#Peach: Wanna repeat that dear? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

the-firebender-girl · 4 years

Text

Fire Lord For a Day (Zuko x Reader)

-> There’s a new Fire Lord in town because Zuko lost a bet.

A few years after Zuko was crowned as the Fire Lord and ushered in a new era of peace and harmony, all is finally well between the 4 nations.

The progress of building the war-torn world back up was hard, but not impossible. Under his rule the Fire Nation work to regain its honor and clean its name, doing whatever they can to help restore what they had destroyed. And having the Avatar on his side definitely doesn’t hurt his chances too.

Besides working on the nation, he has worked hard on bettering himself, becoming a better man, someone more deserving of his title. And I think it’s safe to say that he’s well on his way there, Zuko has always been the sane one in the family, the one with a moral compass although he did get somewhat confused in the past before he found who he’s meant to be. Changing for the better is his watchword now.

That thing with Mai didn’t work out too, for the best perhaps. Although they’re compatible and have known each other since they were little, perhaps it wasn’t meant to be anything more than a simple childhood crush, but it can’t really grow past that. They crave for different things in a relationship, Mai was too emotionless, too closed-off, too cold for his taste. After living a life full of loneliness and rejection, all he needs is warmth and acceptance, a pair of welcoming arms.

Perhaps that’s why he’s immediately hooked to her. Y/N. She’s like the sunshine of his life. Her presence brings him so much joy and unconditional love. It was a chance encounter between them. Zuko was walking around the capital in disguise, watching as the world unfold and ran its course around him, how his people are living their life when he bumped into her. Nearly knocking her onto the ground, thank Agni he didn’t.

She apologized profusely when the impact caused his hood to fall back, revealing his face. She wasn’t sure of this new Fire Lord, well he did promise to be different than his ancestors but she needs actions not words. When she won’t stop repeatedly bowing even though he was clearly the one who got in her way, he frowned, and stop her mid-bow.

“You can stop doing that now, i’m okay, there’s nothing to be worried about” He said softly, assuring the poor girl.

“I’m truly sorry Fire Lord, what can I do to make it up to you?” Face still latched with worries, eyebrows tightly knitted.

“Well I still have to think about that” He pretended to contemplate it in his head, one hand positioned under his chin, “In the meantime, how about we discuss it over tea?”

“O—of course Fire Lord Zuko, anything” He can’t help but grimaced, still was not used to the title.

“Zuko please, just call me Zuko”

“Zuko...” She said, testing the name out, how he loved the sound of it.

“And what can I call you, fair lady?”

“Y/N, just Y/N”

“Okay then just Y/N, should we go now?” Zuko said, offering one of his hands for her to hold, which she took gratefully.

“By all means, lead the way Zuko” Finally letting her worries melt away, giving a way in for a smile.

———————————————————————

That was a few years ago.

Turns out that Y/N’s family is the owner of Zen Dimsum & Tea House, the most famous restaurant in the capital. Even Uncle Iroh always squeeze a visit there everytime he comes home.

“Rival only second to Jasmine Dragon itself!” That’s what he claimed.

And now she is officially his girlfriend, him asking her out was anything but romantic. Spirits know how much he lacks in the wooing department. She doesn’t seem to mind it though and said yes in a heartbeat.

She has met the Gaang on several occasions and they all love her. Even the palace servants and guards adore her too. Zuko came to the conclusion that it’s just impossible not to took a liking to her.

That’s what brought us here today. You see about a week ago Zuko had lost a bet to Y/N, and the price she asked for? being a Fire Lord for a day.

Zuko was skeptical at first of course because everything could go downhill real quick, but she assured him that she wouldn’t do anything that could put a permanent damage to his reputation, not too much anyway.

They agreed on this day for his schedule was pretty much empty, no meetings, no strategizing, no council. It’s as perfect as it can be.

Even the Gaang are here too to witness this hilarious once-in-a-blue-moon occasion. Zuko’s never known for being one to let go of the reign. But this girl somehow manages to pulled it off, oh she’s going to be the death of him for sure.

“All hail Fire Lord Y/N” Sokka said in a booming voice, as he puts the Fire Lord headpiece into her top-knot, crowning her for the day.

“All hail Fire Lord Y/N” Aang, Katara, Toph, Suki, and Ty Lee repeated back solemnly while giving an exaggerated bow.

Zuko can’t help but facepalmed himself at the scene that he’s witnessing, Fire Lord Sozin would no doubt have his head if only he were to see this.

“Ahh it feels good to be king” Y/N said, mustering her voice to be as regal as can be, but her grin definitely ruins it.

Uncle Iroh who has somehow founds himself stumbling onto this scene can’t help but let out a loud laughter.

“Now what do we have here? I must say i’m disappointed to see your reign came to an end so soon dear nephew”

Zuko lets out an exasperated groan to which everyone in the room exploded into a series of laughter, this is just too good to be true.

———————————————————————

“What will be your first decree, Your Majesty?” Sokka asked her.

The Gaang, Ty Lee, and Uncle Iroh surrounded her like an entourage, not wanting to miss out on all the fun while a grumbling Zuko trailed not too far behind them.

“Hey Iroh? do you remember when you reigned as the temporary Fire Lord?” Y/N said.

“Of course dear one, it was short but sweet, what about it?”

“I think it’s about time that we bring back what matters most to the people, I hereby declared that National Tea Appreciation Day would be permanently etched into our calendar!”

The Gaang cheer while Uncle Iroh had almost cried on spot, he shrieked happily, hugging the girl tightly.

“You are a blessing to this nation Y/N”

She smiles back at him, “Anything for you, Iroh”

“National Tea Appreciation Day it is then! Toph, mind giving me a hand on drawing the illustration for the official announcement?” Sokka said asking his poster drawing partner, just like old times in Ba Sing Se.

“You got it, boss” Toph grins back at him, giving a thumbs up.

Looking back and forth between his positively glowing uncle and the happiest the Gaang has ever been for some time, Zuko can’t help but feel the tension leaves his body.

“Maybe this won’t be so bad after all”

———————————————————————

“NO! absolutely not! you can’t change our national color to pink and peach Y/N, what do you think we are?” Zuko nearly lose his shit at this madness.

“But I think it’s brilliant, Zuko! red is sooo last centuries” Ty Lee comes to Y/N defense, sticking her tongue out to her childhood friend.

“You guys are crazy” He’s shaking his head frantically, “This nation is doomed” He dramatically said while pulling at his hair, his top-knot has hair sticking out in all directions.

“Oh knock it off, drama king. It’s just for a day! the people deserve to let loose and have some fun. You know you can always revoke it later” Y/N said, pulling her puppy dog eyes at him, lips pouting slightly.

“Please don’t do that... you’re not playing fair Y/N, you know I can’t say no to that face” Zuko grumbles, he’s trying very hard, but she got him putty in her hands.

“You know what? do what you like, it can’t get any worse than this” He said in defeat.

Oh boy if only he knew how wrong he was.

Zuko cannot recognize what he is seeing in front of his eyes. The proud Fire Nation, his nation, is now a seas of pink and peaches.

To his surprise after the announcement of Y/N’s second decree, the people responded to it giddily. They began to dress up in all sorts of pink and peach, their normal red and black outfit long forgotten. Even the usually reserved and standoffish nobles are participating in this event. Excitement buzzing in the air of the capital.

The people are rejoicing, merrily welcoming the arrival of the new ‘Fire Lord’ amidst them with the sound of cheers and clapping. Petals of flowers are thrown to the air, creating a rain of blooms in a flurry of rainbow shades. It’s nice to see them this light-hearted after living under a tyrant for soo long, the constricting rules don’t help either.

For the first time Zuko sees the people of the Fire Nation becoming one, with no clear lines separating between the nobles and the commoners, together right here and now, they are just human who longs for freedom. Freedom that Y/N just gives them, to do as one’s heart content without having to fear for their status or images.

———————————————————————

“Can we have some music over here? real music not the usual propaganda ones, I wanna hear some beat!” Y/N screamed out into the crowd that has filled the Royal Plaza.

“This one really brings the party with her doesn’t she, Sparky?” Toph said to Zuko, as together their eyes sweep over the continously growing crowd.

“Yeah... that she does” Zuko smiles fondly at his girlfriend and the way she enchants the crowd, it’s like they are gravitating towards her.

“Oh no...” Toph said again with a teasing wicked grin, she pointed her finger at him.

“You are so whipped, Sparky”

“That I am Toph, that I am...”

———————————————————————

“WOHOOOO it’s like the secret cave rave all over again!!!” Aang screamed with happiness as he crowd surf. People of all ages dancing below him.

“Aang! you get down here this instant! you’re gonna fall” Katara freaks out watching the Avatar being passed on from hands to hands. Biting her lip so hard she nearly drew blood.

“Oh let him live, Katara! loosen up, it’s a party” Suki said as she elbows her side lightly.

“Why are we just standing here? COME ON” Ty Lee said as she dragged both girls right to the middle of the crowd.

Katara’s screams of “No no no” was the last thing that can be heard before it’s swallowed by the sound of thrumming beats and off-tune singing.

———————————————————————

As the day come to an end, the party died down and people are returning to their respective home. Worn out but as happy as ever.

The Gaang is beaming, their feet light as they make their way back to the palace. Even after all of the heroic things that they had accomplished, it felt nice just to be a bunch of teenagers again.

“I’m beat you guys, i’m probably gonna sleep for the next 2 days” Aang said, pausing mid sentence to let out a yawn.

“Yup good idea, i’m gonna copy you on that” Sokka replied, entertaining the idea of just passing out on the floor right here right now, it looks so tempting. That is before Suki offers him her shoulders to lean on, shaking her head at his antics.

“Goodnight everyone” Katara said, earning back a chorus of “Goodnight” from everyone in return.

“Thanks for the awesome day Y/N” Ty Lee said as she half hugged Y/N before she too makes her way to her room.

Uncle Iroh gave Zuko and Y/N a warm smile, “Go on and rest you two, you both earned it”

“Goodnight uncle”

“Sleep well, Iroh”

———————————————————————

Back in Zuko’s bedroom, they both have cleaned up and changed into their sleepwear but decided that this is a rare moment to just enjoy each other’s presence without the usual pressure of being chased by time constraint.

“Had fun?” Zuko asked as he approaches her who is currently standing in the balcony that looks over the town below.

He wraps his arms around her as she snuggles into him, enjoying the extra warmth that he provided. Zuko leans down to press a kiss atop the crown of her head.

“I’m kinda sad that this day is over but it’s good while it lasts, I had a good run” She said while chuckling a bit at the ridiculousness of the situation. Never in a million years had she imagined this happening to her.

“You certainly made quite an impression on the people, they all adore you, not that i’m surprised it’s about time they all see you the way that I see you”

Y/N tilted her head a bit so that she can see him better, he looks handsome under the moonlight and stars, some pieces of his hair falling down lazily covering one of his eyes.

He looks at her with an intense look in his eyes, suddenly getting all serious.

“If you like it that much, it doesn’t have to end tonight you know?”

This got her letting out a scoff, “What? you’re gonna resign your position to me now?” she asked incredulously.

Zuko rolls his eyes at her, “No, you silly girl”

“How does Fire Lady sounds to you?”

Y/N swears that her heart stopped beating for a milisecond after hearing the words that just came out of her lover’s mouth.

“Are you really proposing to me right now, Fire Lord Zuko?” She said, feigning out a scandalous gasp.

“Spirits you’re dramatic aren’t you”

“You’re one to talk, Zuko”

She pretends to think about it, eyes looking upward, eyebrows scrunching creating a line in her forehead.

Now Zuko is the one who’s starting to get cold feet, what if she rejected him? what if it’s too much? too soon? how brash of him to just throw around this responsibility so carelessly. Before he can start hyperventilating, she raises her hand to cup his cheek gently, rubbing a soothing finger in a left and right motion to calm down his strung nerve.

“That sounds perfect” Sincerity evident in her voice, “I’ll be honored Zuko, if you’ll have me”

“Oh thank the spirits”

He’s in a state of euphoria, pulling her in even closer, he gently takes her face into his hands and lean down to kiss her. A slow, passionate kiss where they pour as much love as they can muster into it.

As they broke apart, Zuko takes her hand and entertwine their fingers together. Leading her back into his room and walk to the front of the vanity.

He opens one of the drawers, taking out a beautiful box decorated with carvings of dragon and fire lillies. Inside it is a gleaming piece of gold in the shape of a flame, the Fire Lady headpiece.

“May I?” He asks her.

She can only nods, emotions threatening to make her burst.

Zuko takes the headpiece and carefully inserted it into her top-knot, it sits perfectly, right where it should be.

“My Fire Lady” Zuko said as he can’t help but smile as he stares at her reflection in the mirror, leaning down to give a kiss to her cheek.

———————————————————————

The national colors went back to the normal red and black but the smiles on his people’s faces remains. Especially after hearing the official engaged-to-be-married announcement of their Fire Lord to she who has brought happiness not only to him, but to the people as well.

That day as she stood beside him from the top stair of the palace, hands waving to the cheering crowd of people below, proudly adorning the Fire Lady headpiece in her hair, Zuko thought to himself.

Yeah Uncle Iroh is never wrong, she is a blessing to this nation.

“All hail Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Y/N” Uncle Iroh said, giving his salute to the new reigning monarch.

“All hail Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Y/N”

———————————————————————

A/N : I’ve been very productive lately and there’s a lot more stories waiting to be finished in my draft😉 this is my second Zuko fic and as for me i’m very pleased with how it turns out but I really want to hear from you guys too soo feedbacks are definitely hoped for so that I can improve my writing♥️ anyways thank you so much for reading til the end and i’ll see you on another fic lovelies!

1K notes · View notes

miracleonice87 · 3 years

Text

’tis the damn season

an Auston Matthews song fic

a/n: based on the absolute masterpiece that is ’tis the damn season by Taylor Swift from evermore. This one was not on my WIP list but came over me as soon as I heard the song when the album dropped. also have no idea how it became my longest piece yet, by far (as in 12k+ whoops). obviously, I do not own any of the music/lyrics to this song nor any other I write about.

summary: Auston Matthews and his ex-girlfriend are reunited in their hometown years after their difficult breakup.

warnings: swearing, alcohol, allusions to sex, a delicate balance of angst and fluff. a bit of a slow burn, if you want to call it that.

_____

You might have been one of the few people on the planet who disagreed with the phrase, “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” At least, for the last few years, that hadn’t exactly been your sentiment.

But, you were home anyway, after a few weeks of your mother’s guilt tripping and your father’s repeated phone calls. And, admittedly, you were enjoying your quiet time at home with your parents.

After helping your mom bake a few dozen cookies for the Christmas Eve party they were throwing tomorrow night, you wandered upstairs to your childhood bedroom to change out of your flour-covered attire and maybe squeeze in a nap. An undeniable perk of staying with your parents during the holidays — so many opportunities to sleep. As you pulled on a well-worn, long-sleeved ASU t-shirt you found hanging in your closet, your phone rang.

You groaned and swore to yourself that if it was your editor again, you were quitting. She’d already interrupted your time off at least once throughout each of your three days at home thus far — your first week of vacation in the two and a half years you’d been with the fashion magazine. You rolled your eyes and reached for the sounding device on your bed, then recoiled when you saw the contact name — or rather, initials — on the screen.

Oh, god.

Even worse, the years-old contact photo popped up behind the name — a picture of the two of you lying together on the shore on your vacation four years ago, right after the draft, when you both still held onto the naive belief that nothing that had just happened in his world would change things between the two of you.

“Shit,” you whispered, covering your mouth while anxiety coursed through your veins.

You couldn’t just not answer. Right? The two of you were on decent terms, though you couldn’t quite remember the last time you’d spoken — probably seven, eight months ago. You had no good reason to ignore his call.

And after all... you were the one who had ended things.

You cleared your throat and, trying to coach yourself into mustering up some semblance of courage, quickly repeated, “Okay, okay, okay, okay.” Then, like ripping off a bandaid, you hurriedly tapped the green button and pressed the phone to your ear.

“Matthews,” you greeted curtly — tentatively.

“Kels. Come over,” Auston said abruptly, though you could hear the smile in his voice. “I know you’re home.”

You squinted and glanced around your room, racking your brain as you tried to figure out how exactly your ex-boyfriend knew your current whereabouts.

“What?” you asked, puzzled, not to mention slightly shocked that he was even interested in seeing you in person — though some part of you was, indeed, grateful for that. “How did you even know I was in Scottsdale?”

“Uh, your Instagram story, my dear,” he said, obviously amused. “You posted this morning from that new coffee shop between the Methodist church and our old school building. Remember?”

You rubbed a hand over your face, suddenly regretting adding him to your close friends list on Instagram six weeks ago after a few glasses of wine with your girlfriends.

“Fuck,” you muttered under your breath, eliciting a chuckle from Auston.

“Yeah, don’t flatter yourself thinking I sit around and stalk you, sweetheart,” he teased. “I thought about replying but I didn’t wanna slide into your DMs and look like a fuckboy.” He paused, and you opened your mouth to make a halfhearted wisecrack that you didn’t truly mean, but before you could speak, he added, “Plus you probably get so many DMs, I’m sure mine would just get lost in the shuffle.”

Again, you rolled your eyes. “Matthews,” you repeated, whinier now.

“C’mon, Kels. Just come over,” he whined back. “I just got in last night. I’m staying at my parents’ house. My sisters nearly busted down my door when they saw you were back in town, plus I know my mom and dad would love to see you.”

Suddenly, two decades’ worth of memories that you had long ago pushed to the back of your mind flooded all at once to the forefront of your consciousness. Sleepovers watching Disney Channel movies and eating peach rings with Alex and Brey. Brian scooping you up in his arms after a nasty tumble off your bike on their street, propping you on the kitchen counter as he bandaged the scrapes on your knees, Auston never leaving your side nor letting go of your hand. Road trips with Ema to watch Auston play in countless tournaments, with you doing homework in the front seat while Ema sang along to the radio. Matthews family dinners eating Ema’s famous chicken tortilla soup. Vacations and carpool and pickup basketball games and shopping for prom dresses and just the mundane, everyday routine you had been part of for so many years.

And those were just the memories that involved his sisters, his parents. You didn’t dare let your mind uncover the buried memories of him, and him alone.

You missed them. Sometimes you missed them all so much that it made your heart physically ache and your stomach drop and your mouth go dry.

So, you drew a long, deep breath, and against your better judgment, eventually said, “Okay. Fine. But you have to send me your parents’ address. I haven’t been to the new Matthews McMansion.”

Auston huffed on the other end. “So mean to me.”

_____

It was certainly a far cry from the modest old ranch-style house where Auston had spent his childhood.

As you pulled up to the sprawling estate in the bougie part of town and cut your engine, you whispered, “What the fuck am I doing here...”

And still, after a quick check of your makeup in your rearview mirror, you got out of the car, closed your door and pushed your sunglasses to the top of your head, sighing as you took in the four vehicles parked in front of yours in the roundabout driveway, none of which you had ever seen before. Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche. Well, you could guess which one was Auston’s.

You walked up the stone sidewalk and slipped your aviators into your purse — it was only then that you noticed that your hands were trembling.

You cleared your throat and exhaled sharply, willing your nerves to subside, as you arrived at the door and pressed the button on its frame, sounding an elaborate chime inside.

“I got it,” you immediately heard a familiar voice call, and you took a startled step backward as you saw his figure approaching through the decorative glass panes outlining the doorway. As he pulled open the door, the flutter you’d tried your hardest to avoid feeling for three years took flight once more in your belly.

“Matthews,” you greeted again, arms crossed in front of you in hopes of hiding your shaking hands.

“Why’d ya bother to ring the doorbell, you nutjob?” Auston asked with a broad smile.

Before you could throw a snide remark back at him, he pulled you into himself, one arm snaking around your mid-back and the other hand cradling your head to his chest. Inadvertently, you exhaled contentedly, and you swore you felt Auston tighten his grip on you then. Your eyes fluttered closed, and you let yourself relax into him for longer than you had intended. He just felt so… familiar. Broad. Strong. Comforting.

He was just… Auston. A thousand things had changed for the two of you, but the way you felt in his presence hadn’t changed since you were a little girl.

You inhaled his cologne, and you noticed that he was doing just the same — breathing in your long-worn Chanel No. 5 perfume, the same kind he used to save up all year to buy you each Christmas.

At that memory, you snapped back to reality and extricated yourself from his embrace, leaving him looking slightly disappointed, though still pleased with your greeting.

“Hi,” you spoke simply as you stared up at him, then chuckled at how stupid that sounded.

“Hi,” he mimicked, head bobbling and eyes widening, causing you both to fall into a giddy fit of nervous laughter over nothing at all.

Just then, you saw Ema’s head pop out from beneath an arched opening toward the back of the house — probably leading to the kitchen, you assumed. Ema was always in the kitchen.

“I thought I heard your laugh,” she sang. You couldn’t help but beam, and Auston smiled and moved out of your way so that you had a direct pathway to his mother. Taking advantage of that, you made a beeline for the petite woman you considered your second mom, already feeling emotion bubbling up in your throat as tears blurred your vision.

