today was entirely his idea, he thought it would be a great bonding experience and quite honestly, he loved your cooking, mostly because it was made by you. The love and effort that was put into a dish mattered more than the rich flavour or a skillful technique used to make it. It was special because it was made with care and hope that he will like it.

After pulling away from the long embrace, Diluc shot you a smile. It wasn’t that rare to see him smile, it was a part of the mask he would put on for the public but seeing him smile so happily and most importantly, truthfully was the best you could see.

He grabbed your hand and led you closer to the counters. You pulled out all the necessary stuff. You were going to make a “once upon a time in Mondstadt” (Diluc’s special dish). He watched you with eyes oh so full of love as you did tasks as mundane as preparing the meat for the meal.

He approached you from behind, putting his strong hands on yours as if he was leading you with them. You could feel the warmth gleaming from his bare hands, he was comfortable enough around you to take off his gloves, besides, he loved to feel your skin on his. It was so simple, yet so intimate.

You weren’t doing anything special but you felt like a royalty, so lucky to have him and so lucky to enjoy the time together. “This… is what love is about, right?” you thought to yourself.

You spent such a great time cooking the dish together, your laughter and sounds of endless conversations filled the mansion’s walls. When the meal was done, you’ve brought it to the table which was set by Diluc earlier. The white tablecloth was dotted with red rose petals and a few candles waited to be lit. Cliche but still cute, you could tell he’s put a lot of care and thought into it. You sat down and enjoyed the meal together. Diluc would sometimes reach his hand to meet yours, feeling your touch, you being close to him, appreciating your looks. You were perfect in his eyes and he was so glad he could have a more romantic dinner with you. It’s always good to romanticize simple tasks and make them something more special. He appreciated your every move, even if it was clumsy, he still adored it.

It was so good, I think we might have to do this more often - you laughed as you were putting the dirty dishes away to the kitchen.

Everything for you - he said, putting his large hands on your cheeks and gently caressing them before he placed a small peck on your forehead.

You shot a quick glance to the window and noticed that the sun was about to get. Your eyes widened and got brighter.

Diluc! Let’s go see the sunset together!

You made your way out of the Dawn Winery, taking a short stroll nearby before you settled down to sit on the grass. It was a little damp but that didn’t matter to either of you. You kept looking at the sky with the biggest smile, your eyes looked so beautiful in this lightning, someone couldn’t take their eyes off you. Your joy was so amusing, how a person could get so excited by something that happens everyday. Diluc quietly placed his hand on top of yours which you gripped, giving him the little thumb rub to show affection. He then averted his gaze from you, directing it at the scenery before him. It really did look beautiful, how the sun basically painted the nearby trees and such with its colors.

He was so happy to share this moment with you, just the two of you. As soon as the sun set, he could feel a playful push on his shoulder and there he landed, fully on the grass. He couldn’t help but laugh at your joyful shenanigans and pulled you closer into a kiss. As you pulled away, you placed your hair behind your ear, looking at your husband laying there underneath you. He actually looked so happy, he got everything he missed. It wasn’t long before you found yourself on the grass, now the red-haired man being the one more in control. Both of you giggled as you messed around with each other, just enjoying the company. You grabbed a strand of his beautiful hair and he reached to you once again, smiling before you could feel his lips on yours.

Can we kiss forever? Can we stay like this… forever? - you could hear Diluc ask after he pulled away.

You’ve placed your arms around his neck, giving him a smirk.

I really want to spend the rest of my life by your side - you said.

Do you promise? - he asked, sticking out his pinky finger - Pinky promise?

Pinky promise!

You know you can never break these, do you?

I wouldn’t dare.

Diluc took your hand, helping you get up. While you were tidying your clothes, he asked if you would like to walk around a little more. You agreed and the both of you proceeded to take a stroll near the winery, holding hands all the time during the process.

I’m so tired - you said after entering the mansion and taking off your shoes.

I’ll make something warm for you to drink before you go to sleep, it would be a shame if you caught a cold - your husband said with care.

You sat yourself on the couch, wrapping your body in a blanket, waiting for the hot beverage to arrive along with your portable heater, aka Diluc.

