#also thank you i can always count on you to allow me to expand on my ideas and hcs <3

[plutoccult]

THREE LITTLE WORDS

pairing: jean kirstein x female reader

description: a love confession from jean shakes up your restless night as the two of you are unable to fall asleep.

word count: 2.6k

read part two here

also available to read on my ao3 here

author’s note: hi, this was originally written on my ao3 account (@plutotown, same as my main blog and also my wattpad that i notoriously don’t post stories on anymore) a few months ago, but i decided that i also wanted to share works on tumblr too as i would like to get back into writing again. i’ll probably post mostly anime stuff on here (especially attack on titan and haikyuu as of rn), but i’m open to more. hopefully this is something i stick to, but if not, then at least i decided to expand sharing my works! anyway, sorry to ramble, but i hope you enjoy <3

it was common for you to be in this position; using what’s left of the candlelight to accompany your restless state. you always had trouble sleeping, especially with so many things going on at once, and the bags underneath your eyes were proof of it.

this time around, you were writing a letter to your father as it had been awhile since the two of you exchanged words. luckily for you, sasha, your roommate, was bothering connie and jean in their room, so you didn’t have the sounds of her snoring or munching on food to irritate you.

such peace didn’t last forever though as three knocks had startled you in the midst of your writing. you couldn’t possibly think of who could be at the door at this hour besides sasha, but then again, what if it was captain levi or hange? anything could happen in the middle of the night, but you supposed that if a major event was happening, the headquarters would be roaring with chaos already.

before answering the door, you quickly set down your paper and pen, hearing another knock to the door as you were getting ready to answer it. “coming!”

you opened the door, your eyes meeting with the last person you expected to see tonight. “j-jean?”

jean stood in front of you with his arms crossed, looking a little disgruntled, which made sense considering it was the middle of the night. you grew flustered as he wore a white tank top which revealed jean’s muscles that you had never noticed before. sure, you had become quite toned yourself since starting training as a lanky teen, but he was on whole other level. it was embarrassing to look at your friend and comrade in such a way, so you really had to keep yourself together here.

“nice nightgown.” jean snickered. you looked down and glanced at your baby pink nightgown that went down to your calves with its puffy sleeves and a little bow in the middle of your chest. usually after dinner, the two of you don’t see each other when going to bed, so seeing one another in pajamas like this was something new. if only this couldn’t get any more embarrassing. you didn’t really need jean having something else to tease you about.

“what are you doing here?” you stammered, trying to force your eyes to look up at jean’s face and not his physique no matter how hard it was to not stare. how dare he make this so hard for you?

“can’t sleep.” he sighed. “sasha and connie have been keeping me awake, and then i realized you have an empty bed because she’s in me and connie room, so.”

“so...?” you furrowed your eyebrows.

“well, since you’re clearly awake, wanna stay up together?” at first, you thought of his proposal as suspicious, and yeah, it kind of was. he never comes to visit you at night like this. was there a hidden motive? who knew? you didn’t, and it’s not like you were innocent either, so you allowed him to come in and hope for the best.

“um, sure...” you replied hesitantly, no going back now. “you can even crash on sasha’s bed if you want.”

“sweet, thanks.” jean then stepped inside, his first instinct to check out the letter you were writing previously that sat out in the open for any curious eyes to see. “oh, what are you writing—“

“it’s a letter to my father!” you yelled out, quickly rushing towards him and grabbing the letter out of his hands before he could read it. “i was in the middle of writing it before you knocked.”

“oh, my bad.” he immediately apologized. “you can finish writing it, i don’t mind.”

“no, that’s fine.” you let out a sigh, putting away the paper and pen into an empty drawer. jean didn’t say anything else about it, and as you turned your head, you saw him begin to sit down on sasha’s bed with not enough time to warn him about the issue with her side of the room. “by the way—“

“jesus, are these crumbs?!” jean said in disgust. there it is.

“yeah. sasha likes to eat in bed. i was just about to warn you about that.” you forced a laugh, sitting across from him on your bed, which was notably free of any crumbs.

“disgusting.” he scoffed. the look on his face made you giggle, but you stopped once jean looked up with a bit of a scary look. “what’s so funny?”

“nothing, nothing.” you lied, then patted your hand down on the spot next to you for jean. “you can sit on my bed if you want though. i’m not falling asleep anytime soon.”

“oh.” jean stood up and wiped off any crumbs that happened to stick to his pants, moving on over to your side. he blushed as you two sat close, your hips so close that they could touch if they moved even the slightest bit closer. “uh, could you not sleep either?”

“yeah. plus, i still had yet to write my father back, so i took the opportunity to start writing it.” you shrugged. you really needed to write to your father more often, especially knowing how worried he had been since you decided to abandon your life’s plan by joining the survey corps instead of the military police. but hey, you had friends who had your back just as much as you had theirs.

jean wasn’t all that innocent either though. he missed out on writing his mother back more than you missed out on writing your father back. when it came to worried parents though, mrs. kirstein took the cake. he was surprised she hadn’t stormed the headquarters by now, but even she knew he was so busy fighting for humanity. “i need to write back to my mom too. i hope she’s not worried.”

“i’m sure she thinks about her jean-bo all the time.” you teased. jean-bo could never escape that nickname, especially with you around. although, he didn’t exactly mind when you called him that. dare he say it, but you were the only exception. jean couldn’t help but hate it with a burning passion when eren used it against him though.

“not the nickname...” jean couldn’t help but pout. his frown disappeared as you lightly nudged him, reminding him that jean-bo wasn’t the only thing he was known for.

“what? it’s cute. well, cuter than being called my stallion sidekick.” that wasn’t exactly the best nickname either, but it connected him to you, so he couldn’t complain about it as much. jean always thought there had to be something better than that though.

“we are quite a pair, huh?” he chuckled, looking over to you as you grinned and responded in agreement.

“the greatest, of course.” god, that smile. it was his weakness, but in this instance? that weakness hit him like a ton of bricks. with the combination of the growing tension, the moonlight slightly shining on your soft skin through the window, and the look of peace and innocence in your eyes (compared to your feisty look in the daytime), jean was smitten. your smile never failed him, and he hoped it wouldn’t fail him now.

“um, listen, y/n, i gotta tell you something.” jean couldn’t take it anymore. he couldn’t stand the way his heartbeat slowed, even skipped a beat when you smiled the way you always did. he hated it yet loved it at the same time, so this was now or never. he couldn’t let that smile ever leave him, not now, not ever.

“oh, okay. go ahead.” but you never had any clue about your effect on jean. sure, you were always on each others toes, attached to the hip as you both relentlessly teased one another. you always knew you and jean shared a deep connection, one that grew over the years, but you always assumed it was simply a friendship and nothing more. you couldn’t let a silly thing like feelings ruin what you had with him, but jean was willing to take a chance for once.

there was no better way to go about this than muttering your name and spilling out those three little words that would change everything. jean was always one to get flustered so easily, but the tiredness in him didn’t let him think too much, so it made all of this far more easier. without really thinking, jean lifted his hand and used it to tuck a piece of your hair behind your ear, hair that had seemingly grown out a little longer due to neglect thanks to the chaos around you. he watched as you grew confused, and that’s when jean said the words he had been wanting to say for months out loud.

“y/n, i love you.”

as jean retracted his hand away, your eyes shot wide open in shock. you had no idea what to say or do, you couldn’t even believe this was even happening. you felt like you could pass out at any second as the realization of jean’s confession hit you. he loved you. not just like, but love. it didn’t matter that you were merely teens in a cruel world where death was always around every corner. what started as a childish crush as cadets blossomed into an aching, burning, earth shattering love for the woman in front of him who was stronger than he thought he’d ever be.

the scenario of jean having feelings for you never crossed your mind. every time you pictured him knowing how you felt, it always ended the same with him brutally rejecting you and running after mikasa instead. god, were you dreaming? you almost wanted to yell out for somebody, anybody to pinch you all over until you started bleeding, but you were practically frozen.

“jean...” it was the only thing you could manage to utter out. even if you could speak in sentences, your mind simply wouldn’t be able to mush any words together, but you had to say something, anything. you knew how your heart beat for him but as the silence stretched out longer than it should have, jean sat in front of you, desperate for a reply. “y/n?”

“i, uh...” why couldn’t you say anything more? what was so hard about giving a proper response? to jean, it felt like a huge punch in the face, like he was being rejected, and he figured if you couldn’t manage to say anything, then he shouldn’t have said anything about his feelings in the first place.

“i knew i should have kept my mouth shut.” jean let out a sigh. you tried opening your mouth in hopes something more than “uh” would come out, but jean had given up hope on a reply, handling what seemed like rejection with grace. “just forget all of this. i’m sorry i forced my feelings upon you. i’ll just let you get back to writing your letter.”

as he stood up and began to walk out, you finally managed to say something else once you saw his hand hover over the doorknob, and it came out more as a yell rather than a normal volume. “no!”

jean turned around confused, moving his hand away from the doorknob but still standing in the same place just in case. you had his attention, but what now? “i mean...”

“goodnight, y/n.” he knew this was going nowhere, even if you seemed desperate to prevent his exit. jean grabbed the doorknob and opened the door, and as he began to step out, you stopped him once again, but with greater effort than before.

“no, don’t leave me!” you yelled out, standing up from your bed and rushing towards him. it all sounded so pathetic, you thought, but you couldn’t let him leave you, not yet. jean halted his exit once again, no matter how much it hurt him to stay a moment longer. he simply couldn’t say no to you, even at a time like this. “i mean... wait, please.”

and he did wait. that stupid, teenage hope in his heart made him wait. jean didn’t know what he was waiting for, but he was glad he did. you walked closer to him, his heart beating a mile a minute, and then you stood on the faintest hint of your tippy toes and wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him unbearably close to you for a hug. he was so confused, not knowing what this could possibly mean in this instance, but returned your embrace and carefully wrapped his hands around your waist, not wanting them to rest too high or too low on your frame.

you didn’t utter a word and neither did he. this was different than the times you hugged each other for comfort in the aftermath of the many deaths you’ve seen. this wasn’t for consolation or just because you felt like it, this was longing. a desperate pining for one another that would crash and burn like the worst natural disaster there ever was, and there was no escaping it.

you trailed your fingers across his neck as jean gripped onto the fabric of your nightgown. you slowly parted from his embrace, cheeks grazing, noses brushing, and before you could do anything else, jean’s lips pressing against yours. there was no time for you to process it, no time to even close your eyes and take it all in, it just all went by so fast. your first kiss. you knew you should have seen it coming knowing he loved you, but seeing him express this more physically came to more of a shock than when he did verbally.

as jean parted away slowly, he thought to himself that this was probably a mistake. he had overstepped far more than he thought he should have, but when you took a step back away from him, he saw the redness of your cheeks and the look in your eyes. after getting a full glimpse of you, he thought that maybe it wasn’t that much of a mistake after all. jean then let go of you completely, using one hand to scratch the back of his neck and the other to tug the neckline of his tank as he grew flustered. he was wide awake now, so his mind was functioning at one hundred percent unlike before. jean was back to his usual self, the night no longer granting him confidence.

“i-i’m sorry. i shouldn’t have done that. forgive me. goodnight.” before you could do anything more, jean finally left, his feet moving faster than when he dragged them across the floor on his way here. he couldn’t believe he just did that, and he didn’t even give you a chance to say a word about your feelings. what would you have said after that kiss if he stayed, jean wondered. would you have said you loved him too, or would you have formally rejected him and told him you didn’t feel the same? jean would just have to wonder about it all night until you spoke to each other again, and it would probably eat him alive like a titan.

you gently grazed your hand over your bottom lip, thinking about everything that happened before jean left. not only could you not believe he loved you, you couldn’t believe he kissed you too. you wished it all went down differently, that the kiss could have occurred on better terms, but at least you had the words he left you and the thought of his lips against yours to think about. still, if only you could have said you felt the same just as he said he felt for you. if only you knew how to say those three little words.

© plutoccult / 310802. please do not copy, repost, modify, or translate any of my content in or outside of tumblr. reblogs are appreciated <3

[pensat-i-fet]

Don’t forget, Part 2 (Rúben Dias x Reader)

Part 1

**Hi! So originally this imagine wasn’t going to have a part 2, but @faye01mcfc suggested this idea and it actually felt like I could very naturally incorporate it as a continuation. I’m happy with any ideas to maybe expand the little imagines I write but because part 1 is already posted, continuity can be a bit harder to achieve and you know me, those things matter a lot to me. But I can always try to make it work. Anyways, I’ll shut up now 😅 Enjoy!! ❤️**

Word count: 1782

Masterlist

Wattpad

A week and a half had passed since your argument with Rúben and it seemed like it had all been forgotten. Everyone can have a bad day and he apologized multiple times. Besides, he looked after you for the few days it took for your cold to go away. He was back in the good books again. Others couldn’t say the same.

When you woke up on Saturday morning, you saw Rúben wasn’t in bed with you. And the alarm hadn’t gone off yet so that was odd. Then you found him in the kitchen, a plate of cold food in front of him while he stared at nothing.

“You ok?”

“Yes”, he said, finally realizing you were approaching him. “Good morning”.

“Good morning to you too. Which time do we need to leave? I have to do a bit of work and I don’t want us to be late”.

Rúben didn’t answer and you looked up to see his jaw clenched. “Leaving by 3 should be fine. I guess”.

His attitude made you frown. “Rúben, you can talk to me. What’s bothering you?”

He sighed and got up to make your morning cup of tea and you walked to him so you could hug him.

“I didn’t do anything wrong so tell me who did and I’ll beat them up”.

“It’s just that I hate not being able to help the team”.

Of course. You should have guessed.

“Just one more match and you’ll be back”.

“I was so stupid getting sent off for that. And then for leaving…”.

Rúben had been fined for leaving the stadium before he was allowed but thankfully the press didn’t find out. He was beating himself up for it enough. And that was also the reason for your fight, which didn’t help.

The first match he couldn’t play was an away match so you could distract him by taking him away for the weekend. But that didn’t work for home matches. He had to go support the team.

“What’s done is done. Besides, it wasn’t even your fault”.

When you finally spoke after your little fight, he told you what happened. How he was sent off because of Jack. Well, Rúben didn’t explain it like that but you put the pieces together. You never really liked Jack and because of some work stuff, your opinion of him had gotten even worse. Jack, of course, was oblivious to all of it.

“Well, I’m the one who spoke to the referee like that”.

“Because you were in pain. You couldn’t control it”.

He laughed, putting the mug with your tea on the kitchen island and hugging you.

“I appreciate you defending me but I know when I mess up and this time I messed up. A lot. But as you say, what’s done is done so whatever”.

You had breakfast together and then you focused on getting your work done before leaving for the match. Working in PR could be exhausting sometimes. Especially when you managed football players who got in trouble so often.

That’s how you met Rúben. And now you didn’t work with him anymore because that could get too messy too quickly.

“Take a break”, said Rúben, offering his hand to help you get up and lead you to the kitchen where some lunch was waiting for you.

“Thanks, babe. I’ll eat this and shower. Then we can leave”.

“I’ll go shower now and then you can help me pick my outfit”.

By the time Rúben was out of the shower, you were making your way to the room.

“Wear that”.

“What?”, he asked, confused.

“What you are wearing now”.

“Ha ha”.

Well, you thought he looked great just having a towel around his waist. But it was probably a bit cold for that so you picked up some nice clothes and left them on the bed for him to wear before heading to the shower yourself.

Once you were both ready, you headed to the car so Rúben could drive you to the stadium. Before getting inside the parking, he stopped to take some photos with the fans who always talked to you too. You loved seeing him be so appreciated by them.

“Where is the fooooood?”, you chanted when you got inside the hospitality area.

“You know better than me”.

And he wasn’t wrong. You managed to get Rúben to eat a little bit of food from your plate but he wasn’t in the right mood to eat either. It didn’t matter how much he pretended to be fine not to worry you, you could tell how not playing affected him. And hated it. And hated who you thought was at fault.

“I think I’ll have another glass”, you said, pointing at your glass of white wine. Maybe that will calm your nerves.

When the warm-up was over, Rúben took your hand so you could walk to his box and watch the match. You usually liked to mingle with other people but today was different. Rúben needed you there and he clearly wasn’t in the mood to talk to strangers.

Only 5 minutes into the match, Jack was already on the floor and you could only roll your eyes. A bit later, you could tell he was whispering something to one of the players defending him and that made you even madder. Gündogan, who was the captain, grabbed him by the arm to take him away.

“Always the same”, you muttered.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing. Just thinking out loud”.

Right before half-time, City finally scored. Rúben jumped to celebrate but you stayed in your seat barely reacting to what happened. It was Jack who scored.

“That was a great goal”, said Rúben, smiling at you and then noticing your expression. “Don’t you think?”

“Yeah, I guess”.

“You really don’t like Jack, do you?”, he laughed.

“Not when he’s the reason you’re here”.

“Let’s not go back to that again”.

“Ok”.

Rúben kept looking at you and he didn’t like the frown on your face so he moved you so you could sit between his legs. That way he could hug you and leave little kisses on your head and face. It calmed him down as much as it calmed you.

But Jack really didn’t help himself. During the second half, there were two fights that started because of his actions and it was other players who got yellow cards for it. But never Jack. Pep even took him off because of the trouble he was causing but you kept how you felt to yourself since you knew Rúben wasn’t going to agree with you and what was the point in arguing again?

“2-0, great. Should we go say hi to the boys?”

“Of course, I have to congratulate Bernardo on his goal”.

“I’ll give him a little congratulatory slap”, laughed Rúben, knowing your worry about his affection towards poor Bernardo.

“No, you won’t, you bully”.

That only made him laugh harder, putting his arms around your shoulders to bring you closer so he could kiss your head. It was nice to see he was feeling better.

You almost lost Rúben a few times on the way to the dressing room. Too many people and they all wanted to talk to him. Thankfully, he had a good grip on your hand.

“He didn’t forget about you today. Great job, Rúben”.

You laughed at Rodri’s words, hugging him and congratulating him on the win.

Everyone was making some small talk before leaving when your favourite person, mister Jack Grealish, joined the group. His first mistake was to put his arm around your shoulders but you tried to reason that it was just how he was. He got in the middle of you and Rúben because he was just good old friendly Jack.

“We missed you on the pitch today, Rubes”.

“Yeah, will be there soon”, said Rúben, and you could see him looking at you and trying to gather your reaction.

“I won’t be”, said Rodri.

“Why?”

“Suspended. That was my 5th yellow”.

His response made you scoff and Jack asked what was wrong. Your stare should have been enough to let him know something was wrong but you also removed his arm from around you.

“What’s wrong, Grealish? You getting away with your behaviour on the pitch while all your teammates are missing matches because of you”.

Rúben moved to stand next to you and you could tell everyone was staring at you. Jack was still oblivious.

“What did I do?”

“Let’s just go…”, Rúben’s attempt to take you away was pointless.

“You get the team to fight for you almost every match just because you are being fouled and then have to call the other players names. One day you’ll find one player who’ll punch you and then you’ll have a reason to moan”.

“I don’t…”.

“Oh shut up! I’m not your teammate, I don’t have to put up with this”.

“I am”, whispered Rúben in your ear, making you feel terrible about the whole situation. You didn’t want to make him the bad guy in the dressing room just because of your dislike for Jack.

“I just don’t get what I’m doing wrong”, said Jack again.

“Please Jack stop talking”, begged Rodri.

You were taking deep breaths, trying to calm yourself down.

“Let’s go home, yeah?”, said John, grabbing Jack’s arm.

“But why does she hate me? I thought we were friends”.

“Because you’re a…”, but your words were muffled by Rúben putting his hand on your mouth.

“Go, now. She bites”.

Jack finally left and you turned to look at Rúben, annoyed by his interruption but also kind of thankful for it.

“I should have bitten you”.

“I know you are angry because of what happened to me but I know how to handle having someone like Jack on the team”.

“Me too”, added Rodri. “But you aren’t wrong. Just saying”.

“Oh, I know I’m right”.

You all said your goodbyes and walked to the parking so you could drive home. The match had actually exhausted you.

“I’m thinking about something”, said Rúben while he was driving home.

“About what?”

“You telling me I acted like a kid for getting into a fight on the pitch”.

You knew where this was heading…

“Thank God you aren’t a player because you’d get sent off every match”.

“I wouldn’t”.

“Keep telling yourself that, my love”.

“Do you want to sleep in the guest room again today?”

“No”, he laughed. And he continued to drive home, chatting about what you were going to do for the next away match he wouldn’t play. And those plans didn’t involve fighting any of his teammates.

[sacredjake]

Teach Me

pairing: Professor!Sam x 21+ College Student Reader

word count: 3.6k

warnings: drinking, cussing. not much this chapter. let me know if i missed anything!

here we are! part one of Teach Me, my first series!! huge thank you to @malany-gvf as always for reading through this and letting me bounce ideas off of her, i love you lots <3. i hope y’all enjoy this :))

————————————

This was it, your last year of undergrad. You have been majoring in Plant Biology at the University of Michigan for the last three years, and tomorrow was the start of your last year. You’ve been enjoying college, but you couldn’t wait to be done with school and actually move on to your desired career field.

Seeing as this was your last year, all students in the major were required to pick an elective with a lab. When you looked over the list before meeting with your advisor you knew immediately which elective you wanted to take.

Forest Ecosystems.

While you already knew about this course from your brother, Sebastian, who was the teaching assistant for the professor who oversaw the class, it jumped out at you because it encapsulated more than just plants. Plants were your main focus, but you were always looking to expand your knowledge. You also took this specific class with Professor Buckley because you had loose connections with the grad student who taught the lab. His older twin brothers were good friends with your brother, and although you never met him, you knew of him. He generally hung around with the twins and Sebastian, and from what you had heard, he was a good guy. Of course you were hoping that maybe in taking his class it would be an easier grade to make, allowing your focus to be on your core subjects. But worrying about classes can start tomorrow.

Now was the time for drinking.

You were currently at one of the local bars in the small town your school resided in. Although it was a Sunday night, every bar on the strip was packed with students who were either hammered or getting there, and trying to enjoy their last night of full freedom. You and your three roommates were no different amongst your peers. Each of you had been fairly buzzed before even making the short walk from your house to the first stop of the night.

There was always a routine when the four of you went out to the bars. It was the same rotation of bars every time and it never changed. You would start the night at one of the bars that was fairly calm, but still had your ears feeling full by the time you left. By the end of the night you were on a dance floor, shoulder to shoulder with random people, jam packed tight like sardines in a can.

It was the point in the night where your group would visit the bar with the large outdoor space. This particular bar was always in the middle of the rotation just because it allowed everyone to breathe and actually talk. The music outside this bar was never particularly loud like the music at the other places. You could always have a moment here to drink water, along with whatever the poison of the night was, and enjoy conversations with your roommates.

“I’ll grab this round, meet y’all at the table?” You took your I.D. from the bouncer and walked further into the building, where your roommates stopped and waited for you.

“Yeah, for sure. I’ll take a tequila soda please!” Chloe always ordered tequila sodas from this bar in particular. She claimed you actually got ‘bang for your buck’ as they always over-poured. You knew better than that though. The bartender had a major crush on Chloe and always gave her a little extra.

“You know what I want, I’m gonna hit the can. I have to piss like a racehorse.” Sadie walked away before you could say anything else. She wasn’t wrong though, you did know what she wanted. Her drink of choice here was a Budweiser, but specifically the bottle. Sadie was a country girl through and through, and she had the accent as well as the ‘to hell with you’ attitude to match. She was a sweet girl, and one of your closest friends, but she was definitely a firecracker.

“I’ll take a vodka redbull and I’ll go grab the waters.” Macie, who you were closest with, spoke up beside you over the loud music. Her drink of choice always changed depending on her mood. Vodka redbull was her go-to when she was on the tail end of her buzz and needed a pick-me-up. To be fair she had driven back in today from her home state, so it was expected of her to be tired.

“Alright see y’all in a few.” With that you headed to the bar, Macie went to the end of the bar where the jug of water and stack of cups sat, and Chloe made her way outside to snag your table.

There were people everywhere. You almost couldn’t see the bar top, but this was to be expected. It was also the reason why only one of you would go to buy everyone’s drinks. Weaving your way in and out of people was much easier when there is only one of you, and usually people didn’t mind letting you cut if they just saw one person. Unfortunately for them they didn’t realize you were ordering more than two drinks until it was too late.

You began moving your body in and out of the swarm of people surrounding the bar. You were looking for people who weren’t paying much attention, and men. Men always had a soft spot for a single female struggling to make her way up to the bartender. And boy did you use it to your advantage.

Just as you always did, you found your target. A group of guys were standing around and chatting away while they waited at the bar. It was time to worm your way in there.

“Hi, excuse me, would it be alright if I stood next to you? I’ve been trying to get up here for ages, but I can’t get through!” You lied right through the pleading look on your face. Luckily for you, this group of guys were already well into their night of drinking.

