#baro fluff

[benkeibear]

⋆꙳✧༄ Dandelions

❖ Characters: Chigiri, Kunigami, Barou

❖ Reader: genderneutral

❖ Wordcount: 1.4k

❖ Summary: they realize that you're the one while you two do the most normal things

❖ A/n: don’t want to miss a post? Sign up for my Taglist in my Navi!

𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆

☰ Chigiri:

Chigiri and you have been living together for several months now and settled into a comfortable routine with and around each other. Your little home was located in the heart of the city with a beautiful view of the area surrounding you.

One morning Chigiri woke up to the sound of rain hitting the window of your shared bedroom and turned around to find you still fast asleep. With a small smile etched onto his features he marveled at the way the natural light that made its way through the cracks of the blinds illuminated your skin. Gentle hands caressed your cheeks, careful not to wake you up but by the time he started playing with your hair your eyes fluttered open as a tired smile settled on your lips “Morning my princess” you whispered softly, knowing how much it teases him when you call him that. “It's raining outside… guess our date in the park has to wait for another day” he whispered back and you nodded. “Guess we have to stay in today then” you mumbled and pulled the blanket to your chin as you cuddled up to your boyfriend once more, enjoying the sound of rain filling the otherwise silent room.

You don't even know how long the both of you stayed in bed, eyes keep falling shut but by the time you left the bed it was almost afternoon already, making some breakfast and coffee for your lover so he would slowly crawl out of bed as well. The day wasn't exciting but you truly enjoyed spending it in each other's presence, feeling like the time stopped and it’s just the two of you being able to get a breather from your usually busy life. Once the late breakfast was finished the both of you just lounged around in the living room, unable to decide on a movie to watch you settled for just listening to the rain some more while you cuddled up under a blanket.

Soft words were shared, feeling like you would disturb the little world that was built around you if one word was said too loud. It were moments like these, moments spent with you, that Chigiri valued on his free days, being able to share laughter as well as hold meaningful conversations with you that made him feel like he's right where he needed to be, with the person that was meant just for him.

☰ Kunigami:

Kunigami was always one to push himself to his limits, loving to push his body to his maximal potential and seeing the results of such hard work made him proud. As much as he loved his workouts he also loved spending time with his lovely partner even if it meant spending the day inside without much action.

The early riser that he is, hit the gym before your body even thought about waking up, liking to sleep in at every chance possible and by the time Kunigami returned to your shared home you were still fast asleep. The only thing waking you from your sweet slumber was the smell of breakfast coming from the kitchen, your favorite even. Before you could think about getting it out of bed, your boyfriend already stood in the bedroom door with a small tray, breakfast, juice and coffee standing on it and just waiting for you to devour it.

While you got ready, he spent the time cleaning up after himself in the kitchen and squeezing a few push-ups in between before getting the couch ready for your latest obsession - binge watching a series none of you were really interested in. Most times the noise simply turned into background noise as you got distracted talking or simply doing other things. Those moments of relaxation meant the world to him, knowing that his body needs rest as well but the bouncing of his leg didn't go by unnoticed by you “Is something wrong?” you asked curious, your gaze shifting from the tv towards your partner. Kunigami growled shorty but shrugged “Guess my body wants to move” he pointed out amused and stopped his leg from bouncing on. You shook your head but understood him “today is your resting day, babe. If you're so desperate to move, how about we move it to the bedroom?” you suggested as a joke which made his cheeks burn up before he threw you over his shoulder “a small workout with you? always” he hummed and carried you to the bedroom.

Later at night when you were laying in his arms you kissed his defined shoulder “I love you, my hero” you whispered up to him, a smile forming on his lips “I love you too” he replied in a hushed voice, holding you a little tighter as his eyes fell shut and a sense of relief washed over him. No matter how many times he will push his limits, you will always be there to remind him to take it slow and enjoy the little moments in life and for that, he was more than grateful.

☰ Barou:

Barou was always selfish and arrogant, putting his own needs and desires in front of anyone else and didn't hesitate to show off his accomplishments or to belittle the ones ‘below him’. Only with you he allowed himself to be more vulnerable, letting you see a different side to “the king”, he let you see Shoei.

He just couldn't help himself but to get softer whenever you were around and he hated it at first, having to grow accustomed to his so called weak spot. However between the playful fights, banters and shared moments he grew to love the feeling of being vulnerable around you. When you two were alone he would hold you so gently against his chest as his big, calloused fingers rake through your hair and sweet nothings left his lips.

To thank you for letting him be unapologetically himself, he decided to pamper his love in ways he thought you would enjoy for once. He wasn't the man to plan a romantic day but he tried, bringing you a cup of coffee to the bed in order to wake you up - Breakfast following soon after. He might be a good cook but the pancakes still had small lumps of flour in them and got a little too dark, getting distracted by his own thoughts. “Am I going to end up dead? What's going on?” You teased him a little, making him roll his eyes at the remark. “Can't I be nice to you for once?” he asked annoyed as he rose up again and left you to eat alone, needing to calm down a bit while cleaning the mess he left behind in the kitchen.

The moment you were done, the cup and plate were ripped out of your hand and put into the dishwasher so you wouldn't need to do it yourself. “So, where's the bad news? The catch? What's going on, Shoei?” you asked again, more serious this time, worried that he wanted to lift your mood before shattering all your hopes and dreams but he sighed slightly dramatic “Nothing. Now stop being so annoying… Just trying to be a good partner for once” he grumbled and shoved you along to the bathroom where candles stood ready, waiting to get lit. While you undressed yourself, Barou let a bath in and lit the candles, letting the room drown in the gentle scent of vanilla along with the smell of flowers coming from your water.

A hum escaped your lips the moment the hot water soaked your skin, making your boyfriend grin in victory since you enjoyed it. Maybe he was doing this more for himself after all, wanting to hear what an amazing partner he is, stroking his way too big ego some more. Rough hands ran along your soft skin when he settled in behind you and pulling your back against his chest “Is this to your liking, you majesty?” He asked in a mocking tone and you squeezed his thigh in return “Yes my king, i truly have the best lover in the world. not a single wish remains” you teased right back despite the truth lining your words.

Despite the words building his ego up more than necessary, he only felt gratitude in that moment, thanking whoever is up there to have you at his side. You softened his sharp edges and he vowed to do whatever necessary to keep you happy.

𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆

Network: @tokyometronetwork

[angelltheninth]

Possessive Baro Shoei Headcanons

Pairing: Baro Shoei x Fem!Reader

Tags: fluff, established relationship, clothes sharing, suggestive content, hickyes, making out, possessive behavior, slight power play

A/N: I really love the aggressive, feral aura this guy gas.

The idea of Baro being possessive did not surprise you in the slightest

He's very proud and cherishes the things he has

With you being one of those things of course he's gonna take extra good care of you

Insists that you wear his spare jersey when you go to his games

The same thing goes if you visit him in the Blue Lock facility

Loves it when you're wrapped around him all nice and tight, in every way possible

Always leaves you with visible hickyes, don't you even try to cover up his marks of ownership

He's aggressive when asserting that you're his

Doesn't matter who sees he will pull you in for a kiss

In fact it's better if a lot of people see

They can see how much he loves you, how much you love him, want him, moan for him

His large hands press against your ass and push you against him

You can already sense that he's getting excited by displaying his affection and possessiveness over you

Calls you his beloved pet, or on occasion his Queen when he's extra affectionate

When he calls you his pet you can see something shift behind his eyes, he wants your willing submission, for you to empty your head and leave it all to him

He'll make you feel very special, loved, and taken care of

[headhedgehog]

First call home

Part two here, Part three here Part four

Baro gets his phone back and immediately calls his family.

CWs; teen pregnancy, family drama

AN: Hope you're in the mood for some Baro angst and fluff. I truly believe the King thing is just an act and wanted to play around with the idea of what he was hiding.

_________________________________________________________

Baro Shoei took his phone back the second he earned enough credit to get it. He was still pissed at Ego for taking it away from him when he arrived at Blue Lock, but he didn't have the patience to complain about it. There was a call he'd been waiting to make since he stepped off the bus a month ago.

It was still early evening, but the practice field was empty, the other strikers still in the baths or dining hall. Barou looked around to be sure he was alone and sank to the ground against the wall.

His hands shook as he turned his phone on. Tch. This place must really be getting to him, he thought, refusing to admit even to himself that his nerves had nothing to do with Blue Lock. He quickly found the contact he was looking for and selected "FaceTime."

One ring. Two.

"Shoei?!"

That voice. Her voice. One word and his throat already felt tight.

"Hey baby," he said, his voice lower than normal, carefully controlled to keep her from hearing it crack.

His girlfriend turned on her camera, smiling with her entire face. God, that smile. Baro felt like he was falling in love all over again.

"I thought you couldn't have a phone! If I knew you were gonna call I would've tried to look nicer."

"Reward for scoring goals. And I don't know what you're talking about, you look amazing."

She tsked, making him grin. "I'm wearing my glasses, no makeup, hair hasn't been washed in --"

"I mean it. Right now I think you're the prettiest thing I've ever seen."

She smiled again.

"Is Hana already asleep?" Baro asked. The lump in his throat had returned, afraid of the answer.

"I just put her down but I'll go get her. I want her to hear your voice."

Baro watched her walk down the hall of their tiny apartment, his heart aching. He hated that apartment, old and shabby as it was. Hated leaving her alone in it even more.

He'd give anything to be there with her.

She opened a door and stepped into a darkened room, the walls and ceiling softly lit by a glowing white noise machine.

"I'm going to prop you up on the shelf, Sho. I think you'll be able to see both of us from there."

Baro nodded, unable to speak. His girlfriend crossed the room; from the phone's field of view he watched her reach into the crib and pull their whimpering baby to her chest.

"Shh, babygirl, I know you're sleepy," the young mother said. "But your daddy wants to see you."

She crossed the room and sat in a rocking chair at eye level with her phone, arranging the baby so Baro could see her face. Hana woke up enough that Baro could see his own red eyes staring back at him from under a tuft of messy black hair.

"Hi beautiful girl," he said quietly. His voice cracked this time, but he didn't care. "Do you remember me?"

"I think she does. I talk to her about you, and so do your mom and sisters when they come over."

Tears slid down Baro's cheeks and he wiped them away with the heel of his hand. His girlfriend's brow furrowed.

"Sho, don't cry, we're doing good. I promise."

"She's so much bigger than when I left," he said. "I don't know how much longer I'll be gone. What if she remembers that I left?"

"Then we'll tell her you left so you could help take care of all three of us."

Baro nodded, took a shuddering breath. When his girlfriend realized she was pregnant, they were only a few months from graduating from high school. Her parents had thrown her out, but to Baro's surprise his family were ready to welcome her. She'd spent the rest of the school year sleeping in his bed, studying on his bedroom floor, puking in his bathroom. Terrified as he was, Baro fell more in love with her every day, endlessly amazed by her determination to not let her pregnancy derail anything she'd planned.

She was just starting to show when she got her college acceptance letter, and for the first time in months Baro got to see that smile light up her whole face.

That night in bed, he'd cradled her baby bump in his hand and held her close. I'm going to make sure neither of you want for anything, he whispered to her. I promise.

They moved into the apartment just before the birth so she could be closer to campus. Baro's invitation to participate in Blue Lock came a month after the baby did.

You have to go, Shoei, she'd told him when she found him in the nursery, watching Hana sleep. You deserve this. You can't pass up an opportunity like this.

When Baro borded the bus to Blue Lock, he made himself a promise. He was going to do whatever he had to do to become the best striker in the world, to get noticed by the top teams in the world. He was going to make this work so he could provide for Hana and her mother.

Hana began to cry, bringing Baro back to the present. He watched his girlfriend unbutton her top and bring the baby to her breast.

"You been eating well?" he asked, worry spiking through his chest. "You look like you've lost weight."

"Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories, Sho, that's all."

"That's not what I asked."

She hummed, adjusted the baby in her arms. "Your mom brings stuff by most days, and I get food on campus before I come home."

"You have to eat if you're going to feed her. Hell, even if you're not gonna breastfeed her, you have to take care of yourself."

"I am, Sho. Your family helps a lot. She's growing right on schedule, and I'm just fine."

Baro winced at the irritation in her voice. "Sorry, babes. I just worry about you. You're doing a lot on your own and you shouldn't have to."

She didn't respond. A tear glimmered on her cheek in the soft light of her phone screen.

"I'm so sorry I left, baby. Be honest with me. Are you okay? I'll go and tell them I quit right now, I could be home by morning --"

"Baro Shoei, shut up," she snapped, her eyes flashing. Hana fussed in her arms and she softened, just a bit. "What did I tell you right before you left?"

Baro swallowed, mouth dry. "That it was going to be hard but it would be worth it."

"I don't feel any differently now. Do you?"

