Too Fast
Part 4 of Jamil versus feelings (aka How Not to Be Swept Under, aka the Too Much series).
Let's see how Jamil's plan of action pans out.
Part 1, part 2, part 3.
Jamil had a plan.
He already knew he could make you smile, even laugh. That you sought out his company - and not just to sample his cooking (or Kalim’s generosity). Like that time when Jamil had helped you with your homework - considering how little you needed the help, it seemed to have been an excuse on both your sides to just spend time with each other.
Jamil knew the foods that would bring that delighted sparkle to your eye, knew when to step in before you were overwhelmed. You often shared any news with Jamil, filling him in the little happenings of your life - and had gotten him to do the same with you, too. He’d listened to you reminisce about your childhood and your home, even knew a few embarrassing secrets you’d revealed over the course of your conversations.
In short, it was clear that you had some degree of fondness for him.
However, Jamil had yet to ascertain the exact nature of how you felt about him.
But he was certain he could pull it out of you. Nudge you to act, to talk, so that he could gather those signs to tell him if you were open for more.
He’d see if you truly didn’t speak to others the same way you did to him. If you truly didn’t give others that look which always made things so difficult for him.
There had been those times when you had blushed in Jamil’s presence. You’d flustered, stuttered, restless fingers showing your nervousness.
But Jamil needed to make sure if it was because of him, or just the situations you’d been in.
Jamil had recognized the things you were doing, how you kept on getting closer to him.
But he needed to know if it all was enough for what he wanted with you.
And if not… Well. Perhaps there was something to be done about that. Given enough time, enough attention…
He could be a listening ear, a supporting presence, get to know you further, if he needed to.
Yes, he wanted you to be his sooner rather than later, but if he had to wait and work for it, he would.
After all, it was not like him to ruin such things with haste.
When Jamil’s phone buzzed, he pulled it out without even thinking about it.
Before, he always dreaded it, his phone typically only coming to life when Kalim needed something or there was another crisis to deal with.
Yet, nowadays, there was always the hope of it being you.
Jamil hefted his gym bag over his shoulder and unlocked his phone. The basketball club had run late today, and he needed to hurry back to Scarabia - but not before checking the message.
Thankfully, you were indeed the sender.
Hey, wanna go out to the town sometime? Cater told me there’s a nice cafe that opened recently.
Another message popped in before Jamil could finish reading the first.
Like, go out as a date.
The phone slipped from Jamil’s grip, landing on the locker room bench with a thud.
“Hey, Jamil, what’s got you so clumsy?” Ace said, peering at Jamil with a teasing grin.
Jamil cursed himself internally, quickly hiding your messages from view. Normally, he would’ve been walking across campus at this time, perhaps at the dorm already, rather than under the watchful eyes of his clubmates.
But, of course, not today.
“Just fumbled,” Jamil said, struggling to school his expression back to neutral.
“You sure about that? You’re looking awfully flustered,” Ace snickered.
“Ooo, is Sea Snake getting some exciting messages?” Floyd asked, looming closer.
Jamil gave both of them a sharp glare - the effect perhaps hampered by his flushed complexion. He really did not need Floyd and Ace’s antics on top of this bombshell right now.
“Must be the effects of the practice,” Jamil said with a tone of finality.
Not that that seemed to deter the two, now that they’d gotten a taste of blood in the water.
Rather than bickering with them further Jamil grabbed his things and hurried off. He almost expected Floyd to chase after him, even half-dressed as Floyd still was, but thankfully the eel did not seem to be in that much of an inquisitive mood today.
Small blessings.
Jamil was barely aware of his surroundings as he walked, his heart beating a more frantic rhythm than it had during the practice.
How was he supposed to respond to you?
He had not even done anything as he planned, and you already…
Jamil shook his head, tried to keep himself together despite the turmoil your little messages had thrown him into.
Sure, he had intended to push you to act, to reveal the nature of your feelings.
Yet that had left Jamil woefully unprepared for this.
Jamil stared at his phone again, barely remembering to blink or breathe, nearly colliding head-first with some other students.
Finally, he typed out a message.
Are you serious?
Your reply was almost immediate.
Yes
Jamil fidgeted with the strings of his hood, watching the little bubble that told him you were still typing.
Sorry for being a coward and not asking in person.