“Oh, mija,” Ema said, her voice tight as she met you in the middle of the grand entryway and gathered you into her arms. “Te extrañamos,” (we miss you) she said sincerely.

Auston cupped the back of his neck and quickly looked away then, fearful that he may just shed tears of his own.

You sniffled and murmured, “Los extrañé a todos mucho,” (I missed you all so much) into Ema’s shoulder as she smoothed her hand lovingly over the back of your head.

When you finally parted, moving past the brief sadness of the reunion, Ema still held tightly to your hands, extending her arms so that she could see you better.

“You look more beautiful than ever!” she exclaimed, and you dropped your head bashfully at her compliment. “California is treating you well.”

You nodded. “For the most part,” you remarked with a sigh. Ema glanced quickly from your face to her son’s and back again, deciding not to dwell for too long on that loaded response.

“Well,” she pivoted with a click of her tongue. “You look great. Now come, come! I know Auston’s going to want to steal you away from me, not that I blame him, but I just put on some tea, so let’s sit and have some first.”

“Ma…” Auston protested lightheartedly. Ema wagged her finger at him. “Shh! Mijo! My long lost daughter has returned. Give me ten minutes for a cup of tea with her.”

Auston’s lips parted at her use of the word “daughter,” not that he should have been surprised by it, and you tossed him an animated shrug as Ema pulled you down the hallway back from whence she came. You were right — it was the kitchen, and it was a spectacular one at that.

“Holy…” you trailed off as Ema patted one of the leather barstools at the enormous island in the center of the room. You took a seat, pulling your cross body bag from your shoulder and placing it on the island, and commented, “This kitchen is incredible, Ema. I’m sure you love spending time here.”

Ema nodded and excitedly launched into stories of using all the appliances and gadgets she had never owned before, walking back to the teakettle on the stove as Auston sat down on the nearest barstool, feeling as though he could simply be dreaming, hallucinating, that you were here, sitting with him in his parents’ kitchen. But when you noticed him taking the seat next to yours, you tossed him a classic Kelsey smile and nudged his shoulder with your own, and he felt just slightly more confident that this was reality. Unable to resist your magnetism, which hadn’t faded with time but seemed instead to have only grown stronger, he squeezed your knee beneath the countertop, just as Ema approached with a cup of tea in hand for you.

Choosing to react instead to Ema rather than her son, you grinned and thanked her, feeling Auston’s eyes on you as you lifted the mug to your lips and took small sips, Ema still prattling on happily from the other side of the kitchen. You eventually cast a sidelong glance Auston’s way, accompanied by an amused smirk, the combination of which left him beaming as he looked away from you and back toward his mother, who now approached with two more cups of tea.

“Thanks, Ma,” he said as he wrapped his hands around the mug she offered him.

“You’re welcome, mijo,” Ema replied. “Now Kelsey, honey, how long are you in town?”

“Uh, just until the day after Christmas,” you replied, swirling a finger along the ceramic rim of your mug. “This is the most time I’ve taken off since I started at the magazine,” you admitted with a hint of embarrassment.

Ema nodded. “Your mother said you haven’t made it home for a while. I know they keep you pretty busy there. Is that why you don’t visit so much?” she asked unassumingly.

Auston dropped his head and shuffled his feet awkwardly against the tile floor, and your eyes flickered to him as you racked your brain for an answer that wasn’t a complete lie but also didn’t unmask the whole truth — which was that being in a town that held so much history with your ex was simply too suffocating to bear, even for a quick visit with your parents. So, you typically just stayed in California where you could throw yourself into your work as a fashion writer at a well-known publication and operate under the illusion that you had moved on. From Scottsdale, from Auston, from your life before Los Angeles.

And especially from Toronto.

But the problem was, when the night fell and the lights all faded and you were left to face the truth, you knew in your heart that that’s really all it was — an illusion.

And from 2,500 miles away, Auston knew it, too. He knew it because he was living the same lie.

“Uh, yeah,” you replied sheepishly. “That’s the gist of it. Just, uh, just hard to get away sometimes. My parents usually come out to visit me instead since their schedules are, uh, a little more flexible.”

“Right,” Ema said skeptically as you took a long pull from your mug, despite the hot liquid singing your tongue and making your eyes water. “Well, either way, it’s so good to finally see you here,” she added warmly.

“It’s good to see you too,” you breathed, honesty dripping from that answer.

Auston finally looked at you again, giving you an understanding smile. Even that smallest of gestures made you dizzy.

“So,” you said as you moved away from the topic, sitting up a bit straighter. “Where are the girls? Where’s Brian?”

“Golfing,” Auston answered. “Like always,” he added with a chuckle.

“Why am I not surprised?” you teased, making both Ema and Auston laugh.

“They begged Auston to come with them, but he turned them down,” Ema informed you. “And now we know why.” She lifted her eyebrows and took another sip of her tea as Auston shook his head.

“Dunno what you’re talking about,” he joked. “But no, they’ll be back soon. They can’t wait to see you.”

You brightened at that, not having seen the Matthews girls in nearly as long as it had been since you’d seen Auston himself, finding it easier to breathe when they weren’t nearby, reminding you of him with their every mannerism. And yet, you’d found that starving yourself of their friendship and their company ached nearly just as much.

“I can’t wait either,” you said through a distant smile.

“And Dad will probably cry more than Mom did when he sees you,” Auston predicted, lifting his mug. Ema swatted at his arm.

“Don’t start with me!” she warned. “I happened to see you choking up out there, too.”

You turned to Auston and raised an accusing brow at him. He simply chuckled into his tea and looked away, and the three of you sat in silence for a beat.

“Come on,” he finally said as he rested his mug on the island, nodding his head in the direction of the sliding glass door at the back of the house. “Lemme show you the patio.”

You nodded, knowing full well that showing off the backyard was not the real reason he was inviting you outside. Despite that knowledge, you hopped off the barstool, put your mug in the sink, and kissed Ema on the cheek as you passed her.

“Thanks for the tea, mamacita,” you said with a smile, squeezing her shoulders. “Anytime, mi amor,” she replied, sending a wink your way as you turned to follow Auston.

He slid open the door and motioned for you to step through it first. When he saw his mother watching you through the kitchen window, he gave her a knowing smirk, and she put her hands up in innocence. But as she watched you two walk out onto the patio through the glass, she breathed a silent prayer to any higher power who would listen that maybe, just maybe, you would finally come home.

Not to Scottsdale, no. Home to Auston.

Meanwhile, you were trailing your hand along the hammock near the pool, taking in the scene and trying to remember to breathe. When you heard him close the door, you turned back to Auston, your eyes floating around the backyard.

“Nice setup they’ve got back here,” you grinned, Auston chuckling with his hands shoved into the pockets of his shorts.

“Yeah, it’s even nicer in the summer,” he commented. You nodded, stepping closer to the pool and lowering yourself to sit on the edge, patting the space next to you as an invitation for Auston to do the same.

“We have chairs, ya know,” he grumbled as he took a seat. “Not all of us like to sit on the floor all day doing yoga.”

You sneered at him. “Oh, yeah, that’s what I do all day long,” you said sarcastically.

“Well, you used to, anyway,” he mumbled.

You gulped as visions of him watching you do precarious yoga poses on the living room floor of his apartment flickered in your mind’s eye, and then, once again, you moved right along.

“So… how’s it going, Matthews? How’s life?” you prompted, not even sure if you truly wanted to hear the answer to your inquiry.

He stretched out his long legs so that his feet were dangling above the water as he wondered where to even begin.

“It’s… it’s good,” he said. “Overall. It’s nice to be home for a few days. Needed that. I missed it. Missed my family. Missed…” he stopped himself, “…other things,” he added under his breath.

You chewed the inside of your cheek and decided to avoid the path he was taking this down. “How’s hockey?” you asked instead.

Auston shifted noticeably at the mention of his career, still painfully aware that, despite the successes it had brought him, it had ultimately caused the demise of your relationship.

“Hockey is… hockey,” he said. “Honestly it’s good on the whole. But the team’s not having the greatest year so far, which is rough.” You nodded, knowing better than most that the Toronto media operated at a different level of intensity and scrutiny than that of nearly all other markets, especially when the Leafs were losing, and especially when new blood was added into the equation, like Auston’s had been when they drafted him.

Like yours had been when you moved there with him.

The spotlight they shone on you — and the subsequent attention you received from so-called fans who took to the internet to question your intentions and integrity — had been far more than you bargained for.

Just as you were about to ask about how the guys on the team were faring, Auston spoke again.

“I think about calling you every time we come to LA, Kels,” he said, fixing his eyes on the neighbor’s house in the distance because he was simply unable to look at you while he admitted it. With a sniff, he added, “I’m not gonna lie about that.”

“Why don’t you?” you asked after a beat, maybe unfairly, studying his familiar profile. His features were the same, of course, but he looked… more mature. Older. Wiser. All that jazz. Auston shrugged, still not capable of looking at you.

“Just didn’t think you’d want me to,” he answered dejectedly. Your heart sank into your stomach. Given the things you’d said when you left him nearly three years ago, you could hardly blame him for that one.

“Well,” you started with a sigh. “I guess we could call it even then, because I think about coming to see you play every time you come to LA. Or Anaheim. Or even Vegas. And obviously Phoenix.”

“Well why didn’t you just call me asking for free tickets then,” he said in a tone that he tried to disguise as facetious, but you heard the hurt seeping into his words. “Everybody else I know in any NHL city does.”

You felt a fierce sense of protectiveness then, clenching your jaw as you tried to calm your irate thoughts. You watched him pick at the sleeve of his black Raiders crewneck and felt deeply for him — this man you’d loved since he was a little boy.

“Do they really? Still?” you asked in monotone.

Auston nodded, squinting in the sunlight. “Yup,” he answered, popping the ‘p.’ “Every game.”

“Jesus Christ,” you muttered, covering your eyes with your hand and pushing into your temples. You blew out a long breath. “Fuck. I’m really sorry about that. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but I… it just sucks.”

Auston shrugged. “It’s not your fault,” he stated. “Sometimes I do it, sometimes I don’t. Kinda depends on whether the person’s actually talked to me lately.”

You nodded as he chuckled sadly, and you felt your chest tighten. “Well,” you began, clearing your throat. “I guess I wouldn’t qualify then because we haven’t talked much.”

Auston looked at you with intensity surging in his deep brown eyes, and you wanted to look away but found that you couldn’t.

“You always qualify,” he said seriously. “You’re one of the only people that qualifies.”

You bit down, hard, on your bottom lip and grappled internally with the weight of his comment. Then he said sarcastically, “Besides, I know you’re only after my money. I mean, you forced me to buy you that Louis bag the week after I got drafted.”

Your jaw dropped at his joke, and you scoffed indignantly. “Oh, yeah, the one you finally had to hide in my closet after I kept sneaking it back into your car because I wanted you to return it?” you corrected. “Yeah, ya caught me. You know me, Aus. Such a gold digger.”

Auston had started laughing halfway through your quip, but stopped suddenly. You gave him a questioning look, and he paused before answering.

“You called me Aus,” he stated with a smile he tried and failed to hide. “You went back to calling me Matthews after we broke up. But you… you just called me Aus again.”

“Yeah, well...” you grumbled, “Don’t get too excited.” You tossed him a smirk and he mirrored it, basking in the comfort of the moment.

“So whaddya think of the place? Not bad, right?” he finally asked, glancing around the property, back at the house, then settling his focus back on you.

You shrugged. “A little gaudy for my taste, but...” you began, and Auston shook his head bemusedly, knowing he set himself up for that one.

“No, it’s great. I can see how much your mom loves it. In all seriousness, I think it’s amazing, everything you’ve done for your family. Your parents. It’s pretty incredible,” you said earnestly. “I don’t think I said it enough when we were together, but, I’m really proud of you, Aus. And I don’t just mean about the hockey.”

Auston nodded soberly, turning his head to look you in the eye.

“I know you don’t,” he said quietly. “Thanks, Kels. It means a lot coming from you. More, uh… more than you know.”

And then, before you could think twice about doing so, you reached out your hand to rest atop his, feeling its familiar warmth as your fingertips grazed the raised veins there. Auston swallowed hard, blinking at where your hands now met, and slowly wrapped your fingers in his, giving them a squeeze. You exchanged long stares before you eventually slammed on the brakes in your brain and carried on.

“So, you just casually hang out with Justin Bieber now?” you asked, reaching your palms behind you and leaning back. “And the wildest shit is that I saw it first when he posted it, not you.”

Auston chuckled, looking down at his slides and — ironically — Drew socks combo. In his signature way, he halted his laughter on a dime and his face turned somber as he said dryly, “Yeah, I’m like really famous now, yanno?”

You sighed in annoyance, rolling your eyes as you looked skyward, feeling Auston’s gaze turn to you. You let it go for a few moments before shifting only your eyes toward his.

“What?” you asked accusingly. You could tell by the faraway smirk on his face that he was lost in a memory.

“Remember you had posters of him hung up all over your room in like middle school? From Tiger Beat magazine and shit? And now I play video games and mini sticks with the guy,” Auston said with a chuckle.

“Yeah, and if you ever tell him about that, I’ll end your life,” you threatened, shoving at his arm and attempting to ignore how much his biceps had grown since you last touched them. And then you were slamming the door shut on a rush of memories of having him beneath your touch — some innocent, but most intimate.

Auston saw it in your eyes — the place you went for a moment — as you dropped your hand back to the concrete beneath you. He knew where you went because, so often, he went there, too.

He held your gaze and promised, “Your secret’s safe with me. You know that.”

Only a hint of a smile graced your lips for a fleeting moment as you ran your fingers through your hair. Suddenly, you felt the heaviness of the history between the two of you closing in — smothering you, like it always did. Auston watched helplessly, wishing it didn’t have to be this hard.

And then, in a flash, like he so often did to save you from your swirling thoughts, he casually changed the topic as he commented, “Your hair’s shorter. You look like your mom. In a good way.”

Blushing, you breathed a laugh through your nose. “Thanks,” you said softly. “I think it’s the highlights, too.”

“It is,” Auston confirmed, and then — damn him — he reached out and looped a lock from the front of your face between his thumb and forefinger, the way he had done a thousand times before, usually mid-conversation, always absentmindedly. This time, you knew, as you forced your eyes to meet his, it was a bit more calculated. “I really like it,” he told you.

You nodded, searching his eyes to try and determine whether he had any idea what this — this moment, this visit, this day — really was.

“If you’re gonna ask me what we’re doing,” Auston spoke, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth for a second, “then I have to tell you I have no idea.”

Again, damn him. After all this time, it was like he still lived inside your brain and had read your every thought like the morning paper before you even had the chance to convey it. Which used to save you in a lot of ways. Now it felt kind of… intrusive. But somehow you didn’t mind.

“I had no idea what I was even gonna say when I called you. All I know,” he continued, still flipping the strand of hair around his fingers, “is that I really wanted to see you, and that I was really happy when you came, and that I’m really enjoying this time with you.”

You nodded, and as he pulled his hand from your face, his thumb brushed your jawline just slightly, and that touch alone sent a bolt of lightning through you. Auston smiled softly as he said barely above a whisper, “Okay, now it’s your turn to say something.”

You heaved a sigh, tipping your head back with eyes closed and soaking in the sunshine. “I don’t expect you to know, Aus,” you finally spoke. “I was just so... so shocked, I guess, that you wanted to see me. It’s been so long, I just... I didn’t know when I would see you again.”

“We’ve talked though,” Auston pointed out with a sigh to match yours, pulling a knee to his chest and wrapping his arms around his bent leg. “FaceTimed. Texted.”

You rolled your head toward him. “It’s not the same,” you reasoned softly, hesitantly reaching out your hand to tuck some of his black hair behind his ear. He licked his lips swiftly and placed a peck to your thumb before you slowly withdrew your hand.

“You’re right,” Auston conceded. “Definitely not the same.”

“Uh, sorry to interrupt...”

You were snapped out of your private moment by one person’s voice and another person’s squeal behind you.

“Oh, my god!” you yelled as you shot up from the side of the pool, Alexandria and Breyana already scampering toward you from the back door.

“It’s about goddamn time you came back to us!” Alex shrieked, wrapping her arms around you tightly. “I missed you, little sister,” she cooed, rubbing her hands across your back, and you hummed in agreement.

“I missed you, Al,” you replied, kissing her temple as you stepped back to greet the youngest of the Matthews clan.

“And you. My baby!” you exclaimed, pulling Breyana into your arms. “The true star athlete of the family,” you teased as she squeezed your waist.

“Damn straight,” Breyana giggled. “I missed you, Kels. I can’t believe you’re here!”

You pulled away, glancing behind you as you saw Auston slowly approaching out of the corner of your eye. “Me either,” you admitted, eyes widening dramatically as the girls snickered at you. “How was golf?”

“Brey smoked us, no surprise,” Alex replied. “But shut up about the golf. Tell us what’s going on with you two.”

“Alex!” Auston warned, shooting her a glare. “Please don’t.”

Alex gave him her best older sister roll of the eyes and crossed her arms over her chest as Breyana looked between the two of you.

“Nope,” Alex refused. “Not until you tell me what’s up. C’mon, spill.”

“We’re just...” you began, swiveling to look Auston’s way as he smirked down at you, happy to let you flounder in this one all on your own. “Visiting,” you finished, nodding once at Alex, pleased with your choice of verbiage.

“Honestly, you guys…” Breyana lamented.

“Visiting, huh?” Alex echoed, growing even more suspicious. “Yeah, okay. Sure. Wear protection. Anyways, uh—“

“Alex!” Auston repeated, this time through clenched teeth. “I swear to god...”

“Anyways, like I was saying,” Alex continued. “Your parents invited us all to their house tomorrow night for the Christmas party. I didn’t think you were gonna be there — does this mean you will?”

You nodded, causing Alex to clap excitedly. “I’ll be there with bells on,” you confirmed. “I already made my shortbread cookies.” All three siblings moaned in delight at the mention of your famous treats.

“Hell yeah! Plus that means we won’t be the only ones escaping to the balcony to drink,” Breyana commented.

“Brey, you’re like twelve,” Auston taunted, earning him a sharp elbow to the ribs from his younger sister. “You don’t get to drink with us.”

“Whatever,” she retorted. “Like you guys weren’t sneaking Mom and Dad’s liquor when you were younger than me.”

“Anyways,” Alex said yet again, clearing her throat. “We’re gonna go back inside now and shower, and just, uh, leave you guys to whatever it is you were doing beside the pool there. ‘Kay? ‘Kay. See ya,” she sang, spinning Breyana by the shoulders and guiding her inside, both girls whispering and giggling all the while. “Kels, I’ll call you tonight — you can tell me all about it!” Alex called over her shoulder, sliding the door closed.

You turned to see a pink tinge to Auston’s cheeks as he muttered, “Sorry,” with a dry laugh. You shook your head.

“No, don’t be,” you insisted, waving him off as you took a seat at the glass picnic table beside you, Auston following your lead. “It wouldn’t be a visit to the Matthews house without Alex torturing the both of us,” you teased.

Auston nodded. “Very true,” he said, and you knew he didn’t want to stop there, but he couldn’t seem to find what he did want to say next.

Instead, you ventured, “So what are your—”

At the very same time, he started, “Kels, would you maybe—”

You both chuckled at yourselves, locking eyes. This certainly wasn’t the first time this had happened in conversations — far from it. And usually, you were about to say the very same thing.

So, you motioned for him to speak first.

He toyed with the band of his watch as he said nervously, “I was just gonna say, uh, would you maybe wanna go to dinner with me? Tonight?”

You sat back in your chair, smirking, fully aware that you were teetering on a damn fine line.

“I was hoping you might say that.”

_____

An hour later, after reuniting with Brian (Auston was right — he cried more than the rest of his family combined when he hugged you), you headed home to change for dinner. As you pulled away from the Matthews house, you were thankful that Auston had offered to follow you in his own vehicle so that he could drive you to dinner, which in turn gave each of you a few minutes to breathe.

Surprisingly, your mother didn’t seem at all shocked to see the guest you had brought back with you. You had told her that you were going to visit the Matthews’, not specifying which member of the family had invited you, though she could venture a guess. When she watched two vehicles pull into the driveway side by side, she inhaled an excited gasp, a smile overwhelming her features as she came to meet you at the front door, just as you laughed at a lame joke Auston cracked about your driving.

Your mother nearly tackled him in a hug, which he warmly returned. He shared a similar bond with your mom to the one you shared with his, which was yet another piece that fit perfectly into the puzzle that was your relationship. So many pieces fit, and so few didn’t, but that still didn’t make things whole.

But, you ignored that thought — and so many others — as you left the two to chat, bounding up the stairs to change, now grateful that you’d brought more than one nice option to wear to the Christmas party tomorrow, considering the rest of your suitcase was filled with comfy loungewear.

How could you have ever planned for this?

After touching up your hair and makeup and putting on the more understated of the dressy outfits you’d brought, you returned to the kitchen where your mom and Auston stood huddled at the counter, near empty glasses of red wine in front of them both.