He took a long moment before he shook his head. "I just want to be there for her so badly," he whispered. "I just want to be a good dad for her."

"You are, Sho. You're doing what you need to do for all of us, even if it's not what you want right now."

Baro nodded again. Down the hall, he heard his teammates start to head his way.

"I should go, baby," he said.

"Okay."

"I'm so proud of you."

"I'm proud of you too."

"I'll call as soon as I can. I love you, baby. And I love you too, Hana. Daddy loves you."

"I love you, Sho. Go kick some ass."

He grinned as he ended the call. She had a point.

He cracked his neck and went into the hall, looking for a peasant dumb enough to go one on one with the king.

[zeldas-cigarrette]

Baroness/fem!reader, reader is her assistant, baroness falls and hurts her ankle, she's forced to drop the ice bitch act in private as the reader takes care of her. Even if the rest of the staff don't see it

— a/n * ˚ ✦: Huge apologies for the long wait of merely 10 months, I’m really really sorry I haven’t been in the right mind to write. I hope you can still enjoy it, even though it's been so long since you‘ve written this request. 🩵

— word count -`,✎; 1.2k

— pairing ༉‧₊˚✧ ; baroness von hellman x fem!reader

It was a really busy day in London, therefore also in the house of Hellman. Employees were scurrying around in the enormous fashion house, dressing mannequins, and restocking clothes. It was one of those days when the Baroness decided to show up in the store, making everyone a nervous mess. She wasn’t known for going easy on people, especially not when it concerned her fashion.

You were busily trying to set up her office, organising refreshers and snacks for her upcoming meetings, the Baroness expected nothing but perfectionism. As her assistant, it was your job to fulfil these needs. You clumsily tried to light the candles in the golden candleholder, the last thing for the ambience to look neat. A few deep breaths later you decided that your job was done, for now. When the Baroness arrives there would be greater tasks than her office, and for that you would have to prepare yourself now.

——⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

An hour later, a black, almost carriage-looking, car stopped in front of the store. You hurried to the gates of the fashion house, greeting your boss. Her lips were painted a deep maroon red, whilst her pompous dress swayed with every step she took. The woman radiated power and wealth. You gulped as soon as her eyes landed on you, her mood wasn’t pleasant, to say the least. The baroness flicked her wrist at you, motioning for you to follow, and with her head held high, the fashion icon strode through the tall glass doors. You hurried to her side, trying to keep up her pace. “Good morning”, you quickly said and tried for a clumsy smile. The baroness shot you a quick glance, scoffed and took in the scene of her scurrying employees. “Only use ‘good’ if the morning actually is”, she advised snarly and pursed her lips. Her rather analysing look applied to a certain young woman who was white as a wall when she spotted her boss.

Every time you saw the baroness, your heart clenched slightly, not exactly knowing why since she never did more than make people feel small. But something in you tended to like her a little more than you should.

All the things she wanted to restock, a little leather handbag, and a pile of clothes, fell to the floor when the Baroness’ blue eyes pierced through the young girl. To say that the poor woman was petrified would’ve been an understatement. “What are you looking at? Pick those up!”, Baroness von Hellman barked and pointed to the scattered clothes on the floor, “And make sure they’re clean.” Her voice was sharp as a knife. Then she turned to you, eyeing your being for a moment, long enough to ask yourself if something was wrong with your appearance. “Is my office ready for my meeting at 2?”, she asked snidely and put her hands on her hips.

“Everything’s ready. Mr Kohl will bring new designs”, you replied curtly and nodded. The Baroness rolled her eyes. “So be it, I’ll be in my office”, she announced to you and turned to walk off. A breath of relief, that she was at least somewhat pleased, escaped your lungs. However, the next thing you heard was a loud ‘For heaven's sake!’, your eyes shot in that direction, only to see the baroness lying on the floor, hissing and visibly appalled. You ushered over kneeling next to her. It appeared, that the young employee forgot to pick up the black leather bag, over which the baroness tripped and fell.

“Are you alright?”, you asked and reached out your hand to help her get up. “Don’t touch me”, she hissed. You scowled in response and slowly retrieved your hand, and scooted backwards to give her a little more space. The baroness clumsily tried to get up herself but failed miserably. Your eyes scanned down to her ankle, seeing it was visibly swollen. “It’s turning blue, just let me help you get up?”, you repeatedly asked and your expression softened. It was visible on her face that she contemplated accepting your help. Then she reached out her hand for you to take it. However, getting her off the floor took a little more than just her hand. You gently held her by the waist, helping her get up and while doing so, your cheeks flushed slightly. “Make sure she gets fired”, Baroness von Hellman hissed and her grip around your waist tightened, steadying herself. “Now bring me to my office”, she caustically snarled nudging your body to move forward. Her warm hands clutching your hand on her waist, for reasons that weren’t clear to you. 

It might’ve looked somewhat ungraceful but the two of you managed to get into her office without any more incidents. After placing her on her office chair, you pulled a small stool underneath her injured ankle to prop it up. “I’ll get someone to bring ice”, you announced, already making your way out of the door again. “Can’t you do it?”, she asked snarkily. You turned around, eyes widened at her sharp request. “I meant, can’t you please do it?”, The Baroness corrected herself and sounded a tad bit softer. “Of course, I’ll see what I can do”, you replied and excused yourself.

And some time later you reappeared in her office with a pack of ice in your hands. The Baroness’ looked like she yearned for the coolness on her ankle. You gently placed the ice on her injured spot and took a step back. “That shall do it”, you mumbled and brushed some hair out of your forehead.

There were a few long moments of silence before Baroness von Hellman decided to speak up again. “Thank you”, she said, not looking up from her papers. “You’re welcome”, you replied curtly and turned to go, wanting to prepare the staff for the afternoon Rushhour. “I mean it, thank you”, she repeated with a little more force. It was unlike her to thank someone and even more to actually say it twice. “It’s fine, no worries”, you replied carefully, not knowing if this was a trap. Then the Baroness finally decided to look up at you she waved you over to her desk. “You were the only one to rush over and help me, I owe a ‘thank you’”, she remarked and held your gaze, “Everyone else was too afraid to even ask if I was alright.”

Everything she had said was true, her employees were far too scared to even look directly into her eyes not to mention go up and help her. The longer she looked at you the more you realised that her expression had grown softer. “I just wanted to know that you’re taken care of, I wouldn’t have liked to see you in pain when I was right next to you.” It looked like the baroness was taken aback from your sudden heartfelt words, a subtle smile tugged her lips. “Come back later”, she then said with no hint of mockery or disdain, “And fire that lady with the bag.”

[ferg0s]

“the king and the princess,” baro shoei x reader

| baro is bbygrl, argue w a wall |

I don’t edit my stuff my bad for any spelling mistakes

When Ego introduced you, Baro thought it was some elaborate prank. A messed up joke. He was promised the one of the star goalies in this generation, but instead he was met face to face with a kid.

She wasn’t a kid. His age probably. But the accessories, the makeup, the clothes. She looked like a reject Barbie. The pink in her clothes made his eyes hurt, and the sparky makeup made his stomach turn. He couldn’t comprehend how someone could leave the house looking like that, and why no one else seemed to be bothered by it.

As Ego went on, listing achievement after achievement, the girl looked at everyone with a smile, the apples of her cheeks glowing.

Baro was disgusted. All is life he’s trained, kept a strict diet and workout regime, only to be presented a failed art project and he told its better than him. Pathetic. “It is woman’s league,” he thought to himself.

He refused to go near her, feeling some sort of sinking gut feeling whenever he saw her - he assumed it was his natural instincts telling him to stay away, like a animal spotting a poisoning dart frog, the vibrant colours warning it - trying his best to not comprehend the fact that maybe he was jealous. Jealous that someone can put so little effort into something and still come out on top. The world is a cruel unfair place, he thought she watched her walk into the cafeteria.

But despite avoiding her like the plague, he began to notice small details about her. How she looked disgusted eating the food every day. Looking over it seemed to be a very well balanced diet, albeit a little lacking in the flavour department, but something an athlete would definitely benefit from. How she’d always show up on the field with a face full of makeup, never managing to sweat it off - he was convinced she had it permanently put on her face at some point - and how even when everyone was relaxed, slacking and slouching, she always came dressed. Primed and polished. A part of him respected her commitment, her effort to stay clean, but a part found it unnatural.

The thing that really weirded him out was how she’s show up in fully body uniform. Only part that wasn’t covered was her face - if you don’t count the makeup- the goalie gloves, the uniform and the clothing under it. He found it off considering women usually don’t Cover as much - “it looks good, I’ll give her that,” he thought as he watched at the net.

He never stuck around to watch her play. He was a king, he didn’t have time for some princess.

It was 4am when Baros eyes opened. Natural alarm clock. He got up and began his routine. Shower, eat, stretch and then workout. He looked forward to his morning shower, because he knew that no one would disturb him. The rest didn’t wake up until an hour or two later. Grabbing his gear he headed towards the bathroom - the bathroom he assumed was for men since there was only men at blue lock - he walked in to find that the air was already moist and some light steam filled the bathroom.

Caught off guard by this, Baro began to look around for who was up so early, wondering if the rest of the boys had decided to step up. As he walked past the several shower stalls he passed by the main mirror in the bathroom, his eyes landing on an unfamiliar body. It was her. Hair wet, towel wrapped around her body as she stared at herself in the mirror. Baro froze. Wondering if he was in the wrong bathroom - but he had never noticed a male or female sign - and as he collected himself to go wait for her to be finished his eyes caught the glimpse of a dark spot on her calf.

Looking closely he realized it was a bruise. A bad one. His eyes wondered her form, realizing that is the first time he had ever seen anything past her face. Though she was turned around, he could see the multiple bruises and scratches across her body. Her legs covered, a bad scratch marks from some cleats going from the back of her calf to the front. Her arms weren’t any better. As she moved them around, they occasionally came into view, showing the damage on them. He couldn’t help but stare, awed at the sight before him. And then she turned around. She didn’t notice him, too busy fighting with a bottle in her hand. He saw her face. Her naked face. The eye bags were visible, something he’d never seen before. She looked… tired. After seeing her so lively, so energetic, it felt wrong seeing her with a somber, more quiet expression.

He leaned back against a shower stall, hiding himself. He watched her. For the first time since seeing her he finally realized that she was an athlete. Wrapping bandaged around herself, getting her uniform and putting it on. For a second before she reached in her makeup bag she looked… serious, scary almost. That was quickly changed when she began to apply her makeup. Her entire demeanour changed, her features became more soft, the athlete he saw before turned into a kindergarten gym teacher.

The finished look he once winced at felt more… endearing. It grew on him.

~

The next time he saw her was on the field, going some basic stretches.

“Oi,” he called out, her cocking her head towards him. “Try to block my shots,” Baro said. His way of extending an olive branch. The girl nodded and went over to the net, getting in position. Baro started off easy, even she could tell earning a “If you’re going to waste my time, fuck off,” from her. She didn’t play around, he liked that. But that soon turned into frustration when he actually began to try.. and still couldn’t get a goal in. It was like she read his mind before he could even kick the ball - by the end they were both panting. With all his might Baro aimed for the bottom left of the net, but yet again she was there and blocked the goal, with her face but still she blocked it. The loud slapping sound of the ball against her skin echoed across the field.

She remained motionless for a second. His face remained stoic, but inside he began to panic as she didn’t move, letting out a breath of relief when she began to sit up. That’s when he saw the imprint of the ball on her cheek. “That was good!” She chirped, excited. Standing up she rolled the ball back to Baro, who tried his best to ignore the half lipstick stain on the ball.

King or Princess. Royalty is Royalty. And there’s a reason you have that title.

[officiallyisagibrainrotted]

.Sleepyhead.

Requested√(Julien overworks himself and nurses reader take care of him)

Warnings:Short, female reader.

G:Fluff.

He knew he was pushing himself to his limit, but he honestly never saw the problem with it. He would constantly overload himself with soccer to the point where he got used to it.

Till you came into the picture you would always constantly nag him about pushing himself to much. He tells you to stop being a worrywart and that he's fine . But you being a nurse couldn't help but constantly worry about him.

Even his teammates were getting concerned.

Finally the day came were his body has had enough, the day before he stayed practicing super late and today he got up early in the morning and hasn't stopped since .

He was aiming for the goal but his vision gets hazy , so his feet doesn't even make contact with the ball. His body suddenly became heavy and everything around him was a blur. He hadn't even realized his body had hit the ground, for he was exhausted to realize anything.

He slowly wakes up when he hears soft humming and small touches every now and then on his cheek. He felt his head press into the softness it was placed on .

It's a touch that he was used to , God he loves when you touch him like this,you were humming his favorite melody too.

But he soon realizes his location. "Shit,(Y/n) what happened?". He questions the girl as he rubs the side of his head that was hit against the ground earlier.

