#also this doesn’t go nearly as hard if you don’t listen to the song

[pwurrz]

GOD the kuyaei pmv i’ve made in my head to this song… specifically this part speaks to me the most

eiden asking kuya why he’s like this and kuya staring blankly until he realizes this feels.. oddly familiar. he’s had this exact argument before. he starts to see eiden as a younger, dumber version of himself. the one that was hopelessly in love with huey and would do anything for him. and if eiden is him then.. he would be huey.

the idea disgusts him so much, it makes him feel like he wants to throw up, even more so because he knows his thoughts are technically right. how could he let huey turn him into this person?? a person he despises so much?? a person who hurts the people he loves?? it took huey leaving for him to realize just how toxic that relationship was, but somehow he still couldn’t end the cycle of toxicity.

he lashes out in a way that reminds him of his younger self, so overwhelmed with emotion and anger and hurt he doesn’t know what to do with all those feelings. when white hot anger isn’t clouding his vision he realizes he’s on top of eiden, digging into his shoulders in a way that rips the fabric of his jacket and gripping his face in a way that accentuates that absolutely terrified expression of eiden’s face. he.. genuinely believes kuya would hurt him. and despite the fact that kuya never would, not really, not like this, he can’t blame him for thinking that.

he also can’t bring himself to tell eiden he wouldn’t. so he makes it worse. he lets go of eiden and summons fox fire, letting his anger bleed into his voice when he tells him to leave. eiden believes kuya would hurt him, why not feed into that a little?

and then he’s alone. and he feels even more disgusted with himself. that disgust turns into hatred when he realizes he gripped eiden’s face too roughly, and now there’s blood staining his claws. he squeezes the palm of his hand so tightly his own blood wets his fingertips. it’s the least he deserves.

eiden will come back. he always does. he’s far too forgiving, far too foolish to be the grand sorcerer. only a fool would come back to someone who hurt him. kuya knows that all too well.

but eiden comes back. he’s forgiving in a way kuya doesn’t deserve. selfishly, kuya goes along with his whims. to make him happy, and because some part of him wants to stay by eiden’s side. but in reality he’s rather be as far away from eiden as possible, left alone. the moment eiden feels safe enough to fall asleep around him is the first moment kuya genuinely contemplates leaving him there, to wake up alone. it’s better that way. eiden shouldn’t feel so safe around someone like him, even if grand sorcerer is too stubborn and foolish to realize that.

eiden’s forgiven him, but kuya doesn’t believe he’s earned that forgiveness. because as far as he’s concerned he’ll only hurt eiden again.

[nickfowlerrr]

everything comes out teenage petulance

pairing: bucky barnes x curvy!reader

warnings: angst, fluff, talk of insecurities, talk of rejection, virgin!reader but no smut - just mentioned, mutual pining - requited love - leaning toward idiots in love, hurt/comfort, pet names (sweetheart, doll), happing ending per usual. if i’m missing something important, pls lmk!

words: 4.3k

aspen!!! it’s crazy you sent this bc i was just about to start writing a little bucky fic and what better gif to use than this 😌 lol seriously perfect timing! tysm 🥰🫶🏻

and another huge thank you to you, ray for helping me out with the final edit!! @whatever-lmaoo i appreciate you sm! 🫶🏻

notes: had an idea, saw this gif, and then bam! here we are. yes i was clearly listening to down bad while working on this, but i promise it is not as sad as the song! also this fic is insanely self indulgent and i’m not even a little bit sorry lol. i do hope you enjoy this, and thank you in advance for reading! as always, comments and reblogs are more than welcome and so so appreciated! let me know your thoughts 🩵

You’re holding in the emotions threatening to spill out of you as you step off the elevator to the living quarters of the tower. You know no one else is here, everyone out on missions or gone for some downtime out of the city, but still, there are cameras everywhere and you don’t need your impending breakdown to be recorded.

You pull your slipping bra strap up your shoulder and mindlessly pull at the hem of your dress as you walk further into the darkened living room, your heels clicking on the floor as you go.

Your head is down as you near the kitchen so you don’t see the light radiating from the open fridge, but you hear it as the door closes loudly. You startle and whip your head to the kitchen, finding the one person you really don’t need seeing you in your current state staring over at you.

“Fuck, Bucky,” you breathe as you have a hand over your heart. His mouth is open as his eyes scan your body, roving up and down and making you feel even more self conscious than you were before. “What are you doing, I thought I was the only one here for the weekend?”

“Little early for Halloween, isn’t it?” He asks, ignoring your question.

Your brows furrow in confusion, “What?”

“You’re dressed like a clown, aren’t you?”

You’re essentially frozen as you take in his words. The fear that came over you at his surprise appearance had your self pity and consciousness forgotten for a moment but now it was back. And it was worse. You don’t do anything but stare at him for a second, you’re afraid if you speak or even try to move you will break down in tears and - fuck - you can feel your eyes welling as they begin to sting. You take a sharp breath and swallow hard, nodding once as your lips purse and you blink. You turn stiffly and walk away without a response.

He’s right behind you, though and you don’t make it two steps before Bucky grabs your arm.

“Wow, hey, come on, I was joking,” he breathes a disbelieving laugh as he tries to turn you toward him.

You fight him and pull your arm away, “okay,” you huff, just wanting to get away from him before the dam really breaks.

He lets you go but trails behind you as you walk faster down to your room.

You push your door open and don’t turn around as the tears finally begin to fall, trying to shut the door behind you without having to look at him.

He sticks his foot in front of the door as you try shutting it and keeps it open.

“Go away,” you nearly growl through tears, your voice sounding tight and if he hadn’t already caught on to your crying, there was really no way to deny it now.

He doesn’t say anything but he does push your door open enough to slip through it. It falls shut as you stand with your back to him, sniffling and trying desperately to stop the flow of tears that are drowning you, arms crossed over your chest as you work to control your breathing. You just want him to leave you alone so you can cry in peace.

“Look, I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, I really didn’t mean it, I was just kidding,” he begins softly, “but you and I both know I’ve said worse to you before, so,” he hedges, “maybe it wasn’t what I said that made you cry…”

“I dont wanna talk about it, Bucky. Why are you even here? Just leave me alone,” your voice trembles despite yourself.

He sighs heavily and you see him from your mirror as he runs a hand through his hair and takes a cautious step closer to you, “Yeah,” he breathes, “I dont think I’m gonna be able to do that, sweetheart.”

You bristle at the petname and can’t help the sob that leaves you as the reminder of how your date went tonight plays in your head.

“Go away,” you whine as more tears fall and you try to turn further from him - as if that were possible. Your eyes squeeze shut in a futile attempt to stop crying, a pathetic pout on your lips as you try to stifle your sobs.

A gentle pull on your arms has you turning around, you don’t have it in you to stop him as Bucky gingerly pulls you closer. You’re too embarrassed to open your eyes as you cry harder and when you feel his strong arms around you, holding you to him, the tears only come faster. You feel yourself lean into him as you mindlessly bury your face in his chest, hugging him tight like he’s the only thing keeping you upright.

His warm hand is rubbing up and down your back as your walls continue to crumble around him.

“It’s not fair,” you blubber like a child into his shirt.

He doesn’t respond, waiting for you to continue as he keeps rubbing your back in an attempt to comfort you, his brows furrowing as he wonders what could’ve happened tonight to cause this.

He’s never seen you this way and he hates it - hates that you’re upset and crying, anyway. The way you feel in his arms, holding onto him like this, well that’s a different story…

He’s keeping his anger at bay until he knows exactly what went down, but he knows you had a date tonight, and the only reason he’s here when he had plans to be out of town this weekend is because you were going to have the place to yourself, and he couldn’t get the idea of you bringing your date back here alone out of his head. Immature, sure, but he didn’t know what else to do but wait around to scare whoever it was you were out with away before they had a chance to so much as see you out of your shoes.

He’s even more grateful now that he decided to change his plans last minute. He was surprised to see you coming in alone, and if he wasn’t so caught up in how damn good you looked tonight, he probably would’ve noticed your mood before he decided to open his stupid mouth. But that’s your thing; the teasing, the bickering, the tit for tats. He was expecting a jab right back, but when he saw your eyes watering at his words, he felt sick. He couldn’t let you walk away crying, he couldn’t stand to see you so upset. Especially because of him. But now, as you stand here in his arms, so uninhabited and vulnerable, he knows it wasn’t because of him. And when he finds out exactly what or who it was that made you so upset… god help them.

“It’s not fair,” you mumble your cry again, “I just,” you hiccup, “why can’t I be pretty,” you sob.

It’s takes a second for the words to register before Bucky can react. “What?” he questions harshly, pulling you away from him, his hands on your arms as your tear streaked face and bleary eyes peer up at him.

Your eyes squeeze shut again as your crying continues and you fall into him again, not wanting to look at him as you make your confession. “I just want,” you cry, “to be pretty. I want someone to like me. To love me,” you eke out, your heartbreak evident in your voice. “No one loves me,” you mutter defeatedly. “No one’s ever loved me and no one is ever gonna love me,” you sob, grabbing his shirt as you cry into his chest harder.

“What exactly did this asshole say to you?” Bucky knows he needs to calm down but what he’s hearing from you right now is going to drive him insane. Why in the world would you ever say or think this about yourself? Your date had to have done or said something, he’s sure of it.

“Nothing,” you dismiss, “I mean, nothing wrong or mean. They were nice about it, I just,” you can’t help but cry more. “I’m not their type. Which is fine,” you try to shake your head and rationalize yourself into stopping crying, “that’s fine, I know I’m not everyone’s type,” you gesture vaguely down your body, “and I wasn’t super into them, either, I was just trying to put myself out there for once and I just, ugh,” you bemoan. “I dont know why I was expecting anything different. It’s never been different, won’t ever be different. I’m just, me. And they said what everyone always thinks, I’m a sweetheart, I’m just not their type,” you shrug before your tears bubble up once more and you let your face fall back into Bucky’s chest.

“If I was skinny, or pretty, or nicer,” you babble before Bucky cuts you off.

“Doll, stop it,” he orders firmly, surprising you as he suddenly lifts you effortlessly off your feet and has you clinging to him as he walks the short distance to sit you on your bed.

You’re stunned silent as tears continue to roll down your cheeks and even more surprised as Bucky kneels before you, making sure you’re looking him in his clear blue eyes. His gaze is intent and penetrating and you couldn’t look away if you wanted to. He’s so close…he’s never been this close to you before and you feel your breath trapped in your chest as you watch him.

“You’re fucking beautiful,” he says seriously, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world and you’re an idiot for ever thinking otherwise.

His sincerity has your stomach twisting and your shame and disbelief has your tears falling again.

Your lips quiver as your pout remains, and you shake your head.

“Don’t do that,” he admonishes, hand gently grabbing your chin and making you look at him again. You swallow hard at the soft touch and the tenderness in his eyes. “Hear me when I say this, doll. You are absolutely beautiful. Exactly the way you are. Fuck ‘type’.”

You wince at his words, and you can’t help but look away again. It’s easy for him to say, he’s goddamn gorgeous and everyone knows it.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to say, but you really just don’t get it,” you shake your head. “You could walk down the street and get anybody you wanted with one look,” you smirk softly. “You’re everybody’s type.”

“You don’t need to be anyone’s ‘type’, sweetheart,” he says.

“Yeah, and I’m not,” you reiterate harshly before taking a breath, not wanting to work yourself up again. This is stupid and you know it and it feels even more mortifying to be talking about this with not only the most attractive man you’ve ever known, but also the man you’ve been down bad for for so long. Deep down you know you don’t really care what most anyone else thinks, there’s really only one person you care about not finding you attractive, and you’ve worked to get over that sting of unrequital for a long while now, but fuck, everything just feels so heavy tonight. It’s not even that it’s just not him, which still gets to you every time you’re reminded of it, it’s that it’s not anyone.

And it’s not that you even want anyone else… you don’t, but knowing there’s really no one interested in you, the very real prospect of being alone forever, it got to you tonight…

“You don’t know that,” he says lowly.

“Bucky,” you roll your eyes, not only in annoyance, but also to keep the threatening renewal of tears at bay.

“So what you’re not some random person you don’t even like’s type,” he dismisses, placing his hands on your thick thighs as he stays kneeled before you, and you aren’t sure if he even realizes he’s doing it as his thumbs rub there softly, “you’re my type,” he defends.

You could curl up into a ball right now and die, there is no way you’re this fucking pathetic you have Bucky Barnes on his knees trying to convince you he thinks you’re pretty. As if this night couldn’t get any worse or more embarrassing.

You’ve seen the people Bucky has brought back here before. He certainly had a type, and you are certainly not it.

“You don’t have to say that, Bucky,” you blink away from his gaze. “It’s nice that you feel bad for me,” you sniffle, wiping at your tears with the sleeves of your dress, “but you really don’t have to.”

“Why do you think I feel bad for you?” He questions, moving to look you in the eyes once more, his confusion clear on his face.

You shrug, turning your head to again avoid eye contact, “I’m pathetic,” you laugh sardonically, wiping at the tears still slipping, slower now but still evident.

“You’re pathetic?,” Bucky chuckles, his soft touches on your thighs ceaseless. He bites his lip as he glances down to his hands, spreading his fingers wide before he squeezes you a bit, and if you aren’t reading into it, you’d say he seems the slightest bit nervous, his hold on you as much to try to comfort you as it is to comfort him, “I’m the one who bailed on guys weekend just to make sure you didn’t bring anyone home tonight,” he admits, causing you to finally look him in the eye again. What did he just say? You’re baffled and it’s evident as your brows furrow and you frown. He continues, “Or if you did, to make sure they wouldn’t stay long,” he half smirks, half grimaces.

“What?” you breathe out.

“Not the most mature move, I know, but,” he says, running a hand through his hair before he rubs the back of his neck, having the decency to at least be a little embarrassed by his plan. “The thought of you with someone else…anyone else,” he shakes his head. “I can’t stand it.”

You can’t possibly be hearing what you’re hearing, right? You don’t move or speak for a long moment as you try to make sense of what Bucky’s saying to you because clearly you’re not hearing correctly.

“You can’t stand…” you process aloud, “the idea of me being with someone?”

He breathes a laugh as you stare at him dumbly, his nervous habit of pushing his long hair back from his face shines again while he chuckles. “Doll, I can’t stand the idea of you being with anybody who isn’t me,” he clarifies.

“What are you-?” you shake your head, “What do you mean?”

His big hands return to your thighs as he gently squeezes you. “I mean that if you had come home with someone tonight, I would’ve made sure they didn’t stay more than a minute to say goodbye.”

You snort a laugh, wiping another tear from your cheek. That’s crazy.

“Please. ‘M not that kinda girl anyway, Buck,” you say. “I uhm,” you clear your throat, clearly a little uncomfortable with what you’re about to say, but fuck, you’ve already embarrassed yourself this much tonight, what’s a little more confessing gonna hurt, “I’ve never…done, anything. With anyone.” You admit, looking down at your hands in your lap.

It’s a moment before Bucky speaks again.

“Never?”

You shake your head slowly side to side, lips pursed, “No,” you murmur.

“That’s impressive,” he breathes.

You quirk a brow at his response.

“Mean, you gotta be batting people off like crazy,” he says, his warm hand once resting on your thigh now thoughtlessly trailing down the soft skin of your leg.

“No,” you state slightly annoyed and ever embarrassed. “Not like anyone’s ever been interested,” you trail off.

Bucky laughs again, not so nervous now, more in disbelief, “You’re so blind,” he muses, “I feel so bad for everyone who has ever been interested in you.”

Your face shows your taken offense but Bucky keeps talking before you can say a word about it.

“If you really think no one’s ever been attracted to you, you’re fucking crazy, sweetheart.”

You gape like a fish for a millisecond, opening and closing your mouth as you blink down at your thighs, his metal hand holding your right thigh softly and the fingers of his right hand dancing along the exposed skin of your left.

“I’m not crazy,” you mutter as his hand slips higher up your leg.

“You are,” he argues lightly, “and you make me crazy,” he says softer, blue eyes gleaming up at you. “Have you not heard a word I’ve said tonight?” He pauses, debating on whether or not he wants to say what he’s about to say before he decides to throw caution to the wind and finally admit his true feelings to you, as clearly as he possibly can this time. “You’re all I ever think about. Not just because of how pretty you are, either,” he smirks, growing more confident now and loving the way you react to his touch as his hands smooth along your soft thighs, goosebumps rising in his wake as he hears your breathing stutter. “It’s so much more than that,” he breaths in, “it’s every single thing about you. Your snark,” he smiles, “your strength. Your bravery, your stubbornness. Your lame jokes,” he pauses to admire the slant of your lips as you fight a soft smile, “your laugh. Your kindness, your friendship. You’re one of the best people I’ve ever known. The whole damn package, doll. And that’s without even bringing looks into it, because fuck,” he scoffs, “it’s a real shame you don’t see what everyone else sees.”

You dare a glance back at his penetrative gaze, “…And what, exactly, is that?” you reply timidly, but desperately wanting to hear his answer.

“A real life goddess,” he admires as he leans closer to you, his hands now well under the hem of your dress as they inch further and further up your thighs.

Your stomach is in a flurry as a tingle sparks inbetween your legs at his touch.

He leans up to you slowly, testing your waters as he gets closer and closer to your lips. You’re barely breathing when his nose brushes yours and you take a shaky breath when his hands leave your thighs and come to gently hold your face.

“You’re insanely pretty, and likable, and lovable, and you don’t need to be skinny for anyone to find you attractive. You’re gorgeous, inside and out. And I don’t wanna hear you talking about yourself like you were ever again, you hear me?” He questions quietly, intent but caring as he holds your glistening gaze in his.

You nod lightly, knowing tonight you weren’t your typical self. You had a hard night, and you let those old mean, destructive and intrusive thoughts get to you. You really do know better, but you’re human. And everybody has those days. You’re suddenly feeling even more grateful for Bucky’s unexpected presence tonight. If he wasn’t here, you’re sure you’d have spent the night in a spiral of self hatred and pity and would’ve probably cried yourself to sleep.

Your tears are dry now, though. And Bucky is still so close, his touch so gentle as his brilliant blue eyes swim with his care for you. You’ve seen it before, but it’s never felt so real and intimate as it does now, knowing what you know now.

He’s here tonight because of you. For you.

He’s not expecting anything, and you’re not sure how much you’re ready to give, but as he smiles that lopsided smile at you, you can’t help yourself as you lean into him, too. It’s slow and cautious as your lips brush his, and then you let your eyes flutter closed as you finally kiss him. It’s almost embarrassing how many times you’ve dreamed of kissing Bucky, but none of them played out like this, none of them ever came close. His lips are soft, his hands firm as he holds your face and you readily let him lead you as he kisses you back.

It ends all too quickly as he pulls away slightly, his tongue slipping past his lips as he savors the taste of you, his forehead touching yours as he maintains your closeness.

“And just for the record, I don’t think you look like a clown,” he shakes his head while you let out a quiet laugh. “I think your makeup looks great, and this dress,” he sighs with a near groan, moving his hands to settle on your wide hips, squeezing ever so slightly, sending more sparks to light in your core as you almost mewl at his touching, “I know you know you look good,” he smirks. “I was just being stupid wanting your attention.”

“Well,” you start with a slight eye roll, “I mean, who could really blame you?”

He smiles brightly at that, his laugh warming you as he leans in to kiss you again. “There’s my girl,” he murmurs against your lips.

“Your girl?” You ask, a near whisper as his words have your heart skipping a beat, eyes still closed from the kiss before you slowly blink them open. He nods.

“If you wanna be,” he breathes, blue eyes bearing into yours. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to finally admit how crazy I am for you without making myself look like a complete idiot,” he simpers, his signature smirk on display, “obviously didn’t avoid that, but, now you know. I’m crazy about you, doll.” His thumb rubs your cheek softly as he keeps you close, “I wanna be with you,” he breathes, “in any way you’ll have me. So, if you wanna be my girl,”

You smile softly, nodding as you cut him off, “I wanna be.”

You see his toothy smile before Bucky kisses you hotly as he surges up without warning, hoisting you up with him as you squeak into his mouth, arms clinging around his neck as his own hold you under your bottom. His strength is so effortless it surprises you for a second, but in an instant you get more comfortable in his hold as he continues kissing you. His smile grows on his lips as you kiss him back in kind until you’re forced to break away for a breath.

“I’m not happy you were so upset earlier,” he says as he catches his breath, forehead pressing to yours as you tuck his falling hair behind his ears while he holds you, “but I’m so fucking glad you came back here alone.”

“Well, I’m not happy you were trying to ambush me,” you joke, “but I’m really glad you were here tonight,” you whisper the words as your hands play in his hair, noses brushing, you’re still so close.

You’re staring into each other’s eyes until your gaze falls to his lips. Bucky kisses you again, so much softer than he did before.

“Me too,” he whispers softly. You smile and then pat his shoulders. He gets your message and gently lets you go as your heels touch the floor.

“I know it’s late,” he starts, closing the small distance between you as he takes a step closer, not wanting to be too far from you, already missing your proximity, “but you were expecting a nice date tonight, and you didn’t get one,” he sighs, “I just don’t think that’s right,” he exhales with that ‘hear me out’ purse of his lips. You eye him expectantly, fighting a smile as you wait for him to get it out.

“What do you think about catching a movie and grabbing food at that place you like? With me,” he adds as if it wasn’t obvious, earning a bright laugh from you for the first time tonight. “It’s a Saturday, so you know they’re open late anyway,” he rambles.

You lean into him with your shoulder as you stand so close to each other, getting his attention back on your face as you smile. “I would really like that, Bucky,” you nod. “I’m just gonna,” you wave a hand around your face, “fix this up a bit.”

He laughs as he rubs a streak of black from under your eye, “still beautiful,” he simpers.

Your entire body warms at his touch and his admiration as you grab his hand gently in yours and pull him closer. He seems to read your mind as his arms circle you and he leans in to take your lips in his.

It’s sweet and so natural it’s hard to believe you guys hadn’t done this sooner. The friendship was always there, but you never knew the feelings were too. All this time you convinced yourself your harbored feelings for Bucky were unreciprocated, and all the while, he was trying to figure out how to confess his own to you.

You laugh quietly into the kiss, amusement playing on your lips as you think back on every encounter you’ve had with Bucky that had you falling harder and harder for him.

“What’s funny?” He asks as you part with a grin.

“It’s just, all so obvious now,” you giggle. “I always thought I was reading into things with you, that you were just being nice, just wanted to be friends,” you trail off, swaying closer to him in your heels. “But, this whole time,” you blink up at him, lips parted gently as he keeps your body to his, holding you close.

“This whole time,” he simpers, a soft smile on his lips. “What the hell took us so long?”

“Uhm,” you muse aloud, “probably our combined stupidity,” you joke as he chuckles, his smile never wavering as he keeps his eyes on you, “but, let’s just call it fate,” you shrug on a soft exhale. You lean closer to Bucky even more, letting your lips brush his again, the feeling one you don’t think you’ll ever tire of, “no better time than the present, right?”