“Already boozin’, huh?” you teased as you folded your arms in front of you. They chuckled, and Auston glanced at you over his shoulder with a smile. When he laid eyes on you, though, he stood straight up and turned to face you, making no attempt to hide his stare, even in front of your mother. Without taking his gaze off of you, he threw back his final sip of wine and blew out a flustered breath. You knew you were blushing, so you walked past him to your mother, pressing your cheek to hers for an air kiss so as not to mess up your lipstick.

“Sorry to take your favorite boy away from you, but we should head out,” you announced as you looked back at Auston. He cleared his throat, walking to the other side of the countertop to hug your mom again, thanking her for the wine and something else that you didn’t quite catch.

He followed you down the hall, his hand ghosting along the small of your back as you reached for your purse on the coat rack. You looked back and blew a final kiss to your mom, who waved as she watched Auston open the passenger door of his car and help you in — both of you giggling as you crouched into the low-riding vehicle in your skirt and high heels. Like a mom of a young teen, she stood at the window and watched the two of you drive down the block and out of sight, hands clasped together wistfully as she turned back to finish placing the final decorative touches in the living room ahead of tomorrow.

Just a minute later, your dad came through the door from the grocery store, calling for her, sounding nearly breathless.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, smoothing the silk ribbon wrapped around the banister.

“Marie… did I just see Auston driving Kelsey down the road in a Porsche?” he gaped, his brow furrowed, thumb pointed over his shoulder.

She laughed, looking downward as she nodded.

“Yes, you did,” she confirmed, then looked at him as she felt tears welling. “Jack... I can’t say for sure, but I think maybe the girl is finally coming to her senses.”

A smile spread slowly across your father’s face and he came toward your mother, wrapping her in a hug.

“Well…” he began, kissing her temple. “Then maybe we’ll get our Christmas wish after all.”

“And what’s that?” your mom asked.

“For her to be happy again.”

_____

“You look amazing, Kels,” Auston said seriously from the driver’s seat. “Gorgeous.”

You gave him a coy smile and briefly inspected the outfit he’d chosen before leaving his own parents’ house.

“Thanks,” you said softly. “You don’t look half bad yourself.”

Auston grinned and decided he would take that.

Ten minutes later, he was pulling up to the restaurant you had already known he’d had in mind when he asked you to dinner, without even needing to discuss it. The same Italian restaurant where you’d celebrated infinite birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Days, and other milestones. You fell into easy conversation during drinks and appetizers before Auston told a comical story about his teammates which led to an in that he knew he needed to take.

“They miss you, you know,” Auston stated cautiously between bites of his shrimp scampi. “Mo. Mitchy. Especially Steph.”

You folded and unfolded the seams of the cloth napkin in your lap, considering your response.

“I miss them, too,” you eventually murmured. “So be real with me. You really like it there now?” you leveled with him.

His demeanor shifted — in a good way — as he replied. “It’s honestly great. I mean, you’d love it there now, Kels. I swear,” Auston said, shaking his head in wonder. “’M not just saying that. I mean, the hype is still there, yes, but it’s not at the level it was when I first started. Mitchy and Mo and Willy and I, all us guys who kinda started out together, we’ve all sort of found our groove with the media and stuff, and for the most part, it’s great. I have a feeling it’ll just keep getting better, too.”

You watched his eyes light up as he spoke about Toronto, relief and happiness washing over you. It didn’t seem so long ago that Auston was curled up on the couch, near tears, head in your lap, feeling incapable of living up to the expectations set for him — almost buckling under the immense pressure, the likes of which he had never felt before.

You let out a teary chuckle, swiping at a teardrop on your cheek that had fallen as he answered, taking you by surprise.

“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that, Aus,” you told him, holding your hand over your heart as it soared within you.

Auston nodded slightly, and his lips twitched into a sad smile. “There’s still something that doesn’t feel right though,” he confessed, though it didn’t feel much like a secret. “Still something missing.”

“And what’s that?” you asked timidly as you lifted your wine glass, excited for and fearful of his answer at all once.

“You.”

Forcing yourself to swallow your merlot so you didn’t spray it across the table, you put your fist to your mouth, holding it there while you attempted to process his latest, and most brazen, admission.

“I mean… look, there have been a few others,” Auston continued with a mindless shrug. “But never anything serious, and never anyone that I’m not constantly comparing to you in every possible way,” he told you, rolling his fingertips on the table and focusing on his hand as he spoke. “Feel kinda bad actually, because I know they all thought it was something more than it really was, and then I was always the one to break things off. I didn’t purposely lead them on, I just... once I got into it, I realized my feelings just weren’t in it.”

You opened your mouth to speak, hands limp in your lap, and then closed your lips in a tight line as you mulled over his words. You inhaled a shuddering breath and looked down, feeling the same shame that had overcome you countless times before come back again.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered without lifting your eyes.

“Kelsey…” Auston spoke firmly. “Look at me. Please.”

You did as he asked, lips pursed, and were met with his adoring, enchanting gaze, always too forgiving of your faults and mistakes.

“It’s okay,” he promised sincerely. “I understand. Trust me on that. I’ve always understood where you were coming from, but it seemed like there was just… just nothing I could do about it. Nothing I could do to make you stay, or to bring you back. That’s what made it so hard. That’s what still makes it so hard.”

You nodded. “Well — what you’re doing right now — whatever this is… it’s working,” you divulged, knowing this was a dangerous game and no longer caring.

“Is it?” Auston asked, a full-blown smile appearing now on his lips. Those lips you missed so damn much.

“Yeah,” you giggled, both of you grinning. “God, I missed your smile, Aus.”

“My smile?” he asked incredulously, then scoffed. “Your smile fucking breaks my heart, Kelsey,” he told you in his deepest tone, biting at the inside of his cheek as if he was trying not to lean across the table and kiss you full on the mouth right then and there.

And now, as you saw that look in his eye that you knew so well, you knew two things.

One, you were fucked. And two, you were in desperate need of a minute.

“I, uh, I gotta run to the ladies’ room,” you told him, standing, feeling unsteady as you pushed in your chair. Auston nodded knowingly and said, “Take all the time you need.”

You brushed a hand over his shoulder, the other holding tightly to your crossbody bag, as you attempted to walk in a straight line toward the restrooms across the restaurant floor. You were only one glass of wine deep, yet this night was making your head feel as fuzzy as if you’d just done a row of shots. Once safely inside the bathroom, you tossed your purse on the counter and held tightly to the sink to try and settle yourself, taking deep breaths in an attempt to control your racing pulse.

Just then, you heard a toilet flush, and your sense of solitude was quickly shattered when you saw a familiar blonde figure step out of the bathroom and lean closer upon recognizing you.

“Kelsey!” she exclaimed, moving toward the sink.

“Holly! Oh, my god,” you laughed as you squeezed her upper arm.

“Here, let me wash my hands and then I’ll give you a real hug,” she promised as you both giggled.

You had been a cheerleader throughout high school, and Holly, a year your senior, had been captain the year before you took on the title. Though you two weren’t particularly close, you had always looked up to her, and you’d kept in touch for a couple of years after you graduated before mostly falling off, save for the occasional hype comment or story reply on social media.

“How are you, girl? You look gorgeous!” she said as she threw her arms around you.

“So do you! I’m doing well, thanks. Home for the holidays,” you offered as she stepped back and nodded.

“Yeah, that’s great! Me, too,” she replied, then smiled mischievously at you. “To be totally honest, uh… I saw you when you were being seated. I didn’t wanna be weird or like, intrude, or anything but… I saw you come in with Auston. Are you guys like… back together?”

“Huh? Oh, no, no,” you laughed nervously, feeling yourself blush under her questioning. “We’re not back together. Just, uh, just two old friends, uh, catching up, ya know?” you reasoned nonchalantly as you reached for your bag.

“Oh. Right. Well... ‘tis the damn season, am I right?” Holly said with a chuckle, her own cheeks slightly flushed as she feared maybe she had made you uncomfortable by addressing the elephant in the room.

“Right,” you nodded cordially, then took a step toward her and patted her hand, wanting to make sure she didn’t think you were upset by her comment. “It’s so good to see you, Hol. I’m gonna head back out there—“

“Kelsey, wait,” Holly said urgently, grasping your arm before you could turn away from her. You blinked at her several times, glancing between her grip and her face as you waited to hear what had gotten into her.

“I just have to tell you... for what it’s worth, you guys still look so happy together,” Holly said. “Even if that’s not what this is. I just... I wanted to tell you that. As someone who has known you both for a long time, Auston never smiles as much as he smiles when he’s with you. It’s just nice to see.”

You gaped at your old friend, speechless, and she scrunched her nose at you. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cross the line, I just...” she trailed off.

You shook your head, forcing yourself to act casual. “No, no. Not at all. It’s okay. Thank you, for telling me. I just, I gotta run,” you said, leaning in to hug her again. “Bye, Hol. Have a merry Christmas.”

“You too, Kels. See you around,” She smiled as you moved toward the bathroom door. With one last polite nod at her, you exited and escaped to your seat.

As you reached the table, you had to physically restrain yourself from reaching out and running your hand along the back of Auston’s neck and affectionately trailing your fingertips over the short hair there, as you had done for so many years when approaching him and sidling up to him. Instead, you smoothed your hand over your dress and sighed as Auston turned his head to look at you, grinning as he watched you sit.

“You get lost?” he teased. You chuckled, throwing your hair behind your shoulders.

“Something like that,” you muttered, immediately reaching for your glass of wine, which you could tell had been refilled in your absence. Auston hummed in acknowledgement as you took a long sip, watching you all the while.

“One more glass and then we get outta here?” Auston suggested as you set the glass down. You only nodded.

_____

“Remember when you had that old truck, with the tires that were always muddy, and we used to just ride around Scottsdale all night long?” you asked Auston, both of you reminiscing about days gone by after leaving the restaurant.

Auston nodded, running his pointer finger across his upper lip, the other hand on the wheel, as he watched the memory projecting in his mind.

“‘Course I do,” he told you, and you didn’t miss the way his tone changed when he did, making you smirk.

“So, where to next?” you prodded. “Back to Casa de Matthews?”

He shrugged ambiguously, but secretly, he knew just what he wanted to do. “We could just ride around. Like we used to. If you want. I mean, there’s no real reason for us to rush back to our parents’ houses, right?” he said with a snicker.

This could get messy as the mud on the truck tires, you thought, but your response was already tumbling from your lips.

“Okay,” you said, smiling at him. “I’d say let’s go drive through the rich neighborhoods and look at Christmas lights like we used to, but that’s where you and your parents live now, so...” You clicked your tongue and Auston rolled his jaw, acting completely offended to hide how much he had missed you chirping him. The way it melted him.

“We’re still going,” he insisted, turning the wheel at the next intersection and pulling a U-turn. “We’ll just, uh, we’re just gonna maybe skip a couple neighborhoods, that’s all.”

You laughed — a real Kelsey belly laugh — and Auston watched as you lit up his world yet again. He didn’t even need to see any Christmas lights this year. He had all the light he needed right next to him.

Minutes later, he passed the usual first turn on your holiday lights tour and you furrowed your brow.

“Aus, where are you going? I wanted to see Ranchero Nuevo first. We always start there,” you reminded him.

“No, what’s the actual first thing we do when we go see Christmas lights?” Auston asked, pulling instead toward the strip mall at the next light. When you saw the green glow of the Starbucks sign up ahead, you smiled as it dawned on you.

“Get hot chocolate,” you said fondly. Instead of answering, Auston simply sent a soft smile your way. “You’re the greatest,” you lauded, igniting a pride that burned bright in Auston’s chest.

“Anything for you, babe,” he said before he could even realize what he’d just done. He snapped his head your way and saw that you were trying your damnedest not to smile.

He was completely taken aback as you quipped, “You can call me babe for the weekend.”

Auston did a double-take and then nodded once at your phone in your hands, which had just lit up with two missed calls and a particularly accusatory text from one Alex Matthews that you decided you would have to tend to later.

“Write this down,” Auston instructed curtly.

“What do you mean?” you laughed, holding your phone up curiously.

“I want proof that you just said that to me,” he deadpanned, jutting his chin toward your glowing screen and sending you into a fit of laughter.

After you’d both recovered, Auston picked up your drink — large peppermint hot chocolate, like always — and a coffee for himself, and you set off to wind your way through the same neighborhoods you had driven through countless times, admiring most of the decorations and poking fun at the gaudiness of some, laughing all the while, without a care.

As he pulled into a neighborhood you knew to be just a stone’s throw away from where he had recently purchased a house, Auston took a deep breath, fingers gripping the steering wheel rigidly, and decided to take the leap and say what had been circling through his brain since you’d stepped foot in the vehicle after dinner but had only just now worked up the nerve to say.

“What if we didn’t go back to our parents’ places tonight?” he asked abruptly, the words sounding much more jumbled and rushed than they had in his head.

You chuckled anxiously, staring straight ahead. “What do you mean?”

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and pressed on. “Hear me out. What if we just went to my place for the night instead? I don’t mean to like… to hook up, or anything,” he assured. “Just to be together. I just… I really fucking missed you.”

Uh, whoops. He hadn’t exactly meant to slip that last part in there, but it was too late to turn back now.

There was a lengthy pause and the car was frighteningly silent as you weighed your options.

“Well...” you eventually said, nibbling on your bottom lip. “If it’s okay with you, then it’s okay with me.”

“Yeah?” Auston asked immediately, searching your face for confirmation that he had just heard you correctly. He couldn’t believe that this — any of this— was really happening.

You nodded.

“Yeah. And… Aus?” you spoke.

“Yes, Kelsey?” he asked softly, joy radiating from his whole being and seeping into his words.

You leaned your head back against the seat and reached to wrap your hand around his on the center console.

“I really fucking missed you, too,” you told him.

_____

“Why did you agree to come with me tonight anyway, Kelsey?”

You and Auston were each almost a full bottle of wine deep by the time he asked this, inhibitions now lowered. He’d barely finished giving you the tour before you were both so palpably overwhelmed by the reality of being alone together in his house, with so many feelings buzzing about frenetically, that you took the liberty of pulling a bottle of red from the wine fridge and asking for glasses and a corkscrew. Auston forked them over without question, and now you were deeply entrenched in the process of examining old battle wounds that had never quite healed.

“Because I missed you,” you answered truthfully. “And also because I owed it to you to accept your invitation when you took a chance by reaching out.”

“You don’t owe me anything, Kels,” he claimed, taking a swig.

You picked up your glass and passed by him as you began to pace the tile floor, unable to just be still during this exchange — this conversation that had been a long time coming.

“I do, though,” you argued. “You gave me everything. Everything. And I still left.”

Auston squeezed the stem of his wine glass so hard he feared he may just shatter it.

“I don’t want you blaming yourself for the things I put you through because of my career choice,” he said firmly, a hand splayed against his chest as he accepted the responsibility, just like he always did.

“But you didn’t choose to have the media posted up outside our apartment every day. You didn’t choose to have strangers stalking me and my family online. You didn’t choose to have them calling me a distraction and a leech and a gold digger and a wh—“

“Don’t say it,” he warned as he lifted a finger, referencing the specific instance of the smearing of your character that had left you broken enough to start packing your bags.

“Okay,” you conceded quietly, knowing just how sick that one word had made him. “But listen. Yes, you chose to play hockey. But you didn’t choose all that shit that came along with it. You didn’t know! Hell, you didn’t even get to choose where you played. But even so… honestly, I used to blame you for everything. Because back then, it was just easier for me to deal with it that way.”

Auston’s head hung between his shoulder blades as he leaned his palms against the bar, reliving the very same pain that had eaten away at him for the past three years, especially the acute ache that had come in the weeks immediately after you left.

“I know you did — blame me, that is,” he said softly. “And I understand why.”

You took slow and deliberate steps back to where he stood and rubbed your hand soothingly across his broad back, feeling the way his muscles relaxed under your touch.

“Hey… look at me, huh?” you asked, gently guiding his face toward yours with your fingers. “I don’t blame you, Aus. I don’t,” you assured, your eyes piercing into his. “Not anymore. I’ve grown. I know I did this. I know it’s my fault that we’re like this. I mean, fuck, I broke my own heart, and I know I hurt you. I just... at the time, I didn’t see a way forward on the road we were on.”

Auston’s mind was firing on all cylinders as he tried desperately to compute what he’d just heard, convinced he was gathering more from your words than you meant for him to.

“And now?” he ventured.

He watched as your pained expression turned to one of, dare he even think it, hope.

“I still see it, Aus,” you said. “I still see us ending up together. I know it’s out of the blue, but…”

“It’s not though,” he said, cocking his head a bit to punctuate his point. “I know it doesn’t make much sense, any of this, but… to me, it’s not out of the blue. I’ve wanted this for so long,” he told you. “And I just need you to know that. Regardless of what happens next.”

“Auston, you and me together… that’s the only thing that makes sense. That’s all that’s ever made sense to me,” you said, clarity washing over you. “But I just, I wasn’t ready. And I got so scared that I wouldn’t be able to handle your life that I… I just ran.”

“You can run, Kelsey,” Auston said softly as he, yet again, twirled a strand of your hair around his finger. “But only so far.”

“Yeah…” you whispered. Then, without hesitation, you grasped his chin between your forefinger and thumb, turning his face to yours and studying his brown eyes just for a heartbeat before pressing your lips to his.

And for now, that was all that needed to be said.

_____

You hadn’t slept together. But you had slept together.

Too much crying and laughing and kissing and rehashing and wondering aloud had left you both emotionally drained and physically exhausted, and after dragging yourself into the master bathroom to throw on a crewneck and a pair of Auston’s sweats, you’d promptly fallen asleep in his arms, a smile on his features even in sleep.

The next morning it occurred to you, with your cheek pressed against his bare chest and your legs entangled with his, that Auston’s bed — whether here, or in the house where he grew up, or in Toronto — was the warmest one you’d ever known. Though you could tell by the sunlight flooding the room that it was late in the morning, you couldn’t bear to move away from him.

Soon, he, too, began to stir. As he squinted in the daylight and peered down at you, he closed his eyes once more, a peaceful grin on his lips.

“Oh, thank god that wasn’t just a dream,” he whispered. You chuckled, your fingertips lazily drawing shapes on his pecs as you nuzzled your head further into his neck.

“Nope,” you established. “This is very, very real.”

You lay in quiet thought for a moment before adding softly, “But what happens now?”

At that, Auston’s eyes opened wider this time, a slight panic visible in his face.

“Well,” he began, smoothing his hand over your head and kissing your hair. “What happens now is that we get some coffee.”

You sighed at his attempt to make light of the situation and pushed yourself to sit straight up in bed, cross-legged in front of where he lay on his side.

“You know that’s not what I mean,” you spoke, your fingers pulling anxiously at the bedsheet below. “Yesterday was like a fever dream and now... now we have to face reality.”

Slowly, Auston sat up, too, and pulled you into his lap, allowing you to rest your back against his torso as he gathered your hair at the nape of your neck in a makeshift ponytail.

“Everything that happened yesterday was reality, baby,” he insisted, kissing the crown of your head.

“Our feelings, yes,” you allowed. “But not the rest of it. I mean, fuck, we’re both leaving town in —“ you glanced at the bedside clock and were shocked by the 11:27 that stared back at you, realizing you’d practically slept in half the day — “48 hours. And then what? I go back to LA and you go back to Toronto and we just wonder about—“

“Baby, stop,” Auston begged as he turned you to face him, bringing your forehead to his lips. “Take a breath,” he said, stroking your jaw with his thumbs as he looked down at you, concern etched into his features. “We don’t have to figure all this out right this minute. In fact, we’re not going to. For right now, let’s just let this be what it is. And you have to try and stop spinning your wheels so fast. You’re gonna burn a hole in my floor,” he joked, kissing your nose.

You chuckled sadly, holding his wrists. “You’re right,” you eventually told him. “We’ll figure it out, somehow. I know we will,” you sighed, frowning. “First things first though, I have to get home and help my mom get ready for the party tonight.”

Before you could get out of bed to start gathering your things, Auston circled his arms around your hips and kept you in his lap. “Wait, gimme a smile first,” he requested.

You looked up at him and offered a tight-lipped smile, still distracted by the future of your relationship teetering precariously in the balance.

Auston shook his head. “That’s a fake Kelsey smile,” he accused, accurately. “Don’t even try me.”

With another deep sigh, you muttered, “You’re the only soul who can tell.”

“Who can tell what?” he asked, hugging you tighter.

You looked up at him for a moment, feeling more seen than you had in years. “Which smiles I’m faking,” you said quietly.

A pleased smile twitched at the corners of Auston’s lips before he pressed his mouth to yours.

_____

Auston walked into your parents’ house that night with his understated charm and a devastating ensemble of a maroon suit, white shirt with the top few buttons undone, and black loafers, looking every bit the GQ model he was once upon a time. With two bouquets of red roses and a bottle of champagne in hand, he knocked on the glass and your dad met him enthusiastically at the door.

“What’s the occasion?” your dad then chuckled, a bit puzzled. Auston glanced to where you stood near the staircase, waiting to greet him, and smiled.