The girl continues her rubbing and soft hums."You fainted". She says softly as she looks at him lovingly.

"Oh". Was all he said.

"Mmhm".

"Julien?".

"Hm?".

"What have I told you about overworking yourself?".

He chuckled softly. "To not do it".

"Yea, but you did it anyway, men sure dont listen, huh".

She says this in between her hums and her soft touches.

"I'm sorry".

"It's fine, just please don't do it again, I don't want you to hurt yourself ok? ".

"Mhm".

With every small touch that made contact with skin he could feel himself drifting off to sleep.

He immediately grabs the girls hand. "Stop, you're putting me to sleep".

She says as she pulls her hand away from his grasp but instead of continuing her loving touches, she instead moves a strain of her brained hair behind her ear. She leans down to the boy and gives him a soft kiss on his lips , one he returned.

She pulls away softly, but the gap between them was still small.

She keeps her ever movement soft and delicate. Trying not to wake the male who's already drifting off into slumber.

"Well that's the point you big dummy". She teased lightly as she runs her thumb softly against his lips. She keeps her voice at a whisper.

His eyes become heavy causing the girl to blur out, her words start to fade .

"Now please go to bed Julien,I love taking care of you but I don't like it when you hurt yourself so rest up a little,yeah?".

"Mhm". He mumbles subconsciously.

The girl giggles at his response. "Sweet dreams my love , I love you Julien".

Yuppp that's it I hope you like this anon, I'm just as glad as you r to see a fellow Haitian!.

Request are open.

Constructive Criticism is always welcome.

Read the rules before requesting

Reblogs are highly appreciated 👍

And yeah that all my loves. Good night 🌃.

[morfineee]

Baro Shoei x fem! reader

Fluff

Word count ≈2100

I was laying on my bed, holding a pillow at my chest. I wasn't feeling anything but sadness and anger. I haven't left my bedroom in a week already, besides going to the bathroom and pick up my food delivery. My roommate, Baro, is an athlete, so he is not at home during the day, I didn't have to deal with him at night either, so it's safe to say that I've been all by myself lately.

I looked around my room, without moving an inch. Paper bags and energy drink cans all around the room, clothes thrown on my chair and floor, some even on my bed. I didn't have energy to clean after me, I didn't have energy to cook healthy food, and I didn't have energy to take care of myself and my mental health. I was in the worst state of mind.

I heard the entrance door opening and closing, sign that Baro was back home, earlier than usually. He was a busy schedule, with a lot of practice and training, gym and also classes...classes that I also had, yet didn't attend in the past week. I just sighed and picked up my phone, scrolling mindlessly through my apps, ignoring the noise Baro was making outside, on the hallway and kitchen.

I don't think ten minutes have passed since he came home and I heard a knock, before the door opened widely, making me close my eyes and press my lips. It was that one period of the month. If women have their period cycle...Baro had his monthly clean inspection.

"Y/N." I heard his stern and strong voice call out my name, and I could feel my blood run cold and my heart pound hardly against my chest. "What's with all this mess?"

I took in a deep breath, preparing myself mentally to respond, but all I could do was mumble something he couldn't understand. He just walked around my room, starting to pick up trash, throwing them in a bigger paper bag that layed around.

"My lord Y/N! You even left your leftovers in!" He said, raising his voice.

I could see the veins on his neck getting more visible as he spoke. He was annoyed at me, and I probably would have been too, but I know what I've been going through. But he doesn't. I didn't talk to him about this, and I had multiple reasons for. I didn't want to bother anyone with my problems, especially a persoan with so many things in their head, I was afraid of being judged and Baro seems like the kind of person that hates anyone that is weak, and right then, I was the weakest.

But I had no way to hide this anymore.

"I'm sorry, I didn't have energy to clean after me lately." I responded, holding that pillow tighter than before, like it was going to protect me in case he was going to get angry at me.

"The fuck that's supposed to mean?! You don't need energy to throw away the bag with your leftovers, nor for throwing some clothes in the washing machine!"

I sighed. I didn't want to argue with him. Baro was a massive man, tall and muscular, and as much as he never acted violent around me, I've seen him playing, I knew he was a whole demon on the field, so what was stopping him from being one right now?

He must have noticed the saddness in my eyes, as he just let the paper bag on my desk then walked up to my bed, kneeling next to me, letting his elbows rest on the edge of my bed.

"What's wrong Y/N? You're not feeling alright are you?" He asked, as his voice became softer, yet his red eyes pierced my soul, trying to read through me.

I couldn't stand the stare he gave me, it made me feel weak and helpless in front of him, it made me get emotional, and I didn't want that to happen. I closed my eyes, holding the pillow tighter, but it was too late. I let myself overwhelmed by my emotions, by my sadness, so a tear ran down my cheek, that I quickly wiped away.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me Baro. I promise I'll clean my room tomorrow."

"Oh drop the bullshit." He said, his voice venomous and rough, poking my forehead with his finger. "Tell me what's wrong, we live under the same roof, I don't want your shitty mood affect mine too."

I could tell he was at least a little bit worried, he was a tough man, he was a beast on the soccer field, but he was a caring person. He tried to play it cool, he never liked to show any kind of compassion and sympathy, which I don't understand, but my best guess was that had to do something with his king title.

"Alright..." I sighed. "I've just feeling down lately...My antidepressants are not doing their job anymore and I have no energy to do anything anymore." I spoke on a low voice.

I felt ashamed to talk about it, I felt like a filthy piece of shit, like a bug waiting to get crushed under his feet.

But Baro just sighed as he stood up slowly. I looked up at the tall man as he just came to sit on the edge of the bed, looking down at me.

"Struggling with quite something I see. Not like I care or anything, but you can tell me when shit is rough, it's better than letting it all build up and kill you from the inside." He spoke, rubbing the back of his neck, looking away from me. "What about we find something to cheer you up?"

I opened my eyes to look at him. I couldn't hide my surprise, as my wide eyes stared into his.

"You're... serious?"

"Yeah, don't want my roomie to be like a dead walker around the house. So? What would make you feel a bit better?"

"Uh...what about ordering some chicken nuggets and watch a movie? I think that would be pretty nice."

Baro nodded, as he stood up from my bed, reaching a hand out to me. I looked up at him confused, but i grabbed it gently, only for him to pull me up the bed.

"We're going to my room, I can't stand staying in such a messy place."

I couldn't help but smile lightly at his words. I found it funny how he was being nice, yet did his best to act like he didn't give a damn. I just nodded and followed him to his bedroom. It was the smallest in the apartment, as he said he didn't need much, but lord it was organized. He had a small bed, a closet and a desk, that was all he needed from what he was saying, and after I learned his schedule I believed him.

He layed on the bed, on the edge as he struggled making me some space. As much as he wanted to stay on the edge, he was a large guy and inevitably covered more than half of it. But it was alright, I fit there anyway.

I sat on my edge, holding my knees at my chest as I looked down at Baro, who was already scrolling through the ordering app.

"Nine nuggets with large fries, sweet and sour and mayonnaise, a large coke and a chocolate and caramel mcfurry." He spoke while adding them in the cart. "Is that right?"

"Yeah...how did you know?"

"You order the same thing every time you get Mc. I memorized it."

"Huh? You paid attention to that?"

"I pay attention to more than you think. And I have a great memory."

I couldn't help myself but smile at his words. I knew he was attrntive and he paid attention to me, but I loved how he tried to make it seem like its nothing. It meant a lot to me.

I watched over his shoulder as he ordered the food, before he leaned for his laptop, putting it on his knees. I sat closely as I watched him curiously, only to find him searching up my favorite movie. Oh I would never get bored of it...

"How did you...?"

"You play it every time you're sad, your volume is so loud I hear it through the wall."

I sighed lightly as I let my head rest on his shoulder, watching the screen with a light smile on my face. I couldn't help it. Baro was a great roommate, and I am going to be jealous on his future girlfriend.

I felt his hand wrapping around my waist, holding it sternly. He looked forward, his uninterested expression making him seem cold and mean...until he spoke.

"I'm not the most touchy person but it makes you feel better we can cuddle too."

My eyes widened as I looked up at him. This was so new to me. This was something Shoei Baro would never do, not even held at gun point. And yet there we were. I would lie if I said I didn't want it to happen. I always wondered what kind of hugs Baro would give.

So I just nodded, laying on my back as I got closer to him, letting a hand on his chest, my head resting on his shoulder, while his arm slipped underneath me, holding my waist. He pulled me closer to him, his big, strong hand holding my waist entirely. He gave me a light squeeze, pushing me to hold him properly.

"Come on, thats not how cuddles work Y/N, I'm expecting more from you." He said. His voice was serious as usually, and yet a tint of playfulness echoed, playfulness that made me smile.

Was it all so easy from the beginning? Was this all I really needed?

I wrapped my arms around him, letting my leg on top of his lower body as I finally cuddled him "properly". I inhaled his minty scent mixed with a chocolate kick, letting it intoxicate me. The warmth of his body was giving me a comfortable feeling, like I was safe and at ease.

"That's more like it." He said as he played the movie, holding me tightly at his chest.

His warmth, scent... everything was so comforting, everything was so addictive... But I couldn't tell him such thing, he's just being nice, nothing else.

Hours have passed, we ate the food he ordered, we watched three movies with no break whatsoever, which confuded me, Baro was a very active man, and laying down that way for such a long period of time was not something he would usually do. But certainly...he never let go of me. He cuddled me like there was no tomorrow, he played with my fingers between his fingers, caressed my back.

"How are you feeling?" I heard Baro's voice, softer than before, making me look up to him.

"I...feel way better than I did in the morning."

"As expected, I'm the best cuddler."

"Wouldn't expect a menace that refers to himself as 'the king' to just say that."

"Now you're being unnecessary mean."

I looked up to him, my eyes locked on his. Something in his glare was something...I could feel, and see, such a warming emotion coming from him, and it was making my heart beat faster.

He just sighed lightly, letting his hand rest on my cheek.

"Y/N, you mean a lot to me, 'lright?" He started, his voice even softer, like a whisper. "And I might not he the most romantic guy, or a boyfriend material in general...but I promise I can treat you right...I can treat you like a queen."

His words caught me off guard, as that was the last thing I would expect Baro to say. But I smiled, a genuine smile.

"I wouldn't expect the king himself to treat a woman anything less."

His lips curled into a light grin before just leaning closer, pressing his lips against mine. Theu were so soft and sweet...yet so rough and unsure. But something was certainly...his kiss was giving me butterflies...and were leaving me want more...

[sillywhistle]

A 30-day writing challenge for Maria and Georg! For the next 30 days, I will be posting a one-shot a day that has been inspired by a quote from a love song that you may or may not have heard of! I thought it was fitting since Maria and Georg were brought together through music. The link above is to go and read it on FF.Net, but you can also read it under the cut!

Hope you like it!

The Lady In Red

[There's nobody here, it's just you and me,

It's where I want to be,

But I hardly know this beauty by my side,

I'll never forget the way you look tonight]

The Lady In Red - Chris Burgh

Returning to the party after stepping out onto the terrace with Max for a smoke, Georg failed to keep from smiling when he caught sight of his wife standing to the side after scanning the room with his eyes. She was holding their little girl, swaying in time to the music with her while she watched the dancing and let her grab at the beads hanging around her neck, and he had to admit she looked a dream in the floor-length red gown she had bought. It was daring for her, what with it having an open back and being slightly more fitted than the other gowns she had in the armoire, but he was most certainly a fan of it.

When it dawned on him that people were beginning to notice he was staring, he decided it was time to go over there before he made an idiot out of himself and so he turned and made his way around the perimeter of the ballroom. She spotted him before too long and they shared a smile, the love he had for both her and their darling Rosemary only deepening when she pointed at him and she squealed at seeing him when she turned her head. He chuckled when she reached her chubby little arms out towards him, leaning away from her mother, and he pressed his lips to her forehead as he perched her on his hip.

"I say, the two of you are looking very beautiful this evening," He said while draping the skirt of the white dress she had on over his arm, his hold of her tightening when she rubbed at her eye with the back of a hand and snuggled further into him. Even though it sounded bad, he was glad she was getting sleepy because it meant he would soon have Maria to himself and he had been waiting to dance with her all night near enough. He let his arm fall from around her and reached out to run his hand down Maria's back, causing her to look up into his eyes. "I think we ought to be getting this little lady up to bed now."

She hummed in agreement. "Neither of us will get a thing done tomorrow if she's in a foul mood from lack of sleep."

"My thoughts exactly," He confessed. "How about we both go? I imagine getting her settled will take half the time with two."

"Well, that and you still struggle to put her cloth on straight which means you need me to do it." She teased.

He rolled his eyes at her before pecking at her cheek. "Come on, the sooner we go up the sooner we can come back down."