[twobluejeans]

HEARTBREAK ON TOUR!

charles leclerc x famous!reader

summary: in which the lavender haze has been lifted. or in which america’s it couple splits.

part 8: you’re losing me, part 7: revenge dress, series masterlist

faceclaim: madison beer

ally’s radio 📻: PART 8! taylor swift deserves jail time for creating you’re losing me. taylor swift also deserves jail time for not officially releasing it. def recommend listening to it reading the chapter! (might have to stream illegally bc mother is being stingy 🙄.)

INSTAGRAM, july 17 (midnight)

liked by paulwesley, ninadobrev, and 13,333,112 others

yourinstagram and just like that, the final chapter of Midnights, is out now. this is my most personal body of work that i'm putting out into the universe, and i'm so scared yet excited to share her with u. thank u to my team, my producer jackantonoff turned dearest friend of almost 7 years (woah!!!) we spent many noons & midnights on this album and i'm forever in debt n grateful. thank u to all my other friends who i didn't mention, yk who u are. to everyone else, thank u for your persistent patience and support. it does not go unnoticed. from my heart to yours, midnights (till dawn edition), is available on all streaming platforms. i love u. thank u 💗.

View all 101,273 comments

leclerccharl ain’t that the teddy bear charles won for her at the fair forever ago??!

y/nsfeverdreamhigh leclerccharl o em gee yeah..

fernandoalonso_offical Proud of you cariño

barbie 🥹🥹💗💗

landonoriss screaming crying shaking throwing up

danielricciardo gagging choking ascending to god

authur_leclerc Love you always, Proud of you always ❤️

INSTAGRAM STORIES, july 17

zendaya 30m

viewed by alexademie, tomholland2013, and 64,134 others

badgalriri 2h

viewed by harrystyles, bellahadid, and 3,262,128 others

sabrinacarpenter 5h

viewed by zendaya, lola.tung, and 1,524,211 others

TWITTER, july 17

The song’s big question: “Do I throw out everything we built or keep it?”

BY: ALLY PUBLISHED: JULY 17, 2023

Y/n L/n’s lyrical candidness is what has always made her standout as a songwriter. Whether she was writing about young love, relationships, or breakups, her songs never flinched from trying to paint a full picture, even if it was one that was hard to look at.

It’s been a while since the super star has released a breakup song, but it was only a matter of time; since the singer split with Charles Leclerc, fans have already began anticipating the inevitable breakup album. But it turns out they didn’t have to wait long. At Midnight (July 17), L/n released a second deluxe edition of her 2022 album Midnights, which included four new songs, among them the release of “You’re Losing Me,” a song fans have deciphered as ostensibly about her split with Leclerc.

via @yourinstagram on instagram

The nearly 5-minute track is a devastating relationship ender if we’ve ever heard one, as it details the hopeless and tragic dissolution of a relationship. Though L/n doesn’t include any names or details, it’s not hard to see why fans are interpreting it as being about her and Leclerc. 

When Entertainment Weekly first broke the news of their split in April, sources for both parties diplomatically described the breakup as amicable, and that “it was not dramatic.” “The relationship had just run its course,” one source told ET. However, that story was debunked as L/n herself, stated Leclerc had an affair with Australian Youtuber Lola Ransdell, in one of her Eras Tour Shows.  With the release of “You’re Losing Me,” L/n seems to offer a window into her perspective of how things ended while also releasing one of the most devastating songs she’s ever written.

Its lyrics don’t waste any time getting into the tragic heart of the matter. “You say, ‘I don't understand,’ and I say, ‘I know you don’t’/ We thought a cure would come through in time, now, I fear it won’t/ Remember looking at this room, we loved it ‘cause of the light/ Now I just sit in the dark and wonder if it's time,” she sings in the first verse, painting a portrait of two people who are unaligned and have seemingly grown apart in their relationship.

The pre-chorus lays out the song’s big question: “Do I throw out everything we built or keep it?” But waiting for resolution feels like something L/n doesn’t want to do anymore: “I'm getting tired, even for a phoenix/ Always rising from the ashes/ Mending all her gashes/ You might just have dealt the final blow,” she sings.

The most heart-wrenching part of the song comes in on the chorus, as she warns her other half, “Stop, you're losing me/ Stop, you’re losing me/ Stop, you’re losing me I can't find a pulse/ My heart won't start anymore/ For you/ ‘Cause you're losing me.” The lyrics mirror the song’s production which sounds like a quietly pulsing heartbeat, driving the knife’s blade of the song in even deeper.

Perhaps L/n’s biggest skill on this song is being able to convey all the heartbreak and roiling emotion without actually providing any specifics into the breakup. 

“You’re Losing Me” is rife with frank, confessional lyrics, but still keeps many of the exact contours of the split obscure. There are no accusations or fingers pointed at who’s at fault. There are no mic drop moments or explosive gossip; The closest L/n gets to revealing any details is on the second verse, when she seems to suggest that the relationship hadn’t been OK for a while now.

“Every morning, I glared at you with storms in my eyes/ How can you say that you love someone you can't tell is dying?/ I sent you signals and bit my nails down to the quick/ My face was gray, but you wouldn't admit that we were sick,” she sings.

On the bridge, L/n reveals that she “wouldn’t marry me either,” perhaps offering the tiniest, sliver of hints into one of the other reasons why they ultimately fell apart: “And I wouldn't marry me either/ A pathological people pleaser/ Who only wanted you to see her/ And I'm fading, thinking/ Do something, babe, say something (say something)/ Lose something, babe, risk something (risk something)/ Choose something, babe, I got nothing (I got nothing)/ To believe, unless you’re choosing me.”

It’s the lack of details, the palpable restraint despite L/n’s clear heartbreak behind its lyrics, that makes “You’re Losing Me” perhaps the most devastating song in her catalog (yes, even more so than “All Too Well.”) Amid the grief and sadness of the song, there’s also a feeling of inevitability, of sorrow that nothing more could be done, of pointlessly waiting for action when you know nothing is coming.

 In some regards, it’s one of L/n’s most mature breakup songs in her catalog, regardless of whoever it’s about. And if this is just a “from the vault” track, it makes one wonder what an albums-worth of these songs would sound like.

SEE MORE RELATED POSTS:

• Lola Ransdell Cancelled over resurfaced racism tweets

• Lola Ransdell loses brand deals over Y/n L/n drama

• Charles Leclerc finally breaks his silence over Y/n L/n Breakup

ally’s radio 📻:a filler chapter im sorry😞 but anyways, the related stories r a sneak peak of the next chapter🤫 if u asked me to tag u and i didn’t, pls send me a message or inbox me bc it might’ve gotten lost 😭 i try to stay up-to-date but sometimes i miss people so pls lmk!!!

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[iwritefandomimagines]

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT — JESS MARIANO

masterlist

pairing: jess mariano x reader

description: decorating luke’s for christmas reminds you how far from festive jess is. but it might also lead to confessions that put him much more in the christmas spirit.

warnings: little swearing. fluff !!!

author’s note: shoutout to i’ll be home for christmas in this imagine is because it’s my all time fave xmas film and i had a HUGE crush on jonathan taylor thomas as a child because of it. it’s also not super long but i made sure it’s not too short… anyway ENJOY! <3

“Y’know, I don’t see why you have to be such a Grinch,” you pulled the candy cane from between your lips as Jess scoffed, “All Luke asked was for us to put up a few decorations. Even he has more fucking Christmas spirit than you!”

Jess rolled his eyes, “Oh sure, because I’m usually so enthusiastic about stuff like this. How out of character of me,” he paused to touch his forehead with the back of his hand, “I must be getting ill.”

You tutted, placing the last of your candy cane back into your mouth with a crunch! and folding your arms across your chest.

He quirked his brow, waiting for a snarky response that never came.

Instead, you turned on your heels and headed over to the stereo, flicking the switch and resuming the Christmas CD you’d been listening to before he’d grumpily trundled down the stairs into the diner.

“Oh God,” Jess groaned, “Do you seriously enjoy torturing me?”

You scoffed, “Do you want the honest answer?”

It was at that moment Luke briefly poked his head round the corner, “What are you two bickering about now?”

You crossed your arms over your chest as Jess did the exact same thing, except with a huge wad of tinsel now attached to his sweater.

He waved his arm around frantically as you burst out laughing at his desperate attempt to rid himself of the sparkly red decoration, “For fu—,”

“Ask Ebenezer Scrooge over here,” you teased, freeing Jess of the tinsel by yanking it away as Luke rolled his eyes, “Just help her out, Jess.”

“What does it look like I’m doing?”

“Being a moron.”

“Fork found in kitchen,” you mumbled, earning a glare from Jess, “We’re nearly done, c’mon.”

Jess fought back a smirk, folding his arms again and shaking his head, “You’re a pain in the ass, Y/N.”

“At least I’m a festive pain in the ass,” you sing-songed, twirling tinsel around the cash register as he laughed at you, “Hey, I can see a smile there! He can smile! What a heartthrob. I could almost mistake you for Jonathan Taylor Thomas in I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

“I look like who from what?” Jess contorted his face in confusion, unsure whether what you were saying was a compliment.

Kirk appeared out of nowhere beside you both, an inquisitive expression on his face, “Jonathan Taylor Thomas from the 1998 Christmas movie I’ll Be Home for Christmas. I have to say I think you’re wrong though, Y/N. He doesn’t have nearly as much of his boyish charm.”

You burst out laughing again, clasping your hand to your mouth as you watched Jess blush just a little as he stood slack-jawed.

“Boyish charm? I’ve got plenty of boyish charm,” Jess scoffed, puffing out his chest, “Why do I look like him anyway?”

“Oh, you don’t,” Kirk shrugged, “Y/N just has a crush on him and a crush on you.”

“Ok that’s quite enough from you Kirk,” It was your turn to blush crimson now as you gestured towards the tables, “We’re not even open yet. You—uh— just go sit down.”

“A crush on me, huh?” Jess was smirking now, and you couldn’t tell if the bubbling in your stomach was sheer embarrassment or excitement at the way he was looking at you.

Obviously, it was both.

You shook your head, “Oh, ‘cause you should totally trust Kirk.”

Jess quirked his eyebrow, “When it comes to town gossip, I’d say I do.”

You looked down at your feet, cheeks still incredibly warm and your heart palpitating so hard you were sure it’d burst out of your chest at any moment.

“You know, you’ve gone bright red. So red in fact that I think it’s put me in a festive mood,” Jess quipped smugly, elbow on the counter as he leaned a little closer to you.

You scoffed, “It took me being embarrassed to feel festive?”

Jess shook his head, and said nothing for a moment.

You wondered whether he was about to embarrass you even further, but his expression softened so much that it confused you.

“No, it took being told that you do like me,” he shrugged, but he was clearly not as nonchalant about it as he was trying to appear, “To save me the embarrassment of a not so festive rejection under the many, many Christmas lights— seriously why do we need so fuckin’ many?”

Your heart swelled at his initial words, but you rolled your eyes yet again at his grumbling about the Christmas lights, “It’s Christmas, Jess. And so pretty.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Jess was quieter as he spoke now, his eyes twinkling as he moved even closer to you, “So pretty.”

Now you were certain that every drop of blood had rushed to your cheeks, the intensity of his stare making you bite your lip and look away again.

His hand lifted up to touch your cheek, drawing your eyes back to meet his.

Your mouth had gone dry, and you couldn’t help but notice how carefully he watched your lips as your tongue swiped over them.

“You—I—We need to finish decorating and open up, Jess,” you stammered, but Jess wasn’t letting you get out of this conversation now.

“If it wasn’t for Kirk, I’d really like to kiss you right now,” he looked briefly away and saw that Kirk had seemingly entirely disappeared, “Oh, it might be my lucky day. Now I’m really feeling festive.”

You giggled, “Then what—what’re you waiting for?”

He didn’t waste a moment after that, immediately capturing your lips with his as you leaned into his chest.

The kiss was short lived, but you almost didn’t mind because your mind was racing at the fact that it was actually even happening at all.

Jess beamed across at you as you pulled back, your eyes locked on each other for a fair few moments of silence.

“I’m finally in the Christmas spirit, Y/N,” he sing-songed as he finally broke the silence, still staring intently at you as you shivered under his gaze, “So much so that I think I’d like to go watch the town Christmas lights being switched on tonight. If you’re up for it. If not, like, whatever. Just a suggestion. Since you love Christmas and—,”

You laughed, placing a hand on his bicep to interrupt his rambling, “I’d really like that, Jess. Even if you are going to drive me nuts complaining about the lights, it’d be nice to go. Like, together.”

Jess seemed pleased with that answer, a broad smile overtaking his face as he leaned in even closer, “It’s a date, then. And now we can get back to decorating.”

You bit your lip, “A date. Woah, Jess Mariano is taking me on a date to see the Christmas lights getting switched on. If I didn’t know any better I’d think I was still tucked up in bed dreaming.”

“I’m in your dreams a lot then, huh?” he teased, the smirk back gracing his features as you gently nudged his arm, “My nightmares, maybe.”

“Hm, guess you dream about that John Tyler guy more then,” he feigned offence, and despite mistaking the name you found his pout incredibly adorable.

You laughed, “Jonathan Taylor Thomas?”

“Mhm.”

“Don’t be jealous, Mariano,” you hummed, leaning into his side as you teased him.

“I’m not jealous,” he grunted, “What does he even look like anyway?”

You giggled, and he didn’t seem impressed by the way you went straight into your head thinking about the actor, “You’ll find out later when I force you to come back to mine and watch it with me after the lights are on.”

“No fuckin’ way!” he shook his head, and you forced a pout until he sighed, “Fine. Only because I like you. And I’m choosing our takeout if I’m going to be third-wheeling you and the TV on our first date.”

You grinned, “Fine by me. It’s a date!”

“A date? Finally, kid,” Luke reemerged for a moment again, poking his head around the corner of the kitchen.

“He’s taking me to see the Christmas lights being switched on,” you grinned, watching Luke’s brief shocked expression being quickly replaced by a small smile.

“The lights?” he repeated, and you nodded.

“I knew he liked you, I mean the whole town did. But it looks like he must really like you, huh?”

“Yeah,” you basically whispered, looking over at Jess for a moment and seeing him smiling softly at you despite his irritation at his uncle poking his nose in, “I guess he does.”

———

happy festive season guys!

this has been in the drafts for a couple weeks near finished but i’ve finally got it done now <3 might write some more festive imagines so if there are any characters you’d like to see that for then please let me know.

as usual — thanks for reading, here’s my masterlist if you’d like to read more of my stuff!

[acaaai-t]

as the seasons change

[fem! reader x college au! xiao]

cw: fluff, lots of fluff, slow burn-ish, fluff, reader gets harassed, cursing, oh did i mention fluff? — [long fic ahead]

wc: 7.3k

⤷ ❝ ft song— 《小城夏天》 ❞

“rainfall, a storming encounter— spring.”

"Do you remember the night we first met? Or well, at least when I first met you?" you asked, snuggling deeper into the warmth your blanket, and your partner, provided.

Xiao smiled and pulled you closer. "I could never forget.”

>>—<<

The night was still young, light rain pattering against the windows. It was hard to tell if the sun was still up or not, for the dark clouds covered everything. It was only you left, still clearing out the store, handling the remaining few customers here and there.

“Your hot americano, sir,” you said, handing the customer their ordered drink. “Would you like a bag with it?”

“No, I would like your number with it though. Say, you’re single, aren’t you?”

“Wh— huh?”

“Oh, come on, a charming fellow like you is still single, am I right?"

You really weren’t sure how to respond to his advancements, so you stood there, dumbfounded. “Um—”

“Why don’t you leave her the fuck alone?” the voice of a random customer cut you off.

You looked over to the whoever it was helping you deal with this man. ‘Oh shit, he’s really pretty,’ was your first thought upon sight.

The customer glared at the interrupter. “Look, I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but I ain’t going to listen to whatever the hell you say.”

“Then I’m sure you’ll have a fun time talking to the police,” pretty boy said, staring down at the customer. He flashed the screen of his phone, the number 9-1-1 on dial.

“You—” he stopped himself, took a deep breath, and turned his attention from pretty boy over to you. “Listen here, you bitch. Shits would’ve been so much easier if you just gave me your fucking number, yeah?”

You flinched. “I’m sorry?”

“Sorry doesn’t fucking do shit,” he yelled, lifting up his cup of coffee.

Your eyes widened. “Don’t—”

Too late.

You nearly screamed when you felt the burning hot coffee sizzle against your skin. The now empty cup rolled to the side. You hastily wipe at your face, crimson from where the coffee had made contact.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” pretty boy got up from where he was seated. The man turned to look at him.

You quickly took this opening to disappeared into the back kitchen, searching for a cold towelette to ease the burning pain. You could’ve sworn you had ascended to heaven there and then when you pressed the cool towel onto your face.

‘That feels so much better…’

A loud crash pulled your spirit back down. Keeping the towel pressed against your cheek, you made your way back to the front counter— just in time to see the customer that had harassed you flee the scene. Pretty boy stood there, arms crossed, rolling his eyes as the glass door swings shut.

“Do you need to go to the hospital?” he asked the moment his eyes laid upon you.

“There’s no need,” you smiled at him. “Thanks for helping me, by the way.”

“It’s… nothing,” he adverted his gaze from you.

You finally got a good look at him. His facial features were mostly obscured by a black mask he wore, but his striking amber eyes was a prominent detail, you noticed. There was also a greenish tint to the edges of his hair and along his bangs. Peeking out from under his turtleneck, you saw a trace of some sort kind tattoo. ‘That’s hot,’ you immediately thought to yourself.

You must’ve been staring for too long, for his voice suddenly broke off your thoughts. “Can you please stop staring…” he sounded and looked flustered. Even with the mask on, you could faintly see the red of his cheeks.

“Ah, sorry…” you were quick to reply, embarrassment crawling in showing as the pink that lightly dusted your face.

The atmosphere of the cafe suddenly felt very awkward, with neither side willing to talk. You cleared your throat, hoping to break the silence. Perhaps you could treat him to a free coffee for helping you rid of that costumer. You put on a smile. Your cash register blinked red.

“Would you like a—” you glanced down at the register for just the slightest moment, then look back up, only to find the pretty boy gone. “Free coffee…” you finished.

‘Ah.’

“starfall, the sparkle in your eyes— summer”

“Oh FUCK.”

You scrambled about, hurriedly changing from the comforts of your pajamas to whatever you’d dug out from your closet.

“Why didn’t my fucking alarm go off?!”

“What the fuck?” the groggy voice of Aether mumbled.

Panic was racing though your body, you glanced at the clock as you stuffed your boots on.

8:57am

You have three minutes to spare. 180 seconds to make it from your dorm to your campus, from your campus to your lecture hall. Under most normal circumstances, you would’ve just skipped the exam altogether, but your professor just had to be a bitch and make the exam a major part of your grade— and if you wish to pass his class, you must take it.

Exam starts the moment the clock ticks 9:00, and nobody is allowed in anymore after— as your professor had specifically told the class.

“Sorry Aether!”

Slinging your bag over your shoulder, you slammed the door shut and booked it.

8:58am

Two minutes was all you had left. You didn’t waste your entire high school life practicing in the track team just not make be able to make a 300-yard dash in two minutes. You can— no, you will. You will make it.

Your peripheral vision of the environment blurred together as the wind began to catch up, heart racing with every stride you take.

In your haze of sheer panic, you had failed to notice the boy you were gunning towards scrambling to move out of your way. You yelped when you absolutely bodied them. He managed to steady himself, but you on the other hand, found yourself sprawled on the concrete.

“Ow…” you muttered, rubbing your lower back regions. “I’m so sorry you see— oh it’s you!”

Pretty boy looked bewildered; his eyes trained on your figure sitting on the ground. He reached out a hand to help you up, but there was no need. You weren’t sitting for very long, for a quick glance at your watch had you up instantly.

“I am going to be late. Sorry about that,” you called out.

He stood there. “You dropped something…” he slowly said.

But you were long gone, leaving nothing but a slight breeze that tickled his cheek.

>>—<<

Just a little under a minute remaining. Your lungs felt like they were on fire. The sight of your class building was just in sight. Just a little bit more, you thought.

15…

You pulled out your student ID and swiped through the scanner, barley giving the poor machine time to unlock the door before you rammed your way through it.

11…

Scrambling up the stairs like a madman, you could care less about the student that screamed at the sight of you— going on all fours crawling up the stairs at an inhuman speed.

4…

You’ve finally made it to the third floor; your legs were uncontrollably shaking by then. The final stretch, and with the time quickly ticking away, you ran as if your life was on the line.

1…

The door to the lecture hall opened with a loud bang, echoing throughout the quiet room. Every head was turned to stare at you, even your professor stopped midway in handing out tests to look at you.

“I’m not late,” you panted, face flushed red.

You made it with barley a second to spare. The clock struck nine.

>>—<<

“Ugh, I for sure failed that exam…” Lumine grumbled, stuffing her reference papers back into her backpack. “You done organizing yet?”

“One moment…” you replied, zipping up your bag. “…okay, let’s go.”

Lumine hooked her arm around yours as the two of you exited the lecture hall. “You know when you slammed that door open, everyone jumped. I think the prof got scared too.”

“Don’t remind me. I nearly broke my back trying to get here on time… hey speaking of which. Why didn’t you wake me up?” you said.

“I tried; you were dead asleep… I accidentally woke Aether and Tao up trying to get you awake,” Lumine replied.

“Oh— ow, my back,” you muttered. The scene where you rammed into the pretty boy flashed in your mind. You suddenly frowned. “Wait a moment.”

You stopped in the middle of the hallway, realization catching up to you. “Wait a damn moment.”

“What is up with you today? Let’s go before they trample us over,” Lumine said, tugging you along as another current of students flooded your way. She led you out the school building. You winced and squeezed your eyes shut as the unbearably bright sunlight caught you off guard.

Now it was Lumine’s turn to pull you to a halt. You felt the hand grip around your arm tighten. “Ow,” you complained.

“Oh sorry— but look at that guy over there!” Lumine exclaimed, slightly gesturing over to someone.

You squinted, trying to see through the blazing glory of the sun. “Where?” you asked. “I literally can’t see, it’s so bright.”

“Over there,” Lumine hissed. “Oh, crap I think he saw us, let’s go let’s go.”

Lumine quickly began to usher you away, and you blindly followed suit. You felt her panic when she suddenly began dragging you as she sped walked away.

“Hey, wait—” a voice called out from behind.

Lumine stopped, frozen over. You turned around, using one hand to mask away the sun. “It’s you again!” you exclaimed.

“It’s me.”

“You two know each other?” Lumine quipped, turning over to look at you. Her eyes narrowed. “You aren’t stalking my friend here, right?”