“These are for your daughter,” Auston said as he grasped one bouquet. “And these are for your wife,” he said as he gestured toward the other. Your dad raised his eyebrows, looking between the two of you pensively, and let out a loud laugh. “Well, how thoughtful! And the champagne?” your dad asked as Auston stepped toward you and tucked one bunch of roses into your hold. He kissed your cheek chastely and turned back to your dad.

“Well, you never know when you’re gonna have something to celebrate,” Auston said with a smirk. You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth and your dad clapped Auston’s back appreciatively before leaving the two of you to your moment.

“Thank you, for the flowers,” you said softly, staring up at him. “They’re beautiful.”

“You’re welcome,” he said with a nod before your aunt and uncle suddenly appeared in the doorway, loudly greeting you and pushing their way toward you for hugs as Auston gave them their space and waited for you to become available again.

His patience lasted all of five minutes as he made vague pleasantries with the handful of guests who had already arrived, before he was approaching you again, eager to do what he really came here to do and unable to wait a moment longer. As you turned away from a brief conversation with a longtime next-door neighbor, Auston gently grasped your wrist as he said hastily, “Can I see you outside for a second?”

You didn’t have much of a choice as he led you hurriedly through the formal living room and out the French doors to the balcony, closing them behind you and backing you into a corner, hidden from view.

“Aus, what are you—“

He pressed his body into yours, nudging you back against the rail as he took your face in his hands and kissed you hungrily.

“Doing,” you whispered when he let up, completing your earlier thought as you pressed your fingertips against your swollen lips and looked up at him, your cheeks reddening.

“That,” he answered simply with a small smile. “And I wanted to give you something...”

He patted his pockets to determine where the object was, and your eyes widened.

“Auston, no!” you exclaimed, squeezing his elbows in an attempt to stop his search. “You can’t. I didn’t get you anything. I —”

“Kelsey, are you crazy? Yes, you did,” he said firmly. “Time with you. You gave me time with you. That’s all I’ve wanted for the last three years. That’s more than I could have ever asked for.”

There was nothing you could say then, nothing that sounded worthy enough to hold any significance in such an already meaningful vignette of the two of you. Auston took your silence as his opportunity to pull a mid-sized, square, red leather box from the pocket of his suit jacket, the name “Cartier” imprinted in gold script on the lid.

“Auston, stop,” you warned in a whisper, knowing what was inside and knowing that you would be rendered completely incapable of walking away from him once he offered this gift to you, knowing what it signified for both of you. He shook his head, knowing that your request was an empty one. He propped open the box and placed it on the small wrought iron table in front of you on the balcony. You couldn’t peel your eyes from it as your mind raced with questions.

“How... where... we slept until noon, Aus,” you stuttered. “All the stores were closed. Where did you even buy this?”

He pursed his lips and nodded once, then put his hands into his pockets and admitted, “I’ve had it for almost three years, Kels.”

You blinked again and again, not processing what he’d just revealed.

“I’m sorry... what?”

“I bought this for you for Valentine’s Day three years ago,” he continued. “I bought it and I hid it in my closet and I was gonna give it to you but we broke up on —“

“January 30th...” you whispered. Auston’s brows knit together in agony, and his throat constricted.

“You remember too,” he stated quietly.

“Yeah. Yeah, I remember a little too well,” you said, sniffling as you glanced down at the box again.

Suddenly, your mind drifted back not to that fateful day in his apartment in Toronto, but instead to lying on your stomach as a kid in your family room, flipping through the pages of your favorite issue of your mom’s old Vogue magazines, as Auston used a yardstick and a Nerf ball as makeshift hockey equipment, taking shots at your couch again and again while you soaked in the photos of beautiful models, trendy clothing, and expensive jewelry, as visions of working at a fashion magazine someday twirled through your daydreams.

“Whatcha readin’?” a ten-year-old Auston inquired as he dropped next to you to take a break from his game.

“Vogue,” you answered, turning another page. “Like usual.”

Auston nodded, spotting a pretty woman in a tight black dress and commented, “Cool,” with a laugh. “If you could have anything in that book, what would you pick?”

Ever the master of sass, you rolled your eyes.

“It’s a magazine, Aus,” you corrected with venom in your voice as Auston rolled his own eyes. “But, if I had to pick... I know just what I want,” you informed him, leafing through the issue to get back to an ad in the front. When you finally found what you were seeking, you plopped the magazine down again, smacking your hand onto its glossy pages.

“That,” you said, pointing to the gold bangle. “It’s called the Love Bracelet. It says that it gets bought by somebody you love and then they have to use a screwdriver to put it on you.”

“A screwdriver?!” Auston asked incredulously. “Wouldn’t that hurt?”

You giggled. “No, silly,” you drawled. “It doesn’t hurt. But then the person who loves you is the only one who can put it on you or take it off you. You can’t do it by yourself.”

Auston nodded. “Cool,” he repeated, more seriously this time. You sighed wistfully as you gazed down at the bracelet.

“Yeah, but it’s a whole bunch of money, and my dad said he isn’t buying it. He said maybe my husband will get me one someday,” you said sadly. Auston watched your face drop, then, he got an idea.

“How about this,” he offered, nudging you with his elbow. “If I get famous for playing baseball, or hockey I guess, and I make a boatload of money, then I’ll buy you that bracelet. ‘Kay?”

You blushed, hunching your shoulders as you were slightly embarrassed by your best friend’s offer. Still, you loved Auston, and you knew he loved you. He was the only person you wanted to get that bracelet from, except for like, your mom or dad.

“Okay,” you agreed. “You promise?”

Auston dragged his index finger over the left side of his chest. “Cross my heart,” he confirmed.

This time, it was your turn to say, “Cool.”

“I asked my mom to hold onto it,” you heard him telling you now. Now that you’d become the people you’d said you’d be. Now that you both had grown into the farfetched dreams you’d shared as children. Now that you’d come back home — back to one another. Now that he was here, in front of you, again. “I just couldn’t bear to take it back, even though I honestly never thought I’d get the chance to give it to you.”

You were shaking your head endlessly, attempting to stop tears from streaking your face. “I can’t believe this...” you said, awestruck.

“I don’t have to put this on you right now,” Auston said, swallowing his own tears he felt creeping up on him. “I just want you to have it. It’s yours. You should keep it.”

With a few swipes at your undereyes, you rubbed away the wetness on your hands and then extended your left wrist to Auston. A smile flashed briefly across his lips before he set them in a straight line once more.

“Are you sure?” he asked, caution in his voice.

You pulled him in by his waist, beaming, before you answered.

“I’ve played this out basically every night since I left,” you told him. “Even when I was with somebody. I just followed the path my mind was taking me all the way to the very end, until there was no place left to go. And it always leads to you. It always leads me home.”

Auston pulled you into a searing kiss, both of you smiling into it, before he squeezed your hand and reached for the box, carefully disassembling the bracelet so that he could put it on you at last.

“All day I’ve been thinking about what I said earlier. About running,” you spoke as Auston worked on securing the bracelet. “I started running and running and it’s been such a mess since then. Nothing about the past three years made any sense to me. And then I saw you, and… it all made sense again. You and I were the only thing that ever made sense to me,” you told him, your voice wavering as he twisted the final screw into place, lifting the inside of your wrist to his lips and placing a warm, reverent kiss to the skin there, his eyes never leaving yours as he did. “So I’m done. I’m done running, Auston. I can’t run anymore.”

“You have no fucking clue how long I’ve waited to hear you say that,” Auston admitted, touching his forehead to yours before leaning back. “So, to your earlier point... what the hell are we supposed to do now?”

You ran a frazzled hand through your long hair and bit at the inside of your cheek as you formulated your response. “I mean, I have to go back, Aus. I’m working on a really big project...”

Your words put him into a tailspin of his own this time, watching the dreams he had let resurface over the last two days come crashing down in front of him all over again. You were eluding him. Again.

His ears were buzzing so loudly that he barely heard your next words.

“But maybe after that... I could come and spend some time in Toronto?”

Auston pulled his tongue away from the roof of his dry mouth and pleaded, in a voice barely above a whisper, “Don’t do that.”

“Don’t do what?”

“Don’t say that unless you really mean it,” he said, desperation in his tone.

“I mean, really, I don’t have a choice,” you pointed out with a breathy laugh, your fingers tracing the cold metal of the bangle around your other wrist. “I don’t see any other way that this ends. Not after this. This perfect fucking weekend. I mean... do you?”

“No,” he quickly retorted. “No, I don’t. I was just scared that you... that this was going to be it for you. That we would have this incredible time together and then it would just be another chapter in the Auston and Kelsey history book.”

You smoothed your hands over his lapels, allowing your body to fully relax into his.

“Auston, this... this is different,” you said somberly. “Before, it all just felt like too much. I got scared. We were so young, Aus. I mean, we’re still young, but we were babies. And now... I’ve realized that dealing with the press and the social media and the fans... it’s worth it to me. I’ll never like it. But I love you. And that’s enough. That will always be more than enough for me — being with you. And I’m so sorry that it’s taken me this long, that it took me finally coming back home, to realize that.”

“Don’t be sorry, Kels, please,” Auston whispered, one hand clutching at your hip, the other tangled in the hair at the back of your head as he held onto you with everything he had, knowing he was ready to do so for as long as you would let him. “Just... just say it again, baby. Please?”

“I love you, Aus,” you whispered, tears falling freely down your cheeks as he pressed his forehead to yours. “I’m never gonna stop.”

“Don’t stop,” Auston pleaded, nuzzling his nose against yours before pressing his lips to your mouth. “Don’t ever stop. Promise?” he asked, his voice gravelly.

“Cross my heart,” you whispered, drawing a pretend line across your chest before cupping his cheek and kissing him tenderly.

288 notes · View notes

taetaespeaches · 4 years

Text

“I wasn’t going home with you anyway.”

jimin x reader (or o.c.) genre: fluff word count: 3.2K

a/n: Hi lovelies! How did Jimin and Dear meet? Well, let’s find out! This is all about how these two met at a club and intended to sleep with each other that night... only to end up being friends instead for TWO YEARS before crossing into a romantic coupling. This features Tae and Peaches as well, because well, why not. I hope you all enjoy, and thank you for reading! :))

SKIN warm and glistening among the crowd of dancing bodies, your focus on your friends had vanished about ten minutes prior when you first laid eyes upon him. He was stunning and you were drawn to his presence as he pulled out silly moves with his two friends, flashing you warm smiles every few seconds.

To be frank, he seemed like an ideal person to be under in order to get over your asshat of an ex, who was the whole reason you were even out that night. Finally breaking up with the guy for good, so you claimed, your friends took you out to celebrate your newfound freedom.

And there he was.

When he leaned in to one of his friends, a taller man with bleach blonde hair and striking features, you watched carefully as he shot you another glance before flashing a flirty smile as he walked through the crowd toward the bar. Looking back to his friends for a moment, you found both the man and the woman staring at you as they talked. Well, looks like someone must have mentioned you, so how could you not follow?

Excusing yourself from your own friends, you worked your way through the mass of people, eyes easily finding the man of your desire, his gaze already on you. He was drenched in charisma, almost unbelievingly so.

You both smiled at the same time, you taking the steps toward him, the man leaning up against the bar as he kept his eyes on you all the way until you were standing in front of him. Your orbs met his but neither of you extended a greeting.

Instead, you both scanned each other’s features, appreciating the beauty that was in front of you. Your staring session was cut short when the bartender offered the man his drink. When he turned back to you, drink in hands, you cocked your head.

With the help of the alcohol running through your veins, you prompted a question. “So, are you an angel or something?”

“Huh?” He questioned cutely with his eyes widened, confusion immediately washing over his features. “An angel?”

“Are you?” You asked as you watched him take a large gulp of his drink. “That’s not even a pick up line, I just genuinely don’t understand how you’re real,” you explained, a stunning smile stretching across his face making his eyes turn to adorable crescents.

“Actually, no, I’m just Jimin,” he told you, extending his hand. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“No disappointment,” you assured him, placing your hand in his, the touch sending the flutter of butterflies through your frame. Giving him your name, he repeated it, the letters sounding new and beautiful coming from his lips. “I’m still not convinced you’re not an angel, Jimin,” you told him, the man giggling cutely. It was quite possibly one of the best sounds you’d ever heard in your life, and you wanted to hear it again and again.

Leaning toward you, you followed his lead, gravitating closer to him. With his lips hovering over your ear, he whispered, “I do have ways of proving it to you.” A warm sensation rushed through your body, your skin heating in your flustered state.

Pulling away and shooting you a knowing look, he was completely aware of his effect on you. Your mind reeled, trying to figure out how to get him home with you. You were certain that’s what both of you wanted. “Do you want to dance, not an angel Jimin?”

The man chuckled, nodding. Quickly tossing the remainder of his drink back as if it was water, he gestured with a single nod to the crowd of people. “Lead the way,” he told you, and as you stepped toward the dance floor, he placed a hand to your lower back. The touch made your body tingle, and you wondered what his hands would do to you in other places.

With both of your respective friend groups within your eyesight, Jimin slid his hand from your back to wrap around your waist, pulling your back to his chest. The man was confident as he brought his lips to the shell of your ear, the breath sending shivers across your heated skin.

“Show me what you got,” he taunted, you scoffing as you both started dancing together, your arm stretching behind you both to find the back of his neck, your fingers curling around the ends of his grayish blue hair. His hands found your hips, holding you against him as you both lost yourself in the heavy beat of the club music.

You both were all smiles and random giggles, enjoying the feeling of each other’s unfamiliar but comfortable presence, your heartbeats reverberating against your chests, mimicking the heavy bass that boomed against the speakers.

Neither of you were certain how long you’d been dancing and sharing small touches before Jimin whispered in your ear, asking if you wanted a drink. Nodding at him, he took your hand in his, leading you through the mass of people toward the bar.

Emerging from the crowd, you and Jimin spotted his two friends at the bar. Looking to Jimin, you watched as he smiled shyly under the gaze of his pals, looking back at you with an apologetic expression.

Widening your eyes in question just before a small smile tugged at your lips, he shook his head. “Just, sorry in advance for whatever they might say,” he giggled, you nodding in understanding as your smile widened in amusement. He was cute when shy.

“Jimin, you were supposed to bring me a drink like fifteen minutes ago,” the girl called out to him, holding her arms up in feigned complaint, the man next to her smiling widely. As you both neared the couple, the girl smirked teasingly. “Did you get distracted?” She asked with an eyebrow raised, Jimin blushing as he glared at her, holding back a smile.

With a sigh, Jimin turned to you. “Well, these are my friends, I don’t know why,” he started before introducing them both to you, and you to them. Taehyung was the bleach blonde beauty and the girl was his best friend. You could tell by how they interacted that they were all very close, and it made you happy to see. It also made it more difficult to think about the fact that you were intending to know Jimin for just one night. Watching him laugh and joke with his two friends, you found yourself wanting to know him more sincerely; more longterm. You liked him.

Suddenly, Taehyung broke your focus on Jimin by calling out your name, your eyes darting to him. “Careful with this one,” the man nodded to Jimin as he addressed you, “if you’re not, he might just fall in love with you.”

The girl giggled but smacked Taehyung’s chest just as Jimin groaned, stepping forward to hit the guy’s arm, the bleach blonde man looking between them in offense as he held the spots they injured.

Enjoying the embarrassed smile on Jimin’s face as he shook his head, stealing a glance at you, you grinned, biting your lip. “Oh, he already asked for my hand in marriage on the dance floor,” you joked, the girl looking at you with a wide smile, a laugh slipping between her lips.

“Without a ring?” The girl asked pointedly at Jimin.

“He promised we can go shopping for one first thing in the morning,” you played along, taking Jimin’s hand that was still wrapped around yours to your chest, looking at him with a lovestruck gaze. “He spoils me.”

Jimin laughed but sported a look of confusion at you. “What is happening?” He asked, you and the girl giggling at his reaction.

“I’m just bonding with the future wifey,” the girl told him innocently, Jimin groaning again as Taehyung laughed.

Staring at the girl, you noted how she looked a little bashful despite playing the role of Jimin’s teasing best friend. Wanting to see just how shy she was, you decided to toy with her.

“If you keep it up with the soul connection we have going on, I’m going to have to make you my maid of honor,” you told her, the girl instantly looking at you in surprise as she giggled in embarrassment. As you smiled fondly at her, Taehyung also smiled at her with an expression of adoration. But Jimin was looking at you, warmly but also quizzically, trying to figure out who you were and how you fit into his life. In that moment, he knew he wanted you around for more than just one night.

It was almost strange how well you fit with the trio, keeping up with their teasing and jokes, feeling as though you’d known them for years when in reality it had only been about twenty minutes. You and Jimin hadn’t even ordered your drinks, getting distracted by the conversation. And you were even more distracted by the way Jimin consistently fell into you as he laughed. Adorable.

When Taehyung finished his drink, he looked to the girl with a wide-eyed expression. “Do you want pancakes?” He asked, the girl smiling as she nodded enthusiastically.

“Do you want to get food?” She asked you and Jimin as Taehyung turned to settle the tab.

You and Jimin both looked to each other, silently trying to communicate what your next steps for the night would be.

Though unsure, of his expression, it looked as though Jimin wasn’t too intrigued by the idea of breakfast foods with his friends at that moment. Giving him a small shake of your head, he widened his eyes. “Wanna go for a walk?” He asked you quietly, you smiling at the idea. A walk sounded perfect.

“Yeah,” you grinned.

“We’re going to go for a walk, actually,” Jimin told his friends, placing his hand on Taehyung’s shoulder just as Taehyung tucked his card back into is wallet. “Thank you for tonight, though,” he added sincerely.

“Okay,” Taehyung smiled, dragging the word out teasingly. “Careful, you two,” he told you both, Jimin scoffing as you giggled. “Ready, Peaches?” Taehyung asked the girl, taking her hand in his as they began walking away.

On her way past you both, she paused, looking at you. “It was nice meeting you,” she said sweetly, you internally cooing at her.

“You too, I’ll get your number from Jimin,” you told her boldly, the girl giggling shyly.

“Ok,” she breathed out bashfully. “You,” she squeezed Jimin’s chin between her fingers, “happy birthday, be safe,” she told him very sincerely, your eyes widening at the comment. Birthday? “Lunch tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll text you,” he nodded. “And thank you, I love you.”

“Love you too,” she grinned before waving to you both.

“Bye,” Taehyung called out before dragging his friend away, leaving you and Jimin alone for the first time in a little while.

“Well,” he sighed before laughing. “Those are my friends,” he said again, you giggling.

“I like them. I like you, Jimin,” you confessed brazenly, watching as Jimin smiled shyly. “Also, birthday?”

“Tomorrow,” he informed you. “I don’t usually have a lot of time to go out with friends and celebrate my birthday, but Tae and I had a free night so they decided to take me out,” he explained.

“Do you and Tae work together?” You asked curiously. “Or go to school or something?”

“Uh, yeah, work” he nodded. “Do you need to tell your friends you’re heading out?” He asked as you started making your way out of the club together.

“Oh shit,” you looked back into the crowd, Jimin laughing beside you. “I’ll just text them, they really just used me as an excuse to come out anyway,” you let out a dry chuckle. “We’re not that close.”

The man’s laughing faded as he nodded understandingly, though you knew he wanted to ask some questions about your comment.

Stepping out of the club onto the sidewalk, you both breathed out, you looking up at the sky and Jimin looking from side to side. “Want to go this way?” You hummed with a nod as you both started down the street, getting further and further from the clubgoers. For the first time all night, you didn’t touch or talk, simply walking side by side as you both rummaged through your minds.

Just as you began asking what him and Taehyung did for work, he asked why you were out tonight.

“Why am I out tonight?” You repeated his question.

“What do we do for work?” He repeated at the same time.

Giggling, you held out your fist. “Rock, paper, scissors for who goes first,” you suggested, Jimin smiling his big pretty smile as he held out his own fist.

“It’s the only way to decide,” he told you, you chuckling. Saying the chant together, you held out a rock as Jimin went for scissors, you cheering as if you just actually won something, Jimin sighing deeply at his loss.

“Read it and weep, Jimin,” you told him, shoving your fist toward his face, the man wrapping his hand over it and spinning you around in a circle.

He spun you a few times in a row before pulling you against his body, swaying your frame with his as you fell into a slow dance under the neon signs and street lights.

“Ah,” he breathed out, you giggling at him as you allowed him to lead you in a dance on the pathway. “My work,” he nodded. “I’m a dancer and a singer,” he smirked.

Your eyes widening, you cocked your head at him. “Like an idol?” You asked, your heart racing at the possibility that you had been flirting with a fucking kpop idol all night. Was he famous? God, were you embarrassing?

“What makes you think that?” He asked with a small smile.

“You dance and sing and you and Taehyung both have colorful hair and you,” your voice raised a little as you continued explaining, “have busy schedules, and you’re both gorgeous,” you added even louder, Jimin giggling, “holy shit,” you realized. “You’re an idol?” You whispered, looking around to ensure no one was hanging around watching the interaction.

“Wait, you think I’m gorgeous? Like more so than Tae, right?” He asked, you rolling your eyes.

“Yes, Jimin, you’re very pretty,” you told him. “Are you an idol?”

