#because if he stood still who knows what'd happen

[mail-posting]

still thinking abt the wreck that is train!andrew's office once he falls asleep at the desk tbh because godd i love imagining messy workaholic offices

conductors also kind of do everything on the train, like they oversee the other train employees, take payments for boarding, check the tickets, make sure passengers are safe and comfortable, etc etc so he is. SO exhausted probably

i think bc to me this andrew is kind of. stoic and polite (he would still melt if you were nice to him i think) he doesn't have many signs other than getting slightly more unkempt and i think his hands shake REALLY bad w sleep deprivation, or he seems like he's focusing on not literally just crinkling to the ground and fifudhf anywaybi really like traindrew

i watched about 22 mins of the first murder on the nord express gameplay vid btw and i'm gonna cry both victor and andrew are so djfjfj

Exactly!!

[lemoncrushh]

Leather and Lace

Summary: The night Harry sang with Stevie at the Troubadour

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1440

A/N: This is a special little one shot written after that night in 2017. For those who don't know me, I've been a massive Stevie Nicks fan for many many years. Though I was not there at the Troubadour, I cried tears of joy when I found out about it. Then I wrote this. It's written in first person because it is so personal to me.

I'd been trying to hold it together for the last twenty minutes. The show was over, the crowd for the most part was dispersing and leaving the Troubadour, with a few clusters of fans here and there chatting. The music was still ringing in my ears, the feedback from the guitar now long gone yet still managing to vibrate and shake throughout my body. I stood frozen in my spot on the balcony where I'd sat next to James to watch Harry. The stage was now empty, the spotlights now making it seem more like a distant memory, or a time capsule from a completely different era - one that I'd seen in old magazines from decades ago.

I couldn't believe what I'd just witnessed. Harry had just sung with Stevie Nicks. Stevie fucking Nicks! To say I was a fan of hers would be an understatement. Stevie was my idol. My queen. The reason I'd wanted to be a musician since I was twelve.

I hadn't known she would be there. Harry hadn't told me. Whether it was because he wanted it to be a surprise, or because he was afraid I would freak out and be nervous for him, therefore making him all the more nervous, I didn't know. But maybe it was a little of both.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt a hand on my back. I turned to see James who gave me a kind smile and patted my shoulder. He whispered in my ear that he was leaving and he would ring Harry later. I nodded and gave him a quick hug and said goodnight. Then I turned my gaze back to the stage below.

He'd done it. This was it. I couldn't even imagine it getting any better. He could sell out arenas and stadiums all over the world, win all the Grammys and stay at number one on Billboard for over a year and it still wouldn't compare to the emotions I'd felt watching him sing with Stevie.

I felt a tear start to trickle down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away when I heard my name behind me.

"There you are," said Glenne. "Harry's looking for you."

"What?" I asked incredulously. "He is?"

"Yeah, he wants you backstage."

Harry never asked for me to come backstage or to the dressing room, neither before or after a show. I would give him the space he needed to clear his head and get in the zone. Even when he was on Saturday Night Live, I'd just taken a seat like any other audience member and waited until he'd come out to find me, his face all flushed, his bag slung over his shoulder. For him to be asking for me now...after what had just happened...that meant something.

"Okay..." I took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

I descended the staircase slowly, my knees shaking. Glenne hadn't bothered to follow me, which only confirmed that Harry had requested me and me only.

Jeff stood just inside the dressing room door when I entered. He nodded at me silently before walking around me and leaving me alone with Harry. He sat on a small leather loveseat that had seen better days and probably had more stories to tell than Keith Richards. When he saw me, he beamed. I immediately ran to him when he rose, throwing my arms around his middle. It didn't matter that he was sweaty. It didn't matter that the door behind me was wide open. All that mattered was that I couldn't be more proud of him than I was in that moment.

We rocked back and forth for a few minutes until I felt him kiss the top of my head and whisper.

"Sorry I didn't tell you. Kinda wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well, you definitely achieved that."

Harry chuckled, his chest shaking against my cheek that pressed to it. "So, what'd you think?"

I licked my lips, trying to gather my thoughts. "I thought it was the most beautiful moment I've ever gotten to see and hear in my life."

"Yeah?"

I lifted my head to look at him. "Of course. My two favorite people. Singing together. What could be better than that?"

Harry smiled wider as he brushed a strand of hair away from my eyes. His eyes danced with glee, like a giddy child who'd just gone to Disneyland.

"How did it feel to you?" I asked him. "To be up there with her, singing her songs, her singing yours? That had to feel incredible."

For the first time since I'd entered the room, Harry's smile faltered a bit and he pressed his lips together.

"To be honest," he replied, "I was having a hard time keeping it together."

I nodded. "I know. I noticed. But I think that made it ever better. I loved seeing you getting choked up. Because I was getting choked up too."

Harry suddenly let go of me and backed away, digging his palms into his eyes. He sat on the couch again, his shoulders trembling as he released his emotions he'd no doubt been holding in up to that point. I silently sat beside him, my hand gently laid on his thigh, unmoving and waiting until he was ready for more contact. I watched him cry, the overwhelmingness finally hitting him. Finally with a shaky breath, he took hold of my hand, giving it a squeeze. He tried to catch the tears before they fell unsuccessfully as I rubbed his back with my other hand.

"That was...pretty intense, huh?" I asked.

"Yeah..." he breathed, wiping his eye with the back of his hand.

"She's amazing."

"A legend," Harry added. "I can't believe...I can't believe that actually happened. It's like...a dream."

I smiled. "She seemed to really like you, too. She must think you're something special to do that with you. And she'd be right."

Harry turned to me then, giving me a small grin.

"I'm so proud of you, baby," I murmured, leaning my cheek against his shoulder. "I just...I just don't even have words for how I feel right now. You continue to blow my mind.

He squeezed my hand again before threading his fingers through and bringing it to his lips.

"Now, I'm gonna want a studio recording of Leather and Lace," I quipped.

Harry chuckled, and I was happy I'd lightened the mood.

"You might just have to settle for a live version on youtube, I'm afraid."

I shrugged. "Fair enough. Sometimes live recordings are better anyway. And there's no way you could really recapture that magic in a studio version."

"Harry, darling, I just wanted to say goodbye and wish you the best of luck."

I knew the voice before I even turned my head. There she stood in the doorway, my queen in all her five feet and one inch, minus the platform boots. My eyes widened and I'm pretty sure I gasped as Harry rose from the sofa again, my hand still in his.

"Thank you so much, Stevie," he choked, his voice raspier than usual.

The next few moments were a blur which seemed to happen in fast forward and slow motion simultaneously. Harry introduced me to Stevie, I shook her soft, tiny, hand with its long painted nails, and I think I might have told her I loved her, though I don't remember exactly. I do remember, however, that she hugged me and she smelled intoxicatingly beautiful, like a cross between jasmine, honeysuckle and Nag Champa incense. I also might've held on a little longer than I should have until she pulled away and smiled, then moving to hug Harry. If I had thought about it, I would have taken a photo, but the memory burned in my brain was enough.

I watched her walk away, giving one last wave, then I stared at her boots as she walked down the hall and hugged Sarah and Clare.

"I wonder which of us is the most starstruck," I heard behind me.

I smiled, turning around.

"Definitely you," I commented. "You got to sing with her. That's like...the ultimate."

"I dunno," he smirked. "You should see your face right now."

I slapped my hand to my mouth. "Oh my God!" I muffled my scream. "I just met Stevie Nicks!"

Harry smiled wider, holding out his arm to gesture for me.

"C'mere, love," he said.

I crashed into his chest again, wrapping my arms around him. Just like before, we rocked back and forth. Only this time, I was the one weeping.

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[mustainegf]

hi! I was wondering if you could do an angst/smut with mop Era james? Like reader and james are friends and she gets upset with him being with groupies and she finally tells him how she feels one night during an argument and then it leads to them having rough sex?

First of all, I love the non-anonymous confidence

And when I tell you I screamed when I read this, how do you come up with something this good…

I was in a particularly bad mood today.

James was off being an asshole rockstar, yet I still came to his shows, showed him all the support in the world. It was getting on my nerves.

Why did I do it? Maybe because I was stubborn, told myself it would be fine. Or maybe it was the feeling I got deep in my stomach whenever he looked at me. It was all stupid, I mean, my best friend? Really?

And that's what happened when I arrived in his dressing room tonight. I walked in, and there he was, kissing some sleazy chick on the cheek and shooing her away and out the same door I had just walked through. I hated groupies.

James watched me with a dumb smile for a second, but mine was stone cold serious. "You're pathetic, James," I shook my head as I stared back.

He shrugged and kept smiling like he wasn't the one who had been kissing some random girl.

"What do you want me to do about it huh? I ain't gonna turn down sex," he grinned. How did he not fully understand that these ladies were crazy?

"This is what I mean, James," I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms.

"They are groupies, they don't care, their only mission is to get into your pants." He shook his head like this was some sort of game. "Whatever, I'm tired of you sleeping around," I snapped, a bit louder than before.

"Oh please, get the fuck over it. I don't see why it's your problem anyways." James' tone had switched to sharp and lethal, now stabbing back at me.

He stood up, looking more frustrated now. "It's my problem because you make it my problem! All I ever hear about is these sluts!" I retorted.

I knew it sounded ridiculous. It was him I didn't want in the hands of another woman, but the more he went around doing that, the more jealousy started to bubble up inside me. I hated it.

"Well, grow the fuck up, then," he snarled, throwing his hands in the air. "God, do you know how many women try to come after me?" He stopped pacing and turned to me. "And you expect me to just say no?"

His voice cracked and I could tell he was angry.

Angry at me. "All you ever do is fuck around with these whores! It's gross." I shot him a disgusted look.

"Why the fuck are you so pissed about this?" James shook his head, he had daggers for eyes and they were carving into my skull.

"That sex doesn't mean shit to me, it's meaningless. So I don't get why you have your panties in a knot," he added.

Without thinking about my words, they had already been thrown back at him. "Because I like you, James!" I shouted. And I did. "And all you do it fuck these groupies and toss me to the side!"

The veins on his neck popped out, and his jaw clenched. James was turning red. This was a mistake. "You what?" He asked, now taken aback.

I didn't respond, I was too embarrassed of what I had admitted. I'd sworn to never tell him.

"And you're jealous of the groupies?" He smirked down at me. Well shit, I hadn't made things much better.

My lack of an answer prompted his next movements. James reached past me, swiftly shutting the door and locking it.

"Ja-" before I could finish, he motioned to the opposite side of the room. "On the couch. Now." He demanded.

I was shocked, and slightly turned on by the tone of his voice. "What'd I tell you?" He said darkly.

I complied, stepping over to the couch. I looked back at him, waiting for his response. I had followed close behind, watching me like a hawk.

"Don't act stupid. Turn around," he smirked.

That word alone should have put me on edge, but it did the exact opposite. For whatever reason, it did something to me. I slowly turned around, planting my hands against the back of the couch.

"Jealous of the groupies huh? You think I give them good sex? No. I'll show you what I don't give 'em." His dominant words made the warmth between my legs flutter.

"Keep your hands there." He ordered. As if I would have moved them anyway. His heavy footsteps approached. My heart skipped a beat.

I knew he was going to touch me. I wanted him to.

The way he was standing there, his chest heaving, told me how wound up he was. A shudder ran through me. Before I knew it, his hand cupped my ass and he squeezed.

God, his large hand was so perfect. It felt amazing.

I let out a small moan. "So sensitive, huh?" He teased. "You think I didn't want to do this? Of course you've gotta tease me with these tight fuckin jeans all the time.."

He chuckled lowly, both his hands grazing down my waist. "You know I pretend to fuck you whenever I'm with a groupie?" He ran a hand down my back.

I shivered at his touch. "You think I haven't wanted to make you mine since I met you?" His words were only arousing me more.

James reached around my hips, unbuttoning my jeans.

He hastily pulled them down, exposing my white laced panties.

I wiggled when he got them off, kicking my feet free from them. "Fuck, you're sexy," James growled.

He wasted no time, pulling my shirt up my torso. I let him have his way. I couldn't help it. If he wanted to undress me, I wouldn't fight it. I needed this.

Hell, I needed everything from him.

He stood back up, taking in every inch of me. The look in his eyes... he wanted to devour me. He wasn't done yet either. Next came my bra. He easily peeled it off, letting it drop to the floor, along with my jeans.

I was completely bare, except for my sneakers and socks, which I was already kicking off. I Looked back at him as he took in the sight of my body. He had this look on his face. Like he was starving.

Before I knew it, his hand came down on my ass, leaving a red sting. "All for me," James snarled.

"James.." I let out a breathy moan.

I felt so exposed, James was still completely dressed.

I Loved that he was in control. At least for now.

When I heard the sound of the zipper, my breath caught. "I'll make you regret ever yelling at me. I bet you'd like that huh? Good you're such a dirty girl..." he scoffed.

But his words sent shivers down my spine. Just the thought of James doing all these things to me was enough to send me spiraling.

"Put that mouth to use, say something. Maybe then I'll think about giving you what you want," he panted. Just as he spoke I could feel him slap his cock over my ass. My legs were already a trembling mess.

"You want it, don't you? Admit it," he bit out. "Yes. Yes please," I blurted. "That's it, say it again." He demanded. "Please, I want it."

"Louder, who do you want?" he growled. "I want you!"

James laughed softly. "I bet you say that shit when you touch yourself yeah?" He teased my opening with his tip, running it through my soaking folds, making me flinch.

"You think I talk to those other sluts like this?" He pushed just the tip into me, forcing a throaty moan out of me. "No... because you're mine, my slut."

He growled. He pushed into me again, this time going deeper. I couldn't contain my cry anymore. I threw my head back, letting my emotions run wild.

I needed this. Needed him. I needed James to fill me.

"Deeper James.." I begged him softly, my face smushed into the back of the couch.

"Like this?" he murmured, as he started to thrust. "Yes! Please." I cried.

"God, you're tight," he groaned, bottoming out.

I whimpered. This was so much better than my fingers. So much better than anything. I never would have imagined I would enjoy being taken like this. "Holy fuck, you feel good," he moaned.

His fingers found my clit, and he began rubbing in small circles. "Oh, God yes!" He pounded mercilessly. It hurt, but it was a good kind of pain.

His Rough and calloused hands squeezed hard on the flesh of my ass. "That's it baby.."

he cooed. His voice alone sent shivers down my spine. "Come on, I can feel you getting wetter," he rasped.

"Let me hear those pretty noises. How about that, hmm?" he taunted me. "Scream for me. Make everyone in this building know you're mine."

I could hardly form a thought, all I could focus on was the feeling of his veiny length stretching me to my limit. "James!" I screamed. It almost sounded pornographic.

In that moment, I became someone else. Someone reckless, daring, and desperate for more. The only thing that mattered was how he made me feel. It was that simple.

"Fuck, you're so wet," he grunted. "Yeah, scream for me. Let go of all those pent-up feelings. Come on, show me what a good little slut you are." I let out a low guttural moan.

"Harder James... I'm gonna cum!" I pleaded, my mind fraying.

"That's it, cum for me, let go." He groaned. "Cum for me." I was at his mercy, he had me at his will.

"James!" I screamed, my entire body tensing.

I came undone at the seams. My walls pulsated around him, milking his shaft. "Fuck!" he yelled.

"Yes!" He shouted as he buried himself deep inside of me. I collapsed at the feeling, but James caught me, holding me to his bare chest as he finished.

I could feel him painting my insides, claiming every inch of me as his own. "James.." I whispered, laying my head back on his shoulder. I buried my hand in his long blonde hair, a few strands sticking to the sweat on his face.

We sat there breathing heavily, I could feel his seed drip out of me as he pulled out. "You know I love you right?" James smiled awkwardly at me.

"I do now," I said in a breathy tone. "And I love you too." A Dark pink crept to his cheeks as he looked at me.

"You promise not to sleep with groupies anymore?" I chuckled softly.

"Why would I fuck a groupie when I have you baby?"

[oph3liatlou]

— TAKE CARE OF ME

pairing(s) - concerned!joel miller x injured!female reader

word count - 798

warnings - mentions of gore, swearing, mentions of undressing.

proofread? - yes

note from author - darlin’ 😩

summary - you get injured on patrol, coming home to your boyfriend - he’s angry and concerned.

You come home from patrol while your boyfriend Joel, sits reading a book about wood carving. Something Ellie had bought him for his birthday. He hears the door and gets up to greet you.

“Hey darlin’, how did-“ But he stopped, mid sentence seeing a tear in your jacket and some blood dripping. His face darkened. “Who the hell hurt you?”

You closed the door with a shake of your head. “I’m fine, really it’s-“ You winced. “It’s not that bad.”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know when yer hurt. What happened?” He grabs your jacket with a firm grasp and starts to undo the buttons so he can examine you.

You protested against him. “It’s really not that bad, Joel. I promise-“ But when he removed your jacket, you both saw the shirt soaked with blood.

He froze as he saw your crimson stained shirt. The sight of your blood made it difficult to keep him calm. “What the hell happened?” His tone was a bit desperate and fearful.

You sighed as Joel moved you to the couch. “Maria and I got cornered by some hunters, we took them out but -“ You paused looking at him, you knew he was mad that you got hurt. “Really - it’s not that bad, I’ve had worse…”

“I don’t care if you’ve had worse. Yer still hurt an-“ He stopped himself before he finished his sentence. He realized how angry he was. “What'd Maria do? She hurt?” He asked.