“Lumine, relax. Remember what happened at work? He was the guy I was telling you about. Not a stalker.”

“Ohh— him?!”

“Why are you so shocked?”

“Need to have a word with you,” Lumine whispered, grabbing ahold of your sleeve. “Excuse us.”

She brought you over to a more secluded area— under one of the many oak trees and began talking in a hushed voice.

“Do you even have a clue as to who he is?” She lightly jabbed at your chest.

“No?” you replied. “All I know is that he’s the regular that appears and orders the same thing every day.”

“That’s Xiao?! Like the Xiao??”

“Oh, that super-hot guy that everyone loves? … THAT’S HIM?!” jaw dropped, you stared at Lumine in utter disbelief.

“Yes!” she hissed.

“Now I see why everyone was staring at him… you too.”

“How did I not know? No, how did you not know?! Your so-called protector is Xiao…”

You ran your fingers through your hair. “I didn’t think it was necessary, besides, you never asked.”

“Fuck you, let’s go back,” she said, sweetly smiling at you. You suddenly had a bad feeling. The iron grip she had on your arm slightly terrified you. Lumine led you back to where Xiao stood.

“Hi, sorry for keeping you waiting,” you said, sending Lumine a glare. She pinched you in response.

“It’s fine,” he said. “You dropped his, by the way, when you uh, bumped into me.”

“Ah.”

Bumped was too nice of a word to replace what had really happened. You laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, sorry about that, you aren’t hurt, are you?”

He shook his head. “Here,” he said, handing you your keys.

“Oh, so that’s where my keys went,” you exclaim, taking your item back. “I was wondering where it went. Thank you!” You beamed at him.

He turned his head away. It went silent again.

Lumine took one look at the sudden mood change, then gave you a sly smile, and slipped away from the scene before you could even latch on to her. You watched as she ran away, her figure gradually merging in with the other students.

“Does it still hurt?” he asked once Lumine was out of sight.

“What?”

“Your cheek, where the drink burned you. Does it still hurt?”

“No,” you said. “Thank you, again.”

“It’s nothing.”

“And uh, last time you left before I could ask you,” you said. “I would like to treat you to a cup of coffee as my thanks.”

“There’s really no need.”

“I insist. Are you free this Saturday?” you asked. “I’m [name], by the way.”

“Xiao,” he replied. “I’m free anytime.”

“Wonderful! I’ll see you this Saturday at Angels Hall then,” you said.

You hadn’t given Xiao much of a chance to speak before you left, giving him a small wave as you disappeared under the bright sunlight to look for Lumine. If you had stayed a little longer and observed a little closer, maybe you would’ve seen the furious blush that covered his cheeks that he so desperately tried to hide.

“Ooh-la-la, my goodness Xiao,” a cheeky voice came trailing up behind him. “Who’s the lucky one?”

Xiao glared at the newcomer. “Nobody, Venti.”

The short boy in green placed a hand over his heart, pretending to be hurt. “Oh Xiao, you won’t even tell me? That’s fine then, I’ll get Heizou to do it for me.” His voice had a slight tease to it.

“Shut it…”

The week passed by in a blink of an eye, and Saturday came faster than Xiao liked. You had told him the details when you— coincidentally, bumped into him while running some errands.

2:00pm, you had told him.

The clock was striking close to 1:45 and he was not ready to have a one-on-one conversation with you.

Xiao paced around his dorm anxiously, muttering incoherent nonsense to himself. His dorm mates looked at him curiously, but no word was said between them. Venti sat in one corner of the room, silently giggling to himself. He seemed to be the only one amused at Xiao’s demise.

“What’s got you so stressed out, Xiao?” one of his dorm mates asked. His green eyes glinted with interest.

“Nothing…” Xiao muttered.

“Doesn’t look like nothing to me. Are you meeting her?”

Xiao froze. “How do you know? Did Venti tell you?”

“Ah, so you ARE meeting up with her.”

>>—<<

“You did WHAT NOW?!”

Aether winced at Hutao’s sudden outburst. “Tao, volume please.”

“Did she actually do it? You saw her ask him?” Hutao gripped tightly onto Lumine’s shoulders, gently shaking her. Her bright red eyes widened.

“I don’t know,” Lumine sheepishly admitted. “I ran away so they could have some time alone, you know?”

Hutao looked miserable, the way her bangs drooped down and covered her face. She dramatically sighed and spun herself onto her bed, the mattress squeaking as she did so.

You got up from where you sat and began rummaging through your tiny closet for a bag suitable for today's meeting. You couldn’t find one to your liking, so you began searching through Lumine’s closet. “Hey Lum, mind if I borrow your bag for the day? It’s the black messenger one.”

“Sure, just don’t get it dirtied,” Lumine replied nonchalantly. She crumpled up a piece of scrap paper and threw it at Aether. It landed directly on his forehead with a tiny bonk.

“Lumine!” he whined, rubbing at where the ball had hit him.

You quickly slipped on a pair of boots and opened the door. “I’ll take my leave now.”

“Have fun on your date!” Hutao cheered enthusiastically, her voice muffled. It seemed her glum mood had just dispelled.

“It’s not a date,” you groaned, exasperated.

“Make sure to tell us EVERY single little detail when you get back,” Lumine said, her eyes boring onto yours. You shivered.

“Bye [name]!” Aether waved at you, stopped short when another paper ball hit him. “Lumine! Stop throwing those at me, you’re cleaning them up.”

“Bye everyone,” you said. “Be back in an hour or so.”

>>—<<

Xiao was incredibly nervous. He really should’ve said no to your offer. But… he squeezed his eyes a shut and groaned. He couldn’t bear seeing the disappointment washing over that sparkle of joy in your eyes.

Curse his feelings. To hell with them.

“Xiao!”

Your eager voice snapped his out of his thoughts. He looked up at you, and his heart began to beat a little faster.

It’s just a friendly meetup, not a date.

“Hey.”

“I didn’t keep you waiting for too long, did I?” you asked.

Xiao shook his head. “I just got here.”

“Great, let’s go in, shall we?” you said.

He nodded.

The door to the cafe opened with a jingle, and the ambiance of the environment allured you in further. Xiao followed closely behind you, his eyes darting around nervously.

A peculiar figure caught his eye, and he wanted to die right there and then at the sight.

Venti pushed his sunglasses up further and gave Xiao a shit eating grin. Seated around him was his dorm mates, everyone was there, watching him. Heizou gave him a wink, as if to say, ‘good luck’.

How they managed to get there before Xiao is beyond him.

“You fuckers…” Xiao mumbled under his breath.

You ushered him into a seat and handed him the menu.

“Order whatever,” you told him. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

When Xiao had made sure you were gone, he set the menu down and got up, making his way over to his friend group sitting in the corner.

“What the fuck are you guys doing here?” Xiao hissed.

Venti took off his sunglasses and gave Xiao an innocent look. “We just so happen to be passing by, didn’t know you were coming here too.”

Scaramouche scoffed, rolling his eyes. Heizou jabbed him.

“You know damn well…” Xiao said.

“Well Xiao, you shouldn’t stay for too long. Your date should be back soon,” Venti mused.

Speak of the devil, his sharp hearing picked up the sound of the bathroom door being open— despite the loud chatter of the cafe. He gave Venti a glare before returning to his seat and picking up the menu, acting as if nothing had transpired.

You reappeared, taking a seat across from him. “Chosen what you want yet?”

Xiao skimmed through the menu and quickly picked the one that looked the most appealing. “Yeah, an Angels Blessing, whatever that is.”

You called the waitress over and placed your orders.

“You really didn’t have to,” Xiao said, watching as the waitress left for the kitchen.

His words completely crossed your mind. Caught off guard by your silence, Xiao looked back at you.

Your eyes bore into his, an unreadable expression on your face. Xiao couldn’t bring himself to tear his gaze away from you even if he tried. Something compelled him to keep staring.

Suddenly the noises of the cafe blurred out, fading into nothing but a tiny buzz. It was just you and him, alone, sitting across from each other.

When had you become so pretty?

You smiled at him, the corners of your eyes crinkling up. “Xiao did you know?”

When did the butterflies began appearing?

“Know…” he swallowed the lump in his throat.

When did it happen? Why?

“You have really pretty eyes; they remind me of the stars glittering in the galaxy.”

Maybe that’s what had confirmed his skeptical feelings for you, because at that moment, Xiao felt like he fell in love all over again.

In love with all of you again.

“memoirs, anew remembrance— autumn”

Memories. Taken in the form on pictures, notes, anything.

Xiao could remember the time he first laid eyes on you clear as day.

It was on campus last year autumn, during the annual sports festival, where you were one of the many participants racing for the win. Xiao stood together with his friends, betting on who would come out victorious.

He wasn’t particularly interested in who won or who lost, in fact, Xiao didn’t even want to be here in the festival in the first place. It was only under the solemn promise of free almond tofu that he agreed to go.

“I’m betting on the one in green,” Venti said. “5 dollars he wins.”

“The player in purple,” Kazuha pointed to the billboard listing all the players. “How about you Scaramouche?”

“I don’t fucking know, the black one?” Scaramouche muttered.

“I’m calling the purple one,” Heizou said. “Who are you betting on, Xiao?”

“Uh, the blue one?” Xiao blurted out.

Venti clapped his hands in glee. “Wonderful! May the gods be on my side and let the green player win!”

“Venti that’s not how it works.”

>>—<<

“Nervous?”

“Of course I’m fucking nervous…” you mumbled, fidgeting with your gloves.

The pink hair girl laughed, her green eyes twinkling. “You’ll do just fine. Those months of practice won’t go to waste.”

“I really do hope so…”

“Have some faith in yourself.”

“Thank you, Fei,” you said, feeling the strings of agitation pulling away.

“Best of luck,” Yanfei said, sending you a wink just as the booming voice of the announcer came on.

It was your time to shine— or horribly embarrassed yourself.

>>—<<

“They’re finally starting!” Venti exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Oh there’s the green one!”

Xiao watched closely as each player began taking field. The player he had betted on stood in the far corner. He hadn’t expected himself to be so interested in the game. Perhaps it was because he didn’t want to lose five dollars today.

‘And the players had taken field!’ the announcer shouted.

The crowd cheered.

‘A soon to be fantastic yet suspenseful game tonight, five players competing for the title of king. Only the best out of the best in the field tonight, this game surely will be an interesting one. And now without any further delays…’

Xiao held his breath, his eyes trained on the player in blue.

‘…may the game commence.’

>>—<<

The pressure was killing you. The eyes, the cheers, the lights. Yet none of those stopped you. All those months of ruthless training— not even a single second will be left to waste away.

You dropped into a trance, body moving on autopilot. The voice of your coach commanded your every move.

It was only when the stadium erupted into screams that you broke out from your daze, startled at the sudden outburst.

‘And we have a clear winner!’ the announcer broadcasted, her voice echoing over the crowd’s cries.

Lumine jumped over the railings and ran into to the field, successfully dodging the security trying to grab her. She body slammed you and engulfed you in a tight hug. “YOU WON! YOU DID IT!” Lumine screamed. “Oh my god I’m so proud of you. See I told you you’ll win.”

I won? …

Suddenly you felt weak, head spinning, vision blurring. “I won?” you muttered.

The rest of your friend group came running towards you too, and security didn’t even bother to try and stop the two kids barreling for you. Hutao smashed into you, one hand holding a small bouquet of flower. Aether slowed to a jog and brought out a spray bottle, showering cool water on you.

“Congratulations my dear!” Hutao cheered. “We all fucking told you you’ll win this. Dinner is on me tonight.”

“You did great,” Aether said, handing you a bottle of water.

The crowd of people was still cheering for your victory, and cheered even louder when you held up your hard-earned trophy high in air for everyone to see. You laughed, a tear of happiness rolling down your cheek.

I won.

>>—<<

“Aw damn,” Venti groaned. “I was so sure green would win…”

“Xiao got lucky today,” Heizou laughed, handing Xiao a five-dollar bill. “Twenty dollars and a free dessert.”

“Say, where are we going out tonight?” Kazuha asked, also handing Xiao a five.

“Thanks…” Xiao muttered. He wasn’t even paying attention to the group's conversation. His interest was driven onto somewhere else— someone else.

For some odd reason, Xiao couldn’t stop staring at you.

Enveloped by your friends in a giant bear hug, the trophy glinting under the stadium lights, you stood there, crying and laughing.

Xiao smiled softly to himself.

The second time Xiao saw you was during the week before midterms, and at that time, you looked like a mess.

You were in Angels Hall with your friends, paper upon papers scattered all over the table. The coffee you had ordered was left to the side was half drank, long gone cold.

“I can’t,” you whined. “This is so.”

Lumine sat next to you, head buried in her arms. “I agree.”

“How about we finish this unit then we go, because I don’t think I can’t last any longer either,” Aether said. “Right Tao?”

“It’s been 2 hours, not sure how much longer I can go for,” Hutao mumbled. “I feel like shit.”

You straightened up. “Let’s go back to our dorm. None of us here wants to be here any longer.”

“I second that,” Lumine said, downing the last bits of her drink in one go.

Hutao began organizing all the papers into a neat stack before stuffing it into her bag, regardless of if it wrinkles. The waiter dropped by and handed you the bill with a forced smile.

“Let’s go,” Hutao said, getting up from her seat. Lumine was already by the exit, impatiently tapping her foot.

You set down a twenty-dollar bill and left with the rest of the group, the twinkling of the silver bell indicating your departure.

Xiao couldn’t help but feel disappointed, watching you leave.

Kazuha tapped his arm. “Xiao, are you good? You seem distracted.”

“He’s probably got his mind on someone,” Heizou said.

“Xiao? Liking someone? No way,” Venti gasped.

“Can you all just shut the fuck up and focus?” Scaramouche growled, already fed up. “Especially you, Venti.”

“Aha, sorry…”

The third time Xiao ran into you was at the coffee place you worked at. He had just randomly chosen a cafe to get a breather, a break from his work and from the rain. He had figured that this tiny cafe was the best place to enjoy his time and peace. It was during the evening, when there were just barely any more costumers coming in.

You stood behind the cashier, a bright smile plastered on your face.

“An iced black coffee,” he told you.

It hasn’t even been two minutes after he had paid, and his order was already ready to go.

“…thank you,” Xiao managed out. He quickly turned away and found a seat in the corner of the store, the tip of his ears already tinted red. There was no way he could return that bright grin of yours without turning into a tomato.

The way you smiled at him… the way you looked with your hair tucked behind your ear. In his eyes, you’re the literal embodiment of the ethereal celestial being send from the skies above. He had never felt like this towards someone ever before, this was a first for him. But all the signs made it clear— the way his heart pounds abnormally fast, the way his words get caught up in his throat, the way the butterflies flutter around in his stomach— it was all enough for Xiao to know that he had developed a crush for you.

No. He does not have a crush on you, he just merrily found you attractive. That is all there is to that.

“… single, aren’t you?”

Xiao snapped his head up, thoughts interrupted. He glanced over at the customer who was leaned over the counter, trying to act cool. The way your shoulders were tensed up, the stutters in your words— it was clear you were uncomfortable with his sudden advancements.

“Why don’t you leave her the fuck alone?” he snarled, caught off guard by his harsh tone.

What transpired afterwards was history, but ever since that incident, he has been coming in every day. By then, you had recognized Xiao as a regular in the new cafe you worked at. Every day he would appear exactly at 3:00pm, and order the same thing— a black coffee, and leave minutes before you get off your shift.

You found it endearing, how a mere stranger watched over you so protectively. Although your friends begged to differ.

“Pretty boy?” Lumine snorted. “Oh please, what if he’s going to kidnap you one day?”

“As if,” you retorted. “I trust my guts.”

“crystalline, frosted confessions— winter.”

“Black—”

“— coffee. Got it right here,” you said, holding up the cup of freshly brewed coffee. “As per usual, that’ll be 2.35$. But since you’ve been a regular here for so long, I’m cutting the price down to 1.75$.”

“Thank you,” Xiao handed you two dollars and took the coffee, where then he proceeded to sit in the same spot he had been sitting in for past few weeks.

The store was completely empty expect for Xiao. As expected, you thought. Nobody would want to be out when the weather had predicted an snowstorm. Flurries of snowflakes bend and shaped by the wind covered the outside world in a softened blanket of white.

“It’s snowing pretty hard outside,” you thought out loud, elbow resting against the marble counter. “Are you cold? I could turn the heater up.”

“It’s fine,” Xiao replied. “Why are you still working today anyways? It’s snowing really hard out there.”

“Who’s going to run the store if not me?” you laughed. “The boss offered me a pay raise if I stayed to attend the store today. Obviously, I can’t turn that offer down.”

Xiao gave a hum of acknowledgment. “I’ll drive you back to campus. It’s too dangerous for you to walk out there alone.”

His words caught you by surprise. Never would you have thought Xiao would be offering to drive you back to the dorms.

“How kind of you, thank you Xiao,” you said. “I’ll be closing down in maybe a couple minutes. Then we can go.”

Hail had slowly begun to mix in with the snow. The tiny ice fragments pattered against the window, creating a clicking sound. You began cleaning up— there wasn’t much to be done, but you still liked the store to be spotless before you leave. Setting the dried towel by the sink, you took off your apron and hung it in the back.

Xiao finished up his drink and threw the disposable cup away, making sure to grab napkins to wipe the table clean.

By the time he had cleaned his table, you were ready to leave. Xiao narrowed his eyes.

“Where’s your jacket?” he asked.

“Oh, I forgot mines,” you said, pushing open the door. You shivered at the cold blast of wind. “Left in a hurry this morning... ha-ha.”

Xiao bit down on his lips. “Can’t be helped,” he sighed, walking out the door.

You locked the store and flipped over the OPEN sign to CLOSED. “Let’s go,” you said. Your nose was already turning red.

“Here,” Xiao muttered, draping his jacket over you. “I… don’t want you to get sick.”

You felt your face heat up and your heart race. "I— thank you, Xiao.”

Xiao turned away and began walking towards his car. His heart was pounding mercilessly against his chest as he unlocked the door to his sleek black Toyota. You stood by him, snuggled up in his jacket, and stepped into the car when Xiao opened the door for you.

What a gentleman, you thought to yourself.

The car reverberated to life as Xiao turned the engine on, and with it, the heater was turned on too. A blast of warm air surrounded you, and your body relaxed, taking in the warmth.

You felt yourself slowly dozing off as Xiao drove through the storm. You weren’t even tired, perhaps it was the environment that had lulled you into a dreamlike state.

Time passed by slowly, and when Xiao had parked by your dorm, you were fast asleep. He almost didn’t want to wake you.

“Hey,” he whispered, nudging your shoulder.

“Five more minutes…” you mumbled, shrugging his hand away. “Five…”

He stifled a laugh. “We’ve arrived at your dorm. I think I see Lumine up there.”

You snapped open your eyes and sat up straight. “Where?!”

The laugh he had been keeping in bubbled out. You looked at him, eyes half lidded, confusion written all over your face.

“We’re at your dorm, let’s go, the storms getting worse,” Xiao said, getting out the car. He jogged over to the other side and opened the door before you could. “Careful there, the roads iced up.”

Your movements were sluggish as you got out from the car, grabbing onto Xiao for support. “Sorry,” you mumbled.

You felt Xiao wrap one arm around your waist to support your weight, slowly guiding you through the path and up the stairs to your dormitory. The harsh wind that slapped you in the face was enough of a wakeup call, and you fumbled to fish your keys out your pocket.

Pushing the key into the lock, you turned back to face Xiao— but he was already down the stairs by his car. He caught your eye, and you hastily gave him a wave before disappearing indoors, where the warmth awaited you. “Thank you,” you mouthed, and the door closed behind you.

Xiao stayed outside your dormitory for a little bit, watching the shadows of your friends engulfing you through the sheer curtains that fluttered around. An unmistakable feeling of heat rushed throughout his body, and he smiled to himself, then sneezed.

>>—<<

“Wait, wait, WAIT,” Lumine grabbed your sleeve and pushed you onto your bunk. “You got home awfully fast today, and whose jacket is that?”

Hutao walked out from the bathroom, a towel slung over her shoulders. “I think I’ve seen that jacket somewhere before.”

“Oh, wait isn’t that Xiao’s jacket?” Aether piped in, setting his headset aside and spinning around to face the two of you.

“That’s where I’ve seen it,” Hutao said with a snap of her fingers. “That emo guy that everyone seems to be obsessed with, I’ve seen him walking around campus several times in that same jacket.”

“That emo guy,” Aether repeated. “Isn’t he your cousin?”

“Did something happen between you and Xiao?” Lumine asked, eyes glittering with excitement.

You laughed nervously. “Well yeah, sort of? I mean, he drove me back here…”

Lumine’s eyes went wide open. “Now that’s a first. Oh, girl he definitely likes you.”

“He did it because it was snowing like crazy out there and I didn’t have a jacket with me!”

“Excuses,” Hutao snorted. “I can tell you that Xiao never lets anyone else in his car other than his close friends. I’ve asked him for a ride once and I had to beg for it, EVEN though we were cousins, and I still had to Uber back home.”

Lumine nodded. “Can confirm, I was there to witness it all.”

You shook your head. “There’s no way. Anyways! To celebrate me getting a pay raise, dinners on me tonight!”

“Wooo!” Hutao cheered, throwing on a thick puffer jacket. “Where are we off to?”

>>—<<

“Is he… sick?” Kazuha asked worriedly.

The boys gathered around Xiao’s bed, listening to his coughs and sniffles.

“Leave me be…” Xiao mumbled, pulling his blanket over his head.

“He definitely sounds sick," Heizou commented.

"This is what you get for not wearing a jacket out yesterday... I'd say it's well-deserved." Scaramouche snorted, tossing yet another packet of tissues at Xiao.

"He wasn't wearing a jacket?" Venti echoed, his loud voice traveling from the kitchen into Xiao's room. "Didn't he leave with a jacket though? The green and black one?"

Heizou raised a brow, one hand under his chin. A quizzical look appeared, followed by a know-it-all one. "I think I know where his jacket went," he said, a sly grin dancing on his lips.

"Get the fuck out of my room."

>>—<<

“Tao, whenever you’re able to, can you help me return this jacket to Xiao? I haven’t been able to find him anywhere,” you said, hanging up your bag. Xiao’s black and green jacket hung next to your school bag, a scent of fresh laundry within the fibers.

Hutao popped a piece of gum in her mouth and chewed loudly. “I honestly have no clue where he is. I can help you get in touch with the pests he hangs around though.”

“That’d be lovely,” you replied, shooting Tao a grateful smile.

>>—<<

“Hey Xiao.”

“…”

“Xiaooooo.”

Silence.

Venti sighed in defeat and turned away from Xiao’s room, instead plopping himself down on the couch. Kazuha hummed to himself as he stirred the giant bowl of batter he had in his arms— as far as Venti remembers, he was making chocolate chip cookies. A classic favorite among everyone.