Wordlessly then, they walked around the perimeter of the ballroom and into the foyer before heading for the staircase and starting to make their way up to their room. Before they could get too far though, the sound of Liesl calling to them caught their attention and they turned to watch her approach. "I can put her to bed for you if you would like me to," She said when she came to stand in front of them, smiling as she accepted her baby sister from her father when she threw her arms out in her direction. "I know what to do, I used to do it with Gretl every night, and you shouldn't have to abandon your own party."

"I…well, I mean, we appreciate it, darling, but are you sure?" He shared a look with his wife, taking her hand in his.

"I am, I promise," She nodded. "You haven't had a moment alone all evening, so I told the others to leave you in peace too."

Maria laughed at that, stepping closer to Georg with a squeeze of his hand. "I have no idea what we would do without you."

"I know, I'm wonderful," Liesl teased with a shrug. "Go on, go back to the party."

Georg reached out and laid his free hand on the back of her neck, leaning in to press a kiss to her brow before he led Maria around her and the two of them made their way back down the stairs. Once they were back in the ballroom, he released her hand and turned to her before drawing her into his arms and revelling in the smile she gave him as they began to dance. It was a waltz they were familiar with, one they had been dancing for years and were able to get through without thinking all that much about, and it felt wonderful to be able to lose themselves in the moment after having been made to wait so long.

He turned his head a little to the side so he could let his cheek rest against hers while they glided around the room, feeling her smile as he traced circles onto her back with the pad of his thumb. The more they danced, the more the other couples and the rest of the world faded away into nothingness and all he wanted was to savour every small step they took together.

Just him and his magnificent lady in red.

[leosxrealm]

-ʙᴀʀᴏᴜ ꜱʜᴏᴇɪ ʙᴏʏꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀᴅᴄᴀɴᴏɴꜱ-

barou shoei who cooks for you because “i’d rather not die today from your cooking skills”

barou shoei who’s not used to being gentle with anyone but still tries his hardest because he doesn’t wanna hurt you :(

barou shoei who gets flustered when you call him a nickname but acts all annoyed and irritated

barou shoei who loves hearing you laugh and would not even notice that he has started smiling

barou shoei who complains how his teammates started teasing him because he read a text from you in front of them and got all red

barou shoei who always has an arm around you because “holding hands is for losers”

barou shoei who would let you play with his hair if you give him enough kisses

barou shoei who has no idea what to do on a date so he (reluctantly) asks his teammates. best believe he got teased a lot that day

barou shoei who always goes home first to you even when his teammates invite him out for drinks after practice

barou shoei who has to be forced by you to go to team parties and would NOT go to said party unless you go with him

barou shoei who always matches his ties to whatever you’re wearing

barou shoei who comes straight to where you’re standing in the stand after he scored the winning goal for his team and would kiss you in front of every eye watching

barou shoei who doesn’t know how to show his love for you but he’s still trying his best because you deserve it<;33

TELL ME THIS WOULDN’T BE HIM🥺 i love him🥺🥺

[little-diable]

Guilt - Feyd-Rautha (smut)

So, I watched Dune again, and this came to me mid movie. Please like and reblog if you enjoyed reading this, your comments keep us writers motivated! Enjoy my loves. xxx

!Contains spoilers!

Summary: The reader is married to Feyd, she felt him being touched by Lady Margot – now he has to prove to her how much he loves her.

Warnings: 18+, smut, oral (f), implied cheating/somewhat not really since she knew it'd happen, some angst, strong-headed reader, still some fluff (?)

Pairing: Feyd-Rautha x fem!reader (1.3k words)

“You know, na-Baron, sleepless nights can be cruel.” Her voice echoed through their dark chamber, back turned to him as her eyes stared outside. Feyd froze in his step, he had just entered the room, careful not to wake her. (Y/n) held a blade between her fingers, letting her fingertips stroke along the sharp edge.

“Nightmares again?” A scoff wanted to claw through (y/n) at his question. Feyd was playing her, thinking she hadn’t noticed how he had slipped out of the room, hiding away from his own celebrations - only to run into Lady Margot. (Y/n) had felt it the second the woman had touched him, in ways only (y/n) had been asked to touch her very own husband. 

But the way was cruel, guided by power-hungry women who thought of them better than her. 

“You dare lie to your wife?” (Y/n)’s voice was sharper than ever before, she didn’t see the way he slightly stumbled back, not expecting that chilly tone of hers. Feyd ran his tongue along his black teeth, trying to fight against an emotion he hadn’t felt before, an emotion he had been a stranger to – until now. Guilt. A sensation that wandered up his body, making him almost choke on his bile.

“It needed to be done.” Within seconds she stood in front of him, with her blade pressed against his throat, with her eyes burning holes into his skin, with tears about to drip from her eyes. It was true, it had to be done, and she had known that the Bene Gesserit order would grasp any chance they could get to fulfil it. Feyd-Rautha was a puppet of their game, a puppet who had now offered all his weaknesses to them. 

“I ought to kill you with that blade, rip you to pieces the way you’ve ripped my heart to pieces. I thought you were stronger than that, husband, it’s a shame I’ve married a man who behaves like a child.” No word left Feyd at the harsh words she spoke, words he’d kill others for without blinking once. But all he did was wipe away her tear, one single drop that dared to escape her glassy eye. “Wash yourself clean, I can still smell her on you.”

“Join me, na-Baroness.” Her hand met his cheek before he could see it coming, shakily inhaling at the rage now simmering inside of him. Feyd’s black teeth ran along his lower lip while his hand found her wrist, harshly tugging her against his chest. “The next time you raise your hand at me, I won’t be as gentle with you, wife.”

“Gentle? You breed another woman, you embarrass your wife, and now you threaten her? I have never feared you, and I won’t start now, bound together by a promise that has lost its meaning.” It was pathetic of her, to treat him like her enemy because he had done what had needed to be done. But her pain weighed heavier than her rational thoughts, guiding her on as Feyd cupped her cheek before interlacing their fingers.

No word left him as he began to lead (y/n) into the washroom, tugging on her nightgown to expose her naked body. Pleasure had always been one of his few weaknesses, and even though he had found pleasure in fucking the Lady, it hadn’t felt like it did with (y/n), not as raw, as intimate as he was used to by now. 

Feyd sank into the water first, but his eyes didn’t leave her naked frame once. Wordlessly, he reached his hand out for her to take, to pull her into the bath. (Y/n) shuddered in his hold, she tried to shake off the emotions thumping through her like a sandstorm set to bury her alive, and yet she miserably failed at it. For the first time since knowing Feyd-Rautha, she lost her grip on her emotions. 

“I love you.” Three simple words Feyd hadn’t ever spoken before rolled off his tongue, words that hadn’t ever managed to leave his mouth, held back by his black teeth that wouldn’t dare part. But now they had rolled off his tongue all too easily, surprising him and her. 

“The wonders of guilt.” A humourless laugh left (y/n). “Don’t keep lying to me, husband. I’m not your pet nor your toy, don’t lure me into false comfort with pretty words and thin lies.” Feyd tightened his grasp on her cheeks, squeezing them to keep her from saying another word. A rough kiss was pressed to her lips, drawing a moan out of (y/n) at the familiarity of the sensation. 

“I love you.” He repeated the words, pronouncing every single one of them as if he were speaking a threat, hoping to open her eyes. She stared at him for a while, trying to figure out how sincere the words were - if they were sincere at all, but the pain tugging on his expression told her everything she needed to know. The sigh leaving her made Feyd loosen his grip on her cheeks, letting his hand wander down to her neck. 

“I love you too, even though I try to hate you, now more than ever.” Another rough kiss was shared between them, drawing moans from both lovers. Feyd’s cock twitched against her, in any other scenario he would have fucked her by now, murmuring into her ear that he’d pump her full, desperate to see her with a round belly, but today he didn’t. A wise decision she was grateful for.

But even though he stopped himself from forcing his cock into her cunt, his hand didn’t stop moving, cupping her heat with an almost soft grin tugging on his lips. Their eyes held contact as he circled her pulsing bundle, using just enough strength to leave her shuddering. Her mind screamed at her, but her body craved his touch like a drug as if she was high on spice. 

“You know it had to be done, but you need to know it wasn’t like this.” His words weighed heavy, telling her that their bond would survive every attack, even death they’d overcome together. “You are my end and my beginning, na-Baroness.”

Two of his fingers pushed into her tightness, engulfed by her fluttering walls. Her moans filled the washroom, echoing off the walls like screams of prisoners, slashed by Feyd’s blade for his mere enjoyment. An exciting sensation he had always craved, just like the orgasms he lured out of her, watching them clash through her shaking body. 

“My beautiful wife, you were made for me, destined even.” (Y/n) couldn’t reply, her eyes rolled back into her head as her fingernails left crescent-shapes on his shoulders. Her orgasm was close, pushed into her high by his cold fingers, feeling them on her clit and against her swollen spot, hers forever.

“Cum for me, show me how much your body craves me.” She came with a gasp, tightening her grip on Feyd as her high clashed through her. Heavy pants spluttered from her lips at the blinding sensation, too distracting to study Feyd’s smirk, the satisfied expression tugging on his handsome features. 

“You’re forever mine, (y/n), and nothing may change that, no prophecy, no destiny.”

[angelltheninth]

Victory Celebration with Blue Lock Men

Pairing: Kunigami Rensuke, Meguru Bachira, Hyoma Chigiri, Yoichi Isagi, Shoei Baro, Itoshi Sae x Fem!Reader

Tags: fluff, established relationship, clubbing, kissing, dancing, slight grinding, neck kisses, drinking, cuddles, public displays of affection, suggestive content

A/N: The anime just keeps getting better and better and I'm loving everyone so much.

Kunigami would take you out dancing. There's no way he'd stay in when he has the opportunity to celebrate with you. He likes his friends but you're his girlfriend, he'd much rather spend the night dancing, laughing and kissing you then anything else. No need for any big party or anything, just you and him spending a nice, energetic night out.

Bachira isn't very energetic when he's not on the field but that doesn't mean he won't do something nice for you. Most of the night is spent stargazing with you, with him occasionally leaning over to kiss you and tease you. He might also bring a little drink or two but he doesn't want to drink too much, he knows how... excited he can get when he has too much. There's no way he's getting arrested for public indecency. Yet.

Chigiri is very careful when partying due to his leg injury. If you want to dance with him he'd be more then happy to, but he's more fond of slow dancing. This is a little bit of a problem for him when you're in a very crowded place because he has a tendency to grind against you due to being pretty touch starved and it can make him very excited down below. He always gets embarrassed about it but he's not going to stop celebrating with you just because of that, just sit in his lap and kiss him until it goes away.

Isagi would take you to visit his family. He knows it's a little old fashioned, especially this is the first time he gets to take you out but he really wants you to meet his family. He wants to take you to all his favorite places in his home town and show you some of his secret spots. He gets teased a lot by his friends outside of Blue Lock and they're all wondering where he hid a beauty like you. Oh he has no plans to hide you at all, he kisses you right there as he slips his hand into yours firmly and lets everyone know that he is indeed very serious about you, as serious as he is about his games.

Baro takes the opportunity to take you to the best hotel in the city. He's already being treated like a king so it's only fit that he treats you like a queen. This of course includes getting the best room, the best room service and the best drinks the hotel has to offer. He's not being secretive about his desires for you either, he wants you on top of him, kissing him and grinding against him, his name being whispered from your lips and he wants to tell you he treasures you over and over through the night.

Sae is very reserved so he'd prefer it if you stayed in the apartment for the evening and just had a nice meal together. But he still wants the night to be as romantic as possible so he pulls out all the stops, he gets the candles, the dim lights, the flowers, he will even let you be extra cheesy and feed him cute little bites of food. At the end of the night he wants to do nothing more then cuddle with you and trade kisses, whispers and maybe even moans all night long.

[headhedgehog]

Advice from Aryu

CW: None, past teen pregnancy referenced

Part 4 of "First Call Home." Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

The second week of Baro's break fell over the first week of Akemi's semester break. It surprised him how easily the three of them fell into a routine, resting and enjoying each other's company.

This is actually my life, he thought as he packed Hana's diaper bag, not unhappily.

He tucked Hana into her baby carrier, pleased he was finally able to secure her against his chest without assistance. The two of them left Akemi to nap on the couch and walked to the train station, heading for his mother's house.

The doors had barely closed when a mop of long hair swished across Baro's face.

"Sorry, my hair is too glam to control -- Baro?!"

Goddamnit.

"Hey Aryu."

"What a strange scarf you've got on. You know I really don't think pink is your color."

"Uh --"

"Wait, did you procure a child just to accessorize?"

"What?!"

"There's a baby in your strange pink scarf. Didn't you know?"

"Aryu, this is my daughter. She's literally a human baby."

Aryu tossed his hair over his shoulder and eyed Hana. "I'm trying to wrap my head around someone deciding to do something as un-glam as reproducing with you in high school."