“She’s fine, maybe a few bruises from being in close quarters. I’m sure she’s with Tommy.”

He sighed again, but this time it was a sigh of relief - he knew Tommy was going to have the same reaction to Maria, as Joel had to you. “Just lemme take a look…”

You removed your shirt and tried not to wince at the pain of moving. He started to stop the bleeding and clean out the wound. He wasn’t being very gentle, more so because he was frustrated and worried about you.

You gritted your teeth at the pain and the sting of him cleaning your bullet graze. “Fuck- do you think you can be more gentle?” You were in pain from the wound so, it affected your patience.

He grumbled at your comment but continued with his task. He was careful about not being too rough but, he was obviously annoyed too. “Sorry darlin’.” He mumbled, his tone showing some remorse. It took him several minutes to treat your wound before finally, bandaging it. He moved his hand to feel your forehead. “You’ve gota’ fever.”

You nodded and grumbled gently, holding the side that was now bandaged - still in your bra. You shivered now. The fever was probably just a sign of fighting off the shock. It was too early to have an infection. “It’s fine…”

“No, it’s not.” He looked at you, seeming more worried than annoyed now. “You’ve gotta fever, you were jus’ shot - you need rest.” He protested.

“I wish you took this good care of yourself when you got hurt.” You retorted as you stood to go upstairs and lie down.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he helped you up the stairs and into your shared bedroom. That was a low-blow, but it was true. When he was in his most dire situations and got hurt, he didn’t let anyone worry about him. He simply patched himself up and went on without a complaint. “Yeah, I know yer right.”

You let out a soft chuckle as you laid down. “Are you just agreeing with me because I was shot?”

“Pretty much.” He said with a smirk. He sat on the edge of the bed and started to brush your hair back. “Can I ask you somethin'?” He seemed slightly worried now.

You nodded gently, furrowing your eyebrows at his question. “Yeah Joel, of course.”

He took a deep breath. “Promise me,” he spoke softly and paused for a moment. “Promise me that you’ll do yer absolute best to stay safe…”

Your expression softened and you moved to caress his cheek gently - even though you were pained when you moved. “I’ll be careful if you’re careful.” You agreed softly.

A small smile spread across Joel’s face. “You’ve gotta’ deal darlin’.” He placed his forehead against yours for a moment before kissing your forehead. “Get some rest. You’ve been throu' alot today.”

You returned a smile to him before shifting down in the bed - slowly, as if not to cause more pain to yourself. “Goodnight…” You mumbled, as tiredness took over your body. You knew you needed your sleep for recovery.

As you fell asleep, Joel wondered - if you’d ever realize how much he wanted you to take care of him, too.

[steddiewithachance]

Will You Still Need Me?

Summary: Steve Harrington is avoiding telling his professional-musician-boyfriend, Eddie, that he's going deaf because he's worried about what will happen when he does.

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Or Read on AO3

May 12, 1992: Today

Jeff:

Jeff sighs tiredly when he hears a quiet knock on his door. He sets his book down and pulls himself off the couch causing the new leather to crease and croak under his weight. He grabs his wallet off of the kitchen counter, thumbs it open, and picks out a few dollars on the way to the door. He's expecting it to be the pizza he ordered twenty minutes ago which is why he's stunned into silence when he clumsily swings it open to find Steve hunched over with red eyes and messy hair. 

Steve’s obviously been crying, which scares Jeff like a punch to the gut because, in all the years of knowing each other and touring together, Jeff can't remember ever seeing Steve cry. He feels frozen. Steve looks down at the cash in Jeff’s hand and gives a watery smile.

"That for me, boss?" Steve asks, reaching for the money playfully. Jeff pulls it back instinctively before realizing that he made a joke, and gives a sort of delayed scoff. 

"Sorry man, I thought you were the pizza guy." Jeff steps back, pockets the cash, and opens the door invitingly. Steve nods and steps inside. He toes off his shoes and points to the living room.

"The place looks awesome fully decorated, dude." Steve's padding the impending serious conversation with small talk about Jeff’s new apartment. It's like he's trying to put Jeff at ease when really it should be the other way around. Steve's always been selfless like that.

"Oh, yeah thanks, I think so too. And thanks for helping me move all my stuff last week, couldn't have done it without you. Roadie of the year." Jeff watches as Steve's face falls at that. Oops, what'd he say wrong? This is why no one should trust him to comfort people, he always messes up. 

Jeff takes a seat on the couch and pats the spot next to him. He's working through theories in his head as to why Steve's been crying and why he's shown up here. The first theory is that Steve and Eddie broke up. This would be pretty unexpected because Jeff knows about the promise ring that Eddie is hiding back at their place. He knows that, at least in Eddie's eyes, their relationship was on the trajectory to last.

Steve takes a seat on the opposite end of the cherry leather couch and runs a hand through his hair, it's an anxious tick that Steve does a lot, and it explains the messy look he's sporting today.

The second theory is that Eddie just said something stupid and it hurt enough for Steve to seek reassurance from someone who has known Eddie for twelve years. This is the more likely theory, and it's gonna end in a disappointed phone call from Jeff to Eddie once Steve leaves. All of the Corroded guys are very much aware and slightly envious of what a good boyfriend Eddie has. 

Steve is caring on a bad day and downright devoted on a good one. He has stood by Eddie's side through thick and thin with steadfast loyalty and understanding. And nobody lets Eddie forget it, not that Eddie takes it for granted, but Steve has spent years bending over backward to support Eddie's dreams and acclimating to the touring musician's lifestyle. It's really sweet.

"I'm sorry I came over unannounced. I know it’s shitty of me. You coulda had someone over." Steve sniffles and wipes his face with the sleeve of his oversized sweater. Jeff hasn't really been on a date since he broke up with his last girlfriend, who didn't want to do long distance when the band moved. 

"No, it's totally fine. You're free to stay and have pizza with me." Jeff offers, sinking back into the couch, trying to project a calm energy to Steve who is fidgeting and scanning Jeff's face carefully.

"I-" Steve starts before he presses his lips together tightly and tilts his head toward the ceiling, barely holding back tears. Jeff hates when his friends are sad, he feels kind of like a kid seeing a parent cry for the first time. You don't really know how to help and it's deeply unsettling.

"Hey, what's wrong? What happened?" Jeff whispers softly. He places a gentle hand on Steve's shoulder which startles Steve. His eyes shoot open and he focuses in on Jeff's mouth. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Jeff apologizes, embarrassed. 

"No, you're fine. I just... I went to the doctor today," Steve begins. 

A siren goes off in Jeff’s head. This may be a much more serious conversation than Jeff feels equipped to handle. 

"And I know everyone has been getting annoyed at me for asking them to repeat themselves all the time." Steve's fist hammers against his thigh. Jeff's not sure if it's Steve is punishing himself or if he's trying to hold back from crying. Should he reach out to interfere?

"And I expected them to tell me that I have a little hearing loss, no big deal, but they said-" Steve chokes out a sob and a tear falls down his cheek quickly, like a little shooting star. "They came to the conclusion that I have severe and progressive hearing loss. And they said there's a good chance I'll lose my hearing altogether." Steve's voice pitches up at the end, and Jeff's heart drops.

Steve is full-on crying, shoulders bouncing, hands covering his face, and Jeff instinctually wraps an arm around his shoulders and pulls him into a hug. He knows that if Steve's best friend, Robin, didn't live across the country Steve would probably go to her about all this. But since Corroded Coffin relocated out west, Steve's support system right now is pretty limited to the members of the band. 

Jeff tucks Steve under his chin and rubs circles into his back while he shakes. He's trying his darndest to be what Steve needs right now. A small asshole-ish part of him is smug that Steve came to him and not Gareth or Grant.

Jeff holds him for a few minutes, telling Steve it's okay when his breathing stutters. After a little, Steve pulls back and wipes his eyes with his tear-soaked sleeves. 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to c-cry so much. This is embarrassing." Steve hiccups. 

Jeff shakes his head earnestly. "No need to be embarrassed, Steve, let me get you a tissue."

Jeff springs up and slides into his room to get the box of tissues. 

When he returns, Steve is trying to compose himself. He hands the box to Steve who takes it gratefully. And right before he sits down again, the doorbell rings. 

Goddamn it.

Steve turns around to look at the door and then up at Jeff to inquire as to whether or not Jeff is going to open it. He leans down and takes Steve's hand.

"I am so sorry, Steve, let me send them away so you can continue." He apologizes, horribly annoyed at the interruption. He shoves the cash into the pizza delivery girl's hands before closing the door in her face and tossing the warm box on the coffee table.

He rejoins Steve on the couch and looks at him with the most comforting expression he possibly can. 

"Anyways, the reason this has me so fucked up is because it's obviously gonna affect Eddie. Like I'm not supposed to attend any loud concerts anymore." Steve immediately crumbles again and brings his knees up to his chest. "Just my fucking luck too because of course the one thing I can't do is attend my boyfriend's concerts. I don't know what's worse, not being allowed to go to his shows anymore or knowing I won't be able to hear any of his music in a few years." 

Fuck, this is tough. Jeff rubs Steve's knee supportively and then grabs the blanket hanging on the back of the couch and wraps it around Steve's shoulders.

"Eddie's not gonna want me anymore." Steve finally whispers, admitting the root of his worry, the heartbeat of his pain, and the thesis of why he's here. It's a foolish worry, Eddie's obsessed with him. 

"Steve, that's not true. You know it's not true. Eddie loves you so much." Jeff argues.

Steve shakes his head and curls further into a ball, gasping and shaking with the fear that Eddie might not want him after this. Jeff bites his fingernails. How does he tell Steve that Eddie has a pseudo-engagement ring hidden in one of his boots tucked deep in their closet and is fully prepared to emotionally commit to their relationship without actually telling him any of that?

"I mean what kind of musician would want a boyfriend who can't even hear him play? He asks for my opinion on his songs all the time." 

"Steve," Jeff squeezes his shoulder and waits for Steve to look up so that he can continue. "You are so much more to Eddie than just a pair of ears. He will not leave you over this, there's no way." But Steve looks unconvinced. 

"Did he ever tell you about the swim meets?" Jeff asks with a mischievous grin. This was one of the stories that Eddie had sworn Jeff to secrecy about when he started dating Steve. Steve furrows his brow and shakes his head. 

Before he starts telling this frankly forbidden story, Jeff flips open the pizza box and inches it toward Steve in case he's hungry. Steve hesitantly takes a slice.

"Well in high school, Eddie would drag us to these swim meets, Grant and I. And at first, we had no goddamn clue why. It was hot, overcrowded with jocks, and so unlike anything Eddie had ever expressed interest in before. But then you walked out in a swimsuit and it all made sense. He saw you and blushed so hard dude... He made us go to every single meet of the season. He even got the crazy idea of trying out for swim team just so he could be bossed around by swim captain, Steeeeve Harrington." Jeff regales, and Steve sends him a wide-eyed disbelieving look. Jeff nods emphatically. 

"And then in the summer, he dragged me out to the community pool every other day hoping you'd show up. You, of course, had your own pool that we didn't know about.” Jeff smiles at the memory. He misses the simplicity of high school sometimes. “The idea of wearing a swim cap eventually scared him off, but he was so absolutely delusional that summer, thinking he'd enjoy being on the swim team or even make it on in the first place. Wayne surely got a kick out of the idea."

Steve is looking up at him, hiding a smile behind his slice of pizza. The amusement is contagious. Jeff starts laughing at the memory, glad he gets to share all of Eddie's embarrassing "Steve moments" with the man himself now.

"All this to say, Steve, Eddie went out of his way to be around you before you probably even knew his name. Eddie thinks the world of you, he won the boyfriend lottery and he knows it. You have nothing to worry about." Jeff assures him and feels like he did a good job when Steve blushes at the compliment. But maybe Steve's anxiety about being a burden extends beyond just Eddie.

"I know the guys would all be willing to learn sign language if you needed us to." Jeff continues, "Plus they make these really big ear coverings that you can wear at concerts to block out loud sounds. We can ask your doctor if you could still watch so long as you're wearing those." 

Steve puts down his half-eaten slice of pizza on top of the box and gently envelops Jeff in a kind hug. Jeff smiles into his hair.

"Thank you," Steve mumbles into his shoulder. Jeff pats his back good-naturedly. 

"Eddie's gonna kill me for telling you the swim story. You better start writing me a nice eulogy, Steven" 

Steve huffs at that.

Steve:

Steve unlocks the door to his apartment and slinks inside. He's emotionally exhausted from the day, but he already knows he's gonna have to tell Eddie everything before bed. There's no way he'd be able to sleep without getting things off of his chest. He'd feel guilty and gross about keeping Eddie in the dark.

He feels better after Jeff's, a little at least. But Steve just has a gut feeling that even if Eddie says they're okay, he's still gonna be disappointed. Nobody has the spare time lying around to learn a new language, least of all Eddie, if things come to that. And music is truly such a big part of Eds’ identity and their relationship that he can see his boyfriend pulling away. 

It flashes behind Steve's eyes like a nightmare: Eddie throwing himself into work more and more, spending less time at home, leaving Steve behind when they travel for shows. And it all ends with Steve abandoned and alone in a big empty house again, but quiet in a way he's never known. 

Steve kicks off his shoes at the entryway, habitually, and Eddie slides around the corner with a sweet smile. He scoops Steve into his arms and kisses the crown of his head with an exaggerated ‘muah’.

"Hi baby, I missed you," Eddie says lovingly. Steve wonders what it would be like to forget Eddie's voice. The thought spears through him painfully. 

 Steve stands still in the embrace, arms hovering at his sides. He doesn't want to cry again, he's cried so much today, but his throat is burning with it. His eyes are getting blurry. 

Hold yourself together, goddamn it! 

Eddie steps back and takes Steve’s face in his hands, brushing the first tear when it falls. Eddie looks up anxiously at Steve. 

"This is about the doctor's?" Eddie asks, but it's delivered like a statement and he already knows the answer. Steve stands quietly, watching Eddie look back and forth quickly between his eyes, seeking answers. Steve squeezes his eyes shut so he doesn't see whatever face Eddie makes when he nods. Eddie immediately pulls him into a crushing hug, rocking them back and forth. 

He pulls away, which feels like a funeral to Steve, but luckily it's just so Eddie can grab his hand and pull them towards the bedroom. He sits Steve down near the headboard of the bed so he can sit in front of him, legs crossed.

"Talk to me." Eddie requests.

"I’m going deaf, Eddie." Steve expresses with none of the eloquence he had at Jeff's place. 

Eddie folds over at the news, covering his eyes with a hand. He takes a big shaky breath and when he pulls his hands away he's teary too. Steve doesn't know what that means: Eddie crying. His thoughts are racing about how this conversation might conclude. Jeff was confident, but Steve is terrified.

"Did they say what caused it?" Eddie's voice cracks. He pets his hands up and down Steve's thighs. 

"Mix of head trauma and loud music probably," Steve responds dismissively like it's obvious. But for some reason, Eddie breaks, keels over, and starts crying into Steve's lap. Steve rests a hand on Eddie's back, palm to spine, a little bit in shock.

Eddie pulls away so Steve can read his lips; he relies on it these days. "I'm so sorry Steve, this is all my fault." Eddie cries. And then Steve feels doubly terrible because he didn't even consider that Eddie would blame himself for it. "All my fault."

"It's not your fault. It's all those concussions I got as a kid."

Eddie grabs Steve's hands, kisses them, and holds 'em to his heart. "It's partly my fault, the loud music, the random concerts I dragged you to that you didn't even want to go to. I feel fucking terrible about it." 

“I did want to go. You never forced me.” Steve argues and pulls his hands away from Eddie’s hold.

“Not always. I could tell you were just being a good sport about getting dragged to ‘em sometimes.” Eddie pulls the collar of his sweatshirt up to hide his face in it. 

Steve crosses his arms. He wants to cut to the chase.

"So where do we stand?" 

Eddie lowers the sweatshirt to watch him for a moment, trying to decipher what Steve is asking him. 

"What do you mean?" Eddie shakes his head confusedly. Eddie drags a sleeve across his face.

"Do you still want me or not, Munson?" Steve slouches back against the headboard. Eddie lurches forward, eyes wide.

"Do I still want you? What- you think I wouldn't want you anymore?" Eddie sounds equal parts angry and heartbroken. 

"I don't know, you tell me. If I wasn't allowed to go to your shows anymore, if things got so bad that I couldn’t hear your music at all, if you had to learn sign language or whatever just to talk to me, what use would I even be to you?" 

Eddie flops his hands against the bed sheets, frustrated.

"Use?! It's not about being useful or being convenient. If you can't come to my shows anymore, I'd miss you but I wouldn't hold it against you! I know for a fact being with me hasn't been easy or convenient for you, but you never complained about any of the shit you had to deal with." Eddie pauses, "I'm kinda hurt you think I'd abandon you after I feel like this is my fault to begin with." 

"Well, I wouldn't want you to stay with me out of pity!" Steve's voice is embarrassingly shaky. He hates fighting with Eddie but sometimes he doesn't know how to de-escalate, the overwhelming emotions just bubble out of him like magma. 