If you don't feel the same way we can just pretend this never happened.
Oh how Jamil wished he could see your expression right now, could talk to you in person, get to the bottom of this.
Or would it be better to respond to you in text, without worries of stumbling over his words, or getting caught in your eyes like a deer in headlights?
Jamil started writing a reply, frowned and erased it, began to compose another.
He took a deep breath, briefly lifting his eyes from the phone to check where he was going.
What did he have planned for today, anyway? How much time could he clear for you?
Mind abuzz with plans, Jamil tried again.
Can I come over later? I’ll bring something to eat.
I’d rather talk this over in private first, if that’s okay with you.
A few more messages, setting the time, assuring you that he was not opposed to your proposal. Then Jamil shoved the phone into his pocket, reviewing his options.
He’d make something quick for Kalim’s dinner while preparing something to share with you. (What could he make with the time and ingredients he had that you really liked? What about dessert? He knew how much you enjoyed sweets, after all.)
Kalim had no homework deadlines or quizzes tomorrow, and Jamil’s own schoolwork schedule had room for adjustment, as well. They could catch up later. (He’d have to make sure he looked impeccable. Would flowers be too much? Would he have the time to visit Sam’s for them?)
Jamil might have to get up a little early tomorrow for a few things, but he’d deal with that tomorrow. (What if you’d let him stay late? How close would you let him tonight? Would you let him hold you? Maybe even kiss you?)
When Jamil realized that he was standing in front of Sam’s shop instead of the mirror to Scarabia, he simply stared at the storefront for a moment, uncomprehending.
Then Jamil shook his head, frowning.
He’d have to focus, keep his mind on target. He couldn’t afford to mess this up.
Yet, despite his best efforts, Jamil salted the food twice, having to scramble to fix the flavor. When he left Scarabia he nearly left behind the small package he’d picked up at Sam’s, forced to turn back to retrieve.
And when he walked over to your dorm, Jamil had to consciously tell himself to slow down, lest he’d appear too frazzled by the time he made it.
Mentally, Jamil berated himself. Get a grip! After everything Kalim has thrown your way, you can definitely handle this.
Yet, Jamil still had to steel himself before he rapped on your door.
Jamil’s greeting nearly caught in his throat when he saw you.
He could see the effort you’d put in, dressing up a little, yet more than that it was all those emotions swirling on your features that took his breath away. The nervous excitement which had you fidget in place, the radiance in your smile, the way your eyes seemed to drink him in…
Jamil cleared his throat, determined to not drown in you.
“Thank you for accepting me on such short notice,” Jamil said, handing you a small, neatly wrapped box.
With a thrilling sense of satisfaction Jamil noted the way your eyes widened, how your voice wavered when you invited him in. How you smiled when you found out what he had picked out for you, the gift clearly finding its mark.
Still, you were both stepping around each other, following the scripts of a regular visit when this felt like anything but.
Jamil took out the food he’d made, insisted he’d help you with setting the table despite your protests.
It was an awkward dance, both of you trying to regain your footing.
“I just… feel like I have to say it,” you finally said as you were setting out the food. “That I like you. A lot. So…”
The way you spoke, pouring out your feelings, hesitant and nervous as you were…
Yes, Jamil had wanted to talk this over in person, had wanted to see and hear you say it. Still, now he had just as much trouble meeting your eyes as you had, both of you busying yourselves with the tableware.
You were so nervous, and Jamil felt the urge to pull you close and chase away all your worries.
But he would not push.
Not when he had his hands full keeping his own self under control.
A part of him couldn’t help but feel like he’d deceived you, somehow, for you to hold him in such regard.
And when the silence lingered… What could he even say?
Jamil had thought of it, sure, imagined how you’d react to his words… But at this moment nothing would rise to his tongue, all the carefully picked words gone from his mind.
Jamil took your hand, holding it in between both of his. He spoke your name, oh so softly, his voice cracking under the weight of it.
Hearing himself made Jamil cringe, yet he pushed on.
“I’m… I am glad to know we both want the same. That we feel the same.”
For a brief moment, Jamil hesitated. Then he raised your hand to his lips, softly kissing your knuckles. His eyes flicked to yours, full of those feelings that threatened to sweep him under.
Just him being here with you like this… It told you enough, didn’t it?