“Would it change your opinion of me if I was?” He asked nervously, you suddenly realizing how difficult it must be for him to meet new people because of his job and status.

“No,” you quickly told him sincerely. “Just a little shocking,” you grinned. “What group? Do I know any of your stuff? Play a song,” you told him, Jimin throwing his head back in laughter as you giggled against his chest.

“I cannot play you a song right now, that is the most conceited move ever,” he laughed, brushing a stray hair out of your face. “Maybe next time.”

“A next time, huh?” You grinned. “You want to see me again?”

“I do,” he told you more seriously, you both eyeing each other carefully. “Now your turn, why did your friends use you as an excuse to come out tonight?”

Sighing, you nodded. “Right. My turn,” you smiled. “Well, I just recently broke up with my boyfriend.”

Jimin’s eyes widened as his mouth fell open. “Oh,” he said simply, you flashing him a small smile. “How recent?”

“Uh, yesterday,” you said guiltily.

“Oh, recent, recent,” he said, you giggling.

“Yeah, it was a long time coming, but, I’m not even that sad about it, just kind of relieved,” you told him, Jimin nodding in understanding. A moment of silence passed between you like the breeze in the night air before you spoke up again. “I don’t want to take you home with me anymore,” you said bluntly, not meaning for it to sound so much like a rejection.

He let out a short chuckle, smiling at you. “I wasn’t going home with you anyway,” he told you. “I mean, I thought about it, trust me.” Looking at him curiously, he grinned back at you. “Ok, but humor me. Why don’t you want to take me home? Am I not a catch?”

“I think you’re too much of a catch,” you admitted. “I have a feeling you’re going to be important to me,” you told him softly, Jimin’s lips quirking up into a fond smile. “I don’t want to ruin that by sleeping with you. No matter how much I may want to”

“Is that so?” He asked, processing your words with that pretty smile.

“Which part?” A few people walked past you, though you hardly noticed them as you stared into Jimin’s orbs.

“All of it.”

“Well, obviously I’m attracted to you,” you told him, looking him up and down to emphasize your point, making the man giggle. “But I’m not in the place for a relationship right now, and you’re more than a rebound, and I refuse to treat you as one,” you told him, Jimin staring at you thoughtfully. “I want to be your friend, not an angel Jimin.”

“I could do friends,” he told you without hesitation. “I don’t want you to be a one-night stand either, Dear.” Dear. You loved that.

“Mutual friend zone?” you asked with a smirk, Jimin nodding with his own smile.

“Can friends still slow dance?” He asked you as he dipped you, you laughing unabashedly at the action.

“Of course we can,” you assured him, allowing him to lead you in another dance. You could get used to slow dancing with Jimin.

As he swayed you both under the streetlights, as if no one was around to see you, both of you joked and laughed freely, feeling a sense of pure happiness for the first time in a long time.

Looking at him carefully, observing his sweet features, you bit your lip told hold back your growing smile. “You know what would make this dance better?”

Spinning you, he caught you back in a waltzing position. “What’s that?” He asked in a whisper.

Shooting him a mischievous smirk, he gave you a suspicious look. “Some music from my new friend’s group,” you teased, Jimin groaning as he dipped you again.

“You’re relentless,” he complained through a laugh.

“Get used to it,” you taunted, Jimin shaking his head. Not only would he get used to it; he would grow to love it. A lot more than a friend maybe should. “Hey, happy birthday, by the way,” you told him. “Sorry your gift is being friendzoned,” you giggled. “I’ll try to do better next year.”

Jimin let out the most stunning laugh you’d ever heard to date, his eyes scanning your features. “I think you’ll have a tough time topping this year’s present. This one is very promising,” he told you softly with a flirty smile.

A friendship with Jimin really did appear to be promising. Perhaps in one or two or even three years’ time, you’d look back on this night fondly with your best friend Jimin. Or possibly boyfriend Jimin. Time would tell. But you definitely hoped he’d still be there in your life.

290 notes · View notes

mofieroll · 4 years

Text

Thunderstorms (Josuke Higashikata x Reader)

A Josuke Higashikata x Reader one shot where you were once part of the Crusaders, coming to Morioh with Mr. Joestar, and your pomp baby likes you.

Word Count: 5.2k

A chilly breeze under the warm sun. You were standing on the port of a moving boat, facing the wind that blew your [H/C] hair as you leaned on the sill with a calm expression, eyes closed and lips quirked into a wide smile. You loved moments where you just partook the natural quiet sounds around you, the splashes of water and whispering currents being music to your ears. The day has been serene so far, but you didn't really come here for vacation.

"Shizuka! Come quick! Come quick!"

The voice of a man called for you, disturbing your moment with the calming ocean. You stood from leaning and yawned, popping some stiff muscles before you ran off in panic upon realizing that you were supposed to take care of the person that called for you. Yeap, you forgot of your job for over a second.

You entered the lounging room of the boat and darted your eyes on the back of a crouching man who seemed to be inspecting something on the ground beside the couch. You couldn't see what it was but you were relieved, placing your hands on top of your heart as you sighed.

The man shifted his head and glanced at you with wrinkled eyes and parted lips, "I tried slipping on it, Shizuka, but I couldn't!"

You peeked over him after you reached his side and saw something yellow, "Is that what I think it is?" You replied, giggling as you realized his comedic attempt on trying to solve cartoon logic.

"This banana peel couldn't make me slip.." The old man repeated as he tried to stand up. You held his arm and helped him settle on the couch. He grabbed his wooden cane and placed it in between his legs before setting his eyes on the oceanic scenario outside the windows, "[Y/N]..! I'm sorry.. the name Shizuka has been on my mind lately.. It's-it's a pretty name, don't you think?"

You smiled at his words, grabbing the banana peel from the ground before sitting beside him, "I think it is, Mr. Joestar!"

Familial and friend, you were someone that Mr. Joestar would describe with those two words. Being a member of the Crusaders, and being the youngest one at that, had a big contribution on your platonic relationship with the old man. He was always looking out for you while your brave self assured him that you're afraid of one thing, but you're not afraid to kick the lingering enemy Stand users' peaches. He believed you like how a father would believe her daughter's imaginary stories, making sure you won't feel like you were invalidated. Although, his worry that the trip would scar you, both physically and mentally, increased to the max when the group arrived at Egypt, which led to you being transported back to your lonely home by the Speedwagon Foundation.

You couldn't understand the reason of his worry along with the other Crusaders, so you had a childish decision to to cut ties with them, only to reach out a few years later. At that time, you talked to Mr. Joestar himself, not even hiding the fact that you broke down on the phone when he hesitantly told you that only three of your group survived. You were joyed that he still considered you as a part of the Crusaders, but you were disappointed that you were immature, making you miss all the trivial things that happened. The old man comforted you like those nights when you were missing your parents, fondly telling you, "That's a no-go! The boys wouldn't want you shaming yourself now, and neither would I. Live your life like you're supposed to, little [Y/N]. Everyone would be so proud of the woman you'd become!"

Now that you're on the legal age of 18, you're trying to fulfill your number one goal in mind, and that is to be a doctor under the Speedwagon Foundation. Sure, you're a bit forgetful sometimes, but you have a free pass for being under special training which was only possible because of your Stand.

..and your connection with the Joestars.

You and Mr. Joestar were sitting in silence, lost in reminiscing thoughts, until the sound of a water vehicle grew to be disturbing the peace even if it sounded far.

"What..?" You glared at the surroundings, frantically looking from the door where you came from to the side of the windows, figuring out where the vehicle is most likely to be, "Mr. Joestar, I have to check something outside. It'll be quick, a'right?" You stood up, rushing outside after you received no reply from the unbothered old man who still had his attention on the scenery.

You ran through and up the hallway until you reached the edge of the deck. You held on to the red fence as you leaned with squinting eyes, trying to see who was on the.. motorboat approaching the boat you're on. The attempt took minutes, making you sit on the floor in boredom before you jumped to your feet in excitement as you finally saw the passengers of the smaller vehicle. One was a boy in a blue uniform you absolutely do not know and the other..

The other was your childhood emo crush who now wore a white hat and coat, "JOTARO! Jotaroooo!" You screamed, waving both your hands with a cheeky grin. This is your first time meeting him after a decade! You forgot, but you were just as excited when you were informed about meeting Jotaro Kujo during this boat trip with Mr. Joestar.

"I heard you're a Marine Biologist now, huh! Remember when you knocked that one shark out to save me?!" You ironically screamed before laughing, following the motorboat to the back as the boy in uniform whispered to Jotaro while pointing at you. The adult man didn't mind the two children around him and focused on driving the motorboat, tugging the brim of his hat down as he gave himself a small smile.

Two of the Speedwagon Foundation crew was already waiting for the motorboat when you reached the back, "Sirs! You knew they were coming?" You asked as you reached their side, eyes still on the said vehicle.

"[L/N]? We actually informed you about this.." One of the two answered, making you rub your neck as you looked up, trying to remember it happening. You tried.. and got extremely confused in just a minute that you didn't even notice that the passengers of the motorboat had boarded yours. You were snapped with your sudden realization that you've told Mr. Joestar you'll only be quick with checking, making you run back to the room he's in.

Okuyasu Nijimura, who actually thought you ran off because he stood in front of you, looked back at Jotaro with a puzzled face. The adult man shove his hands inside his pockets and gave permission to follow you with a jerk of his head, to which the student complied to, but not without a scrunched face and a dramatic hop on the small wall that separated the stern of the boat from the hull where the lounge was.

Mentoring three different teenage boys has been a pain in the back. Jotaro doesn't know if he should be happy that you're back with them or.. he should just devise an escape plan from all of this. Either way, with you here, he's certain that he doesn't have to look out for his Jiji that much.

The boat arrived at the harbor safely. Knowing that an enemy posed as a crew and wanted to get rid of Mr. Joestar was a bit surprising, you even thought Okuyasu was Mr. Joestar's son at first! But now that you're seeing his actual son who had an eye-catching pompadoured hair, you weren't surprised on how charming he was.

You whistled and nudged Jotaro who was on your side. Everyone had their eyes on the father and son walking away hand in hand, "Woah, that's Josuke Higashikata? Sheesh, Jotaro. What's with y'all Joestars being so hot and everything?"

Jotaro glared at you, "Gimme a break. You're older than him."

You glared back and faced him, "I'm literally 18 and he's 16! Don't say that like I'm some sort of creep!" You jokingly punched him on the shoulder and voiced an ora, to which he responded with tipping his hat down and turning his back on you, "Hmp— Oh, may you please tell Josuke that I could tend to his wounds? I don't wanna ruin their moment right now, so maybe later?"

Jotaro turned his head and nodded, "Coolness! Thanks, my dear ocean man!"

—

Several weeks have passed since yours and Mr. Joestar's arrival at Morioh, and you've grown closer to the group as to be expected. Okuyasu always goes out of his way to meet you at the hotel you're staying at because of how much he enjoys your pampering when he blurts to you about how his pomp-haired friend gets the ladies in school, he had even told you that Koichi had a scary girl obsessing over him, not forgetting to mention that she was cute anyway. You seldomly meet the said boy, Koichi, as he was not the type to go around town if not needed, and only accompanied him once when he walked his large fluffy dog. Josuke on the other hand, always comes with Okuyasu to the hotel but he doesn't speak to you and only observes your interactions with his friend and his father while you also played with the invisible baby they found, whose name is now Shizuka. You didn't know there was a relevant reason as to why he wouldn't talk to you even if you tried to start a conversation, so you shrugged it off and just shot him genuine smiles whenever your gazes met. You were technically the older sister in the gang and it would make sense that Jotaro was the older brother, but he was more of an uncle figure.

Josuke planned to continue his tsundere facade until he was sure of asking you out -on a date- for a hangout with just the two of you, but what he didn't expect was for a certain someone, who he just can't seem to get along with, to poof up and force him to ruin his own plans.

"Listen, listen! I met a Stand User earlier today. I was just doing my own thing when he took photos of me without my permission. He even directed me of what to do and straight up got mad when I hesitated! Turns out, he's a mangaka who found me as a good reference and I was like, good and not perfect? He glared at me for a second then he just summoned his Stand! Yo! It was a cute, white and gold dude! Of course he didn't get the chance to use the dude on me, I have my totally cute Stand too! Next thing I know, he invited me for coffee! Rad, huh?"

You didn't even need to mention his name for them to know who you were talking about. The two boys who listened, Josuke and Okuyasu, looked at each other in shock before talking to themselves like you weren't there. Calling him the 'spider-licking guy', badmouthing him and expressing every inch of their dislike for the man. Inviting you for coffee was a bad call, it just meant that you two became friends and scheduled a date. Josuke tried his best to make you back out of it, eventually talking to you all the time and taking care of you, his father and the baby, like the older brother —your partner— he wanted to be since the time he realized he likes you. He couldn't accept that the mangaka had the upper hand, so he tried to do everything he can to change that.

But of course, the 'pure love kind of guy' failed.

The day of your date with the great mangaka arrived. You were in a good mood as you prepared, the voice of Kai Harada playing on the background radio noise. The man had said that today is a sunny day, to your delight, but there is a chance of a hard gloomy storm at afternoon, to your dismay. If there's one thing about nature that you dislike the most, it's thunderstorms. Although those weren't mentioned, the anxiety of being out in the open while it occurred crept over you. You observed yourself at the vanity mirror: your hair fixed into a [H/S] that you do only for special occasions and a [F/C] [O/F] that fitted your style and body as you kept your face in a natural but fresh look, eyeing details of yourself to shrug off the previous thought.

It's now 1PM and you are finally face to face with the mangaka, seated outside the famous Cafe Rengatei in Morioh. You arrived earlier than the meeting time, making you certain that your efforts to fix yourself went to a shame.

"It seems you've made an effort for your meeting with me today. You look quite presentable," Rohan started, leaning on the chair as he crossed his arms and had his chin up.

You quirked a brow, copying his action, "And what does that imply, Mr. Good Reference?"

"It implies that you're a perfect reference right now so I'll be straight to the point of this meeting," He frankly stated. Puzzled at the word 'meeting', your brows creased, "I want you to let me use Heaven's Door on you, and you will be paid. Since I didn't get a good— let you get away before, I'm asking for the permission you're requiring me of. I heard from my friend, Koichi, that you might have an interesting story. I could have just used Heaven's Door on him, but his information of you is limited. So, is that settled?"

And here you thought this was a date.

You bit your cheek from the inside and held the clothing on your lap, "Yeah, yeah. When do we start? Oh, and you don't have to pay because you sounded real genuine and kind. Thank you very much!" You replied, a bit of sarcasm coming with it.

Rohan raised an eyebrow and battled with your blank stares before speaking, "Tch. I have the money to pay, [L/N]. Meet me at my house tomorrow morning. Don't make me wait." He grabbed his sketchbook from below the table and stood up, giving you one final, sassy look before he left.

You watched him walk away, sighing deeply as his form vanished. He got you hard with the coffee invitation and he didn't even stayed a little longer to order and enjoy an afternoon snack with you. Oh, right.

You were just acquaintances. Nothing more and maybe less. It's not that you liked him in a certain way, you were only bummed that you requested a day off for this. Taking care of the people you care about and studying for your medical course are much better than misinterpreting a business deal for a casual date. You sighed once again, lightly hitting your head on the table, "This is the work of the worst enemy Stand."

The disappointment took over your senses on your surroundings, so you became more oblivious to the Josuke that was watching you far behind.

And yes, he's been there all the time.

Shocking and unbelievable to the ears of the mutual friends of Rohan and Josuke, but the mangaka was the one to set you and the student up. It's true that Rohan had heard of you from Koichi, but that's not all. He had also heard that Josuke had been acting distant to you when all he talks about at school is.. well, you. How did he even know about that? It's absolutely not the work of Heaven's Door, Koichi just had to slip up.

You and Josuke both stayed at your respective places, unsure of what to do next now that Rohan had done his part. A few minutes passed, and you both sighed at the same time. You stood up, deciding that you'd go back at the hotel and play with the adorable Shizuka, while the nervous Josuke continued watching you, figuring out the right time to show up.

You were supposed to walk back, but then drops of water started falling from the sky. You opened your palm and looked up the sky, only to see gray colors eat up the blues. You closed your eyes and sighed once more, whispering to yourself, "This day is a work of an enemy Stand."

Not for Josuke who brought an umbrella that he'd share with you, though.

The drops of rain became a heavy storm within minutes, making you run to the nearest waiting shed. There were only hints of you being soaked, but it didn't help your body that had low resistance towards the cold. In this moment where you hugged yourself to keep your body heat, you remembered the Crusaders. The group of big men who all had a soft spot for you, and the small dog who accompanied you at your mischievous times. They were the group that always made sure to keep you warm, the group that always assured you that thunderstorms—

"AAAAH!"

You squealed upon hearing the deafening noise from above, the sound of pouring rain quickly enveloping after. You whimpered and tucked yourself in the corner of the shed, hands covering your ears and tightly gripping your now messed hair as you trembled greatly. Slowly and weakly, you dropped yourself, your knees meeting the coldness of the ground. This was supposed to be a nice day. A nice, enjoyable day that involved no stress and no professional work. Mr. Joestar also wanted you to enjoy but this, fighting back the urge to sob while you silently hollered in the storming public, isn't exactly your idea of spending your leisure time.

"[Y-Y/N]?"

Josuke stood just outside the waiting shed, a black umbrella, protecting him from the rain, in hand. He ran when he heard your scream, resulting to his shoes and pants to be thoroughly soaked. He looked at you with worry and guilt, although clueless as to what exactly caused your outspoken self to curl into a whimpering puppy. Rohan.. It must've been him. He shouldn't have just stood there watching, "[Y/N]..? Did Rohan do—"

A loud thunderstorm sounded once more, making you scream and push yourself to the corner. Josuke gasped, it's.. the thunderstorms that's causing this.

Josuke entered the shed and closed the umbrella, hanging it on the roof. You weren't paying him any of your attention, your conscious mind devoured by unsettling thoughts. Your phobia of thunderstorms was something you caught from your childhood. Something you caught from the freezing and lonely nights without your parents, people who you most expected to be there for you when you're being secluded by fright.

The boy who was now crouching in front of you noticed your lack of attention as he's been calling your name. He bit his lower lip, feeling more and more soft as each second passed. He should have known.. he usually did ask Mr. Joestar about you after all.

Josuke gave up on calling you and proceeded to his second move, which was to cover you with his gakuran. He stood up, unclasped the remaining buttons and gently enrobed you with the garment, slight joy sparking in him when you quickly accepted and wrapped yourself with it. He expected that you were still clueless of a person here with you, but you really are filled with surprises.

"T-thank you.. Angel.." You muttered, a serene feeling slowly emerging when you thought a kind citizen had randomly decided to be concerned over a breaking down woman. You exhaled deeply, eyes opening as your whole form has been blanketed by the coat.

"Angel? You think that suits me?"

You felt your heart skip a beat upon hearing the familiar cheerful voice. It wasn't some random citizen who helped you, of course it had to be someone you know.

You draped the coat over your shoulder and wrapped your body with it, head turning to the side where your sight met the ever-majestic boy's grin, hastily noticing his biceps as he only had a yellow sando as a top. Your eyes widened in surprise, bringing back the coat over your head to hide the creeping blush on your face. The turn of events had you sweeping away the thoughts of your phobia, at least.

"A-ah..? Of course it suits you! You're my.. our JoJo after all!" You faced him and answered after sighing inside the coat, trying to compose yourself, "Your g-gakuran is so warm, Josuke. I might just steal it now!"

Josuke let out a chuckle, comfortably glad that you feel better now. He had one more move up his sleep and he'd ecstatic if he could do it, but maybe some other time.. or later..? Woah there, he shouldn't be thinking about that right now. But for real, he's curious on.. how having you in his arms would feel. Your body insufferably close to his.. your loving arms wrapping around him as he shared his body heat so that you'd be shivering no more.. Sh*t, this is still a crush, right?

"U-uhm, Higashikata to e-earth..?"

"Ah? What? Oh! Yeah, sorry! W-were you saying something?"

Josuke got too far with his thoughts that he stayed still, staring at you with half-lidded eyes and a smirk, a pink shade on his cheeks which were becoming evident even with the storm blocking out the light from the sun. You didn't consider that he looked at you like a lovestruck boy and snapped him from his trance, concerned that he might be feeling cold now.

"I was asking if you.. uhm.. now that I think of it, I m-might sound like a creep," You said, still trembling. You closed your eyes and sighed, meeting his encouraging expression as you opened them again. A pursed smile formed on your lips, "You could have your coat back although I.. I was hoping if we could share it but—"

"Of course we can! I thought you'd never ask, [Y/N]!" Josuke jumped to his feet, a confident grin on his face. You looked up at him, confused, "Brr! I'm starting to feel cold too! Well?" He happily lied, crossing his arms and making an up and down motion over his biceps to add to his bluff. Josuke's not going to let this chance pass! You were the one to offer the.. intimate gesture, he'd be cursing himself forever if he messes this up.