"I don't want to feel like I'm holding you back. That's- that's what it was like with my parents. All the resentment- it stings." Steve sniffles.

Eddie nods knowingly, realization washing over his face as he seems to take it all in and get what this conversation is about now. Eddie takes a deep breath and starts over. 

"I love you, Steve. So much. I want to spend my whole life with you." Eddie wipes his eyes and rubs the sadness into the bedsheets. "I'm not going anywhere. I'd pay a million dollars for a hearing aid if you needed it. I'd take ASL classes with you for years, I'd even fucking quit the band if that's what was best for us." Eddie reaches out and squeezes Steve's thigh. "It's not about pity or obligation. You're my person, okay? Whatever you need from me I'll give you. Easy." 

Before Eddie's even finished talking, Steve is sobbing again. He shifts and crawls into Eddie's lap who happily pulls him in and cradles him soundly. 

"Okay?" Eddie asks and Steve nods. 

They stay like that for a good long while. And now Steve feels gross for doubting Eddie, to begin with, but he needed to hear that they were okay from Eddie himself. 

"Jeff told me you'd say that. I'm stupid," Steve breathes into Eddie's neck. 

"When did you talk to Jeff?" 

"Just came from there. I was scared about what you'd say." Steve pulls back to make sure Eddie's not mad. "He said you wouldn't break up with me."

Eddie's brows crease and he bites the inside of his cheek. 

"You never have to be scared of me, Steve." Eddie runs a hand through Steve's hair softly working out tangles. "I'm glad he was there to help, though. He was right."

"'M sorry for doubting you, Teddy. But if you change your mind I'd get it."

"I'm not changing my mind Steve, never changing my mind. Want you forever and ever." Eddie sighs into Steve's sweater. Eddie has said it before, the forever thing, but it was before Steve had this big medical issue looming over him so inevitably. A part of him settles, knowing Eddie's flexible about the future. 

And well... Steve can't not bring it up. "He also told me you perved on me at all my swim meets, freak." Steve smiles when he feels the man under him go rigid and gasp dramatically. 

"No, he did not!" Eddie blanches. Steve fiddles with the necklace clasp resting at the top of Eddie's spine and nuzzles his cheek against Eddie's temple. 

"I could give you some private swim lessons if you're still hellbent on making swim team." Steve teases.

"You're such a little shit. And Jeff is dead to me. I'm finding a new rhythm guitarist. Is nothing sacred? Traitor!" 

"He knew you'd say that too."

[blu3cl0v3rs]

Summary: Morro takes a bird home.

Warnings: Injured bird (not dead dove content, there is literally just an injured bird)

Prompt: "Put that down."

Extra: Again, generic "Revived Morro Lives w/ the Ninja" AU, plus my headcanon that Morro loves literally any animal that flies. Birds, bats, flying squirrels, flying bugs, all of them. Morro's gray themed because I said so. Purple is Nelson's color, dark green feels like it's poking fun at the fact that he could never be the Green Ninja, and yellow just doesn't seem like his color. So, gray! Also I'm a they/he Morro truther because why not.

THUNK!

The Ninja snapped to where the sound originated from, which happened to be a window of the café they were at. Kai stood.

"I'm gonna go check that out," the wind elemental said as they exited, the doorbell chiming.

Through the glass, they saw as Morro scanned the surroundings. It was a rather calm day in this part of Ninjago City, only five pedestrians in sight with a couple of cars driving by.

The gray themed ninja looked down to the ground, most likely seeing the cause of the noise, then lowered themself. His head popped back up with their hand supporting something.

The dark haired person reentered the shop and gently sat down in their chair. The Ninja peered at what he held; a bird. An unconscious bird.

"I think we should go back to the monastery," Zane said after he scanned the bird, "it is injured."

The Ninja swiftly left after Cole paid and left a generous tip.

Sensei Wu walked in as Kai had finished splinting the bird's wing, as one had fractured when it crashed. The bird was now active and awake, tweeting happily in Morro's palm.

"Put that down," the bearded man demanded, "you all know there are no pets allowed."

"Sensei, this is not a pet, it's an injured bird. We are simply taking care of it until it can fly again," Lloyd explained.

"Besides, it's a wild animal. It'll just poop all over the place! Why would we wanna keep it?" Nya piped in.

Morro kept silent.

"I was not talking to you all, I was talking to Morro," Wu clarified, looking directly at his adopted son.

"...but-" Morro started.

"No pets, Morro. You remember what happened with Maple."

"She wasn't that bad."

"She pooped in my teapot!"

"You trapped her inside of it, what'd you expect her to do?"

The sensei pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Regardless, there was still Sierra-"

"Just because she bit, doesn't mean she was bad-"

"Domino-"

"He only broke three plates-"

"Indigo-"

"That was Ray's fault, and you know it-"

"Richard-"

"We don't talk about Richard the Raccoon."

Wu set a wrinkly hand on Morro's shoulder. "We cannot keep this bird, okay?"

Morro held up the bird, who just puffed up its feathers. "How could you tell Choco we can't keep her?" His voice cracked and bottom lip quivered.

Wu pursed his lips, forehead wrinkles becoming more prominent as his eyebrows furrowed.

The bird twittered at him.

"Oh, fine. You win. You can keep Choco." Wu broke. Morro immediately smiled, revealing the near teary eyed facade was just that, a facade.

"But," the bearded man looked directly at his first student, "One single mistake and she will be set free."

Morro nodded seriously before leaving the room, muttering about housing.

The next day, a bird house hung proudly on Morro's wall with ledges that traveled around the entirety of his room.

[freya-howlett]

A new companion, an old friend - Inside Hyrule series pt. 2

Content: Link has a new feature in his Sheikah Slate that allows him to summon a creature to help him on his journey. However, you soon discover you know his new friend very, very well.

Author's note: is this a series? I'm not sure, but, hey, it's fun to write! Let's go back to this wholesome concept of mine were you're inside the game spending some good time with Link, this time with some tint of nostalgia. Feel free to comment, send your thoughts or whatever you feel like (just be kind)!

Divider by: saradika (tumblr)

Image: Breath of the Wild Official Concept Art

Y/N. No shipping, only friendship. Short

"Hey, there's something I wanted to show you," Link said as he took his Sheika Slate from his belt. "I got something new I wanted to try out."

You turned your head in wonder. You both had formed an improvised picnic in the Great Plateu, now you were completely rested and with a full stomach thanks to Link's cooking skills. You had even taken out your belts and weapons to laid them at your side so you could take a break.

"Okay..." he muttered, touching the screen. "Here it is. Let's see what this does."

The Sheikah Slate glowed in a slight golden color, almost white, and he pointed at some inches in front of him. Then the activation sound was heard and in the middle of the air appeared a column of green light where small black squares danced for milliseconds. You knew that effect very well and opened your mouth in amazement.

The black squared turned into a black mass that quickly formed into an animal shape and, just like that, in a flash, there was a familiar wolf in front of you both.

You stood up, letting out a happy squeal that also sounded too childish. The wolf turned his enormous head to you and recognized you instantly, his tail starting to wag.

"Wolf!" you exclaimed as you threw yourself at the animal to let him lick your face and rub his fur against you. You chuckled a bit. "Hey, hey, don't be so harsh."

When you turned to Link, he had his eyes raised in confusion and was rubbing the back of his neck.

"Is there something I had to remember?" he asked, worried. You felt a sting, you could see how hard it was for him to be amnesiac.

"No, no," you answered quickly. "You forgot nothing," as you were kneeling, holding Wolf's head against you, you had to be careful with your words. "He's an old friend of mine."

Link only nodded and you could see the relief washing over him. You buried your face in Wolf's neck, hugging him, to hide your expression in case it'd give you away.

You remembered this wasn't the first time one Link had encountered another. Wolf met the Hero of Time, but neither he nor you revealed that connection to him. You even wondered if the Hero of Time himself knew about it because you'd never say it aloud.

As far as you were concerned, none of the Links knew about his past lives, nor that he had met you plenty of other times before. That's something you from early age decided to keep for yourself. The reason? Who knows. Even you wondered what'd happen if you opened your mouth, but also you were afraid it'd harm him, his soul. If you yourself learnt you were trapped in a vicious endless cycle where you'll always be forced to be the hero and fight evil forces, maybe you'd get crazy.

You looked into Wolf's dark eyes, wondering if he knew what was going on and where he was, but you were only met with kindness.

"So... that's a wolf and he's your friend," Link stated slowly, like trying to understand.

"Yeah," you nodded, standing up while still touching Wolf's head. "He accompanied me in some trips before."

"Alright, so, is it friendly?" he went down to one knee, extending his arm carefully towards the animal carefully, however that wasn't necessary, Wolf threw himself at Link cheerfully and licked his face as the surprised boy laughed. "Wow! Didn't expect that!" he laughed, grabbing Wolf by the cheeks.

"I'm glad I got to see you again," you scratched Wolf's ear as he comfortably had his head laid on your lap. There was a deep low growl that came from his throat whenever he exhaled, it was almost like some sort of purr or snore. "Have you seen...?"

He shook his head slightly before you could mutter her name. You pushed your lips together, no need to keep on wondering about things you'll never know the answer of. Instead, still caressing his fur, you focused on the nocturn landscape in front. Link fell asleep, surprisingly, before you inside his tent a few meters apart and the only sound was that of nature, wind and the fire in front of you dying out. At the horizon was Death Mountain, ever fuming, with the moon behind its smoke, but still you were very well lighted. The Temple of Time was behind, you couldn't see it, but felt it.

"I feel nostalgic, Wolf, I think you've noticed how destroyed everything is," you muttered absently. He moved his ears, a sign of his attention. "This world is different."

Wolf raised his head to boop you with his nose on your cheek, it was slightly wet and warm. You understood what he meant: "You too."

"I guess so," you chuckled slightly, cleaning his wetness from your skin. "I can't ride on your back anymore, I'm heavier now."

A flashback of a younger you holding onto Wolf's fur for dear life as he dashed and sprang all over Hyrule Field appeared in your mind. You had to admit you miss that, but would never tell.

"We still can have fun anyways," you smiled as he raised to his front paws, sitting at your side really close. He directed his head towards the tent and raised his mouth and nose once. "Link? Ah, he's nice," you shrugged. "I often feel like cargo, you know? But if I am to him, at least he doesn't say it," you poked the grass under your legs. "He does not remember a single thing of his past, he wouldn't even know his name if it wasn't because a voice woke him up, so we're trying to recover his memories. In that sense... I'm more of a moral supporter."

When you turned to face Wolf again, he moved his head and raised on his four feet, you know he meant his time was getting over and he had to go. Where? You didn't know and in a certain way didn't want to ask, so you just smiled softly.

"Already? I wanted to show you the Temple of Time, maybe you recognize it," you said, but he only booped against your cheek again. "I'll see you again, doesn't it? As long as he can summon you."

Wolf only nodded and you leaned your head against him softly, looking into the horizon. However, you stopped feeling his fur for a moment, and instead there was cloth. When you faced him, you saw the Hero of Twilight smiling at you. He was shimmering slowly with that golden aura, he was going to fade away in a few seconds.

"Hey," you greeted him, he hadn't changed a thing. "Glad to see you again."

He only kept smiling warmly and tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear with a light gente touch, contrast to his rough fingers, and then faded in the silence of the night.

"So, Y/N..." Link spoke, muffled due to the food in his mouth he was still chewing. And to think he was a knight, you thought. "Who was the guy?"

"What guy?" you asked as you blew on your plate to cool off the eggs with rice you had made. That morning, breakfast had been your task.

"The one who was here last night, I almost jumped on him if it wasn't because you seemed to know him."

You coughed a little bit, pretending you had something in your throat and cursed to yourself. You didn't like the idea of Link, this Link specifically, getting to know Wolf's truth. He had too many issues with his memory to add more than he could take. Besides, he had only been on his human form for a second, how did he notice?

"You must've been dreaming, no one showed up," you said, biting on the eggs slowly.

"I swear I didn't, because you took your sweet time to go to sleep," he insisted.

So the gaslighting wouldn't work, so you changed your tactics to something else.

"You tracking me?" you raised your eyebrow. "And also, you were supposed to be asleep because you've been truly tiring you out recently. Maybe you were seeing things because of exhaustion."

Link frowned, still eating. He wasn't believing a thing you said, but you could see in his expression he gave up on his inquiries.

"You may be right."

You stayed in silence for a moment, eating with the sounds of the birds singing above you until you decided to ease the moment:

"C'mon, Link, we have to prepare for another long day," you sighed. "Weren't you going to show me how to get rupees from a Blupee?"

He smirked enthusiastically.

[flythesail]

For the winter prompts, 90 and 7, Rogue One/Andor rebelcaptain? Happy holidays!!

Thank you!! Happy holidays <3

#90: "Winter is the best season." "I beg to differ."

#7: "You've never seen snow before?"

Also on ao3

Cassian rarely got days off, and today happened to be one of those rare days. 

So he did what any sane person would do, and decided to spend the day not moving. 

It was cold here. Too cold. 

And if he was up and around the base, someone would see him, have something to ask him, or something to show him, and it would no longer be a day off. 

So here he was under as many blankets as they were given and then some. 

The door to his quarters opened, and Cassian didn't need to turn to know it was Jyn. 

She was the only other person who had access to his room, and he intended it to be that way. 

The bed dipped as she flopped down beside him. 

"You're still not up?" she asked as a way of greeting. 

"I'm not getting up," he said, his voice muffled. 

"What?" She leaned closer to better hear him. 

"I'm not getting up." 

Still leaning over him, she raised her brows. "Are you sick?" she asked, studying his face. 

When he said nothing, she pressed the back of her hand to his forehead. 

"You're freezing." 

"Because it's freezing here."

"No," she said, nudging his leg with her foot. She had so many pairs of socks on, it was impossible to see the shape of her heel or toes. "You need to get up and move around." 

"What if I don't want to?" he asked. 

"Then you're going to be cold." 

Again, he said nothing. Instead, he pulled the blankets tighter around himself. 

"Cassian," she said with a laugh. 

"Jyn." 

She looked at him for a moment longer, then got up. 

"Where are you going?" he asked. He watched as she shoved her feet back into her boots—two sizes too big so they'd fit with her socks. 

"I'll be back." She knotted the laces, then stood. "Don't worry."

With that, she left. 

**********

He didn't sleep when Jyn was gone. 

Not only because he was cold, but because it had been a long, long time since he could sleep most of the day. 

When he was younger, maybe. 

Now it was rare he slept through the night, maybe slept at all, and definitely not when Jyn wasn't here. 

So he passed the time by staring at the ceiling, wondering why there weren't icicles there if it was this cold. 

It was nice to think about nothing. Or at least to pretend there was nothing to think about, if only for one day. 

The door to his room opened again, and Jyn brought more cold air in with her. 

Again, she sat on the edge of the bed. She undid the laces of her boots, kicked them off, and then crawled closer to Cassian. 

He was sitting up now and tugged the bottom edges of his hat down further as if it wasn't already covering his ears. His hair was longer than it had been in years and stuck out from under his hat. 

"I brought you something," she said. 

He noticed she had one of her hands behind her back. 

She seemed happy today. Lighter somehow, and that made him happier. 

Not all days since Scarif were bad, but they'd both seen each other on bad days and seen each other through them. That made moments like these all the more comforting. 

"What'd you bring me?" he asked. 

"You have to promise you'll try it." She pulled on the pile of blankets so they covered her legs too. 

Cassian was skeptical, but if he could trust Jyn with his life he could surely trust Jyn with whatever this was. 

"Promise," he said. 

Jyn took her hand from behind her back and held out a thermajug. 

"What is it?" he asked, his eyes crinkling as he looked at it then her.

"Try it."

Cassian took the cap off, sniffing the drink out of habit before he lifted it to his mouth. 

It smelled sweet. 

"I think you'll like it," said Jyn. 

He took a sip, and it tasted sweet too. The drink was warm, and he felt it in his chest once he swallowed. 

"Chocolate," he said. 

"Yeah," she said. "Hot chocolate. Not real, but all I could get on base was the powdered stuff and that was hard enough as is." She watched Cassian turn the thermajug in his hands. "Do you like it?" Her voice sounded hopeful. 

He nodded, offering her a smile. "Just trying to remember the last time I had it," he said. It would have to be before he joined the Rebellion. Yet even then, Ferrix was never a planet big on sweets. Maybe somewhere he traveled with Maarva and Clem. Maybe sometime between when he was off on his own and had a few extra credits—which was unlikely as is. 

"My mother used to make it," Jyn said, and his eyes found hers. It wasn't often she talked about her parents. Not only because it was hard, but because she was young when the Empire came for her father. 

Cassian understood the feeling. He wasn't much older than her when he lost his parents. Maybe two years older at most. And now, everything was a blur. That left it difficult to differentiate between what memories were truthful and which ones faded from examining them too many times over.

"On Coruscant," Jyn continued. "It was easier to find the real kind there. And they spoiled me," she added, laughing slightly.

He gave her a small smile to let her know he was listening. 

"I know I cried about it on Lah'mu when there wasn't any. I didn't understand why we had to go." 

"How could you?" he asked. 

She shrugged. He handed her the hot chocolate, and she took a sip.  

"I think it tastes better when you're cold," she said. 

Cassian faked a shiver. "I hate the cold." 