Your blush certainly seemed to suggest so.
Jamil would make sure to cause your cheeks to burn brighter. Later.
Once his own face stopped feeling like a hot plate under the sun.
* * *
Later, you sat side by side on the couch, Jamil’s arm wrapped around your shoulders and your head resting against him.
You’d hardly stopped smiling the whole evening, and Jamil could feel the hurt in his own cheeks.
It was strange, giving into those urges Jamil had been doing his best to hold back all this time.
Still, he had to admit that it was easier trying to move with the current rather than fighting against it.
Yes, the looks you gave him were still overwhelming, your words - and touch - sending his heart aflutter almost painfully.
When you sang his praises, looking at him like your happiness depended on him… It really was just a tidal wave, one far too large for Jamil to withstand.
Yet, finally, Jamil was beginning to allow himself to enjoy it all.
These things - your sweetness, your warmth - were only for him, after all. A heady thought, something that made him greedy for even more despite the overwhelming nature of it all.
Of course, Jamil still didn’t want to overstep.
Truthfully, he himself wasn’t ready for some of the scenarios tugging at the back of his mind.
With the wisdom of hindsight it seemed that you had always been ahead of Jamil, more aware of your feelings than he was of his.
Perhaps even more aware of his feelings than Jamil had been, considering how you’d pursued him - because that was what you had been doing, all this time.
Even if Jamil himself had been too busy contending with his own thoughts to truly see it.
Still, it was difficult even for Jamil to worry about such things with your warmth pressed against his side. Jamil played with your hair, let himself just soak up your presence.
And in that sweet moment Jamil finally stopped fighting, at least for a moment. He let go of his plans, his resistance, and allowed himself to be swept up by you.
Indeed, it hardly felt like he had a choice in the matter.
ETA: you can find the final / 5th part of this series here.
This sure stayed in my drafts longer than I thought it would, but here we are.
There’s still one more part coming and then we’ll be reaching the end of this particular journey.
If you'd like to be tagged in my future works, do let me know!
Jamil: alright I need to make sure they want to be with me and then I can move forward
Reader: I’ve been trying to get with you for a while now and I can’t wait any longer
or
Jamil: I gotta gain control over this situation
Reader: surprise :)
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Nights Spent In; Azul Ashengrotto
Content; Fluff, gender-neutral reader, established relationship
Word Count; 700+
Author's Note; This is for one of my first mutuals @azulashengrottospiano! I hope you enjoy this, and some domestic Azul! [and I'm keeping a screenshot of your ask ^v^]
As a reminder, do not put my work — or others for that matter — into AI as it steals. Link to Masterlist
Safe to say your social battery was pretty much at zero. You had fun, yes, but all you wanted to do was stay at home in some ridiculously comfortable pyjamas, eat leftovers from lunch, cuddle a bit, and maybe look through the storage container labelled Games! :D since there could be some hidden gems in there. And right now you were cuddled up under a super chunky knit blanket, snug as a bug in a rug.
You were content just putting the leftovers from lunch in the microwave, but Azul had insisted that he made the both of you dinner. You didn’t mind, since you had a nice view of him working away in the kitchen, muttering the recipe of tonight’s dinner to himself. He was even wearing the frilly apron and kitschy oven mitts.
What a dork. I love him so much. You giggled to yourself, watching Azul go about the kitchen, off in his own little world.
Sighing, you got up — the blanket draped over your shoulders so you were still in your nice blanket burrito — and shuffled over to the Games! :D container, seeing if there was anything interesting that Azul wouldn’t just automatically win. You loved him, but if he made you go bankrupt again in this world’s version of Monopoly one more time you swore that you weren’t going to give him any kisses. You may love him, but he was not a humble winner.
So any strategy games were completely out the window, luck based games were more on your side… hopefully luck just decided to favour you tonight. At least you had a cute chef at the least.
Hmm? What’s this? Blowing off the dust you pulled out an old edition of Snakes and Ladders. It relied only on luck, so it was perfect!
“Hey, sweetie,” you called to the kitchen.
Azul was just placing your dinner in the oven, it would take about thirty minutes to bake, so he had time to spare… and for you? He could spare all the time in the world for you. “What is it, darling?”