Baro closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I will not yell at this donkey right over my daughter's head. I will not yell at this donkey right over my daughter's head...

"I suppose she's cute though. Too young to really be glam, but I've got time to influence her."

Baro couldn't think of anything he was willing to say in front of Hana. To his chagrin, Aryu settled into the seat next to him. Even worse, Hana seemed mesmerized by Aryu and poked at his shoulder. Aryu grinned and allowed Hana to grab onto his fingers.

"See? She's taken to me already."

"Looks like it."

"So strange I didn't know you were a father, Baro."

"Didn't tell anyone."

"Why not?"

Baro didn't answer. Hana grabbed a strand of Aryu's hair; Baro enjoyed watching the other man try not to freak out.

"You gonna tell everyone when we get back to Blue Lock?" he asked finally. He took mercy and gently pried the baby's fingers off Aryu's hair.

"Not my place. Gossip is so un-stylish."

"Thanks."

"But you should tell people, I think. Secrets are bad for the complexion."

Baro blinked. His stop was announced and he stood up.

"See you around, Aryu."

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

Baro dropped Hana off with his mother and tried not to panic when his little sisters immediately carried her off, yelling "princess time!". His mother waved him out the door and chased after them.

Slightly shaken, Baro went to run the errands he'd planned. His mother was looking after Hana for the night, and he wanted to be sure Akemi had the date she deserved.

[theparadinghatkid]

Just finished this little ship story with Grim Matchstick and Baroness von bon bon :) give it a read if you like! It is Meloncandy

[dreamcubed]

lover | mattheo riddle x reader

song; lover [taylor swift] pairing; duke!mattheo riddle x fem!baronet's daughter!reader genre; marriage of convenience, s2l, fluff, angst, hurt comfort word count; 9,1k timeline; bridgerton au (again lol) warnings; abusive parents (verbal, neglect, psychological), implied anxiety, panic attacks, near death experience (illness) summary; born into a loveless family, you had been denied the opportunity to marry for many years. that was, until, a duke noticed your situation and gave your parents an offer that they simply couldn't refuse - but would it be a love match?

suggested by @fictionisjustbetter ! (sorry this took so long)

icl mattheo is just so perfect for period aus

masterlist

"all's well that ends well to end up with you."

———————————————

Sir Vincent Malton was a baronet and nothing more. Of course, while being a low title, it was still a part of the aristocracy, which was much better than the alternative. He took his role very seriously, as his father before him had, and his father before him.

So, when the first Lady Malton of his passed during childbirth having sired not an heir, but a daughter, he had arranged for a new wife to marry ready for his first day of it being considered acceptable to be out of mourning. The second Lady Malton of his was more successful in the heir department: during her first pregnancy, she sired twins, both a boy and a girl. And then after two more girls (of separate pregnancies), she had another boy. Sir Vincent Malton then finally felt safe in the security of his baronetcy lineage.

But he never spoke to any of his six children. He left them up to the second Lady Malton, including his firstborn, who was not her blood. Where other ladies would have accepted their stepchildren as their own, Lady Daria Malton did not. As far she was concerned, Y/N was not her child and thus not her problem. But Sir Vincent was a traditional man who saw the children as the mother's business, so she kept up appearances to continue her life of comfort.

Sir Vincent didn't even bother with the marriage mart, instructing his wife to simply inform him when a suitor (with a title) proposed to any one of his daughters. And Lady Malton had - with her own eldest daughter, Samantha, when a baron asked for her hand. He was twice her age, but Lady Malton (like her husband) cared about title more than anything. Samantha was quickly married off to her new life as a baroness.

One thing Sir Vincent didn't know was that Lady Malton had never officially debuted Y/N. She brought her along to more casual soirées that other non-debutantes attended to keep up appearances, but as far as the one-and-twenty-year-old's actual debut - well, it was significantly overdue. The thing was, Y/N had received callers after such events before, but callers were received by the baronetess and not the baronet, and she quickly sent them away. Thus, the actual stage of proposal was never reached, so Lady Malton was by all technicalities following her husband's instruction.

Y/N knew that it was unfair, that her stepmother's abuse was unjust. She didn't see why she couldn't just allow someone to propose and get her out of the home: Lady Malton clearly didn't like her, so why not be rid of her?

But, she supposed, someone like Lady Malton must quite enjoy having a scapegoat around to target their frustrations at.

***

"Last year was a tremendous success by all means," Lady Malton spoke as her lady's maid attended to her corset, "To have Samantha married off in her first year as a debutante was a splendid result."

Y/N subtly rolled her eyes: Samantha was eighteen and her husband almost forty, it really shouldn't have been a permitted pairing. But, her husband was a baron, and title was all Lord & Lady Malton cared for. They couldn't choose to be fussy as the lowest titleholders of the aristocracy.

"Thus, Y/N, I do not wish you to cause any interference," she explained further, glaring at you through her reflection in the mirror, "I am bringing you along to Lady Bridgerton's birthday soirée out of necessity, as she always includes young ladies of whom have not made their debut."

You knew that: you had attended Lady Bridgerton's birthday event the year prior for the same reason.

"Rumour has it the Duke of Covenshire has returned from his travels to the Americas and will be attending tonight," she proceeded, "And it would simply be marvellous if Grace could secure him as a match in her first year as a debutante."

You glanced over at Grace, sat at the dresser as her lady's maid applied her makeup. She was putting on a remarkably brave face, but you could tell that she was nervous: she was too young to debut. After Samantha's success, Lady Malton had felt confident enough to debut Grace at only seven-and-ten. It wasn't entirely uncommon, but typically Mamas waited until their daughters were at least one year older.

Meanwhile you were one-and-twenty and still yet to have your debut. At this rate you would be a spinster before you had even entered the marriage mart.

You looked to your other side at Tia, your youngest sister at fourteen, who was more than thrilled to be allowed to attend that night. You never saw your brothers, really: Vincent (creatively named after your father) was away at Cambridge, and Henry, the youngest of the lot, was away at Eton.

"Right, is the carriage ready?" Lady Malton snapped at one of the servants, who quickly nodded.

And then with a curt bob of her head, the baronetess proceeded over to the door - a silent instruction for her daughters to follow - and they all headed to the front of Malton House, the London lodgings of the family.

***

"Lady Bridgerton! How good to see you," Lady Malton beamed at the dowager viscountess, "Such a lovely soirée."

"Why thank you, Lady Malton," the kind woman replied, "Pleased to see all your daughters could make it."

"Oh, is Samantha here already?"

"I believe Lady Halterton is over there," Lady Bridgerton vaguely pointed in a direction, "But how are all the Miss Maltons?"

"Grace is excited to make a match this year," the poor girl was pushed forward, "With any luck, she shall follow in her sister's footsteps."

"And what of the oldest Miss Malton?"

You looked up and gave Lady Bridgerton a hesitant smile.

"You know how Y/N is - still doesn't want to debut," Lady Malton sighed, "At this rate she shall be a spinster before even trying for marriage. But, we love her and support her decisions."

You scoffed internally, wanting nothing more than to blaspheme at your stepmother in that moment.

The conversation with Lady Bridgerton wrapped up and the focus then became the considering of various potential suitors. It was the first social event that you had the privilege of attending since the year prior, so you fully planned to savour the moments you were free from the house.

And then the room hushed into whispers as the door opened, it being remarkably noticeable how all the ambitious eyes of the Mamas zoned in on one particular man gracing the room with his presence.

"That's him- that's the duke!" Lady Malton whispered, mainly to Grace, but anyone close by could have heard her.

"Gosh, he's handsome," Tia mumbled to your left, "Shame I'm too young."

You kept your eyes glued on to the pale man with curly brown hair gelled somewhat neatly. His eyes were narrowed like that of a cat's, and his very presence commanded authority - yet he was polite to every hopeful Mama who approached him. Dismissive, but polite.

"Ah, Lady Bridgerton," he spoke, near enough to you for you to hear his gruff monotone voice as he bent over to kiss the dowager viscountess's hand, "Thank you for the invitation, and happy birthday."

"It is an honour you attended, your grace."

The man nodded, chatting to her for a few moments longer as the noise and bustle returned to the room, so you couldn't hear the rest of it.

"Now is our chance," your stepmother said as the duke's conversation wrapped up. She quickly sped towards him. "Your grace!"

The duke paused, and half-turned so he was fully facing your brood.

"Lady Malton, Baronetess of Catury," she curtsied, "And this is my daughter, Grace," she gestured towards the girl.

When his eyes flicked to Tia, she hurried to introduce her, but when his eyes flicked to you, she remained silent.

"And you are?" he inquired.

Your eyes widened: you were rarely spoken to, "Y/N- Miss Y/N Malton," you corrected.

"Don't pay her any mind, your grace," your stepmother quickly said, pinching you in the side as subtly as she could which made you flinch - as it always did. You didn't notice the way the duke's beady eyes followed the interaction. "She isn't a debutante."

"She looks old enough to be." He was clearly referencing the fact you obviously had a few years on Grace.

"It is her own choice."

You couldn't help the scowl that itched at your eyebrows, and the duke couldn't help but notice it.

"Would you care for a dance with Grace?"

The duke's eyes flicked over your sister again, "I have no intentions of dancing this evening- if you excuse me."

And with that, he departed, just to be ambushed by yet another Mama.

Your stepmother turned and glared at you, "You ruined Grace's chances."

"I didn't do anything," you said simply.

"You spoke. You know you're not supposed to."

"He asked me a question."

"I respond to the questions about you."

"Mama," Grace interrupted, shooting you a sympathetic look, "Is that the Earl of Kilmartin over there?"

Lady Malton's head snapped in that direction, "So it is! He has returned from India."

You couldn't be more grateful to Grace for the distraction.

***

"Saunders," the duke, Mattheo, called from his work study in Riddle Manor, his London residence. It was merely a couple hours after he had returned from Lady Bridgerton's soirée.

The secretary hurried into the office, "Yes, your grace?"

"What do you know of the Malton family?"

Saunders paused, "Sir Vincent Malton?"

Mattheo nodded.

"He is married to Dame Daria Malton and has six children. He attended Eton and Cambridge, studying history."

"And of his children?"

"Two sons and four daughters, I believe."

"And what of Miss Y/N Malton?"

The secretary immediately recognised the name, "She is the oldest, your grace. She is one-and-twenty and well-known for not having debuted yet."

Mattheo frowned, leaning back in his chair, "Is there a way in which she is different from her siblings?"

"I-" the secretary thought for a moment, "I believe she has a different mother than her younger siblings, if that's what you mean."

"Lady Malton is not her mother?"

"Well, yes and no. The current Lady Malton is not her mother, but the Lady Malton before her was. She passed in childbirth, I believe."

Mattheo hummed, "I see."

"Is that all, your grace?"

"Prepare the carriage to journey to Malton House tomorrow morning, Saunders, and locate my mother's engagement ring."

Saunders' eyes widened, but he quickly nodded, "Of course, your grace."

Nothing made Mattheo angrier than cruel parents.

***

Lady Malton and Grace were up bright and early the next day, as all debutantes and their Mamas were after a social event. They were to dress in some of their nicer but not so fancy attire ready to sit in the upstairs drawing room in await for any callers they may receive in the downstairs drawing room. You, however, stayed tucked nicely into bed until a more reasonable hour, since your stepmother certainly wouldn't want to catch sight of you until lunchtime - if then.

Still, you rose from your slumber at around eleven o'clock and called for your lady's maid, getting dressed in a simple baby blue piece that you had purchased a few years ago. You rarely got new dresses under Lady Malton's reign.

"I'll take my breakfast in here, please, Melinda," you smiled.

***

The Duke of Covenshire had been up at an exceptionally early hour, having taken a ride on his favourite stallion at sunrise, to then return to his city house and retreat to his office for a few hours accompanied by some breakfast.

He was still there at eleven o'clock.

"Your grace," Saunders began after having knocked on the door, "The carriage is ready for you."

"And the ring?" the duke inquired.

"Here," the secretary presented it, "It was still safely in the dowager duchess's bed chamber."

Mattheo had seen no point in keeping it anywhere else since that room had remained unoccupied for quite some time now.

"Excellent," he murmured, "Now, let us make haste."

***

It wasn't a long journey to Malton House, so really it was no time at all by the time that the Covenshire carriage pulled up to the smaller but still grand home. There were two or three other carriages parked outside, likely belonging to other potential suitors.

Mattheo wasn't worried: he was a duke, after all, and the Maltons were merely baronets. They would jump at the opportunity to marry a daughter off to be a duchess.

After knocking on the door, he was greeted by a short balding man with a seemingly permanently curved eyebrow.

"Here for Miss Malton?" he asked.

"Yes," Mattheo replied, although he had a feeling they weren't referring to the same one.

"Name?"