“Oh yeah! Sure thing! Hey, Dustin, move the fuck down so the lady can get in here!” The guy slurred over to his friend. If he hadn’t been leaning up against the bar he definitely would’ve been swaying.

A moment later an opening appeared along the sticky, wooden top. You squeezed your body into the space and leaned your weight against it on your forearms.

“So what’re you drinking?” The man next you slurred out again, the smell of beer pungent on his breath. It took everything in you not to gag.

“Oh I’m not,” You smiled at him, pushing down the urge to vomit on his shoes due to the distillery wafting from his mouth, “I’m just grabbing my boyfriend another drink!”

Another lie. You were definitely single, but you didn’t want him to know that. The word ‘boyfriend’ usually made guys back off, especially at the bar.

The guy just muttered a ‘Damn’ under his breath and wished you a goodnight. You thanked him for the bar space and did the same. Returning your attention back to the bar, you waited for a bartender to meet your eye so you could order. Thankfully you didn’t have to wait long before a bartender wandered up to you and you placed your order.

“Lying isn’t always the best way to get what you want, ya know? It’s deceiving.” The voice of a man came from your left, and you turned your head to meet the man who spoke. You looked him over, struck by how beautiful he was.

“Well I think it turned out quite well in my favor. As for it being deceiving, isn’t that the whole point of a lie? Besides, how would you know I was lying?” Your lips pulled upwards into a crooked grin, amusement in your eyes.

He was fairly tall, about 5’10, with long chocolate brown hair pulled into a loose bun, and a thick, but short, goatee. His eyes were also brown, but were layered with different shades and they turned downwards in a way that almost made him look sad had he not been smiling.

“It indeed turned out well in your favor, it landed you next to me.” His eyebrows shot up in a playful way, his smile expanding. As you went to respond, the bartender placed the drinks you ordered in front of you along with your receipt and a pen. You grabbed the pen and signed the thin, and now wet, paper.

“And to answer your other question,” You turned back to him as he spoke and you set the pen on top of the receipt and slid it to the bartender, “Maybe you caught my eye the moment you walked in with your friends.”

You gathered the drinks in your hand as best you could and met his eyes once more. “Well then, allow me to catch your eye again as I walk away.”

You shot him a wink with a wide smile before walking outside to join your group. Just before you made it around the corner you glanced back at him. You were not surprised to find his eyes tracking you through the sea of bodies. He raised his beer to you and dipped his head down slightly, smirking before taking a sip. You nodded back to him, and disappeared around the corner.

When you made it to the table to join the rest of the girls, you didn’t bother mentioning the interaction. They would only force you to go back and talk to him, try and get his number or hook up with him for the night. Not that you were necessarily opposed to any of those, but tonight was solely about you and your girls. You wanted to keep it that way.

--------------------------------------------------

The night finally came to an end at 2am in which every bar closed down on the strip. Sadie led the way out the door, fighting the crowd of people with your hand in hers. Macie was holding your left hand, and Chloe was holding Macie’s left hand at the back of the group. When the group had made it outside, you all started to walk in the direction of your house. It was about a fifteen minute walk, so instead of paying for an Uber the four of you always just walked to and from the bars.

On the walk back you thought about how you hadn’t seen the beautiful man from that one bar the rest of the night. You wondered if maybe that was the only one he went to, or maybe the two of you just never crossed paths again at the others. Pity. He was very attractive, and you kind of kicked yourself for not at least getting his number.

“I didn’t tell y’all this, but I met a guy tonight while I was buying our drinks at Murphy’s earlier.” You and Macie were still holding hands, your arms swinging back and forth between your bodies as you walked.

“Oh? Do tell.” Chloe, who was in front of you, turned around to face you, walking backwards. Sadie continued to walk straight ahead next to her, but chimed in as well.

“Ooooo yes, please share.”

“I walked up to a group of drunk guys and asked if I could stand next to them at the bar because I had been waiting forever, which of course was a lie. After they made room the guy I had talked to asked what I was drinking, and I lied and said I was grabbing my boyfriend another drink, and he left me alone.”

“That’s it?” Macie turned her head to look at you, your arms still swinging.

“No.” You laughed at her impatience, shaking your head slightly. You told them about your short conversation with the man and before any of you knew it, the four of you had arrived home. Sadie took out her keys and unlocked the door, leading the way inside.

“So was he cute?” Macie continued to follow you up the stairs to your room. You knew she would want more information.

“Yeah he was cute. He was also just very like… I don’t know, pretty?”

“Pretty?” She plopped down on your bed while you made your way into your bathroom for makeup wipes.

“Yeah. Like he was attractive of course, but I’ve never seen a man so beautiful.”

You took your makeup off and washed your face while you and Macie switched subjects and chatted about your schedules for tomorrow. Macie was an Animal Science major taking the pre-vet route meaning neither of you had any classes together, and between the two of you, her last year was busier than yours.

“My first class is at 10:30 and I’m out at 4 on Mondays, but Wednesdays I have a lab that goes until 6.” She was now standing in your doorway leaning up against the wooden frame as she caught you up on her class schedule.

“That’s not entirely awful. I go in at 10 on Mondays and Wednesdays and I’m done at 3. However, on Tuesdays and Thursdays I go in at 9 for my elective course, but thankfully the lab is immediately after.”

“Oh yeah, that’s not half bad either.”

The two of you didn’t talk much longer, the clock nearing 3am. She bid you goodnight and shut your bedroom door while you rummaged through your drawers for comfier clothes to wear. As soon as your head hit the pillow you were out.

---------------------------------------------------

Your first day of classes went well which you expected. Of course every professor that day began their lessons after going over the syllabus, which you also expected. This was a commonality among professors once you started your junior year as they had ‘so much material to get through before the end of the year.’ You didn’t mind though. Getting right to course work helped put you in the mindset you needed to focus. Slacking off early was always your biggest challenge.

On Tuesday you made your way to your only class for the day. Forest Ecosystems, the elective you had chosen. While you did have a lab after the course you considered them to be one long class.

You knew of a few people in your class, but you generally weren’t one to make friends with your classmates per se. Sure you had worked on group projects and assignments with most of them by this point, but you never hung out with any of them outside of class. You were glad to see that one girl you’ve been partnered up with multiple times was in this class and you decided to take the empty seat next to her.

“Hey Jamie, I didn’t know you were taking this course. Mind if I sit here?”

“Oh y/n hey! Yeah go ahead, it's all yours. I figured it could be a fun one to take. I’m glad to see a familiar face here, at least I know who to partner with if we have a group project or something.”

You took the seat beside her and set your backpack on the floor underneath the table. While you waited for the class to start, you and Jamie talked about your classes this semester and plans for after graduation. The two of you were in deep conversation about internships and whatnot when the professor finally walked in to greet the class.

“Good morning everyone, glad to see most of you showed up.” Your head snapped to the front of the room at the sound of his voice. Even without the noise of loud music to accompany it you knew instantly who the voice belonged to. Your eyes landed on the beautiful man from the bar standing at the front of the small lecture room as he greeted the class.

“As many of you can probably tell, I am not Professor Buckley. She is currently on maternity leave as she had her baby just a few days ago, and unfortunately, you are stuck with me this semester.” He was energetic and smiling, just the way he had been at the bar that night.

“I am Sam Kiszka, Professor Buckley’s Grad Student, but you can call me Sam… or Mr. Kiszka, whichever you prefer. I’ll be teaching this course and the lab portion for the semester. Professor Buckley will be joining us at the end of the semester closer to finals.”

You were hung on his every word, his every move as if anything he did was the most interesting thing you had ever witnessed. His eyes hadn’t grazed across you sitting there just yet, but you knew it was only a matter of time before they did.

“There is another professor who teaches this course, so if I am unavailable for whatever reason, or my office hours do not work with your schedule, please go see Dr. Rhone or his grad student, Sebastian. Their office hours, emails, and office locations are provided for you on the syllabus as are mine. Now,” He clapped his hands together as he walked around the desk in the center of the floor, “Attendance for this class is mandatory, yeah I know it sucks, I promise it wasn’t my decision, but it is something I have to do, so let’s move on to that.”

Sam began to read off the list of names, waiting for a response from each person before moving on. He made sure to take notice of each student when they responded, committing the name to memory. He made his way down the list until he called your name.

“Here.” You raised your hand slightly to better grab his attention. When his eyes found you, his smile grew just a fraction wider. He checked off your name, but paused before calling the next student.

“Y/n is it? Any relation to Dr. Rhone’s TA Sebastian?”

“Um yes, actually, he’s my brother.”

“You don’t say. Well glad to have you here, y/n.” He smiled softly at you, his eyes sparkling, and then continued to read off the list of names.

-----------------------------------------------------

The rest of class and the lab went on without a hitch. Except maybe that you couldn’t stop eye-fucking your professor. You spent most of the time daydreaming about him, unable to push the intruding thoughts from your mind. By the end of the lab you were itching to get the hell out there as everything Sam did drove you completely mad.

“Alright, that’s all for today guys, see you Thursday.” Sam concluded the class and tucked his papers away into their folders on his desk. You shoved your notebook and pen into your backpack as quickly as possible, needing to get far away from him.

“Y/n, come see me before you leave please.” His eyes flicked to you and watched as you hurried to pack up. Your heart rate started to pick up, fluttering furiously in your chest. While the other students made their way up the stairs to exit the room, you descended past them.

Sam was still compiling all of his notes and paperwork for the class when you approached his desk. He looked up at you, and then around the room to make sure everyone had left, leaning his weight on his hands that rested on top of the wooden desk.

“I wanted to clear the air with you before we continue on with the semester.” You nodded your head, showing him that he had your attention. “Had I known that you were Sebastian’s little sister or that you were going to be my student I would have never hit on you at the bar. This relationship must be strictly professional.”

You knew he was right. Nothing could ever happen between the two of you while he was your teacher. That didn’t make hearing it sting any less.

“I know, I understand.”

“Do you?” He gave you a questioning look, looking between your eyes, “Because the way you were undressing me with your eyes the entire class says otherwise.” A cocky smirk stretched onto his face as your cheeks flamed, heat creeping up your neck. While you were embarrassed that he noticed, you weren’t about to let him know.

“I was not undress-”

“Oh but you were, and while in any other situation I would’ve welcomed or even encouraged it, but it can’t continue to happen. Not only is it highly inappropriate for anything to occur between us, and it could cost me my job, but your brother would kill me,” He leaned forward leaving minimal distance between the two of you over the desk, “And when you look at me like that I can’t find either of those good enough reasons to not do something about it.”

Nothing could hide the shocked expression on your face. It was not shocking that he was attracted to you, you knew that from the bar, but it was shocking to you that he seemed to be struggling to hold himself back. It was shocking that you were the one testing his limits. And that was incredibly hot. You couldn’t deny the way his words had seeped warmth throughout your core.

Before you had the chance to say anything else, students began to trickle in for the next class. He stood up and cross his arms over his chest. It was your turn to wear a smirk as you waved your fingers at him in goodbye.

“See you Thursday, Mr. Kiszka.” His name rolled off your tongue dripping in sweet, yet smug, desire.

You didn’t turn around to look at him as you left, but instead made sure to swish your hips a little extra as you climbed the stairs.

Was trying to sleep with your professor something you should actively be trying to do? No definitely not, but you couldn’t ignore the way you wanted him. Maybe if you just got it out of your system once then you’d be able to focus clearly the rest of the semester.

Or you would just be hooked and need more of him.

There was only one way to find out, and you were up for a little challenge.

———————————

series taglist: @wildbluesorbit @losfacedevil @sammysprincess @mackalah @stardustjake @freyjalw

taglist: @gold-mines-melting @indigofallingsky @ohgodthefeeling-gvf @sunandthemoontwinflames @ageofhearingloss @lipstickitty @hellowgoodbye @demolitionndann @brujamagik @worldsgayestbonenerd @wildbluesorbit @jjwasneverhere @stardustjake @sanguinebats @sinarainbows @malany-gvf @dannyandthekiszkas @gretasimp @sacredthefran @popejosh4ever

links to:

Teach Me masterlist-> X

series taglist

my general taglist

[blooming-water-roses]

Stars by the Pocketful

Tobirama Senju x Kagami Uchiha oneshot

Word count: ~10k

Rating: Explicit (contains smut)

Tags: Canon-compliant, Founding-era, Major Character Death, Angst, Hurt-Comfort, Mutual Pining

Synopsis: The story of how Kagami Uchiha and Tobirama Senju fell in love and had a son (Shisui’s future father) together with the help of a new jutsu. This oneshot fills in the blanks of the founding-era and follows canon events.

A/N: this took me like…14 hours. Two days on a road trip, this is all I did in the car literally. This is a masterpiece. Prepare for the best TobiKaga fic you have ever read.

(begins below cut)

Kagami thinks that Tobirama is by far the most talented shinobi on Earth. Even more so than the first Hokage, his brother Hashirama. Tobirama possesses not only incredible taijutsu and ninjutsu prowess, but a mind as sharp as a master-crafted blade. He hears so many great things about him from Hiruzen and Danzo, and even some from Homura, and from what he’s seen of him himself, no one matches Tobirama’s caliber.

He knows that as an Uchiha, he is gifted with natural talent. However, he also is aware that one can always improve and expand no matter what. And the village he was born into is young but it’s home and his heart is sore whenever he thinks about his determination to protect it.

So, he resolves to be trained by Tobirama.

He sees his opening when Hiruzen, Danzo, and Homura start getting sent on missions without Tobirama. He himself is already a Chunin, but he wants to be close to the Hokage’s brother, so he approaches him one day when he finds him at the training ground.

“Master Tobirama,” He greets with a bright smile and bow.

“Kagami, hello,” greets the silver-haired man, taking a drink from his flask. “Early-morning training?”

“Yes. I also came to ask a favor of you, very humbly.”

Tobirama quirks an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Please, sir, I would like to become your disciple. Please train me.”

The older man hums, folding his arms across his chest. “Why? You are already an exceptional shinobi, and on top of that, wield the formidable Sharingan prowess. What would I have to teach you?”

“I possess an unwavering desire to protect Konoha,” He elaborates, “and to do this, I believe that I should master any and everything that I can to help me be powerful enough. You are a great sensory ninja, and you have taijutsu techniques unfamiliar to my own. You also have Water-style I believe I can learn. I also desire to sharpen my mind and become smarter under your guidance.”

Tobirama gives him a thoughtful frown. Kagami flushes slightly under the scrutiny, only relaxing when the older man hums.

“All right, then. I must be honest, Kagami, I am still weary of the Uchiha, but your determination and passion is admirable. I won’t go easy on you. Do you accept?”

Warmth blooms inside of Kagami’s chest as he beams. It even puts a faint smile on Tobirama’s face. “Yes, sir! Thank you! I will work very hard and continue to push myself under your guidance.”

He bows, and Tobirama nods to himself. “Very well. Have you any obligations for the day?”

“No sir, I do not.”

“Then we will begin at once.”

“Yes sir!”

For the next seven years, Kagami and Tobirama become somewhat of a package deal. As the village grows, so do Tobirama’s responsibilities as the Hokage’s right-hand, so Kagami takes on part of his work to lessen his load. When they aren’t doing administrative work, they train together. Tobirama passes all of his sensory, taijutsu, and Water-style techniques to Kagami, who devours the knowledge and makes it his own. Being around Tobirama allows him to see how his mind works, some of his intellect rubbing off on him as well.

The village is flourishing until Hashirama falls ill due to overuse of his mitotic cell regeneration, and when he succumbs to the weakness of his body, their daily routine of train-work-train comes to an abrupt halt.

Tobirama falls into a high-functioning depression wherein he dutifully becomes the second Hokage, per his brother’s dying wish, but operates on auto-pilot. Kagami decides that as his responsible kouhai, now a twenty year-old special Jounin and a member of his personal guard, he will take care of him and function where he can’t.

So, he ends up staying with him in his home. For lack of a better term, he works much like a traditional housewife—he keeps the house clean, cooks, and makes sure Tobirama is taken care of. The man is silent most of the days, only speaking to thank Kagami for making his meal, or for doing the laundry, or for completing paperwork he didn’t get to.

About two months after Hashirama’s passing, Mito has their last son she had been pregnant with before he died, and Tobirama and Kagami go for a visit. The boy looks so much like his father that when they get back home, it all hits Tobirama, who’d been compartmentalizing his feelings, and he has a breakdown.

He cries and cries and cries, lamenting the loss of Hashirama, the hole he left in Konoha, the pressure of having to fill that void and be better, to carry on, and Kagami is there for him.

They sit on his couch as he sobs, Kagami supplying handkerchiefs silently as Tobirama lets it out. It breaks Kagami’s heart to see him like this, but knows that finally releasing his bottled up feelings will be good in the long run. He pats Tobirama’s shoulder and remains by his side the entire night.

The next day, neither mention it, and Kagami makes him breakfast as usual, only Tobirama helps him clean up this time.

After that, he starts to live again. He shares Kagami’s household duties, works harder and late into the night as Hokage, and starts bettering the village as he had been doing before.

A year later, the council of clan leaders begin pressuring Tobirama to marry. There are a few clans that want allyship with the Leaf, and marrying into one of them would do the trick.

So he courts a woman from the Hatake clan. She’s disinterested and aloof, never paying attention whenever Tobirama tries to establish conversation. Kagami witnesses this a few times and feels annoyance prickle at his chest whenever he sees her.

Master Tobirama always has such interesting things to say. If it were me, I’d listen with undivided attention. I’d ask questions. I’d care. Who does she think she is?

One night over dinner, when it’s just the two of them at Tobirama’s house, the Hokage sighs.

“Kagami, be honest with me,” he begins, “What do you think of the Hatake? Should I take her as my wife?”

The Uchiha is surprised. He places his chopsticks down and scratches his head. “Well, Master, I want to hear your thoughts on the matter.”

Tobirama frowns. “The woman has the personality of a boulder.”

Kagami can’t help but snort, and Tobirama finally cracks a smile.

“I was afraid to say it, sir, but I am not fond of her either.”

“No? Why is that?”

Kagami gets a strange nervousness in his stomach, heart rate picking up. He suppresses it. “I just believe you deserve better, Master.”

Tobirama considers him, a glint in his eye that looks akin to amusement.

“I see. I will kindly decline the offer for her hand, then,” Tobirama decides. Instantly, a weight lifts off of his shoulders.

“I support your decision, Master.”

Tobirama smiles. “Call me Tobirama, Kagami. You’ve long surpassed being my student. You and I are equals.”

Pride and bashfulness swell inside of Kagami, and he blushes rosily. “O-oh, thank you…Tobirama.”

The older man nods approvingly, and with that, they continue dinner.

After that, Tobirama courts a woman from the Aburame. She’s even weirder than the Hatake—vague and condescending. If the Hatake was a boulder, she’s a wall of steel.

One morning, while she’s visiting with Tobirama at a tea shop and Kagami is along as an unofficial chaperone, he finds a beetle in his tea.

He jumps and alerts Tobirama, who grimaces and plucks the insect from the cup with his chopsticks.

“They get out of hand sometimes,” the Aburame says in a cool, unbothered tone. “Surely as an Uchiha you wouldn’t let such a simple occurrence take you by surprise.”

Tobirama frowns at her as if he himself had been insulted. “We are in a tea shop away from battle, and you are courting me. He has no reason to look out for attacks from you. Am I to take this as a threat from the Aburame, then?”

She turns her nose up. “No. I was just testing your guard. Do not take it as a slight.”

“Kagami is my most trusted man. Do not undermine my decision to constantly entrust my very livelihood to him—he is very capable and to slight him is to slight me.”

Kagami’s heart squeezes warmly in his ribcage, and his veins feel tingly all over. Her eyebrows furrow.

“Very well. I do not believe this courtship will work out.”

“I agree. However, the Aburame are a very formidable clan and as the Hokage, I am still inclined to make a pact with it to strengthen Konoha as well as share our resources with it. If you are willing, we can still make an allyship agreement.”

“Fine by me.”

And when she leaves, Kagami turns to Tobirama, cheeks dusted pink.

“You didn’t have to do that for me.”

“I did not like the woman. She undermined you, and you’ve defended my honor for years now. I would be a lesser man if I did not return the favor.”

Kagami’s eyes shine. His pulse quickens, and as he gazes upon Tobirama’s face, taking in the moonlight-esque shine of his silver hair, the striking fire-opal embers of his eyes, matching the marks on his face, his strong, majestic bone-structure.

He’s…magnificent.

His blood-pressure drops.

Do I…have feelings for him?

“You are worthy of unwavering defense, Kagami.”

Did my name always sound so good in his voice?

Did his lips always look so soft? Did he always smell this good? Like pine and lavender?

“Kagami?”

He’s snapped from his musings. “O-oh, forgive me. Thank you. I will try hard to continue to be worthy.”

Tobirama gives him a smile, patting his shoulder.

His arm feels hot where the older man was touching.

***

The next and last courtship is Kagami’s breaking point.

A Yamanaka woman. She is absolutely inserted in Tobirama’s business to the point where she suffocates him. Clingy, fast, and overly jealous, Kagami finds himself cursing her internally whenever she’s around.

“Does he have to be around all the time?” She asks Tobirama when they’re in his living room, having evening tea, looking at Kagami with disdain.

“He is my guard, so yes,” replies Tobirama dryly. Kagami can tell from the look on his face that he has a killer migraine. A common occurrence around this insufferable woman.

“But I want to be alone with you, Tobira,” she cooes, touching his bicep and leaning into him. The obvious bedroom eyes she’s giving him has bile rising in Kagami’s throat. Tobira? What an awful nickname.

“We are merely in a courtship, so that is not necessary.”

“But I want to get to know you better,” desire drips from her tone. Kagami feels his eyes burning with the threat of Sharingan activation.

That strong emotional response is enough to confirm that he does indeed have feelings for Tobirama.

Damn it all to hell, he curses internally.

“If you are implying any sort of physical intimacy, I’m afraid that isn’t part of a courtship agreement. Such impropriety is not necessary.”

Impropriety. Sage, if he only knew my improper feelings. He’d strip me of my titles.

She huffs. “You are the most boring man I’ve ever met. Aren’t you all supposed to just want to get in bed with a woman? I’m offering myself to you, how dare you reject me?”

“I believe that intimacy is to be shared only when a deep emotional bond has been forged between both parties. We have no such bond.”

The woman scoffs, standing up. “Well you haven’t given me much to work with! The only one you seem to have let in is this infuriating Uchiha who’s attached to you at the hip! Why don’t you just fuck him?!”

Kagami’s heart jumps in his chest not unlike a Lightning-style attack, Tobirama’s frown deepening.

“Lady Yamanaka, I don’t believe our courtship will work. I regard the Yamanaka to the highest degree, and would like to align amicably regardless of our failed courtship to ensure that your clan will continue to thrive.”

She scowls. “Any further conversations will have to be discussed with my uncle.”

With that, she stands and makes quick work of leaving through the front door, slamming it behind herself.

Tobirama remains still for a moment before letting out a sigh.

“She was the worst one yet.”

Kagami nods in agreement. “How can you tolerate any more of this?”

“I won’t. I’m not cut out for this, not like my brother was. His marriage to Mito was successful in integrating the Uzumaki, but I am not him, and I will find alternative ways to induct the clans to the village.”

The Uchiha’s blood sings hopefully. “You won’t marry?”

“No. I am devoted to the village,” Tobirama states, “Besides, until you find a partner, I have you by my side. That is more than enough.”

Oh, Sage, what is he saying? Despite being in a sitting position currently, Kagami’s knees feel weak.

“I don’t plan on marrying any time soon. I’m content with this as well.”

He surprises himself with how level he sounds.

Tobirama smiles with a chuckle. “Then we’ll remain companions and that will suffice.”

Companions. The two of us.

Kagami grins and nods, insides completely melting.

Great Sage, I am doomed to love this man.

The next few months are spent with the two companions growing even closer. The Yamanaka incident somehow made them bond even more, and Tobirama has loosened up considerably around Kagami.

The Uchiha notices it when he is hard at work assigning missions on paper one morning when Tobirama pokes his arm with the end of his brush.

Kagami raises his head. “Yes?”

Tobirama grins, teeth and all. It grips Kagami by the heart tightly.

“Just felt like it.”

I could die contently right now looking at his happy face.

He just laughs and pokes the older man back with his own brush.

Tobirama’s smile grows, and merciful Sage, it’s crooked, the left side higher than the right, it’s beautiful.

“I’ve never seen you smile like that,” is what he says, and then immediately regrets it. Why would I point that out? Tobirama will be self-conscious, I’m an idiot—

“Huh,” muses the Hokage, shrugging. “I am at ease around you, Kagami. I suppose it’s quite easy to smile around you.”