You nodded with your mouth agape and tried to stand up on your feet. Your legs were numb for having to carry your weight on the ground, so it'd make sense if you stumbled for a bit. Fortunately, a strong and quick-thinking boy was there to catch you before it even happens, his hands —which flicked the coat— supporting your waist as you held on his wrists. Oh boy, why is it that you think he'd be a perfect gym partner?

"Perfect gym partner, huh? I wouldn't mind that too, Ms. [Y/N]!" Your eyes widened upon his words, "Yep, you just said it out loud!" Josuke laughed, giving you the urge to turn around in embarrassment but you couldn't, his stubborn hands locking you in place. An awkward silence engulfed as you looked into each other's eyes, the sound of pouring rain joining in again.

You gulped as Josuke sighed and cleared his throat, "I know this isn't a good moment to say what I'm about to say, but I don't think I could do it anywhere else without being awkward so I'm going to say it," Josuke sighed once more and you blink as a response. He sounded complacent yet also shakened while your confusion is getting ahead of you, "I'm really, REALLY going to say it now! I'm actually going to say it, will you let me say it? Uh.."

"..F*ck this is harder than I thought."

You creased your brows, adamantly switching to your sister form, "Language, JoJo!" You retreated your hands and tapped his cheeks, and.. you know you shouldn't have done that.

From another person's view, yours and Josuke's position just got more romantic than ever. Your small hands cupping his adoring face as his were firmly placed on your waist.. His almost bare top fighting the cold breeze brought by the storm just so you could be warm under the cover of his gakuran that was appealingly big on you.. This is much preferable than what Josuke daydreamed. You even called him JoJo, which he's never heard you call his nephew or his father with. Holy.. you're oblivious to the fact that you're setting the mood for him, aren't you?

You were about to pull your hands away when he swiftly locked your wrists, your waist now free from him. You gasped and felt your heart skip a beat. It was just like when you first heard his voice earlier. Being with him like this feels good but.. it doesn't feel right.

"I'm being pushy here, aren't I?" Josuke chuckled shakily, "I feel like bursting at this moment, so.. Ms. [Y/N], would ya listen? I know it'd be uncomfortable and freaky, but I seriously need to say it."

You barely nodded, his hands bringing down yours and holding it in his. He was looking down at the pairs, smiling at how yours fitted in his, "It's only been weeks since we've met— heck, since I've met you and Mr. Joestar, and this isn't really the right time for me to be having this.. puppy crush when enemy Stand Users are on the lose, but I don't usually crush over someone this hard." He grunted, his hands delicately squeezing yours, "I.. I like you, [Y/N]. Like, like-like like you. There.. I finally said it."

The moment would have been cute because of his mulish confession, but you just had to ruin it for the poor boy.

"Josuke we're.. we're family." Josuke flinched before looking at you, his arched brows hitting each other. The tables have turned, and he's the one that's waiting now, "Mr. Joestar, Jotaro.. they're like father and older brother to me while.." You sighed, successfully pulling your hands away from his weakened grip, "Josuke, I don't want to trade my close relationship with your father's family.. for a possibly temporary feelings for me."

Your words hit like Cupid shot their arrow backwards, but Josuke didn't let himself be completely fazed. He was taken aback for a second, but that doesn't mean he didn't expected this. He knew how much the Joestar Family meant to you. You're even proud that you owe your life to them, to such good people that were the epitome of justice and heroic greatness. He took note of that fact when he was getting to know you through his father, who seemed to enjoy telling stories about you. Somehow, he could say he was prepared for this.

"But, doesn't that mean if I proved my feelings aren't temporary and I'm proudly certain of it, I would have a chance with you?" Josuke grinned, tilting his head as he shove his hands in his pockets, "Also, Mr. Joestar approves of you being his daughter-in-law. Man, I'm just glad you didn't accept his offer to adopt you years ago. That would have sucked!"

Your lips opened and closed like a fish underwater, making Josuke smirk inwardly. You were almost speechless, and that's a good thing for him, "How did you.. Why do you even.." You stiffened, fiddling with his coat as you turned on to your side, facing the raining scenery, "Josuke, I don't know why you're doing this, b-but this ain't funny, y'know? Don't you like, see me as your older sister or—"

"At first," You glanced at Josuke who was now facing outside too, "When you introduced yourself as Mr. Joestar's caretaker, yeah," He stole a glance back and pouted, "But when we got to know you and literally took care of me like you're my caring girlfriend? Hell no. I could even bet Okuyasu also had a crush on you, but he told me you were like a mom, a cute mom at that." He shook his head, chuckling at what he said, "Misunderstanding your actions was a sh*tty move for me but I don't regret it one bit, Ms. [Y/N]."

There, Josuke did not just confess his romantic feelings to you, but also admitted how his decision to like you seemed inappropriate. It was valid nonetheless, as you weren't related to him by blood, but you take pride in being the Joestars' comrade —even if you seemed thirsty for them some times— and he acknowledges that.

No one gets to choose who they specifically prefer to be with, anyway. He had to 'Dora!' his way out of his boundaries with you or he would be lying to himself, which he dislikes the most, aside Rohan.

"Are you sure Mr. Joestar's okay with this?" You asked, sighing, "I don't mind giving you a chance now that—"

Josuke didn't even let you finish and proceeded to lock you in his arms, pulling you in excitement as his arms snaked around your neck and your head, "I said 'chance', JoJo! You haven't even asked me if you wanted me to be your girlfriend—"

"So you like me too?" Josuke cut you off again, smiling down at you. You sighed and nodded, accepting your defeat. He shouted a yes, an arm punching above, hitting the roof of the shed, "Aw—! But hey, you just admitted that you like me! Take that, Rohan!"

You slightly pulled away from Josuke, "What does Kishibe have to do with this?" You asked, glaring at him. Josuke shook his head, scratching the back of it as he grinned. Rohan totally had something to do with this as he didn't only set them up, but even tried to discourage the lively Josuke by saying that you'd reject him and tell him that you only see him as family. Technically, he was right— but that didn't last long!

You were going to ask about it again when a thunderstorm sounded, breaking down your collected spirit as you ended up holding yourself close to the boy in front of you. His playfulness aside, he fixed his gakuran that was still on you and wrapped you in his arms protectively, assuring you that you're going to be okay. Another thunderstorm followed, startling you even in his arms. You were a shaking mess, your fists grabbing a handful on the back of his sando, face buried on his chest. He should've been shivering from the cold all this time, but your presence provided warmth for him and he's grateful for that. Josuke willingly let you nuzzle yourself around him, knowing that it comforted you and it brought contentedness to his feelings.

"I hope you won't mind being the rainbow that brings color to my life, [Y/N]."

"Y-yeah, JoJo.. u-unless I strike you as a lightning w-when you break my heart.."

"I'm frightened that you can be scary while you're scared [Y/N] but.. sh*t, I just realized.."

"What i-is it now..?"

"It's also hot."

[End!]

207 notes · View notes

blackhakumen · 3 years

Text

Mini Fanfic #633: So.... About Sephiroth....(SSBU x Persona 5)

Ryuji: Ok. I know we should be focusing on Christmas Shopping and all, but can we PLEASE talk about how and why Sephiroth is in this mansion right now!?

Morgana: What?

Futuba: EX-F**KING-CUSE ME!???

Makoto: Futuba, what do we told you about texting out cuss words in our Groupchat?

Futuba: I covered up the middle words!

Makoto: Even still, that doesn't make it any less inappropriate. Please don't do it anymore, okay?

Futuba: Yes, ma'am.....

Ann: I'm already lost. Who's Sephiroth again?

Ren: Silver Haired guy with Long sword. He's also a one winged angel.

Futuba: The One Winged Angel.jpg

Ann: Wow he's hot. But alas, my heart still and will always belongs to my dear Shiho-kins~

Haru: Awww~

Ryuji: Okay, Ms. Shakespeare lol.

Ann: ಠ︵ಠ

Sonic: Cute lovers' stuff aside, let's not forget that this man has been the thorn in Cloud's side ever since day one......Whenever that is.

Haru: Goodness. I wonder what he has done to make Cloud-Senpai so upset.....

Morgana: That's what I've been wondering too now that I think about.

Futuba: Well, for starters, he murdered Cloud's best friend, Zack, and his companion named Aerith.

Haru: Oh my gosh, REALLY!!?

Yusuke: Oh dear.....

Makoto: Excuse me!!?

Morgana: My god! I didn't know all of that!!!!

Ann: Yep. Now, I'm definitely glad I don't any feelings for him now.

Ryuji: Right!? The guy's a ruthless monster! Even if he is cool looking!

Ren: So is he like.... Officially moving in the mansion now. I mean, I know people say that he's one of the new entries in Smash Tournament and all, but idrk.

Futuba: WAIT! HE'S A NEW WHAT NOW!!?

Sonic: Well, he doesn't really moved in or anything. He only comes here for Ganondorf's League of Villains Club or whatever. Not only that, but Hades actually brought him from hell and everything.

Ren: Now that's freaky.

Ryuji: I know, right. I'm guessing this was after Cloud killed him in that Advent Child movie I watched a while back.

Makoto: I can't believe Hades would go as far as to bring someone back from the dead....

Sonic: Tell me about it, but there is another reason why he did this besides joining some villains club.

Futuba: For real!?

Ryuji: Hey!

Sonic: Yep. You guys remember that whole World of Light fiasco we all been involved in, right?

Ren: Yeah. Those were some really crazy times for all of us back then.....

Ryuji: But what does that have to do with anything?

Sonic: Well, you guys remember we all had to split into two groups to clear out all of the remaining forces of Galeem and Dharkon.

Morgana: Oh yeah, I remember now. We were all assigned to deal with the rest of Dhakron's mess.

Sonic: That's right. While you guys did that, me and the other half of the group face off against Galeem on our own. It was hard work, but eventually, Sephiroth came in at the right time to slice that thing in half, causing an army of Master Hands to disappear.

Ren: Huh. That's.... actually pretty cool of him to do that for everyone.

Sonic: Yeeahh, but.....

Ren: Oh god. What did he do next?

Sonic: Nothing too major.....He just attacked us is all.

Makoto: Why?

Sonic: I don't even know myself, Queen. He just flew in and bodied almost all of us without breaking a sweat. Greninja, Pit, Rosalina, Samus, Bayonetta....

Ren: WITCH MOMMY!?

Sonic: Yup! Especially her! And I haven't even gotten to the part of what he did to my poor pops!

Morgana: You're talking about Mario, right? What did he do to him?

Sonic: Wellllllll......

Sonic: Fatal Strike.jpg

Ryuji: HOLY SHIT!!!!!

Ren: ........WELL!!!

Makoto: Oh my god!

Morgana: ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW!!!?

Ann: (‘◉⌓◉’)(‘◉⌓◉’)(‘◉⌓◉’)(‘◉⌓◉’)

Yusuke: This can't be real.....

Haru: Oh my goodness. I think I'm going to cry....

Futuba: FHJKJVFFJN MARIO FREAKING DIED!!!?

Sonic: Everybody, CALM DOWN! Relax! Mario is fine. I repeat: Mario is 100% fine! Look!

Sonic: Sike! He Missed!.jpg

Ren: Oh thank Goddess Mom.

Futuba: Right!? That is such a relief!

Makoto: I agree. I don't think my could take it if he actually got himself hurt like that.

Ann: Hey, Haru, are you okay at your end?

Haru: I'm doing much better now that my sweet little Mona-Chan is here with me~

Haru: My Little Knight and Shining Armor.jpg

Futuba: D'awwwwww~

Ryuji: Damn, Mona. You really are her son lol.

Morgana: Shut it, Ryuji.

Haru: Mona-Chan, are you embarrassed of me? :(

Morgana: No! Of course not, mom! I love you with all of my heart! Really!

Haru: I know you do, sweetheart. I was only messing with you is all. I love you too~ ( ˘ ³˘)♥

Morgana: Haru why?

Haru: I just wanted to see that adorable face of yours flustered. I'm sorry.

Morgana: It's fine. I forgive you.

Haru: ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

Sonic: Adorable cuteness aside, the plumber dad was in no harm whatsoever. And mom makes extra sure he stays that way too, cuz I just saw her hugging him like a teddy bear in their bedroom.

Sonic: Protective Momma Peach on Duty.jpg

Ann: Yeah. Not gonna lie, I would totally do that for Shiho if she ever gets hurt.

Makoto: I would do the same for Ren.

Ren: Why?

Makoto: Because you're a reckless idiot and I love you.

Ren: Love you too, 'hon~ :D

Makoto: ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

Futuba: Ignoring the blantly obvious Married Couple, I'm glad all of you guys are safe.

Makoto: ಠ_ಠ

Ren: ಠ︵ಠ

Sonic: Thanks, Futuba. If Cloud wasn't there to fight the madman, we all would've been done for.

Ryuji: Speaking of which, how does Cloud feel about Sephiroth joining the tournament?

Sonic: He's not too happy about it. But he has been ignoring him since a day or two ago, so that's something.

Haru: That's wonderful news. I sure do hope his presence doesn't cause Cloud Senpai too much trouble in the future.

Sonic: Same. The poor guy look like he's been stressed about it for days.

Makoto: While we're on the topic of Sephiroth, I think it's best for all of us that we stay clear from him for now.

Ren: I agree with Makoto on this one. If.the guy's that strong enough to beat half of everyone in this mansion, I stutter to think what would it be like if any fight him. So let's not get in his way, alright?

Ryuji: Right.

Ann: Roger.

Yusuke: Very well.

Haru: Okay.

Morgana: Good enough for me.

Makoto: That means you too, Futuba.

Futuba: Why me specifically?

Ren: Because we all know how much of a fangirl you are in almost everythingg video game related. Sephiroth looks like the type of guy who is dead serious on everything and I don't my baby sister to get hurt because of him.

Futuba: Rennnnnnnn I'm not a baby!

Ren: You are one to me damnit.

Futuba: ಠಗಠ

Ren: Okay. Okay. I kid lol. But seriously though, just try and stay away from him for me, alright?

Futuba: 'Aye, 'Aye, Captain!

Yusuke: I apologise to ask you this so suddenly, Sonic, but do you still have the picture you showed us not too long ago?

Sonic: The one Fatal Strike one? Yeah, I still got it. Why? You need it for something?

Yusuke: Yes. I must make a painting of this immediately!

Ryuji: Dude, seriously? Why?

Yusuke: I am not too sure about the reasons myself, but.... the dark, gloomy atmosphere of the picture alone has already peaked my attention. And it's telling me to create a masterpiece of it immediately.

Futuba: Of course you would be interested in making something like that, Inari.....

Ann: Could we just focus on our Christmas Shopping plans instead please? I don't even wanna think about that photo.

Haru: Me too. It makes me sad every time I see it.

Yusuke: Very well. I suppose I can try painting it in memory. Or at least, I hope I can....

@keyenuta

@princekirijo

@26shann

@italian-love-cake

@albion-93

@chompycroc

@incorrectsmashbrosquotes

@toriwest

@caleb13frede

21 notes · View notes

kristallioness · 4 years

Text

Burning bridges

Summary: Aang has a nightmare about the first time he firebent, and the last time he physically hurt Katara.

Word count: 3,511

Author's note: This idea came to me after I'd rewatched "The Deserter" this February. Sometimes I too have woken up in the morning after seeing a weird, or a bad dream. On rare occasions, I start shedding tears because either I remember what I saw and it really disturbed me mentally, or I remember the (sad) feeling that I got from seeing it. So I just pictured Aang waking up in the middle of the night and frantically trying to grab Katara's hands in the dark to check for the burns, only to end up realizing it was nothing but a bad dream. Set postwar, somewhere around the events prior to or after "Imbalance", I imagined. Tears were shed while writing this.

----------x----------

He'll never forget that shriek. That piercing sound that made his heart sink into his boots. The feeling of losing everything he'd worked so hard on building up from scratch ever since they'd met. If she didn't wanna leave him behind after he'd hidden the map that showed the location of her father, then this would certainly be the end of their friendship.

He'd attacked her. His recklessness had caused physical harm to her. It wasn't on purpose, but that didn't matter anymore. Her crouched figure on the riverbank right in front of him spoke otherwise. He'd screwed up, badly.

"Katara! I'm so sorry!" Aang exclaimed. But sorry didn't take away the unbearable pain that she felt coursing through the fresh blood-red stripes on her hands. He airbended himself across the river and softly landed right next to her on the shore.

She was crying. Aang didn't know what to do except stand there and watch her suffer. He was too afraid to say or do anything else, in case he'd hurt her even more. It was all because of his impatience in the first place. Caution must be the key.

"It was an accident. Katara, I'm so sorry!"

He tried to excuse his actions. She needed to know he didn't mean for this to happen. He squatted closer to her to have a look at the damage he had done. But Katara turned her back towards him. He felt like drowning into the shallow river in front of them.

Aang attempted to approach her from another angle, but she kept turning away from him. Her arms were securely crossed over her stomach, hiding the shameful redness that pulsated through her palms.

She'd managed to get herself up on her feet while he was busy running circles around her. She even tried to run away from him, but Aang couldn't let her go. Not like this.

"Katara, please, wait! I'm sorry! I wanna help you!"

He eventually caught up with her and stopped her in her tracks by standing in her way. She didn't seem to want to continue running, but she still balked at showing her hands. No matter how much he pleaded for her to let him help her, Katara shook her head and just continued crying.

Aang had a look around their surroundings and the limited resources. What could he use to heal burns? Some sort of tea leaves? Should he blow some cool air onto her skin? Then it hit him, or actually it splashed against his left boot when he stepped into a steeper part of the riverbank - water. He'd soothe it with water.

"Come here."

Somehow Katara didn't protest when he gently grabbed her shoulders and urged her to kneel down on the ground together with him. Aang reached for her arms on either side and slowly brought them closer to the river. He couldn't bear to look at her hands once she revealed them to him. He squeezed his eyes shut and simply dipped them into the river without looking.

He could practically hear her gritting her teeth together. Her trembling from the unpleasant contact between liquid and scorched tissue transmitted over to him through his own shaky hands. Had he gone too fast?

Katara heaved a sigh of relief and stopped writhing. Silence fell upon the pair, allowing the airbender to release a breath he'd been holding in for too long. Finally, the water started to work.

But then, something heavy fell against him. When Aang opened his eyes, he was surprised to see what the dead weight was.

"Katara?.. Katara!"

Her lifeless body had fallen against his side. He dragged her higher into his embrace, searching for any sign that would indicate why she'd fainted. If that's what'd even happened. But before he could do anything, his attention was caught by something else.

The river in front of them started to turn crimson from the spot he'd laid her hands in, and the source came from her burns. The bloody water spread quickly throughout the entire river, even upstream, like it was sucking the life right out of her. He didn't firebend an open wound into Katara's hands, did he? She couldn't have lost so much blood.

At the same time, the sky grew dim and everything around them turned gray, with the same bloody colour eventually engulfing the sun and turning it completely red. It was as if the lunar eclipse dawned upon them.

Aang could feel his heart pounding against his chest. The darkness threatened to swallow them alive. Only the blood-red river and sun, or was it the moon, cast some sort of light into their world. He held onto Katara for dear life, whispering pleas to her as tears rolled down his cheeks. Anything that would help him undo this mess.

"Please, Katara, wake up! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry..."

Suddenly, everything became pitch-black. Did he just pull another all-powerful Avatar move and make the sun disappear from the sky? Where did the forest and the tainted river go? More importantly, where did Katara go? She was right there in his arms!

Aang turned around and startled when he met her face just inches away from his own. She was unconscious, lying on her left side, facing him. Oh no... Was his firebending more deadly than he'd imagined?

Her hands, he had to find them and heal them somehow. He instantly caught one near her face, and by tracing her bare arm, he found the other one resting above her hip. He twisted her wrists a little bit in order to see her palms. But to his surprise, there were.. no burns?

Aang blinked several times in disbelief. He tenderly ran his fingertips over her hands, grazing the edges of her palms and straightening each of her clenched fingers to examine the inner parts. There really were no burns, no angry scars, no smell of burnt flesh.. nothing. Merely soft, peach-scented skin from when she'd washed her hands before bedtime.

Bedtime, he remembered. He was in such a severe daze that he hadn't even realized it'd all been a horrible nightmare. Except that, a couple of years ago, parts of it had been a painful reality. But right now, Aang didn't know which one caused him more heartache.

He found himself unable to swallow the lump in his throat, which forced him to weep instead. He clasped Katara's hands and covered his face with them to hide away from the world. Nobody could witness him expressing his sorrow behind that protective curtain.

Unfortunately, a few sobs escaped his throat. He tried to hold them in, but it was enough to disturb his girlfriend's peaceful slumber. Katara, still half-asleep, yawned and opened her eyes to look at him, hidden between her own ten fingers.

"Aang.. what's wrong?"

A shiver ran down his spine. He wanted to jump out of bed and run away at the sound of her voice, just like she'd done in his dream. So she wouldn't have to see him like this.

Maybe there was still a way he could salvage this situation. Aang took a deep, calming breath and gulped in order to get rid of his cracking voice.

"I'm sorry, I woke you up. Go back to sleep," he said in the most collected tone he could, after which he shut his eyes and pretended to fall asleep. Rolling over to his other side would've surely caused too much suspicion.