"Wasn't Ferrix cold?"

He nodded. But that didn't mean he liked it. 

Kenari, on the other hand, was always warm. He still thought of Kenari when he thought of home. 

Warm water. A warm rainy season where everything would be foggy in the morning and raindrops would drop from the trees onto his head. 

"What about the snow?" Jyn offered. "Snow is nice." 

"So you've never seen snow before?" Cassian teased. "It's not. It's cold and hard to move through." 

On Ferrix, the snow had mixed with the dirt roads—turning everything slick and muddy. 

He never missed that. 

"Anything is better than snow," he said. 

"I would rather it be cold than too hot," said Jyn. "Winter is the best season."

"I beg to differ."

She laughed. "Drink your hot chocolate." She took another sip, then handed it back to him. 

He did, and by some miracle—it was still hot. 

"Thanks," he said. 

Jyn smiled. Leaning forward, she tugged down the ends of his hat and kissed him. She tasted like chocolate too. 

"Anytime."

[drabbles-mc]

fic ask game! You know me, couldn't pick just one, so I did a few and you choose which sounds most interesting.

Perspective Flip: Literally anything in JOW from Steve's perspective, bonus points if Javi and/or Connie are involved somehow???

For Want of a Nail: Grave Mistakes but Carrillo's shot isn't deadly. It maims Diego so DIEGO LIVES TO TELL THE TALE and also lives to you know. Talk back. Huge eyes emoji.

Time After Time: A Good Time and it's one week after? Legit don't know if Walt and reader would've intentionally seen each other or unintentionally but surely the fates (aka you) can make it happen somehow?

and you know me and i have no self control and i simply couldn't just pick one either! 😂💕 all the goodies are under the cut because I also...ramble... 👀 (ask game can be found Here)

Perspective Flip for Just One Week (also the fact that you chose my hillbilly husband for this??? chef's kiss): Okay so I'm gonna do a little POV flip from the end of chapter 1, because I do so love the idea of Steve going home to Connie and telling her about all of this to gossip like a little school girl sksksk

Steve was laughing at the back and forth that had transpired between Javi and Carrillo as he stood up to gather his things and finally get ready to go home. "He's never gonna do another favor for you again."

Javi waved his hand dismissively as he also got ready to leave. "he needs us now."

Steve chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, I really don't think that's true."

"Sure it is," Javi replied with no hesitation, lighting a cigarette as the two of them made their way toward the parking lot. "You think he knows how to handle her parents? What to say to her?"

Steve's eyebrows lifted, amusement all over his face as he asked, "Do you know how to do either of those things, Jav?"

He exhaled a stream of smoke as they got to their cars, parked side-by-side like they were nearly every day. "Got more of an idea of how to do it than he does."

Steve chuckled as he unlocked the door to his car. "Funny that she didn't ask you to do all this, then."

Javi dropped his cigarette to the ground, snubbing it out beneath his shoe. "She might still change her mind."

He rolled his eyes, choosing not to respond to the comment. "'Night, Javi," he said with a laugh as he slid into the driver's seat of his car.

When she heard the click of the lock on the door, Connie didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Keeping her eyes trained on the stove in front of her, she listened to the sound of Steve walking in. The door swinging shut, the clattering of his keys on the table, the way his footsteps went from heavy to soft once he took off his boots.

"Hey," she called back to him.

He walked up behind her, arms wrapping around her waist as he leaned in and kissed the side of her head. "Hey."

"How was work?" she asked. When all she got in response to that was a laugh, she finally turned so that she could look at him. "That good? Or that bad?"

He shook his head. "Wanna hear somethin' crazy?"

She smiled, letting her eyes drift back to the stove. "Sure."

"Y/N asked Carrillo to be her fake boyfriend while her parents are in town."

Connie let out a small laugh. "Oh? What'd he say?"

Now it was Steve's turn to laugh as he said, "He said yea." He shook his head. "You believe that? Fuckin' Carrillo."

Connie laughed at his disbelief, turning and looking at him again. "Is it that hard to believe?"

Steve smiled but there were still traces of confusion and disbelief on his face. "C'mon, Connie. I've told you about him. You really think he's the romantic type?"

She turned the heat down on the stove before turning around to face him head-on. "I didn't think that you were the romantic type at first. But look at you now," she said as she gestured to the fact that he still had his hands on her hips, keeping himself close to her the way that he always did.

"You didn't think I was?" he asked, seemingly shocked.

She laughed and rolled her eyes. "No, Mr. Who Checks Out A Cop's Ass, Right? I didn't think you were a romantic when I met you. But," she patted his chest, "I was wrong. Maybe you are too. Maybe Y/N knows that."

He shook his head. "Yea, I don't think that's it."

Tilting her chin up, she stole a quick kiss. "I guess you'll have to wait and see." She turned back around to the stove. "Keep me updated, yea?"

For Want Of A Nail for Grave Mistakes: The way that Diego surviving would change the landscape for every dynamic on that team going forward. (Obvs him dying does too but you know what I mean lol) I've also spent a lot of time wondering what it would take to finally make Diego snap and sort of lose his shit a little bit. I think that this would definitely do it! I think that he would finally snap on Carrillo, and it would mostly be about the fact that, yea, Carrillo almost ended his entire fucking life, but it would also be about everything else, too. Even if Diego didn't say it, you just know that some of the venom in his voice has been sitting in the pit of his stomach, stifled down for the sake of professionalism that he doesn't need to have in that moment anymore. My ideal scenario of this happening is him still being in the hospital. He's still stuck in bed after surgery and he'll be fine but everything still hurts. Steve is there visiting and dragged Javi with him and they're in there when Carrillo shows up, and it's the most tense and awkward few seconds known to man before Steve finally clears his throat and awkwardly has to drag Javi out of the room because he doesn't want to leave the two of them alone because Javi is still Team Carrillo all the way. But Steve manages it and leaves the two of them. And it's the first time that Carrillo has seen Diego since the dropped him at the hospital in the first place. 👀

Carrillo stood uncomfortably far away from the hospital bed, as close to the closed door as he could manage. He forced himself to take a tiny step forward as he said, "You look better."

Diego let out a dry laugh, cringing slightly in pain as he let his head drop back against the pillow behind him. "If I looked worse, I think that'd mean I'm--"

"Ramírez," Carrillo cut him off, whether out of force of habit, or because he didn't want to face the potential outcome of what he'd done, he wasn't sure.

"What?" he said, an edge to his voice as he stared up at the hospital room ceiling. Taking a deep breath, he looked over at Carrillo. "What do you want? What can I do for you, Colonel?" there was sarcasm in his voice where there never had been before.

He shook his head slightly, feeling the burn of shame creeping up the back of his neck. "Nothing. I don't..." he trailed off for a moment, unsure of where his sentence had been going. "I just wanted to make sure that you're alright."

"Since when?"

Carrillo froze, eyes widening for a moment at the question. "What?"

"Since when," he adjusted himself so that he was sitting a little more upright, easier to look Carrillo in the eye for this, "do you want to make sure that I'm alright?"

"Since..."

Despite the pain, and the anger, and the exhaustion, Diego felt something close to validation starting to build, too. "I didn't think I'd ever see the day you actually looked guilty over something that you did to me."

That was the moment that Carrillo realized that all of the times Diego had ever gotten under his skin in the past, it hadn't never been intentional. This, though, whatever this conversation was going to turn out to be, was going to show Carrillo just how easy Diego had been taking it on him for all the months that had gone by. "I didn't mean t--"

"You fucked up." It was Diego's turn to cut him off. "Top to bottom, everything that went wrong that day was on you. All the men that died? That was on you too. They should all still be here." He sucked in a breath, cringing for a moment as his hand came to rest over the bandage that hid the stitches across his stomach. "And you should've looked before you shot me," he tacked the statement on almost like it was afterthought, like it wasn't the entire reason Carrillo had shown up in the first place.

Carrillo could feel himself getting defensive even though he had no right to. "I thought--"

"You didn't think," Diego shot back with a shake of his head. "And that's why I almost bled out on the back seat of your car."

"Diego," Carrillo started, another sentence that he didn't know where it was going.

When he didn't say anything else, Diego figured he would fill the silence. "If you came to apologize, don't." He let out a humorless laugh. "If you didn't apologize when it happened, I know you're not going to mean it now." Diego could see it on the man's face that he was landing hit after hit without even having the ability to get out of bed. "If you came to talk about something else, it can wait until I'm back."

"Until you're back?" he parroted back.

A hint of a smug grin tried to pull at the ends of Diego's mouth. "Yea. Once I'm cleared, I'll be back." He saw the shock on Carrillo's face and laughed. "I can live with what you did to me, Carrillo. Can you?"

Time After Time for A Good Time: Okay the fates can and will make them run into each other again. Not only do they run into each other, but they run into each other while Walt is with Sal (aka: what's left of the Smash & Grab crew) 😌

Walt let out an annoyed exhale, a puff of smoke flowing from between his lips as he did. He was shaking his head at Sal, who was sitting across the table from him in the small restaurant and bar. "I'm tellin' you, it's not gonna fuckin' work. We gotta--"

"Walt?" you couldn't stop yourself from saying it, from interrupting their conversation.

Both men instantly turned and looked at you. Walt's eyes widened at the sight of you, the man across from him keeping his expression neutral as he went back and forth between looking at you, and looking at the man sitting across from him.

The shock was slowly starting to fade from Walt's face, but the annoyance that had been there previously wasn't coming back. You couldn't get a read on the expression, really, on Walt's face or the other man's.

You supposed that you couldn't really blame him for being surprised. He probably didn't expect to see you again, or at least, that's what your assumption had been when you'd woken up to an empty bed the morning after the two of you had gone home together. You hadn't taken it personally then, weren't particularly happy or sad about it one way or the other. But you also hadn't been expecting to see him again.

"Hey," he finally forced out.

The tone of Walt's voice got a surprised, almost amused look out of the man he was sitting with. He took a sip of his beer before nodding to Walt. The fact that he had never seen Walt looking the way he did, told him everything that he needed to know about the situation, about who you were. "You gonna introduce me to your friend, Breslin?"

You laughed at that before you could stop yourself. "That'd be quite the trick," you said as you looked at Walt with a bit of a smirk, "since he never actually got my name."

The other man laughed, shaking his head as he held his hand out. "I'm Sal."

You smiled, shaking his hand as you gave him your name in return. "Nice to meet you." You looked at Walt. "And here I was thinking that you didn't have any friends."

Sal's grin stretched a little wider, reveling in the entirety of the scenario that you all found yourselves in. "Here I was thinking that Walt never--"

"Can you give us a minute, Sal?" Walt cut him off before he disappeared completely into the floor out of discomfort.

Sal chuckled, nodding as he stood up. "I'll grab us another round." He looked at you. "Want one?" he held up his beer bottle.

You shook your head. "I'm alright, thanks. I won't be long."

Sal nodded in acknowledgment, sparing one last look between the two of you before chuckling and walking away, shaking his head as he went.

You sat in the empty chair between Walt's and Sal's. You were about to try and break the ice when Walt spoke up. "Sorry I just, you know..."

"Took off without saying goodbye?" you finished his sentence with a laugh. You saw the sheepish nod he gave you and shook your head. "It's fine, Walt. Honestly, I wasn't exactly surprised. A little offended? Sure," you joked, "But not surprised.

He let out a small chuckle, like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to laugh at that. "Right."

You studied his face, the way it looked a little different now than it had then. His stubble was a little shorter, the expression on his face seeming a little less tired now than it had then, but you wondered if that had less to do with him actually feeling better, and more to do with the fact that you'd caught him so off-guard it gave him a tiny jolt of energy.

"You know, I kind of wanted to give you a hard time just for the fun of it," you said with a smile, "but it seems like your friend is going to take care of that for me."

Walt laughed, a little more at ease about it this time. "Yea, he fuckin' will don't worry."

"I had accepted that I probably wasn't ever going to see you again," you told him as you took out a cigarette for yourself, lighting it before continuing. "But since, you know, here we are," you gestured between you with the hand that held the cigarette, swirling smoke between you, "it feels like it'd be a waste to not take advantage of it."

His brows drew together in confusion. "Yea?"

You chuckled at his expression. "Yea," you nodded as you placed your cigarette between your lips, grabbed a napkin off the table and a pen from your bag. You jotted down your number before folding it up and sliding it over to him, like you were passing off classified information. Taking the smoke back between your fingers, you said, "There's my number. You know, to go with the name."

The look of surprise came back to his face. Part of him almost thought that you must be giving him a fake number, that he was going to be calling a random person on the other end of the state, or an ex of yours or something. "Really?"

You laughed. "Really. We had a good time, right?" When he nodded, you gave him one in return. "Good times can happen more than once." You saw his friend coming back out of the corner of your eye and you carefully stood up. You took another drag before saying, "Call me," tendrils of smoke slipping out with each letter. Turning to look at his friend, you smile. "Nice meeting you."

The slick grin on his face was more directed at Walt than it was at you as he said, "You too." He sat down, both he and Walt watching as you walked up to the counter to pick up whatever food you'd shown up for. Sal was unable to stop his laughter as he said, "You didn't get her fucking name, man?"

Walt chuckled, shaking his head as he toyed with the folded napkin you'd given him. "Fuck off."

Sal nodded to the item between Walt's fingers. "That her number?" Walt's silence spoke volumes. "You gonna call her?" Sal chuckled as he watched Walt shake his head, but he didn't really deny it. "You're gonna call her."

Reaching across the table, Walt chuckled as he grabbed one of the beer bottles that Sal had brought back. "Give me my fuckin' beer."

Ashling, if you read this far, I love you and I'm sorry 😂 These were all just so fun I couldn't kill my darlings I couldn't so I just did all of them lmao

[titanicfreija]

Damn, got these two backwards.

Chillin'

"So we're just gonna let it be like this?" Three asked.

Freija hardly moved when she glanced up from cleaning her helmet. "Yeah, funny thing, when you're trying to make friends of former enemies, you have to do a lot of nothing. They're gonna have a long ass period of being real sure it's a trick. These two probably not so much, they don't do tricks, but they're still waiting for us to take advantage of a lowered guard."

Three studied Freija, fixing her gaze directly at the Titan until she noticed and finally batted the air in her direction. "You know I'm right."

"The fuck would you know?"

"Shit happens," Freija muttered darkly, lowering her head between her shoulders.

"Yeah?" mocked Three. "Whippersnapper got some sense kicked in?"

"What does that word even mean?"

"No idea. Someone called me that when I was still one foot up and I held onto it. They said I could start using it when I hit my first century." Freija smirked at her and Three didn't lower her stare. "I told you. Now, what happened."

The Titan swatted at her again and aggressively turned her attention to her helmet. "Fuck off, I'm not about to give you ammo. You make enough fun."

Three and Freija heard the Hive chuckle in their rattling voices. They looked back and Fynch and Jynx both wheeled in sync, spinning to face away.

"What'd you say?" demanded Freija.

Sunny translated and Jynx had to turn and translate, "Why don't you just kill each other?"

"Because it doesn't help!" cried Freija and Three together.

Yol looked to Ken and gestured at the humans with a palm. Ken looked back and grunted. Fynch said, "Why?"

"Why doesn't it help? Because she doesn't stop," snipped Three. "When a Titan loses a fight, they just try again."

"Hunters think going along with the wrong answer is a good idea as long as the wrong idea came from the Hunter who won a fight," Freija replied. "And they don't listen to us. At all."

"Can't let might make right when you assholes know only wars of attrition," Three confirmed. "Can't beat a Titan. Can only slow 'em down. Kill 'em and get your shit done while they rez."

The Ghosts translated, after which Yol and Ken both turned to stare at the humans, glowing eyes blinking into glowing eyes. They turned to each other and argued for a full three minutes, occasionally checking a Ghost for reference. Freija and Three watched in fascination.

Finally, Yol got to her feet and sidled to sit behind her fellow.

Freija looked at Fynch and lifted a brow. "They just split on the Hunter/Titan line, didn't they," she asked.

"Uh, sorta? He said he was on your side, that the fight isn't over until it's over, but Yol is siding with Three, and says it's over when it's over."

Freija blinked at the Ghost and tilted her head. "Did... Are those the only words you can use? I get it, but was that the only way to put it?"

"There's all kinds of words to refer to endings and death, and their versions here would roughly equate to the permanent and impermanent ends of contests," Jynx explained. "Throne Worlds introduced the idea of an impermanent end, and the idea twisted from there."

Freija grunted and moved to sit nearer to Ken with a shoulder turned to him. He glanced and ignored after that.

"I wish I could do that with my barricade," she said to the Knight. "Make it always shoot-through."

Ken blinked at her as Sunny translated.

"What does yours do?" he asked.

"It's bigger and more solid," she explained. She stood up to cast one, taller than herself, and much less transparent. He studied the Light wall with twitching purple eyes, and he got to his feet to touch at it.

Non-hostile but still Lucent, it left light brown scorch marks on the chitin, and he tried to punch it only to have the blow blocked off. Stepping back, he fired a blaster shot into it, and he spun to look at Freija and point.

"What's wrong with it?" Fynch asked.

"It's just different. We have a modified armor piece that makes it more like his, I used to run it in the crucible before the rules changed. I was pissed the first time I saw it."