Scaramouche was out of town, called back home for a family emergency. Heizou on the hand, had locked himself in one of the many study cubbies in the campus’s library to study for his upcoming exam. And Xiao— well, he’s passed out sick.

Venti sighed once again, bored out of his mind. He lazily opened up his phone and was greeted by a text from Xiao’s cousin: Hutao.

[5:14pm] Hutao >> u available rn?

>>—<<

“Hey! You must be Venti, right?” you asked, standing up from the park bench you were just sitting on moments ago.

“And you’re the girl that Xiao’s been fawning over I presume,” Venti replied, smiling.

“My name— wait what?”

“Oh, it’s nothing— hey that’s Xiao’s jacket!” Venti pointed to the black jacket draped over your arms. “Right?”

“Yeah, I was hoping you’d help me return this to him,” you said sheepishly.

Venti pressed his hand to his chest. “Oh, I would love to, but I think it’s best if you do it!”

Puzzled by his response, you ask, “Why?”

He sighed dramatically and collapsed onto the bench, feigning heartache. “Well you see, poor Xiao had locked himself up in his room, burning up a fever— and wants nothing to do with me at the moment. If I were to try and enter his room, I’m afraid I won’t see the light of day again.”

You blinked at Venti’s performance, slowly soaking in the information given. Does Xiao hate him? Why? You wanted to ask. “He’s sick?” was what came out your mouth instead.

“Terribly so.”

>>—<<

“Xiao?” you called out softly.

A shuffle was heard as the sickly student attempted to sit upright. You quickly entered the room and closed the door behind you, rushing over to Xiao’s side the moment the door clicked shut.

“Hey,” you said, smiling. “Hope you don’t mind the intrusion.”

Xiao blinked groggily, fighting against the sleep medication he had taken hours ago. “What are you”— he sneezed “doing here?”

“Came here to return your jacket,” you replied, draping his jacket over his pink gaming chair. An odd expression crossed your face, but you didn’t speak of it.

Xiao managed to sit upright despite being in absolute agony. His head throbbed painfully, an unfortunate side effect of his medication. You placed a hand over the small of his back and helped him ease into a more comfortable position. "Easy there Xiao..." you murmured. "Don't strain yourself too much."

"I'll be fine," he said. "You shouldn't be here— you know, with me being sick and all. You might get sick too."

A smile tugged at the corner of your lips. "You're the one here sick, and you're worried about me? Besides, I didn't see you for the past week and I miss your presence."

There was a tease in your voice, and Xiao caught it. Yet he couldn't control the way his heart sped up. He cleared his throat, adverting his body away from where you sat. Perhaps being sick isn't so bad after all, he could at least use the fever as an excuse as to why his face is burning a scarlet red.

You felt your smile grow bigger seeing his reaction. "Don't turn around now— we've known each other for so long now, it's weird being somewhere without you." You were confident, almost too confident with your words. But with graduation so close, you knew that there wasn't much time left for you to spill your feelings. It was like gambling, gambling time and memories away.

Outside, the sun began to dip below the horizon. Snow resting upon the frail branch of the young oak crumbled when a chunk of ice shattered against the trunk.

“Heizou!” the shrill voice of Venti shrieked.

Either you win, or you'll lose it all.

Xiao remained silent, unsure of how to process your words. He wanted to believe everything you said, but some part of himself won't allow him to. For all he knows, you could just be tugging on his heartstrings, playing it like a sick sort of a puppet show. But... he glanced at you. You weren't looking at him anymore, instead your attention was fixated on the scene happening outside his window.

The way the sunset created a golden aura around you made you look absolutely breathtaking, hitting all the right angles in all the right way. He didn't know there was a way for you to be any prettier than you already are. Would he have gotten to see you like this if he wasn't sick?

"Xiao." the seriousness laced with your tone made him tense up. You pushed yourself away from the window ledge and turned to face him. “Xiao,” you repeated. “Can I tell you something?”

Your heart was pounding. A year worth of buildup— he’s seen you at your worst, as you had seen him, how much longer are you able to hold it in for? There’s nothing you could really hide from this man; he was bound to find out about your crush sooner or later.

Xiao took in a deep breath. “Go on,” he croaked out. He wiped his sweaty palms on his blanket.

You bit the insides of your cheek. The words are at the tip of your tongue, but that’s the furthest they’re willing to go. “I— fuck I can’t say it,” you groaned, turning back to face the window.

"No," he said. "No, tell me."

That intense voice you knew all too familiar— now you know that there is no backing out. Xiao's stubbornness had been a constant pain in the ass for you, yet it was also a part of him that you found endearing.

"You promise this won't change anything?" you asked, voice small.

A creak followed by a shuffle, and you felt Xiao's arm wrap around your waist. His disheveled hair tickled against your cheek as he rests his head upon your shoulder. '"Nothing will change, I promise," he muttered.

Touch. In no way was this unusual for the two of you. But this time, it felt new. In this stifling environment, where the air was tense, everything feels unfamiliar. Xiao's touch felt unfamiliar. What if this ruins it all?

Fuck it.

"I really like you, you know that, Xiao?" you whispered.

Time seemed to freeze for a moment, and you felt your heart drop. This is it. The signs point to it all, it tells you that Xiao is the one, yet you can't help but think otherwise. Overthinking has always been a bad habit of yours.

After minutes of painful awkward silence (it was only a few seconds), Xiao replied. "I know."

"I really like you too, [name]. I've liked you since last year, since the moment I saw you on the field for the annual sports festival. And I fell deeper in love with you over the course of the year, seeing you around campus, at the cafe you worked— your very presence seems to bring comfort. I wanted to confess for so long, you know? But I didn't, I feared that it would've tampered with whatever we already had going on."

he paused to clear his throat.

"I like— no, I love you."

Through the window, the view of the night sky was in perfect sight. The stars above twinkled, and flashing by for just a second, was a shooting star.

Even the stars have spoken.

✩ ·┆ masterlist

notes—

— the number of times i accidentally typed ‘ciao’ instead of ‘xiao’ is diabolical

© acaaai-t — do not plagiarize, repost, or translate

[bradshawsbaby]

Letters to My Love // Part X

Rosie the Riveter

Series Masterlist

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Pairing: Bob Floyd x Female Reader

Summary: When you signed up to volunteer with the USO, you never anticipated that you would meet a man like Ensign Robert Floyd. Fate brings you together one balmy spring evening in Charleston—the night before Bob is set to ship off across the Atlantic. Pen and paper become your only means of sharing your heart with the naval aviator who’s captivated it, igniting a correspondence that spans the distance between you. Can love blossom even as war rages and thousands of miles keep you apart?

Word Count: 2.9k

Author’s Note: I'm so sorry for how long it's taken me to update this story! One of my goals for 2024 is to get this series completed. Although it's taken me so long to update, Bobby and Peach are never far from my mind and are always in my heart. I hope you enjoy this latest installment of their story!

Set the Mood: If you’re looking for some 1940s vibes, check out the playlist I made to pair with the story.

The title of this chapter is obviously a tribute to the iconic figure of Rosie the Riveter. But it was also inspired by the song of the same name by The Four Vagabonds, which you can listen to here!

Dedication: As always, this story is dedicated to my dear friend, Clara (@luminousnotmatter). She was the first person to listen to all my endless ramblings about this universe, and she has never stopped supporting me or believing that I can get it finished. Thank you, Clara!

Warnings: Alternating POV, references to casualties of war and grief, slight angst, lots and lots of fluff.

July 8, 1943

My Dearest Peach,

I want to start by saying that I’m terribly sorry it’s taken me so long to respond to your last letter. I think I’ve worn down the paper to nearly nothing with how many times I’ve read it, but it’s been hard to get a free moment to sit and write you the response you deserve. Things are really heating up over here, and we have to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down to start a new letter, only for us to be called up just as I set my pen to the paper.

To set your mind at ease, I want you to know that I’m alright. I’m not sure how much information they’re sharing with you all back home, but I know one of the fellas got a letter from his wife recently and she told him that three different families on their street got notified that their boys had been killed in action in just one week. It made her real scared that she was going to be the next one getting a knock on the door. I won’t lie to you, Peach, because I don’t think that’s fair—we’re losing a lot of men over here. It’s scary to think that any day now, it could be me they’re sending a flag home for.

I hate to start this letter off so morbidly, but there’s been something weighing on my mind lately, especially since my buddy got that letter from his wife. If anything happens to me over here, you won’t know. They’ll tell my family, sure, but not you. And I can’t stand the thought of you waiting for another letter that isn’t going to come. So I’ve spoken to Paul, Tommy Boy, and Benny about it. If anything happens to me over here, Peach, they’re going to write to you and let you know. It gives me some comfort to think that their words will be a little softer and kinder than the formality of Uncle Sam.

I hope this doesn’t make you sad, Peach, although I admit it makes me a bit sad to write. The truth is, I’m quite alright right now, like I said, and I don’t plan on letting anything happen to me over here. We have to take that drive to Folly Beach and get ice cream on the pier, after all. I tell you, that thought alone is enough to get me through even the hardest days over here.

Alright, enough of all this. Time to get back to your lovely letter. They’re calling us for dinner right now, but as soon as I’m finished, I’m coming right back to continue this letter. Nothing’s going to stop me from getting it to you.

I’m back, Peach. All the fellas were teasing me in the galley because of how quickly I scarfed down my dinner, but I didn’t care because I knew I was getting back to you and your sweet words, and that means a whole lot more than the crummy food they’re serving over here. Boy, I tell you, I sure do miss home-cooked meals. They even had—I’m not lying, I promise—they even had peach cobbler for dessert tonight. It made me think of you, but I’m sure it’s nowhere near as good as the cobbler your family makes, so I didn’t even bother giving it a taste.

Now I do have to say that you’re right, of course. I hate hearing you call yourself shy and mousey. If that’s the way you feel when I call myself boring, then I certainly promise I won’t ever do it again. It’s a deal—neither of us will talk about ourselves like that anymore.

Nothing you say could ever sound silly to me, Peach. Even though we only got to spend a few hours in each other’s company, your letters have made me feel like we’ve known each other for years and years. I’m honored that I’ve been able to make you feel seen. I do see you, Peach. You’re the most beautiful, interesting, intelligent girl I’ve ever known, and I hope you can see that in yourself. For what it’s worth, you’ve helped me to come out of my shell, too. Paul was just saying the other day that I look like a new man—that I’m standing taller and seem more confident than he’s ever seen in all the years he’s known me. I had just finished reading one of your letters when he said that. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. You’re turning me into a new man, Peach, and I like it. I like it a lot.

I’m glad that you passed along my well wishes to Emily. Even though part of me still thinks her fiancé is a dunce, I do wish them all the best. Has she heard from Eddie? I don’t know where he’s stationed, but if you’d like to find out and send the information to me, I can try to keep an ear out. How has the wedding planning been going? I’m still confident you’re going to make the prettiest bridesmaid.

I did pass along your invitation in my last letter home to my family, and my mother said she would certainly inquire after the Sheridan residence should she ever happen to find herself in Charleston. I think she’s happy that you and I are still writing to each other. She’s even happier about the thought of swapping recipes with you. Watch out—if the two of you ever do meet, I think she’ll hold you hostage in the kitchen all day.

Now I am very proud to hear about all the fine work you and Dottie have been doing with your Victory Garden. I’m sure there must have been a lot of progress since you last wrote to me! I eagerly await news about the beans, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I’m sure you’ve been able to make lots of hearty soups and healthy salads. My mouth is watering at the notion. Like I said, the food in the galley has been pretty crummy lately.

I’m sorry to hear there’s been some trouble back home. I’m sure it can’t be easy for anyone, with all the rationing and the fear and the worry. I promise that we’re doing our best over here to bring this war to an end quickly so that life can return to normal for all of you over there. For us, too. We really can’t wait to be home again.

Peach, I want you to know that it is our duty, our honor, and, quite frankly, our privilege to be fighting for you over here. I know the other fellas would agree with me saying so. So I don’t want you to feel like you have to do anything at home to “earn” us fighting for you. That said, I think it’s incredible that you want to contribute to the war effort in that way. I’m sure you haven’t been waiting for my response or my approval—which you shouldn’t, by the way—but I give a wholehearted yes to you applying for that position at the air station. We just recently saw Mr. Norman Rockwell’s illustration of Rosie the Riveter on the cover of the Post, and I have to say that I think you’d wear those coveralls a hundred times better.

I’m so proud of you, Peach. I want you to know that.

Speaking of the war effort, we have a couple big campaigns coming up very soon. I can’t say much more than that, but your well wishes and prayers for success would be very much appreciated. I’m always thankful for them.

Until next time, Peach! I’m already counting down the days until your next letter arrives.

Most Truly Yours,

Bobby

P.S. I almost forgot! I told Paul how much you loved the fact that he sends drawings home to Clara and Paul, Jr.—by the way, that reminds me, how is little Frankie doing?—and he was more than happy to create a few illustrations for you. He did a couple portraits—one of me and one of you, based off your beautiful photograph. He said to apologize that he’s too much of an amateur to capture all of your beauty. He did say that he thought he did a fine enough job capturing my likeness—I’m telling you, Peach, I think my friends officially like you better than they like me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

July 31, 1943

My Dearest Bobby,

Please don’t ever feel like you need to apologize for how long it takes you to write back to me. I can only imagine how difficult it is to find the time to write with everything that must be happening over there, and yet you always find the time to pen the most thoughtful and wonderful letters. I cherish each and every one of them, and I promise that I’m more than content to read your old letters as I await the new ones.

I’m so sorry to hear about how many of our boys we’re losing. Just last week, our neighbors, the Pattersons—you remember I mentioned Mrs. Patterson had helped me and Dottie with our Victory Garden?—received news that their son, Clarence was killed in action in France. It was devastating. Dottie and I had just been coming home from the grocery store when we saw the officer standing on their front steps with a telegram in hand. We knew what that meant. Mrs. Patterson has been inconsolable since. Mr. Patterson is equally devastated, but I think he’s trying to be strong for her. Dottie and I have been taking turns cooking meals for them and spending some time over at their house. We just want them to know that they’re not alone.

I admit, Bobby, that every time I hear news of someone else being lost in this war, I immediately think of you. It feels selfish, but I’m always so relieved when the news is about someone else and not you. I don’t know how I would bear it. I pray every day that I never have to receive that letter from Paul or Tommy Boy or Benny, but I am touched that you’ve thought about how I could be notified. Oh, Bobby, I hope more than anything that your parents never have to experience what the Pattersons are going through.

But you’re right—you’re going to come home safely. We have too many plans for you to do otherwise!

I’m sorry to hear that the food aboard your carrier has been so crummy lately. I wish that I could whip up a home-cooked feast and send it in the mail with my letters. Every time I sit down to dinner now, I think of all of you, and I count my blessings. Things aren’t perfect on the homefront, but I know that we certainly have no room to complain with all you boys are going through. I promise to have a peach cobbler waiting for you when you come home—and a pumpkin pie, for good measure.

If I’m turning you into a new man, Bobby, then you simply must know that you’re turning me into a new woman as well. I hardly remember the girl that I was before I met you. Can you believe that it’s been over a year now since our paths first crossed? I feel like my life is totally different now. The way that I see myself, the way I interact with others, the way that I’m not so terrified to step out of my comfort zone anymore—so much of that is thanks to you, Bobby. I’m still me, of course. But I feel like I’m a stronger, braver version of myself now. I like it, too.

It’s so kind of you to offer to keep an ear out for Eddie’s infantry! Emily received a letter from him around the same time that I received my letter from you, and he seems to be doing well, same as you, thank goodness. Eddie is part of the 1st Infantry Division. Emily said that last she knew, he was stationed somewhere near the Rhineland. The wedding planning has been going very well. Pretty much everything is set now—all we need is the groom. Emily can’t wait for Eddie to come home for good. Once he does, they’ll be able to officially set the date. Us bridesmaids are going to be wearing lilac-colored dresses. Dottie says she already knows how she’s going to style my hair. I hope that you’re home, too, when the wedding finally happens. Emily said that I could invite you to be my date. Only if you’d like that, of course.

I would be very happy to be kept hostage in the kitchen with your mother! I’m sure there’s so much I could learn from her, and it sounds like a splendid way to spend the day. I look forward to meeting her one of these days!

Oh, the Victory Garden, Bobby! You wouldn’t believe how it’s grown! Trust me, no one is more shocked than me and Dottie. Well, maybe Paddy. He knows firsthand what brown thumbs my sister and I normally have. At first, we weren’t so sure what was going to happen—the cucumbers seemed a bit small and some of the tomatoes didn’t really take. But by the end of June, everything was thriving! It’s been such a joy to watch, and I have to admit, both Dottie and I are feeling extremely accomplished. Frankie loves to spend time in the garden with us, although he spends a bit more time digging in the dirt than helping us pick vegetables, I’m afraid. Now that we’re in the middle of summer, we’re experimenting with zucchini and eggplant. We might also try radishes and turnips. We’re turning into quite the farmers! If your mother has any recipes to share, we’d be more than grateful and happy to try them out!

Now I admit that I’ve saved the most exciting news for last. At the beginning of June, I decided to go for it and I applied for the position at the air station in Goose Creek, the one Paddy told me about. I’m sure being his sister-in-law gave me a bit of an advantage, but it only took a couple days for me to hear back from them. I got the job! I’ve officially been working on the assembly line since the middle of June. It’s hard work, and I’ve never been so tired in all my life, but I have to say that I’m really proud of the work we’re doing. It’s funny that you mention Rosie the Riveter—my job these past few weeks has actually been to fasten pieces of the planes we’re assembling with rivets! So I guess you could call me Peach the Riveter. Doesn’t have quite the same ring though, does it?

I know that the chances are small that anything I’m helping to build is going to reach you specifically, Bobby, but I can’t help but smile every time we finish a new part, or get a new plane put together. I imagine you and Paul, or Tommy Boy or Benny hopping inside and it brings me more pleasure and pride than I could possibly explain. I feel like I’m doing something important, something meaningful and special. If spending hours riveting until my fingers turn numb brings you home even a day faster, then it will all have been worth it. And it gives me a real sense of purpose, driving to work each day with Paddy. I feel proud of myself.

I’ve made some new friends at work, too! Florence and Virginia—we call them Florie and Ginny—are the loveliest, kindest girls. They had already been working on the assembly line for a few months before I got the job, so they’ve been showing me the ropes and teaching me everything they know. They’ve made me feel so welcome, so a part of things. I have to admit that I was terrified my first week or so, terrified that I was going to mess something up or make a fool of myself. But I’ve settled in quite well, thankfully.

It means a lot to me to know that I have your support, Bobby. Truly, it does. Thinking of you and all that you’re doing to protect us is what really motivated me to take this job, so thank you.

Of course I’m sending all my best wishes for the campaigns you have coming up! Wherever you are right now, I pray that you’re safe and that your missions are successful.

You’re so brave, Bobby. Have I told you that lately? Even if I have, you deserve to hear it again. I’m so, so proud of you. You’re my hero.

I hope this letter gets to you soon. I wish it could grow wings and fly to you. I know time is going to pass so slowly until I’m holding a new letter from you in my hands. But until then, Bobby, I’m thinking of you and holding you in my heart.

Most Truly and Affectionately Yours,

Peach

P.S. Paul is quite the artist!!! I now have his portraits hanging right beside the photographs you sent me. Please tell him how talented I think he is, and how much I love the drawings he made for me! I was especially touched by the little note he wrote me on the back of your portrait. I hope he’s doing well. Send my best to him and Tommy Boy and Benny!

TAGLIST: @teacupsandtopgun @saturnsbabe69 @gigisimsonmars @marchingicenotes7 @high-speed-r @cadencebeat2662 @up-thereinthesky @lostinthefandoms11 @strangerparks @sweetwhispersofchaos @callsign-magnolia @the-wayward-daughter @becks-things @jostyriggslover96 @solo-pitstop-vibes @wretchedmo @muddwheelz123 @ryebecca @lewmagoo @withahappyrefrain @rhettabbotts

[irkimatsu]

I love your Husk works! Could you please write one where fem!reader gets along with everyone and Husk doesn't even realize that he's catching feelings, but maybe on a night out with everyone, someone comes up and starts heavily flirting with her. Ends with confessions and sugary sweet tooth rotting fluff please. 😍

God damn, anon, do you have any idea how hard it is to wring a confession out of this man? I was going along at a steady pace and then I got stuck for hours! I genuinely hope you like slowburn, because Husk doesn't go from zero-to-love easily. I think he's gotten a nice start here, though. It's definitely fluffy!

Husk/Fem!Reader starting a relationship. Mentions of drinking and attempted sexual assault that Husk interrupts before things get too heavy. SFW, 2.8k words. Enjoy! I hope this is what you had in mind, anon! Thank you so much for reading my works!

Your first few months staying at the Hazbin Hotel have gone quite smoothly; as smoothly as anything there can ever go, anyway. Charlie took an instant liking to you - she takes an instant liking to everyone, so it’s nothing special, but still. She can be a bit overbearing, but you know she means well, and she’s grateful to have someone who doesn’t immediately write off her trust exercises from the start.

Still, after all the sharing circles and art therapy, you occasionally find yourself craving more “adult” fun, and that’s where Angel and Cherri come in. It’s not that you don’t want to be redeemed, but what could be so sinful about enjoying yourself a little? You’re not doing anything dangerous or drastic, no drugs and no getting involved with the wrong people; you’re just having fun drinking, dancing, maybe smashing up some abandoned property if the opportunity strikes. Charlie can’t get mad at destruction if no one cares about the thing you just blew up, right?

The bartender, Husk, isn’t nearly as keen on those nights on the town, but you’ve still managed to bond with him on nights where you prefer to stay in. He’s a surprisingly good listener underneath his gruff exterior. (Perhaps too good of a listener; you hope he keeps ignoring whatever bullshit you might have spouted off after one too many of his cocktails.) He also has plenty of stories of his own, mostly from the time he spent alive. When you could get him talking, he’d weave incredible tales of nightlife, both from his home city in Las Vegas and all the other places he’d visited in his life. He seemed especially wistful when talking about a woman he knew back then. He could talk for hours about all the famous sites he was able to take her to, all the songs he would sing for her, and all the starry skies he’d dance with her under.

“It’s not like I blame her for leaving. I’m the one who screwed it up. But being in love… it was nice while it lasted.”

You try to encourage him with the hope that he could fall in love again, but he shakes his head with a bitter smile.

“I lost the ability to love years ago.”

—-

Your friendship with Angel and Cherri is so different compared to your friendship with Husk, so it took a few months before you could have a night out with all three of them. Charlie is once again less enthused about the idea of you four going out to party, but you promise to be relatively well behaved.

You promise, anyway. You can’t make promises for Angel’s sake, and as much as you love her, you know better than to have any faith in Cherri.

You’re surprised Husk agreed to come to a sex club at all. He never seemed like the type to be into that sort of thing. You’re less surprised to see that he has no intention of flirting with anyone and is instead perfectly happy to sit by the wall and knock back shots as quickly as the bartender can pour them.