Kagami feels close to death in the most blissful way possible. He could choke on the influx of endorphins that flood his system.

“I feel the same.”

It feels sort of like a quarter of a confession.

He doesn’t dare push it. He knows they can’t be together. Two men in a relationship would never be accepted, especially not in the Uchiha. He can’t afford to let himself daydream about an impossible illusion.

***

It’s during the trip home from the Five-Kage Summit that they are ambushed by Hidden Waterfall ninja.

Immediately they are recognized as the same village that tried to kill Hashirama, and though prowess is outmatched in the Leaf’s favor, the Waterfall outnumber them, and protecting Tobirama from an attack, Kagami is wounded deeply in the chest.

“Kagami!”

He falls to the ground and Tobirama catches him before he can hit it, cradling him on his knees.

The Uchiha coughs forcefully, blood filling his mouth. He can’t breathe.

“Kagami,” Tobirama’s voice is full of remorse, grave and desperate. “Your lung, i-it’s…”

“Forget…me…” Kagami manages, pain so great he’s almost numb. “P-protect…them…”

Tobirama looks up, watching Hiruzen use his summons to fill in for his absence in the fight. Koharu detonates three paper bombs, taking out groups of the enemy. No one is near them.

“They’re fine,” Tobirama shakes his head, looking back down at Kagami. He’s deathly pale, his crimson life force contrasting morbidly with his skin. “Oh, Kagami, I’m so sorry.”

“My job…i-is to pro-protect you,” Kagami rasps, “I’m honored to…to die fulfilling…m-my duty.”

Tobirama’s throat tightens up and he’s shocked when a droplet hits Kagami’s reddened cheek.

He’s crying.

Once he realizes, the floodgates open and he starts sobbing.

“Kagami, don’t, don’t do this to me,” He begs, “Please, you…you’re all I have.”

Kagami reaches up weakly, soft hand finding Tobirama’s face. There’s so much he wants to say, and yet he feels dizzy, far away, like he’s being pulled somewhere very distant.

“Tobirama,” is all he says instead, gently and tenderly, and he manages a sincere smile, one he musters all of his love and affection into in the hopes that the man understands what he can’t tell him. He’s a dead man—it doesn’t matter anymore.

“Kagami,” Tobirama sobs, covering his hand with his own. The Uchiha’s big, black eyes hold his, and he watches the light fade from them. “No, nonono, no, Kagami please!”

The hand in his goes limp, and those eyes hollow out like cool glass.

He’s gone.

Tobirama feels the panic set in from the back of his head, like a pin prick. It causes his vision to short-out, entire body going numb, and he suddenly has no idea where he is or what is going on.

“Master Tobirama!”

“Kagami, he’s—” he chokes. He can’t. He doesn’t know what he was trying to do but whatever it is that he was doing he simply just cannot anymore.

“Master!”

He blacks out.

***

When he comes to, he’s leaning against a tree, sitting down. Hiruzen is force-feeding him water.

He blinks rapidly, consciousness seeping back. He coughs, sputtering as he rejects the water.

“Master!” Hiruzen exclaims, pulling the flask away and patting Tobirama’s back. “Are you all right?”

It all comes rushing back. The ambush. The battle. Kagami jumping in front of him to block the attack, getting stabbed in the chest, falling, dying—

“What of Kagami?” He asks urgently, looking around. Danzo and Homura stand watch, and on the tree next to him leans Kagami, unconscious but cleaned up to the point where there’s only faint remnants of blood on his face. Above him is Koharu, working hard with the Mystical Palm technique she learned from Hashirama to heal his wound.

Tobirama lurches up, crawling over to Kagami despite Hirzuen protesting to take it easy.

“How is he? Is he breathing?” Asks the Senju.

“He’s weak but he’s stable,” she answers, “I’m trying to heal him to the point where we can return for proper treatment—Lady Mito will need to see him. His lung was punctured through and he has two fractured ribs. I had to forcefully expel the blood from his lungs, throat, and mouth so he wouldn’t suffocate.”

Tobirama’s eyes become glossy once more. “So he’s…he’s alive, then?”

“Yes, Master, he is alive. I will save him, and we will return home as a complete unit.”

Tobirama doesn’t remember a time when he felt this happy.

Kagami is alive.

He will continue by Tobirama’s side.

Tobirama will get to experience his smile, his laughter, his jokes, his warmth again. Kagami has not been taken from him, thank the great Sage.

The green glow from Koharu’s palms dissipates, and she sits back, wiping her brow.

“All right. He’s stable enough to take home.”

Tobirama gets to his feet instantly, remembering himself now that a dire situation as been avoided. “Thank you, Koharu. Well done to the rest of you as well. I trust the enemy is dealt with?”

“Yes sir,” Homura answers. “I’ve sealed one in a scroll for questioning.”

“Excellent. How far from Konoha are we?”

“Half a day’s journey?”

I should get Kagami back immediately.

“We return at once. I will use my Flying Raijin to get Kagami to treatment. I trust you all can return home safely.”

“Yes sir, you can count on us.”

Tobirama gingerly scoops Kagami in his arms, leaning his cheek against his chest. He’s light, and still warm. His chakra signature is still very present—he’s fighting to stay. His heart beats harder.

“Hiruzen, take the lead home.”

“Yes, sir.”

They move out, and as they all take off before Tobirama, he gives into his instinct and leans down, pressing a kiss to the Uchiha’s forehead.

“I won’t let you leave me, Kagami.”

He flickers out of the clearing immediately.

***

Kagami is out of immediate danger within a few hours under Mito’s care.

As soon as the Uchiha is left alone in his room, Tobirama enters and pulls up a chair at his bedside, letting his eyes roam upon his frame.

His shirt had been cut off, stitches applied to his skin and covered with a heavy layer of bandages. They wrap around his chest and shoulder, and he sleeps deeply, having been put under strong sedatives.

He looks so frail and gentle, and Tobirama reaches out, taking his hand in his. Much smaller in his large, calloused palm.

He feels sparks when they touch and it’s enough to break his final wall down—he drops the act with himself.

I’m in love with him, Tobirama finally admits. His shoulders slump and he sighs deeply, letting his reverent eyes stay brushing over Kagami’s frame.

He doesn’t know when it began. Maybe when Kagami let him cry and comforted him without being overbearing, maybe one of the times he made him dinner, maybe when they agreed to be companions—somehow, the young Uchiha managed to steal his rigid heart completely.

He can’t imagine his life without Kagami. He cannot even bring himself to entertain the thought. To take him is to take his very reason to breathe.

Tobirama had almost lost him for good today, and if there’s one thing he’s learned about loss, it’s that it’s better to have no regrets when facing it.

He knows things will be hard. They’re both men. They’re from historically opposing clans. He’s fourteen years Kagami’s senior, and he was his mentor for years. By all accounts, to begin a relationship with Kagami is to defy common sense and logic.

But he almost lost Kagami today without even trying.

Tobirama won’t allow that to happen again.

So, a few hours after his team had arrived and been sent home to rest, Tobirama himself not having moved from Kagami’s side, the Uchiha wakes up.

And Tobirama confesses.

“Kagami,” he murmurs, reaching out to touch his face. “How do you feel?”

“Alive,” croaks the Uchiha beneath his breathing tube. “Sore and tired. Are you all right?”

Tobirama chuckles fondly, unbelievably enamored with the man before him.

How easy it feels now that he understands just how far he’s fallen for the Uchiha.

“You were on the brink of the Pure Lands and you ask me if I’m all right?”

“I protect you. That’s my top concern.”

Just raw honesty. Tobirama’s heart is soaring.

“I am only all right because you are,” the Hokage tells him. “Kagami, I realized when I almost lost you today how important you are to me. I know it isn’t right, and it isn’t smart, but I’ve fallen for you. And I needed to tell you that before it’s too late, like it could have been today.”

The Uchiha’s eyes widen. “W-what? You…you feel the same way I do?”

Tobirama squeezes his hand. “Kagami, I am in love with you.”

A deep rosy flush colors Kagami’s cheeks, and he takes a shaky breath. “Tobirama, I…yes, I, I am in love with you.”

The dam bursts, a deluge of emotions swarming the two of them.

Tobirama stands and leans over Kagami in the next instance, wasting no time and claiming his lips for the very first time.

The relief that washes over Kagami is stronger than any medicine.

***

Kagami is discharged from the hospital two days later with an order for bed rest for the next week. Tobirama sets him up in his own bedroom, insisting his bed is comfier.

The first night they sleep beside each other, they have a long talk.

“This isn’t going to be easy,” Tobirama says softly, their chests to the ceiling side-by-side. “Our clans don’t get along, and we are both men. We cannot have an official courtship.”

“I understand,” Kagami replies, “It won’t be much different from how we are now. Outside of this house, we are the same as we’ve always been. Inside, however, we can show affection. We can touch, we can kiss, we can…well, whatever else we may get up to.”

Tobirama turns to him and flashes him an amused smile. “Are you already thinking along those lines?”

“Sorry,” Kagami flushes, “We don’t ever have to if you don’t want.”

The Hokage moves a hand to cover Kagami’s, lacing their fingers together. Their eyes meet.

“Did I not say that intimacy is to be shared between two people with a deep emotional bond?”

The Uchiha feels his heart beat faster. “You did say that.”

“And did we not profess our love for each other the other day?”

“We did.”

Tobirama grins, turning on his side to face Kagami. He uses his free hand to run the tips of his fingers up the inside of his arm, then down again as sensually as possible. It makes the Uchiha’s heart flutter.

“Then intimacy is definitely in our future.”

Kagami takes a slow breath, attempting to reel himself back in.

“You haven’t done much to me, but I can already tell you have far more experience than I.”

Tobirama hums. “Not sure about far more, I’m not exactly promiscuous. I’m sure we’re about even.”

The Uchiha looks down. “I’ve never been intimate before.”

There’s a slight surprise for Tobirama. “Not at all?”

“At all.”

He blinks. “Hmm. I suppose you were always by my side. It makes sense. No matter, I’ve had three lovers in total.”

Kagami raises his brows. “Three?”

“Yes. The first was once when I was seventeen, I wanted to experiment. She was a woman, and I hadn’t really thought it was special. I never saw her again. Then, the second was a man from the Hagoromo clan. We saw each other a few times, and through him I learned my preferences laid with men. My most previous was before Konoha became a village—he was Izuna.”

Kagami’s eyes widen. “Uchiha? Madara’s brother?”

“Yes. We were enemies yet sought each other out to blow off steam a few times. It was complicated.”

“You killed him, didn’t you?”

Tobirama frowns, remorse painting his features. “Yes. It was adrenaline. I have regrets about that day.”

“Did you…love him?” Kagami’s voice is gentle, without judgment.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think so. Maybe it was akin to love, but I did hurt him in the end. I would never do that to you. Never even think of it—I’d take my own life instead,” Tobirama tells him firmly. He moves closer to him, cupping his face. He holds his eyes with his own, fiery pools of auburn staring into obsidian. “One thing that is certain, is that I indisputably love you, Kagami.”

For the millionth time that day, the Uchiha’s face blooms a pretty red. “I love you too, Tobi.”

The nickname just slips out of his mouth, and it makes his cheeks hotter.

“Oh, Sage,” breathes the Senju, his thumb moving to pad over Kagami’s lower lip. His eyes flit to it. “Call me that again.”

The way he says it makes Kagami feel needed, wanted, desired. A surge of confidence hits him.

“My Tobi.”

The Hokage doesn’t hesitate a second longer to press their lips together, slipping his tongue inside of Kagami’s pliant mouth, initiating a desire-ridden make out session that lasts until Kagami needs air.

Whilst the younger man is taking in careful breaths, Tobirama rubs their noses together tenderly in a butterfly kiss, looking into his eyes.

“My dear Uchiha,” He murmurs sweetly, as if addressing a precious gem by name. Kagami’s eyelids flutter closed, reveling in the affection. “My Kagami.”

The man in question wraps his arms around Tobirama’s neck, playing with the silver hair on his nape.

As he feels Tobirama stamp a gentle kiss to his jaw, he knows with certainty that he’s absolutely gone.

***

Kagami is healed up a month later, and only then one night after a spar does Tobirama finally feel that he’s ready for intimacy.

They start off slow, laying on his bed beneath the covers in their night clothes. It isn’t long before their pace increases, urgency fortified, and all articles of clothing are shed and tossed to the floor in between ravenous kisses.

Kagami ends up underneath Tobirama, his legs spread as the Senju pleasures him using his mouth.

As Tobirama had expected, Kagami turns out to be rather vocal in bed. He can’t stop moaning, mewling high in his throat at every stroke of Tobirama’s tongue over a sensitive vein, gasping with each suck, eyes shut tight as he’s completely beside himself.

While he’s sucking him off, Tobirama uses a lubricant produced by one of his self-derived jutsus to open the Uchiha up, prodding his finger inside of Kagami’s tight walls until he can fit in two, and then three.

He pushes against his prostate at the same time he suckles on his tip, causing the younger man to cry out.

“Tobirama!”

He feels the twitch in Kagami’s thighs and pulls away to coat his own throbbing cock with the lubricant, lining up with the younger’s entrance.

“Are you ready?” He asks, and Kagami, half delirious already, flushed, hair messy on the pillow nods.

“Yes, please…”

Just like that, Tobirama sheathes himself inside of Kagami, forever solidifying the two of them as lovers.

“Oh!” Kagami gasps, spreading his legs wider. Tobirama is big, and he can feel all of the details of his intimacy inside of him. It makes his heart pound.

“Kagami,” breathes Tobirama, suddenly in his own very specific version of the Pure Lands on Earth, and the Uchiha never wants to forget the way his name left his lover’s mouth right then.

Luckily, he doesn’t have to. Because it turns out, contrary to his expectations, Tobirama is even more vocal than he is.

But he doesn’t make indiscriminate noises.

The only thing that tumbles from his lips is Kagami’s name, in wanton abandon, a tone Kagami has never heard before but makes his core sing with heat.

“Kagami,” Tobirama groans as he picks up the pace, their skin slapping loudly, echoing around the bedroom. Kagami bites his lip, nails digging into his lover’s biceps as he allows him inside repeatedly, feeling loved to his very core.

“Kagami,” Tobirama hisses as the Uchiha clenches around him when he hits his prostate with the tip of his cock, biting his own lip, eyebrows drawing up. Again, “K-Kagami, love.”

“Ah,” is Kagami’s incoherent response, “Tobi, Master…”

Tobirama’s soul short-circuits.

Hormones rush through his body. Carnal desire takes over, and for once, he lets control go. Their hips meet in harsh smacks, the bed rocking considerably.

“Kagami,” he moans in worship, as if delivered from the evil of the world, from all pain, cleansed of sin, “Kagami…”

“Tobirama!” Exclaims Kagami. “Ah! Ah!”

The Hokage grabs Kagami’s hand and kisses his knuckles fervently, fucking into him faster, chasing their highs as the coils wind tighter and tighter.

“Love you,” insists Tobirama, in prayer, “Kagami, love you.”

“Love you,” replies Kagami in his state of delirium, hardly able to believe the amount of pleasure Tobirama is giving him right now.

His middle and ring fingers somehow end up inside of the Senju’s mouth and Tobirama greedily sucks, tongue laving over the small digits. Kagami’s eyes roll to the back of his head and that does it, cum spilling all over his stomach untouched, Tobirama’s name on his lips in rapture.

Tobirama’s hips stutter and he fills the Uchiha up with his release, marking him on the inside, showering his face with kisses. He wants to devour his beautiful lover whole. He licks up the droplets of sweat from his neck, sucks marks into his collarbones, and ravishes the air from his lungs.

He is obsessed in the best way possible.

It’s from that moment on that he and Kagami can barely keep their hands off of each other behind closed doors.

Within the next year, the two live their lives as blissful secret lovers.

Kagami takes on his first team of Genin comprised of a Senju, an Uchiha, and a Yūhi. The Senju boy is hot-blooded much like Hashirama, the Uchiha girl stubborn yet very caring, and the Yūhi girl, whom is the best friend of the Uchiha, is quiet and polite. He trains them in sensory skills first and foremost, helping the Uchiha and Yūhi in their genjutsu prowess while the Senju spars in taijutsu with him.

They all form a very close bond as a team, and whenever Tobirama has time, he watches their training with fond eyes.

He notices the softness in Kagami’s gaze whenever one of the children calls him ‘sensei’, watches him pat them on the heads tenderly after each session, observes his Uchiha lover getting them treats and spoiling them rotten.

It clicks for him when the two of them visit Hiruzen and his new wife, Biwako at their home after they welcome their first child.

The baby boy is nestled comfortably in Kagami’s arms, and it’s then and there, Tobirama taking in the sight of his lover fawning over the baby, that he understands just how good of a parent he would be.

In fact, as Biwako helps Kagami feed the baby with a bottle, he realizes Kagami should be a parent.

Biology would constitute that the two of them cannot both conceive the same child, but Tobirama is a master of inventing powerful jutsu, Kagami is his beloved, and he vows to himself to figure out a way to make it happen.

He pours over scrolls from every clan he can get ahold of that has medical prowess. The Nara, the Uzumaki, the Senju, the Uchiha, the Yamanaka even for herbs—he devotes all of his free time to the creation of this new jutsu.

Kagami is not new to how Tobirama gets when he is working on a new jutsu, so he thinks nothing of his hermit-like behavior. He simply keeps him up later into the night if he feels particularly needy.

After three months, Tobirama’s jutsu is created. He names it the Henkei Seal, as it’s a formula that when cast, seals the desired anatomy inside of the receiver until released. For the particular modification, it requires both the receiver and castor’s blood to summon the new parts. A prick on a finger of each person will do. At its core, it is a combination of summoning, medical, transformation, and sealing jutsu.

He writes it all down in a scroll and presents it to Kagami over dinner.

The Uchiha reads it over carefully, having not been told the details beforehand. Once he finishes, he rolls the paper up and sets it down wordlessly, unnerving Tobirama.

Did I read him wrong? Does he think it’s a bad idea? Maybe it’s dangerous and I overlooked—

“Tobi,” Kagami begins in a soft voice, reaching across to cover his hands with his. He wears a tender smile. “You derived an entirely new, very complex jutsu as your way of telling me that you want a baby?”

The Senju feels his cheeks flush, a rare occurrence. He nods, squeezing his lover’s hands.

Kagami grins brightly. “Oh, dear, yes, I love the idea! So one of us will have a womb sealed inside of us, yes? Can it be me? I want to mother your child!”

He glows with excitement. Tobirama is melting.

“Yes, my love, absolutely. I will father your child.”

The Uchiha clasps his own hands together and stands up, darting around the table and grabbing his lover’s wrist, dragging him to his feet.

“Come on, let’s start right away!”

Tobirama blinks in surprise, almost tripping over his feet to keep up with the overzealous Uchiha.

“R-right now? We haven’t even cleared the table!”

“Clean later, put a baby in me now!”

It shuts Tobirama right up.

The lovers wind up tangled in the sheets of their bed, devoid of clothing, Kagami shuddering in pleasure as Tobirama strokes him with one hand, writing the formula on his womb with the other.

The Senju expertly writes the necessary seal, forming a ‘T’ shape over Kagami’s abdomen where a womb is to go. In the center is a circle of his skin, and he takes Kagami’s left hand, kissing his palm after petting his brush and ink aside on the nightstand.

“I will need your blood now, love,” he says, “May I?”

Kagami nods, completely relaxed and trusting. “Do it, Tobi.”

The Senju presses a peck to the pad of Kagami’s thumb before biting down with his canine, drawing blood. The Uchiha just breathes out a little more forcefully, letting his lover dot the liquid into the center of the circle.

He then takes his free hand against the younger’s and a green glow emanates from it, healing Kagami’s cut with ease.

“When did you learn medical ninjutsu?” Asks Kagami, surprised.

“After I almost lost you,” replies Tobirama. “So that I may tend to you right away if anything goes wrong in the future.”

The Uchiha’s heart seizes up warmly. “Sage, Tobi, I really love you.”

The Senju smiles. “I feel the same for you.”

He then bites his own thumb, placing his own droplet in the circle with Kagami’s.

Kagami grabs his hand and suckles his finger into his mouth, cleaning away the extra blood.

“All right, my love, I will complete the jutsu now. It will feel very warm for a moment, ticklish even, while the womb binds to your cells.”

The Uchiha nods, letting his finger go.

“Do as you will, Tobi. You know I trust you.”

Tobirama focuses his chakra, forming signs and pressing his palms to Kagami’s abdomen, and concentrating deeply.

“Henkei Seal.”

His hands glow green, activating the seal. Kagami draws in a slow breath, heat coming from his lower belly. He then feels it grow, a strange bubbling sensation beneath his flesh, little muscle tugs and tiny pinches as his lover casts the seal.

Kagami smiles at Tobirama as he works, feeling the area cooling as the jutsu completes.

Tobirama releases his hands and looks upon Kagami’s abdomen, looking slightly fuller than before, the mark intact on his skin sans the blood they had used.

“There,” he says, “it’s cast. You have a womb now, Kagami.”

The Uchiha beams. “My lover is the smartest man alive.”

Tobirama just leans over him, kissing his lips passionately.

It isn’t long before, to their discovery, Kagami is producing his own lubricant, and it makes the following intercourse smoother and more intense for the Uchiha.

“I-it’s like I can feel every ridge of you,” Kagami pants, “Everywhere you’re touching—mmh—feels so good, Tobi…”

Tobirama dutifully fucks him harder, wanting Kagami to feel as amazing as possible.

When the Uchiha starts quivering around his member, Tobirama loses composure and starts moaning his name excessively, grabbing Kagami’s thighs, pushing them back, and driving in deeper. Like this, he prods at the beginning of his new womb, and it drives Kagami crazy.

The Uchiha reaches orgasm first, throbbing around Tobirama, who instantly releases his seed into his wet heat, more aroused than he thinks he’s ever been.

They end up going two more rounds, and the dinner they abandoned is cleared up the next morning.

Three months of constant coupling is what it takes to get Kagami pregnant. They christen every space in the house, even the Hokage’s office once late at night.

Kagami shows symptoms and after a visit to Mito, who is the first person they trust with the information of their plan, he is confirmed to be with child.

Tobirama instantly feels the need to keep Kagami far away from any potential threat.

He gives Kagami administrative work only, helping to cook meals, making sure he’s comfortable as he can be.

When Kagami starts to show, they make the decision to reveal their truth to their clans.

The Uchiha and Senju elders are upset, but Mito as Hashirama’s widow is able to soften the blow considerably. She argues that their main opposition for their relationship stems from the usual infertility of a male and male pair, and since that obstacle has been overcome and their coupling is fruitful, there is no reason to oppose it.

The younger generation is supportive of it. They praise the pregnancy, for in their minds it’s proof of the strong alliance between the Uchiha and Senju, and even claim that the child born from the blood of such formidable families will have exceptional prowess.

As such, the baby is accepted, and the news of their relationship spreads throughout the village quickly. Soon, everyone knows that Tobirama Senju, the second Hokage, is having a child with Kagami Uchiha, one of the strongest members of the clan alive.

Of course, it will put a target on Kagami’s back. So Tobirama triples security, and creates a faction higher than Jounin specializing in black ops and espionage designated the ANBU. He assigns his most talented ANBU to guard Kagami with their lives, having him watched twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Of course, he doesn’t leave Kagami’s side often since the Uchiha is his assistant, but Tobirama is thorough and never takes chances.

The clan elders insist that a formal marriage takes place between Tobirama and Kagami, and for once, Tobirama agrees. He would love nothing more than to marry the love of his life.

So, they hold a ceremony when Kagami is just under three months along. The Uchiha is easily the most beautiful person Tobirama has ever seen in his life as they join together as official spouses, and he is made the happiest man alive.

When Kagami is five months pregnant, the first attack to start the Shinobi World War is waged by Kumo trying to forcefully take resources from Konoha.

To protect Konoha, Tobirama sets out with his platoon to fight, leaving Kagami in Konoha alone.

He is gone for two months on the front lines, and when that first battle is won, returns home to a seven months pregnant Kagami. Their embrace lasts all night long.

“I never want to be separated from you again,” Kagami tells him after they’ve made love in attempt to make up for lost time. “If I lose you I lose my world.”

Tobirama cups his husband’s face, slightly fuller and glowing with the pregnancy.

“I am sorry to be the cause of your strife,” Tobirama murmurs gently. He admires the beauty of the Uchiha. “But my love, I am not your entire world. I share that honor with our precious child. So if anything ever happens to me, you must live for them.”

Kagami frowns deeply, his eyes filling with tears. He doesn’t remember ever being this emotional but he’s been away from battle for so long now and the hormones are making him sensitive. He can’t bear the thought of Tobirama dying. It’s unthinkable.

Seeing that his words have caused Kagami’s upset, Tobirama changes the subject.