Sunny rattled for her and the Knight chortled. "Why?"

"That was mine!" she said. "It felt like you took it."

The Knight bared a vicious smile.

"Yeah, well, Shaxx won't let us use 'em right anyhow," she huffed, throwing her hands. She looked up to Fynch to catch his attention. "Don't tell him about crucible. We had to show Yol what it meant, I don't think Three'll put up with that shit again."

"I won't," agreed Three.

"Yol will probably explain, later," Jynx promised. "She made up a word, from the Throne World ending kind and the killing pits. She might be able to explain it."

"Don't talk over our head, guys," huffed Fynch for an irritated Ken before turning to soothe him. "It's rude."

[random-content-from-4by22]

(note, this is from my AO3 book 'jatchet booklet, you can find this as well as the request that started this there. Enjoy)

"thanks for helping me out today Jak." Ratchet said from his current position under the vehicle he was currently fixing. There were tools scattered around near him as Jak had decided to visit him on a late notice (since Daxter had hidden the device they were given to talk to the others and Jak only recently found it again). Jak was leaning against the vehicle the lombax was working on, nodding his head.

"No problem, had nothing to do in Spargus right now." He said, staring at the others hand as it searched for one of the scattered tools while Ratchet still had his eyes glued to his work, the hand getting back to work once it found a small tool that looked similar to a laser and a gun.

There was silence for a while, the only sounds they could hear was the sound of buzzing from the tool Ratchet was currently using.

'Now that I think about it, there are many things in this world I don't know. Surely it wouldn't hurt to try and memorise everything about this world right?'Jak sighed, at least if he asked Ratchet to tell him about his world, it would help to pass the time (certainly better then having to grab tools he barely knew about for Ratchet). "Hey Ratchet? Since I'm in your universe right now, mind telling me a few things about it?" Ratchet stopped working for a few seconds, before getting back to work, the laser thing he was using now lay with the pile of scattered tools as Jak passed Ratchet a small wrench. "Like what?" Jak raised an eyebrow at him, "What do you mean 'like what?'" he inquired. "Because I can't tell you literally EVERYTHING about my world. Like, I don't know, where babies come from?" Ratchet told him playfully. Jak chuckled. It makes sense for Ratchet to say that.

He scanned the area for something to talk about within the ginormous garage. Hid eyes fell back on where Ratchet was working on his back to fix the vehicle.

'Bingo.'

"How about you tell me a about these machines and your guns and gadgets? You seem to know alot about them." Jak sat cross-legged, trying to see Ratchet's face. The lombax's tail wagged slightly and Jak could see Ratchet nod, "Yeah. I can definitely do that."

And so, Ratchet went on and on about the guns and machinery this universe had. Jak lost track of time listening to Ratchet talk for seemingly hours and hours.

The more he listened, the more he seemed to barely be able to focus on what Ratchet was saying, like as if he was focusing solely on the voice.

Jak then stopped. He stopped breathing for a minute because he was holding his breath.

He felt his face and ears burning, his heartbeat quicken and skip a few beats.

"Fuck I'm gay."

"Hm? What'd you say Jak?"

'shit shit shit shit shit shit shit, I said it out loud,' "Nothing, nothing, carry on." Jak waved his hand dismissively, his eyes downcast to hide his face. Ratchet pulled himself out from underneath the spaceship, sitting cross-legged and staring at Jak. "I'm done talking though." Ratchet could see jaks ears turning strawberry red. "Jak are yo-? MM!?" The lombax couldn't finish because Jak had kissed him in the lips, before quickly parting and standing up."Well, would you look at the time, I've got to get going back to my universe, so goodnight!" Jak practically yelled at Ratchet, who was still on the floor processing what the f--- just happened.

When he did finally process it all, Ratchet felt his face get hot, he stood up and raised his fists in the air and shouted "FINALLY!!!"When Jak got home and he saw his friends, he just left them confused."Hey Jak, how was it-" "I kissed a lombax"

As soon as he left, everyone just looked at eachother. "Well. Least he finally got that off his chest"

[rurpleplaysmuttingtonac]

"Hey babe-"

"Please don't call me that Jordan. My name's Beatrice."

"Can I call you Bea instead?"

"Only when you're my friend and you're still an acquaintance right now."

"Who you've kissed!"

"I've kissed a lot of guys Jordan and most of them weren't my friends."

"But-"

"Where's the fire?" Benedict asked as he turned at the sounding of fast footsteps.

"No fire, Jordan's just doing my head in" Beatrice explained as she slowed down as she approached him. Benedict might be a keen cook but he was almost always outside in the back garden, tending to the trees or weeding.

"Thought you liked Jordan" Benedict said, treading cautiously as he put down his gardening shears. "I mean, you kissed him...right?"

"How'd you know about that?!" she gasped. "Did Sophie tell you?!"

"No, she didn't but I suspected" he admitted. "But it was none of my business so I didn't want to pry."

"And now, it is your business?"

"Bea, are we dating or is this just a casual thing we're doing as we're both stuck here?" he asked bluntly.

She stared at him, staggered by his determination to get a clear answer. She was reminded of her conversation with Sophie, effectively warning her that this conversation would happen at some point. "Err, I dunno..." she muttered.

"I know that I would like to date you properly" he said gently. She looked up and saw the vulnerability in his eyes. "I mean, I didn't kiss you because I wanted something casual. I mean...I really like you."

Beatrice's heart softened and she smiled before she realised she was.

"But-" he added, looking more stressed. "-if you don't want anything more, tell me now. I don't want to get hurt over a miscommunication."

Although it's too late for that, he added silently in his head. He was already in love with the woman but no way was he about to tell her that now...if he ever had the courage to do so.

"Do we have to have that talk now?" she asked, feeling nervous.

He grimaced, he'd been afraid of this reaction. "I need to check myself before things get too serious" he said carefully. "I don't want either of us to get the wrong idea. If you just want something casual, I'm telling you now I want more than that."

He saw her take a step back and his heart plummeted. "If you want me, it's all or nothing. I don't do casual arrangements."

"Why not?" she snapped. "It's better that way!"

"Which way?" he asked gently.

"Without the serious commitment and...feelings!"

"To not have any intimacy with moments like this?" he asked. Before she could respond, he kissed her gently, tenderly and like she was most precious thing in the world.

The organic and truest part of her revelled in the moment, the way he looked at her, held her and the way he smiled when she was around him. The feel of his lips were soft and the moment was so overbearingly romantic that she could've drowned in the feeling.

But then her barriers came up and she gently, but firmly, removed herself from his embrace.

"I can't do this right now" she said shortly. "I...I need to have a shower."

She then marched back inside without a backwards glance to see how badly she'd hurt him.

Beatrice got into the shower, feeling tense at herself, glad that it was empty and relatively clean. She turned it on after clambering inside and stood under the flow of water for a solid five minutes, trying to calm her racing heart and traitorous thoughts.

Part of her hated herself when she did things like this.

But the last time she'd fallen in love, that person had abused her trust and acted like she was nothing at all. She didn't know for absolute certain that Benedict was acting honestly. His words and actions were telling her that he was genuine in his feelings for her, but then her true self said Beatrice wasn't good enough for him.

Ugh, this is why I do casual flings, she berated herself. Less complicated and less stress and bullshit like this!

Then why do you not want to stop kissing him? Why do you not want him to leave you alone? Why do you keep thinking of what'd it would be like to marry him and have kids?

Benedict came back inside, trying not to overthink or panic about Beatrice's blatant rejection. He was determined to be patient to get an answer from her but he was equally determined not to push her to commit to him more seriously if she didn't want that...even if it killed him.

"Jordan! I told you to stop doing that!" he snapped as Jordan farted loudly right next to the fridge. "Do it again and I swear you'll be cleaning this place for a whole week!"

Both Ricky and Nigel snickered from their places at the table.

"And what the fuck are you two doing earing chocolates that have gone off?!" Benedict said, turning to them in annoyance. "Is the horrible smell not enough to deter you? I don't need you guys getting sick and infecting the whole house!"

Ricky rolled his eyes "We're starving, that's why!"

"There's a fridge full of food right here!" Benedict said, exasperated.

"I'm not allowed to cook" Nigel reminded him.

"You're not allowed to use the oven" Benedict corrected him. "You're allowed to open the fridge and get a snack!"

Both men scuttled out of the kitchen when Benedict turned to open said fridge and prepare a meal for them all. He needed to calm his racing heart and panicky thoughts before-

"Hey."

Turning, he saw Beatrice stood there, looking sheepish.

"You ok?" he asked, concerned.

Beatrice wanted to kick herself. She'd upset him, marched off in a strop and when she came back, his only concern was for her.

I do not deserve this man, she thought. But he wants me. And I want him. Fucking hell do I want him, and not just for woohoo. That's why it's so scary to me. I'm scared of getting hurt again.

"Can we...can we start over?" she asked. "I...I mean I need to explain why I don't do serious relationships."

"Fear?" he asked.

She nodded, secretly hoping he wouldn't pry the whole story from her. He smiled gently and lifted his hand to her cheek. She instinctively closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation as he did so.

I'm so screwed, she thought.

[itsme-basil]

Grooming - read on ao3

Tags: sterek, underage

Tagging: @therogueheart

Stiles felt his heartbeat in his throat as he looked at the big fat D at the top of his essay in red marker. Fuck. He looked around the classroom, swallowing thickly as everyone else looked at their paper. They didn't seem upset. Stiles was the only one with a failing grade. Fuck fuck. 

"What'd you get?" Scott asked, leaking over his desk. Stiles turned the page to show his best friend, and the other winced. "Damn. What are you gonna do?"

Stiles flipped the paper over and sighed. Mr. Hale was a good teacher. The only one who all the students liked. He was fun and he made the lessons easy to follow, and it didn't hurt that he was good looking either. Stiles had gone to him many times for extra credit work over the semester. He was sure Mr. Hale would find something for him to do to bring the grade back up. 

"Gotta raise it before report cards," Stiles huffed. His dad would kill him if he saw a D on his report card. Especially a week before summer break. Scott frowned sympathetically and class continued on. Mr. Hale stood at the front of the classroom, hands clasped behind his back as he talked about the Vietnam war. 

History was Stiles' last class, so when the bell rang, he stayed behind, packing everything into his bag, except for the essay. Once everyone had cleared out, Stiles slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way to the front. Mr. Hale was cleaning off the white board, back to Stiles. 

"Uh, Mr. Hale?" 

"Yes, Stiles?" Mr. Hale responded, turning green eyes to Stiles from over his shoulder. "Want to talk about your grade?"

Stiles nodded and Mr. Hale set the dry eraser down, dusting off his hands before sitting down at his desk. Stiles handed him the paper and waited while Mr. Hale familiarized himself with the essay again. 

"Right," he hummed, looking back up at Stiles. "It was a good essay, Stiles. But you weren't very consistent."

Stiles scowled at that. He thought he had been. He even took out at least two pages of nonsense during his second draft. He actually did a second draft. 

"Your topic was the Vietnam war, Stiles. In the third paragraph you talked about the first sex-change operation in the Netherlands," Mr. Hale said, raising an eyebrow at him. Stiles blushed. 

"I don't see the connection."

"Oh, uh, well," Stiles floundered. "They both took place in 1960."

"This isn't a paper on what happened in 1960, though, is it Stiles? It's about the Vietnam war, which we've talked about now for two weeks."

Stiles nodded. He couldn't help that his mind wandered. He fell down too many rabbit holes to ever write on one topic alone. 

"You're a freshman, Stiles," Mr. Hale continued. "You know how to write an essay, the correct way. I've seen it done, and I'm sure you can do it too."

Stiles chewed his lip and nodded, feeling properly scolded. 

"Come here," Mr. Hale sighed, leaning back in his chair. Stiles rounded the desk, head lowered like a puppy in trouble. Mr. Hale's hand landed on his hip, pulling Stiles closer, until he was standing at Mr. Hale's knee. A pat to his flank had Stiles sitting down on his thigh, blush ringing his cheeks as Mr. Hale leaned forward and grabbed a pen and notebook. 

"You're a smart boy, Stiles," Mr. Hale continued, raven hair moussed up away from his forehead. He handed the pen to Stiles. His other hand stayed around Stiles' waist, keeping him still, thumb rubbing circles into Stiles' hip. "I want you to do well."

Stiles nodded. 

"Now, let's go through the essay together," Mr. Hale hummed, opening the notebook and setting the essay beside it. "I want you to write the whole thing over again, and take out anything that doesn't have any relevance to the war, understand?"

Stiles nodded again and got to work, leaning over the desk and scribbling out his essay. Mr. Hale says he doesn't give extra credit to other students. Stiles is the exception because Mr. Hale can tell he's bright. 

Stiles takes advantage. He likes being the only one that gets to stay with Mr. Hale after class to work on improving his grades. Mr. Hale did everything he could to help Stiles better himself. 

They had grown close over the semester. He even started coming to him with other teacher's extra credit work, knowing Mr. Hale wanted him to succeed. No other teacher took time out of their day to help. 

Mr. Hale's hands settle familiarly around Stiles' waist as he works, the older man's hands slipping under Stiles' shirt to touch the bare skin of his midriff. 

Stiles flipped the page of his essay, cutting out another part of his essay that didn't have a connection to the topic. Mr. Hale's fingers tickle across Stiles' stomach, right below his belly button and Stiles wriggles, giggling a bit and shoving at the offending hand. It falls into his thigh, right where it bends at his hip, and doesn't return to tickle him again. 

"What about-"

"No," Mr. Hale interrupts, squeezing Stiles' upper thigh. "JFK's doctor has nothing to do with the war."

Stiles sighed and cut that from the final draft as well. "But she's cool," he whined. 

"I'm sure she was," Mr. Hale huffed in amusement, hands still keeping Stiles on his thigh. Stiles' legs hung on either side of his knee, one leg bouncing against the floor as he wrote. 

"Did you know she prescribed rocking chairs to her patients?" Stiles asked, scribbling in more of the essay. 

"I didn't," Mr. Hale hummed, fingers flexing against Stiles' thigh. 

When the essay was finished, Stiles held it out to Mr. Hale, letting the teacher read it over while he played with the pen. 

After a moment, Mr. Hale smiled and set the paper down. "Much better," he praised. Stiles grinned. "I'll fix the grade later this week."

"Thanks," Stiles blushed, setting the pen down on the desk. "I'm gonna miss you."

The confession hit Stiles out of nowhere. He hadn't wanted to say it out loud. Not to Mr. Hale at least. 

"You are?" Mr. Hale asked, raising an eyebrow. Stiles glanced at him and decided why the hell not? He nodded. "You're the only teacher that helps me with my homework, and you're nice, and Boyd said Mr. Harris is awful next year. I wish I had you instead."

Mr. Hale smiled. "I only teach freshmen history, Stiles," he reminded the teen. Stiles nodded. He already knew that. 

"Tell you what," Mr. Hale hummed, bouncing his leg once. Stiles let out a startled huff at the movement. Mr. Hale's hands didn't shy away from his waist, keeping him upright. 

"You can come to my classroom any time you want next year after school, and we can work on whatever homework or extra credit work you're stuck on," he said. Stiles felt his chest tighten with excitement. 

"Really?" Stiles asked, turning around so both his legs were trapped between Mr. Hale's. The older man nodded, smiling. 

"You're my special student," he hummed. "You're still going to be my special student, even if you have Mr. Harris next year."

Stiles grinned and hugged Me. Hale as hard as he could. The teacher wrapped his arms around Stiles', pulling him flush, so their chests were pressed tightly together. Mr. Hale was a lot bigger than Stiles was, but he gave the best hugs. 

The older's fingers dipped under the band of Stiles' pants, rubbing at the small of Stiles' back, between the little dimples hidden there. 

When it was time for Stiles to head home, he slung his bag back over his shoulder and grinned at Mr. Hale. 

"You're still planning on stopping by this summer, aren't you?" Mr. Hale asked, leaning against the back of his chair, legs spread wide. "Clean the pool, mow the yard, still interested?"

Stiles nodded eagerly. When Mr. Hale heard him complaining about not getting a summer job, he was quick to offer. Stiles would get to do yard work during the summer. Now once a week, clean the pool every two weeks, help with the trees in the backyard. Mr. Hale even told him he could swim in the pool after he was done. 

His dad was thrilled that Stiles finally had something to do over the summer, and Stiles would get a hundred bucks a month! 

"Yes," he grinned. "Dad said he'd be able to drop me off, but I got a bike too, and you're not too far from my house so if he can't I can still get there."

Mr. Hale smiled, pleased. "Make sure you have time for your friends too. It's summer, and you're a kid. You gotta have some fun."

Stiles' smile widened and he shrugged. "Yeah but you have an inground pool. That's more fun than going to the bowling alley with Jackson and Lydia."

Mr. Hale chuckled at the face Stiles made. 

"Bring your suit when you come by then," Mr. Hale said. "You can be the first to test it out this summer."

Stiles nodded excitedly, stomach flipping in excitement. Mr. Hale was the absolute coolest teacher in Beacon Hills. He waved bye and headed to the front of the school. His bike was still at the rack and he climbed into it, peddling towards the station, where his dad was working a shift. 

That summer, after Stiles' first day mowing Mr. Hale's yard, the teacher opened up the pool. Stiles' swim trunks were a little small on him. He has grown a bit since last summer. Mr. Hale didn't mind though. 