Katara groaned as she blinked a couple of times to get the sleep out of her eyes. She raised her head a little bit to get a good look at her boyfriend. She wouldn't have suspected a thing if she hadn't felt something wet drying up on both of her hands. It forced her awake from instinct.

Aang had to let go of her hands when she propped herself up on her elbow, the shadow of her looming over him. He peeked at her as she leaned in closer, barely noticing the streak that ran over his nose and down the side of his face. There was a damp circle near the spot where his right cheek was pressed into the pillow. He'd been caught teary-eyed. She frowned.

"But, sweetie.. you're crying."

Her finger tickled his nose when she attempted to wipe away his tears. Aang nuzzled his face against the pillow so she wouldn't see them. He dared to look her in the eye a moment later, when she wouldn't stop what she was doing. Katara tilted her head and gave him a soft smile.

"Please, Aang.. talk to me. What's going on?"

He slowly brought a hand up to her own and grabbed the back of her right hand one more time, moving it closer to his face. He had to be sure the burns were healed. Upon finding reassurance after another thorough look, he laced his fingers with hers and laid their entwined hands over his eyes once again. He started crying.

"I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry, Katara.." he repeated, suddenly finding it difficult to control his noisy breathing. She guessed that even airbenders couldn't win the battle against sadness sometimes.

Katara lay down opposite to him and nudged herself closer. One by one, she broke her fingers free from in between his own.

"Why are you sorry?"

She laid her hand above his and slid it down his dry cheek so she could see him. She wanted to see those grey eyes of his. To have a closer look at the storm that was raging in his mind. To calm the turbulent waters that didn't seem to stop and found their end on the pile of feathers underneath his head, drip by drip.

But Aang didn't have the heart to meet her halfway. She could sense the tension leave from the muscles on his face with each stroke she gifted him over his cheek. His knitted brows rose higher and he stopped squeezing his eyes shut with so much effort. At least he wasn't trying so hard to hide it anymore.

He opened his mouth, but the words remained lost in his throat. Until he stuttered.

"F-for hurting you."

Katara felt a bit lost.

"You didn't hurt me. When did that happen?"

She did have a point. If he didn't tell her what he was talking about, she wouldn't understand.

Aang breathed in and out deeply a couple of times, in order to calm down and cease his crying. So he could speak to her like a normal human being. He thought that the big sniff he took made her pity him even more. What could he possibly be worked up about so much?

"You know.. when I first tried to learn firebending."

Her mouth fell slightly agape similarly to his for a second, before she was reminded of where they were now.

"Sweetie, that was almost four years ago."

To her, it was ancient history. But to him, it seemed like it'd only been yesterday.

Aang felt her fingertips brush over his eyelashes repetitively. Her thumb slipped across his nose, wiping off fresh tears that wanted to find their way down onto the pillow. She was urging him to open his eyes and look at her. But.. how could he, after what he had done?

"Yes.. but I saw it happen again, tonight," he explained, ensuing a moment of silence, until everything started to make sense for his girlfriend.

"So that's why you're upset. You had a bad dream," she said sympathetically. It sounded so simple coming from her mouth, like it was no big deal. For him, it was one of the worst mistakes he'd ever made in his life. Aang finally opened his eyes.

"But it wasn't a bad dream. It really happened. I firebent at you. I burnt your hands."

His voice sounded full of regret. He cautiously took a hold of her hands once more, his fingers running along the wrinkles in her palm and the bent angles of her own slim fingers. She could feel them trembling a bit in his grasp.

"I know. And I forgave you. It was an accident."

She wasn't sure whether he was listening to her or not. Aang merely shook his head against the pillow, like he was denying the incident ever happening. Or he couldn't believe that she was so kind to him.

"I'm sorry," he repeated one last time.

Katara scooted over under the sheets and bumped her forehead against his own. She looped one arm over his shoulder and slithered her other hand below his chin. She held him close and made him look her in the eye.

"I forgive you, Aang. Do you hear me?"

A new wave of tears spilled over his face. He'd never felt so thankful. She always knew how to get him to open up to her.

However, he wasn't prepared for what she did next. Katara brought her hands back onto his face, firmly laying them on his cheeks. His tears trickled down the back of her hand, the one she'd squeezed in between the pillow and his cheek. He expected her to tell him to stop crying, that it's all in the past or something. But instead, she did the exact opposite. She let him cry.

"It's okay, Aang. Just let it all out."

He did. Aang felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off of his chest. He closed his eyes for a minute, taking all the time he felt he needed to weep.

Katara noticed him return her smile. She was so happy to be able to witness him make peace with this incident.

"Your tears are made of water, so in a way, you're healing on the inside, just as much as you're healing the old burns on my hands on the outside. Think of these as healing tears."

She could really feel him grinning into her palms now. Even though there were no burns evident on her hands anymore, he was still healing them by letting the tears from his eyes fall onto her skin.

That was water, the element she used to heal others, including herself. If he hadn't thought of crying as a healing process for both his mental being and her physical self before, he sure did now.

He lifted a hand above hers, softly guiding her thumb over his nose with the help of his own, teaching her how to wipe away his tears.

"You're so good, Katara. I don't know why nor what I've done to deserve you," he spoke softly, his gaze meeting her own. She thought that giving him a gentle nudge would've been inappropriate, given his delicate state. But she knew he wasn't supposed to be the one making her cry, too.

She blinked away the tears in the corners of her eyes. Aang felt her lips leave a wet kiss over his mouth. He tried to return it, but she spoke before he could.

"You didn't need to do anything to 'deserve' me," she murmured lovingly, then pressed her lips against his own more firmly, giving him a proper kiss this time.

Once she pulled away, Aang used the opportunity to dry off the last of his tears. He held her hand in his own, using her palm as a tissue to wipe his cheeks with. She grazed over any wet spots he'd missed with her fingertips.

When they were more or less dry, he grabbed both her hands again and brought each one to his lips, sealing them with a kiss in the middle of her palm. He knitted his brows.

"I'm really sorry for hurting you back then. I'd never do anything to hurt you ever again, I promise."

Katara ran a finger over the corner of his mouth, gently pulling it up into a smile. Oddly enough, she'd been smiling at him almost all this time.

"I know," she assured him. Her smile faded a bit when Aang averted his gaze. He still seemed a tad worried to her.

"Is there something else that's on your mind?"

He hesitated for a second, then nodded.

"Tell me," Katara pleaded. Her blue eyes grew wider when he reached his hand out for her own cheek this time. He hesitated for a second, afraid that his touch may leave another burn on her face, before he carefully lowered it. She followed his caresses with curiosity.

"I was just thinking.. when I firebent at you back then, you ran away. And you wanted to run away in my dream, too. If I did hurt you again, unintentionally.. would you stay by my side?"

He didn't expect her to answer in a heartbeat.

"Yes. Because you'd never hurt me, at least not intentionally. And even if you did, well.."

Aang's breath got caught in his throat for a second, but luckily she shook her head at that disturbing thought, which caused unease in both their stomachs. Did she really think that he..?

"No. You would never do that. And that's why I'd probably forgive you. I'd forgive you a thousand times if necessary, cause I know you wouldn't mean it. I know we'll have huge arguments and stuff like that as we grow older.. But no matter the reason, I would never leave you. I couldn't. If I left, then I'd be breaking my own, and your heart, too."

Katara tenderly laced her fingers with his and picked up his hand from her cheek, lowering it to her chest. Once again, she sensed a bit of resistance before Aang allowed her to let him touch her.

She pressed his palm against there, right above her beating heart. If that didn't convince him, she didn't know what would.

"I love you, Aang. And I'm not gonna leave you behind. Not now, not ever."

The airbender let his fingers run along the cottony fabric while his focus remained on her words. If she was lying, according to Toph, he should be able to sense some sort of physical reaction. But he couldn't detect anything like that.

A tremble? Katara's body language showed that she was utterly relaxed around him. Perhaps wanting to look away and lock her gaze on something different? No, she maintained eye contact with him, even when he was looking somewhere else other than straight into her blue eyes.

Were her cheeks blushing? It didn't look like it. Aang wasn't sure since he couldn't tell in the darkness, but she still wore that warm smile. That much he could see.

Did her heart skip a beat when she talked to him? No, the subtle vibrations thumping against his palm and fingertips showed no sign of fear of being caught in a lie. A lying person's heartbeat would've been drumming away a lot faster than that. Hers was steady and strong. Out of love, not fear.

The corners of Aang's mouth curled into a smile. He slowly clenched his fingers back into a fist, like he wanted to grab Katara's heart and protect it from all the hurt it'd gone through, and will go through in the future. But he didn't need to worry about that. Cause she wouldn't leave him behind.

"Never?"

"Never," she assured him once more, sealing her promise with another kiss on his lips. The airbender remained lingering over everything that was said, his finger softly scratching the cloth covering her chest. Katara gifted him with a couple of more strokes along his now-dried-up cheek to soothe him.

"Enough dwelling on the past, okay, sweetie? Don't you remember what you learned after we saved that fisherman and his wife from that storm? We can't change what's already been, so let's stop worrying about it, and focus on our shared future instead. We're here now, so let's make the most of it. Shape it the way we want it to be, together."

Okay, so Aang still knew her well enough. She'd simply left the comforting wisdom part to the end. He had to admit, her optimistic and forward-looking attitude did manage to cheer him up. He gave her a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Katara."

He tickled her chest by drawing a heart shape above the lilac pyjama she was wearing. The sensation prompted her to chuckle before she brought a finger to her lips and hushed him.

"Now, sleep.."

Aang heeded her advice and nuzzled his nose into his pillow. She swayed her hand in front of his face, like a mother telling her child to close his eyes and rest. He played along and shut his eyes on cue. A minute or two later, when he was already drifting away towards a much more peaceful slumber, he felt something warm smoothly crawl over his face.

Katara kept her hands close. One of them was tucked below his chin while the other one sprawled out over his cheek. This way, he didn't have to worry about burning her hands again. She was holding onto him this time, and she wouldn't let go.

#Kataangtag #Kataang #Aang #Katara #ATLA 1.16 #Imbalance #my fanfiction #mine #shards of Kristal

76 notes · View notes

heli0s-writes · 5 years

Text

Pet Names

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader x Bucky Barnes Summary: The boys wonder why you don’t have any pet names for them. A/N: 2 of ?? Snapshots between you, Steve, and Bucky. In the same canon as Mystery of Love– check it out first :)

They have so many for you: Angel, darling, sweetheart, kitten, honey. All tender and easily passing over their lips any chance they get. Some were more creative: doll-baby, honeybunny, pumpkin, cherub. Some of them would stoke fires in your cheeks just at the sound of their silly syllables rolling off your lovers’ tongues.

Once during a quiet dinner at the compound, Bucky asked, “Can you hand me the salt, peach?” And you had taken a moment to wonder what kind of entrée a salt-peach even was before realizing he paused in between the two sounds.

You were the peach. He wanted the salt.

“How come you don’t have any pet names for us?” Bucky ventures now, as you lie you head in Steve’s lap. The three of you are lounging about and ready for bed, nestled in the excessively large mattress in Steve’s room. Well, it’s the shared room for all three of you, you suppose, even if it formerly belonged to only Steve. You call the other room Bucky’s room, but that’s not quite accurate either. It’s been transformed into something resembling more like an office. You spend most of your time there on your computer while Steve reads or draws Bucky as he watches T.V.

“For you?” You murmur as Steve twirls a strand of your hair over his pointer.

“Yeah, honey. I’ve wondered that, too.”

Bucky flips on his stomach and army-crawls until he’s comfortably nestled against the side of your body, hand reaching under your shirt. He gives you a kiss on the cheek and props his head up on his other palm. The metal one is harmless, resting on your sternum with a tap with his finger here and there, but not devilish like it can be.

You have a reason, and it’s a pretty good one. But the look in their eyes seem a little hurt that you have no affectionate titles to call them. “Can I tell you tomorrow?” you ask, stifling a yawn being your hand. “It’s so late.”

“C’mon babe.” Bucky whines, but Steve nudges him with a pitched-up knee and he relents, rolling his eyes and his body away. You hide a smile as you sit up and head toward the restroom, pulling your toothbrush from the seashell print container.

“Honey?” You call from the counter casually, “We’re out of toothpaste- mind getting me some?”

Two pairs of feet patter forward in a hurry before both broad-shouldered men knock into each other at the doorway, eager to respond. “Woah, Buck!” Steve is alarmed as Bucky nudges past him.

“Got it!” Bucky grins widely, supplying you with the tube he’s pulled from the high cabinet. There’s pure delight in his eyes when you take it from him, even as Steve fixes his narrowed gaze on the back of Bucky’s head and then slowly to your nonchalant humming in the mirror. What are you up to? He’s asking. But you pretend like you don’t see him.

After washing your face, you lie down in the middle tonight and kiss them both on the cheek before pulling the cover up until its edge reaches your chin. It’s dark now, with the white-noise machine droning on in the background—a steady current of buzzing.

“You were talkin’ to me, weren’t ya?” Bucky asks.

“Mhm,” You say. “Goodnight, handsome.”

“Goodnight.” They both reply.

“She was talkin’ to me.” Bucky grumbles.

“No, she wasn’t.” Steve spits back.

It’s like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, you swear. In the middle, your shoulders tremor with laughter and Steve tugs the nightstand lamp back to life. “Huh, I see now.” He accuses with a playful smile, turning so that he hovers over you. You press your face into Bucky’s arm and cling onto him like a lifesaver. “I see what you’re doing, you little minx.”

“What’m I doin?” Your voice comes out muffled by Bucky’s skin, who now stirs too.

“Oh.” Bucky catches onto Steve’s train of thought. They’ve both discovered your plot too early. You had hoped to enjoy at least a few more morning hours with this kind of play. “You’re mean.”

Steve presses his nose into your neck, breathing in the scent of your lightly perfumed face wash and the sweat that threatens to accumulate from his scrutiny. His large hand comes and wraps around your elbow, prying you loose. Bucky is there immediately, other hand pressing you down until you’re on your back, sinister glint in his eyes. “You know what, babydoll?” He asks—even though the question isn’t a question at all.

“Maybe we’ll play a game with you,” he mutters, pinning your left wrist to the pillow. Steve does the same to your right one, and a scream is about to wrench itself from your throat because you can’t stand to be tickled. Steve watches Buck eagerly, a smirk tugging up his cheek.

Bucky licks a stripe from your neck to your ear and you squeal at the sensation. There’s just being tickled, and then there’s the dread and panic of being tickled that somehow tricks your brain into feeling it even before it happens. Your toes curl so hard the entire arch of both your feet cramp.

“Stevie, think of somethin’ you’d like to be called by.” Bucky suggests, “As for me, kitten... How about...” You see him plotting. You see him digging down into the filthiest pit of his brain and yanking out something so utterly mortifying that you squeeze your eyes shut.

“Big boy.”

You peek up at him and your feet relax. That’s not so bad. It’s kind of cute. But then he says it again, with a slow, meaningful inflection. Big boy.

You frown. “No way.”

“You wanna get tickled, honey?” Steve asks.

“Steve!”

“Not Steve,” He replies flippantly, “Let’s start with sir.”

You sputter, “What is this? A FetLife meetup?”

They raise their eyebrows and you shake your head, better to not introduce them to that, you think. “Fine.”

“Fine, what?” Steve asks.

And then, for the first time in a long time, you suddenly regret choosing to sleep in the middle because your men are holding your wrists down and pressing their bodies against you. Steve buries his mouth into your neck, bites on the lobe of your ear. Bucky rubs the hardening length of his cock against your thigh, hooking his leg over both of yours and grinding painfully slow.

Your mouth grazes Bucky’s in a tremulous kiss, gasping when he bites on your bottom lip—just enough to shock. His tongue flicks out to lick yours, then trails up to catch your top lip before he descends again, starting the process over—never staying still enough for your lips to actually meet.

Steve lovingly pulls your hair from your neck, away from your collar and kisses your nape, murmuring into your skin. The vibrations travel all over your body, blooming goosebumps down your arms and back. “Bucky!” You whine.

“Whossat?” Another sloppy half-kiss rubs against your tongue.

“Ugh!” You rasp when Steve’s hand finds its way between your legs and yanks against your underwear, pulling the crotch of your panties tight into a knot. He tugs and tugs, and it rubs against your clit. “Oh God! I can’t believe---”

“Mhm.” They goad you on, Bucky’s hand joins Steve, one pulling the fabric forward, the other backward. Your poor little panties are going to--

The shrieking of fibers ripping apart make both of them pause. “Oops. Sorry baby.”

You shriek for real, this time, swatting their hands away. “These were my favorite!”

“Well, you made us do it.” Bucky replies.

“Oh, this is some gaslighting horseshit!” You are beyond impatient, temper flared on by the simple fact that they tore your favorite pair of underwear— but really, honestly, more because they are such jerks when they merge on the same mission to drive you crazy. And because Bucky wants you to call him Big Boy.

“You talkin’ to me, sweetheart?” Steve asks.

“Or me, sweetheart?” Bucky asks, unreasonably annoying. “Maybe…” He pretends to ponder, tapping his pointer against his lip slick with your saliva before his eyes fall upon your face. “I know. No more pet names for you, if there aren’t any for us…”

Before your top explodes and you might break your hands punching them both in the face at the same time, your phone trills out a familiar tri-tone ring, looping again and again. Thor’s face flashes on the screen. Bucky and Steve send each other a look as well as you when you pick it up and inspect it. It’s nearly midnight; none of you know why Thor is calling.

“Hello?” You venture. He doesn’t respond, only greeting you with rustling and muffled speech. So, you try again.

“Hello? Thor?”

Then, his resonant voice claps on the other line like a thundercloud-- clear as a crystal blue day. “Ah! I didn’t mean to bother you!” He laughs, “Must be quite late where you are, isn’t it?”

“Uh… where are you?” You ask in return. “I’m about ready for bed.”

“I suppose I’ve done what they categorize as a booty call.”

“No! No, Thor!” You stammer when Bucky sits up and rounds in on you with a glower, emphatically mouthing the word booty call.

“Not a booty call. A butt-dial. Not a booty call!” You hold your hand up to repel Bucky and repeat it again for good measure. The Asgardian god on the other end only laughs. A deep, bellowing echo from his chest, as he always sounds.

“Ah-ha. You’re absolutely right. Well, I best let you get to bed, before your lovers come for me.”

You giggle. “Good idea. Have fun wherever you are!”

“Goodnight, dear.”

“G’night, Your Highness.” The title makes him chuckle softly before he hangs up. And you do too, tucking the phone back under your pillow and sighing softly. “Just a butt-dial.” You smile, reassuring the two flanking you with their severe blue eyes.

“Dear?” Steve asks.

“Your Highness?” Bucky adds.

You throw your head back onto the pillow. Christ, not this. Anything but this. It’s fine and dandy when they tease and harass you in good humor. But when it becomes something soured with jealousy—they’re the worst. They become two gods, ram-rod straight monoliths, smoldering with vengeance.

You close your eyes and accept your fate, body already shuddering with anticipated fear.

“Oh no…” Bucky warns.

“Oh, fuck no.” Steve hisses.

The second shriek they pull from you when all twenty fingers descend on your sides echoes throughout the compound.

#Mystery of Love heli0s #Steve x Reader x Bucky #steve rogers x reader #bucky barnes x reader #fanfiction #soulmate au #reader insert #marvel #mcu

562 notes · View notes

sharpen-jadescythe · 3 years

Text

Introducing... Jezzca Jadescythe

Jezz’cayol Jadescythe Sweetwheat Cabin Stormwind, Elwynn Forest

“Dear Jezz’cayol,

Yes, it’s alright if you take over my Stormwind residence while I’m away training in Pandaria. Not like you asked first sis, but you do have my blessing which should ease my mind at least.

And a few other things since you -didn’t- ask me first.

Number one--You have a pet sheep. His name is Lampchop. He likes to be called that, and I keep some extra grain in the barrel out back if he comes by. Just keep him company--I’ve nearly house-trained him--until the neighbor shepherd boy swings around to get him. Lambchop is always wandering away from the herd...

Number second--If you get any mail from the stable master about any of my pets. Do not--I repeat, DO NOT--follow up on any of it. Just send them a short note saying I’ll be back in town at the end of the month. I’ve already told them, but just in case a new person or one of their volunteers isn’t aware, that’ll help.

Third--There are enough preserved veggies and fruits in jars to get you through the winter if you eat them sensibly. DO NOT put all of the peach preserves in a single pie, for instance. And then, you’d obviously waste even more resources and burn that pie because you can’t actually cook.

In fact, no pie.

I’ve worked hard to keep that cottage clean and in good shape for Mister Sweetwheat, so please don’t ruin it.

Um... anything else?

Uh...

Hrm.

The Succulent Tarts are really nice if you run into any of them. But if you embarrass me in front of my fellow performers I will take your pretty little head off.

I will, Jezzca.

Alright, hang in there kitten! Don’t let any Sentinel stuff get you down.”

(And enclosed is, actually, a pandaren postcard with a white tiger cub hanging by its paw from a rope, hopefully about to not fall.)

Five days later...