“I won’t speak of it. I’m here now, I’m home and safe with you. Do not fret, my beloved.”

He places his hand on Kagami’s bulging belly, leaning forward to give him a butterfly kiss.

“I am here. I will not leave again without you. How is that?”

The Uchiha finally relents and nods, touching Tobirama’s face.

“We’re inseparable. Like magnets. You move, I move. Do you hear me?”

“I hear you, Kagami.”

His husband kisses him deeply then, ending the conversation.

Kagami goes into labor two months later. There are smaller conflicts going on while the war rages, but Tobirama is present and they welcome their son into the world, the baby born with Kagami’s dark, unruly hair and Tobirama’s sharp, vermillion eyes.

Joyous tears in his eyes, Kagami cradles their new baby in his arms as Tobirama undoes the jutsu on his belly. They name their son Kiseki, as he is their miracle undoubtedly, and the Second Hokage is filled with pride.

The following day, Kagami and Tobirama get visitors. Hiruzen and Biwako visit first, followed by Danzo, Homura, Koharu, and the member that has filled in for Kagami’s absence, Torifu. Once all of the visiting is over, he is allowed to return home with Tobirama and Kiseki.

Luckily, the war is far from Konoha and it is leaning in their favor, so the first four months of Kiseki’s life are full of happiness.

Tobirama gets to live a dream he never knew he would have; to father the child of the love of his life and raise that baby together everyday, waking early, feeding Kiseki, changing diapers, washing clothes, making sure Kagami gets his rest and taking night duty when their child wakes up hungry.

Kagami sings to Kiseki when it’s nap or bedtime, much to Tobirama’s enchantment. He sits beside his husband and leans on his shoulder, watching their baby sleep, beyond overjoyed that Kiseki inherited Kagami’s beautiful, droopy eye shape.

The dream unfortunately descends when they recieve word that the Kinkaku and Ginkaku unit of the Cloud is planning an assault on Konoha to kill the Hokage, having already torn through the Leaf army that had been defending the village. Tobirama’s team elected to retreat to get the information to him as soon as possible and regroup.

Having heard of their fearsome abilities, Tobirama resolves to fight once more on the front lines in order to protect the village and people he loves.

Telling Kagami this entraps Tobirama in simmering anguish.

His husband stares at him from beside his desk at the Hokage’s office, Kiseki napping in the bassinet they’d placed in the room so that they’d never be separated.

Anxiety and a deep dread crawls up his throat, eyes burning as his Sharingan threaten to activate. He knows exactly what this means.

The beautiful moments they’ve been sharing with their new son are about to come to an end—maybe only temporarily, or if things go awry…forever.

“Tobirama,” his voice is grave and the Second Hokage laments hearing its contours in anything but happiness.

He wants to tell him to stay, but that isn’t an option. Tobirama is the Hokage, and it’s his duty to protect the village. Everyone else has already been fighting, even Hiruzen, who has a son and another on the way with Biwako. They are both shinobi, and that must come first, even before personal affairs. They understood this when they began as ninja. Falling in love was not part of the plan, and they have no choice but to work around it.

Even still, his heart stings as he looks at the man he loves, his husband and father of his child. He doesn’t want him to go to war—their previous separation almost finished him. They can’t be apart.

“I’m going with you,” Kagami states, “I won’t allow you to separate from me.”

Tobirama’s face is grim. “You are to stay here.”

The Uchiha’s eyes widen. “What? No, Tobirama, I won’t. We fight together.”

“I need you away from conflict, safe with Kiseki.”

Kagami grits his teeth. “I can protect you, Tobi.”

Tobirama stands up abruptly, slamming his palms down on his desk.

“By doing what, jumping in front of me again and getting yourself killed? What good will that do anyone?! You are staying here and that is final.”

At the bang and his raised voice, Kiseki wakes and begins to cry. Kagami glares at his husband.

“I wish I’d known that having your child would cause you to lose all faith in my capabilities as a shinobi,” Kagami states icily, his eyes now red with his ocular prowess. “I am one of the most talented Uchiha there is, and yet you reduce me to a meak childrearing housewife.”

Tobirama scowls. “This has nothing to do with your abilities, I know you are exceptional, but don’t you have any idea what I went through when I had to watch you almost die? Hell on Earth, Kagami. I will not allow you to be hurt again!”

“It’s the same for me, Tobi! I-if you died, I,” Kagami cuts himself off, words catching in his throat. He can’t fathom it. He won’t. And he knows he’s being mostly irrational, but he and Tobirama are a team. They fight together.

Kiseki continues to cry, as if sensing his parents in distress.

The Uchiha moves to their son, picking him up out of the bassinet and starting to comfort him, ignoring the tears running down his cheeks. Tobirama watches them for a moment, his anger starting to fade, replaced by a deep distress.

Of course he doesn’t want to leave his family. He doesn’t want to make Kagami cry, but having him out of harm’s way will make him feel much better.

“When you came back before Kiseki’s birth,” Kagami begins in a resigned voice, grabbing his attention. The baby is now settled again in his arms, and the Sharingan has dissipated. “You told me that you wouldn’t leave without me again. We’re like magnets. You can try all you want to separate us, but if you move, I will move as well.”

Tobirama’s heart constricts. He did say that. They poured their hearts out to each other that night.

He realizes now that he’s been selfish. Leaving Kagami here will calm his own heart, but will torment Kagami’s. He can’t do that to him.

Standing up and making his way over to his husband, he wraps his arms around Kagami’s waist and draws him in, their son gently sandwiched between them.

“You’re right,” he concedes softly. “I’m sorry. I always have the final say except for when it comes to you, and as the mother of my child, that’s the way it should be. I don’t want to exert control over you, and I trust you implicitly, so Kagami, come with me if that is what is truly in your best interest.”

The Uchiha smiles gratefully at his husband. “Thank you, Tobi. Together we will fight and return. We are stronger as a team.”

Due to the urgency of the matter, they resolve to move out the next morning with Tobirama’s escort team.

That night, Kagami lays in bed in just his night pants, Kiseki nestled on his bare chest. Tobirama lays beside him, an arm tracing invisible patterns over his bare skin, bare except for his own sleep trousers.

Kiseki fusses to get more comfortable, and Kagami helps him adjust, the baby turning to face Tobirama. He opens his eyes and looks up at his father, who smiles tenderly.

He then looks up at Kagami, who has activated his Sharingan.

“I want to remember this,” Kagami explains softly, “Every last detail—my sweet little son, and my gorgeous, alluring husband, here with me.”

Tobirama’s mouth turns up at the corners. “Alluring?”

Kagami chuckles fondly, reaching out with his free hand and placing it on Tobirama’s muscular pec.

“You know I find you to be immensely attractive, Tobi. We wouldn’t have made this little one if I didn’t.”

The Senju grins, leaning in and nuzzling a butterfly kiss into Kagami’s nose, who reciprocates instinctively. His heart flutters—somehow this simple gesture is even more intimate than the lustful make out sessions they engage in.

“My love for you is boundless, my dear Kagami. There is no one I respect and cherish more than you,” he strokes over their son’s cheek gingerly with his knuckle. “And this precious boy is living proof of just that.”

Kagami stamps a kiss on Tobirama’s nose, which to his delight, has been passed down to their son.

“My feelings for you are the exact same,” Kagami replies. “This moment right now is my greatest dream, come true.”

Tobirama smiles. “Then I have done well.”

The rest of the night is spent quietly and peacefully.

***

Saying goodbye to Kiseki is the hardest thing that Tobirama has done since losing Hashirama.

The Second Hokage cradles his infant son in his arms for as long as he can, bestowing upon him his special butterfly kiss reserved for the ones he loves most. Kiseki giggles gleefully, touching his father’s face with his tiny hands.

Identical fire opals meet, and Tobirama’s heart feels like it’s filled with rocks.

“I am eternally, unconditionally proud of you, my son,” He murmurs, “Take great care of your mother, for he is precious to me as you are.”

He kisses the baby’s forehead before handing him off to Mito, who looks upon he and Kagami worriedly.

“Please, be careful,” she says, “Return safely.”

“Thank you for caring for our son while we are away,” Tobirama replies. “And for everything.”

She nods, and with that, he and Kagami take their leave to join the rest of the escort team.

***

They’d gotten separated.

Explosions rain down on them in the forest, discombobulating their formation.

Kagami uses his Sharingan to navigate himself and Torifu to their emergency rendezvous point, and soon they are joined by Danzo and Hiruzen.

“You’re alive!” Exclaims Hiruzen.

“Yeah, by some miracle,” is Torifu’s response.

He can feel Tobirama’s chakra signature up ahead, but worrisome is the number of enemy signatures he can sense closing in on them. They are greatly outnumbered. His heart begins to sink in anxiety.

“There are way too many of them. What now, Hiruzen?” The Sarutobi was always the quickest thinker besides Tobirama. Maybe he can come up with something and get them all out of there alive.

“All right then. Let’s go meet up with the Second Hokage,” comes his friend’s response.

Kagami swallows hard. He knows what that means—he’s at a loss. He’s deferring to Tobirama.

Not good at all.

When they approach the meeting point, he is relieved to see not only his husband, but Koharu and Homura as well. Everyone is all right.

Tobirama sees him and allows himself to relax the slightest bit—Kagami is safe. Good.

“Everyone, gather around,” Tobirama orders. “We have no time to waste.”

They all surround him, kneeling and focusing their chakra to keep their presence muted.

Kagami watches Tobirama close his eyes, placing two fingers against the grass to read the enemy’s signatures and pinpoint their locations. He tries his best to calm down—all is not lost yet. There has to be a way out of this. Tobirama can think of something, can’t he?

“We’ve been surrounded,” He relays, “There are…twenty enemies. From their tracking abilities, I’d say they’re Cloud ninja. The highly skilled Kinkaku unit.”

So it is as Kagami feared. Not a mere outer platoon from Kinkaku and Ginkaku’s forces, but the very unit that poses the highest threat.

Everyone here is powerful but against two ninja with Nine Tails’ chakra, and their special unit, they don’t stand a chance. Plus, much of their chakra is spent already.

Sage. They are completely outmatched.

“We’re only seven, including you, Lord Second. We’re outnumbered,” Homura states. Dread begins to fill Kagami’s core.

“Homura, stop being such a coward!” Comes Koharu’s fiery response. “All right, the enemy has not yet pinpointed our exact location. So we should wait and ambush them, then break through to escape.”

Escape to where? The village? Being chased by a specialized tracking unit with tailed beast chakra, hell-bent on attacking the Leaf?

It would be leading them right to their objective. It would result in the destruction of Konoha, where everyone they hold dear lives.

Where Kiseki, innocent and defenseless, waits.

That isn’t feasible.

Kagami gets a sick feeling in his stomach that gives him hot goosebumps, nausea prickling at his throat. He knows what has to happen.

He just hopes that Tobirama will forgive him.

“No, that’s not gonna work,” He speaks up. “The only way it would is if one of us draws their attention and misdirects them.”

Away from the Leaf, away from Kiseki.

“They’ll act as a lure,” Torifu catches on. His face is grim. “It means certain death…so who?”

Tobirama is the Second Hokage. He must live on.

Kagami is just an Uchiha, a shinobi willing to die for the greater good. Their son will have Tobirama to grow up with, so he’ll be in great hands.

He will sacrifice his life for his two beloveds.

He meets his husband’s eyes, the Senju already knowing exactly what he’s thinking. Tobirama gives him a sharp, warning, vehemently opposing glare.

Don’t you dare speak a word, his eyes say, freezing Kagami in his spot.

“I’ll go do it.”

Kagami’s eyes flit to Hiruzen, who has an intense, unbreakable determination in his eyes.

He’s prepared to die.

But what about Biwako and their children? Hiruzen has so much promise, he could even surpass Tobi.

It can’t be him.

I need to speak up!

“Sarutobi!”

“Hiruzen, you sure?”

The damned fool smiles.

“Heh, don’t worry about me. I don’t mean to brag, but I know I have the best chance out of all of you to pull this off. I’m not gonna die.”

Kagami can hear Biwako right now.

Hiruzen, you idiot, you know you’ll die! Stop acting like a hero!

Beside him, Danzo leans forward and grits his teeth, looking disconcerted.

Hiruzen places a hand on his shoulder. “You look after the others, Danzo, okay? I trust—”

“Shut up! I was going to volunteer, you know!” Danzo bats his hand away. “Don’t try to steal the limelight. I’ll be the lure, not you!”

Hiruzen’s face falls into genuine confusion. “Danzo, I…”

Kagami sees Tobirama’s jaw set, his back straightening. He looks like that when he’s reached a decision.

Oh no.

“My father and grandfather died in battle as a shinobi. Self-sacrifice is a shinobi’s duty!” Danzo prattles on. Kagami can feel his world shifting, Tobirama’s eyes meeting his again. His husband’s gaze is resolute, firm, and apologetic.

Kagami shakes his head. No, don’t do it, Tobirama.

You can’t.

Tobirama’s eyebrows draw in as if to say you know there isn’t another way.

I’m sorry, my love.

He wishes the ground would buckle and swallow him up whole.

Tobirama is right. They’re backed into a corner and it’s the only way. It’s what makes sense.

Fate is not on their side.

“I will go out and play the lure, of course,” Tobirama finally voices, and Kagami thinks that his stab to the lung was far less painful.

My husband is choosing to die today.

This time tomorrow he will be nothing but memories and legacies.

“You’re the ones who will carry the Will of Fire, who will defend our village in the future,” he continues.

They are all young, they will be needed. There’s no telling what will befall the Leaf in the years to come.

Damn him for being right. Curse this fate. Curse this world.

“But you can’t! I mean, you’re the Hokage! There is no greater shinobi in our village!” Danzo doesn’t understand Tobirama’s line of thinking. If only it was that simple.

“Danzo, you are always vying with Saru over one thing or another,” Tobirama’s face is stern. Kagami recalls conversations they had about his friends, who always seemed to be in some sort of competition with one another. Tobirama has always worried about Danzo’s intentions and whether or not they aligned perfectly with the ideologies of the Leaf. “But what’s necessary here is for you to work together as comrades. Don’t make this a personal fight.”

Kagami swallows the lump in his throat. Even now, Tobirama is taking the time to attempt to steer Danzo back onto the right course.

“The fact is, you took too long to reach a decision. First you must take a hard look at yourself and come to understand who you are objectively. Or else, at this rate, you’ll place all your comrades in danger.”

Tobirama has always wanted to say these words to Danzo, but hoped he’d realize on his own. Kagami now sees that he’s taking this chance to make it known before…

“In any case, Danzo and Saru, you need not be so eager at your young age.”

Kagami’s heart stings. Tobirama has always placed the welfare of children and young ones at the forefront of his priorities, having grown up around so much early death, and having lost two brothers entirely too young.

He’s full of integrity and it makes Kagami love him irrevocably.

“Your day will come eventually, and until it does, you should endeavor to stay alive,” he continues, voice becoming soft. He cares so deeply for all of them, Kagami hears it in each syllable.

Tobirama stands up, and Kagami feels tears start stinging at his eyes.

“Saru,” he addresses. “Love and treasure the village, and protect all those who believe in you. And nurture those ninja to whom you can entrust the next generation. Starting tomorrow, you’re Hokage.”

Kagami puts a hand on his knee to steady himself.

He’s named his successor. Kagami knows he could never do it himself, he’s more suited to the assistant role, and he has Kiseki which he knows Tobirama needs him to be available for. Hiruzen is the best choice.

“Saru, take care of the Leaf!” It’s a command, an entrustment, and a conclusion.

Tobirama’s reign ends here.

“Yes, sir!”

Kagami can barely think straight.

“They’re closing in,” Tobirama snaps him out of his stupor. His throat is closing, bile is rising, he wants to wither away before he has to live through this.

“Tobirama,” He says, standing up and grabbing his husband’s hand. The rest of the team turn and walk to the edge of the treeline to give them space. Hiruzen gazes upon them forlornly before turning away—he knows truly what this will do to their family. He feels their pain.

“My love,” Tobirama murmurs, cupping Kagami’s eyes and gazing into his glowing crimson eyes. “I cannot tell you how sorry I am that it has come to this.”

Kagami sniffles, sobs threatening to break through. He does his best to hold them back.

“I know there’s no choice,” He manages weakly. “I know why you’re doing this. It doesn’t make it a-any less un-unbearable…”

He breaks off and starts to cry freely.

“I know you will take care of Kiseki, and the village,” Tobirama says, brushing his hair away from his face. Kagami furiously blinks the tears away to see him better, clinging to his finite presence. “I have lived a very fulfilling life, and the best part of that is having had the honor of being your husband, and father of your child.”

Kagami trembles uncontrollably. His eyes feel hot. His head pounds, he feels dizzy and defeated, angry, crushed, undermined by fate.

“Thank you for blessing my life with your love,” Tobirama tells him gently, cupping his face. “You have made me the happiest man to have lived. May we meet again in a kinder time, where we can grow old and die together.”

“Tobi,” Kagami croaks miserably, surging forward and kissing his husband for the last time. He begs every cell in his body to commit the Tobirama to memory, his taste, his smell, his touch, sight, and voice. A splitting pain sears through the front of his head, and he pulls back, thick tears spilling over his cheeks as he grunts in agony.

Tobirama’s palms hold his face. “Oh, Kagami…”

Kagami looks up at him, eyes throbbing painfully. Six equally-distanced points stare into the Senju’s eyes, pattern not unlike a lotus, and immediately Tobirama understands what they are.

“Mangekyō,” he breathes, brushing the crimson liquid from Kagami’s tear-ducts. “I’m sorry, my love.”

“Lord Second, I’m sorry, but you must leave!” Calls Koharu.

“Yes, I know,” Tobirama nods, leaning down to give his last butterfly kiss to Kagami, rubbing their noses together. “I love you. Always.”

Kagami can’t speak. The words won’t come out.

Thank you for loving me. For taking care of me. For making the impossible possible, for giving me a son, for becoming my husband. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I love you.

He falls to his knees instead, and Tobirama squeezes his eyes shut, gritting his teeth before he flickers away.

“Tobi,” Kagami rasps, clutching his chest. He feels his husband’s presence appear far north, and soon the Kinkaku unit moves to follow.

No one remains chasing after them. Tobirama has saved them successfully.

He feels Hiruzen’s hands on his shoulders.

“Kagami,” his voice is full of patient empathy. He just lost his sensei, after all. Everyone here is hurting. Everyone in the village will hurt.

Kagami touches his ring, pressing it to his lips to stifle his sobs.

He feels for Tobirama’s signature, feeling it flare. He’s fighting.

“We must use this opening to escape,” Hiruzen tells him remorsefully. “We can’t linger.”

Tobirama’s chakra swells, and swells, and—

It cuts out.

He can no longer feel his husband’s life force.

He’s gone.

He doubles over, starting to hyperventilate. His stomach flips.

Tobirama’s smile flashes in his mind, a vision of his husband kissing their baby’s forehead.

Never again.

Kiseki will grow up without ever knowing his father.

The Kinkaku unit retreats further north, away from the Land of Fire. Their objective to assassinate the Second Hokage is a success.

Kagami vomits.

***

Before he moves out with his unit to fight on the frontlines in the Hidden Rain, Kagami cradles his infant grandson in his arms.

Shisui looks just like Kiseki when he was a baby, save for the big, onyx Uchiha eyes that gleam up at him, belonging to the boy’s mother.

He looks just like you, my love, is what a fifty-seven year old Tobirama would say if he were present. Now forty-three, Kagami has long outlived his late husband, but misses him every single day.

He’s done his part to raise their precious Kiseki into a fine man and shinobi. The boy grew up inheriting his parents’ fierce Will of Fire, his father’s sensory abilities and mother’s Sharingan prowess. He has a bit of a serious personality like his father, yet is still more light-hearted than his best friend, Fugaku, who Kagami swears reminds him of Tobirama, full of duty and responsibility. No doubt, that young man will become the next clan head.

“Be careful,” Kiseki frowns worriedly, the expression entirely Tobirama’s. “I love you, mother.”

Kagami touches his son’s face. “I love you too, my son. You are the pride and joy of your father and I. Instill our Will of Fire into this sweet child.”

He hands baby Shisui back to his son, who nods dutifully.

“Yes, sir.”

With that, Kagami leaves Konoha.

In the midst of battle, to tide the victory over to their side, Kagami sacrifices himself and takes the enemy unit down with him.

When he wakes, he feels no more pain, no heaviness, and no mortal coil slowly perishing around himself as he had been subconsciously aware of his entire life. He is safe and completely secure.

“Kagami.”

That voice.

Kagami turns around, eyes landing upon the sorely missed frame of his beautiful husband.

“Tobirama.”

“I’ve waited patiently for you to join me,” the Senju smiles brightly, closing the distance and holding his waist. “You’ve done so well. I’ve watched over you right alongside Hashirama, and our brothers, Itama and Kawarama. Come, I will introduce you to them.”

The Pure Lands. Utmost serenity and love surrounds them.

Kagami has returned home.

[myfairstarlight]

You have truly spoiled me today, gentle author, thank you so much for taking precious time to respond to my ask <3 You have put into words so many thoughts I've been having, jumbling around in my head, and much better than i ever could! I am grateful for you!

I agree with you on all counts, especially Colin's jealousy!! It's rather sad that it had to be relegated to the backburner in order to fit everything else, when them being writers was one of the ways they truly bonded in the book. And that Penelope was old hat and had something to teach him--as an accomplished writer herself-- which paralleled the fact that he could teach her about sexual intimacy, that was nice too.

If I may ramble some in your inbox a little longer, although I admittedly lean more towards enjoying the show than the books (not to say the books aren't also enjoyable, of course, its just a matter of preference), another thing that the books have over the show as a whole, in my humble opinion, is because they are so exclusively focused on their primary couple, we get so much more time and attention on them as both individual characters and a couple--apart, together, in a room full of people, just the two of them, etc.

The shows side plots can be a bit of a double-edged sword in that way. On one hand, it's nice to meet characters and see interactions we didnt have in the books--we got to know Penelope so much earlier as a result, for example, which I liked a lot. But, I feel some show subplots dont always make the most sense or are resolved in such a way that it's kind of like "what was the point?" As a result, we also lose time with our primary love match of the season, literally LOL

Both mediums certainly have their pros and cons, but I guess what I'm getting at overall is I'm so glad we get to have both ha!

Good night and sweet dreams, gentle author, thank you again for your kindness <3

Dearest anon, the pleasure has been mine!

What a lovely message to wake up to, thank you (let's ignore that I'm answering in the afternoon as I type this).

That is the main reason I always try to not compare books and show too much, or you just sign up for disappointment if you only care about the main couple.

I personally like that the show decided to make it an ensemble show, like you said it allowed us to be introduced to Penelope much earlier, and even other characters have already been introduced like Sir Philip who casual viewers won't think much of, but those who read the books get excited as they point to the screen. It allows us to see all the Bridgertons be a family as well, and see them grow and expand, as well as see new relationships the book would never explore (Penelope and Madame Delacroix come to mind, they were a delight this season! Gen is the only woman who understands what it means to have a business and not wanting to let it go, she is the only one who understands Penelope in that regard). Now the downside is that, with only 8 episodes per season, and such a large rooster of characters, there's only so much they can fit without things feeling overwhelming or rushed, and that's an issue all 3 seasons have in my opinion. I do feel like it could be easily fixed by having more episodes per season because it is clear they have a lot to tell, but oh well.

Bridgerton as a show is definitely more of a drama than a truly romance show in my eyes, especially with the way they used Lady Whistledown compared to the books where she did not have as much of a power, and with the addition of Queen Charlotte as a character. S3 challenged that a bit by introducing rom-com elements especially in part 1, but part 2 did show that it thrives with drama and tension as well. But the books are definitely a good addition for those who wish for more content focusing solely on the couples and their struggles. The show is adjacent-enough, but it took a lot of liberties. I suppose it depends on the individual to decide if that is a good or bad thing, personally, I like that it's so different (especially in how it portrays the men, actually, though I would still like to duel Show!Simon), you still get to be surprised, whether you start with the show or the book. I know people have been complaining about the lack of more polin scenes this season, but I fear that is just the standard Bridgerton formula, saphne and kanthony were not spared this issue either, and I fear the other couples will find the same fate. We can still complain though, we definitely did not need so many cuts back to Benedict having a threesome in e8.

Finally dear anon, if you ever wish to continue discussing even more on our mutual love for Colin and Penelope, know that my messages are open <3

[enchantedlandcoffee]

Annual Writing Self-Evaluation

Thanks for the tag @allwaswell16 <3 I posted a lot of works this year so it's all under the cut 🥰

1. List of works published this year:

There's no one I love more in this world than Stanley Tucci

Kiss In The Kitchen Like It's A Dancefloor

Can We Please Get Back To Lovin'?

Two Hearts In One Home (WIP)

If The World Was Ending, You'd Come Over, Right?