The first thing the adult did when Stiles came outside from changing was to lift him off his feet, pressing his chest to Stiles' back, arms winding low on his hips before tossing him into the pool. The water was cold compared to the nearly eighty-five degree day and Stiles came up gasping, Mr. Hale smirking down at him. He was wearing a pair of dark trunks as well, with a matching t-shirt and a pair of sunglasses. 

Stiles pulled himself out of the pool, not noticing Mr. Hale eyeing every inch of him he exposed from the water. 

[nightcall99]

Dreams from 29.3.24

Dream 1 (this dream is tmi, sorry in advance) SM and I were sharing a bed. I think at first, his bed was pushed up against mine but then we ended up on the same bed. There were a few other people, maybe two, also sleeping beside us. They didn't seem to notice or care what we were doing. We were under the covers and we couldn't keep away from each other. First, we were just touching hands. It felt nice and it's like we couldn't stop. And then we got closer and he was holding me. I just let him do whatever he wanted, he touched my breasts and all over my body. At the same time, it wasn't him. It was my ex (writing this now I am confused about the energy of this person). Then I leaned toward him as it was time to do my part. I reached into his pants and touched down there. It just felt like the next thing to do. It's how it usually was with my ex, just mechanical. Like do this, and then this now. After we held each other naked. AM came in and knew what'd just happened. She said it usually happens like this when two people are in close proximity and are of similar intelligence/personality, they usually can't help but be attracted to each other (I met both my ex and SM in the same way, at work). I didn't say anything. I liked it, but I didn't like it. The same feeling that used to happen after I had sex with my ex. Like, regret, but not, since I consented. I got up afterwards and I keep thinking that I didn’t have feelings for him. Like very clearly. I had tried it out and I was shocked with how I didn’t have any feelings for him. I felt nothing. Nothing toward him.

Then I went to work. I was still wearing the same clothes as the day before. There is this sense that I had just left SM/MP's house in Pascoe Vale (I think my subconscious pulled this suburb out because it's where MP's ex-girlfriend lives). As I walked into work, I had my bra in my hands. I felt a bit self-conscious that I was wearing the same outfit but I don't think anybody cared. I didn't like that I didn't have my bra on, I needed to rectify that situation right away. I was hoping that SM would be there, but I couldn't see him. Everyone else was. I went upstairs (irl, work has no second level) to find a private space to put my bra back on. But there were a few other girls already up here, who were getting changed. Were they getting dressed for a party? That particular detail is barely a tinge of a memory. I don't know. These girls, Grace and Jessi were students who used to work here but left last year. I feel like I'm upstairs on the topmost floor, I keeping walking deeper, revealing more rooms. Now I have walked into what I realise is my manager's bedroom. I didn't realise that someone lived up here, let alone it being MN. His room is messy and characteristic of him but it's whatever. The girls were able to find spots to get changed in and there's no room left for me so I'll have to wait. I don't think it'll be long.

Then I was standing in front of our house with my dad and I realised something. Something really weird about my dad, and MP and SM. As I was having the dream, it wasn't weird, but right now from the NPC perspective, I'm not even going to write it down. I can't even.

The other random scene from this dream is that at the end, I had the sense that I'd been asleep in bed with random birds. Like pet birds. Chickens, pigeons and the like. In the morning when I woke up, my mum placed them all in a wheelbarrow to take outside so they could do their business. Each bird stood in the barrow, obediently.

Dream 2 AL got home early from her overseas trip. I didn't even end up having to check in on her birds. She already got back home, after only a week. Today.

Dream 3 On the street where I work, there are two other pharmacies. In this dream, there is another pharmacy on the street that isn't there irl. It's basically only a room. I went inside. I couldn't see any medicines on the shelves, it was basically only weird furniture and appliances. The place reminded me of a long-forgotten and sparsely-frequented pawn shop. There was a girl who worked there, around my age. I think I was there because I wanted to get my medication at a cheaper price and this place does special deals for pharmacists (even though I would have already gotten it very cheap at work). She said, You're here for your rosuvastatin right? I said, Yeah. I didn't feel like I deserved whatever the special deal was, even though I was specifically here for it. She had the cordless card machine out and she was going to give me the full discount but I kept saying, Oh don't worry about it. Whatever she was going to charge me, was based off me She was completely taking her cue of what to do next off of me. I said, Give me a little off but not the usual amount. She kept laughing, unsure of what to do. I ended up paying $5-8 for a few tablets of Palexia. I kept trying to make her feel better saying, Oh it's heaps cheaper here than at work (it isn't).

[the-letter-horror-lover]

It's Not Fair

Nagisa4ever

Summary:

He wanted a reaction out of me and he got it, only he was never around to see it. In the confines of my bland room, I'd cry to myself and only mutter three words. "It's not fair." AU.

Notes:

Most of the story will be in Ciel's point of view. Also, I don't own Kuroshitsuji.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

PROLOGUE

It's not fair.

Alois had it all. Everything I wanted and everything I couldn't have.

He had Sebastian's love and affection even if I had known and loved him first.

He had Lizzy's friendship, even though she promised to be my friend and to never leave me.

And he had Claude's protection, even i he had, so long ago, promised to protect me.

Alois had taken everything from me and it wasn't fair.

Was it okay because he had lost his parents at a young age, that it was okay for him to take what isn't rightfully his.

I had lost mine before I was born. My father, Vincent, was an alcoholic monster and my Mother, Rachel hated me because I wasn't the "Perfect little girl" she wanted. To top it all off, they started to abuse me when they found out I preferred men over women.

I didn't bother trying to make new friends, he'd take them away too.

One of the worst parts about this is, he'd flaunt what he had taken in front of me everyday at school because we had almost every class and lunch together.

He did it on purpose.

He knew what he was doing.

He only did it because I had it first.

He wanted a reaction out of me and he got one, only he was never around to see it.

In the confines of my bland room on my broken mattress, I'd cry to myself and would only mutter three words.

"It's not fair."

CHAPTER 1: CLAUDE

I zipped up my black and red hoodie Claude had given me three years ago, today, December 14th, my birthday. I grabbed my book bag and walked down the stairs, passing Vincent, who was passed out on the couch. I smelt something delicious coming from the kitchen and went to see what it was. Rachel looked at me and motioned for me to sit down. I put my bag by the front door and walked into the kitchen and sat at the table that was in the middle of said kitchen. Rachel sat a plate full of pancakes in front of me and handed me a butter knife, a fork and the syrup.

There had to be something up. She was acting way too nice. I cut a piece of the pancake and put syrup on it before sticking it in my mouth. As soon as I started to chew, a sharp pain circulated around my mouth. I spit out the pancakes and was disgusted when I saw tiny shards of glass in it. I looked up at Rachel and saw her smiling at me, as if she had accomplished the best thing in the world. I pushed everything on the floor and ran out the door, leaving it open but not forgetting my bag.

I put my hood on and spit on the ground, ignoring the amount of blood that came out and the metallic taste still remaining in my mouth. Instead of harping on something I knew I would never be able to change, I continued on to school. As I neared the second Hell known as my school, "Black Mountain High", I looked across the street and saw Claude. Instead of thinking about what'd I say when I reached him, I ran across the street. I saw him him look at me but he continued walking. I adjusted my eye-patch and followed after him, soon coming to his side.

"H-hi Claude." I said with a slight stutter. "Ciel." He acknowledged but didn't look at me. I coughed into my sleeve and pulled at the hem of my jacket. "I was wondering if we could hang out after school today?" I suggested. Claude stopped and looked at me. "You know I hang out with Alois everyday after school to make sure he doesn't get hurt." He said and I flared my nostrils in anger. "But what about me? What happened to you protecting me?" I yelled. Claude was a little taken aback by my outburst but stood his ground. "That was a long time ago, and even if you needed protection, I'm sure Alois needs it more." He said calmly and walked away.

I wiped away my eyes to get rid of the tears that were about to leak from them. I continued to follow Claude to school, but at a much slower rate. Alois needed more protection than me, eh? I wonder if he remembers its my birthday. Vincent and Rachel didn't, but I didn't expect any less from them.

0o0

The late bell had already rung, but I was taking my time to get to class. I wasn't too keen on facing Claude, let alone Sebastian, Lizzy and Alois. When I reached the door, I took my hood off of my head and walked into class. My teacher, Mr. Tanaka, looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Nice for you to join us, Phantomhive. If you will, take a seat. We were just going over the assignment I'm sure you didn't do." He said. I scoffed at him. "You mean that poem? Even I have enough sense to write one of those for class. You doubt me, Tanaka." Mr. Tanaka frowned at the improper use of his name.

"Then would you care to read it in front of the class?" He asked. I shrugged my shoulders. "Whatever." I took out my folder from my book bag and got out my poem. I was a little apprehensive about reading it, after all, it was about me and my father...no, Vincent. As I said, he was a monster, but in a different way than Rachel.

"I hear the floor creek

Closer and closer toward my bedroom door

I try to stay quiet hiding under the covers

Though I know he will find me

I hope he doesn't hear my heartbeat

Or hear me praying God will protect me tonight

But as I do I start to cry because I know

TONIGHT'S ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS

WHEN GOD JUST DOESN'T HEAR ME

I let out one more sob

And the door swings open

The hallway light shines in

But darkness radiates off him

So strong

He has a smile on his face

Nothing will stop him

I cant even defend myself

He gets on top of me holding me down

As I try to turn away

He pulls me back covering my mouth

I am too scared to breathe

A few weeks pass by

I hear him moaning my name

While stumbling around the house

Closer and closer he is walking toward me

Now he is on my bed

And before he even touches me

I begin to cry as I wonder

Where is God tonight?

This time I fight back

I yell

I cry

But he has ways to shut me up.

I do everything I can to loosen his grip

He's hurting me so bad but will not let me go

NO

He will not let me go

Not until he is finished

He leaves me lying there

To think of what I have lost

"I'm sorry" is not enough

He doesn't even realize what it has cost

Another few weeks pass by

The shame keeps getting worse

Too afraid to tell

Though its so hard to hide this pain

Day after day

I must have been bad that night

I hear him coming closer as I'm lying on the floor

Lord I would do anything

If you would keep him from walking through that door

But he does

I finally realize I am all alone

No one to protect me

No one who can save me...

So I lie back down to take it

But he throws me on the bed

And makes me relive my worst fears

When I just want to be dead

I don't want to kill myself

I just want to die

God, why have you abandoned me?

Can you not see the tears I cry?

I will hurt myself later

After you have hurt me

This blood that stains the sheets

Tangled up on my bed

Reminds me of the words

The images you have put inside my head

I can still feel you touching me, grabbing me

Forcing my body closer to yours

The feeling of your cold fingers all over me

I constantly try to wash away

From my scarred skin

Since that first night

I live my life in fear

You are the reason I love too easily

Why I cannot love at all.

Because I trusted you

I can no longer trust

The pain I hold inside

You will never know

They will never understand

That my scars don't even begin to show..."

I stopped reading and looked at everyone's shocked faces, especially those who I used to cherish at friends, even Tanaka. I felt bad that I enjoyed their looks. Alois, however, looked as though he didn't give a fuck, and I suppose he didn't.

I gave my paper to Tanaka and went to my seat. The class went on, but I made sure to ignore the worried glances that were threw at me. Somewhere along the class, I coughed loudly and Tanaka sent me a disapproving glance. I stuck my tongue out at him and looked out the window after looking at my hand and clutching it shut.

My hand was covered in blood, but the wounds from the glass had long since closed.

Chapter 2: Lizzy

Chapter Text

When class was over, Alois had immediately grabbed Sebastian's and Claude's hands and dragged them out the room. Lizzy always stayed behind after class so they didn't bother asking if she was going. I was putting the last of my things away when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Lizzy standing there, an awkward yet worried look on her face.

"Yes, what is it, Lizzy?" I asked.

"Well, for one, I hope you didn't just wear that thin jacket out the house. It's freezing out there." She said in a mother-like tone, at least the one's I heard on the T.V. because Rachel had never used that voice with me. then again, I couldn't really call her my mother. I looked at Lizzy and nodded as I zipped up my book bag.

"You could get sick like that!" She said.

I didn't even own a coat but she didn't have to know that. Her attitude suddenly went from just worry to worry and seriousness."That poem you read...was that about you and your father?" I tensed at the question slightly, then let out a nervous chuckle.

"Of course not. I finished reading a book about stuff like that and decided to write my poem about it." I said.

Lizzy let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, that's good. Well, Alois probably needs me. Talk to you later." She said.

Before she could leave, I caught her wrist. She looked at me in confusion. I quickly pulled my hand back. "Yes, Ciel?" She asked me.

"Um, do you mind hanging out with me today? I've been needing a friend." I said. She looked at me with a sympathetic smile.

"You know I would, we are friends after all, but Alois needs a friend more than you do. You have friends, Alois doesn't. But I really have to go. Bye, Ciel." She said and walked away before I could reply.

It saddened me how she accepted my excuse so easily.

0o0

(I sort of stole the next part from one of the bring it on movies. It was needed)

As I said before, I didn't make friends because of Alois, so I opted for acquaintances instead. Now, at times like this when you're own parents and two of your old closest friends have forgotten your birthday, acquaintances are there to remember your birthday and help fuck shit up..as well as get you in trouble.

That's why I wasn't surprised when lunch rolled around and they had a cupcake to give me, which I ate I 2.5 seconds.

"Happy birthday, Ciel!" They said.

They included, this weird kid that acted like a dog named Pluto, some senior named Drocel, who sometimes freaked me out when he looked at me, this strong boy named Finny that was a complete slu-moving on... This girl named MeyRin who was hot without her stupidly large glasses and last but certainly not least, Snake. Somehow he passed all of his classes but no one was sure how because he also skipped all of his classes.

"You know, you guys are the only one's who have remembered it's my birthday?" I said. Meyrin snorted. "I'm not surprised. Especially about your parents." She said. That reminded of what Rachel did. "Oh my gawd! You would never believe what Rachel did to me this morning. She put shards of glass in these pancakes and gave them to me, then watched as I ate them. My mouth was bleeding for like an hour after that." They gasped. "That's messed up." Finny said as he flicked away the end of a cigarette bud. "Let's go play Shibuya on the lunch tables." He said.

We were all for it.

0o0

When we walked in the cafeteria everyone was staring at us. We never entered the lunch room so they knew something was up. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alois and the other three staring at us. I waved at them. "Everyone at these three tables, get up!" Drocell yelled. Everyone moved and he and Finny pushed the tables together. We all got on the table and started the beat for Shibuya before we all said the chorus.

"Shibuya! Shi-shi-shibuya role call!"

Drocell was first.

"My name is Drocell!" He said.

"Yeah?" We yelled back.

"They call me Droci!" He continued.

"Yeah?" We yelled.

"And when I wind it," At this, he did a little seductive turn.

"Yeah?" We repeated.

"I catch em' watching!" He said and I heard a few in the crowd laugh.

"Shibuya! Shi-shi-shibuya role call!"

Here came Finny.

"My name is Finnian."

"Yeah?"

"They call me Finny."

"Yeah?"

"And when I pop it," Finny popped his butt.

"Yeah?"

"I get them digits!" I had to laugh at that.

"Shibuya! Shi-shi-shibuya role call!"

This is where you insert Pluto.

"My name is Pluto."

"Yeah?"

"They call me Plu-Plu."

"Yeah?"

"And when I walk thru," He did a modest yet lewd pose.

"They go, Wooooooooooooo!" He did a cry to the moon sound.

That was so like him.

"Shibuya! Shi-shi-shibuya role call!"

MeyRin was so happy it was her turn.

"My name is MeyRin."

"Yeah?"

"They call me Mey."

"Yeah?"

"And when you see me," She bent over and you could almost see her panties with how short her skirt was.

"Yeah?" We yelled.

"They go crazy!" I giggled at that.

"Shibuya! Shi-shi-shibuya role call!"

I was outright surprised Snake went. I almost died on the spot when I realized he was speaking for himself and not his pet snake.

"My name is Snake."

"Yeah?"

"They call me...Snake."I heard a whole lot of people laugh.

"Yeah?"

"And when the night comes," He started and sent the crowd a smile that made some dudes gay.

"Yeah?"

"I'll have you screaming."He said and some girls fainted.

"Shibuya! Shi-shi-shibuya role call!"

Finally it was my turn.

"My name is Ciel."

"Yeah?"

"They call me sexy."I said with a wink.

"Yeah?"

"And once you taste it," At this, I slid into the splits and shook my butt a little.

"Yeah?" They yelled.

I jumped onto the floor.

"You always want more!" I yelled in turn.

"Oh~ he think he bad." They replied.

"Well, I am!" I said.

"We're gonna' need you all for the next part!" Pluto yelled out into the crowd.

"Shibuya! Shi-shi-shibuya role call!" We all said.

"Our name is "Dark Moon"" Us on the table yelled, saying the name of our gang.

We are sooooo getting in trouble.

"Yeah?" The cafeteria yelled.

"They call us D.M."

"Yeah?"

"And when we," We stopped and did this 12 second step.

"Yeah?" They yelled.

"You all love us!" We yelled and quickly jumped down from the table and ran out the back of the cafeteria, just as security ran in. Pluto and Drocell got caught so Finny and Snake had to get the guards off of them and we ran to the park that was located about three blocks from the school. We hid in the tunnel as the guards ran past. We started to laugh once we knew that they were gone.