You held up the game under your chin and gave him your biggest smile. “Wanna play?” You waggled eyebrows for some added flair, and it made Azul chuckle.
“Fine, one round, but I won’t go easy on you,” he said, sitting down at the coffee table. He eyed the game, and squinted his eyes at the dice. A luck-based game? Playing your cards right I see.
“You never do,” you shot him a wink and rolled the dice. You moved your piece forward, not hitting any ladders.
Azul rolled his eyes, but took his turn, overtaking you by two spaces, also not hitting any ladders. “Would you rather that I did?” He looked up at you through his lashes, a small smug smile on his face.
You hummed as you took your turn, getting a ladder and going up a row. “No, it’s more fun like this, plus you’re extra cute when you get fired up.”
Azul pushed up his glasses, trying to ignore the warmth that had seeped into his cheeks. “Flattery won’t help you, my dear, when I win.”
“We’ll see about that.~”
The rest of the game was spent in silence, the occasional tch escaping when either of you hit a snake, but the game was neck in neck. You had to roll a perfect six to win, and Azul a four, and it was his turn. The both of you had your fingers crossed.
He rolled a two, the exact number that he didn’t want. He moved his piece forward and gritted his teeth as he moved it down two rows. He sighed, handing over the die. He knew that he had most likely lost this game.
You gently took it, and rolled a six. You had won. “Looks like luck was on my side tonight,” you grinned.
Azul grumbled, but he couldn’t stay mad at you. “Would you like a prize for that?” It was part sarcasm, but also part genuine question.
You placed a kiss on his cheek. “Just spending time with you is a prize in its own right… but I won’t say no to your cooking either!”
It wasn’t really a prize, as you were already getting his cooking for dinner, but it nonetheless made Azul feel soft and warm. The two of you really should spend more nights in if they were going to be like this.
~~~~~~~
Tags: @eynnwwyjth, @hydra-sea, @inkybloom-luv, @identity-theft-101, @krenenbaker, @officialdaydreamer00, @twistwonderlanddevotee, @xxoomiii
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Nonbinary William Afton rambles which I'm now making their own post 👉😎👉
The idea mostly comes from Springbonnie! Often referred to in the fandom as William Afton's fursona, it's at the very least undeniable William enjoys and has a strong connection to the character
This is mostly seen and backed up by the novels! I've added pics of the graphic novel for ease. But in one scene he literally can't talk when confronted until he has the Springbonnie mask back on
As William opened the restaurant with Henry and played and wore Springbonnie back in Fredbear's Family Diner, it's safe to assume he had strong influence on the character
Now for the important part, Springbonnie is nonbinary, or some variation, as seen in a fnaf world loading screen!
Now this could of course just be seen as Scott making a small comment due to how much fans would debate characters genders in this era of fnaf. But it's seen rather fondly by Springbonnie fans, who take it to mean good ol springy is nonbinary, and doesn't care about gender, or uses it/its pronouns. Fnaf World is also Springbonnie's first and currently only 3D appearance to actually appear in games
There's also the Sister Location animatronics! Who we know William had a major part in creating and designing, which of course includes Funtime Foxy in the roster, who canonically goes by he/she pronouns! So at the very least William is supportive. I personally enjoy seeing Funtime Foxy as a projection of William, due to their similar theatrical personalities, and enjoying preforming
Edit: Funtime Foxy has had They/Them pronouns added as well from Help Wanted 2!
(And as Mangle, he/she, when fixed is also known "Funtime Foxy" instead of Toy Foxy, it's possible William had some type of influence there)
(Additionally, while I dont have the time to look through and confirm it right now, I do believe Lolbit uses they/them)
It honestly mostly boils down to the fact most animatronics with multiple sets of pronouns have some (usually major) connection to William!
And, fun fact, though I personally don't take it as 100% canon, Youtooz refers to Springtrap with they/them pronouns in the figure description! Edit: The Springtrap plushie is referred to with they/it pronouns by Youtooz! This is a consistent decision!
I checked around some other Youtooz fnaf items just in case, and I can confirm not all get the they/them treatment. Glamrock Freddy, for example, is very consistently he/him across all items
Purple Guy items feature a very short description, such as "The Purple Guy" and "William Afton" and thus pronouns like we are looking for are not present, and Glitchtrap, if counts here, has they and he/they descriptions
And for a more fun/silly reason, you can color pick 2 of his sprites to make the nonbinary flag, Springbonnie is nonbinary flag colored too
If anyone has any more additions or notes to this, I'd love the hear them!