Rush Hour Crush

Court Wine

Hope We Grow Old But We Never Grow Up

Hold On I Still Need You (WIP)

Bloodline of Queens (WIP)

Eager To Please

Running Over Thoughts That Make My Feet Hurt

Tell Me With Your Mind Body And Spirit

And I Can Lend You Broken Parts That Might Fit

My kiss can mend your broken heart

Bodies entertwined with their lips

When It's Good It's Really Something

Tied Up Like Two Ships

Just Let Me Adore You

When The World Is Cold, You'll Have A Place You Can Go

Was Tangled Up And Twisted

Actions Have Consequences

Gagging For It

Share a Single Bed (and tell each other what we dream about)

I promise that I'll love you for the rest of my life

Lips so good I forget my name

Friends Don't Know The Way You Taste

Let Me Be Your Last First Kiss

Always You

I'm Missing Half Of Me...

Christmas Advent Calendar

Do you really want to be all alone?

Feel My Traces

Let Me Inside

Have yourself a larry little christmas

I'll make this feel like home

To Find A Love That Feels This Right

I got me an appetite, now I can taste it

2. Work you are most proud of (and why):

Probably 'If The World Was Ending, You'd Come Over, Right?'. This is the work I am most proud of because I wrote it during a not great time in my life and it was my first proper attempt at writing angst. It's also the first chaptered fic I had finished and in a way, I found my voice in terms of writing. And I formed a connection to the characters which has helped in the long run when brainstorming and planning scenes.

3. Work you are least proud of (and why):

Unfortunately either 'To Find A Love That Feels This Right' or 'Tied Up Like Two Ships'. I just really clashed with the ideas in my mind and the words that I ended up writing. But thankfully, they're part of seperate series so I can expand on the worlds and hopefully make them better.

4. A favorite excerpt of your writing:

This sad fluff snippet from If The World Was Ending, You'd Come Over, RIght?

He put himself to work making a simple breakfast, one that he and Harry had had more times than he could count. As he carried out the task, he allowed his mind to wander, well, allowed wasn't really the right word. His mind took him on a journey he didn't sign up for. A journey full of mornings just like this, one of them getting ready whilst the other prepares food. A journey where the patter of little feet joins him in the kitchen, a little boy with brown curls and bright green eyes. A journey where the love of his life walks in, their daughter in his arms as he scoops up their son as well.

5. Share or describe a favorite review you received:

I have a few that I loved a lot (I love any and all reviews I get) and I'll share them below:

Ash, this was amaaaaaaaaaziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!I am officially your biggest fan now and I demand being granted that title.Wow you're talented, had me want to cry, throw up, smile and laugh all at the same time, I loved it! I'll read everything else by you I can get my hands on ;)Just lovely &lt;3

6. A time when writing was really, really hard:

The past month or two. It was hard balancing work, school and writing and also being at my childhood home with fic deadlines to meet. And also being emotionally drained for two months doesn't really help get me in the writing mood.

7. A scene or character you wrote that surprised you:

I think the emotional scenes in If The World Was Ending really surprised me. I never knew I could come up with little rants like that, let alone multiple in the same fic.

8. How did you grow as a writer this year:

I feel like I grew a lot as a writer this year. I explored different genres and themes I never thought I would (writing smut, writing angst, writing omegaverse, writing different pairings other than larry), I wrote about 73k this year which is about 70k more than I have written in my entire life.

9. How do you hope to grow next year:

I hope to improve in my ability to write and update WIPs, also to improve both the quality and quantity of my writing.

10. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc):

There were a few people who really helped me this year:

@justahappycloud was my beta for my pirates fic, my Two Hearts In One Home fic and was always cheering me on. @babyhoneyheslt hears nearly all of my ideas first and has helped me plan so many of my fics. @red-pandaaa has helped me with my confidence in writing and in general. @lunarheslwt has inspired me as a writer and has also been cheering me on from the very beginning!

11. Anything from your real life show up in your writing this year:

A lot of angst as it's been a rollercoaster of a year. Also a lot of Harry and Louis' feelings whenever they're crushing have also been my way of getting my feelings out about people in my real life.

12. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers:

No matter how silly or weird you think an idea is, you should just go for it! Even if it doesn't fit your normal "brand", don't be afraid to branch out and write new things.

13. Any projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year:

I'm looking forward to finishing my Zayn fic for @zaynsalbumsficfest as it's going to be so fluffy. Also my groundhog day magical fic for @romcom1dficfest is my favourite plot I have come up with so far (aside from Witchrry). @ohharold and I are working on something quite cool for @1dteamworkfest . And I'm hoping to update Two Hearts in One Home and to finish and post my Witchrry fic.

14. Tag three writers whose answers you’d like to read. ;)

@lunarheslwt @babyhoneyheslt @hellolovers13

[higherhell]

Was tagged by the illustrious @harbingerofskulls , thank you! :D 3 ships: Well. I don't really get into ships so to speak. but I DO like ships. so allow me to be a rascal here and misinterpret this question :3 off the top of my head- The King of Red Lions from Wind Waker, Kapp'n's boat from Animal Crossing GC, and of course, Saira's UFO from Saira (it's got radio!!! and pinball!!)

First ship: Now that'd have to be the beauty that is The Flutter from Megaman Legends. Oh how I wanted to take her for a spin as a kid. Still do. Look at her.... Fishe.

Last Song: 2D or not 2D has been back on my mind the past few days for some reason. Sometimes one simply must return to one of the greatest music videos of all time I suppose. (Forever thinking of you, skeleton saying Oh Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet)

Last Film: ...if concert dvds count, then Susumu Hirasawa's The 9th Mandala....if not. I genuinely don't remember haha. Have found it hard to sit down for a whole film as of late. Currently Reading: Regrettably, nothing...I keep meaning to pick up Blame! though. Swear I will get to it eventually Currently Craving: Honestly? Can't think of anything. If I can expand the scope past food and drink then I really want to get some hairspray and try to make my hair defy gravity like a Visual Kei dude. Just to know if it's possible. I feel like I just have too much length but those guys do it somehow right?.. WAIT hold that thought actually I also want a hot doughnut. have not had a hot doughnut in a hot minute. Somebody help me anti-grav my hair and then lets go out for doughnuts. Fav Color: Black and white and red. but among close company I am known for my love of purple and teal as well. Relationship Status: Single Last Thing Googled: Honestly no idea. Things I have to google leave my brain immediately after I'm through with them and I've got a habit of searching everything in incognito so I can't even check. Sad Current Obsession: hmmmmm......Wataru Kamiryo (I mean he is always an obsession but. been particularly on the mind lately...beautiful beautiful vampire man.. I wish he would release another solo album.) Not directly tagging anyone because my brain is kinda cooked atm BUT consider yourself tagged if it suits your fancy. tell em ol' higherhell sent ya.

[warrenwaskilledbyadeer]

thank you for the add on! didnt know they are actually official,, in case you were adressing me personally (lowk flattered) i did end up redoing my commentary tags haha, my thought process is that comics have progressed quite a bit from their conception to now and are taking themselves a lot more seriously... which is something i think majority of comic fans on tumblr actually like because the focus is on actually expanding these characters into multi-faceted ones with good and bad aspects and (imo) WFA takes away from that a bit.... i rlly like WFA as a pick me up actually and i think silly comics can act as a sort of filler-episode-adjacent force in comics but not all the time, ykno?

honestly? most of comic tumblr shits on the mcu in part for them incorporating a lot of silly scenes into their movies and all comic tumblr would do is complain if comics suddenly became 100% silly again, haha..

BTW!!! this isnt meant as a slight or diss or anything!!, im just very interested in this whole conversation (quite literally shaking with excitement to talk abt it lool)

sorry if this is invasive in any way!

No no problem at all!! Yes I was responding to you at the beginning of that haha and I do agree that, while I love WFA, it's not great as like a main content intake for Batman or superheroes in general, definitely more for filler-episode material. When it first came out I was really excited to see it since in the comics they'd just killed Alfred (bad choice) and in movies they're... still learning how to portray Batman lmao, but I hope it being so popular will allow Batman movies to become at least closer to what we see in the comics!

I also agree that it is a good thing that comics grew into taking themselves seriously!! Knightfall is one of my favorite comics ever I can't even count how many times I've read it, and things like The Killing Joke will always be so iconic for a reason. But my favorite parts of those stories are still the characters relationships with each other and how they're being affected (when Bruce tucks the lock of hair behind Babs' ear when she wakes up in the hospital AAHH I cry every time). Comics have definitely found a good balance of serious and lighthearted that I think superhero movies are still searching for, Hollywood kind of realized all at once that superhero stories are worth being taken seriously but then they sort of tipped the scales too far in the other direction, you know? There's very little place for that fun rompiness and they go pretty far out of their way to try and make things "realistic" which is pretty silly to try and do to superheroes of all things haha

BTAS, STAS and Young Justice will probably always be my favorite superhero shows because they managed to achieve the same balance we see in comics themselves! I just have my fingers crossed Hollywood will learn to let heroes have some fun again too

Thank you so much for this ask I also really love discussing this!! I'm glad you didn't think I was attacking you because I really really wasn't trying to

[faelune-home]

FFXIVWrite 2023 #29: Contravention

(A/n: I did have to pull more from the synonyms for this word, leaning more on frustration and obstruction than the original word, but I managed to get one more Yuri based ficlet here, meeting another scion~. Depending on the next prompt, I can either cap this off with her meeting the twins, or it'll be a cliffhanger for a piece of writing outside the month.

But I've appreciated that I've been able to do so much with fleshing out Yuri here, even being based in post-Endwalker. It's been fun to expand her character in this way with the new lore I have for her and seeing how she interacts with everyone else. Left a hint in case I could feature Yuri into the Twelve raid story, but I'll have to see how it goes in 6.5.

Word count: 1264)

The levels of red tape involved in getting a single book was ridiculous.

“I know you can’t let me in, I’m not even saying I could go and collect it myself, I’m saying you or one of these mammet things can go and get it,” Yuri huffed, words clipped as she tried to keep her calm against the librarian at the desk.

“I’m sorry, but we need the archon present to authorise entry to the archives. Verbal permission via linkpearl can’t be verified,” the librarian said, at least trying to look apologetic.

G’raha was out in Aldenard on a personal errand, however he’d called back asking for a few books for what he was working on, even if just to have Yuri relay the information back via linkpearl. Most of them were available on the public floors, however one was apparently logged in to private archives reserved only for archon access.

“What about if I get Krile to come and collect it?” Yuri tried.

“I’m afraid that wouldn’t suffice. While Miss Baldesion has special access to certain non-public sections due to her organisation and the research they do, she still wouldn’t be allowed into the archive in question since she isn’t an archon. I’m sorry.” Yuri’s hands balled up tight as she fought against the urge to scream, the note paper in her hand with the books she needed getting crumpled up as well.

“May I collect it on her behalf? I require entry to the archives for some of my own research as well.” Yuri spun around at the new voice, surprised at whoever seemed to be willing to help her.

She’d met Y’shtola briefly while the woman was passing through the Annex, in a chat with G’raha about some manner of travel information from what little Yuri could understand. As with most of these “former Scions” - a term she was beginning to think was more for appearances than reality - Y’shtola had come and gone as quickly as she’d appeared, off with her own work to keep her busy, so yuri really didn’t have a full read of the woman beyond what Fhara had told her.

Which was admittedly sparse, even Fhara had to admit.

“She’s very stern and focused. Less for joking around, really.”

“I would appreciate that, thank you so much,” Yuri said, pushing the memory aside and bowing deeply. Y’shtola simply offered a polite nod and a smile in response.

“I’ll not be long collecting my own things. Please wait for me here,” she said, turning to the little worker mammet waiting beside her and marching off with it.

Yuri picked up the book pile she’d already collected and laid on the main desk while she’d been trying to get help from the service, and slumped herself in a chair near the railing. The long drop deeper into the earth always unnerved and fascinated her in equal measure, the sight of busy students and researchers milling about contrasting against the lurch in her stomach at just her far down it all went.

She just had to wait. She opened a book on top of the pile and started sifting through it to find what G’raha needed.

~~

She’d mostly gotten lost deep into the second book, partially baffled by the heavy jargon and terminology that made her reread several paragraphs a few times but also fascinated by the subject matter on its own, when footsteps caught her attention and jolted her from her reading. Y’shtola had a small bundle of books under her arm and was already taking one to hand over to Yuri.

“My apologies for the wait. I had to have the mammet deployed to find a misplaced book,” Y’shtola said, only the slightest tail lash to show her frustration.

“I didn’t even notice the time. I just went on with reading up on what G’raha needed. I may have gotten a bit invested in this one,” Yuri replied, holding up her open book. Y’shtola’s clouded eyes skimmed the page, and then down the spines of the pile on Yuri’s lap.

“Hmm, old religious folklore and history, and the gods through the eras,” she pondered, “Our Eorzean fables have caught your attention then?” They began walking together, side by side.

“A little bit. It is still mostly for G’raha’s benefit…”

“Still, better to nurture that curiosity. Learned information is always new to someone out there, whether a growing child or different cultures coming into contact. If you wish to know more, mayhap G’raha would permit you to join him on his expedition?”

“I wouldn’t wish to impose,” Yuri shook her head, shivers going through her as they passed the threshold for the library into the outdoors, the snow beginning to fall gently.

“It’s never imposing. Especially with the nature of this endeavour he and Fhara are undertaking, from what I’ve gathered about it.” Yuri didn’t respond, only a slight grimace as she seemed to think about it. Curiosity made her want to say yes, but the desire not to overstretch herself while she’s still new to the Students held her back.

“Do consider it. Opportunities don’t just arrive to you without help. Even your father had to broach the topic of your joining to Krile and G’raha,” Y’shtola said.

“I will…” Non-committal, but better than nothing. They continued along in comfortable silence, along the path and into the Annex. Krile was in the main lobby, chatting with Ojika upon their arrival.

“Ah, welcome back. And good to see you, Y’shtola,” she greeted them, “You managed to get those books for G’raha, I see.”

“With some difficulty for one,” Yuri grumbled, “I’m glad Y’shtola showed up to help.” upon Krile’s confused expression, a sly smile crossed Y’shtola’s face.

“I don’t believe he realised one of his requested books wouldn’t be attainable for someone that wasn’t a qualified archon.” The silent shakes of her shoulder and Yuri’s frustrated grimace made Krile sigh, slumping forward.

“Oh dear. I’ll have to let him know for future, though it is difficult to verify these things while out in the field. Especially if things get shuffled without warning, or maybe even misplaced.”

“I’m rather surprised he didn’t whisper his little levitation enchantment over his linkpearl just to sneak you in. Or even an invisibility spell at that,” Y’shtola hummed, eyes still sparkling. At that, Krile broke into a smile.

“I can only assume he’s forgotten or realised he couldn’t get away with it a second time, even by proxy through another person,” she said, amusement peeking in her face.

Yuri could only look between them in confusion, clearly recognising it was a shared memory for them both but uncertain how to broach asking for details. Beginning to think she should shuffle off and continue her requested work, Krile glanced at her and said, “I do believe we’ll need to enlighten Yuri as to this little story. Though I daresay it may colour her perception of G’raha.”

“Far be it from me to dismiss his efforts and achievements, but he could certainly manage that on his own eventually,” Y’shtola said, shaking her head, “But better you share the tale than I. You no doubt have more stories to regale anyway.” Krile’s little smirk grew wider.

“Oh I do. Come now, we’d be better settling down if we’re going to be sharing tales. Ojika, would you be a dear and prepare us some tea?” he nodded, hopping off his chair and head off. The ladies headed for the main hall, Yuri being guided with chatter building on either side of her, curiosity growing equal to her confusion.

[thebiballerina]

3, 7, 38, 47

Thanks for playing! My apologies for the delay in my answer. Hopefully my detailed, slightly sappy answers are sufficient compensation for the wait. ❤️

3. What math classes did you like the most?

My immediate answer would be abstract algebra. I really enjoyed how that one stretched my brain, and allowed me to reframe the way I thought about number systems and operations. The style of proof was also one that meshed very well with the way I think and work through problems, so that definitely helped.

However, as a tutor, I also have to give a shout out to my favorite course to tutor students in, calculus 2. I love helping the calculus 2 students, especially when they get to volumes of rotational solids. It is a fun topic to work through, and something where I can use visuals and group problem-solving to really get the students to work through the concepts. I had a great calculus teacher when I first learned in high school, so I don't mind returning to the subject material.

7. What do you like about math?

I once got asked this question when I was 12 years old, and I distinctly remember telling the person who asked it that math "makes sense." Apparently that was all the elaboration I thought was required at the time. Math has always meshed rather well with my brain's own way of working through issues. To expand upon that, for me, mathematics is about making connections between ideas. About cause and effect, about weaving together individual observations into patterns which can be predicted. Math is a language which describes the intricacies of our world. I find it breathtakingly beautiful.

In addition, math, along with writing, has also been one of my constant companions in life. When I was young, and struggling, and felt so incredibly alone, I would retreat into my books and learn about mathematical concepts. I would put my brain to work to understand not just the methods I learned in math class or in books, but why those methods worked. It was a haven of calm in a world that was terribly confusing to me. I will always be grateful for that.

38. Have you learned any math on your own recently?

Well, this one is not so much pure math, but rather mathematics history and mathematical psychology. I think it counts (counts, heh) though! I have been reading What Counts by Brian Butterworth (published with the title The Mathematical Brain in the UK). It is a fascinating look into how human brains approach mathematics, our fundamental numerical sense, and how different (even isolated) cultures have developed mathematical systems. It was published in 1999, but even reading it today, I find it is reframing the way I think about math.

47. Just how big is a big number?

A big number is however big it needs to be to make you say, "I can't have read that right."

[monstrsball]

i would like to hear more about the extended iwaoisuga universe 🙏 what is your favourite part of it?

hmm. i have decided that most of the national team like... loves suga which i love. that's not specifically related to their relationship but it is a part of the ~lore~ that i like. i just think suga is a person who is hard not to like. maybe i'm biased though bc he's my favorite character lol.

a hc i really like that i actually haven't shared before: when they're all together, oikawa and iwaizumi will go on a run and suga will make them breakfast before they get back, it started as him being like 'i will make you breakfast if you don't force me to go with you please'

oikawa is not a morning person but he allows iwaizumi to wake him up and drag him along anyways because he wants to stay in the habit of waking up early even when he's on break. it's also a good way to spend time together and make up for the time they've been apart. (he has an a thing he does with suga too but i haven't quite decided on what it is yet)

[navybrat817]

Starting Gate

Pairing: Motocross!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader Summary: You attract the attention of your coworker's friend who just happens to be a handsome racer who plays for keeps. Word Count: Almost 5.5k Warnings: Flirting, tension, swearing, rivalries, future explicit sexual content, motocross!Bucky Barnes (he’s a warning, okay?) A/N: Hey, lovelies! Welcome to my motocross AU! I'm excited to share the start of Hothead and Spitfire. This may expand to other racers as well. Thank you @sweeterthanthis @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog @dreamlessinparis @buckyownsmylife for letting me scream about this. Beta read by the beautiful @whisperlullaby, but any and all mistakes are my own. Banners by the talented @vase-of-lilies. Moodboard by yours truly with the incredible Bucky edit provided by Nix. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Please reblog or comment as it means the world!

Looking out the window of the passenger seat of Natasha Romanoff’s car, you couldn't stop yourself from smiling as she drove. The sun was shining in the light blue sky, but the air was relatively warm. It's a beautiful day for a race. You felt like you were going to jump out of your skin from how eager you were, but you had to play it cool.

“You know you’re allowed to be excited about today.”

So much for playing it cool.

“I’m a little excited,” you said, giving her a smile as you looked away from the window. “Okay, I’m really excited. I’m glad you invited me.”

“I’m glad you accepted. You said you liked motocross when it was brought up in the work chat," she pointed out. You went to a few races back home. They were fun. "I’ve wanted to introduce you to a couple of the guys and I thought today would be perfect.”

Since you moved to the area a few months before, you hadn’t had time to make many friends. You somehow managed to hit it off with Natasha, your coworker. She had a cool, almost intimidating, energy about her that you appreciated. Her actions and words were deliberate and calculated, while you sometimes led with emotion. She admitted recently that she admired that, along with your grit, because it showed her how honest you were. 

Not that everyone appreciates it.

You wouldn’t necessarily call yourself argumentative, but you were vocal. Your parents heard from teachers often as you grew up that you stood up for what you believed in, pushed the envelope at times, and wore your heart on your sleeve. While some thought that those were admirable traits, others wrote you off as emotional or snappy. It didn’t always hurt when that happened. A smaller circle of people who accepted you was better than a large group who didn’t care at the end of the day.

Maybe I can find that here.

“What’s the sour look for?”

“Shouldn’t your eyes be on the road?” you half teased, not wanting your thoughts to cloud your good mood.

“You’re regretting wearing the skirt, aren’t you?” her lip quirked up, not quite smiling.

“You TOLD me to wear this!” you reminded her.

“I suggested it because you said you couldn’t remember the last time you got laid.”

You huffed a little. "Boys suck. I need a man."

By definition, you weren't a jaded girl about love. Though your friends back home sometimes reminded you that you had a bit of a wild streak, especially when it came to boys. You liked the rush of excitement in the beginning and the thrill of not knowing what would happen tomorrow. Somewhere along the way, your wants changed. You still craved excitement, but also wanted the guy you fell for to stick around once the euphoria faded. You wanted to be loved.

Am I asking for too much?

"Oh, some of them here are very much boys. A few are decent men."

“So, you brought me out here to introduce me to a couple of your guy friends, watch them race, and help get me laid?” 

She waited a beat before she answered. “Something like that.”

“I’m not going to hook up with some random racer,” you smiled, though getting laid did sound nice. Sex wasn’t the beginning and end of everything for you, but you hadn’t been fucked in months and you were starting to get frustrated. At least I have my trusty toy.

“I wouldn’t judge you if you did,” she said as the car began to slow down. 

“Nat…” you began, turning as much as you could in your seat to face her. “I have a perfectly good vibrator at home. It’s dependable and doesn’t talk back.”

She gave you a knowing look once she parked in the grass parking lot, evident even through her sunglasses. “You want someone who talks back.”

You bit your tongue before you could say you wanted someone dependable, too. “Maybe, but not too much. I don’t want a pushover, but I don’t want an asshole either.”

“Was that why it didn’t work out with that guy back home? What was his name? Frank?”

You wrinkled your nose a bit. “He was only a partial asshole. He was also part sex god and a had a self destructive streak a mile wide,” you said. 

Frank was a free spirit, always up for an adventure. You knew he was never meant to be the guy you ended up with forever, but you were drawn to him nonetheless in the beginning. Sex could only distract you so much from the lack of direction in life and occasional drug use. In the end, you couldn’t fix him and he didn’t want you to.

You still wished him well.

“Are you looking for Mr. Perfect?”

“No, I’m not. Mr. Perfect doesn’t exist because someone like that doesn't have flaws. That isn’t realistic. I just want a guy perfect for me."

"That makes sense," she agreed. "Someone who gets you."

"Exactly. I'm a lot to handle, but-"

"You're not," she interrupted. "Guys get away with being brazen all the time. Girls should be able to do the same."

"Thanks, Nat,” you sighed a little. She was right. “I just want someone who appreciates me. Someone who pushes back when I push, but lets me be vulnerable, too," you explained before you sat up straight. “Wait, why are we talking about this? This is race day.”

Natasha hummed thoughtfully as she tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear. “Okay. Let’s go.”

What is she up to?

You bit your lip as you got out of the car, replaying your words in your mind as you smoothed out your skirt. You wondered if you set your expectations for guys too high. It doesn't matter. I'm not here to pick up anyone, even if the racers look hot with their gloves and the way their asses look in their pants and everything else.

It was crowded as the two of you began to walk, but not overwhelming. It was still a bit early. You saw the track ahead before you veered off toward the trailers. "You sure they don't mind meeting me now? We could always wait until after the race," you offered. 

"I promised I'd stop by to wish them good luck.”

“Remind me again who I’m meeting?” 

“Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers, both 450 riders and two of the best in their class. Been best friends since they were kids," she replied. "Might see a couple of the others, but that may not be until after the race."

You remembered seeing a few photos of Bucky and Steve on Natasha's social media page. Both were handsome, but the brunette with the steel blue eyes caught your attention. From what you heard in passing, he was single. 

How the hell is a guy that handsome not seeing anyone? Maybe he’s a manwhore, which is his choice. Nat doesn't seem like the type to hang out with assholes. 

"Fair warning. Steve is usually a bit quiet before a race, but Bucky can be a bit unpredictable," she told you.

"What do you mean?"

"He may be grumpy or just stare at you. It intimidates a few people. Please, don't take it personally if he does.”