You see, the good thing about acquaintances is, they never asked questions. Never did they prod too deep. They were there for you when you asked and when you didn't, they wouldn't be because they knew that alone time was needed, unlike friends.

So, it was fine for me to just have them.

Alois couldn't take them from me.

But it still wasn't fair that he had taken the things I would have been happier with.

Chapter 3: Sebastion

Chapter Text

"Why you leaving, Buddy?" Finny asked me as I started to walk away. The other's had left to go fuck with people and Finny and I had decided to wait behind and smoke weed.

"I gotta' go to Ms. Sigler's class. If I don't turn in my science fair board and do that presentation, I'm going to fail. I'm not going to get into Yale with bad or average grades." said. Finny nodded.

"Come to my house at ten. We got a few runs to make." He said.

"Fa' sho'" I replied before hurrying to the school

0o0

I pulled my board out of my locker and grabbed my folder before shoving my book bag in my locker and slamming it shut. I ran to my science class so that I wouldn't be late and slowed down when I got there. I walked into the class with an, "I don't give a fuck about anything" attitude. On the inside I was screaming with fear. Sebastian and I shared this class without the others. My assigned seat... was also next to Sebastian.

I sat my board by the door and went and sat next to Sebastian. I looked up at him in slight embarrassment. "Um...S-Sebastian?" I called out to him. He looked at me. "Yeah?" He asked. "Um, can I come over to your house after school?" I asked. Sebastian thought for a bit. "Well, I have a date with Alois tonight," Sebastian started and I looked down in sadness. "But, you can come over around six. It's your birthday, right? I'll cook you something to celebrate it." He said.

I could have jumped in joy but I settled with smiling warmly at him and muttering a, 'Thank you.' Not only had he agreed to let me come over his house for dinner, he was the only one from time's passed to really remember and care about my birthday. Before our conversation could further, Ms. Sigler walked in and called my name. She made me go first in everything. I sighed and stood up, taking my report out of my folder and going to the front. I sat my board on her desk and opened it up.

It had pictures of clay heads, brains and at the top it read, "Memory" I coughed slightly and began.

"The human brain has many different sections, files, nerves, folders, etc. The section of the brain that is most used is the left side of the brain. It is the part of the brain the that helps one perceive how to do things. Without its use, one could forget everything that has been learned and would most likely either be very slow when it came to learning or talking, or actually, knowing how to comprehend what people are saying at an average rate. This brings me to what my presentation is about. The left side of the brain is also the part of the brain that has the nerves that connect with the right, where the memories are stored and sorted. So, without the left side of the brain, it should be impossible to identify what once happened. No matter how true that may sound, however, memories are stored commonly in the right side of the brain, that means there are other places it is stored also, meaning it is quite possible to locate memories without the help of the left side of the brain.

Memories can be easily triggered by an injury or a certain event. Perhaps someone dear to you was in a car accident. If you forget and you, yourself, get into an accident, you could remember easily. Perhaps you see a scar somewhere on your body and you touch it. From the touch, you may be able to recall what gave you the scar. You're eyes are second when it comes to what leads to memories. If you see something that may have happened before or is of great semblance, then it will trigger a memory. My hypothesis for this project was that if I do something with someone and then later do it again with minor changes, then it should trigger the memory of the person I am testing. My next door neighbor took the role of my lab rat because he has excessive amnesia. He calls himself, "Viscount of Druitt", because to him his name is distasteful, so I will not reveal his real name. We had went to his house and watched a video I had made with pictures of my favorite anime, "D Gray Man", with the back song being "Already Over", by RED.

A week later I went back over to his house with a different video. It had a number of the same pictures, but I also added pictures from another show named, "Hetalia." I changed the song to, "If today was your last day" by Nickelback. By then, he had completely forgotten about the first video. After watching the video, he turned to me with a confused glance. "Didn't we watch a similar video some time ago with some of these pictures?" He asked. That is when my hypothesis was proven correct. Through visual resemblance he was able to remember what had been forgotten. The memory of a human being can be accessed through anything, especially through visual or physical surveillance and touch." I said and bowed. Everyone clapped for me as I put up my board and went and sat back down in my seat. Sebastian smiled at me.

"That was great, Ciel. You're really smart." He said. I smiled shyly.

"Thanks." I said back.

I know I would hurt later because I would remember that what was happening was not fair. Alois still had everything that didn't belong to him.

Chapter 4: Alois

Notes:

I added Saika and Suko simply because I needed two more characters. So yes, they are not in the anime.

Chapter Text

I put away my folder and took out my book bag before closing my locker with a sigh. Before I could leave, I heard Alois' disgusting voice.

"Sebastian! Hey." I heard him say. I turned and around and saw them talking. Alois looked over and saw me and smirked, before he turned to Sebastian and pulled him down into a fierce kiss. I walked away with a sorrowful expression and a steady breaking heart.

0o0

I was currently walking home from the store when my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller I.D. and paled when I saw who it was.

"He-hello?" I said hesitantly into the phone. I heard a chuckle.

"What'd you think of the kiss, Ciel? I saw you watching. Sebastian's mouth is delicious. Don't you agree? Oh, wait. You never got that far before I took him from you. But, don't be sad, okay?" Alois asked. Before I could answer, I could distinctly hear Sebastian call Alois' name.

"Oh, looks like my babe is calling. With lots of hate, by Ciel!" Alois hung up the phone.

I gripped my phone and quickly slipped it into my bag. I couldn't let myself come undone because of one measly phone call. I took out the white chocolate Hershey bar out of my bag and began to eat it. I moaned at the sensation of its sweetness, slowly covering my mouth and sliding down my moist throat. I heard giggling and looked to my side and saw some girls from my school and realized they had heard me. I blushed as they walked over to me.

"Hey, Ciel. How are you?" The girl in the front asked. Everyone wondered what her real name was because she only told us that she now went by Freckles. Unlike everyone else, I never asked her after the first time and she told me she would tell me when she was okay with it. Also, I lied about not making friends. I had made two more that I was determined not to let Alois take. Freckles and Beast. Beast I hadn't seen in weeks, which reminded me that I should visit her.

"I've been good." I told her. She smirked.

"I suppose you have, moaning and what-not." She said as my face flushed a darker shade of red and the three girls that were with her giggled once more. Their names were Saika and Suko who were twins with platinum blond hair, and this girl named RanMao who was a total slut for the Drama director, Lau. I was surprised she wasn't with him right now.

"Freckles, hush up!" I said. She smiled at me. Saika and Suko connected their hands with mine as we started to walk toward their house.

"We loved your performance at lunch. Alois said you were just groping for attention, but we knew better, we know you were just having fun." They said in sync with each other and I could see how their green eyes twinkled with excitement. I decided to question them about their excitement.

"What are you two so excited about?" I asked. They giggled and didn't answer me. When we got to the house, I knew the answer.

Saika and Suko had decorated the house for my birthday while surprisingly, Freckles an RanMao had made the cake and ice-cream, HOMEMADE, cake and ice-cream. After singing Happy Birthday and digging in, it seemed that one last gift was prepared for me. Saika and Suko had knitted me a sweater and RanMao had gotten me...well, let's not go into detail on that. Freckles had yet to reveal her's.

"Okay everyone, time for the finale and also, Ciel's gift!" Suko said before we all sat on the couch and waited as Freckles put on a video she created with no sound and started a story I had long since forgotten. On the screen were picture's she had taken when Sebastian and I were what we used to be. We were dressed up, he a butler and I a royal. She recited the story my parents had told me, on that rare night so long ago, when my Father was not drunk and my Mother sane. I would call them that when it pertained to this story. They were worthy of the title that night.

A picture of Sebastian and I on two different sides of a mirror was the first picture to show up on the video.

(Normal POV)

"There once was a child who brought joy to the world, but his father's connections shattered that perfect little boy. He watched helplessly as his home was burned, along with his family. Those who burnt his world to a crisp, decided to take things further and soil what would soon be known as a child mourner. They tainted what should have stayed pure and awoke the Hell the boy possessed. He entered into a contract with a demon, no less. He'd avenge what was never supposed to happen and his soul would be left for the demon to caress." As she said this, various pictures of Ciel by himself were shown. One was of Ciel huddled in a corner with nothing but a blanket on, fear etched on his face as shadows covered him.

The screen went back to the picture with Ciel, Sebastian and the mirror.

"The demon he had summoned? Now he had a backstory. He was the one who spread what we like to call, "The Black Plague." He was the one who watched and did nothing as what the little boy would later witness, the burning of Britain. The demon had listened to Ciel's calling and would gladly take his soul when the contract came to an end. Until then, he'd stay his faithful butler and follow his every wish until the end." As she said this, pictures of Sebastian flashed by as well. One picture that caught Ciel's eye that he never noticed before, was one of a darkened hallway, the only light being a candle that he was holding and while his hand rested on his chest in mock-politeness, his mouth was curled into a smirk and his eyes were alight with mischief and hunger.

The screen yet again went to the first picture.

"This is the story of Ciel Phantomhive the first, the lost ancestor of our Ciel, and Sebastian Michaelis, the demon who forgot who he once was." She said. The picture changed to one of Ciel in a throne, Sebastian to his left side and under them was a pile of bodies.

"Ciel liked to think of his life as a game. He would be the King of course, Sebastian his faithful knight and everyone else would be pawns to use in his game. If he had to sacrifice them all, he would. He didn't care for them and wouldn't even if he could." The picture changed to a chess board. Ciel had knocked over a horse piece and the rest of the spaces were filled with friends and people they didn't even know. "Yes, it was simply a game, but eventually, there would come a day when life would drastically change."

The picture then went to a picture of a bloodied and wounded Sebastian holding a seemingly sleeping Ciel who had but a small scratch coming down and over his uncovered eye, reaching all the down his cheek. "In the end, they had gotten his revenge, but it came at the price of a soulless Earl," The picture changed to Ciel with what resembled an all black cape with red eyes and black hair. "And a forever damned, Demon Butler." Then it went to a picture with Sebastian bowing deeply to Ciel with the words, "Yes, my Lord." on the screen.

"No one heard of them, ever again. Some said they died, some said they eloped, many believed that maybe they could have just imagined a heartless kid and a butler that could do anything." The screen had changed to a picture of Ciel sitting on his bed while Sebastian held his shoe that he had already placed on his foot, both sharing an intense gaze with the lense. Then the picture morphed into a modern piece, Ciel sitting on a teacher's desk with Sebastian still holding their gaze with the lense. Their clothes had also returned to modern time.

(Ciel POV)

"But what those of us here today think, is that they have wandered all this time and have finally found their new home with us, non-remembering of their past. Happy Birthday, Ciel." She said and came and held me as tears spilled from my eyes.

Maybe I was this soulless Master she spoke of, or maybe even the reincarnation, but there was one thing that I knew for sure about us. We both thought of life as a game.

One move could change everything and that may have been the only thing that was fair.

Chapter 5: Vincent

Chapter Text

I walked into my house, making sure to be quiet. Rachel wasn't home, seeing as she would be working until 12:00 am tomorrow morning, but I knew Vincent was home and I definitely didn't want him to know. I passed the couch to get upstairs, avoiding all parts that would creak with ease, seeing as I had set up a routine of this, and walked into my room, closing the door behind me and locking it.

I sat my bag by the door and looked at the time. It was 4:45pm, so that meant I had an hour and fifteen minutes until I had to be at Sebastian's. I kicked off my shoes, put away my jacket, slipped off my socks and took off my belt, becoming so much more comfortable. I was in the process of taking off my shirt when I heard one of the stairs creak. I pulled my shirt back down and froze. "Ciel~ where are you?" I heard Vincent's soft voice. Before I could relax, I remembered my clothes and book bag were on the floor.

I ran out of the closet and quickly picked up my stuff. I was heading for my book bag when Vincent started to try and break down my door. I was afraid he'd manage to open the door as soon as I grabbed it but I knew I had to or he'd know I was home from school. With the speed I didn't know I had, I grabbed my bag and ran into the closet. Just as I closed my closet's door, Vincent slammed into my room. I heard his feet moving around the room, searching for me. I slowly sat down and backed into the corner of my closet and held my breath.

Suddenly, his feet started to come towards the closet and I started to shake in fear, refusing to let out a breath. But then they stopped. "I guess he isn't home yet.." He said and I could hear him moving towards the door. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and stopped shaking. I just stayed there a moment. Right when I was about to get up and walk out of my closet, Vincent's face appeared. "Found you." He said and grabbed me by the ankle and dragged me out of the closet.

I tried to get out of his grip, but everything I did was futile. He tossed me on the bed like I didn't even weigh a bag of potatoes, and I probably didn't. I never ate at home and the cafeteria food was disgusting. What happened this morning with Rachel was the reason I didn't eat at home. Instead of slipping my shirt off, he ripped it in two and threw it to the ground, my pants and underwear following. My throat started to constrict and it was getting a little hard for me to breath. Tears sprang from my eyes like a waterfall and my naked body trembled, already knowing what was to come. Vincent stared down at the mess he created and smiled like the sick individual he is.

"Oh, you're so beautiful, Ciel. I wish you looked like this all the time." He said as he rid himself of his clothing. I trembled more when he started to advance on me.

I couldn't have gotten him off even if I tried.

All I could do was lay there and take it.

0o0

I stepped out of the shower and hurried to put on the clothes I had set out. Everything hurt. It hurt to move, to bend, to do anything. I walked/limped into my room and slipped on my jacket and shoes. Vincent stood in the doorway, watching me. "Dagger's here. We were about to go drinking. You need a ride?" He asked. Dagger was Vincent's best friend from his high school days and was also a well-known drug lord and got the nickname from his obsession with knives. He owned every knife ever made and had an infinite supply of knives on his body. Where? No one ever knew. No matter how much I wanted to say no because Vincent would be there, I knew I wouldn't have been able to get to Sebastian's in my condition. I nodded and followed him down the stairs. I was almost at the bottom when I tripped and fell. Before I hit the ground, someone caught me and brought me into their arms, bridal style. I looked up and saw Dagger smiling at me. I rolled my eyes. He had the biggest crush on me.

Instead of telling him to put me down like how I usually do, I let him carry me to the car because it hurt to walk. It wasn't funny at all when he sat me on his lap in the driver's seat and he and Vincent had the nerve to laugh about my anger when we pulled off. I pouted cutely and sat back and cuddled into the warmth of his body. "Take me to Sebastian's. I was supposed to be there at six. It's six-fifteen now. I'm late so hurry up." I mumbled into his shirt and hummed in appreciation when he wrapped an arm around my waist. It made me warmer and for some reason I was really cold.

About ten minutes later, I heard Vincent scoff and I cracked my eye open enough for him to not see that it was open. "Is he asleep?" He whispered. Dagger checked my breathing patterns and nodded. Idiots. Vincent sighed. "I don't know why he doesn't turn me in for the shit I do. Sometimes I wish he would." Vincent said as he lit a cigarette and rolled down the window, making sure the smoke went out because of my asthma. "I should really quit drinking. I hate doing this to Ciel. When Rachel does those crazy things to him, I'm either passed out or too drunk to do anything. And then when he needs me most, I'm there, but not in the way he wants me to be. I'm supposed to be his father...I..." Vincent flicked the cigarette out of the window and put his head in his hands. "I don't know what to do." He said.

I unconsciously squeezed Dagger and he wrapped his arm around me tighter. I could tell he knew I was awake now but he decided to ignore it. I had no idea Vincent thought about me and what went on in that house like that. "Maybe you should talk to him about it. Get a job. That should help you stay away from liquor. Buy a new house because yours is falling apart and if Rachel doesn't stop what she's doing, try to get full custody. Just make sure she or anybody else doesn't find out about the abuse." He said.

Vincent sat back in his seat. "I get what you're saying and I like it but even if I get a job, I'll just blow the money away." he said. "Let Ciel hold it. He's trustworthy. So, are you okay with it?" He asked. Vincent nodded his head a little. "Yeah...yeah, I guess I can do this." He said.

"Well then, first order of business is, after we drop off Ciel, we are going job hunting, not drinking." He said and Vincent groaned. "Yeah, okay." He said. I smiled slightly and let sleep come.

0o0

"C...up."

Huh?

"Ciel...k...p."

Dagger?

"Ciel, wake up!"

I shot up and looked around. We were in front of Sebastian's house. "Oh." i said. I looked over at Vincent and saw that he was asleep, much like I was. Dagger helped me out the car but before I could thank him, he leaned down and kissed me. I was too shocked to do anything. "Bye Ciel." He said and got in his car before driving away. I turned and started to walk up the driveway to Sebastian's house, hoping he hadn't seen the kiss because he was standing in the doorway.

As soon as I got to the door, he helped me into the house and gently sat me on his couch. "Are you okay? Why are you limping?" He asked. I nodded and made up a quick but believable lie, seeing as he never caught them.

"I just tripped earlier. No big deal." Sebastian stared at me a minute before going into the kitchen. He popped his head back out a moment later.

"What drink do you want with dinner? I have water, pepsi, lemonade, and orange juice." He said.

"Pepsi, please." I answered and he went back into the kitchen.

Not a minute later I saw his head again. "Um...Ciel?" He called.