He came back to you after a while, holding a cup with hot chocolate and a plate with homemade chocolate chip cookies he has made before. Who would’ve known Diluc was so good at not only cooking, but also baking? He handed you the cup and placed the plate on the table.

Would you be so kind to let me in? - he asked as you laughed at his polite tone.

You lifted up the blanket, letting the red-haired man snuggle underneath it and wrap his arms around you. The fireplace was also lit, the glimmering light and Diluc’s loving embrace made you feel instantly warmer.

You kept taking sips of the hot cocoa and tasting the cookies. This is what home tastes like. You could feel your cheeks lighting up whenever your husband would give you a peck, not sure if he was trying to get your attention or just shower you completely with love. Nevertheless, it was beautiful.

After a while, Diluc could feel you drifting away to the dream land in his embrace. He carefully lifted you up from the couch, carrying you to your shared bedroom. He made sure to carefully tuck you in without disrupting your sleep. After getting ready for bed, he lied down next to you, taking a look at your sleepy expression before gently kissing your nose. He reached out to turn off the light and pulled you close into his embrace once again.

Goodnight, love - he whispered even though you couldn’t hear it.

[sweetlavenderwritings]

Little to No Space

summary: tendou has a little crush on a certain someone, their straight faced manager that never reacts to his weird shenanigans. his best friend advises that they should get closer. 

-or, you get stuck in a locker with the guess monster.

a/n: this was based off an asmr i listened to a couple nights ago (you were hiding in a locker with a teacher of yours) it was kinda funny bc the one who  voiced it was oikawa’s official va. anyways, take whatever this is lol.

pairing/s: tendou satori x reader

wc: 2 147 (whoops)

tags: crack, comedy(?), humor, ur literally just in a funny situation lol, nsfw implication if u squint

-ꦼ———▸  crossposted on ao3

⋅. ♪ .⋅  Loving Tendou Playlist

“You need to stop staring at our manager and actually talk to her Satori.”  Ushijima’s deep voice broke him out of his trance, catching his attention.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Wakatoshi-kun.” He deflected. Okay, maybe he did tend to stare at you. But he swears he didn’t do it that much.

Ushijima rolled his eyes at that, “I may not be the brightest when it comes people-”

“You got that right.” He snickered while putting his gym clothes away.

“As I was saying, I at least know she isn’t the least bothered by you,” he shut his locker door with a firm bang, interrupting his musing for a moment, “we can all see how she isn’t fazed by whatever antics you flung at her.”

“But that’s just because she’s just like you!” His best friend raised his brows at him. “Not completely, but she’s uhh, I don’t know-stoic. Straight faced and doesn’t say anything much unless necessary.”

“I’m not stoic.” 

“Sure you aren’t.” Has he really not noticed?

“So you’re implying that you can be close to her?” He knew his best friend can be quite obtuse sometimes, but where did that come from?

“That’s not what I’m saying at all, where did even get that idea?” He turned his attention to his duffel bag, already done with the conversation.

But it seems Ushijima wasn’t, “You said she was just like me, even if it was just a bit. And since we’re close, that means you could be with her as well.”

“You’re grasping at short straws here Ushiwaka,” he teased. “Why do you seem so persistent to get me to talk to her?”

“Because I think she might be one of the few people that would actually tolerate your weird personality, rather than shun you for it like most people would.” Oh, that was actually helpful. He knew Ushijima rarely spoke, but whenever he did, it was always something meaningful and helpful.

Ushijima scratched at his neck, looking around the locker room looking for something.

“Uhh, watcha looking for there buddy?”

“I’m missing my pair of socks.” Ushijima groaned. Suddenly, all his previous thoughts of him being meaningful was diminished within a second. 

“That’s the fourth time this week ‘Toshi.”

“I know, but for some reason they don’t end up where they’re supposed to be.” He was pouting, the redhead could tell. You wouldn’t actually see it until you looked closely.

He had to reassure their captain before he drones about ads he read in today’s newspaper. He was not interested in discounts held for sock stores. “We’ll ask the janitors tomorrow, okay? Don’t fret about it.”

Satisfied with his answer, Ushijima nodded. They both grabbed their bags then turned to leave, until they heard a knock at the door.