"I'm a big girl. I can handle it," you promised. "Though I'm questioning why you thought it would be a good idea to introduce me before the race. And no promises that I won’t make a face if he stares.”

Natasha gave you a rare smile before it quickly fell. “Shit,” she whispered, walking a bit faster. You fell in step beside her, hearing heated voices ahead. Two men, racers by the look of their outfits, were standing inches apart and the larger of the two looked ready to come to blows before a third rushed over.

“Stay the fuck away from my bike!”

“Buck, step back. He isn’t worth it.”

"I wasn’t anywhere near your bike. You’re paranoid.” 

“You’re a fucking prick!”

“Hey! You boys causing trouble?” Natasha called out, trying to break the tension as you got closer.

You recognized two out of the three men as they looked your way. The one who pushed his way into the middle with dark blonde hair and a trimmed beard was Steve Rogers. He looked a bit thankful for the distraction, even though he could hold his own from the looks of him. If you had to guess his height, you would say 6’3 or 6’4. The baggy arms of the red, white, and blue jersey didn’t hide how muscular he was.

You didn’t recognize the man on the left with the dark brown hair, but you saw him give you a once over with a smirk. His eyes almost matched his hair color. Between that and the black and white jersey against his tanned skin, you were sure girls flocked to him. 

Handsome. Cocky. And he's looking at me like he owns me. 

And the man on the right? That was Bucky Barnes. Just as tall and broad as his best friend, but he looked like a cobra ready to strike. And seeing him in person, oh, he was very much your type. His eyes really were like steel as they bore into yours, strands of his medium length caramel hair framing his gorgeous face as he clenched his fists. He looked like sex and danger personified, the kind of man who would devour you if you let him. 

Well, I’m fucked.

You were also glad you wore that skirt.

“Only trouble is this fucking prick messing with my bike,” Bucky snapped, pointing at the other brunette. 

“Maddox Rumlow. Good racer, big ego, even bigger prick,” Natasha whispered to you, almost making you snort with laughter.

“For the last time, I didn’t touch your bike,” Maddox calmly spoke, smirking as he cocked his head to the side. “And I don’t need to mess with it to beat you. I can beat you on my own just fine.”

“And I can beat your face in just fine,” Bucky gritted.

That shouldn’t turn me on.

Maddox didn’t look phased. If anything, he looked amused. “If I were you, I’d worry about finishing the race and not messing up my other arm. Not unless you want a matching pair.”

“That’s enough,” Steve said through his teeth as Natasha inhaled sharply, the only telltale giveaway that she was upset. And that upset you. Bucky was her friend and you felt protective of him for that reason. “Seriously, what’s your problem? You never give Levinson or Jensen or anyone else this kind of grief.”

“I’m not giving Barnes grief,” Maddox had the nerve to look wounded, looking at a few others who had ventured over, likely wanting to see if there would be a fight. “No one wants him to get hurt. Again.”

Glancing at Bucky, you saw him clench his fists even tighter. That’s when you heard the slight whirr. Natasha didn’t give you the details, but she mentioned that he lost his left arm some time back and received a metal prosthetic in its place. You couldn’t see it with the shirt and glove covering it, but the tick in the brunette’s jaw told you that Maddox’s earlier comment struck a nerve. It struck a nerve with everyone.

Oh, fuck this guy.

“I’m sorry, your name’s Maddox?” you asked sweetly to catch his eye, looking him up and down the way he had to you moments ago. 

“I am,” he answered with a charming smile, licking his bottom lip as he shamelessly checked you out again. If he eye-fucks me any harder… “Haven’t seen you before. What’s your name, sweetheart?”

Steve had to bring his arm up to keep Bucky from moving toward him, making you pause before you said your name. Is he just done with his shit? “Nat says you’re a good racer.”

“Good? One of the best,” he corrected you. “You’ll see.”

“So humble,” Natasha said under her breath.

“Are you messing with Bucky here because he’s your biggest threat?” you guessed.

“I wouldn’t call him a threat. More like friendly competition. It never hurt anyone,” Maddox smirked as Bucky glared back at him.

He’s trying to get under his skin and it’s working. Well, two can play that game.

“Right. Keeps people on their toes. I get it. But I bet he has a kickass nickname,” you said, giving Bucky a soft smile before you looked back at Maddox. “Do you have one or should I pick one for you? Maddox the Meager. Mediocre. Or should we just go with what he called you: Prick? Maddox the Prick has a nice ring to it.”

The smirk Maddox wore instantly went away as Steve’s eyebrows shot up. Natasha let out a hum of approval as you looked at Bucky out of the corner of your eye. He had a smirk on his face and you couldn’t help but clench at the sight of it.

God, if he smirked at me like that while he’s between my thighs…

"What was that?” Maddox asked, the false charm completely gone from his earlier tone.

“Meager, mediocre, prick,” you rattled off easily as his nostrils flared. “Well, what else should I call someone who eggs someone else on before a race? Doesn’t seem like 'friendly' competition to me. I kind of get it, but just because he has a couple of inches on you-"

"I'm taller than him," he cut you off.

You raised an eyebrow, "I wasn't talking about his height."

Maddox's mouth set in a grim line as you heard a couple of low whistles and chuckles. Doesn’t feel good to have someone go after your ego, does it? “You have a mouth on you.”

“So I’ve been told,” you shrugged a little.

“I like it," he grinned, but there was nothing friendly behind it. "I can think of a couple of things you can do with your mouth, sweetheart."

“I’m not your sweetheart.”

“And she’s not interested,” Bucky said, making you shiver. Unlike the fury you heard when he snapped at Maddox previously, all you heard was ice in his tone. Maybe that was the reason you didn't mind that he spoke for you. “So fuck off.”

For a split second, Maddox looked furious. He recovered quickly as he straightened up and winked at you. “We’ll see about that,” he said, taking a few steps back. “See you on the track.”

Bucky turned away from you to watch him walk away, giving you a chance to check out his ass. No, no, no. Don’t look. Fuck, I want to squeeze it. He swung back toward you as your head snapped up, giving you a full head-to-toe view of him. The red and grey of his motocross gear suited him. You noticed after a moment that he was also effectively blocking Maddox from your view as he walked away, forcing you to look at him instead. “I like her, Nat.”

Okay, why did hearing that make my heart stop?

“I knew you would,” the redhead replied, nudging you with her shoulder. “And I knew you’d make an impression, but I didn’t think you’d have fans.”

“What?” you blinked as she nodded to Steve and a couple of others you didn’t recognize. You were the center of attention. Even Bucky’s eyes were still on you. “Hi. Why are you all staring at me?”

Steve chuckled a little. “Because we’re not used to seeing someone putting Rumlow in his place. The guy’s a bully on and off the tracks, but fans and sponsors seem to love him. I’m Steve, by the way,” he said, holding out his gloved hand as he gestured to the guys behind him with his head. “That’s Sam and Joaquin. Natasha’s told us all about you.”

“Nice to meet you,” you said as you shook it, noting that he was careful not to crush your hand. “All good things, I hope.”

“All good things, but I’m a little bummed I missed the show,” Sam smiled, running a hand along his buzzed hair. There had to be something in the water since he was built, too, though he was slightly smaller than Bucky and Steve. 

Joaquin, the smallest of the four men, gave you a small smile. “Care to give a repeat performance?”

“Only if Levinson gets to see it. He’ll be pissed when he hears he missed it, too,” Sam joked.

“For now, the show’s over,” Nat said, shooing them toward the trailer.  

Except for Bucky.

He caught your eye as he moved closer to you. He actually looked relaxed. And he smiled at you. “I’m Bucky. Nat really has told us a lot about you, which isn’t like her.”

Oh, he has a gorgeous smile. 

You repeated your name for him, a little disappointed that he didn’t shake your hand like Steve. "Yeah, I noticed she can be a bit guarded, but she really has done a lot to make me feel welcome here."

"You like it here?"

"Yeah, I do," you nodded, the small talk unexpected, but nice.

“Do you make it a point to jump in to defend complete strangers or am I the exception to the rule?”

You had to smile at the question. “You’re Nat’s friend, so you’re not a complete stranger,” you teased, making him smile more. You wanted him to smile again. “And while I don’t know the history between you two, I could tell from the small interaction that he was being an ass. I’m not exactly known for holding my tongue.”

“I don’t doubt that. Not every day people call him a prick to his face. Well, besides me."

“The shoe fit,” you shrugged, not at all ashamed. “And I’d say it again.”

“You’re a little spitfire, aren’t you?” he grinned, putting his hands on his hips.

“I guess you could call me that," you smiled. You liked it. "You know, I was half expecting to meet a grump. Nat said that’s how you are sometimes before a race.”

“I usually am,” he said honestly, lifting one shoulder in a shrug. “Until that prick showed up, hanging around my bike and looking in my trailer.”

“Why did you let him get to you?” you asked curiously.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked disappointed in himself. “I don’t know. I’ve never liked the guy and he never liked me. Had it out for me from the start," he explained.

"Probably because you really are his biggest threat."

"That and he comes from a family of assholes. He’s a good racer, I’ll give him that, but he plays dirty and doesn’t care who gets hurt as long as he gets ahead. Worst part is he acts like he’s a good guy when almost everyone else is looking.”

“So, he really is a prick,” you teased, kicking a bit of grass with your shoe.

“Yeah, he is. I don't think he's used to a gorgeous girl seeing through him. And I’m never going to let him live ‘Maddox the Prick’ down, so thanks for that."

He thinks I'm gorgeous?

“Glad I could be of service,” you smiled. “If I can give you one more thing? Unsolicited advice, but try not to act like a hothead to your competition."

Bucky's brows pinched slightly. It was adorable. "I'm not a hothead."

“Maybe not, but you kind of acted like one. Did you notice that Maddox didn’t raise his voice or step forward when you snapped at him? He made you look aggressive, which is probably how he wanted you to look to anyone else who saw it,” you explained. Stop talking. Why am I talking so much? “I think he was trying to goad you into a fight and or at least rile you up to throw off your game.”

Bucky’s jaw clenched and unclenched as he regarded you. Fuck, I upset him. He didn’t move away from you though and you refused to squirm or back down under his gaze.

“If Steve hadn’t held you back, would you have punched him?”

Bucky slowly nodded after a moment. 

“I probably would have tried to hit him, too. Not sure if Nat told you, but I tend to lead with emotion. Act first, question later.”

He grunted in response, giving you what you assumed was his grumpy glare.

Welp, it was fun being your friend while it lasted, Nat.

“For what it’s worth, I’m glad you didn’t hit him. Because he would have won and guys like him don’t deserve to win,” you said, touching his right arm before you quickly dropped your hand. He didn’t ask you to put your hands on him. “I’m sorry. I talk too much and you didn’t ask for my opinion.”

“Who said you talk too much?” he questioned, stepping forward when you stepped back. 

“I just did,” you answered.

“Well, you don’t,” he said quietly.

“I don’t?” you asked in disbelief.

He shook his head, his eyes warmer than you expected as he looked at you. “No. You tell it like it is. You should hear Steve when he goes off on his tangents. Punk acts like he’s doing me a favor whenever he does.”

“Oh,” you said, surprised as you smoothed out the non-existent wrinkle from your skirt. His eyes followed the movement, though he tried to be discreet. “Most guys would’ve told me to ‘fuck off’ after that.”

“Show me where those guys are so I can teach them a lesson,” he said seriously.

A knight in shining motocross gear armor.

“No need for that,” you smiled, feeling better now that you knew he wasn’t offended by what you said. “But I appreciate the offer.”

He moved forward another step and you instinctively leaned in closer. Something crackled in the air between the two of you. You wondered if he felt it, too, or if you simply imagined it. “Thank you for defending me and for the unsolicited advice. I shouldn’t have let him get to me.”

He smells really good. Like a woody citrus. Who smells that good before a race? “You’re welcome. Thank you for not telling me to ‘fuck off’.”

You both laughed, that electric current flowing through you again. “So you think he was just trying to get under my skin, huh?”

“I could be wrong, but I think so. And I don’t want to see you lose to a guy like that.”

Bucky looked over your shoulder, the warmth disappearing from his eyes. “I won’t lose.”

You turned your head to follow his gaze. Maddox was by his trailer a short distance away, but his eyes were on the two of you. Maybe he really was threatened by him.

Bucky gently took your wrist to turn you back toward him. "Rumlow keeps checking you out. He wants you," he stated. 

"Is that a problem?" you asked, glancing over at Maddox again. He smirked in response when he made eye contact. You had no intention of doing anything with him, but wondered if Bucky cared because of his own self interest or yours.

“You acting uninterested will make him want you more. He likes a challenge.”

"Doesn't surprise me," you said. Some people liked to go after what they couldn't have.

"He's good. I'm better."

You heard the complete confidence in Bucky's voice and you believed him. "I guess I’ll see for myself," you teased.

"Kiss me."

You studied Bucky for a moment as you faced him again, waiting for him to say he was joking. He didn't. “Say that again?"

"Kiss me," he repeated slower, somehow making it sound like a suggestion and not an order.

"Kiss you? You just met me.”

“And I still wanna kiss you.”

Your gaze went to his mouth. The offer was tempting, but you knew if you felt his lips against yours that you would want more. "Why? For good luck?"

"Yeah,” he answered, his lips shifting into a devilish smirk that made you clench. “And to piss him off. Maybe I want to get under his skin, too.”

You bristled at how casually he said that, even with the heat flowing through your body. “I'm not a pawn or chew toy for you dogs to play with."

He laughed, tugging you close. All the anger you saw from him a short time ago was gone, which quelched your anger, too. "Lucky for you, I play for keeps. Also not big on sharing."

"Sounds like a you problem," you retorted, but didn't step away. “But if you really want to piss him off, I have another pair of lips you can kiss instead."

His eyes lit up as he leaned in close, his lips an inch from yours. "You offering?"

Your stomach flipped as he placed his other hand on the nape of your neck. "You accepting?"

Natasha cleared her throat as she appeared beside you, almost making you step back. She invited you to watch the race with her and implied that she wanted you to have a good time, but she shouldn’t have to watch you flirt with her friend. "You two can finish this later. You have a race to get ready for, Barnes."

"Good luck," you said with gentle sincerity.

Bucky closed the gap between you and pressed his lips against yours. They were softer than you expected, a complete contrast to his hard, muscular frame. Instead of pushing him back, you molded your body against his. The kiss only lasted another second before he pulled his mouth away. You exhaled, wishing you had parted your lips to let him explore. Judging from the flash of want in his eyes as he stared, the small kiss got to him, too.

"Barnes? Barnes!" Natasha said, snapping you both out of whatever spell you were under.

Bucky cleared his throat as he took a step back. "Just gave me all the luck I need," he grinned, licking his lips. "Mmm. Is that cherry? I like it."

You wanted to smack the smug expression off his face and kiss him again. How the fuck can a brief kiss leave me aching? "Sweeter than any pie you've ever had."

"I believe it. Hope I get another taste," he winked as he grabbed his helmet. You hoped he didn't see you shiver at the implication. 

“C’mon, let’s go,” Steve said, but there was a smile on his face and Sam’s as well.

"Hey, Rumlow!" Bucky yelled.

Maddox glared over at him, no doubt having seen the kiss. "What, Barnes?"

"Winner gets a date with her," he declared, pointing at you.

Oh, fuck no. "Excuse me?"

"You're on," Maddox called back. It was like they didn't hear you or simply didn't care.

"Bucky, what the fuck did I say about not being a toy?" you snapped as Nat grabbed your arm. It was a good thing she had a strong grip because now you felt a bit volatile. 

“Consider it a payment for the unsolicited advice,” he simpered at your slack-jawed expression.

"You can't bet a date with me." 

“But you’re the grand prize. And I told you, I play for keeps,” he said, slipping his helmet on as Steve yanked him back by his right arm. You could see Sam trying not to laugh.

Yeah, you better put your helmet on so I don't throw something at your ridiculously handsome face.

“I’m not a fucking prize!”

"Sorry, doll!" he said, gesturing to his covered ear. "Can't hear you with my helmet on."

“Nat, tell him!”

“After all that? And after I saw you check out his ass?" she smirked. 

Of course, she saw that. How does she see everything?

"You were checking out my ass?" you heard the smile in Bucky's voice as heat rose to your cheeks. “It’s all yours after I win.”

You were torn between flattery and something you couldn’t even pinpoint. "Thought you couldn't hear anything," you gritted, hearing his chuckle as the redhead pulled you away. 

“Can’t wait for our date!”

Your heart nearly stopped as you looked back. His helmet shielded his face, but you could still feel his eyes on you. “In your dreams, Hothead!”

“You’ll be in my dreams tonight! And you know that isn't my nickname. It's actually-

"It's Hothead."

"Whatever you say. Spitfire."

“I hope she knocks your ass in the dirt,” Sam laughed.

You chortled as Nat continued to drag you away. “What the hell just happened?"

"I think you have a date.”

"I don't have a date yet," you huffed. "Unbelievable."

"Which part?" she asked deadpan. “The fact that he already likes you, that you like him, or that you two kissed?”

Some of your anger faded as guilt crept in again. Bucky was her friend and you shouldn’t have let him kiss you. "Nat, I’m sorry. If I made you uncomfortable-"

"Woah," she held a hand up to stop you. "Not uncomfortable with you two flirting. You're adults. Plus, I've seen much worse from some of these guys."

"But he's your friend."

"You're my friend, too, and a huge step up the girls that normally flock to him. And you managed to calm him down, which is impressive."

"So, if I made a move or he made a move on me, you would be totally fine with that?" you didn't hide your suspicion.

"He already made a move," she threw a glance over her shoulder before looking ahead again. “I’m totally fine with it.”

You thought back to the conversation in the car, how she hinted at wanting you to meet her friends and get laid. “Wait. You wanted this to happen.”

“Wanted what to happen?” she asked. 

You were tempted to grab and shake her. “You know what! You were trying to set me up without setting me up.”

Her stare was impassive as she looked at you again. She had a good poker face. "To be perfectly honest, I was hoping for the two of you to hit it off,” she admitted, clearing her throat. “I may have overheard him tell Rogers that he was interested in meeting you after I told them about you. He hasn't dated in a while, so him showing even a hint of interest was a good thing."

A rush of air left your lungs as you stopped walking. Part of you took what you heard as a compliment. "That’s why you told me not to take it personally if he was moody. You wanted me to like him. Nat, why didn’t you just say so?”

“Because I didn’t want you to feel pressured to come for that reason and didn’t want you to feel awkward if you didn’t like him. I wanted it to just happen. And if it didn’t, no big deal. You would’ve been none the wiser.”

Calculated. Deliberate. “I feel a bit hustled.”

The redhead pursed her lips. “I get why you feel that way, but don’t hold that against him. I haven’t seen him let his guard down so quickly for anyone.”

“How did he let his guard down?"

“He actually listened and talked to you. He flirted with you. That’s not something he does with everyone,” she swore. “Plus you defended him in a way that didn’t make him look weak by shifting the focus back to Rumlow.”

You wanted to believe her. You liked that he took you by surprise. And you really liked his brief kiss. He took a risk and, you had to admit to yourself, it paid off because you couldn't stop thinking about it. “I just don’t want to be a prop for him to beat Maddox.”

“Barnes may have said that to piss him off, but the chance of getting a date with you is extra motivation for him to win. So if the only reason you’re upset is because you want it to be a real date, believe me when I say it would be.”

“You actually think I’ll honor that if he wins?” 

“Yeah, I do,” she said. "That guy you want who talks back? Pushes, but lets you be vulnerable, too? That could be him. And how will you know if you don't try?"

Why does she have to be right about that? 

In the very short time you knew Bucky, you felt excited, aroused, out of sorts and more. It felt like whiplash without the pain. You wanted to know what else he could bring out of you. And the racer seemed to want to know you, at least a little. What did you have to lose?

“I want him to win,” you said in defeat, chewing on your lower lip. “I really want him to win.”

“He will,” Nat’s voice was soft, but firm.

Don’t let me down, Bucky Barnes.

So, what do we think? I can't wait to share more of these two after Break Check. Love and thanks for reading!

[gouthepro]

TBHK THEORY

Okay I don’t know if anyone else thought of this before me but here’s my theory for the upcoming chapters.

So I was just re-reading chapter 65 and I thought, how and why does Natsuhiko know this?

Then I thought of something.

The theory that Sakura is a supernatural has been going around the fandom for quite some time as Tsukasa only grants wishes to the dead and Sakura was granted a wish from him that made her be his assistant.

So what if Sakura is the reason Natsuhiko knows this.

Say Sakura was on the brink of death and for a second or so she died, but during that time she was dead, she wished that she could keep on living for longer. Tsukasa could’ve heard that wish and decided to grant it, so for now she’s on the brink of death, only being kept alive for as long as Tsukasa can help her for.

But as Tsukasa can’t or won’t keep helping her forever, there’s another plan. Natsuhiko captures No.6 and either forces him to help, or takes his powers by killing him and eating his heart, then to use those powers to make Sakura live.

However as was hinted in chapter 90 (and due to that hint, theorized by the fandom), Kou has a similar goal.

Kou clearly wants to use No.6′s powers to bring Mitsuba back to life and to expand Yashiro’s life span too.

So if this is true then I believe this could be an explanation as to why we haven’t seen Mitsuba, Sakura, Tsukasa or Natsuhiko (not counting baby Tsu or the red house’s fake Mitsuba) since the severance.

It’s because they all (except Mitsuba) were waiting for No.6 to be defeated by Kou (not always speficially Kou, thats just currently now he’s defeating/has defeated No.6) so now in one of the next few chapters they can steal it’s power before Kou can. (Mitsuba probably doesn’t know about this plan but is with the other three as they wait)

There’s likely going to be a fight over who can take No.6′s powers.

While I believe that so long as Mitsuba and Nene can also be saved, Kou would be happy to help keep Sakura alive too, I feel like either Sakura and Natsuhiko wouldn’t trust him to help Sakura OR only one person can be saved and it’d lead to the decision of whether Mitsuba, Nene or Sakura should be allowed to live. Not to mention Teru, Akane and Aoi’s lives too or the chance Tsukasa will betray someone and try to take those powers for himself so he could revive either him, Amane or someone/something else.

After all we’re still not sure if Red House Tsukasa and the Tsukasa we know are the same or different, or where that plot will lead.

All in all I feel like there’s at least three people who want No.6′s power for either their own gain or to help someone who means a lot to them. If this is true then there will likely be a fight over that power within the next few chapters possibly with some betrayals and changing mindsets from everyone involved.

Thank you for reading!! If there’s anything you think I should add or that you want to correct me on then please let me know! :D

[travellingarmy]

║Venti║ Stars (R)

Requested from Wattpad.

Female reader as requested.

Warning: •Those who does not know what R-rated means, it simply means that it is restricted to children under 17 (according to google).

•This will most likely be crap because I still don't know how to write NSFW oneshots.

Word count: 2.1k

---

"Just - hic - one more, Master Diluc!" Filled with the nightlife atmosphere in Angel's Share, Venti decided to join as well for the sake of sharing the same joy every Mondstadtian holds.

"You do know that these aren't free.." Diluc grumbles, a look of irritation visible on his face. "And don't you think you've had enough? You've had 33 glasses now."

"Ah, I can never get enough of Master Diluc's amazing brew!" the small bard exclaims. Diluc's face remained unchanged by the complement and went to make another glass for him. "You better pay for these."

"Haha, oh, Master Diluc, aren't you the jokester." Venti giggles. "I'm not joking," Diluc plainly said. "Haha, oh well.. Anyway.." Sounds of chatter drown out the taller male's warning that night by a loud bard who was starting to become tipsier with each drink.

After a couple more drinks- actually, it totalled to 50- Venti was now showing signs of passing out with his head on the counter, aside from occasional giggles and hiccups. Diluc grumbles in complete disbelief. Now that the bard was drunk, there was no way he would listen to his words.

An irritated sigh left the tavern owner's lips, seeing as he could do nothing about it. "I'll make sure you pay for it tomorrow so just go home," Diluc said to the bard who luckily listened, walking drunkenly out the tavern. "Thanks, Master Diluc!"

The cold air of the night brushed past the skin of the male, giggling as it tickles him. Oh how much he loves the wind so much.

Tonight, Venti did not go home- if he even has one- and instead, walk straight out of the city's gate; heading towards Starsnatch Cliff where he knew someone was sitting there all in her lonesomeness.

"(Y/N)!" the bard cheery voice made its way to your ears, making you turn to look at him. He waves and drunkenly giggles. "Venti, what are you doing here?"

"Hehe, I thought that my goddess wouldn't be asleep at this time and was here~" he answers, sitting down beside you. One sniff of him and your face wrinkled as if you were smelling a garbage site. "Ew, you went to the tavern again!?"