"Mattheo Riddle, Duke of Covenshire."

The butler's eyes widened, "Right this way, your grace."

Mattheo was led through the hallway into the downstairs drawing room, where Lady Malton and Grace were perched on an orange settee. On the other side of Grace sat an older gentleman, meanwhile on the settee sat across from them were two others. One of them was roughly the same age as the first, whereas the other was much younger - closer to Grace's age.

"Your grace," Lady Malton instantly said, shooting up to curtsy.

"Lady Malton," Mattheo nodded, "May I speak with Sir Vincent?"

"Yes, yes, of course," the baronetess said with widened eyes, "I'll go fetch him at once."

Typically she would have sent a servant to complete such a task, but clearly the shock had consumed her to the point she sprung into action. Once she had departed the room, Mattheo turned his eyes to Grace and the other three gentlemen who were all staring at him curiously.

"Who are you gentlemen?" he asked.

"Edward Cann, Viscount of Sancourt," one of the older gentlemen introduced.

"Gareth Warner," the other older one spoke.

Mattheo couldn't help but question the audacity of an older man to pursue the hand of such a young woman when he didn't even possess a title. Still, his eyes turned to the youngest man.

"Sir Charles Robinson, Baronet of Rackney."

"And how old are you?" his eyes were still on Charles.

"Twenty, your grace."

Mattheo hummed, that was more appropriate for Grace. Unusual for a man to seek a wife at such an age, but not unheard of.

"Lord Cann and Mr Warner," he began, and they perked up at his address, "May I ask what the devil men of your age are doing pursuing such a young woman?"

They were clearly taken aback by his blunt honesty, as were the servants littered around the room.

"I certainly will have to rethink my family's business with your estates in light of such news."

And with apologies to Grace and Mattheo, the two older gentlemen quickly vanished from the room, moments before the Lord & Lady of the house made an appearance.

"Your grace," Sir Vincent spoke, holding out his hand, which Mattheo shook, "To what do I owe the honour?"

"May we proceed to a more private location?"

"Of course, right this way."

"Your presence won't be required any longer, Sir Charles," Lady Malton said, clearly confused at the absence of the two other gentlemen.

Mattheo interrupted, "Oh, I'm sure it will, Lady Malton. I wouldn't dismiss the young gentleman."

Before she could ask what he meant, he was being led out the drawing room and to the baronet's office.

"I believe you know what I am here for," Mattheo stated simply, after declining the offer of brandy.

"I shouldn't want to get my hopes up, your grace."

"I would like your daughter's hand in marriage."

Sir Vincent nodded, "Of course, I shall dower her fairly-"

"Unnecessary. I have no use for a dowry, no matter the size."

"Oh- okay," the baronet paused, "Which daughter is this?"

Mattheo almost frowned: was Sir Vincent not aware of his daughter's status in society? Perhaps he left such matters up to his wife.

"Miss Y/N Malton."

"You're the first suitor that we have received for her."

The duke's breath hitched.

"This is such a relief - of course, we will arrange the wedding right away."

"I would like to marry her quickly," Mattheo said, "We will need to procure a special license."

Sir Vincent nodded, "Whatever you wish, your grace. It is an honour to be your father-in-law."

Mattheo turned to leave after saying his thanks, but paused and faced the baronet again, "You should definitely consider Sir Charles Robinson to marry Miss Grace Malton, he is a fine young man."

The baronet was clearly confused at such a statement, but absently nodded nonetheless.

***

You had been shocked when your father called you down to the drawing room: you couldn't remember the last time that he had requested your presence. Not that he requested your sisters' presences either, you were pretty sure your brother Vincent was the only of his children he spoke to.

"Excellent news for our family," he began, with Lady Malton looking thrilled at what she expected him to say, "Excellent news indeed."

You almost rolled your eyes, expecting that you had simply been called down to receive the announcement of Grace's engagement.

"The Duke of Covenshire has proposed."

Lady Malton stood up, "This is fabulous news! Well done, Grace."

"No," Sir Vincent silenced his wife, "Well done, Y/N."

Your head snapped up.

What?

"Whatever do you mean, Father?"

"His grace has asked for your hand in marriage," you had never seen your father so happy, "And naturally I accepted."

Lady Malton stood in absolute horror.

"I was beginning to become worried about your lack of proposals," he continued, unaware of his wife's reaction, "But clearly God was holding out in await for this massive surprise."

"But- what about Grace?" Lady Malton finally spluttered out.

"I am in the process of discussing that matter with Sir Charles Robinson, the duke recommended him himself."

You noticed the way Grace smiled to herself at that and looked abashedly to the ground. Clearly she was happy with such an arrangement - had the duke known that and so used his influence to help her?

"His grace wishes to be married quickly."

And thus, at the end of the week, you were married.

***

You had no idea what a honeymoon night was supposed to entail. Typically, a Mama would give a bride-to-be 'the talk' the night before her wedding, but Lady Malton would never do such a motherly thing for you. Thus, you were left completely clueless.

Plus, apart from the exchange of your vows, you had hardly spoken to the duke before, so you really didn't know where the evening was going to take you as you stepped out of the carriage outside Riddle Manor. You were both to spend the night in his London home before beginning the three day journey to his countryside residence the next day. It was a typical agenda for newly weds.

You were introduced to the various staff, including your new lady's maids - you now had two of them, as opposed to one - before you were both led through to the dining room. Your eyes fell on the long dining table, with the two distanced ends laid and nothing more.

You grimaced.

"Is salmon not to your tastes?" your husband asked you.

"Tis a very formal set up," you explained simply, but said nothing more as you assumed one of the seats.

"I mostly take dinner in my work study, so this will be a rare occurrence."

You ate the entire meal in silence, and then it was time to be shown your bed chambers.

"This is the duchess' chamber," he gestured to the door, "You may redecorate it however you so wish."

You hummed.

"My chamber is next door - we have an adjoining door, of course."

You said nothing.

"Are you going to enter?"

"But what of our consummation?" you asked.

Mattheo paused - he hadn't expected you to be so blunt.

"Lady Malton did not give me a talk like she was supposed to," you explained, somewhat shyly, "I do not know what is meant to happen, but I know that something must."

"Right," he said slowly, "We will consummate."

***

You lay awake in bed next to the duke the next morning, unable to get the memories of the night prior out of your head. Never would you have guessed that that was how babies were made, something that felt so heavenly, so good. But, you were also confused, many women muttered about it in fear, as if their consummation was unenjoyable.

Perhaps it differed with each man. Regardless, with Mattheo, it was completely and entirely soul-consuming, and you wished to experience it a countless number of times over.

A knock sounded on the door, "Your graces, breakfast is ready."

Mattheo was still sound asleep, "We'll take it in here," you replied.

You weren't used to having power in a household.

Also, how did the servant know you weren't in the duchess' bed chamber?

Mattheo woke up once the servants had wheeled in the breakfast selection, and once you were both loosely dressed, you began eating. It was then that he began speaking.

"Now is as good a time as any to set out the details of this marriage," he said, making you look up from your eggs, "I married you because I can't stand when parents mistreat their children."

Your heart warmed at that: he had noticed how Lady Malton treated you?

"I do not intend for love, but obviously at some point there will need to be an heir," he said, "You may have conceived last night, but it is unlikely. In the probable case that you haven't, we can wait a couple years to produce one should you so wish."

You thought over what he was saying - perhaps part of you had hoped that he had fallen in love with you at first sight, but you knew that was childish. This was a marriage of convenience.

"I only have one condition when it comes to children," you said slowly.

"Which is?"

"That you are an involved father," you said, "Like the Bridgertons are known for being."

Memories flashed through Mattheo's mind of his childhood: his father's coldness and distance all throughout the years until he returned from Cambridge a grown man. Only then did the late duke want anything to do with his son.

"I shall be involved," he said.

***

You couldn't look Mattheo in the eyes, you soon realised. He scared you, not in the way that Lady Malton had, but in a way you didn't quite understand. He made you nervous, made you unable to speak more than a few words at a time. Not that you did speak much: the entire journey to Covenshire Hall had been very much one of silence. The only sound to accompany you was the wheels and hooves against the cobbled roads.

The nights were spent in inns, in separate bed chambers.

Covenshire Hall was enormous: far bigger than the Catury estate that you had spent half your childhood on. It made sense, obviously, you were no longer a mere baronet's daughter, but a duchess.

"Your graces," the butler greeted you as you stepped out the carriage, "Welcome."

"Dantle," Mattheo replied, "Gather all the servants in the entrance hall."

"Right away, your grace."

The man disappeared inside, and you soon had entered through the same doors that he had, to be greeted by the largest entry room that you had ever seen. Symmetrical stairs curved around the walls either side of you, carpeted in plush blue velvet. The walls were decorated in a branch-design, but the once deep maroon colour had faded over time: it was evident to you that there hadn't been a lady of the house in quite a few years.

And then, quite quickly, the room filled with lines of house staff - more than you had ever seen for one household before. You were introduced to them all, including the primary housekeeper, Ms Godley. She was an older woman, with mostly grey hair that still held evidence of her brunette days, and a lightly wrinkled face that seemed more to do with the permanent pursing of her lips rather than age. Her eyebrows were ghastly thin, much like the rest of her, which could only be described as bony. She wore a pleated black dress down to her ankles, suggesting that she was in mourning.

You smiled politely at her, but she did not return it.

"I will leave you in her capable hands," your husband said to you, "She will provide a tour of the grounds."

"Where are you going?" you couldn't help but ask.

"My office."

You watched as he left, before turning back to Ms Godley.

"Where shall we begin?" you asked, attempting to be friendly.

***

You didn't like Ms Godley - not one bit. She reminded you of your stepmother, except this time you didn't even have younger siblings to provide a distraction. It was quite evident that she wasn't particularly fond of you either, although you had no idea what you could have done.

"This is the nursery," the woman said tightly, "It has been empty for some years now."

Gazing around the room of faded yellows and purples, you were cast back to when you were in your nursery, though you always got the short end of the stick when it came to beds. Nonetheless, it had been a relatively pleasant time for you, back when your sisters were too young to notice that Lady Malton treated you differently, so you would all play together as children do.

You didn't want any of your children to feel left out.

"Your grace," Ms Godley said curtly, "We don't have all day."

You sighed, exiting the room.

***

Loneliness was a familiar emotion to you, so a week of solitude in Covenshire Hall wasn't all that much of a change from your old life, other than the fact you now had servants waiting on your hand and foot. Although, you were growing quite bored: at least with the Maltons, you were always distracted by gauging your stepmother's mood.

You decided that you needed a distraction, and since the prestigious house was in desperate need of a fresh lick of paint, you landed on redecorating.

"You called for me, your grace?" Ms Godley stood before you in the duchess' office that you had taken to using regularly.

"Yes," you stood up, walking around your desk, "I have a matter to discuss with you."

It took everything in you to act courageous in front of a woman so similar to Lady Malton.

"I wish to redecorate the house," you said simply.

By some miracle, Ms Godley's lips pursed even more.

"Starting with the entrance hall - since that is the first room guests see, then-"

"No."

You paused - was she allowed to say that to you? "No?"

"No. This estate is not a part of your lineage, you have no right to tamper with it."

The amount of bravery that it had taken for you to have this conversation with her, just for her to pull a line that sounded so eerily similar to Lady Malton's.

"I am the lady of the house," you said, but it was obvious you weren't speaking as surely of yourself as moments prior.

"The dowager duchess was never permitted to redecorate either," she said, "And I imagine that the late duke would especially not want somebody as measly as a baronet's daughter interfering with his heritage."

You stood in shock for a few moments, eventually managing to splutter out, "You are excused."

Once she was gone, you finally gave in to the panic consuming you, feeling your breath beginning to dramatically labour and push against your corset. You felt trapped, suffocated, like you had your entire childhood, and you didn't like it. You had to escape.

So, you did.

You weren't running away by any means: you just needed fresh air, and the woods on the Covenshire grounds seemed perfect to hide away for a while. Just a couple days ago, you had taken a walk through them. Of course, that was on one of the paths that navigated between the trees, this time you simply started running straight ahead once you breached the tree line.

But you could only go so far when you had to hitch up your thick heavy skirts to make progress, so it wasn't long before you collapsed against a tree, your lungs pounding against your rib cage which were in turn pounding against your corset.

It was then that floods poured out of your eyes and down your cheeks, leaving a sticky, puffy trail behind.

You should have known better.

Just because you were a duchess didn't mean you suddenly had control over your own life.

You failed to notice the looming grey clouds gathering above, up until the sky thundered, and the familiar trickle of heavy rain commenced.

***

Mattheo was sat in his office, going over estate finances, when a knock sounded on the door.

"Your grace?"

He hated being interrupted during work, but still said a grumbled, "Come in."

"I am so sorry to disturb you, your grace," Dantle said, bowing his head, "But the duchess appears to be missing."