Couldn’t he drink himself stupid back at the hotel, though? Why did he even come?

Is it just you, or has he been watching you the whole night?

The hours tick by, and you, Angel, and Cherri become progressively more wasted. Angel is currently hanging off of a muscular bull demon - damn, good for him - while Cherri tells you about another resident who used to stay at the hotel before he tragically lost his life during the last extermination.

“He was such a fucking idiot that it was charming, ya know? God damn I should have gotten to know him better when he was still around! I heard this rumor about him and never even got to find out if it was true!”

As she speaks, Cherri catches sight of a cobra demon who is currently chatting up a cluster of punk girls.

“Well, damn… maybe I’ll get to find out tonight. Don’t wait around for me, I’ll find my way back!”

With that announcement, Cherri is gone, leaving only you and Husk with about a dozen bar stools between you. He’s definitely keeping an eye on you; there’s still liquid in his glass, and  he’s watching you instead of guzzling it.

What’s his deal? If he wants to spend the night with you, why doesn’t he just come over here? You decide not to go over there yourself; no sense in rewarding him if he’s playing mind games.

You instead turn your attention to a handsome wolf demon who has taken Cherri’s seat. “Drinking all alone, love?” he says, his deep voice smooth as butter. Right away this man gives you the air of a natural-born charmer who can win anyone’s trust within seconds, only to break their hearts within hours.

He’s hot, and you’re drunk. You’ll let him break your heart a little.

Your conversation starts normally enough, with low stakes topics like the music and the drink selection in the bar. You’re in no hurry to tell this man anything personal or leave this spot with him, but you’re enjoying looking at him and hearing him enough that you don’t mind being a bit of entertainment.

He bumps your knee with his at one point, but you pull your own knee away. At first he seems to take the hint, and time passes without any more advances.

Soon, however, he grows more bold.

“Why don’t we go somewhere else, baby?” he asks as he lightly squeezes your thigh. “Somewhere more private?”

“No thanks,” you say as you jerk your leg away, though the motion doesn’t make him let go. “I’m fine talking here.”

“You know this is a sex club, don’t you?” he says. His smile and voice haven’t changed, but somehow he seems much slimier than he did five minutes ago, and the strong paw gripping your leg that seemed so enticing in your head feels suffocating in reality.

“I’m not here for that, I’m just hanging out with friends-” You try to leave the stool, but the man throws his arm around your shoulders and pulls you in.

“Come on, babe! What did you think I was after by chatting you up like this? You’re not gonna leave me hanging, are you?” He’s holding you closely enough that his hot breath is hitting your face, and the stench of his cologne is making you gag. “C’mon, baby, I’ll show you a good time. You won’t regret this-”

“She said no.” Husk had somehow snuck his way to your side without you noticing, and was now glaring daggers at your pursuer. “Back off.”

“Who are you, her grandpa?” the wolf laughs, refusing to unhand you. “Or just a nasty old man who likes ‘em young?”

Your captor’s laughter is quickly interrupted by a high-pitched howl. His face is now adorned with four jagged, bleeding lines.

“What the fuck, old man?” he yells as he unhands you. Just as quickly as you’re unhanded, you’re grabbed again, this time by Husk grabbing your waist and pulling you away.

“I knew I fucking hated this place,” he growls. “Where are Cherri and Angel?”

You have no idea, but your first guess has you looking toward the sex rooms in the back of the club.

“Jesus Christ… they’ll find their own way home. Come on, we’re going back to the hotel.”

You don’t appreciate being dragged out of the club like a misbehaving child, but as the alcohol clouds your thinking, you can’t quite formulate a protest.

Considering how pissed off your admirer must be right now, maybe it’s for the best that you don’t stay.

—

The walk back to the hotel is blurry; if Husk had anything to say to you besides pissed off obscenities muttered beneath his breath, you don’t remember it. Your next memory finds you laying on the couch in the lobby, your head aching from a combination of a hangover and the time spent laying on the couch’s arm with your neck at a weird angle.

“What time is it…?” you murmur as your eyes try to adjust.

“About noon,” answers Husk from the bar. 

As you continue to look around the lobby, he appears to be the only one here. “Where is everyone?” you ask through a yawn.

“Angel and Cherri still aren’t back, but I’m sure they’re fine. Charlie and Vaggie left to give you some quiet. Alastor and Niffty…” Husk shrugs after their names, then falls silent.

You groan as you push yourself into a sitting position, one that has you facing Husk. He doesn’t appear to have anything to do, and is instead standing with his chin resting on his crossed arms atop the bar. An awkward silence falls between the two of you, giving you plenty of time to observe Husk’s body language, particularly the way his tail is lashing behind him while his ear gives the occasional twitch.

He is not in a good mood.

“Are you okay?” you ask. Your well-meaning question only seems to piss him off further; he answers not with a word, but with a growl. “Is this about last night?”

“Don’t worry about it,” he insists.

“I’m sorry I caused you trouble…”

“Wasn’t your fault.” His tail lashes even harder. “Just don’t worry about it, all right?”

You’re going to keep worrying about it until he stops looking so on edge.

“Thanks for getting me away from that guy last night,” you say, just in case you didn’t thank him in your drunken haze.

“Hey, it’s what a good bartender does. When you see someone starting shit with another patron, even if it’s not your bar, you take care of the problem. That fucker had no right to put his hands on you after you told him to cut it out.”

He may be gruff, but at least he has standards.

“Can’t believe Cherri and Angel left you alone in there… those two better not take you to anymore fucking sex clubs, you don’t need to be around shit like that…”

“I’m a grown adult,” you protest. “I didn’t want to sleep with that guy, but if I did want to get with someone at that club, that’s my business.”

Husk’s eyes widen for a moment, before he returns to his original dour expression. “Yeah… guess you’re right.”

“And what about you? You didn’t look interested in picking up anyone last night. Why’d you even come?”

“How do you know I wasn’t interested?” he shoots back. “Maybe I was interested in someone! Maybe I just… didn’t have the balls to go for it.” He stands up straight and shakes his head. “Look, can we drop this? Hang out in sex clubs if you want, I don’t fuckin’ care.”

He’s speaking with the tone of voice of someone who very much cares.

“I’m done with ‘em, though. You’re right, you’re an adult, you don’t need me hanging around like some fuckin’ guardian angel.” He pours a glass of clear liquid, and you expect him to down it himself, but he instead steps out from behind the bar still holding the full glass. “I overreacted last night. Shouldn’t have made it your fuckin’ problem.” He approaches the couch, takes a seat, and offers you the glass. “Here, one last favor. Drink this and I’ll get off your ass.”

You take the cup, wondering if for some ungodly reason he’s trying to get you to down straight vodka.

“Why are you looking at me like that? It’s water. That headache’s only gonna get worse if you’re dehydrated.”

You take a sip of the water, and after only a few swallows you’re already regaining a bit of your desire to live. “Thanks,” you say before taking another large gulp.

“No problem,” he responds. You expect him to return to the bar, but he remains next to you on the couch. His body language has gotten no less agitated. What is going on with him?

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you doting on Angel or Cherri like this,” you observe before finishing the glass.

“They’re used to it, and they’ve got each other,” he says as he takes the glass from you. “You want some more?”

You shake your head, and he remains seated with the glass.

“You, though… I don’t know, something about that guy just pissed me off,” he says. “Even before he started touching you I didn’t like him. Bartender’s intuition, maybe? I’m still not over the awful feeling he gave me.” He sighs heavily. “I just… hate the idea of seeing you get hurt in a place like that. I know Angel and Cherri can take care of themselves, but you’ve never seemed as wild as they do, so I wasn’t sure…”

“Is that why you were watching me the whole night?” you asked.

Husk’s body jolts. “Shit, you noticed?”

“I kept looking over there wondering if you’d ever move from that spot, and if you weren’t actively drinking you were staring at me,” you said. “You weren’t subtle.”

Husk groans as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Sorry. I know you’re capable. I was just…”

“You weren’t there because you were interested in someone at all, were you?”

“I never said I wasn’t. I mean it when I said I just didn’t have the balls to say anything to ‘em. Instead, I just wondered… what I’d do if someone else asked ‘em. Knowing it’d be my own damn fault for not speaking up sooner. Trying to tell myself it wasn’t that big a deal if they went with someone else… until someone started flirting with ‘em, and touchin’ ‘em, and-” His body tenses as he growls, but relaxes after a moment. “Damn it, I haven’t had to do this in years...”

“Done what?”

“You know what I said about losing my ability to love years ago?” He turns his head and looks directly at you for the first time since he sat down. “...I think I’m remembering how to do it again.”

Things are starting to fall into place. “And the person who helped you remember is…?”

The slightest of smiles crosses his face. “Who do you think?”

You wouldn’t have guessed it before today, but it all seems so obvious in retrospect. He’d spent so many nights with you when he could have been in bed, just chatting with you or comforting you after a bad day. You’d really grown so fond of his smile, and Angel had told you before that he used to never smile.

But surely, you thought, he couldn’t have been smiling because of you…

“What am I even saying?” he asks as he turns away from you. “You died in the prime of your life, and down here you can have that prime forever. You could do so much better than a washed up old drunk.”

“You’re not washed up,” you assure him as you place your hand over his. “I think it’s great that you got to live such a full life! You have so many stories to tell, and so many talents… I bet there’s so much you haven’t told me yet.” You try to reassure him with a smile and a light squeeze to his hand. “So much you haven’t shown me, either. You talk a lot about when you were in a band, but I’ve never gotten to hear you play…”

“I haven’t touched an instrument in years,” he says. “I bet I don’t even remember how to play anymore.”

“Well, you don’t know if you don’t try, right?”

You don’t think you’re just saying that about instruments.

“It’s been such a long time… what if I screw up?”

You don’t think he’s just talking about instruments either.

“It can’t hurt to try. Maybe… maybe you’ll enjoy it even more than you remember.”

“Hmm…” He doesn’t seem fully at ease, but he hasn’t taken his hand back yet. “If I can get my hands on a saxophone, and I really haven’t forgotten how… sure. I’ll play for you.

…you just have to give me some time, okay? I’m not used to it anymore… especially with another person…”

“Take all the time you need,” you assure him.

He turns his hand around so he can hold yours back, and his smile seems to grow slightly. “Just gotta start slow… get used to things again…”

“You’ll be fine, I know you will,” you assure him. He seems content to leave the conversation there, but there’s one more thing you need to say. “Husk?”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t think I’ll be going back to that club. No point when I’m not interested in picking up dates anymore.”

He squeezes your hand. “Glad to hear it.”

[sturniolo-rat]

A Very Matt Morning 2

Matthew Sturniolo X Reader

Part 1

A/N: listen, part one has exactly 15 notes rn and that’s more than I expected so I will treat you to part 2. This is the sexy part get ready, bby. Also don’t @ me because you don’t think all this can go down in 36 minutes. This piece is auto biographical if you’re a pro lots can happen in 36 minutes. This 100% isn’t proofread.

Contains: big time smut, silly goofy!matt, oral, fingering, p in v sex, lots of dialogue

TW: mentions of working an office job🤢

In which Matt wakes up y/n the right way to prep her for her big day of working at her big girl job.

Five minutes later the order confirmed and set to arrive in 36 minutes. “Just enough time to wake you up the right way” Matt whispers in y/n’s ear.

Y/n releases a frustrated groan “But I should really dressed and I have to respond to this email real quick”. She knows that even waiting for the coffee she’s cutting it close to being late.

“Hush, baby” he touches his finger to her lips. She’s being entirely too reasonable right now but Matt knows what she needs. She has the whole rest of her work day to be responsible and boring. He runs his hand up her thigh and under the extra large t-shirt she uses as pajamas. It’s not his though because he’s actually quite small with a slutty little waist. She stole from an ex boyfriend of hers. Matt doesn’t mind though because one day he’s going to marry her and everyone else will fall away. “I’m just going down here. Don’t worry about what I’m doin. Just take out your phone and answer that little email, okay?”

“Okay” she exhales softly and takes her phone from the bedside table. Rachel from accounting should really learn how to do her fucking job. She’s distracted as he shoves his hand between her legs, covering her heated center with his palm, squeezing gently. He always does this before sex It’s almost like gentle greeting or a quiet hello. Arching her back, she plasters myself into his hand, searching for more contact. "Mmm. I like that."

He strokes her slit through her panties, drawing an oval around it with his finger without actually touching it. Maybe it was because his touch was unhurried, fleeting, and designed to drive her wild, but her panties dampened. Y/n was going through the sweetest of tortures.

“No no, Sweetie. Just write your little email.”

She hits him in the head “How can you expect me to write a clear concise professional email under these conditions.”

He lets out a chuckle “Hey don’t sway me on the head. I’m trying to give you head down here.” He trails kisses up her inner thigh all the way up until he’s nearly where he needs to be. “I can’t give you head if my head hurts. Did you know that?” He does the same to her other thigh “You’re the reason I have to carry around ibuprofen for when I’m ready to be a munch.”

She laughs and her legs shut closed. They weren’t fully open to begin with. She’s still holding onto the idea that she’ll get up and get ready when she finishes her email. “Oh shut up. You love me.”

“Come on, spread your legs.” He coos in a sing song voice. “What… is she shy this morning.” He peppers y/n’s stomach with kisses. “Did you wake up with stage fright… is your pussy anxious?” He teases and she hits him again. “Hey hey cut that out”

He leans in close to her pussy and whispers “Hey, Darlin, I know right she’s sitting there trying to close you off from me. You and I have such a special bond and…”

Y/n raises her voice “Are you talking to my coochie!?”

He looks up at her “Yes, yes I am talking to your coochie. What do you want… this is an A B conversation… C your way out of it and finish your email.” She does as she’s told but he lowers his head and picks up where he left off. “She’s so fucking rude. Like I’m trying to have a conversation… women am I right.” At this point y/n has let her guard down completely and opens her legs for him to have his silly little conversation.

Finally after all his hard work Matt is able to kiss her pussy. He starts off light and gradually gets rougher until his tongue is swirling around her clit. She likes to watch his mouth move. His jawline looks so sharp against the softness of her thighs. He reaches a hand up to massage her breast while the other snakes around her thigh to rest on her tummy. He loves the taste of her and the tenderness of her skin. Y/n’s hands find their way to his head and her fingers tangle into his hair. She’s grinding her pussy onto his lips. To him if feels more like she’s grinding his face into her pussy but that’s neither here nor there.

She’s moaning uncharacteristically loud and he knows it’s time to start licking and teasing her entrance. Y/n knows he’s about to finger her and as if on cue she opens her mouth right as he moves his hand from her breast and puts his middle and index finger in her mouth. He lists his head to say “You’re gonna get these fingers nice and wet for me, Okay.” She nods her head still sucking on his fingers. He lets her suck longer than usual thinking about how her lips would feel around his hard cock. When Matt can focus again he pulls his fingers back and slowly pushes his middle finger into her hole. He groans out of sheer horniness “Oh, come on, you’re sooo tight right now… is she still shy. Fine, hold on, I’ll to talk to her again.” He works his finger in and out of never pushing it in past the knuckle. “ Hey, Lovie, I know it’s really early and obviously you’re having a bit of performance anxiety but you and I know each other. We get along, right? Don’t close me out. Don’t be shy with me.” His finger pushes in just a little bit farther with every thrust until she can take his whole finger. “There we go, baby.” He looks up to y/n “You see, Honey, her and I have reached an understanding.”

Fingering her like this without touching her clit is torturous. She can’t orgasm without clitoral stimulation but it feels good it’s basically like perpetual edging. And he’s making it worse by moaning along with her as if he’s getting off on her pleasure. “Oh yes, oh you are so fucking tight. I am going to lose my mind the moment my tip goes in. Don’t get mad at me if I come right away, okay? I’ll just keep going. You know how much I like to fuck the cum into you.”

“Oh my god!” Y/n says in complete and utter shock as she wacks his head. “That’s too horny for this early in the morning!” She hits him again “Also suck my clit you dickhead!”

“Ouch! Im sorry. Im just havin a little fun! And I’ll get to your clit in a minute” Matt says then goes to do what he was told. He sucks entirely too softly but very passionately. “ Can you take two fingers for me, baby?” She shakes her head. She’s never been one to talk during sex but fuck. Matt does it so well. Matt’s second finger slips in so easily “Oh good girl. That’s more like it one of that being shy bullshit.” His fingers moved faster within her and she moaned as they curled at just the right angle to make her writhe on the bed, panting and moaning. Then he finally does it. He absolutely devours y/n’s clit with his sucking, licking, and moaning. She could feel herself approaching the edge and so could he. “You’re already there, Baby. Come on, cum for me.”

She shoves his face back into her pussy “Shut up and keep sucking!” All this talk is so hot but it sure as shit does feel better than cuming. Her thighs quaked, bracketing his ears. Her fingers in his hair, tugging viciously. Matt went harder, rougher, latching on to one of her tits through her top and pinching her nipple. Her eyes popped open and looked at him behind a curtain of innocent lust. The climax seized every muscle in her body head to toe. An odd sensation-of floating in warm water-conquered her. She rocked back and forth against his face, unraveling inch by delicious inch.

“Do you feel awake now, Darlin?” He says with a grin.

Y/n sighs with a laugh “Yes, Matty baby, I am very much awake.”

“Can you keep going? Or is that too much for you?”

“Oh course I can. After my super awesome morning orgasm I can do almost anything.” She jokes but she also genuinely feels that way. Maybe her day won’t be so bad.

Matt moves so that he’s above her using his hands to hold himself up. She squeaks, hips bucking slightly, and feels his hardness press up against her inner thigh. He reaches his hand down to rub his cock against her sensitive folds, and she releases a gasp at the sensation.

“I knew from how fucking wet you felt.” He groans as he pushes himself in farther. “You would milk my fucking dick but Jesus Christ” She gasps slightly, her cheeks reddening at the feeling of arousal welling up within her at his words. He bottoms out with moan from deep in his chest. She feels so full and whole. Slowly he starts to fuck her. Each thrust eliciting a whiny bordering on pathetic moan from him. He really isn’t going to last long.

Her legs wrap around him and pull him close. “Fuck that’s not fair you can’t pull me into you like that.” It’s so tight and warm inside her cunt it feels like a second home. His thrusts get sloppier and more needy as he approaches his climax. “Look at me. Look me in my fucking eyes while I fill you up.” She looks at him with pleading eyes. She really wants to watch him cum and watch his face twist in pleasure and pain as he continues to fuck her with his overstimulated cock.

He comes with a powerful grunt but he keeps up his pace and doesn’t stop bucking into her until hurts more than it feels good. He collapses on top of y/n and she kisses him on the forehead. “Do YOU feel awake now, Darlin?”

“Could take on the world, my love.”

They sit there cuddling for a while until she gets an email from work. There’s more bullshit to respond to and a world or responsibilities to get back to. Matt however is asleep. It seems he did not in fact feel awake. Y/n leaves him to his sleep and prepares for work. When she finally opens the door to leave there are two Dunkin’ coffee cups sitting on the welcome mat outside.

Masterlist

Taglist

pls give me feedback. Like should I do the thing where they make the dialogue different colors? Or maybe should I write in a different pov? Any other suggestions?

[jennay]

Mine

Request: So I have an idea for a fluffy fic? Where reader and Noah are best friends and reader flies out and surprises Noah on tour at a show. He sees the reader standing in the side wings of the stage while performing and he gets so happy! After the show maybe they confess feelings? Or whatever you think!! Love your writing 💕 💕

An: I nearly died from fluff. Thank you for the request💜

Noah stuuuuffff

Words: 3k I think

Now warnings just a lot of feelings.

“How did you-“ Bryan looks at you with pure confusion, his eyes wide and mouth open. He quickly recovers and smiles, “Our security needs upgrading.” He laughs knowingly and clicks the camera in front of your face. “Memories!” He says in a mock-serious tone as if he is documenting a historic moment.

You laugh as you pretend to swat the camera from your face.

“Hey, don’t give him any reason to look over here.” You whisper to Bryan, pointing at Noah, who is on the stage, talking to the crowd. “He doesn’t know I came.” You say with a sneaky smile.

Bryan nods as he heads back to the stage, “You got it!” He says, giving you a wink. He hurries away from you, and you watch as he follows Noah around while he talks to the crowd.

Noah’s voice fills the air, confident and charismatic, as he riles the crowd with his witty banter and infectious energy.

You stand in awe, listening to the music and singing along to his songs.

Jolly is entertaining to watch while he bounces around and plays his guitar. Nicholas is calm and relaxed, staying in his spot and grooving with his bass. Folio is a beast on the drums, pounding away with so much energy that you wonder how he does it.

You feel pride and admiration for them, especially for Noah, your best friend. You know how hard he’s worked to get here.

You also know how hard it has been for him to be away from home, touring the world and living his dream.

He confided in you last week when you talked on the phone that he was feeling anxious and homesick. He said he missed you and that it was weird to be separated from you for so long. You felt the same way. You two have been inseparable since you were kids, growing up together and sharing everything. You have always supported and cheered him on, even when others doubted him or tried to bring him down.

You’ve seen him grow from a shy boy with a big dream to a superstar with a loyal fanbase. And yet, he has never changed who he is.

He is still the same Noah you know and love, the one who makes you laugh, who listens to you, who cares about you, who is going to be surprised whenever he decides to notice you standing off to the side of the stage.

You lock eyes with Nicholas as he turns around during the song, and you wave at him with a smile.

He looks happy to see you, and he quickly makes his way to Noah, who is still singing his heart out. He lightly bumps Noah on the shoulder and gestures towards you, hoping to surprise him.

Noah’s brown eyes sparkled like polished gems as he caught sight of you. His smile is radiant, spreading across his face like a sunbeam. He looks overjoyed, as if he had just found the most precious treasure in the world. He couldn’t take his eyes off you, and an intense glow filled your heart, warming your entire body.

The song ends, and he waves you over, asking you to stand with him. “Stop hiding!” He says over the mic. “C’mon, I want to introduce you to the family!” He says, showcasing the crowd.

You shake your head and mouth the word no. You’re so incredibly proud of him and happy he wants everyone to know who you are, but you prefer to stay in the shadows where you could watch him shine.

“Awe,” He coos over the mic. “You’re adorable when you're shy!” He smiles goofily and turns back to the crowd, “That’s (y/n)!” He pauses, pacing the stage. “She’s one of the reasons I made it this far..” He returns the mic to his side, smiling like a child as the crowd cheers at his words. “She was there when we were just kids, pushing me towards my dreams and not letting me give up.” He turns back towards you, “Kicking me in the ass when I wasn’t motivated.” He beams, love, filling his brown iris as he thinks of your encouragement. “Reminding me that if I was going to be a high school dropout, this was my only other choice.”

You cover your eyes with your hand, lightly giggling, thankful he’s giving you credit but also dying from the attention. “It's all you!” You say to him even though he can’t hear you.