"Ehe." He shrugs, eyes closing into crescents as he smiled. You shook your head and brought your knees close to your chest, hugging it. You did not want to further push about the boring topic as it was quite often he would try to get wine from Diluc so silence was the only thing you could do.

You look at the stars in awe, a small smile tugging the corner of your lips. "It's quite nice today-- even the weather," you stated randomly. Venti leans back, using his arms as support. He took a glance at your soft figure before averting it to the sky you were seeing. "Even if it was cold, I would control the wind to make it warm for you," he points out, a smile of his own visible on his face.

In the midst of another silence, Venti's drunken state had his eyes started to wander on you, eyes tracing your face down to every detail. Your eyes that were half-lidded, your nose that was ever so his favourite feature, your lips-- oh let us not get into detail as to how much he loves those lips. Soon, his eyes wandered down to your neck and the strands of hair resting on it to tease him.

It might just be him being drunk and deluded or the atmosphere, but something in him wanted to do more than just looking at you.

With that being said, his hands slowly encircled your waist and drew you closer to him so that he could rest his chin on your shoulders. To you, it was just him wanting to hold you; nothing too suspicious and you continued to dismiss him.

However, that innocent thought was no longer when you felt his hands rub your sides in a slow and lustful manner. "V, Venti..!" you stutter, eyes widening as you look at him from the corner of your eyes.

He hums, eyes closed. "What is it, (Y/N)?" his voice still holding the same cheeky persona as his smile just grew wider. "U, um..!!" Your words died out on your tongue, the sudden rise of heat too overwhelming for you.

His lips made their way to your earlobe. "What's wrong, (Y/N)? Are you unwell?" he asks, a smirk replacing his playful smile. You bit your bottom lip and closed your eyes, unsure of what to do as you felt something in your stomach. It was like a fluttering feeling when you see your crush, but quite different.

"Do you.. Want me to help you, (Y/N)?" he breathlessly asks and went to nibble the sensitive part of your ears. A whimper that escaped your throat failed you which just urge the male further. His lips then slowly made their way to your neck and he was suddenly washed with the intoxication of your smell.

Not waiting for a reaction, he starts off by licking your neck and soon, sucking it hard enough to leave a mark. Once again, another whimper left you. You felt embarrassed by the sounds you had made, but the growing heat in the atmosphere was too much for you to fight.

One of his hands made its way down your body, rubbing your thighs as the other massages one of your breasts. Your chests start to expand wider with each breath you take.

Venti's hands soon returned to your chest and began to unbutton your shirt ever so skillfully. Once it was fully undone to the last button, he moves in front of you, pushing you down the grass and hovering on top of you.

His eyes were filled with lust and craved for you and your body. Hungrily, he smashes his lips onto yours and had a full heated session. He licked the bottom of your lips and you obliged, opening your mouth to allow his tongue to adventure inside, winning dominance.

He went back and suck the other side of your neck, also leaving a mark there as his hands unclip your bra, kneading your breast between his fingers.

At that point, heat, too, filled your body and made your mind hazy, letting out a moan. Soon, his lips trailed downwards and took the other breast in his mouth. He continued to do so and switched to give the same attention to the other.

His hand went lower, pulling your skirt down to your thighs. Teasingly, he rubs his fingers on your clothed cunt and you moaned yet again. "Hehe, you are so naughty, (Y/N)~ Already this wet for me?" he says, continuing to run through the article.

Soon, he had enough of the teasing and pulled down your last piece of clothing, leaving you fully exposed to the cool air of the night while he was still fully clothed.

"Tell me, (Y/N), what do you want me to do~?" he asks, pressing his cold fingers on your cunt, making you whimper. When you didn't say anything, he leaned closer to your ears and whispered, "If you don't tell me.." He moves his fingers teasingly. "I could just leave it here~"

"N, no..!" You shot your eyes wide open, revealing your desperation and lust. "Hm~? Then tell me, what is it that you want me to do?" He smiles and his eyes were overshadowed with a dark playfulness.

"P, please.. I, I want your fingers.. In me.." you say, a bit embarrassed at the dirty words that left your tongue. Venti chuckles, but answered to your wish, plunging one finger inside which made you moan. Urged on by the sound, he entered a second one. "Look at you~ So greedy for my touch."

You weren't listening to his words as he starts pumping his fingers, slow at first to make you just whimper. "What do you want me to do now, (Y/N)?" he asks once again. "Is this too slow for you?"

"Please.. G, go faster..!" Again, listened to your wish and started to pump faster, adding two more fingers in the mix. He returns to attack your breast and bit your nipples and his free hand went to massage the other.

The stimulation was too much for you, being touched everywhere soon made a knot inside of you that was waiting to be snapped at any moment. "V, Venti..!" That was all he needed to hear for him to stop, moving away from you.

You look at him, confused and upset, but that was soon answered as he stood up and pulled both his pants and undergarments down. "(Y/N), why don't you be a good girl and repent?" he beckons you to go on your knees.

You listened, getting on your knees and bringing your face closer to his cock that was dripping with precum. "Well? Don't tell me you don't wish to repent." You gulped and slowly bring your lips to the tip of his dick, licking the precum off of it.

You felt him shudder from above which urged you on. You opened your mouth and brought half of it inside your mouth, earning a groan from the male.

You then started to suck on his cock and another moan erupted from his vocal cords, putting a gentle hand on your head. You only sucked halfway of it and pumped the rest, not wanting to choke.

When it has gotten to a point that was much to his pleasure, he grabbed a fistful of your hair and pushed your head; pushing his cock deeper into your mouth. You moaned on his cock, feeling it touch the back of your mouth and made you gag.

"Don't stop now, (Y/N). After all, you want to be forgiven right?" He tugs on your hair and you continued. Venti became a moaning mess, guiding your head as he does so. And soon, you felt his cock twitch inside you. You suck him faster, wanting to help him in his release.

Followed by a long moan, he fills your mouth with his juice, keeping your head locked on his dick so that you don't waste a single drop.

Once you gulped all of them down, he pulls away. "Aren't you a good girl~?" he coos. "You deserve a reward so why don't you get on your hands and knees for me, hm?"

You listened, wanting to get your own release as well. He got behind you and you felt excitement wash through you and the knot that was still there.

He put his hands on your breasts, giving it a little squeeze. "Are you sure about this, (Y/N)?" he whispers in your ear. "You can always tell me to stop, okay?" You nod.

With that, he moved his wet cock inside you. You whimpered at the overwhelming foreign heat that entered you. Venti was patient with you and waited for you to adjust to the feeling.

"P, please move.." you say breathlessly after a while. Venti listened and started to enter and leave your hole, building up his stimulation once more.

Moans, pants, and lust filled that night and at each thrust, he went faster and faster as you grip onto the grass, feeling your legs numbing. "Harder, Venti..!" you cried out, the knot close to breaking.

His grip on your waist was for sure going to leave marks on your skin, but that didn't matter to your right now.

He pulls out completely but quickly slams it back inside you. Your head jerks up and moaned loudly. The sight of the was stars blurring as you were being pounded into and drool went down the corner of your mouth.

Venti's thrust became sloppier and sloppier by the second. He buried his face on your shoulders and bit it hard enough that it drew blood, but you were too focused on the pleasure that you hadn't noticed.

"V, Venti, I--" At that moment, the knot snapped and you came on his dick. Venti thrusts a couple more times before he, too, came inside you, groaning as his second wave was finally released.

He fell on top of you, both your legs too weak to carry the weight of your bodies. He didn't take himself out just yet and listen to the two of you pant.

"Let's go home, hm?" he suggests between heavy breathing. You nod and watch as he pulls out, letting out a whimper at the sudden emptiness inside you.

He dresses himself up first and later helped you since you were unable to do it and carried you home. "I love you, (Y/N)." He kisses the side of your head, watching you slowly fall asleep.

---

[kayleezra]

Cheeks(ModernAU)//(Ezra X GN!Reader)

Word Count: 549 Warnings: none

Summary: Modern AU. You’re insecure about your cheeks, not liking how chubby they are, and worst of all, that when you smile they take over your face and eyes.

A/N:  Is this from my own insecurity? abso-fucking-lutely! Did I write this on campus between classes? Also yes. Also a huge thank you to @writer-darling​ for always hyping me up!💚

Buttercup is used once as a pet name, sorry if you don’t like Buttercup BUT it works with the flowery pet names!

You stand in the mirror, ready to go out with Ezra for the evening, staring at your face. Turning your face from side to side to get a full view of your cheeks. You give a small closed mouth smile, a smile that doesn’t reach your eyes because you hate how your cheeks overcrowd your face when you do so. You try a full smile, your eyes squinting as your cheeks rise and take over. You think it makes your face look like a balloon expanding. You allow your face to drop and say a quiet ‘no’ to yourself before repeating the small smile, confirming to yourself that that would be your smile from now on. 

You’re so wrapped up in your own head that you don’t notice Ezra standing some ways away, watching you, observing your actions and reactions. He knows exactly what you’re doing, he can tell by the judgment and hate he sees in your eyes. Ezra wishes more than anything that you’d see yourself the way he sees you.

“What’s plaguing your thoughts, Flower?”

You snap away from the mirror, startled at his presence. 

“Nothing. Let’s go,” you reply hurriedly. 

When you go to pass him, he sets his hand on your midsection, not allowing you to pass.

“Now, I may not be the most educated man but I ain’t no fool. What’s wrong?”

He moves his hand to the side of your face, forcing you to look at him. His warm umber eyes make you feel safe in a way that you can’t hold anything back from him. 

“It’s petty, really. Self-absorbed”

”Well it can’t be petty if it’s got my flower wilting.”

You take a deep breath, “I don’t like my cheeks. Especially when I smile.”

Ezra’s brows knit in confusion, “Your cheeks?”

“Yes. They’re fat, they make my face round. They take up my whole face when I smile and cover the only nice thing about my face: my eyes.” You blurt.

Now, Ezra standing closely in front of you takes your face in both hands.

“Oh Buttercup. You’re absolutely perfect, your beauty alone is that of which artists dream. How can you dislike the fact that joy takes over your face, your smile is contagious. When you smile the world shines a little brighter.” 

“But when I smile you can barely see my eyes”

Ezra kisses your forehead, “I can’t argue that I don’t love your eyes because I do, well I absolutely adore everything about you. However, when your smile reaches your eyes, it is like two heavens colliding. You should never be ashamed of how happy you are and look, the world needs your smile. I need your smile.”

You take a deep breath, letting his words sink in. A small seed of insecurity still lays deep within but it seems silly now in comparison to the adoration you get from Ezra alone. You look up at Ezra and can’t help but let out a laugh of relief, which of course gets you to smile.

“There’s my ray of sunshine! Now, shall we?”

Ezra offers his arm to you, which you gladly take. And for the rest of the evening, you can’t seem to stop smiling.

Tags:@spideysimpossiblegirl @littlemisspascal @writer-darling

[moonstrider9904]

Pricked

Chapter 3 of The Hunt

{series masterlist} | {next chapter} {previous chapter}

{crossposted to AO3} {join my taglist!}

Wolffe x Fem!OC, some Comet x Fem!OC

Series summary: The 104th battalion’s new medic Rose comes into the scene dazzling everyone, ready for anything life as a battalion medic will ofer to her after having spent much too long secluded in a medical station orbiting Rishi. While she forms close friendships with the troopers, she and commander Wolffe never seem to get along. As arguments between them heat up, Wolffe is challenged to make Rose fall in love with him, a game that by no means will end well for either of them.

Chapter summary: After the Wolf Pack's success on Aleen, they are sent on a mission to Hoth. The threats of a night at Hoth weigh on Rose, and even after the danger is gone, the unexpected happens regarding Wolffe and another trooper in her squad.

Warnings/tags: Mature (minors still not allowed). allusions to hypothermia, some PTSD and past death mentions if you squint. Mild mentions of blood and descriptions of tending to injuries and other medical treatment. References to sexual acts and seduction, but nothing graphic or explicit for this chapter. Language.

A/N: This is one of my absolute favorite chapters in this series and it's, in my opinion, where things get good. Thank you for reading!

Word count: 8.2k

This fic is ongoing and posted to-date on AO3. Cross-posting on tumblr will be in progress over the next couple of weeks. After that, I’ll pick it up where I left off and post any new chapters on both platforms.

“You mean you’re taking us from the warmth of Aleen to Hoth?!” Boost’s voice was easily a pitch higher than normal.

“The snow-filled, blizzard-every-rotation, blue-balling cold Hoth?” Sinker echoed his buddy.

“I am truly glad to hear you all using such fine expressions,” Plo Koon said through the holographic transmission. “I realize this mission is on short notice, and believe me, I sympathize with your concerns on Hoth’s harsh conditions, but such is the mission.”

Looks were exchanged all around the projector, surrounded by the usual members of the Wolf Pack, Rose now proudly among them. Flanked by Sinker and Comet, she too felt nervous for a moment at the mention of Hoth. She’d seen before what extreme cold was capable of, and as a medic, all she could do was feel a dark sensation lurking over her. She knew better than to sink into it and let it crash her whole system, though. Besides, winter wear always made her look divine. That thought at least made her feel more hopeful.

“Children,” Plo continued. “There is far too much at stake, which is why I yet again will not be going with you. Generals Skywalker and Kenobi require my assistance to infiltrate the Ryloth system, for which we will be counting on the 501st and 212th. While helping Ryloth is pivotal for the Republic, it is also a diversion. I am counting on you to infiltrate the abandoned base on Hoth and bring it to living conditions as well as dig out any intel you can find. Hopefully, it’ll give us a chance to expand Republic territory and give us an advantage.”

“When do we ship out?” Wolffe spoke up to his general, his voice towering in authority over all the others, as was usual for him.

“Tonight, to make matters more efficient,” Plo Koon stated in response.

“What about the Aleena?” Rose asked.

Plo looked at her through the hologram, and though his face was essentially masked, Rose could see how it softened even through the sketchy lines of the hologram.

“Only the main squadron is going on this mission, and a majority of the 104th will either remain on Aleen or head to a different horizon,” Plo Koon answered her. “Not that much more time will be necessary on Aleen. I hear that you have all done an exceptional job with the locals, and I am sure they’re grateful for it. You all have my congratulations.”

“Thank you, sir,” Wolffe told the general while Rose smiled.

“Commander Wolffe, gather your squadron,” Plo Koon instructed. “A venator will take you to a nearby system, but from there, you will have to fly out to Hoth to make sure you’re not detected by Separatists. There is no reason you should, but we cannot take any risks.”

“Excellent, I’ll fly,” Comet winked over at Rose.

“I’ll send over more details of your mission, for now, get ready to ship out, and may the Force be with you,” Plo Koon finished before his holographic image was cut off, leaving for Wolffe to address his squadron.

“You heard him,” Wolffe instructed. “Have all your gear sorted and ready to go in fifteen. I’ll go talk to the captains and inform them of this change. We’re getting on the next gunship off world, understood?”

“Sir, yes sir!” The wolf pack answered in unison.

As the soldiers began to scatter and Rose started making her way to the hospital to gather as much as she could, all the while having the thought of what supplies she’d need most on the mission to Hoth. She was so immersed in it all that she barely reacted in time to not bump into Wolffe, although the commander had already noticed how unfortunately close she was, as well as the bygone look in her eyes.

The night before had moved, almost broken something in him. Whether it was Boost’s dare or some odd spell that witch had worked, Wolffe didn’t find himself rolling his eyes at her as often. She was still cocky and insufferable, but he’d grown to respect some aspects of her now. That much was all he’d allow himself to accept.

“You can stay here if you prefer the warmth,” Wolffe said, his tone brushing her off so much that the sweep of his hand wasn’t even necessary. “I hope that makes you feel better.”

“I hope it doesn’t take you too long to realize you’re going to need me out there,” Rose raised an eyebrow at him.

Wordless, Wolffe began to walk away from her, and though Rose had gotten used to his demeanor, something about her choice of words didn’t completely satisfy her.

“Hey,” she spoke again, her eyes nearly flinching when they came in contact with Wolffe’s. His gaze was almost suffocating, but she managed to keep herself afloat under it. “Hoth isn’t a joke, it’s dangerous out there. I hope you won’t need me, but I’m definitely going.”

Wolffe’s lips seemed to tilt upwards for a mere fraction of a second, so quick Rose wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that what he’d shown her was as much of a smile he was capable. She didn’t have that much faith in him yet. Still, the commander took a step closer to her, hovering mere inches away from her, his predatory gaze still confronting her.

“It’s not as if you had a choice; unfortunately, you’re part of the squadron now,” Wolffe growled. “But I’m almost proud of you, bunny, at least now you’ve shown you have a heart.”

He walked off, brushing past her shoulder, leaving the medic only able to frown after him.

“I still wonder the same about you,” she called loud enough for him to hear before her voice faded into a whisper. “Insufferable…” She rolled her eyes and lightly pinched her bottom lip, if only to release some of the tension and continue processing what an ass he could be. And what was even worse, and she hated to admit, was that she’d be counting on that rivalry to not think of things turning out badly in Hoth.

“Commander being a dick again?” Comet nudged Rose out of her trance, only just then picking up on how nervous she seemed. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Just thinking,” Rose said. “Not about Wolffe, though. It’s Hoth that troubles me.”

“We all hate it, but we’ll be fine,” Comet comforted her. “They wouldn’t have assigned us this mission if we weren’t up to the task. Now stop pinching that lip, you’ll smudge that perfect lipstick of yours.”

Rose held a giggle in when she noticed the sly grin Comet looked at her with, only to jab him playfully when he began walking off to the hospital.

“Come on, I’ll help you get your things packed,” he winked.

“And why aren’t Boost and Sinker here tripping over themselves trying to beat you to the whole gentleman act?” Rose chuckled.

“Don’t know, don’t care, for now I’m clearly the smarter one,” Comet reached out and took her hand. “Now come on, we’ve got about twelve minutes left.”

From outside the tent where the captains were settled for the Aleen occupation, Wolffe watched as Comet led Rose to the hospital.

*

The Wolf Pack was widely known across the Grand Army of the Republic as an efficient, no-bullshit squad. Upon arriving at the venator from Aleen, it had taken the whole squad under fifteen minutes to be in their winter armor as well as any equipment they might need and back at the hangar to get on their shuttle. They were briefed one more time on what their mission would consist of: get to Hoth, find the base, restore its power, gather intel, leave it up and running for future arrivals, and most importantly, don’t succumb to the cold. That last part had Rose chilling to the bone.

She felt she’d even overdone her winter wear, but she wasn’t in the mood to risk anything. Normally she wouldn’t wear a helmet, but she was given one to protect her from Hoth’s cold air. She wore a large, dark gray scarf, a basic black body glove with another one above it, thicker and specifically designed for cold weather, her usual armor, snow boots, and a pair of kama to cover her thighs.

Even in the great speeds of hyperspace, the flight to Hoth was long. The charisma of the clones surrounding her helped pass the time, most of it dedicated to leisure or resting, which they all needed desperately after the efforts on Aleen. A discreet alarm blared when the ship was about to jump out of hyperspace, taking the whole squad over to the cockpit. Comet sat at the left on the main pilot’s seat, Sinker in the copilot seat, and Wolffe stood in the middle as they all looked down at the massive snowball in front of them.

“Do we all know what we’re doing?” Wolffe verified.

“Get down there and power up the base,” Boost said. “Easy enough.”

“We’ll have to find it first,” Rose commented. “The coordinates we were given were only an estimate, and we also have to consider the possibility that it’s going to be all covered in snow.”

“We’ve got scanners for that,” Boost reassured.

“Which won’t work if we land in a blizzard, not if the wind’s too strong,” said Corvis.

“We’ll make do,” Wolffe said as Comet input the given coordinates in the navigation computer. The pilot examined them carefully and double-checked them as though something were wrong, after which he looked at the rest of the squad with a hint of worry in his gaze.

“Bad news,” he said.

“What is it?” The commander prompted.

“It’s nighttime where we’re going,” Comet responded, pointing to the nav computer.

“Are you sure?” Rose asked him. “How many hours left?”

“At least six before the sun even begins to rise.”

“Maybe we could try and scan for the base from here in the ship,” Rose proposed.

“It’ll be wasted time in a blizzard,” Wolffe told her.

“Then we wait,” Rose boldly responded to the commander. “Nighttime is going to be way colder than in the day; a few seconds of not having adequate protection will already cause damage on the body. As your medic, I can’t take that risk lightly.”

“I would have beaten you to the recommendation, but we don’t have the time,” Wolffe replied. “General Plo’s counting on us, and their diversion on Ryloth will only last so long. We don’t have another choice.”

When Rose didn’t keep up with her stubborn and insufferable arguing like Wolffe expected her to, he got the feeling something was wrong. Like a hunter, he sought out her eyes only to find that they uneasily darted to the side, nervously looking at Hoth’s atmosphere the lower the ship got, further engulfing all of them under the sea of clouds and snow.

Despite the blizzard, Comet was able to land the shuttle smoothly, and indeed, it was the middle of the night in the given coordinates. Outside the shuttle’s windshield, they could only see for a few meters ahead with the light that the shuttle’s beacons provided, and beside the snowy ground, all they could see were the large snowflakes swarming around before fading into darkness.

Even without Rose’s concern, it looked like a nightmare out there. Realizing his squad had reason not to love the plan ahead of them, Wolffe faced them all, clutching his helmet in his left arm.

“I don’t like the idea of endangering my squad, but I also know if there’s any squad up to the task, it’s us,” he said. “Either way, let’s perform a scan first from here, see if we can find anything.”

Every pair of eyes on Wolffe either showed relief or disbelief, with Rose’s showing a little bit of both.

“Those two agreed on something?” Boost whispered, rather loudly, over to Sinker on his right. “Has hell frozen over?”

“Look outside, of course it has,” Sinker snickered as he gestured at the snowy world.

With a nod to Wolffe, Corvis had the ship’s computers perform the scan. Everybody kept silent, and the only noises peering above their breathing were the wind outside and the whirring of the scanner as well as the rhythmic beeping that came from the computer.

“Any luck?” Rose spoke after a while.

“The signal picked up what seems to be a metallic structure, which I’ll go ahead and be optimistic and say it could be the base,” Corvis answered. “It’s three klicks south.”

Three klicks weren’t much, but it was certainly an intimidating distance when it came to a blizzard in the dark.

“I’d offer to take the ship, but her engines seem to be cooling—” Comet was explaining when the lights inside the shuttle cut off for a few brief seconds before coming on again, flickering a couple times before they shut down and left any reserve power for the main systems.

“Ships aren’t meant to land on the outside of Hoth, apparently,” Comet continued. “As I was saying, searching for the base from the air won’t be an option, not until there’s any sunlight we can foster to heat up the engines again.”

“We’ll have to go on foot,” Wolffe said. “Everyone gear up, we’re moving out.”

Rose knew there was no way they even had a choice to stay inside the ship for the night; much as she hated to admit, Wolffe was right in that Plo Koon and the other Jedi needed this base to be found and brought to living condition as soon as possible, but the ship’s conditions wouldn’t make spending a night there ideal either. The metal would get to below-freezing temperature, and there was only so much temperature the ship could isolate. At least with their armor, they’d all be able to survive, provided they didn’t split up or encountered any active dangers.

As Rose shuddered, she convinced herself it was because of the cold, nothing else.

Everyone was fully armored and each trooper held a potent lantern that could light the way a good thirty meters ahead; Wolffe, Sinker, and Boost even had jetpacks of their own for whatever they may need them for. Heading south, the pack kept a line formation. Corvis was at the very front with the scanner, hoping to lead the way for the rest of the pack, and Sinker kept him close company. After him was Boost, followed by Rose not too far behind, Comet, and Wolffe at the back to make sure nobody got left behind.

The blizzard didn’t leave much room for ability to follow each other’s tracks, but everybody’s trail of lights took care of that problem. As for the snow in itself, it wasn’t a big problem for clone troopers who were all pretty tall, but for someone shorter like Rose, it wasn’t very comfortable if the snow wasn’t packed enough for her to simply walk on top of it. Still, she managed through it the way she always did, and at least she wasn’t slowing down their trail. She just hoped she wouldn’t have to hear any snarky comments from Wolffe on the matter whenever they arrived at the base. All of them wordless due to the unspeakable cold, they kept their trail towards the south for what seemed to take them ages, so long that they crossed those three klicks and found nothing.

“Talk to me, Corvis,” Wolffe said through the comms as they all held their position.

“It’s very likely the signal got jammed because of the blizzard,” Corvis replied. “The reading was wrong because of that.”

“You mean the base could be anywhere?” Boost asked.

“We’re on the right track, the direction reading was fine, but it could be anywhere from another klick to another ten,” Corvis concluded.

“Then we have to keep moving,” Wolffe said. “Straight ahead, right?”

“Yes, commander.”

“Alright then, move ahead.”

A heavy sigh overtook Rose, and she didn’t even notice when Comet had caught up to her, bumping her back into reality with a nudge to her shoulder.