Mattheo's head shot up, "Missing, you say?"

"Ms Godley was the last one to speak to her, approximately two hours ago."

"Where has she gone?" the duke was now standing up.

Dantle appeared uncomfortable, "I do not know, your grace. Apparently she ran down into the woods."

"Ran?" Mattheo felt his blood boil, "Have you gone out to look for her?"

"No, your grace, the storm-"

"The storm?" he saw red, "The bloody storm?" He then let out a sound somewhat adjacent to a growl before pushing past Dantle out his office.

He was going to find his wife.

***

You probably had pneumonia or something at this rate, you thought to yourself. Your body was completely freezing and soaked, and your lack of cloak was becoming apparent as a massive problem in terms of your well-being. You should have gone back inside the second the rain started, but that was when you were still in the depths of your upset. It wasn't until you were too cold to move did you calm down a bit more.

To be honest, you were about ready to accept your fate.

"Y/N!" a faint cry came from nearby, and as much as you wanted to call out and alert them of your location, your voice was weak.

By some miracle, the man - your husband - managed to locate you.

"Y/N, oh, God," he blasphemed, "Are you okay? What are you doing out here?"

You couldn't even reply.

Mattheo scooped you up into his arms and began making haste back towards the mansion that you shared.

"Stay with me," he murmured at irregular intervals, right up until you felt the warmth of a fireplace hit you on the cheeks. You were in your bed chamber, you realised, upon noticing the faded floral pink wall decor.

Your skin was so numb you hardly felt your husband begin to peel off all items of your clothing, including your undergarments. Typically, you would have felt embarrassed, but you were completely spent.

As he picked you up again and carried you through to the bathroom, where a bath had been prepared, you couldn't help but curl into him.

"I ordered it be run before I went to find you," he said softly - the softest you had ever heard him speak.

The warmth of the water felt heavenly.

"What happened, darling?"

You shivered, this time not because of the cold, but because of the nickname.

"Godley," you forced out between your blue lips.

"Ms Godley? What did she do?" he asked as he began to wet your hair.

"I wan- wanted to redecorate the house," your teeth were chattering, "She said I couldn't change anything."

Mattheo said nothing.

"It's- it's the way she said it," you clarified, not wanting him to think you were a brat who had simply been told 'no', "She was so mean."

"How did she say it?" you didn't miss the edge to his voice that hadn't been there before.

"She said it would upset the- the late duke - and that- that he especially wouldn't want a measly baronet's daughter to-" you choked on re-emerging sobs, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, my love," you felt him press a kiss to your forehead, "I will handle this."

***

After you had warmed up in the bath and been wrapped up in thick clothing, Mattheo gently escorted you to one of the larger drawing rooms, where, to your horror, every single staff member of the house was gathered. Including Ms Godley.

"It has come to my attention that the duchess is not receiving the respect she deserves in this household," your husband sent an icy glare in the housekeeper's direction, "As the lady of the house, it is her right to decorate our rooms however she so pleases."

Ms Godley's lips pursed.

"The redecoration that her grace desires will commence immediately," Mattheo gave a forced smile, "Follow her every instruction. Any questions?"

"What of the late duke?" Ms Godley asked.

"What of a man of whom is dead?"

"Surely you should respect his wishes."

"How I choose to treat my father's wishes is none of your concern, Ms Godley. You are overstepping."

The old woman opened her mouth to say something, but decidedly shut it before saying, "My apologies, your grace."

"Apologise to my wife as well."

"My apologies," Ms Godley gave a stiff curtsy.

You had been glancing nervously between your husband and the housekeeper throughout the entire exchange, feeling overwhelmingly put on the spot. It was the second after Ms Godley apologised to you that your chest tightened and you erupted in a coughing fit.

"Darling?" Mattheo asked worriedly as you fell forward.

"Can't- breathe-" you choked out.

You felt a hand press to your forehead.

"She's overheating," the duke said loudly, "Help me get her to bed. And call the doctor."

Murmurs of, "Right away, your grace," came in reply.

"You're going to be okay," Mattheo said softly to you as he picked you up for the millionth time that day, "You must be."

***

The doctors concluded that you were pneumonic, which had been what everyone suspected but were too scared to say in front of you. But, you weren't an idiot, and understood what your symptoms meant.

There was a good chance that you would die.

It was dark outside: it often was when you came to from your fever dream episodes, for a few minutes of painful consciousness. You lurched up in bed, quickly producing horrific gurgling coughs and splutters, unable to stop yourself from groaning in pain in between. Tears pricked at your eyes as you placed a hand on your chest, your blurred vision just about making out the duke running in from the door between your bed chambers.

Mattheo grabbed the cloth from your bedside table and dipped it into the pot of water placed for this occasion, hurrying to press it to your burning forehead. You let out a brief sigh of relief, before you began coughing again.

He rubbed your back, "You can get through this."

You weren't sure if you could, in fact, you felt deathly, as it were. But, your husband's words gave you a sense of strength and hope, and it was all you could do but nod after the coughing subsided.

"If- if I make it," you murmured, falling back on to the pillows. Your voice was low and cracked. "Please- may we go to London?"

"Whatever for?"

"I..." you trailed off, "I would like to make friends."

And before Mattheo could question you further, you drifted back into unconsciousness and shallow breathing.

***

It was three days later, on a chilly but sunny morning, when you awoke naturally instead of being forced awake by coughs. Your breathing felt stronger, and you weren't overheating, which was the best feeling you had felt in forever.

You heard voices outside your door.

"Is she doing any better, your grace?" who you assumed to be the doctor asked.

"We were about to check," your husband's familiar voice replied.

The door opened, and you blinked a few times to clear your vision as the two men approached you.

"Mattheo," you said softly, your words still sore to speak.

"You're awake," he said simply, pressing his hand to your forehead. The physical contact comforted you.

"How do you feel?" the doctor asked.

"Better."

He raised his eyebrows, "In what way?"

"Every way."

He performed a more thorough examination, and concluded that while you likely still had a couple more days of illness, you had pushed through the worst of it and were well on your way to recovery. You were relieved to hear that, but even more relieved to finally be able to take a bath and and cleanse yourself.

"You wanted to return to London," Mattheo said simply at dinner that night, as he was taking it in your room with you.

"I said that?" you asked. You knew that it was what you wished to do, you just couldn't recall mentioning it to your husband.

He hummed, "While you were feverish."

He had been taking care of you?

"Well, yes- I wish to finally have a social circle."

"You mentioned that also."

You said nothing.

"Once you are fully returned to health, we shall make the journey," he said simply.

You couldn't help but beam, "Really?"

"Really."

"Thank you- thank you so much."

He shook his head, as if to say 'don't thank me'.

"I'm so glad you're my husband."

Mattheo chuckled, "I'll take care of you no matter what, darling."

***

Two weeks later, and the doctor had determined that you were back to being healthy and thus your convalescence was able to come to an end. It was then arranged for you and Mattheo to return to London for the remainder of the season but three days later, once you would have passed an appropriate honeymoon duration. While you were terribly excited to be able to properly socialise, you were also nervous. For one, your stepmother would be there, and for two, you weren't that experienced with the correct customs for socialising. The only comforting factor was that your husband would be there with you: a man who you held a lot of adoration for, and felt an immense amount of comfort from.

After the pneumonia episode, he hadn't distanced himself quite so much. Granted, you still hadn't engaged in your wedding night type of intimacy again yet, but you ate meals together, and frequently found yourself wandering over to his bed chamber in the night. The first time you had done it, it had been most nerve-wracking.

It had been a few days since you had snapped out of the fever dream episode, and were feeling much more energetic. Unfortunately, you had also been dealing with bouts of insomnia, which you suspected had something to do with your fear of falling asleep and re-entering the fever dream. Like usual, you found yourself up at the early hours of the morning, only the exhaustion was catching up to you and you could feel your chest tighten as hysteric panic began to set in.

Before you completely freaked out, you forced yourself up and over to the adjoining door, aiming to seek comfort from Mattheo even if the prospect of doing so petrified you. He stirred the second that you entered the room, at least it appeared like he did from what you could make out in the shadows. "Y/N?" he murmured.

You let out a sob.

"Come here," he said without hesitation and you gladly obliged, finding that you could finally drift into a slumber once in his arms.

And, thus, you went to him whenever you couldn't sleep.

But, now, you were in the carriage back to London, with your hands folded neatly in your lap and your husband sat across from you. You weren't sure why, but there was an awkward silence present.

***

Mattheo was conflicted.

He didn't know why he cared so deeply for you, why he was so willing to aid you whenever you were in need.

A strangled, screaming part of himself deep inside knew exactly why he felt how he did, but the part of him that he listened to feigned ignorance and told him it was simply expected of him to take care of his wife.

But the thing that confused him the most was the fact he felt the urge to tell you about his childhood, about his father, and about the lack of family and love he had endured. Why would he want to tell you such personal information that didn't even matter any longer, since the cause of it was dead?

Why did you make him feel this way?

"Mattheo?" he looked up at you sat opposite him. Your voice sounded small and timid.

"Yes?"

"Are you mad at me?"

He could have sworn he actually felt the searing pain of his heart breaking at that moment. He wasn't sure he was capable of being mad at you. "Of course not, why ever would you think that?"

You gave a gentle shrug, "You're quieter than normal."

"I'm often quiet." It was true: he was often regarded as a grumpy and brooding individual.

"Yes," you said tightly, "But not like this."

It stunned him how easily you could read him, but, then again, maybe he had never been close enough to anyone for them to know him. Maybe his emotions were obvious to anyone who cared enough to try and figure them out.

"Do you not wish to return to London?"

Mattheo paused for a moment. He hadn't put any thought into whether or not he wanted to go back to the capital, but initially it seemed like an obvious answer since he had always despised the season. Overbearing Mamas and their brood of debutante daughters were his idea of hell, but now he felt different. He realised that he did in fact want to go to London, not just because he was now married and off the Mamas' radar, but because you wanted to go. Mattheo was faced with the overwhelming realisation that he simply wanted to do whatever you wanted to do.

"Oh, dear, you don't, do you? We can turn around," you said quickly, making him snap out of his thoughts.

"No," he rushed to say, "We shall go to London."

"But you don't want to go."

"I do."

"But-"

"We are going, and that's final."

You opened your mouth to say something more, but decided against it, and turned your gaze to out the window.

The rest of the journey was silent.

***

"We need to discuss the rules for our time here," Mattheo said once you had settled into Riddle Manor for some dinner.

"We do?"

He hummed, "I will not be attending every social event we are invited to."

"But- people will think our marriage is rocky if you're not with me. The ton will talk, they always do."

"I said not every social event," he reminded, "I will attend some."

"You have to attend the first one," you said, "That one is the most important."

Mattheo agreed, "Of course, but from then on, it will be events here and there. You are welcome to attend alone."

You deflated a bit, but nodded your head, "Maybe we can host a ball at some point."

His eyebrows raised. Riddle Manor hadn't been the location of a ball in almost thirty years - there had been no lady of the house to host it.

"Perhaps," he replied pensively.

***

The next social event, to Mattheo's great horror, was the infamous Smythe-Smith musicale. Otherwise known as a torturous cacophony of four tone-deaf girls of whom were trusted with instruments that should have undoubtably never been allowed within five feet of them. You had heard what the quartet were like, having never attended yourself, and - honestly - you were rather excited to finally be a part of an inside joke of the ton that you had been left out of. Your husband was not nearly so enthusiastic, having attended exactly twice before, but not for a good many years.

Unfortunately, as selfish a woman as Lady Malton was, she was more than willing to sacrifice her hearing in order to secure impressive marriages for all of her (biological) daughters. So, you weren't surprised to enter the Smythe-Smith ballroom and see her stood with Grace closely by her side.

"Introducing, the Duke and Duchess of Covenshire," the man stood by the door announced, making your half-sister and stepmother quickly turn their attentions in your direction.

You squeezed Mattheo's arm tightly, to which he patted your hand and nodded when your family members approached.

"Your grace," Lady Malton gave a gentle curtsy - to Mattheo, not you, "How fares your marriage?"

It was a question that bordered on the edge of improper for polite society. "Most excellent," the duke replied coolly, making you smile to yourself.

Lady Malton gave the politest smile her sour face could muster.

"What brings you here?" Mattheo asked, trying to gauge why Lady Malton would put herself through the Smythe-Smith musicale with no daughters on the marriage mart.

"Marriage prospects, of course."

"Is Miss Grace Malton not engaged to Sir Charles?" he asked.

"Well- uh- yes."

The duke raised an eyebrow at the woman, and you must say that you were thoroughly enjoying this interaction.

"They shall be married at the end of the week," she said reluctantly, "But until the vows are complete, things can change."