“If you’d come here, I could probably hear what you said.” He challenges you, and with great hesitation, you finally give in to him.

You make your way to the center of the stage, feeling Jolly’s playful laughter as he sees you taking deep breaths and fidgeting with your hands.

“There she is,” Noah says, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and drawing you near despite his damp skin. “Now, what did you say?” He asks, putting the microphone to your lips. “I said it’s all you. I had nothing to do with it.” You glance at Bryan, who is snapping more photos of this moment.

You’re unaware of it, but Bryan has snapped a photo of the exact moment when you and Noah realize that there is more than friendship between you.

He gazes down at you while you look up at him with wonder. A blush spreads, and you want to escape from the stage. Your heart beats faster, and your stomach feels queasy.

You slowly break free from his hug, smiling as you wave to the crowd and walk away. You feel awkward, but you know it would only get worse if you stayed in front of all those eyes.

Nicholas gives you a knowing smile as if he can read your mind.

You shake off the feelings and head to the back of the stage. You hear Noah talking about the last song they’re going to play. You walk down the side stage, heading to the stairs.

Your heart is still pounding in your chest. What is this feeling? “Not Noah,” You whisper, trying to push the thoughts out of your head. You walk toward the tour bus, trying to catch your breath. “Come on!” You exclaim, looking up at the sky. “Why now? We had over ten years to do this. What the fuck!”

You sit outside the bus on a bench, knowing the bus is locked. You pull out your phone and call your friend Isabelle.

“Hey!” She answers, “How was your flight?”

Sighing, you lean back, “I’m in love with Noah.” You blurt out.

You hear her soft laughter on the other as she asks, “What!?”

“Yeah, uh. Fuck.” You quietly say.

“You’ve literally been fightening me for the last two years about this, and now that I’m convinced there’s nothing, there’s something!?” She laughs again, “Well, spill it. What’re you going to do? Gonna romance him or just be weird and avoid him?”

You stand up and walk around the grassy area, trying to gather your thoughts. “Just go back to the hotel and avoid him at all costs.” You roll your eyes at your idea. “I’m walking back to the car right now. I think I can just sneak away before they get here.”

When you reach your car, you unlock the door and pop into the driver's seat. You set your phone down and allow it to connect to the Bluetooth.

“Well, I think that’s a shit idea, but you do whatever.” She laughs, “Avoiding Noah like he’s a plague will make it worse for you. I’ve seen you’re separation anxiety.” She teases, “Just talk to him. It’s not like he’s this big, scary guy. You constantly make fun of him for being so soft, and now you’re acting like he’s so hard to talk to.”

You hesitate, torn between going to the hotel and facing Noah, but you’re afraid of what he might say or do if he finds out how you feel.

“Are you driving, seriously? You’re leaving.” She squeals with annoyance. “Oh my god. I should’ve come. I knew it.”

“Look, I just, I need a minute to collect my fucking thoughts. This came as kind of a shock to me.” You drive as fast as possible to get to the hotel, and your stomach threatens to release any content.

“I don’t know how this came as a surprise.” Isabelle’s voice is full of disbelief, “There’s a reason this shit happens in the movies. I’m sorry if I’m making it worse, but your turning into a walking cliche.”

Frustrated, you groan at the idea of your life situation being as dramatic as the movies. “I gotta go. I just got to the hotel.”

You click the end button without giving her a chance to respond. Isabelle was right, though. Noah wasn’t difficult to talk to. You were making this a bigger deal than necessary, but it didn’t stop you from feeling nervous.

Annoyance bubbles up inside you when you hear your text tone go off. Was she really texting you already!?

Hey, sorry if I was too much. I don’t know if I pissed you off, um. I was hoping we’d have some time to hang out.

You stare down at your phone, debating if you should call or text. You can’t call Noah. He’ll know some things up.

Sorry! All is good; I just felt a little gross and went back to the hotel. You nervously bite your lip and send another text. Wanna come over, or can I meet you somewhere? I’m not really in the mood to hang out with everyone.

You wait for a response, a million things racing through your mind as you wonder what you would say to him. I think we need to talk…

Send me the address. I’ll be there shortly.

You hear a knock on the hotel door, and your heart skips. He’s here already. You wish you had more time to prepare yourself for this moment. You get up from the chair and walk towards the door, feeling nervous and excited. You unlock it and open it slightly, meeting Noah’s bright smile and sparkling eyes. You open the door wider and invite him in, trying to act casual. You can feel your heart pounding in your chest.

“Hey.” He says, “Everything ok?” He walks around the small room and sits on the edge of the bed. He looks at you with concern as you stand by the door, frozen and unable to move.

“What’s going on with you?” He asks, his voice gentle and curious.

“I’m scared.” You say, walking over to him slowly.

His brown eyes are full of warmth and worry, his lips slightly parted, and his hair tousled from pushing it out of his face so many times. You’re afraid of what he might say, what he might do, what he might think of you.

“Wanna elaborate?” He says, his tone changing to protective. His eyebrows furrow, and his jaw clenches. “Did something happen? Do I need to kick someone’s ass?” He asks, ready to defend you from any harm.

You shake your head and plop beside him, trying to act calm. But inside, you feel like you’re about to faint.

You know he can sense something is wrong, something is different. He’s seen you through your ups and downs, highs and lows. He’s been your best friend for years, your confidant, your partner in crime.

He knows you better than anyone else. And that’s why this is so hard. His eyes watch you, scanning for any clues to the situation. He grows more worried and concerned.

The last time he saw you acting like this, it had something to do with your ex-boyfriend, who cheated on you and broke your heart. And if it had anything to do with him again, Noah would make sure he paid for it.

He hated seeing you hurt; he hated seeing you cry. He wanted to make you happy, and he wanted to make you smile.

You bite your lip, thinking of something to say to him. You know what you want to say, but getting yourself to do it is nearly impossible. But you can’t keep this inside anymore. You need to tell him the truth, and you need to take a risk.

You take a deep breath, building courage and preparing for rejection. “I need to tell you something,” You say softly, looking into his eyes. “And I need to know that no matter what I say, we’re gonna be ok.”

He nods his head, “We’re gonna fine.” His arm wraps around your shoulder, pulling you to his chest, resting his chin on your head, and running his hand up and down your arm, “You can’t get rid of me.” He reminds you.

You nuzzle your face closer to his chest and mumble a few inaudible words against his body.

You feel his chest move as he chuckles and gently pulls away from you, looking down at you, tilting your chin to look at him. “You did that on purpose.”

“But technically, I said what I needed to.” You say, flashing a smile.

“It doesn’t count if I can’t hear it.” He gives you a second to sit up and regain your composure. “C’mon, it’s me. Just say what you need to say.”

“Ok, fine!” You stand up, towering over him. You put your hands on his shoulders and look directly at him. “I said I have feelings for you, and it’s ruining my life!” You fling your hands up in the air and put a considerable distance in front of the two of you. You’re eyes wander around the room, trying to avoid looking at him. “And I know you don’t feel that way, and that’s fine, but I needed to say it and get it out there. Like, I get if you don’t want to talk anymore, I’m not anything special, and you could have whatever you want and-“

He stands up quickly and grabs your hands, stopping your rambling. A smile plastered on lips as he brought his hands to your face. “Dude,” He lightly laughs, “You’re wrong.”

You exhale deeply, still stuck in his gaze, “What?” You ask.

He wraps you in a tight embrace, and you hardly register what’s going on. Slowly, your hands come up to his waist and wrap around him, feeling relief that he didn’t walk out the door.

“You’re wrong.“ He steps back, his hands resting on your shoulders. “I’ve had a thing for you since middle school. I just thought you deserved better than me. There was no way you could fall for me. I’ve seen the guys you date.”

You stare at him in disbelief, your mouth hanging open. “You’re kidding, right?” You say, incredulous. “You’ve had a thing for me since middle school? How did I not know that? How did you not tell me that?” You feel a scale of emotions, from shock to confusion to happiness.

You can’t believe what you’re hearing. He’s been in love with you for years, and you’ve been oblivious to it.

You’ve wasted so much time dating jerks who didn’t appreciate you when the one who did was right in front of you all along.

He smiles sheepishly, his eyes crinkling. “I guess I was too scared to ruin our friendship. You’re my best friend, you know that. I didn’t want to lose you over some stupid crush. But I guess it’s more than that. It’s always been more than that.” He says, his voice is sincere and sweet.

He cups your face in his hands and looks into your eyes, making your heart flutter. He strokes your cheek with his thumb and says, “But how could I not fall for you? You’re smart, you’re funny, you’re kind, you’re beautiful. You’re everything I ever wanted.” He smiles and leans in, closing the gap between you. His lips touch yours softly, gently, sweetly. You wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him back, feeling his arms around your waist and his hair between your fingers. You feel his warmth and his breath dancing across your skin. He deepens the kiss, making your heart race, and before it goes any further, he pulls away slightly and whispers in your ear, “No more secrets?”

You nod, “No more secrets.”

He kisses your forehead and hugs you tight, making you feel safe and loved.

He nuzzles into your neck, “You’re mine.”

You nod, unable to contain your giggle, “And you’re mine.”

[mimez-meme]

ERASERMIC HEADCANONSSS‼️

Before they were dating Mic would probably put songs on his radio show that’s like hinting to sho yk like “I don’t wanna be your friend I wanna kiss your lips” and allat whenever he knew sho would be listening🤗

They both have scars (not sh) and whenever one of them gets insecure about them the other would kiss the scars and compliment them.

aizawa is a hard person to get flustered/embarrassed but mic easily gets flustered/embarrassed and aizawa makes fun of him for that also mic is rlly the only person that get aizawa flustered

They gave eachother promise rings 😍

Aizawa only likes physical touch from mic

Mic is the flirty and teasing one in public but at home aizawa is the teasing one. (Well mic teases and flirts ether way)

Their relationship was meant to be a secret but mic couldn’t keep his mouth shut and told all might and nemuri, eventually nearly everyone knew, mic only really wanted his relationship to be public because of joke.. but it got out of hand🥰

Mic fell (inlove 🙄) first aizawa fell harder

Mic tries to teach aizawa English but it doesn’t go very well.. aizawa only knows a couple of sentences and mic basically gave up on tryna teach him and mic accidentally uses English words in sentence and if aizawa doesn’t understand he Would slap mic for no reason…

Got tattoos with each others in Initials ❤️ (mic got S.A aizawa got H.Y and the initials have hearts around them)

Mic sends cute TikTok’s to shota saying “us?” But sometimes he sends red thought or spicy TikTok’s s to shota saying “we should do this;)” or whatever… shota just sends cat TikTok’s and occasionally spicy/red thoughts TikTok’s

Obv adopted shinsou and Eri

Switches

Mic calls aizawa pet names like “darling, mi amor, baby, sweetheart” and babe. Aizawa rarely calls him pet names but when he does it’s “my pretty boy, honey, baby” and zashi (zashi is mostly used) idk💀

Defo makes out in the supply closet at school whenever they’re bored or just in the “mood” (they got caught once)

Aizawa hates mics drinking habits so he told me “whenever you feel like you want to drink, kiss me, I want this drinking habit to stop zashi, it isn’t good for you.” Beacuse he told mic that they have a make out session nearly everyday 💀 (mic still drinks but not that bad, and does aizawa regret telling mic that? No.)

Black cat bf/husband, golden retriever bf/husband

Mic forgets to eat and drink sometimes cuz of his adhd and so does aizawa (aizawa doesn’t have adhd tho) they both have to remind eachother, sometimes they even forget to remind eachother..👍

Mic likes doing aizawas hair time to time and aizawa finds it cute:3

Mic likes watching/listening murder documentaries and aizawa finds it creepy.. but sometimes he finds them interesting 🤗

They have 2 cats and 2 parrots (not a very good combo Ik..) and mic taught the parrots all the swear words and aizawa is well.. not very happy about that.

Mic is the scary one in the relationship but aizawa is a the one mostly in control, yk?

The both tend to overwork but mostly hizashi overworks beacuse my man has 3 jobs so hizashi is actually the most tired in the relationship and aizawa always try’s to get him to sleep mic also makes sure aizawa gets sleep

They go on vacation to America sometimes 🤗 I like to believe hizashi has some family there

Both have eachother merchandise

Hizashi’s love language is gift giving and physical touch, aizawas is words of affirmation and acts of service.. (both do quality time)

Aizawa is the dad of class 1A mic is the mum

Mic owns a TikTok acc and forces aizawa to film with him sometimes (the acc kinda just became a family acc eventually)

They both find it oddly attractive when the other swears or when the other is mad/srs

Mic wrote songs for aizawa, aizawa pretends to fine it cringe but he finds it cute and loves it (mic knows that)

Despite being an English teacher mic hates reading cuz of his adhd, like my man can’t focus, aizawa likes reading and keeps trying to get mic to read (never works)

They both planned to purpose at the same time without knowing , hizashi just beat him to it, it went a little like this “shota aizawa will you marry me?” Aizawa laughs and starts cryihg from happiness’s and laughter “ofc I will zashi! But want to know something?” Mic nodded.. “I was literally ganna purpose to you aswell” they both have a laugh about it time to time

Mic can’t bake for the life of him but he can cook, aizawa can bake but can barely Cook he only knows like 3-4 things

Once hizashi got them kicked out a fucking neighbourhood for being to loud, they had to get a whole ass soundproof house after if they even exist.. I mean it’s the mha word soo🤪 a soundproof house is. Also go for other reasons! (😏) LMAO

Mic: even more dirty minded aizawa: dirty minded

Before dating they were both madly in denial but mic was like “we should like.. make out, AS FRIENDS..” and then do a nervous chuckle, aizawa would just be like “alr”

Hizashi finds it hot when people know how to play the drums, aizawa can’t play the drums but tried to learn for hizashi, hizashi didn’t know but once walked in on him tryna learn and said “sho, what are you doing?”

Shota responded with “tryna be hot.” Mic laughed “you’re already hot, just because I like something doesn’t mean you have to live up to that something nor like it aswell, I wouldn’t be dating you if you weren’t my type, I love you.” Aizawa smiled “I love you to zashi.. I didn’t even learn anything anyway, the drums are useless..” (this happened when they were young, like 15-16?)

Like I said in one of the mic headcannons slide shows, I believe hizashi would be decent at drawing, but he specifically learnt how to draw cats for aizawa, every anniversary hizashi would draw a cat with cute cat puns/pick up lines like uh “if I was a cat I would spend my 9 lives with you :3” and ofc he would give aizawa a gift aswell, like flowers ect and go out. Aizawa loves when hizashi does this tho sometimes he finds some of the pick up lines/puns cringe, it still cute, And aizawa for anniversary’s He would do anything hizashi wants, occasionally surprise him, he would always get hizashi something cute tho :3

Aizawa got tired of hizashi coming home looking beaten because he can’t fight (like close combat) so aizawa decided to teach hizashi some fighting skills,and they have fights every now and then. Hizashi is now decent at fighting and can do some basic self defence, hizashi had a bit of a plus tho beacuse he’s more flexible then aizawa.

The family (shinsou, eri and obv erasermic) all play Minecraft together and mic made their whole entire family home along with the cats.

Sorry that it’s so long! But thanks for reading😋

[gimmethatagustd]

venor (6) | kth + jjk

The barista at the university’s café keeps telling Jungkook not to come back, but Jungkook is too busy daydreaming about kissing the beauty marks on his face to be paying attention to his warnings.

○ Pairing: Tiger!Taehyung x Bunny!Jungkook

○ Rating: Explicit/18+

○ Genre: Hybrids, predator/prey, college au, strangers to lovers, slow burn, fluff, light angst, eventual smut

○ Word Count: 3,727

○ Warnings: It's what the gworlies call self-lubrication aka slick, how delish

○ Notes: This one is dedicated to @remmykinsff cuz they realized i forgot to delete an old draft from my queue so i ended up posting the wrong fucking thing 😭 Also, I tried so hard not to write too much about the Amarna Period during the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt 💀 It was hard to control myself tbh

○ Post Date: March 11, 2024

○ Masterlist | AO3 Cross-Post

○ What was Jai listening to? The series playlist

Series Masterlist

“Are you sure you don’t want a jacket?” 

Taehyung’s question ends with his lips downturned. He leans against his car while he holds the door open for Jungkook and watches with narrow eyes as Jungkook scoots out of the passenger seat.

“I’m okay! We didn’t park that far from the entrance.” Jungkook’s attempt to look confident by crossing his arms against his chest makes him look even colder.

It’s relatively chilly outside, and despite Taehyung’s pestering, Jungkook hasn’t bothered to dress appropriately for the weather. He doesn’t miss the way Taehyung’s gaze drags over his body, taking inventory of his cropped sweater that stops just before the waistband of his tight, ripped jeans. When Jungkook turns around, he swears he sees Taehyung’s eyes drop to his fluffy white tail poking out of the little hole in his jeans. It almost excites him enough to wiggle, but he holds it in. He can’t possibly embarrass himself before their not -date has even begun.

It’s not really a date if they’re only going to the museum together for a school assignment, Yoongi had pointed out. Suyun said otherwise, but Jungkook isn’t sure if he should get his hopes up.

“Museums are always cold,” Taehyung finally points out before closing the car door behind Jungkook. “I have an extra one in the back.”

“I swear, I’m okay,” Jungkook rushes to shut Taehyung up. He grabs Taehyung’s wrist and tugs. “Let’s go!”

Surprisingly, Taehyung lets Jungkook drag him through the parking lot without fussing. By the time they slip through the museum’s front doors, Jungkook’s hand migrates down to Taehyung’s, their palms pressing together and fingers intertwining.

There aren’t many people lingering in the museum’s lobby, but the few around are mostly prey hybrids. One of them, a mouse hybrid, turns around so sharply to stare at Jungkook and Taehyung that it startles Jungkook into nearly tripping. She doesn’t speak when they walk past her toward the check-in desk, but her nose wiggles and pulls up into a deep scrunch. 

In the still air of the museum and without the outside breeze to muddle smells, even hybrids with weak senses can pick up Taehyung’s scent mingling with Jungkook’s. They bring with them the smell of a warm spring rainstorm, earthy and floral, life-bearing. 

Taehyung doesn’t seem to notice the mouse hybrid’s reaction to them — or he pretends not to, choosing to keep his attention on the task at hand. He had been focused like this on the drive from Jungkook’s dorm to the museum, so quiet that Jungkook had assumed he might be angry with him over them scenting each other. It wasn’t until a Girls’ Generation song came on the radio that Jungkook sang along to that Taehyung’s hard edge melted. 

It was overwhelming to be in such a small space with Taehyung, surrounded by his petrichor scent and distracted by the flick of his tail, which rested on the center console. Jungkook had to stop himself from staring while Taehyung drove, just like he has to stop himself now. 

On the outside, Jungkook is calm as he waits in line to buy their tickets for the Egyptian art exhibit. Internally, he’s freaking out over just how big Taehyung’s hand is. He even lets himself sneak a peek and tries not to burn with shy embarrassment when his heart flutters at how his hand is engulfed by Taehyung’s.

“Bun,” Taehyung calls out, bumping his shoulder against Jungkook’s. The ticket line is moving, and Jungkook isn’t.

He needs to pull himself together.

But first, he needs to pull himself apart from Taehyung.

Letting go of Taehyung’s hand, Jungkook reaches into his back pocket for his wallet. However, he’s too slow, and all he can do is watch as Taehyung slides his credit card to the employee behind the desk in exchange for two rectangular strips of paper.

“You’ll take the elevators to the left up to the third floor. The exhibit will be on your immediate right,” the employee explains, but Jungkook isn’t listening.

“Why did you do that?” Jungkook hisses as Taehyung heads toward the elevators, not even bothering to glance at Jungkook.

“Do what?”

“Pay for both of us!”

“Because I wanted to?” Taehyung shoots his arm out to stop the elevator doors from closing and ushers Jungkook inside.

There isn’t a reasonable rebuttal, so Jungkook glares at him while the elevator beeps as they pass the second floor. They stand on opposite sides, leaning against each wall's handrail. Luckily, the elevator doesn’t stop for anyone else to get on. 

“So pouty,” Taehyung smirks but keeps his eyes on the changing number above the elevator’s doors. “Don’t prey like to be taken care of?”

“No.” 

Jungkook’s answer comes too quickly, and his tone is too petulant. It makes Taehyung laugh, finally bringing his bright gaze to rest on Jungkook’s face.

“Not even little domesticated bunnies like you?” Taehyung teases.

“You’re domesticated, too!”

“Are tigers domesticated?” Taehyung’s boxy grin widens.

At a loss for words, Jungkook follows Taehyung out of the elevator.

As the museum employee said, the entrance to the exhibit Jungkook and Taehyung are looking for is directly to the right of the elevator lobby. Another employee in uniform stands at a small podium in front of the large glass doors to check guests’ tickets. He’s young, likely a college student working a part-time job, with black and orange striped ears poking out of straight black hair.

“Good afternoon,” the tiger hybrid greets lowly. He pauses to look over Taehyung before gazing over Jungkook’s form.

It’s intimidating, standing between two large predators. Jungkook never feels weak, but he feels meek, knowing he is the weakest one here. As usual, this doesn’t deter him. He stands with his head held high and his eyes locked on the employee.

“Have you visited before?” the employee asks Taehyung, who shakes his head. The employee explains the setup of the exhibit and then hands Taehyung a pamphlet about the artwork and a museum map in case they need it.

It shouldn’t bother Jungkook that the employee never speaks to him, but he feels irritation prickle his skin as he walks away. His mood must sour his scent or muddle his expression because Taehyung bumps shoulders with him again once they’re inside the exhibit.

“What’s up, bun? Already tired of being here?” Taehyung folds the pamphlet and map to stick them in the back pocket of his jeans. It’s obvious that he’s been to this museum before; he has only listened to the employees explain everything to be polite.

“That guy didn’t even talk to me. He only talked to you.”

“Oh, yeah.”

Jungkook pouts at Taehyung’s dismissive response. He doesn’t seem to be paying attention to what Jungkook says; instead, he is scrolling on his phone.

“Taehyung.”

“What, did you want him to talk to you?” Looking over, Taehyung gives Jungkook a boxy grin. “Did you think he was cute?”

“No!” Jungkook whispers harshly, peeking around to see if they’ve disturbed anyone with their talking.

Unconcerned about their surroundings, Taehyung advances on Jungkook, forcing him to shuffle further into the exhibit.

“Do you have a thing for tigers, Jungkook?”

Jungkook’s floppy ears hug tight to the side of his face, hiding him from Taehyung’s sparkling amber eyes. Mortified, he turns on his heel and walks past the large signage welcoming guests to learn more about Amarna art, the art style of the Amarna Period during the Eighteenth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. 

The exhibit comprises open rooms connected by long, wide hallways. Each room is organized by art medium, with the first devoted to sarcophagi. Taehyung follows Jungkook into the first room, laughing under his breath about Jungkook being “skittish.”