“Uhm, excuse me. Is Tendou-kun here by any chance?” Speak of the devil...

He stilled, clearly not expecting for you to look for him. He wondered how long you’ve been there, hoping you haven’t heard a single word from their conversation that just happened to be about you.

Ushijima looked at him, a faint smirk curved at the corners of his lips. He gave him a look as if to say, this is your chance.

Without consulting him if he even wanted to answer, he strode towards the door and opened it without warning, causing you to jump back in surprise. The basket of jerseys nearly fell from your hands in shock. 

He mentally slapped himself in the face. Way to go Wakatoshi, scare off our manager.

“Satori’s right here,” He waved to him, standing still like a deer in the headlights. “I must go.” He walked past you, leaving no space for you to even start a conversation with him.

“Oh, uhm alright. Thank you Ushijima-san.” You waved to Ushijima before to turning to him, looking at him with a blank expression.

“I’m sorry, it seems I interrupted you on your way home. But I promise this will be quick.” You said with a flat tone. You reached down on the freshly laundered basket of jerseys, fumbling with the different colored fabrics as you looked for something. 

With a victorious ‘ah’, you held up a familiar pair of socks. 

“I kept seeing these somewhere in your locker rooms whenever I clean after practice. I usually just place them on the benches but this time it was on basket with the rest of the jerseys so I took the liberty to wash them.” He took them from your hands, fingers lightly brushing when he grab ahold of the very socks his best friend was pouting about. He jolted, feeling a sensation from the minimal contact.

Either you ignored him or didn’t notice, which was probably the latter, you moved on to place the basket on a corner. 

‘You need to stop staring at our manager and actually talk to her Satori.’

“So, how are you managing so far manager-chan?” He hoped his voice didn’t reveal how nervous he was to be alone with you. 

In truth, he liked being with you at any chance he could get. It was fun flinging non-nonsensical shit at you, just to get a reaction. It was like a challenge for him really, wanting nothing more than to see you flustered or even better, laugh at his jokes just for once.

You never looked irked or disgusted by his whole demeanor, which was something he appreciated a lot. He hoped you never would, fearing that it might be the inevitable truth he wasn’t willing to accept.

That he was a monster no one could truly understand.

“I’m still afraid of getting hit by a ball every time Ushijima-san serves, but other than that I’m doing fine.” You wiped your forehead with the back of your hand, exhaustion evident on your face. “You’re not going home, Tendou-san? It’s already late, I suggest you hurry now so you can rest easy for tomorrow’s practice.”

He smirks, suddenly feeling a mood for a good teasing. “Dawww, is our dear little manager concerned for the resident Guess Monster?” He quirked a brow as he leered at you with a teasing grin. 

Unperturbed, you tilted your head, looking a bit puzzled. “Of course I am. I am your manager after all, isn’t it my job to look after the team?”

“Don’t be shy, you can just say you like me, manager-chaaan~” He thought really shouldn’t tease you like that but he really can’t help himself.

What happened next surprised him the most.

He figured you’d wave off his teasing like always, roll your eyes then move on with your day. But instead, he spots the blushing of your cheeks. Something he didn’t expect from you at all.

He opens his mouth to say something but stops at the sounds of footsteps nearing the locker room.

Shit. If the team saw you alone with him in the locker rooms at this hour it’ll be the death of him. You wouldn’t have cared, but he knows they’ll hold it over his head and tease him relentlessly, insinuating that there’s something going on between the two of you.

With a hushed ‘Quick!’ he grabs your arm then pulls you into a vacant locker. He shuts the door in haste, making a loud bang that makes him wince. 

“Tendou what’re you-” he shuts you up with a hand covering your mouth. He looks at you pleadingly as he zips up his lips, urging you to stay quiet. You nod with his hand still covering your lips. 

“Hurry up Semi! We’re gonna be late!” Reon’s voice booms loudly as they enter the room, causing the both of you to jump in surprise.

“Wait a damn minute will you? I just forgot my wallet.” The sound of a locker opening fills in the sudden silence. He waits with a bated breath hoping they’ll leave soon.

But it seems that wasn’t the case. 