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I met you at a Laundromat
>GN!ReaderxRuggie
[disclaimer] characters are aged up and fluff! You get robbed....
[characters] Ruggie
Being independent has its perks. You have a job, a stable income, you have your own living space, your own car, almost everything going for you is turning out well for the most part
Although not entirely well off because you recently just got out fresh into your adult life, you still find yourself struggling getting accustomed to the new changes
Yes, being independent is nice and all but you sometimes miss home. You can cook for yourself, but nothing beats the way pops makes his stews or how momma makes her delicious chicken curries. Missing the familiar views you’d see when passing through town to get groceries or how you’d go walk in the park sometimes.
You can always visit, but it's the day for you to head on over to the laundromat once again. Your washing machine and dryer unfortunately broke down and until maintenance comes over to fix it your only choice is to go over to the laundromat
It's not so bad really, the only bad part about it though is that you have to go late at night and it's only because your work lets you out late. Not only that but you were in a rush to finish running your errands as well.
Thankfully the laundromat you go to opens till late for people who tend to be busy throughout the day, giving busy people like you a chance to do your laundry!
When you arrive you always note how there isn't a lot of people there to begin with
The single dad is there occasionally, the girl who works at a nearby retail store is here today (seems like she just got off work and straight to the laundromat seeing that her uniform and tag is still on), the kid and his mom is finishing up folding their laundry, a rugged slouched man, and a rather young man with animalistic features
The man with the ears and tail always stick out to you, because well, although you have seen beastmen around the area, he usually is the only one that you see come here at this hour
You think to yourself, “Oh, he must be a busy man” if he usually comes this late at night usually almost all the time that you come here
You cant help but stare at him a little while longer until you notice some movement in the corner of your eye
As you turn around you find that the old rugged man is kneeling down besides you, picking up some fabric softener that he dropped
Though he already finished before you could help him
As he gets up he turns around to make his leave. I guess he finished up washing his load of clothes
As you go back doing and minding your own business, you start thinking to yourself. “Wait… I don't remember him walking out with any clothes. Nor did it seem like he was waiting on anything.”
As you make that realization your eyes widen and you quickly turn back around only to see that the man had disappeared
You search your pockets in hopes that you weren’t a victim to thievery of any kind
And would you look at that? Your wallet is gone.
Fuck.
Rushing out of the place you look both to your right and your left, only to find the man nowhere at a distance.
Goddamn it! All your receipts and your credit cards and memberships and your money and-
“I think you dropped this shishishi~”
A voice calls out to you in a lighthearted manner. As you turn around to find the origin of that voice you’re met with that beastman holding what seems to be your leather wallet
He shakes it in his hand as if you were a little dog being received a treat
As you quickly run over with your worried face, quickly running back to snatch your most valuable item on you currently, you rummage through just in case he took anything valuable
“Relaaax, I made sure everything was there”
As you take note of everything there you let out a sigh of relief, holding it closely to your chest. “Thank you so much. You saved me there” A warm smile on your face.
He whistles out playfully and shrugs, as if it was nothing. “No can do. I’m quite swift myself if I do say so.”
As you two start talking more, you think to yourself what an interesting guy this was. He seemed awfully busy himself, and with all his jobs and special talents- something tells you he’s rather money hungry.
Nevertheless, the night felt so short because of how long you two talked and hit it off the road. It was a shame that you both had to leave so soon, time went by so fast when you had a nice conversation with someone who shares the same chemistry.
As you make your way to your car you notice a piece of paper slipping out from your pocket. As you pic it up, you read what it is written on there: “Come thank me by taking me out for some food sometime :p” And on the bottom a number is written
A chuckle escapes your lips, and you could feel some sort of undefined excitement rush to your chest as you look up into the night sky. It feels like something new is about to happen in your life. Based on your conversation you just had with Ruggie, you know that the both of you have a rather productive and proactive lifestyle. However, you don't mind making time for him and trying to get to know him. I’m sure the same could be said for him as well.
And that my dear children, is how I met your father. At a laundromat ~ ☆
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