Jungkook pretends not to hear him.

“Starting off with the mummies is an interesting choice,” Taehyung mutters as he strolls through the massive glass display cases. Some of the sarcophagi are empty, and most are closed, but a few mummies are on display near the back of the room.

“Why do you say that?” Jungkook asks, his natural curiosity and infatuation with Taehyung winning over his desire to be pouty.

“Mummies are all people care about. Shouldn’t they make us work for it by putting them at the end?”

Jungkook shrugs.

“I’m sure people don’t only come for the mummies. If they’re paying money, they might as well see the whole exhibit.”

Taehyung gives Jungkook a look that tells him he’s being naive, but Jungkook doesn’t care. He wants to believe people aren’t so simple-minded, even if Taehyung is the one going to school to study this stuff.

Despite appreciating art and considering himself an artist, if only to an extent, Jungkook has spent little time in art museums. His parents never celebrated the value of the arts. It seems silly to think about since he’s an adult now and can visit museums whenever he wants. Perhaps having the chance to appreciate art at his own pace is part of why it feels nice to meander through the different rooms with Taehyung.

Jungkook is also self-aware enough to know that he’s enjoying himself because half of his energy goes into watching Taehyung examine the art. Every once in a while, they’ll run into other museum guests discussing the displays in hushed voices, and they even come across a small group tour, but for most of the visit, they’re on their own.

The solitude allows Jungkook to see Taehyung in what appears to be his element. Taehyung occasionally hums to himself as he squints at the pieces, though Jungkook most enjoys it when he frowns. When it seems like he really likes a piece of artwork, his tail skirts the floor, flicking up to curl around his calf like he’s giving himself a little hug. It makes Jungkook wonder what Taehyung is thinking about — if his thoughts are purely about the Art History assignment they’re working on or if there’s more to his analysis.

Jungkook quickly concludes that Taehyung is simply a giant nerd when he peeks over his shoulder to find Taehyung skimming an article on his phone about the statue he’s standing in front of.

“What made you want to study art?”

Taehyung slips his phone into his pocket and frowns at Jungkook’s question – his face stuck in art examination mode.

“I’m good at it. Making it, critiquing it, researching it,” Taehyung begins, his hands finding the pockets of his jean jacket. “But mostly because it’s rather magical, right? How is it possible for art to trigger our emotions? How can a painting or song make people cry? Or for sculptures to make us nostalgic for a world we didn’t come from?” Taehyung gestures to the wooden toy horse amongst other treasures found in a child’s tomb.

From what Jungkook has learned about Taehyung over the semester, he is more of an observer than a participant in conversations. Still, when Taehyung has something to say, he never fails to leave Jungkook speechless — for better or worse. 

They’re silent for the rest of their time in the exhibit, only stopping to exchange quiet words when they need to take pictures or write notes about certain art pieces. They take their time admiring the busts and sunken reliefs of the ancient pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife, Nefertiti.

Jungkook gets easily caught up in the transformative magic of art history, losing track of time and place as he examines canopic jars in glass cases on raised pedestals and takes too long reading the information placards next to every item.

Just over an hour passes before Jungkook and Taehyung reach the end of the exhibit. Jungkook feels like hardly any time has passed at all.

“Wait,” Taehyung pinches the sleeve of Jungkook’s sweater as he’s about to push through the exit doors to return to the main hallway. “We have to take a picture as evidence.”

“Professor Jung is so silly for that. Who is going to lie about going to the art museum?” Jungkook says with a laugh.

Taehyung gives him another skeptical look. “You are too trusting.”

Jungkook lets Taehyung pull him into his side to take a selfie in front of the exhibit signage. Taehyung’s arm is a heavy weight around Jungkook’s waist. He tries not to be obvious when he breathes in deeply to cherish their brief closeness as Taehyung takes the photo before stepping away.

Not once does Jungkook question spending alone time with a predator or letting one get so close to him. Maybe he is too trusting.

“Do you want to leave now?” Jungkook asks once they’re out in the hallway.

He pulls at the sleeves of his sweater, giving himself sweater paws and avoiding Taehyung to look down the hall where the elevators are instead. He doesn’t want to leave because leaving means Taehyung will take him home, and Jungkook wants to spend more time with him. He’s just afraid to say that out loud.

“Want to go back to my place?” Taehyung asks like it’s the easiest question in the world.

Feeling hot in the face, Jungkook hides behind his ears when he mumbles a shakey, “Sure.”

“Cool, cool,” Taehyung nods, tail flicking as he leads Jungkook through the winding hallways to get back to the elevator lobby. “We can get food and work on our project.”

It takes everything in Jungkook not to launch himself into a hyperactive fit of wiggles, even with such a strong urge to jump at Taehyung, to throw his arms around his neck and latch on for dear life. It’s just too much excitement all bottled up in the young bunny’s body. He tries to focus on getting back to the elevators and keeping his heart beating at a normal rate, so much so that he doesn’t realize he’s leading the way rather than Taehyung. 

Jungkook has definitely taken them down the wrong hallway because they end up in the Renaissance era rather than the elevator lobby. He’s so hyped up on excitable energy verging on panic that he forgets to ask Taehyung to check the museum map. 

“Bun, look at this portrait.”

Noticing that Taehyung is no longer behind him, Jungkook backtracks down the long, wide hallway. Whichever painting has caught Taehyung’s eye must be unique; he seems picky about art.

“Wait,” Taehyung grabs Jungkook’s arm and pulls him to the side, positioning him for the perfect viewing experience. “Okay, now look.”

Following Taehyung’s gaze, Jungkook turns to look at the portrait — only to realize that the art hanging on the wall isn’t a painting, but a mirror. The sixteenth-century walnut frame is impressive, rectangular, and adorned with beautiful carvings and gold details painted around its curled edges. In the middle is an oval glass, clear as a teardrop.

“Beautiful, isn’t he?” Taehyung whispers, his eyes meeting Jungkook’s through the mirror from where he stands to the side. “Who knew such gorgeous bunnies existed in Renaissance Italy.”

Jungkook watches with shining eyes as his cheeks turn pink in the mirror. Taehyung’s praise floods his body with warmth even as Jungkook trembles when Taehyung takes a step closer.

“Stop teasing me,” Jungkook whispers, afraid his voice might echo through the empty hall.

“I’m serious,” Taehyung purrs against the curve of his ear. He curls his arms around Jungkook’s waist, pulling him close in a back hug and making Jungkook’s breath quicken.

“You’re just saying that.”

Taehyung maintains firm eye contact with Jungkook through the mirror as his tongue darts out to lick his bottom lip. He’s warm and solid against Jungkook’s body, securely holding him into place when he trembles.

“Are you nervous?”

Breathless, Jungkook nods.

“Because little bunnies should stay away from big, scary tigers like me?” Taehyung teases in a syrupy voice that’s darker than it is sweet.

Is that why Jungkook can’t calm himself down? He doesn’t know; he can’t think straight. He watches a slow smile build on Taehyung’s face, one that ends up sharp and, well, predatory.

“I…”

“Hmm?” 

Taehyung presses his palm against Jungkook’s lower stomach and rests his chin on Jungkook’s shoulder.

“I don’t know.”

Jungkook licks his lips like Taehyung had, leaving them slightly parted as he tries to slow his breathing. He feels Taehyung’s quiet chuckle rumble through his chest and against his back. It brings Jungkook’s attention to the rest of his body, and he nearly goes weak in the knees when he realizes his ass rests against Taehyung’s crotch.

“Can I kiss you, bun?” Taehyung whispers in Jungkook’s ear. 

Jungkook can hardly formulate a response, every coherent thought fizzling from his brain like water evaporating off a summer sidewalk. It’s embarrassing how badly he wants to feel Taehyung’s lips on his. Rarely has he let himself consider the possibility that it may happen, always too shy – perhaps even insecure – to let such a genuine thought grow inside him. 

But now Taehyung’s breath fans across Jungkook’s neck, and he wishes he’d let himself fantasize more about the predator who’s always on his mind. Maybe then he could have been confident and sexy rather than the goopy mess he’s turning into as Taehyung cups his chin to tilt his face up and to the side. 

“Am I embarrassing myself right now by reading this whole day wrong?” 

“Y-yes,” Jungkook stammers, cheeks flushing pink. “I mean, no, yes, you can kiss me. Please.”

Taehyung’s sharp mouth turns boxy, and a bit of his predatory allure falls back to reveal the boyish charm Jungkook only rarely gets a glimpse of. 

“Good,” Taehyung hums as he slides his hand along to grip the back of Jungkook’s neck. 

Jungkook’s breath gets caught in his throat when Taehyung squeezes his neck to hold him in place. His grip isn’t tight, but his hand is large, and his hold is firm. The odd sense of security it brings Jungkook makes him feel gooey inside. 

Despite his aggressive hold on Jungkook, Taehyung kisses him gently. It starts with a soft but sure press of Taehyung’s lips against Jungkook’s, close-mouthed and almost a test run, as if Taehyung thinks Jungkook might pull back if he dives in too deeply. 

When Jungkook doesn’t, Taehyung kisses him harder, running his tongue over the seam of Jungkook’s lips until they part with a small gasp. Emboldened, he sucks Jungkook’s bottom lip into his mouth, swiping his tongue and dragging his teeth over it before he lets it go with a wet sound far too loud for a museum’s hallway.

“I love that you smell like me,” Taehyung murmurs against Jungkook’s lips before capturing them again and slipping his hot tongue inside Jungkook’s mouth. 

Jungkook twists in Taehyung’s embrace so their fronts fully press together. Throwing one arm over Taehyung’s shoulder and using his free hand to grip the front of Taehyung’s shirt, Jungkook pulls him close so Taehyung can hold up his weight. There’s no way Jungkook can stand properly when Taehyung is sucking on his tongue and biting his bottom lip, coaxing out shameless whimpers from the bunny hybrid.

“You taste so good,” Taehyung murmurs against Jungkook’s lips when they finally pull back just enough to breathe. He slides his hands down Jungkook’s back to grab his ass, squeezing and kneading it in his large palms.

“Oh,” Jungkook gasps and tightens his arm around Taehyung’s neck. Heat floods his body as his floral scent sweetens and spikes so strongly that Taehyung audibly inhales. 

It’s Jungkook’s slick. He can feel it drip between his cheeks and soak his briefs. It’s embarrassing how his body pulses with desire, stronger than he has ever felt in his entire life.

“Fuck, Jungkook,” Taehyung growls as he surges forward to steal another kiss. The deep, gravelly sound makes Jungkook leak more slick. 

Taehyung squeezes Jungkook’s ass again, this time pulling him closer when he does and forcing their hips to grind together.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook tries to speak through his uncontrollable whimpers. They’re making out in the middle of a museum, and now, Jungkook is so wet that he’s sure he has soaked through his pants. “Taehyung, there are cameras.”

“I know.” Taehyung grins into the kiss, causing his teeth to press against Jungkook’s lips.

It isn’t until Taehyung’s fingers brush Jungkook’s fluffy tail that Jungkook finally jerks away.

“Tae,” Jungkook rasps, panting and flooded with embarrassment that leaves his body shaking. “I’m, I, um...” 

Flustered, Jungkook trails off. He tries to look away, but Taehyung squeezes his chin, thumb pressing his cheek to force him to look at Taehyung. 

“Hey, bun,” Taehyung speaks softly, “I’m sorry. I got carried away.”

“My pants,” is all Jungkook manages to say, his brain a fuzzy mess, the only coherent thought being Taehyung Taehyung Taehyung. 

“Shit, take my jacket.” Taehyung quickly removes his jean jacket and wraps it around Jungkook’s waist, tying it by the sleeves at the front so the rest of the jacket covers Jungkook’s butt where his slick has leaked through his pants. 

“Can anyone tell?” Jungkook whispers while checking over his shoulder to see if other museum guests are nearby. 

“You’re okay.” Taehyung chews his bottom lip, cheeks tinged pink and eyes heavy. “I can take you home.”

“No!” 

Taehyung raises his eyebrows, and Jungkook feels his face burn even hotter. 

“You don’t want me to take you home?” 

Jungkook plays with the sleeves of Taehyung’s jacket, and a different kind of warmth floods his body when he considers how well Taehyung is trying to take care of him. He knows he should go home, but he doesn’t want to leave Taehyung – especially not with his lips tingling from his kiss and his head spinning from how Taehyung had sounded, practically moaning his name. 

“I thought we were going to work on our projects together…”

Jungkook doesn’t mean to put on the charm; his sparkly doe eyes naturally react to how giddy and alive Taehyung makes him feel.

With a grin that makes Jungkook’s stomach flutter, Taehyung grabs the jacket sleeves tied around Jungkook’s waist and tugs, forcing Jungkook to stumble toward him. It’s impossible to deny how much Jungkook enjoys Taehyung taking control and how Taehyung looms over him when they’re standing flush against each other – especially when Jungkook starts leaking even more slick. 

“Let’s go.” Taehyung’s sharp canines glint in the fluorescent lighting, and Jungkook finds it difficult to swallow. 

What has Jungkook gotten himself into?

Series Masterlist

Disclaimer: All my writing is fictional and for entertainment purposes only. None of these characters are meant to actually represent the real people mentioned in the stories. 

All rights reserved © @gimmethatagustd​ - Do not copy, repost, modify, or translate any of my writing. Do not use my writing for any AI purposes whatsoever. Do not use my fics for anything aside from reading and commenting on them. My fics will only be posted on this Tumblr and on AO3 (gimmethatagustd & daddytaehyungie). Request an AO3 account here.

[shubblelive]

— HOW IT WORKS

summary : you have never liked wilbur soot. the two of you just always seemed to butt heads. you’re civil, though, especially because you have mutual friends. one of whom seems to have an ulterior motive.

genre : fluff

warnings : swearing, alcohol/drinking (not to excess) protective!best friend! niki is pissed at wilbur the ENTIRE time, reader has hair that reaches at least their shoulder (type, texture and colour aren’t described), tommy being a shithead

pairing : cc!wilbur soot x fem!cc!reader, one-sided enemies to lovers

pronouns : she/her

featuring : cc!wilbur soot, cc!nihachu, cc!tommyinnit (mentioned)

word count : 1.4k

note : ty for 300, can’t even begin to explain how much i appreciate it tagging @starsyoubreaklikesugardust because of how lovely she is. title stolen from one of my favourite taylor songs ofc

“please, niki,”

he’d been begging for nearly 15 minutes at this point, but niki was stone faced. she was one of his best friends, he knew all the tricks to make her give in. he’d complimented her, talking about her new hair colour and how it suited her. he’d made himself seem as pathetic as possible so she’d be more likely to help. he’d given her begging eyes, trying as hard as he could to convince her.

he only had one more trick left, and after that it would be pure brute force: asking over and over again until she got pissed off enough to either yell at him to fuck off or she’d agree.

“but, niki, please,” she huffed as wilbur started talking again. “imagine,” he pulled his face up beside hers to guide her on his journey of persuasion. “events in which you can hang out with me and not feel guilty. events in which you can hang out with her and not feel guilty. picture not having to be weird and squirmy around me when you say you can’t film with me because you’re filming with her. not having-”

“enough!” niki put her phone down, looking at wilbur, unimpressed. “you know she’d kill me, right?”

“pretty sure she’d thank you if it works out the way i want it to,” wilbur said innocently, and niki picked up a pillow, ready to hit him with it. “come on! for me? for your best friend?”

“the answer is no wilbur,”

“but-”

“no, i already have to listen to you whine about how much she doesn’t like you, i don’t want to have to listen you talk about how much she does.” niki shook her head. “i’m sorry. i can’t help you.”

lo and behold, thanks to brute force it was less than twenty minutes before she finally agreed, and wilbur walked out of her flat armed with his new knowledge.

there was only another 2 weeks before he had to use it. tommy had finally moved out of his shithole apartment, and he had a small get together with a few other brighton streamers. including you.

your cardigan had slipped off your shoulder, and he resisted the urge to pull it back up. not in a predatory “no one should see your shoulders” sort of way, but more in a protective, wanting you to be warm way.

you’d first met wilbur six months ago, and he’d declare it was love at first sight. niki had actually been the one to introduce you, and he’d never be able to thank her enough for all the help she’d given regarding you. the first night, you’d were lovely. all soft smiles and laughing too hard at his shit jokes. he’d brushed a lock of hair off your shoulder and it had given you both goosebumps. wilbur had decided right then and there that before the night was over, he was going to kiss you. or at least attempt to, unless you weren’t interested.

he’d left you alone for fifteen minutes to go get a drink and to use the bathroom, and on his way back he’d been apprehended by tommy. the bastard had made fun of him for how whipped he looked the entire night, and wilbur had been too self conscious to admit he wanted to go back to talk to you. when he’d finally lost tommy’s interest, he’d also apparently lost yours.

you avoided him for the rest of the night, sending short replies whenever he messaged you until finally, he stopped.

he hadn’t dated anyone since, putting it down to it simply not being something important right now. he pointedly ignored the fact that he still really wanted to kiss you.

now, he watched you sip your drink while you chatted with tommy. someone new showed up and tommy had to excuse himself to say hi, and that was when wilbur approached. "fancy seeing you here."

you smiled politely, trying to mask your evident distaste for him. "hi,"

"you look really nice," he tugged gently on the sleeve of your cardigan. "'s this new?"

you pulled back. "thank you. and no, i've had it for a while. i think i see niki, i should go talk to her. have a nice night, wilbur."

perfectly polite, if a little brusque. you floated off, pulling the cardigan back up over your shoulder as you reached your best friend. "what did he want?" niki asked curiously.

"just trying to talk to me," you didn't wanna start a fight, so you waved him off. niki, however, kept pushing.

"yeah? about what?"

"doesn't matter, nik-"

"why do you hate him?"

you shut your mouth. "i don't-"

"yes, you do. and i love you both, and i just want to fix it but i don't know how!" she sounded upset, and you frowned. she took a gulp of the rest of the water in her glass. "i'm going to get enother drink. i'll be back."

so you were left alone in tommy's crowded living room, having pissed off the one person you'd really want to talk to. the only other person who wasn't speaking to someone else was wilbur.

there was no point in staying at this point. you finished your drink and grabbed your bag, stepping out into the hallway to call a taxi. it was raining outside, and you were huddled under the awning as best you could, pulling your cardigan back over your shoulder.

the metal door to the building buzzed as it was open. it was wilbur, black coat pulled tight around him. he shrugged it off, shoving it towards you. rain had started trickling down your back, and you were shaking uncontrollably.

"are you insane?" he had to yell for you to hear him. when you didn’t take the coat, he tossed it at you. you caught it instinctively. "what are you doing?"

"going home." you replied, throwing it over your shoulders, leaving your arms out. "what are you doing here?"

"i came to check on you!"

"we're not friends, wilbur!" you rolled your eyes, rain pounding the top of your head and soaking you to the bone. "what do you want?"

"why do you hate me?"

your voice went up an octave. "why does everyone keep asking me that? i don't hate you! ok, we're fine. just go back inside, my cab's coming." you looked at your phone and your face fell. they'd cancelled on you. "fuck.”

"let me drive you home," he begged. "please."

"we are not friends!" you emphasised. "wilbur, come on-"

"you know i'm in love with you, right?" you stopped in your tracks, mouth left open. "i have been since i first met you! i thought you were the prettiest girl i've ever seen, and i was going to kiss you. the very first night we met."

tears had welled up in your eyes, blending with the rain. he wanted to wipe them away, but he kept talking. "and i had just worked up the courage to, when suddenly you decided you hated me! why? what did i do? please, just tell me!"

"you're being cruel, wilbur," you sobbed. he was taunting you. telling you what you wanted to hear, making you admit to how you felt only to shove it in your face. you were being pathetic.

"i love you," he said quietly. "and if you don't feel the same, then that's fine. but this has been the longest six months of my entire life. and it's because i was a coward. i was too afraid to tell you how i felt."

"you talked to tommy that night," your voice was low, so soft he almost couldn't hear you over the rain. "kid was making fun of you, said you were being a simp, or something." you wiped a tear away furiously. "and you said. "her?" as if the idea was so terrible. "sure." you said. you laughed, and then came right back to my side and tried to flirt with me."

he faltered. he did say that. it had been loud that night. he was a little drunk, and irritated with his younger brother figure, and all he had wanted was to get back to you. tommy wouldn’t stop making fun of him and he wanted to kiss you so bad his mind went blank. he was an asshole.

“believe me, darling,” he pleaded. “i know i was a dick, and i hurt you. but that was a lie. i wanted tommy off my back, so i said it to shut him up. but trust me, it’s not true at all. i love you, really. and i’ll wait forever and ever, if that’s what it takes for you to believe me.” there was nothing but sincerity in his eyes. “please, let me drive you home.”

so, you ended up in the front seat of wilbur soot’s car on your way back to your place. you’d noticed that he’d nearly died of shock when you’d let him hold your hand with his free one. you could only imagine how he’d react when you let him kiss you on the sidewalk in front of your house.

he’d have to thank niki later.

[wyndowpane]

What soft love songs the Fellowship dedicate to you (and why) <3

In the mood to make myself cry, plus I’m in my ‘i was i wasn’t lonely’ phase of the night.

Pulled most of these from my notes app lmao, and i listened to each one while writing, I highly recommend giving them a listen!

GN! reader, mostly you/your used :) (Obviously some songs will involve specified gender, please correct as you need, and remember that these characters would absolutely make these changes as well)

GIF by legolasimagines

Frodo Baggins - Hopelessly Devoted to You - Olivia Newton-John (Grease)

He definitely has the distinct memory of the classic slow burn moment of “Oh. Oh.” happening, where he realises just how much he loves you. He knew he was head over heels, and he looks at you like you hung the moon. And if you sing it to him- UGH😩💙. IN LOVE, HE SHALL BE. He probably hums it a lot when doing work or writing. Of course, the lyrics are quite relatable to him. Frodo has this internal belief that the person/people he love/s can’t love him nearly the amount he adores them. He was willing to sit around and wait on you, in the hopes that you would see him in the same way. His brain knew he should just move on, but he couldn’t let go, and he’s glad he didn’t. He’s so devoted to simply loving you.

“Hold on to the end, and that’s what I intend to do. I’m hopelessly devoted to you~”

GIF by frodo-sam

(gotta appreciate that me looking up his name resulted in a bunch of po-tay-toes memes. anyway. back to the hcs)

Samwise Gamgee - Hello, Hello - Elton John ft Lady GaGa (Gnomeo & Juliet)

He’s a sucker for meet-cute stories, and would unironically love this movie, even setting aside this banger of a song. The moment he saw you, he felt captivated by your beauty, whether or not the meeting went well or if you fell on your face. The song is just so cheerful and wholesome. He probably told you that the song reminded him of you, and that sparked the romantic relationship. Every time this sequence plays he’ll just look at you (if/when you watch the movie). PLEASE SING THIS AS A DUET WITH HIM AAAA. (He isn’t Elton John, but his voice is lovely 🥰)

“Hello, hello (Hello, hello), my, my, my, what have we here?”