“Say... Isn’t that Tendou’s duffel bag?” You both hear Shirabu’s voice ask with uncertainty. Tendou freezes, unsure what to do.

There’s a muffled noise of shuffling. “Yeah, it’s his alright. It’s his jacket draped over it.”

“Then why is it still here? Shouldn’t he have left by now?”

“Didn’t we pass by Ushijima just earlier?” Shit. Shit. Shit.

The locker you were both hiding in was getting hotter by the minute. He feels a sweat trickle down his neck as he tries not to breathe loudly as to not grab attention. 

When Ushijima told him to get closer to you, he surely didn’t mean this!

Your soft hands reach to take his off your mouth. He mouths a soft ‘sorry’ but you shake your head softly, not minding his mistake in the slightest. With the ongoing conversation about his whereabouts outside he distracts himself with little details he begins to notice.

Like how you smelled of baby powder and faint deodorant, or how there are strands of your hair sticking to your exposed neck from your ponytail. He tries hard not to think about how close you were. Your shoulders pressed against his chest, head just below his chin, and your hips just right where his-

“Tendou-kun,” he hears you whisper. He cranes his just a bit, trying to get a look at your face. “Your phone is bumping my hip, I know there’s not much space but can you please move it a bit?” 

Phone? What phone? He was pretty sure he left it in his bag━

“Sorry.” He apologizes meekly, wiggling his hips away from you as he desperately wills his sudden hard on to calm down. This locker was gonna be the death of him soon if he stays here any longer. 

He thanks whatever deity is at work above for your obliviousness. A blessing in disguise he’s really thankful at the moment.

“Eh, why’re we wasting time here? He probably just went to the bathroom.” Semi cuts off as he grabs his wallet. Tendou thanks the ashen blond silently, promising not to tease him just for a day.

He hears the door shut. He waits until the footsteps are completely gone, then sighs in relief when no one comes back.

“Phew, that was a close call. Who knows what might’ve happened if they found us here.” He lets out a laugh, “we can leave now, [y/n]-chan.”

Then he’s looking at you, head ducked so he couldn’t see much of your face. But he peers between the strands of your hair and finally notices how flustered you look.

He smirks. “[y/n]-chan?” 

For once in your life, you try to avoid his eyes.“O-oh! Tendou-kun, are they gone yet?” 

“If I knew better manager-chan~ Judging by your flustered face, I would assume you actually wanted to stay here with me.”

Your eyes widen like saucers. “No! It’s just that it’s cramped in here, it got hot so I am blushing for different reasons!” Your composure was breaking by the minute, hands flailing in exaggeration as you try to explain in defense. 

He barks out a laugh. “Manager-chan, I was just kidding! Calm down for me, hm?” You don’t reply.

“Alright, I’m sorry for teasing you.” He says as he reaches for the knob, “let’s just get out of here-”

You shoot your hand on his wrist, surprising the both of you. “Uh... about what you just said.”

He waits for you to continue. With a deep breath you try to finish your sentence. “I don’t mind, being here with Tendou-kun.... that’s all.”

The message clicks in his brain. I like you Tendou-kun.

“Oh.” He replied numbly. He was sure he must’ve looked stupid with the face he was making, still awestruck at what you just admitted.

You giggle, a sound he finds himself emitting to his memory.

“You’re weird as ever Tendou-kun,” the look of adoration you gave him nearly made him choke. “But that’s fine, I like that about you.” 

Two confessions all at once? Was this a dream? Boy, he surely was gonna panic about this to Ushijima later, not that he’d be any of help.

Waving away the butterflies in his stomach, he ruffles your hair. “You’re too full of surprises today [y/n]-chan. Someday you’re gonna give me a heart attack if you just suddenly give me these cute faces without warning.”

He feels himself smile wide at another bashful look you give him.

“Now let’s get out of here.” He twists the knob inside but it doesn’t budge. Confused, he tries to twist it another way but it still doesn’t move. He struggles with it for a minute until he gives up. 

It wouldn’t open.

“Uhh... Tendou-kun, I think we might have to call the others.” He hears you say tentatively. 

“Sure, do you have your phone with you?”

You pat your pockets for a second. “Oh, I must’ve left it in my bag. How about we use your phone instead?” 

“...”