“You cold?” he asked her. “You’ve been really quiet.”

Rose finally resumed her walking pace and was glad she was wearing a helmet that could hide her nervous smile. “Barren, below-freezing snow deserts like this one always get me on edge.”

“How come?”

She grimaced. “It’s a long story. I promise to tell you later, alright?”

“Whenever you’re ready,” he gave her a light squeeze on the shoulder, granting her some spare motivation she’d need to keep her composure the rest of the way.

She retook her place several meters ahead of Comet, and they all continued their walking. Everyone except for Corvis had lost count of how many klicks away from the ship they were, but in due time, they reached a hill that looked both promising and intimidating, mostly because of the way the snow seemed to cumulate at its skirts, making it deeper and far more difficult to pass than other spots they’d already crossed. Everyone carefully treaded upwards on the hill, their morale not suffering all that much until a dark, foreign rumbling that almost seemed to boom with premonition filled the air around them.

“What’s that?” Comet’s voice came in through the comms.

“Tremors,” Corvis said. “I hope you can all keep your balance.”

Though Corvis had tried to keep their spirits up, everyone was thinking the same thing: when it came to snow and mountains, a tremor would case some of that snow to move, to put it lightly. The shaking of the ground felt like a nightmare to Rose; a snow world like that one was already to be feared and respected without any seismic activity, this was just as if the Force itself had wanted to spite her. The shaking felt like it lasted for a long time, and even after Corvis had declared the quaking had stopped, Rose still felt her legs quiver beneath her, and as if that weren’t bad enough, as surely as they’d all predicted, the snow from the hill began to flow downwards in swift cascades.

“Steady, there’s not too much danger now,” Wolffe told everyone through the comms. “Let’s get to the top, and move carefully. We don’t want the mountain coming down on us.”

Yet again, it just wasn’t the way Rose would have wanted to agree with Wolffe.

The first minute following the tremor wasn’t very difficult, and the snow had only fallen in a soft motion, but the more the movement built up on itself and rippled onto the rest of the snow on the hill, more of it began to move quicker, some of it flowing in waves, some of it in snowballs that became dangerously larger as they rolled downwards. Dodging them and staying afloat was the real challenge, one that the whole wolf pack seemed to excel in. Still halfway up the hill, the danger wasn’t over yet, and they all continued running upwards as fast as they could at Wolffe’s instruction if only to save their lives from the merciless cold.

Flashes of everyone’s lanterns momentarily blinded Rose, each one making her feel more uneasy to the point where she wondered if it would ever be over. Despite that, she continued treading as carefully as she could in the middle of the tension, fueled by Comet’s encouragement not too far behind her as he’d managed to put some pieces together and notice how worked up she was.

“Look out!”

Before Rose could even begin to speculate which of the clones the voice belonged to, the yelp shoving her away from any thoughts that drained her attention from the present moment that clearly needed it more, she noticed a large snowball nearly of her height rolling down toward her.

“Comet, careful!” She called just as she dodged the snowball, turning around hoping Comet would have dodged it better than she could, but instead finding that she couldn’t see him, and worse, she could hear his cries getting farther. With fear, she aimed her lantern behind her and barely saw him rolling before he got out of her sight.

“Comet!” Rose yelled loud, worried, and without hesitation, she ran in the direction Comet had gone.

“Rose, wait!” Sinker called after her, determined to find her and Comet, when Wolffe emerged into view from the shadows of the blizzard.

“Get everyone to the top!” The commander ordered, and he immediately followed after Rose.

Rose felt she wasn’t able to run fast enough, each second meaning a higher risk, a higher chance of him being lost. Not again, she repeated in her mind like a mantra. I can’t be too late, not this time. She took off the front of her chest plate and used it as a sled, keeping her lantern on at all times until she finally got a visual of Comet, body half deep in the snow.

“Shit, where’s your helmet?!” Rose called in alarm seeing how weakened he already was, his kind eyes now grayly shadowed in the cold. It was too dark to make out any details, but being even a few seconds in the dangerously low temperatures of a Hoth blizzard at night could not leave anyone unharmed if they didn’t have proper protection, of which, only his helmet was providing on his face. Struggling, Rose tried her best to get Comet out of the snow, but she seemed to be failing. In the little time that had gone by, the snow was packed tight, and each second would make it harder for Rose to get him out of there.

Rose was beginning to frustrate more; seeing how she wasn’t successful, she took off her own scarf and wrapped it around Comet, proceeding to trying and still failing to pull him out of the snow. She was panting loudly and calling out for help when she felt another pair of hands approach her and grab Comet. Even the two of them couldn’t get Comet out of there, and just as Rose regained some focus, she noticed it was Wolffe who had come to aid.

It had all happened menacingly quickly, and besides the threat of not being able to get Comet out of there, boulders of snow continued to brush dangerously close to them. Rose’s entire mental space was taken up by the need to save Comet, and it was almost too late before she noticed a snowball well about her size rolling toward her. A loud gasp escaping her was the only warning, and bracing herself for impact, she then heard the sound of the snowball impacting something else followed by Wolffe grunting as he’d stepped in front of her to take the blow.

But that had sent him rolling too, and Rose wasn’t in the mood to have to save two people. Reacting as quickly as she could, and mustering strength she didn’t know she had, Rose lunged forward and took Wolffe’s hand before he rolled further down the hill and suffered Comet’s same fate. The two struggled in their grip; Rose could hear him groan, and with some of the light from her lantern, she could notice some of Wolffe’s blood escaping in drops onto the snow from his torso, most likely caused by the impact he’d shielded her from. Thoughts continued swarming around her until Rose was finally able to bring him back up with the help of his jetpack, and the two were finally poised next to each other in front of Comet.

Wolffe dug himself into the snow as well and powered his jetpack up at full speed, ultimately melting some of the snow around them while Rose continued pulling, and finally they were successful at getting Comet out of the hole. Wolffe unwrapped the scarf from him and handed it over to Rose for her to put back on just as he slid Comet’s helmet back over his head.

“Come on,” Wolffe told Rose. Both of them holding Comet, they made their way slowly back up the hill until someone shot a cable towards them, which they held onto and got up quicker until they were safely back at the top. Now away from the dangers of falling snow, Rose and Wolffe panted to recover while Boost made their way up to them and pointed to the bottom of the other side of the hill.

“We made it,” he said. “The base is right ahead.”

“We have to hurry,” Rose told Wolffe, who immediately agreed with her.

Much to their luck, going downhill was far easier than going uphill, especially now that Wolffe and Rose had to carry Comet the rest of the way. Others had offered to help, but Rose refused to let anyone else be with him. She had to see it out till the end, and she knew in her gut that she was the one who had to make sure Comet would make it.

The squadron waited patiently at the large hangar door of the base while Corvis and Boost got to working on the door’s controls. Soon enough, they managed to restore power to the main entry and get the door open just enough for them to get inside, after which they closed it again, finally sheltering them from the deadly blizzard outside. The inside of the base was dark, secluded, even eerie, but everyone could feel without a mistake that even without power, it wasn’t as cold as it was outside, and that was already a win. In the meantime, they all still had to rely on their lanterns until power was restored inside.

“Rose?” Comet’s voice was so weak it broke the medic’s heart.

Gently, she prompted him to quiet down. “It’s okay. Save it.” The visor of her helmet was pressed up against his, but even in the darkness, it was a detail hard to go unnoticed by the others.

In little time, and to everyone’s relief, the large, blinding-bright lights regained their power and illuminated the empty hangar they were in, spacious due to the lack of ships. Quickly, Corvis faced Rose and Wolffe and showed them a scan of the base.

“The med bay’s not far from here, if you want to take him there,” he began. “We’ve already directed all power where it needs to be, and I’m sure we’ll be warm enough to spend the night here even without all this armor on us.”

“I’ll take care of Comet,” Rose nodded.

“The rest of us should run a search of the whole place, find what we can and can’t use now that power’s been restored. Corvis, get to finding that intel,” Wolffe ordered.

“Yes, commander,” Corvis replied.

As Rose was beginning to take Comet to the med bay, she heard her name being called only for her to turn around and see that each squad member had removed some of their attire for it to be put on Comet.

She was touched and smiled softly at all of them. “Thanks.”

“Let me help you take all of this to the med bay,” Sinker beat Wolffe to the offer, leaving the rare occasion of the commander being sidelined when he’d seen the perfect opportunity to act on the whole Rose matter. Instead, he watched as Sinker and Rose took Comet to the med bay.

Not only was he sick of the sight, he was even sicker at how uneasy it made him feel, but it was a sensation he had nonetheless.

*

Rose had gotten to work like the professional she was. She quickly sterilized the med bay, pleased to have found it in decent condition with functioning equipment despite how long the base had been abandoned. She put Comet on one of the beds and removed his armor to find both of his body gloves had been soaked; his lips were turning darker and his skin was ice cold to the touch. Rose removed the soaked clothing from him and she stripped down to remove her own body gloves to put them on him. She took a spare body glove from her pack, one of the thicker ones that would be enough to shield her from the cold inside the base, and her armor and scarf would finish the job of keeping her warm.

But Comet was the priority. Now that he was in dry clothing, Rose managed to find blankets and towels while rummaging in the med bay’s cabinets. She sterilized those too, and after warming them as best as she could with the med bay’s equipment, she put a makeshift warm press on Comet’s chest wall and later covered him up with the remaining blankets she could find, only leaving his face exposed. In the meantime, she figured it would be enough while he slept. She’d monitor his breathing and heart rate, and while he rested, Rose put some water to heat to have a warm beverage ready for Comet whenever he woke up.

All wrapped up in those blankets, Comet seemed to be sleeping more peacefully than ever, his steady breath indicating he was deep in slumber, as if he hadn’t been in fatal danger less than an hour before that. Rose remained by his side, sitting on one of the chairs she’d pulled up to his bedside, deep in thought. Besides all the thoughts already spiraling in her mind, she desperately convinced herself Comet was fine. She’d been able to save him.

“What you did was really dangerous,” Wolffe’s voice suddenly filled the little room, startling Rose.

She looked at him with the eyes of a small animal, vulnerable, staring down its predator, ready to take any venom Wolffe would want to spit at her.

“I’m not reprimanding you,” Wolffe continued. “That was really brave.”

Rose softened, though there was still hurt in her eyes when she looked away from Wolffe and back at Comet. “You learn by making the worst mistakes.”

“I don’t know who you weren’t able to save before, but you saved Comet, and that counts,” Wolffe’s voice was rough, authoritarian, although his words were nothing but comfort directed at Rose.

Slowly, Rose looked at Wolffe again with big, sincere eyes. “I wouldn’t have been able to get him out of there by myself.”

Rose wanted to say something else. Wolffe knew it too, and it was obvious to both of them she was struggling to get the words out.

“I know,” Wolffe saved her from having to thank him.

And for the first time, Wolffe saw her genuinely smile at him; a soft, worried smile, nonetheless, that the commander concluded only stemmed from her still unending concern for Comet, and that only reminded Wolffe how she really felt towards him. It seemed as if it would have to continue that way for the time being.

“Shit,” Rose spat when she noticed the blood stains on Wolffe’s armor. “I forgot about your wound.”

“It’s not that serious,” Wolffe replied.

“It’s my job. Now get on that bed,” she gestured to one a couple beds away from Comet’s.

With a sigh, Wolffe did as she said and got on the bed. Rose looked at him with serious eyes, and then her eyes darted over to his torso.

“You’ll have to take that off,” she said.

Rose went back to the cabinets to get her first aid kit, and by the time she returned with Wolffe, his armor was off as well as his blacks, leaving his whole upper body exposed as well as the large cut he had on his chest. Rose admitted it was worse than she imagined, but she got to cleaning it and tending to it straight away. As she worked the gauze over his wound, Wolffe grimaced at the initial sting of the sterilizer working on the cut until she finally applied a balm on it before the bandage, all while the memory of Wolffe jumping in front of her to shield her from the large snowball invaded her mind. It could have been her; the team would have been left without a medic, and that would have had a much worse ending.

Rose felt the words bundle up in her throat, refusing to come out even though the sentiment was real. It was only then that she noticed she’d rested her hands on Wolffe’s abdomen, idle and only feeling his warmth. Reality hit her and her gaze darted over to meet his, and his eyes were already on hers. She didn’t quite know what to make of them. They were rough as usual, but he had on an expression she hadn’t seen in him before.

“Thanks,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper while her serious expression remained unchanged.

Wolffe could have chuckled, feeling triumphant over her, but he thought back to what he and Boost had discussed that first night on Aleen. To have her thank him as opposed to the usual arguing they had going on, Wolffe felt it could be prudent to see this as progress. Perhaps he was closer to completing his challenge than he thought.

“Don’t mention it,” he said, his tone of voice low as well.

Softly, Comet stirred in his slumber, unconditionally drawing all of Rose’s attention back to him while Wolffe kept his eyes trailed on her, hoping somehow he could get her to look at him again just by that act, just by how much he wanted her to look at him.

“It seems you took good care of him,” Wolffe said. “What type of flower did you give him?”

Annoyance showed up in Rose’s eyes when she looked at Wolffe again, and he could swear he’d only seen her be that serious few times before.

“You know what?” Rose snarled. “He needs me more than you,” she slapped his chest gently, but just enough for the wound to burn harmlessly, reveling in the way he grimaced. “Good thing you won’t miss my hippie, flower-loving, unorthodox methods while I’m caring for him though.”

And he watched her sway her hips as she walked away from him, realizing he’d blown his chances in the meantime, but a smirk found its way to his lips nonetheless.

“You can see yourself out,” Rose said as she made her way out of the med bay. “I need to find another blanket for him.”

Swiftly, she made her way out the door and past a confused Boost who was just going there to check up on her and Comet, but he wound up cackling at the sight of Wolffe splattered shirtless in the med bay.

“What?” Wolffe growled.

“Things getting hot in here?” Boost wiggled his eyebrows.

“Don’t be daft,” Wolffe answered and sat up to put his armor back on. “I don’t know why I even listened to you.”

“I didn’t tell you to do anything,” Boost said. “You’re the one who wants to bed her—and you’re terrible at it.”

“Be quiet.”

“Seriously, how do you manage to get her that mad?” Boost was still laughing. “Did you see how angry she was when she left?”

Wolffe was well past the point of saying anything, he just glared at Boost as he continued suiting up, but that didn’t have the intimidating effect he wanted it to.

“Just apologize to her and tell her you like her,” Boost said. “It’s not that hard.”

“I’m doing fine without any advice from you,” Wolffe snarled back.

“Fine, but when she and Comet are a thing, don’t come whining.”

Wolffe stopped in his tracks at Boost’s final comment and he looked over at the soldier with anger. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way they get along,” Boost said. “By now they’re even closer than she is with Sinker, and they go way back. They do almost everything together.”

Wolffe stole a glance at Comet, who lay covered in blankets two beds away from him, and the commander finally stood up and headed for the door of the med bay.

“She’s still galling and infuriating, if she winds up being someone else’s problem, I won’t be bothered,” Wolffe barely looked over his shoulder.

“Keep telling yourself that,” Boost said as he left the med bay alongside him.

If it came down to it, Wolffe felt he would have no other choice but to convince himself of that.

The remaining hours of the night were hectic with all the movement made by the relatively small squadron when it came to claiming an entire base, but with power restored, tasks were only long and not at all difficult. Corvis got his hands on all the intel stored within the base’s computers, which provided other key points in Hoth in which other bases or structures could potentially be established, and it even provided intel on those same characteristics on nearby planets, which would be most useful to the Republic. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad, with the exception of Rose and Comet, took to powering up old protocol droids and astromechs, testing which stored vehicles still worked, and they even found a water supply and cargo of nonperishable rations, after which they cleaned up most of the debris in the main hangar.

In her spare times, Rose cleaned debris off the hallways near the med bay and assorted the equipment to make it better organized for when the place was fully operational. She looked through the supplies and cast out expired medications and unusable gauzes, bandages, and syringes, all set to dump out any and all toxic waste to make the place safer. Once that was done, she went ahead to make sure every amenity installation was fully functional, including the barracks and the mess hall as well as a common room that had a large door that led to the outside. Rose figured it would look wonderful in the daylight, but she didn’t fancy opening it when it was still dark.

The storm had stopped in the ungodly hours of the night, and none of them had gotten any sleep, except for Comet, that is. Rose had informed the others of the common room she found, after which they all took blankets, water, and rations there by the time they were all free for leisure time and Wolffe had contacted General Plo to inform him of their success with the base. Sinker stepped in for Rose in the med bay, and though she was tired, she knew the sun would be rising soon. The rest of the squad figured as much, and they wound up hanging out in the common room Rose had found rather than sleeping.

The chatter of her squadron faded as she walked farther into the snow, the sky clear and blue with the sun shining brightly above, only a couple hours after having risen. With only her armor and another warm coat with a hood, she sunk in the enormous difference between Hoth in a sunny morning and Hoth in a dangerous blizzard night. It almost seemed like a different planet, but she was glad to see that peaceful sunrise greeting her after the dark hours behind her.

What had happened with Comet stirred up unwanted memories in her. Times with her squadrons before she went off to the medical station orbiting Rishi hadn’t always been easy, and though she hadn’t had many losses in her hands, the few she had still hurt deeply. If anything had happened to Comet… if she’d lost him, she never would have been able to forgive herself, just as she still hadn’t forgiven herself for the troopers she hadn’t been able to save, even when she’d done everything that was in her hands.

It was ironic, because in many ways, she loved the cold. She loved snow. The chilly feeling nipping at her nose and the whimsical hues of white, gray, and light blue were always soft on her, even for a woman who reveled in wearing dark colors and red lipstick. Despite how scared she was of coming to Hoth, and even in spite of her worst fears showing themselves before her eyes, Rose acknowledged how peaceful it was. She hadn’t had such a peaceful morning in years.

It was hard not to look at Rose’s silhouette out there in the snow from inside the base. She always carried herself almost regally, with confidence, dignity, spice. Rose was like a rare delicacy, an exotic flower that only bloomed once a year in the very center of its native planet that only few who were fortunate would ever see. And out there in the snow, leaving footprint after footprint as she wandered, Rose seemed almost younger. She seemed vulnerable, soft; every trooper in there wanted to protect her from a danger that wasn’t even there, and that wasn’t an emotion Rose would provoke in others until she was seen for who she truly was.

Wolffe thought as much as he looked at her, while Rose was oblivious to his observing her; a wolf stalking a bunny until the time was right to take the leap and claim his prey. But when his presence was known in the common room, all attention was on him, and he’d have to push Rose out of his mind for the time being. Proudly, he looked at his wolf pack, not once having doubted they’d be capable of completing the mission, but even then, they’d exceeded all his expectations.

“Well, gentlemen, I think it’s safe to say mission accomplished,” Wolffe said. “We did it with time to spare and now all we have to do is wait for the general’s arrival. Use this time to relax, you’ve all earned it.”

“Even me?” Rose’s voice filled the room and, as usual, drew all pairs of eyes to her. Her regular aura had returned and she was now smiling slyly at Wolffe, awaiting his response.

“Especially you,” Wolffe said.

Behind his back, looks were exchanged among the other troopers, all of them shocked at what Wolffe had said, and even more so when they found there was no sarcasm in it. Even Rose looked surprised, but she had to admit, it was fun to have Wolffe give her some dignified treatment for once.

“You saved Comet’s life and that’s the single greatest achievement of the night,” Wolffe continued. “It’s a debt none of us will be able to repay.”

Rose slowly shook her head, her red lips softly curved in a smile. “It was my duty and my pleasure.”

“And speak of the devil!” Sinker’s voice boomed into the lounge as she excitedly presented Comet walking in with him, still wrapped in blankets, but looking like he had high hopes. Everyone greeted him happily, and Rose was undoubtedly happy too, but her medic instinct to worry about his health kicked in as she made his way to him without hesitation, her eyes soft as if he were the only one in the room with her.

It sickened Wolffe, and he felt awful that he felt that way, but it didn’t change the feeling in the least.

The troopers took their seats around the lounge and opened up the rations to snack on while Rose faced Comet not far from the hallway he’d come in through, both of them looking each other in the eyes.

“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Rose asked him, pressing the back of her palm to his cheek to check on his temperature.

“I’m tired, but I’m fine,” he replied. “I thought it was about time I got up and did something.”

“Well, all the urgent tasks are done, so your task is to rest, got it?” She was smiling, but Comet could see through the worry in her eyes.

He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.” Comet then noticed the darkness under her eyes, and his kind eyes shifted into concern, mimicking the one she had for him. “Have you slept at all?”

“No,” she replied. She grasped Comet’s shoulders and gave them a squeeze, letting her hands travel down his arms until her hands were off him so she could turn around and face the hallway, only for Comet to stop her.

“Where are you going?” He asked softly.

“To get more blankets,” she smiled. “I won’t be long.”

“Rose, you’ve already done a lot,” Comet said.

Her smile widened a bit. “I’m a medic. I can never do enough.”

“Well, promise me you’ll sleep afterwards.”

“I will,” she reassured.

Comet then leaned in, tenderly smiling at her as he rested his forehead on hers, their gazes locked softly as Rose seemed to return the smile. Her breath fanned over him, and though he’d been covered in blankets for hours on end, nothing compared to the warmth of her breath and her overall presence. Comet lifted his gaze and pressed his lips to her forehead for a short kiss before leaning down and looking into her eyes again.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“You’re welcome,” she whispered back. Rose smiled one more time before heading over to the hallway, only to be stopped again by Boost’s loud celebrating.

“Wolf Pack, we did it again!” He yelled.

Simultaneously, the troopers of the squadron echoed his celebrating and they all howled proudly, marking their territory and their success. Rose smiled widely as she witnessed the scene, happy to be able to spend time with such a fine group of men, and she looked at them a bit more before disappearing into the hallway.

Rose knew where all the other blankets were in the med bay and it didn’t take her long to go and get them, and by the time she returned to the hallway and nearly reached the lounge, she took notice of Wolffe waiting at the room’s doorway as well as the way his eyes landed on her. Rose gave him a smile, not surprised to find Wolffe’s expression didn’t change much, and she stopped in front of him looking up at the commander, unable to deny the power he conveyed.

“These should be enough,” Rose said. “Maybe we should also close the door to the outside, I don’t want to mess with Comet’s recovery.”

“It’s been taken care of,” Wolffe said with his usual tone of voice, though Rose thought she saw a flash of something in his eyes when she brought up the subject. “Why didn’t you howl?”

She chuckled, her voice a playful purr that only taunted the commander, eyes the very ghosts of sin. “Bunnies don’t many any noises, do they?”

Wolffe then took a step forward, pushing Rose back onto the wall until his arms were caging her, his body towering over hers and his lips dangerously close to her. He was scowling, as he usually did, but he wore the eyes of a hunter that threatened to tear her apart in delicious ways, all of them unspeakably filthy and luscious, and what scared Rose even more was that she felt like letting him.

“They do if they’re cornered,” Wolffe growled at her.

Rose’s chest heaved up and down; she looked so small and excruciatingly adorable that Wolffe felt like he could end his challenge there, finally get it over with. All he needed was her approval, one word that would let him in and make her his, and every second made the pressure threaten to make him lose his sanity. When Rose’s eyes met his, and his name escaped her lips in a soft, innocent voice, Wolffe had to claw the wall for restraint.

She was torn. What was happening with Wolffe? And apart from that, what was happening with Comet? And why, after making it so clear he hated her, was Wolffe making a move on her? Wanting Wolffe to take her felt wrong, but so did pushing him away. He’d done it. He’d indeed cornered her, and for a moment, Rose felt she’d give in.

But ultimately, Rose chose to bring her aura of regality back and smile with all her wit, even scoff at the commander.

“You misunderstood me,” she whispered. “I still don’t like you.”

Swiftly, she broke off from Wolffe’s grip and made her way back into the lounge, offering blankets to whoever wanted them. She gave an extra one to Comet, of course, who then offered her to sit next to him. She accepted, and when she sat with him, she huddled into him for more warmth underneath the spare blanket, after which the rest of the troopers huddled around them while their chattering and teasing continued.

It all seemed perfect until Wolffe walked back in. His gaze met hers only once, and Rose didn’t know what to make of it. A deep part of her wondered if what she’d said to him was true, but she shook off that thought as her head rested on Comet’s shoulder. But as she looked at Wolffe standing still, facing the outside world where Rose’s tracks were still planted on the snow, Rose wouldn’t find it in herself to draw her eyes away from Wolffe.

Things had escalated too quickly for her liking on all ends, and all she ever hoped for when doing anything in her life was that she’d have no regrets.

Rose wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep that up when it came to Wolffe, but the bunny would have to approach the wolf in order to be sure.

Thank you for reading!

Taglist: @zoeykallus @sageislostinspring @misogirl828 @dangerousstrawberrypie