That was when you realised: Lady Malton was praying on securing a last-minute proposal from someone of a higher status than Sir Charles. If it meant marrying into more wealth and more powerful connections, surely your father would agree to it.

"You should come to the wedding," Grace blurted out, "We thought you would still be in the country, so we didn't send an invitation."

You knew the real reason that you hadn't received an invitation was because Lady Malton would have taken control of all the wedding arrangements, and you were most certainly not on her invite list. But, she couldn't revoke the invitation to the duke's face and in a public setting, so she forced herself to smile and agree.

"That would be lovely," you beamed, purposefully showing as much enthusiasm as possible, simply to upset your stepmother, "Now, if you excuse us, I wish to secure front row seats."

Multiple people around you stared at you like you were insane - they just wouldn't understand your motivations.

"Trust me, front row seats are never the ones that need to be fought for here," Mattheo whispered to you as you both moved over to the rows of chairs set up.

You shrugged, "You're sitting with me whether you like it or not."

"Ah, Lady Danbury," he spoke as you came face to face with the renowned old woman sat in the very central front seat.

"Your grace," she raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Come to enjoy the musicale?" your husband asked, the sarcastic undertone impossible to miss - at least to you.

"But, of course," Lady Danbury smiled, "I attend every year."

You desperately wanted to enter the conversation, but you didn't know how.

"You're the eldest Miss Malton, aren't you?" she said towards you, making you freeze on the spot.

"Uh, yes - Lady Riddle now, actually."

She hummed, waving her cane around despite being sat, "Yes, Duchess of Covenshire. Quite grand, no?"

You awkwardly smiled.

The dowager countess turned her attentions back to Mattheo, "I must admit, I didn't think you would marry for quite some time, your grace."

"Nor did I," he simply replied, which for some reason, slightly hurt you. You had inconvenienced his life: you were a burden to him as a result of him being a good person.

"I fear that love does tend to have the effect of uprooting our lives," Lady Danbury said wistfully, a gentler emotion than you had ever witnessed on her from afar at the few social gatherings you had been allowed at.

Love.

"I only wish I had been so lucky as to have had it been with my husband."

You looked up in surprise. To be honest, you knew very little of the dowager countess' life: she had been a widow for as long as you had been alive, so it was hard to imagine her having a husband. All you knew was that she was widowed very young, and chose to never remarry. Part of you had assumed that it was because of how much she loved her husband, like the dowager Viscountess Bridgerton. It was clear now that you were wrong, but you knew better than to pry.

"Alas, let us enjoy this musicale," she said with a glint in her eye, "It is meant to be a joyous occasion, after all."

You knew she said it sarcastically, but, for you, this was indeed a joyous occasion. You were more than thrilled to finally be a part of London society - the ton.

Sparing a glass in Mattheo's direction, you were surprised to see that he was already looking at you.

***

The duke did not attend another social event with you for the rest of the week, but almost every night you were out. It was strange, not needing to be chaperoned as a married woman, but you quite enjoyed it.

The first two events alone you spent as a wallflower - albeit a married one - which weren't so enjoyable. But, once people realised that the Duchess of Covenshire was present at the social events, you began attracting a lot of attention from fellow ladies who aspired to be friends with someone of such a powerful status. Soon, you were mingling with the ton as if you had always done so, although your social skills were still inept. Thankfully, most were willing to overlook this due to you being a duchess.

Then, your sister's wedding came around, and it meant that you would have your second outing with your husband accompanying you. That made you more excited than you were willing to admit.

"Blue is most becoming on you," Mattheo spoke from behind you, making you jump. You hadn't heard him enter your bed chamber.

"Thank you," you replied, "I had it tailored on Tuesday."

"How much?"

You blanched - it had been quite expensive. You had felt guilty at the time, but found it difficult to say no to the Madam who had been dressing you.

"Darling, you are free to spend my money, I am simply curious," he reassured you, "My wife deserves only the best, after all."

Butterflies swarmed in your stomach. Was it normal - for you to feel this way towards your husband when it was merely a marriage of convenience? You were snapped out of your thoughts when he moved closer to you and began kissing along your neck.

"Mattheo," you murmured.

He hummed, "Shame you're already dressed," and then he reluctantly pulled back, "But, we must depart now anyway."

That was the first hint you had received that he wanted to repeat the intimacies of your consummation. And it made your skin feel hot and prickly.

***

Your half-sister was a gorgeous bride: her elegant dress matching her eye colour and making her glistening smile seem bright. It was obvious that she was elated to be with Sir Charles, the incredibly young baronet who hung off her every word. One could only describe it as a love match.

"Thank you," you said to Mattheo, who was stood next to you as you applauded the newly weds.

"For what?"

"For recommending Sir Charles - and for marrying me."

He chuckled, "There is no need to thank me, darling. I can hardly complain about having a breath-taking wife, can I?"

Yet again, butterflies, and the overwhelming sense of desire.

Soon, it was time for the first dance of the newly married couple, celebrated back at Sir Charles' London residence. After they danced the first number alone, more couples joined the dance floor for a waltz. You couldn't help but look up at your husband hopefully.

He sighed fondly and held out his hand, "My lady?"

"My lord," you murmured, taking his hand and allowing him to lead you on to the dance floor.

As you moved into position, you found yourself avoiding looking at Mattheo's face, as for some reason it scared you. Maybe it was the proximity, or the emotions you had been consistently feeling for the last few days. Regardless, you felt timid.

"Darling?" your stomach flipped, and you were forced to meet his eyes.

"Yes?"

"I prefer it when you look at me," Mattheo muttered before he could stop the words from tumbling out. Momentarily, he froze, unable to ignore the way his heart burned in his chest.

"Okay," you said breathlessly, now not being able to tear your eyes away from him.

"You're so perfect."

A lump formed in your throat, "No one's perfect."

"Perfect for me," he said so quietly you almost didn't hear, just as the dance came to an end.

You stood in silence for a few moments, unable to process his words.

Eventually, you spoke, "Mattheo, I- I..."

The look in his eyes beckoned you on.

"Heaven knows I know nothing of love nor what it's like to be loved, but- but I think I love you."

His expression was unreadable, and you felt as if you had said the wrong thing, right up until, "I think I love you too."

God, why were tears pricking in your eyes?

No one had ever said that to you before.

And then you shoved yourself into his arms, desperately seeking warmth and affection as if it were your life line. The other people at the wedding and propriety be damned.

Mattheo moved his head to whisper in your ear.

"All's well that ends well to end up with you."

————————————————

masterlist

written; 09/08/2023 —> 04/10/2023 published;05/10/2023 edited; —/—/——

[officiallyisagibrainrotted]

🧡KUNIGAMI🧡

Let me spell this out for you :

B-O-Y-F-R-I-E-N-D M-A-T-E-R-I-A-L idk what nobody say this boy is absolutely perfect.

You mean so much to him,and it shows. Not one day goes by without him showing how much he loves you.

He's a good listener and advise giver. And his advise is always helpful.

Always has time for you and Always makes time for you. He'll never forget birthdays,anniversaries,first times.

He's the type to tell you that you can call him at ANYTIME of day if you need to vent about something or a shoulder to cry on. And he'll actually respond. It could be 4:30 am in the morning and he'll still pick up.

You'll never catch him rising his voice at you.Or getting into fights, If he's in a certain mood he'll immediately dismiss himself into another room. He doesn't want to have negative energy when he's around you.

Puts you before himself,like a lot, and is willing to sacrifice his schedule to make there's a time of day specifically just for you.

Is almost always is think of you,like if he's out shopping and he see something that reminds him of you or something that you like, want or need,he'll most likely buy it for you,No questions asked.

Is definitely one who shows love through touch,but if you're not into that he's also very good at acts of service ,communication,quality time and gift giving. He's just perfect!.

Definitely enjoys cuddles and has no problem being the little spoon.

Please kiss his nose and boop him.Kiss his jaw line.Kiss his forehead.kiss his orange hair.kiss behind his ears .

Bruh I know he can cook,he definitely cooks for you if you can't yourself. Is the type that would take turns cooking.

Understands periods since he had 2 sisters and has no problems buying pads/tampons for you . And dosent understands why you get so embarrassed about it .

Overall 10/10 boyfriend.

Thank you anon for requesting and I hope you liked this 💗 since you liked my Isagi one so much.

Reblogs are highly appreciated 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

Off to work sadly.

[irisintheafterglow]

can I say that? (pro!bakugo x you)

summary: you tell katsuki he's pretty. he doesn't know how to respond.

wc: 0.7k

cw/tags: established relationship, swearing, the tiniest bit of angst but mostly tooth-rotting fluff, very obvious laufey and sound of music influence

note: fun fact, "the sound of music" is probably one of my all-time favorite comfort movies. i like the singing and the love story :))) so that's why this scene is in here, it's just the most romantic scene in the movie for me and i really love the implication that finding your soulmate is a reward for doing something right in your past. anyways i talked too much, happy valentines day and enjoy!

likes, reblogs, and replies are appreciated <3 happy valentine's day!

You know, I was thinking and I was wondering two things: Why did you run away to the abbey? And...what was it that made you come back? 

“Hah?” 

“Don’t ‘hah’ me. You heard what I said.” He grunts dismissively and continues to watch whatever old movie you decide to put on the living room TV. You knew he didn’t want to admit it, but the sappy actions of the main leads had his heart racing. You stick your pointer finger into his side only to find a solid wall of rock-hard muscle. “Hey. Say something other than ‘hah.’” 

“Fine. Why the hell’re you poking me?” His eyes flick down to meet yours for a moment, a warning against you jabbing his secretly ticklish spots. Well, I had an obligation to fulfill…and I came back to fulfill it.

“Because I don’t like your answer,” you reply, adjusting your position on the couch. You were practically lying on top of him, one leg swung over his waist while you rested comfortably in the space between his side and the back cushions. One of his arms draped over the edge of the armrest, the other securing you as close to his body as humanly possible. It was a feeling of warmth that made your brain fuzzy, the skin to skin contact heavenly intimate. Your words had slipped out unconsciously and you didn’t know you’d verbalized your thoughts until his blunt response. “I feel like you didn’t actually hear me.” He glances down at you again like you’d sprouted four legs. And I missed the children.

Only the children? 

No–yes!

“Of course I heard you. What kinda boyfriend would I be if I didn’t?” Isn't it right that I missed them? 

“Okay, then respond.” His deflections were becoming weaker, so you kept pushing while simultaneously fighting the urge to turn and bite his bicep.

“Thanks, I guess?” You roll your eyes and your silence finally gets through to him. “Was that not the right answer?” I was only hoping that perhaps you…

“It was an attempt,” you say slowly. Perhaps you might…

“A decent attempt,” he mutters. Yes? 

“Agree to disagree.” You feel his temper flare and brace yourself to get flipped onto your back and pressed into the couch. The action, however, doesn’t come. Instead, an uncharacteristic frown passes over his expression, one that usually didn’t appear if it were only you two. “Kats, did I say something wrong?” He shrugs one broad shoulder. Yeah, something was definitely bothering him. Well, nothing was the same when you were away…and it'll be all wrong again after you leave.

“No, but I think I did,” he mumbles. And I just thought perhaps you might change your mind. 

“Baby, it’s not that serious if you don’t want it to be. A ‘thanks’ is okay. I’m sorry I was teasing.” He shakes his head. Well, I'm sure the baroness will be able to make things fine for you. 

“It’s not that.” You reach out to grab the remote and mute the movie for the time being, before turning to give him your full attention. “I’m just not used to getting called that kinda shit.” 

“Being called…pretty?” 

“Yeah. It’s new,” he explains quietly. “You’re the only one who’s ever told me that.” 

“That doesn’t make it any less true,” you respond gently, brushing your thumb over his cheek. He practically melts under your touch. “Would I lie to you, Bakugo Katuski?”

“I fuckin’ hope not,” he says with ironic seriousness and you smile, his own chuckle lightly rumbling through his chest and against your body. “But, I think I like it.”

“Being called pretty?”

“Mhmm. It’s kinda nice.” 

“As long as I’m not feeding your already inflated ego,” you point out and he barks out a laugh, a real one. “Can I call you ‘pretty’ more often, then?” 

“I guess so,” he replies nonchalantly and it’s your turn to frown. The shit-eating grin that pulls at the corner of his mouth is not lost to you. He was an idiot sometimes, but he was your idiot. 

“Bakugo Katsuki.”

“Fine, fine. Yes, call me ‘pretty’ more often.” He pauses and you look at him expectantly, waiting for the pieces to click. “Please.”

Nodding in satisfaction, you reach out to unmute the movie and settle back onto his chest, letting your eyes flutter shut. He sighs contently, rubbing his hand up and down your back and sliding you both further into the numerous pillows. So somewhere in my youth or childhood…I must have done something good. His voice drifts into your ears as you start to doze off, soft and precious like telling a secret. 

“I think you’re pretty too.” 

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