GIF by tossme

Peregrin Took - I’ll Be - Edwin McCain

Honestly it’s hard to explain this one. It’s just so soft and sweet and really describes how he feels about you. Also as the youngest and a, quoting Gandalf here, “fool of a Took!”, the line “and I’ll be, better when I’m older…” is just- MWAH. This song reminds me of him honestly. He is, as the song states, “your crying shoulder”, the “greatest fan of your life”. Everything about you takes his breath away. We all know he’s the best singer in the fellowship, and its just gorgeous to listen to him sing it, especially because he means every word. He also probably dedicated this to you early on in the relationship, and it was definitely your wedding song (if you got married).

“I’ll be, better when I’m older. I’ll be, the greatest fan of your life~”

GIF by thorinsbeard

(tumblr needs more Merry gifs istg-)

Meriadoc Brandybuck - Nothing - Bruno Major

Honestly you wouldn’t expect such a lowkey song for such a high energy guy, but he’s a sucker for lazy days and sweet moments. He’s, as he likes to say, ‘work-avoidant’, and just wants to spend all his time on you. He also finds the song easy to sing to you, so thats a plus. The lyrics just resonate with him, similar to my picks for Pippin and Frodo. He’s very competitive, but he honestly doesn’t mind losing to you. He pretends like romantic or soft movies don’t make him cry, even if they do. He gets the appeal of going out and drinking and laughing, but just staying at home with you just sounds so much nicer to him. Its all about the little things in life with him, the small moments, the laughs, and every ‘I love you’ that makes him feel lighter than air.

“Dumb conversations, we lose track of time. Have I told you lately? I’m grateful you’re mine~”

GIF by thefandomimagine

Aragorn - Dark Red - Steve Lacy

He knows how dangerous his work and life is, and he’s always had this fear of leaving you behind (hence the ‘something bad is ‘bout to happen to me’). He only sees you in his life, no matter who else is wanting for his attention, he’s so devoted to you. He only hopes that you’ll stay by his side and fight with him, and he’s not willing to give up on you. No, he refuses to give up when you are involved, and he fights so hard to keep you safe and protected. The song also is easy to mumble to you when he’s tired, and it’s soothing for him to listen to. It’s just a symbol of how much you mean in his life, and how he trusts you with his heart.

“Only you, babe, only you darlin’, only you~”

GIF by reactionimages

Legolas - Lover - Taylor Swift

Unabashed Swiftie in general, but this song just hits different. So first off he probably already called you his lover, and when he found the song he thought it was perfect. I can definitely see him learning guitar and playing this song for you as well. Into the actual song analysis, this song frames his want to be close to you, the mysterious way he was drawn to you, the way he felt like time flew by whenever you talked. Also I feel like he’s made jealous relatively easily, and that’s also in the song. His heart has been borrowed before, but he’s glad he’s ended up with you, to hear your jokes, save you seats, and call you his lover. He definitely likes to sing this to you late in the night, and i can see him humming/mumbling it whenever the two of you just stand and hold each other. Its so wholesome, and he loves the way your eyes light up when he sings it with all the love in his heart, all of it for you.

“You’re my, my, my, my… lover~”

GIF by tlotrgifs

Gimli - If You Love Her - Forrest Blakk

Honestly, he’s not a very observant dwarf, but he does pay attention to you. He knows you, and he cares a lot. Protective of you to a fault, but just wants everyone to know that they shouldn’t take you or your heart for granted. He hates to admit it, but he thinks you are precious (I’M SORRy-) and every small thing about you is worth taking note of. And he does, so he knows exactly how to make you happier. He’s your personal hype-man, and truly believes that you are the best thing he has ever had. He uses the song as a guidebook on how to treat you, and while he won’t say it, or sing it, he does play this song for you and leave in a huff, just hoping you’ll know this song is meant to say that he loves you. (He might even dub it over with your preferred pronouns for the big reveal, and it’s quite funny)

“They’ll love you, if you love them like that~”

GIF by myrkvidrs

Boromir - Summer Love - The Workday Release

Boromir really thinks this song demonstrates his feelings towards you, and how he wishes you’d stick around with him. You remind him of the summer, warm, bright and hopeful. It was so simple for him to fall in love (it’s like counting 1,2,3). He’s awestruck by your beauty, and doesn’t find it enough to dream about you, he needs to be holding your hand, feeling your presence. He wants to face the world with you there next to him. You always manage to give him a smile, make sense to him, and be honest. He’s not sure how to articulate everything he feels around you, so he just says that he loves you.

“Surely this is love, this is love, this is summer love~”

WOOOOO IM DONEEEE

Ive been writing for the past 2+ hours and it’s late and I’m tired, but I really hope you enjoy. If you want to request a fic, any fandom will do, I’ll get back to you on it, I promise.

Let me know if you want me to do a Part 2 with some other characters <3 Have a great day!!

[nescaveckwriter]

Saving Grace - Chapter 4 💓😭🩷

A/N: 🐞... While writing this chapter, the emotions were running high extremely high... So fair warning, grab a BOX of tissues 🤭🥺🥺 okay y'all... L💓VE y'all...!

Warnings: *18+ Only* Mentions of a medical condition, and dying ... bit swearing, heartache,🥹❤️

Characters: Dean Winchester, Bobby Singer, Benny Lafitte, Grace Tucker, Kelly Tucker 😍

Words: 1800-ish😊

Cover & Pictures: Pinterest, Canva, Google

Side Note: Songs not my own, also, Please check out my Masterlist for more, epic stories🐞💕

The old man’s voice is gruff as he speaks to Kelly “Listen the whole point of this album, and show is about touring” Kelly looks at him “Bobby it's simple you sign it or you don’t, Dean Winchester needs Grace more than she needs him, and you know that’s the truth”. Bobby couldn’t deny it, the truth in her words, and Kelly drove a hard bargain, so after some small changes, and a promise of a world tour in a year, he signed.

Kelly walked out of that meeting with Bobby feeling satisfied, and saddened, she promised the old man that Grace would do a world wide tour in a year, letting out a humourless chuckle… ‘Grace will be gone by then, she’s only got a few months left, and I just lied to an old man, great job Kelly, you a horrible damn person, she cussed herself. As she left the studio she tried her very best not to break down, hating the fact that Grace is so strong and all she wants to do is break down and cry, life ain’t fair. 

The thought of burying her sister in a few months overwhelmed her and she broke down crying in the middle of the hallway, tears streaming down her face, her body trembling as she keeps replaying the news they got, not so long ago, the doctor’s words tumbling around “Sorry Grace the scan’s” the doctor’s tone turned sympathetic “honey I’m sorry you have less than a year left” she looked at the doctor then at Grace and she just smiled and said “Then I’ll make the best of the few months I have left, thanks Doc” she looked at Grace like she didn’t understand what he said , but she did. And Kelly wanted to do was break down, scream and shout, and curse and yell, at how it can be possible that her lovely, kind hearted sister could be taken away so early from her.

A hand on Kelly’s shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts, the greenest of green eyes met hers, a gruff voice “Hi? You okay?” she immediately knew who it was, not just was she a fan of his music, but her Fiance, is the drummer for him, and Grace raved on about him, of course she wouldn’t admit but she likes him, and not just about his singing voice. Kelly smiled brushed her tears away and said “yeah, fine thanks Dean” 

Smiling “You don’t look fine?” 

She nearly bit his head off “I’m fine dammit, just leave me the hell alone” Dean raised his hands in the air “Hell I’m just trying to be nice for once, and this is the reaction I get” he huffs “And people still wonder why I prefer Jack Daniels?” he just walked off growling something to himself. And Kelly was left standing, feeling ashamed and heartbroken, she couldn’t tell him the reason. Grace made everyone promise that on one should know, she doesn’t want to be treated like some kind of fragile person, but hell she was fragile. She started making her way out of the building to the car, time to act as if everything is just fine, like her sister is going to die.

Dean walked into the studio, huffing, the little muscle in his jaw jumping. He shot Benny a look “What the hell is the matter with your fiance?” Benny was so confused “Excuse me?” Dean growled “I tried comforting the woman and she bit my head off” Benny nearly jumped up from his sitting position “where is she, is she okay?” Dean glared at him “hell if I know!”.Benny didn’t answer, he shot out of there like a man on a mission, leaving Dean there, still kind of ticked off about the whole situation. 

Grace sat there reading, and humming to the songs they’ll be recording together, she made sure to get some rest the night before, drinking lots of water. She heard them stetson boots on the floor, and there he was, plain old jeans, a black t-shirt and white-creamish cowboy hat, and she could’ve sworn her breathing hitched, but hey she has a heart problem, so it ain’t got nothing to do with him right? His voice broke through, bouncing off the wall “Howdy Grace?” she smiled and greeted “Morning, ready to do this?” he gave her a cocky smile “darling I’m born ready”, shaking her head, laughing a little “good thing your humble?” he found his seat next to her, his forest green eyes piercing her “Oh Honey, why should I be humble, people love me” she tossed her strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder “Oh your pretty smug aren’t you?” he laughed “what can I say darling? I am just confident! She shook her head “nope the word your looking for are arrogant!” he mocked offence “ouch, you know how to humble a man don’t ya?” she giggled and it sounded like a choir of joyful angels, “Nah! Just simply keeping you in check”. He smirked “Alright Miss Humble, why don’t we start with this song?” he tapped on the paper and she nodded, “yeah alrighty let’s do this cowboy”.

She started with the few first verses…

I pushed him away

And carefully said

I'm just not that kind of girl

You might think I'm square

'Cause you've been around and you're wise

In the ways of the world

I know that making is taking for granted

It's all easy come, easy go

He pulled me close and whispered

His gruff voice begun…

Now darlin' there's something I want you to know

I still believe in Waltzes

And girls with old fashioned ways

I still believe in love songs

In the good, in the good ole days

I've always liked happy endings

Somebody's dream coming true

I still believe in Waltzes

And dancing the last one with you

She pitched in again…

He slipped into bed, I turned over and said

I'm worried you working so late

Is it just your job that keeps you away, Lord

I know the temptations are gray

I'm just a wife, I'm just a momma

It's not too exciting I know

He pulled me close and whispered those same words

He told me that night long ago

His voice drew …

I still believe in Waltzes

And girls with old fashioned ways

I still believe in love songs

At the end, both of them started to sing in harmony 

In the good, in the good ole days

I've always liked happy endings

Somebody's dream coming true

I still believe in Waltzes

And I'll dance the last one with you

We still believe in Waltzes

When they hit those last notes, they were so in sync, like they’ve been doing it for years, Dean let out an impressed chuckle “damn that was amazing” Grace nodded excitedly, “yes that was perfect, that was amazing, the way you came in on that first verse ‘now darling’ that was mind blowing” while she explained she gestured with her hands, and he couldn’t really make out the rest, of her sentence because he got mesmerised by the way her lips moved as she spoke, watching intently, the way it curved, the way it pursed together with certain words, and then finally as she spoke and her tongue darted out, wetting her lips, to speak further, all he could think is how is it possible for one woman, to do such an innocent act, that was downright turning him on. He had to take a sip of water to cool himself down, and then he heard her sweet voice “You okay Dean?” he just simply nodded and gestured that he was thirsty. She simply smiled and took a few sips of water herself. 

Bobby, who was sitting, listening and watching to them, handed them the next song, and Dean shot him a somewhat uncomfortable glare, but of course the old man didn’t care. After Dean adjusted he started strumming on the guitar, and looked at her, smiling, a smile reaching his eyes. As he sang the first verse he knew never had a song felt so true, because he’d really love to lay her down.

There's a lot of ways of sayin' what I want to say to you

There's songs and poems and promises and dreams that might come true

But I won't talk of starry skies or moonlight on the ground

I'll come right out and tell you I'd just love to lay you down

Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear

Lay ya down and tell you all the things a woman loves to hear

I'll let you know how much it means just havin' you around

Oh darlin', how I'd love to lay you down

A slight pinkish colour crept onto her cheeks as he glanced directly into his eyes, falling in with the next verse…

There's so many ways your sweet love made this house into a home

You've got a way of doin' little things that turn me on

Their voices collided with the next few verses, and they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, emotions running high, their voices, singing the words their hearts and bodies wanted so badly…

Oh darlin', how I'd love to lay you down

Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear

Lay ya down and tell you all the things my woman loves to hear

I'll let you know how much it means just havin' you around

Oh darlin', how I'd love to lay you down

Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear

Lay ya down and tell you all the things my woman loves to hear

I'll let you know how much it means just havin' you around

Oh darlin', how I'd love to lay you down

The song ends and the air is palpable with so much unspoken desire, and need, to simply taste each other’s lips, the two of them stared at each other, Dean slightly leaning in, merely inches away from finally giving in and tasting her lips, but the moment was ruined by Grace getting up and walking out hastily, mumbling something about she needs fresh air. Dean groaned out of frustration, he could’ve sworn she felt the electricity too, but no, she just left.

Grace hurried outside, trying to catch her breath. Before she knew it, she called Kelly, before Kelly could properly greet her, Grace rambled on “Sis, I’m in big trouble, the man… I nearly kissed, I nearly kissed him, I can’t feel this way… why do I feel this way, I barely know him… I can’t be falling in love with him.. Can I ..?” Kelly’s heart broke, she knew what her sister meant, “Gracie, sweetie… I don't know what to say!” Grace’s voice came out sounding slightly brittle, “This can't be happening… why? I can’t be falling in love now” Not now! Why did he have to be him” she grunted. 

Kelly tried to calm her down, knowing she shouldn’t exert herself, “please calm down, please”. Grace broke down for the first time since she got the news “K…Kelly, I can’t fall in love with Dean, I am going die in a couple of months, and I can’t imagine a future, because there is now future, there is now, rainbows, and roses, candle light dinners, whispering loving words to each other, there is nothing, that’s certain” barely audible through the crying “the only thing that my future holds, is my heart stopping in a few months, or weeks or days…” all you could hear on both ends off the phone calls, is heart shattering sobbing. 

@jackles010378 @winchesterwild78 @k-slla @angelbabyyy99

[mari-writes]

🦉🎵

Bokuto is surprised, but pleasantly so, when Akaashi invites him out to a concert.

The first year setter is quiet off the court. He spends most of his free time with his nose in a book or a mug of tea, and doesn’t really seem the type to be into live rock music.

“You don’t have to say yes,” Akaashi mutters, nervously pulling at his fingers. “I just… I know you enjoy listening to music. And I thought you might like this band. I really do, but I’ve never seen them perform. And my parents don’t want me to go alone, so…”

Bokuto smiles, oddly charmed at his friend’s awkwardness. He and Akaashi have been on the same team for the better part of a year, but he’s still learning more about him every day. 

“I’d love to!”

They meet for the show at the train station. Bokuto spots him and calls out, waving both his arms as he jogs over. The first thing he notices is that Akaashi looks different in street clothes. He’s seen him in his school uniform, his volleyball kit and training attire, pajamas and even casual wear. But never like this.

Akaashi wears a pair of slim fit jeans, a long-sleeved shirt with the band’s logo on front, and a pair of suede ankle boots. His hair is styled slightly, and Bokuto does a double take when he spots a touch of black liner drawn onto his eyelids.

Bokuto feels a bit undressed in his joggers, t-shirt and zip-up hoodie. “You look nice,” he says, ears feeling strangely warm.

The club is already open when they arrive. The show is sold out, and hopeful fans converge at the entrance, trying to get in. It’s sort of chaotic, but eventually their tickets are scanned and they make it inside.

Finding a spot in the crowd is a challenge. Despite being tall, they keep getting jostled and blocked. Bokuto hovers an arm behind Akaashi, not quite touching but protecting his friend from sharp elbows and heavy feet.

“Wow, they’re popular, huh?” Bokuto can’t help but gape at the amount of people, all packed into such a small space. 

Akaashi nods. “They might need to book a bigger venue next time…”

They enjoy the opening act, chatting in between the songs. Despite the crowd, Bokuto is happy to see Akaashi loosening up, relaxing. He seems to settle comfortably into the noisy environment. 

He also looks excited. Very excited. He’s trying to hold back, but there’s this gleam in the boy’s eyes. A spark. He keeps eagerly glancing at the stage as the crew sets up for the headliner.

When the band finally comes out, Akaashi cheers, bouncing on his toes and clapping. Bokuto snorts and nudges him teasingly. Akaashi nudges back, and they both chuckle.

The band is great. They’re fun, energetic, but grounded in how they play together. The lyrics are a bit abstract and poetic, some of it going over Bokuto’s head, but that’s okay. He’ll ask Akaashi about it later.

Speaking of—Bokuto has a hard time concentrating on watching the band itself, as he keeps stealing glances at his friend, unable to look away for too long. Akaashi sings along to almost every song, face raw with emotion as he’s clearly moved by the lyrics. 

The club’s lighting illuminates the boy’s profile, accentuating his sharp cheekbones and jawline. He jumps up and down during the fast songs, and then sways in place, eyes closed as if in a trance when the rhythms slow.

He’s sort of… beautiful. Captivating. Bokuto wonders absently if that’s a normal thing to think about a friend.

The band plays for nearly two hours, coming back for an encore before taking a long, grateful bow together at the front of the stage. Akaashi’s eyes look a little glassy as he claps so hard his palms redden. 

“Did you have fun?” Bokuto asks once they make it out of the club. The streets are dark but lively, full of fans still buzzed from both alcohol and adrenaline.

Akaashi nods. “I did. Th-thank you for coming with me, Bokuto-san.”

“Hey hey, it was great!” He grins. “I’ll have to check out their albums!”

The train ride back is mostly quiet. Exhaustion—from the late hour, and standing/dancing for so long—is definitely catching up to them. Thank goodness it’s not a school night. Bokuto is unsure if he could’ve made it to morning practice.

Bokuto hops off at Akaashi’s stop and walks him home. His friend tries to stop him, of course, but he insists. The night they just had together… it felt different. Special. Something about it makes Bokuto want to prolong it for as long as possible.

“Here we are!” He grins, shoving his hands in his pockets and rocking on his heels. “Have a good night, ‘kaashi!”

The boy nods, moving to leave, but then he hesitates. Bokuto watches curiously as his hands ball into fists at his sides. He takes a long, controlled breath, and turns back to Bokuto.

For a few moments they just stand there on Akaashi’s doorstep, a few paces apart, staring at each other. Bokuto wonders what he’s missing. Is Akaashi okay? Should he—

“Can… can I hug you, Bokuto-san?”

Akaashi’s voice is soft. Timid. So much so that Bokuto thinks he misheard. But no, the boy is looking at him eagerly, waiting with bated breath.

Bokuto smiles for perhaps the hundredth time that night, nods once, and opens his arms wide.

The hug is different than others they’ve shared, among teammates or after scoring a point. Akaashi’s long fingers dig into Bokuto’s back, and his nose burrows into his shoulder. 

A profound sense of contentment washes over Bokuto as he returns the embrace. He feels warm. So warm. He catches a whiff of something pleasant—is it cologne, or just Akaashi himself?

When they do eventually part, Akaashi is quick to lower his gaze as he walks backward towards the house. “Good night, Bokuto-san,” he says politely. “Safe travels home.” 

With that, the boy turns on his heel and hurries in through his front door. With a final click, the door closes and he’s gone.

Bokuto releases a shaky breath. He continues to gaze at the house, half expecting Akaashi to come back out and… do what? He’s not sure. Why does it feel like he’s still missing something?

He has to force himself to leave. He takes one last look at the house. His friend’s bedroom window is now illuminated by a soft glow, and he thinks he catches a glimpse of the boy’s silhouette within.

“G’night, ‘kaashi,” he whispers, as if it’s a secret. “Sweet dreams.”

//

Please appreciate how nervous Akaashi must’ve been asking his crush, his STAR, out to a concert. At the end he’s probably pacing his bedroom freaking out about the hug. 😅 Thanks for reading! Please comment/share if you enjoyed! It really helps me out. —Mari💕

[thebroccolination]

Did Win ever try to distance himself from Team in the novel?

No, he didn’t!

In the novel, he takes Team to his parents’ house, which he’ll also do in the series. They talk about it a little bit, but the focus is mainly on how Win takes care of Team. The narrative doesn’t really spend much time on how it affected Win mentally, which I really always hoped the series would do. And IT WILL!

The novel and the series are probably going to diverge pretty dramatically at this point, I’d say, at least in terms of WinTeam’s relationship dynamic and pacing.

Their relationship in the novel isn’t as clearly communicated as it is in the series, so it makes sense that they’ve been developing feelings faster and more deeply than their novel counterparts. Like, Team’s main source of confusion with Win in the novel basically ended in this episode.

The song Win and Team are listening to in the beginning of the episode seems to be a reference to the song Team plays for Win in the novel called, “What Am I to You?” Later, when he’s in Win’s bathroom, Team tells himself that Win must treat everyone the way he’s treating Team. That’s basically the whole crux of Team’s internal conflict when it comes to his relationship with Win in the novel: Team doesn’t know where he or especially Win stands emotionally.

In the series, however, Win and Team start out with clear communication, so it makes sense that they wouldn’t suffer from the same struggles as they did in the novel. In this episode, Team outright asks Win to be exclusive for the time being, and Win explicitly agrees. Then, when Team tries to tell himself he’s not special, Win tells him ten minutes later that he is treating Team differently, but that he doesn’t know how he feels yet. And he asks for time that Team is willing to give him. (They’re running circles around their novel selves.)

I really, really like that they’ve chosen to incorporate Win’s fear of being alone into the drowning incident. Because his trauma could go so much deeper if he spirals for too long. A lot of almost-couples at their current stage don’t think about their partner’s mortality, but Win is probably going to be extra aware of it for a very long time. He’s the only reason Team is alive, and he almost didn’t make it in time. In the most recent chapter (16) of Hemp Rope, Team’s narration mentions that while on holiday, Win forbade Team from swimming alone because he doesn’t trust him yet. So I really, really like that the series seems to be leaning hard into how this affected him as well as Team. (They definitely needed to give Win more to do for Boun’s sake if not the larger narrative itself. He doesn’t really struggle too much in the novel.)

I’ve been really happy with the series’ treatment of Win so far. He’s never had anything to lose before. And he’s given everything he has to Team so willingly and so quickly, it makes sense that he’d panic now and back away. Because it’s not just that Team might die—he will, eventually. And since, as Wan said, Win has a habit of overthinking, it’s entirely possible that he’s dreading the long-term, too. He knows he’ll lose Team one way or another someday, voluntarily or not, and in the immediate aftermath watching Team nearly die in front of him, of course he’d think he can save his heart by shutting Team out. It’s a trauma response.

Aaaaand I think that means we finally have our answer to what this scene is:

Heeeehehehehehe next week is gonna be ROUGH.

I’M READY GIVE ME SIX PLEASE.