Raorin Jadescythe Temple of the Jade Serpent Jade Forest, Pandaria

“Sharpy! Hah, I like the Tarts. They came looking for you, and said you had pink hair now, and then they took me out to a dance club, we had “special brownies” with glitter on them even, and we stayed out all night, and oh my goddess--one of them is totes a stripper! Why didn’t tell me you were doing actual cool stuff these days? I thought your life was all brushing down weird pets, ignoring mom and dad’s letters, and trying to keep cat hair out of the food.

Speaking of, the tin that comes with this letter has a slice of peach pie in it. Blah.

Anyway, I solved the problem about not running out of all your precious preserved food through the winter. Lampchop made for a really good stew that lasted a whole week!

And you should know--those three magic beans you got in exchange for your mechengineer’s chopper? Yeah, that shady guy is currently in stitches over at the Cathedral Square care ward.

You’re welcome. Also, I found your ‘Jiroki box.’ You know the one full of what I thought were my Winter’s Veil presents except they’re all clearly for one person who's a woman, who isn’t any of your four sisters -or- mom for that matter?

What the whaaaat? Let me find out.

Anyway, too late! I did! And no, I’m not so down about Sentinel stuff these days that I have a whole cabin full of my brother’s secrets to rifle through and food to eat, and cool friends to adopt. I should say thank you, I guess.

Heh. And you thought you could buy my silence with a poster. Well, it did make me smile. Hey, you’re a blacksmith Sharpy... is there a way I can somehow paste this poster inside of my shield? Don’t laugh, it’s a legit question! There has to be a way, this is actually really cute. It’s been cheering me up. I feel like I’ve also seen this little white cat with a red bow over her ear in a few places, right?. Can you send me a matching pink wallet from Pandaria if you see one?

Speaking of... You’re closer to mom and dad in Pandaria right now if you wanna say hi for me and tell them I’m being good and to send some money I really need. Well, I’m fine, I’m not broke or anything but I could use some more gold if I’m going to keep up this Elfpacito life style you’ve inadvertently shown me. Unless you want me to tell Ma and Pa all about your glittery burlesque friends?

Muahaha,

Jezzca”

#jezzca-jadescythe

4 notes · View notes

clownistyping · 5 years

Text

The Neverending Story, Chapter 28

Livius and the Gods have a chat

First

Cover by @laneygthememequeen

Livius stood in front of the Gods, his fear gone. Now he stands listening to the Gods,

“We created you to exterminate the immortals, we gave you the blades to do so.” Father stated,

“Why not do it yourself?” Livius asked, Mother started,

“People would notice when more than a thousand people just up and disappear.” Livius aggreeded internally.

“What, did you not have fun? You looked to be overjoyed after every kill.” Father said with a raise in his tone,

Livius looked down at the reflective ground. Seeing his pale self he closed his eyes, was he really overjoyed from killing? He starts to question why he never stopped himself, was it because he told himself after each kill he’d be handsomely rewarded with a life of solitary.

Father shook his head,

“You have failed us, Durand. We sent you on the mission centuries ago and you only come back with what, a few hundred dead? That’s pathetic if you ask me.” Mother added on to Father’s words,

“And to die by (Y/N) hands? Is sad, you’ve kept your existence a secret just as all immortals should but was killed by the show off, and to die twice truly shows us your worth.” Mother scoffs and Livius looks up at the Gods.

“Why do you hate them?” He asked,

“We don’t hate them, we just regret them. In Fact we regret all of you, the immortals existences was a mistake we have learned to not repeat.” Mother said,

“(Y/N) was a show off, immortals were made to be in the background. Writing all of history down to one day be read during the end of the world, instead many of you have done just the opposite. Involving themselves with mankind is one of the greatest sins an immortal can do.” Father said, his armor clunked as he crossed his arms, Livius shook his head.

“Sin? What do you expect all immortals to just be alone for eternity?” Livius argued, Father was taken aback.

“That was the one job all immortals had to do, all of them have failed it, even you.” Father spat, Livius stepped forward.

“We didn’t fail! We lived dammit, just like any other humans we lived!”

“But immortals aren’t human, they’re stronger, smarter. Advanced in every way possible. Created to provide a timeline of the earth.”

“Then you should’ve just made robots or something!” Livius yelled,

“Silence!” Father yelled,

“We will not have you disrespect us like so, you have failed us twice and deserve not even a sliver of forgiveness, instead you will die like the rest of them.” Father grabbed Livius,

“You are nothing for this world, you only kill it by leaving your carbon footprint.Useless.” Father threw Livius on the ground and Livius grunted in pain. Dead but pain still exists..fun.

“Please..be careful.” Lydia said to you as you laid in your bed, holding the blades you nodded.

“I will, I’ll bring him back. Somehow.” You said and closed your eyes, slowly with the help of sleep medicine you fell asleep.

Opening your eyes you only saw the void, looking down you saw the two blades still in your grip. You nodded and started to where you only hope the Gods would be, you ran hearing mumbling echoes of voices you squinted when you saw a light far away. It’s Mother.

You ran faster, the light getting closer you skidded to a stop once you were feet away from the Gods, your brows furrowed when you see Livius on the ground groaning in pain.

You looked up at the seething Father, he looked down at you. His large hands reached for you and you stepped back,

“The blades, Child.” Mother said from behind him,

You hesitated,

“I wanna make a deal.” You said boldy, Mother chuckled.

“Big words for a tiny immortal, but go on dear.” You nodded,

“If I give you these blades.. Then you have to give me back Beetlejuice.”

“But dear, we didn’t take him.”

“I know that, but you’re Gods. All mighty powerful beings..I’m sure you can.” You stepped forward, looking up you were tempted to beg. A cough interrupted you,

“Down here.” You looked at Livius,

“What are you doing?” You scoffed, he gestured for you to come closer. You looked up at the Gods who stayed quiet. You squatted next to Livius,

“Don’t give them the blades.” He coughed,

“Why do you just want them for yourself?” You sneered and Livius grunts, pulling himself up to sit.

“No, fucker, listen to me. Those Gods,” He points to the giants that glare down at you both,

“Aren’t what they seem.” You look at the Gods and then back at Livius,

“What are you saying?” Your grip on the blades tightened, you pointed one blade at him.

“I won’t hesitate to use this against you again.”

TAG LIST

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

@dunununun @theannonomusgamblerpt2 @laneygthememequeen @zelda2248 @madameboxhead @obsessed-librarian @randomfanders-blog @holy-fucking-shit @juni-berries @rallsa @the-dream-weaver @vivienex13 @ah-callie @asilentcruellullaby @1-rosewiththorns @apocalypseillustrate @a-fan-fighting-for-equality @westiefromtheeast @buggbeverage @bumblebeests @renlup @yeemotrash214 @cryptidslasher @introverted-catnip @lamour-est-mort-cheri @lundybunny @peach-beetle @usagikinnie @theolwebshooter @marsisuncool

#beetlejuice the animated series #beetlejuice the musical #beetlejuice imagines #beetlejuice x reader #beetlejuice #beetlegeuse #the neverending story

67 notes · View notes

writing-of-a-british-bitch · 5 years

Text

The Fairy King - chapter 7

Fandom: Queen/Borhap

Specified gender: Female

Pairing: Queen X reader/ To be determined, x reader

TW: sabotage, angst, poor roger tbh.

Genre: Fantasy. (Labyrinth AU)

Series: The Fairy King

Requests: CLOSED

Masterlist

May tensed as soon as the girl's arms wrapped around him and slowly she retracted her arms, only to be pulled back into his body.

“No, it’s, um, it’s nice. Nobody really touches me unless its to torment me,” May explained bashfully. (YN) frowned and pulled back, keeping her hands on May’s arms.

“How awful! You don’t deserve that- no one does. Everyone needs a friend, May, maybe I can be yours,” She offered with a bashful smile and May returned an awkward one.

“That- that sounds good. But call me Brian. The King and his people call me May,” He introduced. (Y/N) repeated his name twice, allowing it to roll off her tongue, and she realised how much it suited him. It was simple and sweet.

“Well, I’m (Y/N),” She extended a hand, letting Brian have all the time he needed before he hesitantly shook it. However, as she glanced over his shoulder, she noticed two doors that, unsurprisingly at this point, she knew hadn’t been there before “Hey, where did they come from?”

The two doors were wooden, with knockers in the shape of faces on the front. One was scowling, a glare on his face with the ring of the knocker going through his ears, and the other held a neutral expression, the ring lodged in its mouth. Brian and (Y/N) made their way over, inspecting the knockers.

“What do you think, Bri? Who should we chose out of these two ugly characters?” She asked, watching as the curls on Brian’s forehead bounced with each step.

“It’s very rude to stare!” The scowling knocker exclaimed loudly, causing the pair to jump backwards and Brian instinctively placed a protective arm around her

“Oh, I’m sorry, I was just wondering which door to chose,” (Y/N) apologised.

“WHAT?!” It nearly yelled.

The knocker with the ring in its mouth attempted to say something to the duo but everything was muffled by the ring. “Don’t talk with your mouthful!” The scowling knocker snapped. May tensed as soon as the girl's arms wrapped around him and slowly she retracted her arms, only to be pulled back into his body.

“No, it’s, um, it’s nice. Nobody touches me unless its to torment me,” May explained bashfully. (YN) frowned and pulled back, keeping her hands on May’s arms.

“How awful! You don’t deserve that- no one does. Everyone needs a friend, May, maybe I can be yours,” She offered with a bashful smile and May returned an awkward one.

“What do you think, Bri? Who should we chose out of these two ugly characters?” She asked, watching as the curls on Brian’s forehead bounced with each step.

“It’s very rude to stare!” The scowling knocker exclaimed loudly, causing the pair to jump backwards and Brian instinctively placed a protective arm around her

“Oh, I’m sorry, I was just wondering which door to chose,” (Y/N) apologised.

“WHAT?!” It nearly yelled.

The other knocker shot something back but it still wasn’t audible. (Y/N) rushed over to the neutral knocker, pulled the ring out its mouth and handed it to Brian.

“AH! Oh, it is so good to get that thing out!” It sighed in relief.

“What were you saying?” Brian asked shyly. “I said ‘it’s no good talking to him- he’s deaf as a pump’” It answered as (Y/N) and Brian turned back to them, clearly deaf, knocker.

“Mumble, mumble, mumble! You’re a wonderful conversational companion!” The deaf knocker said sarcastically.

“You can talk! All you do is moan!” The newly freed knocker growled.

“No good. Still can’t hear you,” The other stated.

“Where do these doors lead to?” The woman asked, trying to refocus on the currently ticking clock in her mind.

“Search me. We’re just the knockers,” If the knocker had shoulders, she’d known it would have shrugged.

“Oh. How do we get through?” Brian requested, pushing lightly on the door, afraid to cause any damage.

“Knock, and the door will open,” It replied, overdramatically. (Y/N) shrugged and took the ring back from Brian. She went to put the ring back in the knockers mouth but it instantly closed its lips.

“Cmon, I wanna knock!” The knocker only responded with a sound of disagreement. While she spent a few seconds trying to persuade the knocker to take the ring back, Brian had noticed that the knocker was breathing through its nose, so he reached forward and latched onto its nose so it couldn't breathe and after a good ten seconds, it opened its mouth, giving (Y/N) the perfect opportunity to put the knocker back in its mouth. Sh let out a small laugh as she knocked and Brian felt his cheeks heating up at the noise. The door opened slowly and she walked through, giving the knocker a small apology. “Cmon, Brian!”

As Brian followed after her, the door slammed shut behind them. The pair had stepped into a jungle- looking area, spiderwebs lingering on every branch and some plants lit up in neon colours. It was more bizarre than anything (Y/N) had seen in this labyrinth, strangely enough, and though it intrigued her, it sent a strange shiver up both her and Brian’s spines. The tall man felt his hands shake and a yelp escaped his lips as something scurried across the floor in front of them.

“(Y/N), I’m scared. I don’t like this place,” He admitted and (Y/N) slowed her pace to stand by his side. She took his hand, and she felt how rough and calloused they were, along with a buzz that she couldn’t quite explain.

“C’mon. Imagine a tall wizard like you being scared,” She teased lightly, smiling back at him as she lead him further into the forest. And for once, the teasing didn’t hurt him. It was in good-heart, unlike some of the people that picked on him in this land. A warmth filled his chest at the thought that she cared about him. She let go of his hand suddenly “See, Bri, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

What she didn’t see, however, was Brian falling through the floor behind her, leaving her alone in the darkened woodland. A call of her name escaped his lips as he fell, causing her to spin around, but he was already gone without a trace

“Brian? Brian!” She called, stepping off the path to search for him “Brian, where are you?!”

Roger huffed as he came to a clearing in the rocks, dead leaves crunching with every step. His eyes remained on the floor but he could hear (Y/N), calling out for Brian, the wizard who always left him in a sour mood. Then he heard her, calling his name, followed by a ‘help’ and he went to turn around.

“I’m coming (Y/N)!”

Yet when he did turn around, he saw Freddie leaning on one of the rocks, preventing his exit.

“Well! If it isn’t you! And, uh, where are you going?” There was a menace in Freddie’s voice that gave Roger a clear indication that Freddie knew exactly where he was going. Roger shifted from foot to foot as he looked up at the moustached king.

“Uh, well, the little lady gave me the slip but, uh, I just hear her now so I was about to lead her back to the beginning! Like you told me!” Roger let out a nervous chuckle, moving his hands a lot more than usual.

“I see,” Freddie stated, walking around Roger to stand next to a barren tree, a few crows perched upon the branches “For a moment there, I thought you were running to help her. But, uh, no. Not after my warnings. That would be stupid.”

“Oh, you bet it would! Me, help her? After your warnings?” Roger let himself release near crazed laughter, but he nearly cringed at how tense and fake it sounded. He could feel anxiety bubbling in his chest. But for once, he wasn’t scared for his own stake. Freddie suddenly appeared in front of him, cutting his forced laughter short.

“Oh dear,” Freddie put a hand on his throat “Poor Saylor.”

“Taylor,” Roger murmured, timidly,

“I just noticed that your lovely jewels are missing,” Freddie took a step closer so that he and Roger were nearly nose to nose and the blonde couldn’t help but gulp. Roger made a show of looking down to where his jewels were usually attached to his belt, pretending to realise that they were missing . “Oh yes, so they are. My jewels. I’ve got to find them! But first, I’m off to take the little lady back to the beginning of the labyrinth. Just like we planned,” he lied, feeling that it had gone a lot smoother when, in fact, it most definitely had not. He rotated and went to walk back through the rocks when he was stopped by Freddie’s voice one more.

“Wait! I’ve got a much better plan, Taylor,” A crystal ball appeared in Freddie’s hand but as he twirled it through his fingers, it changed to a peach as he threw it into the air and into Roger’s hand “Give her this.”

Roger looked at the fruit in his hands, narrowing his eyes at it before looking back to the king.

“What-what is it?” he asked reluctantly, not quite sure if he wanted to know.

“It’s a present,” Was Freddie’s curt answer.

“It’s not going to hurt the little lady is it?” Roger questioned, ignoring the voice in the back of his head that was screaming at him to stop talking.

“Oh, now why the concern?” The king tilted his head but there was a glint in his eyes. He knew exactly what he was doing, why Roger was concerned, and what Roger will do.

“I won't do anything to harm her,” Roger insisted firmly, attempting to give Freddie the peach back.

“Oh, come, come, come, blondie. I’m surprised at you, losing your head over a girl,” Freddie had to stop himself from hissing at Roger. The blonde felt his heart beating at, what felt like, a thousand miles a second. How could he possibly know? Was it really that obvious?

“I haven’t lost my head!” Roger shot back defensively, jabbing a finger to his own chest. Freddie approached him quickly, making Roger take a few steps backwards.

“You don’t think a young woman could love a repulsive little scab like you?” Freddie mocked with a small smirk.

“Well, she said we were-” Roger tried to speak but for the millionth time in his life, he was cut off mid-sentence by his king.

“What? Bosum companions? Friends?” Roger realised as the king said this that he didn’t have any chance with (Y/N). Of course, he didn’t. How could he have been stupid enough to think otherwise? “You’ll give her that Taylor or I’ll dip you straight into the ogre territory before you can blink.”

Roger sighed sadly and mumbled in begrudged agreement before making his way through the rocks.

“And Taylor,” Roger didn’t bother to turn around, but stopped so the king knew he was listening “If she kisses you, I’ll turn you into a prince.” At that, Roger’s head snapped to look at Freddie.

“You- you will?”

“Prince of the ogre territory!” Freddie let out cruel laughter as Roger turned back around and went to find (Y/N) feeling ridiculed, ashamed, and heartbroken.

“Brian! Brian!” (Y/N) shouted, now deep into the forest, so far off the path that she knew deep down she wouldn’t find it again. But as she turned a corner, she heard clanking and rhythmic stomping, so, against her better judgement, she followed the noise. A woman dressed in all black was walking slowly through the opening, her long dress draping after her, her eyes matched the rest of her clothes and just behind her, there were hundreds, maybe even thousands of soldiers, all in black armour, marching side by side, row by row. When (Y/N) looked to the other side and saw a woman and army of the polar opposite. The woman on the opposite side wore a pure white dress, her eyes a clear white, and if (Y/N) had been in her world, she would assume that the woman was blind. The soldiers behind her wore angelically white armour, faces hidden by their helmets. But behind this woman, the forest seemed to grow quiet and light surrounded her. But as (Y/N) took a tiny step forward, her foot caught on a branch and she went toppling into the middle of the two approaching armies. Both groups stopped and everything went eerily silent. Before (Y/N) knew it, she was being inspected by both the woman dressed in black and the woman dressed in white.

“I thought that we agreed on neutral ground,” The white queen said harshly, narrowing her eyes at the black queen.

“We did. I can assure you that this...thing isn’t one of mine,” The black queen reassured gently, however, the white queen didn’t seem to believe the words she spoke because before anyone could react, the white queen pulled out a sword from god knows where, and pointed it at the black queen.

“A peace treaty was in order, but I can see that all you want is war,” The white queen growled and (Y/N) just managed to scramble out of the way of the armies as the white army charged. She could barely breathe, her heart pounding against her ribcage. Her ears were ringing with fear, so loud that she couldn't hear the clanging of swords or the screams of pain coming from the armies in front of her. What she did feel, however, was a rough piece of rope rubbing against her arm. Shakily, the woman looked up and saw Roger on top of the wall she leant against, holding the rope tightly.

“Roger!” (Y/N) couldn't help but grin in relief at the sight of a familiar face and though she couldn’t hear anything but her heartbeat, she saw his lips move to say ‘GRAB IT!’. So, the girl stood up, legs wobbling slightly, and gripped onto the rope, allowing roger to pull her up to him. When she had reached the top, (Y/N) threw her arms around Roger in delight.

“Roger! You came to help me!” She pulled back to press a kiss to his cheek but Roger kept trying to fight her

“Don’t kiss me! Don’t kiss me!” Yet it was too late. As soon as her lips made contact with his skin, the floor opened up again and they dropped through, sliding down a hatch. Roger and (Y/N) barely managed to latch onto two vines in time. Roger, unfortunately, was hanging over the ditch they nearly fell into, whereas (Y/N) managed to stand up on the thin pieces of stone. She looked down into the darkness and was barely able to make out the figures of insanely large creatures. Some of their teeth jutted out at awkward angles, others had barely any teeth at all, they all seemed to possess large noses and even larger clubs. A loincloth barely covered their modesty and despite the coverage barely being there, both Roger and (Y/N) were glad that it was.

“My God,” (Y/N) mumbled upon seeing the beastly creatures “Ugh, what are they?!” She asked as she leant down to grab Roger’s arm.

“The ogres! This is ogre territory!” Roger replied, feet struggling to find a surface to push upon, in an attempt to help the girl pull him up.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like...like-”

“It doesn’t matter what it’s like! It’s the ogre territory, so help me!” Roger snapped and finally, (Y/N) managed to hoist him up “What did you have to go and do a thing like that for?”

“What? Rescue you?” She asked, sharply.

“No! You kissed me!” Roger accused, despite how happy and warm the affection had made him feel. Just then, they seemed to step on a loose stone and they just about managed to keep their footing, backed up as close to the wall as possible.

“Don’t pretend to be so hard. I know you came back to help me,” She stated as they edged along the all. She gave him a small smile “And I know you’re my friend.”

TELL ME IF I FORGOT TO TAG ANYONE!”

TAGS: OPEN

Tags (for this series): @loveandbeloved29 @sam-mercurry-sixx@sunflower-borhap-boys @bouncingjoe @lets-go-panic-at-discos@storiesandcelestialbodies @everything-you-dont-wanna-be @sincereleygmg@mirkwoodshewolf@queendeakyy@sprinkle-covered-leeks @ikbenplant @queen-paladin @scarlettequinn@simonedk

Tags: @writingfortoomanyfandoms @metaphorical-love-for-a-car@queens-n-roses @freaky-dcaky@yourealegendfred@fierce-bab@dusthas-beenbitten @bensroger@strangeandwonderfulconcepts@babebenhardy@benhardyjones @silvver-rose @psychosupernatural

38 notes · View notes