"Yeah, Sebastian?" I asked as I stared at him. He blushed a little.

"That dude that kissed you...is that you're boyfriend?" He asked. He saw the kiss.

"No, I don't even know why he kissed me." I said and was a little confused when I heard him let out what sounded like a sigh of what seemed like relief.

"Oh, okay. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Also, Ciel?" He called my name again.

"Yeah?" Sebastian smirked.

"That performance at lunch was awesome. I didn't know you could dance or stretch like that. You'll have to give me a show after we eat." He said and left me to blush in embarrassment.

It was so not fair that he could get me all hot and bothered like that.

Chapter 6: Finny

Summary:

A lil crackish. I had fun with this chapter.

Chapter Text

"Hahaha! And then, Claude fell out the tree and the cat that was chasing him started to bite and scratch him. It was hilarious." Sebastian said and I couldn't help but laugh along with him. Over dinner, we had talked and he continued to embarrass me about the dance, before we got on this topic. Sebastian stopped laughing and got up and went over to his cd player. I tilted my head in slight confusion.

"What are you doing?" I asked. He turned to the second song on the CD and pulled out a chair and sat on it.

"Weren't you supposed to give me a dance?" He asked. I flushed.

"I didn't think you were serious..." I mumbled. He smirked and stood, then pulled me over to him. He sat down and as soon as he did, the music started. 'Neighbors Know my Name' by Trey Songz blared from the connected speakers. I swallowed my pride and built up my courage and started to dance. I started it by slowly turning around in a circle, making sure he saw every creese and curve I worked so hard to get and then stopped when I was once again looking at him.

I then ran my hands up and down my body, sometimes landing just above my waist line and other times touching what I so desperately wanted him to feel. I looked up into his narrowed crimson eyes and walked closer to him, boldly turned and sat on his lap, which I then grinded into. When I felt his hands coming closer to me from his sides, I almost laughed aloud.

I smirked and stood quickly, smacking his hand.

"No touching." I spoke with lidded eyes. Sebastian glared at me and I giggled before walking to the back of the chair, making sure I swung my hips because I knew he was watching, and laid my hands on his shoulders from behind. I slid my hands from his shoulders down to his chest where I took the opportunity to feel his pecks. Moving slightly closer to him, I position my lips right next to his ear.

"Do you like when I..." I paused and licked his earlobe.

"Do this?" I finished and I heard him give a small moan.

"How about..." I started and then went and stood in front of him.

I picked up my knee and pushed it against his groin as I ran my fingers through his hair. He gave a loud grunt. "Do you like this?" I finished and stood back and again I ran my hands up and down my body, only this time, I made sure to pull my shirt up every so often so he could see skin and before I knew it, his hands had joined mine.

I quickly pulled back from him and went to the door where I started to put on my shoes and jacket. Sebastian followed, panicked. "Ciel? Where are you going? Did I do something wrong? I am so so-".

I cut his rant short and sent him a glare. "You love Alois, right? Why the fuck are you touching me? You don't love me! I have to go anyway." I yelled at him and without further talk, I ran out of his home. I had to say that, because it was the truth. Besides, he needed to be teased and hurt, much as I am. Everyone in this world are selfish bastards after all. Including me.

0o0

I walked up Finny's house steps and walked in like I owned the place. Finny was sitting on the couch, getting all the weapons and drugs we would need for our job. I really didn't see the need for Finny to have weapons. He could break a man in half if he wanted but he always had them just in case. The "Jobs" Finny and I so graciously took, had only three things that were required of us. Sell the drugs given to us from our Boss, do whatever he said when it pertained to the game, and kill whoever got in our way.

Whenever I thought about our jobs, it always got me thinking about how Finny used to be. He was so carefree. Never did he think of ever cursing, doing drugs...killing. He was the picture definition of adolescent innocence. Then, I came into his life a year ago when Boss had told me to get rid of his family. I had first observed them and grew a soft spot for him, so I spared him. I took him under my wing and showed him the way of a person who had to survive on their own. Finny soon respected me more than anyone else and I was okay with it.

I walked over to Finny and flopped down on the couch next to him. "So, what jobs do we have today?" I asked. He zipped up his bag and started to tie up his black combat boots. "We sell what Boss gave us today and get rid of anyone that are in our territory. The usual." He finished and looked over at me and noticed a bruise I had successfully hidden from Sebastian, on my shoulder.

Finny frowned at me. He was the only one besides Dagger that knew about the abuse from Vincent. I had ran to him, knowing he was the only who would keep my secret. "I don't get how you can do all this stuff out here and be all strong but can't even fight Vincent back." He mumbled. I smile sadly and thought about what happened in the car earlier. I sat up and pulled him into a hug. "It's alright. It'll be over soon. Let's go." I said and he nodded. We left soon after.

0o0 Hospital 0o0

"You are so stupid! Look at you. You got shot in the arm." I grumbled at Finny. Finny just laughed and waved me off.

"It's all good. I was just helping out. Go home, we have school tomorrow. Oh, I sent you something for your birthday by the way." He said. I glared at him.

"I said no presents." I said and he just laughed again. I sighed and decided he was right. I went home after asking the doctor for the third time if Finny would be okay, to which he replied the affirmative.

Finny had jumped in front of a bullet that was coming straight for my forhead. He really didn't have to save me. I think I would have been gl-

It's a good thing he did that.

0o0

I walked into the house and immediately saw a present wrapped in a box on the couch. I went over to it and tore it open. Inside was a dark blue coat. I pulled out a card that read, "I know how much you like blue so I got you a coat the same color. Besides, its too cold outside to just be wearing that thin jacket!" I chuckled and laid on the couch, the coat acting as my cover. Leave it up to Finny to be this worried.

I soon fell asleep but not before wondering what my reappearance in Sebastian's life had caused.

0o0

I paced around my darkened room with panic written all over my face. How could I have touched, Ciel? I go out with Alois, but the way he touched himself and touched me...his creamy skin, so soft under the tou- NO! I can't think like this...shit!

I have an erection.

Chapter 7: Alois 2

Chapter Text

I awoke with a start. Sweat fell from my wet locks and I looked around my living room in fright. I had the dream again. No...nightmare. Everyone had turned their back on me. EVERYONE. I sat up and walked into the kitchen and turned on the light. The clock on the wall told me it was 4:30am. I sighed, knowing I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep. I went to the refrigerator and pulled out some milk and got a box of trix off of the refrigerator to make me a bowl of cereal.

I proceeded in making me three bowls of cereal in a row and demolishing them. I put the milk and trix away before washing my things and putting them in the dish drain. I went back into the living room and put my coat in the closet before proceeding upstairs to my bedroom. Without so much as a glance to the bed I had yet to actually clean, I undressed and went and got into the shower after I had turned it on and set it to the right temperature.

I couldn't help but relax when the water hit me. All too soon, the water went cold and I had to, begrudgingly, get out. I walked back into my room and put on the outfit I had forgotten I laid out yesterday. It was a long-sleeved, dark blue, turtleneck. A pair of black jeans and black and blue jordans. I didn't always dress up, but when I did, I was sexy. I looked at my bed for a moment before getting a wash cloth and thoroughly cleaning it off.

I finished about 30 minutes later and threw the wash cloth in the trash bin I had next to my bathroom door. Before I could put my regular bed cover on it, my phone started to ring. I went over to it, which was next to my door on the floor and answered it. How it got on the floor, I don't know. I didn't check the I.D. but wish I had when I heard Alois' disgusting voice from the other side of the line.

"I know you went over Sebastian's. There's no way you're going to get him back. He loves me now. And before you try to call Sebastian and tell him to never tell me when you visit, don't even try. He didn't even tell me so it doesn't matter. Just know that I know." He said and I sighed before asking him a question that made the both of us stop to think for a moment.

"What happened to you, Alois?" Alois let out a huff of air and answered my question after a moment of thought.

"I turned into the true Alois Trancy." Then the line went dead and I laid my phone on my bed before going to my closet and opening it up.

I took out a black suitcase and turned on my light before sitting back down in my closet and opening it up. It was full of pictures. It started with pictures of me, alone. Then as I started to take the pictures out, one by one, it felt as if time was reversing. Pictures of Elizabeth, Claude, Sebastian and I turned into pictures of Claude, Sebastian and I. Then those pictures turned into pictures of Sebastian and I, then Sebastian Alois and I. Those pictures transformed into pictures of Alois and I and that is where it stayed.

Contrary to popular belief, Alois and I had been friends since, possibly, before birth. Alois' mother and Rachel had been quite close and pushed Alois and I to become friends. As we grew older, we met Sebastian at the age of five, but that was also around the time Alois' parents had been killed in a car accident. He started to drift away from us and eventually moved to Germany with distant relatives.

In that period of time that he was gone, Sebastian and I met Elizabeth and Claude. Then, three years ago when Alois and I were thirteen, he came back, living alone. The first thing I tried to do was become friends with him again, but he shut me out. Soon enough, he started to take them away from me, the friends that were special to me, next to him. Yet somehow to me he was still ALOIS, because it didn't matter how much he hated me and took my belongings, he would always be the Alois that I thought of as my older brother by one month.

I put away the suitcase and pictures, then turned off my light before putting my cover on my bed, heading downstairs, putting on my jacket and blue coat, then promptly leaving the house. I walked down the empty streets, not afraid of the dark or anything that came with it. Soon, I was at the park and I went and sat on a swing. It held many memories. There was only one bench, right in front of the jungle gym.

("Hey, Alois! I got us some ice-cream!" I yelled to four in a half year old Alois who sat on the bench waiting for me. I sat next to him and handed him his favorite. Chocolate covered vanilla ice-cream in a waffle cone, while I ate plain chocolate ice-cream in a cup. He smiled and immediately began to eat it.

"Thanks, Ciel!" He said and I nodded my head in approval of his pleasure.)

The jungle gym in itself.

("Ahhh! Ow! It hurts, make it stop Ciel." Alois cried and sobbed after he fell off the jungle gym and hit his head on the ground. I ran over to him and kissed his head, causing him to smile.

"It feels better now, Ciel. Thank you." Alois said and I ruffled his head.

"No problem, big bro!")

The slides.

("Ha! I won! Told you I could get down faster than you." Alois rubbed his victory in my face. Now, both five and energetic, we competed all the time. I pouted and hit him over the head.

"Let's do it again. You just had a head start.")

The tunnel.

("Aw~ It's raining. Now we have to miss dinner." Alois whined as we sat in the tunnel, waiting for it to stop raining. I pulled out a cookie and gaze it to him.

"Here, eat this." Alois smiled and hugged me before breaking it in half and giving me a piece.

"Let's share!")

And most important of all, the swings.

("Alois? What's wrong?" I asked as I sat down next to Alois who had been crying. He looked at me, unseeing for a moment, then when he realized I was there, he jumped off the swing and hugged my waist, crying all the while.

"They're dead, Ciel! Mom...Dad...they're gone!" He continued to cry and I held him back and let him cry. I couldn't really relate to his suffering for I had never lost a parent. That had to be because I never had any.)

I sighed and looked up into the dark sky. I was startled from my tranquil state by the sound of my phone. Taking it out of my pocket, I looked and saw that it was Dagger. I answered on the third ring. "Hello?" I called into the phone and Dagger's voice came thru the other line.

"Hey, Ciel. I know it's late but do you want to come over?" He asked and I agreed a second later, although it was odd he had called me a such an early hour.

"You need a ride?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm at the park by my school." I said.

"Why are you out so early?" I chuckled.

"Just come pick me up." I said and hung up the phone. He pulled up thirty minutes later.

0o0

I sat down on Dagger's huge king mattress and loved the way his red silk covers felt on my body. I marveled at the many knifes that littered his walls and the knife cases that were by his door, closet and window. I laid back as he came in with chocolate ice-cream in a bowl for me and Blue Moon Cookie Dough for him.

"I got your favorite." He said and I smiled as I started to eat it.

When we were both finished he sat the ice-cream bowls on his night stand. He looked at me and noticed how sleepy I was. "Maybe you should go to sleep. You do have school tomorrow and its late." He said and I shook my head no. He laughed and pulled me by my arms and made me stand. He got one of his button up white shirts that went a little past my knees.

"Change. Call me when you're finished." He said and walked out of the room.

I quickly changed my clothes and before I could call Dagger, I noticed a folder that was hanging from under the mattress. I walked over to it and pulled it out to read it. The first sentences that caught my attention was "Fool those who trust you. Lie to those who respect you." I looked down and saw a picture of a blue mouse. Under it, it read "Conquer". I couldn't help but think it looked familiar.

I put the file back in the place I found it when Dagger knocked on the door. "You ready?" He asked thru the door.

"Yeah. Come in." I said and he walked into the room having changed his clothes himself. He now only wore a pair of black pyjama pants. We got into the bed and I felt a little weird being dressed like this, next to someone who liked me so much. He clapped his hands and the lights cut off, then he pulled me into his chest and held me. I couldn't just push him off. That would be rude, so I just dealt with it and went to sleep.

0o0

I awoke again when I heard the sound of thunder. I slipped out of the bed, as to not disturb Dagger and walked out of his room, down his house steps, and out the front door. Rain soaked me and I stood there. "Fool those that trust you. Lie to those who respect you. What does it mean?" I asked myself and continued to stand there. I didn't notice the eyes that were locked onto me from Dagger's bedroom window.

It wasn't fair that everything in my life was fucked up and those who I thought I knew were actually very demented.

Chapter 8: The Boss

Chapter Text

I looked at Dagger and raised my eyebrow at what he was wearing. He had on an all black Armani suit. The only thing that wasn't black was a little red rose that was in his left breast pocket. "Going somewhere important?" I asked and he smirked and nodded. I looked down at my watch, which was stuck on the time 4:30am for some reason. Lucky, I knew the real time, which was 6:30am and I had exactly one hour to get to school without being late.

Having the same clothes on I had changed into earlier, I went and sat on his kitchen table. Dagger followed and sat on the chair beside the table. He laid his head on my thigh and I tried to keep my uneasiness to myself. "Your Dad didn't find a job yesterday, but there were a few places that said they may be able to overlook some of his previous arrest records of OVI and domestic violence because they were desperately needing help. It also was better because he hadn't had any charges in the last eight months." He said and I smiled.

He was truly trying to change. My smile faltered a bit. That still doesn't take back what he has done. I slid off the table, away from Dagger's now wandering hands and go over to the door and start putting on my shoes and coat. "Come, take me home peasant." I say jokingly, but I will never forget the way his eyes narrowed that day.

"Of course. Let's go then, shall we?" He asks and I nod, albeit a little unnerved by his gaze.

0o0

I got out of Dagger's car and waved him off. I turned to my "home" and grimaced to myself when I saw Rachel's car in the driveway. I walked into the house and ignored Rachel, who sat on the couch in the living room and had said hello when I walked in. I ran up to my room, grabbed my bag, and was about to go back down the stairs when I saw Rachel and Vincent's bedroom door open. Rachel never left it open so Vincent had to be in there.

I walked over to the door and peaked inside. Vincent was sitting at his work desk, one that I had thought shouldn't be where he was (since he's a lazy bum), and it looked as though he was working on resumes. I walked into the room and over to him. "Hey. Found a job yet?" I asked and he looked at me before taking off the glasses I had just noticed were on his face, and he patted me on the shoulder.

"Getting there. Dagger told you I was looking for a job?" He asked and I shrugged.

"Something like that." I answered and he laughed.

I looked up at the clock on his wall and sighed. It was 7 o'clock and I had to be at school by 7:20. I reached down and gave Vincent a hug, which surprised him and left before he could say anything about it. Rachel smiled at me as I left and I couldn't help but think it was a little different than the smiles she usually gave me. As I walked to school, I thought about the hug I gave Vincent. Why did I do that? Maybe I just did it to show how much I appreciated what he was doing. Or maybe I did it to see if that was the real Vincent. To see if it was an Illusion or not.

Before my thoughts could go any further, I stopped as pain wracked through my body for all of but a second and I coughed uncontrollably into my hand. When I finally stopped, I looked at my hand and gasped. I took out some tissue I had in my pocket and wiped my hand off before throwing it to the ground and proceeding to the school. The bloody tissue was carried away by the wind.

0o0

"Well, I only have one assignment for you all today. You will have twenty minutes to finish it and after that, you will read it allowed. I want you all to write one page on any subject you so choose. It could be a narrative description or a short story. Whatever you so choose. Except for you, Phantomhive. You will do three pages for cussing so loudly when you entered the room." Mr. Tanaka said and I sighed.

Alois had pushed me into the wall when I was trying to come into the room and I had cursed aloud from the pain. I sighed and got to work, as did the rest of the class, but a few snickered at my punishment.

0o0

"And last, and certainly least, Ciel Phantomhive." Mr. Tanaka said and I glowered at him as I went and stood in front of his desk.

"Thanks for the suckish intro, Tanaka." I said and heard him scuff. I took a deep breath and began reading.

"There is an alternate universe where everything is what it shouldn't be and everything that shouldn't be is. There is no day but neither is there night. There is only the time where day meets night and night meets day. In this alternate universe, there is a young man who had been sent there because of the crimes he had committed. He was forced to relive his life, forever, in an eternal loop. He one day wrote a letter, to an address he remembered but not who would receive it. In it, he told whoever receives it to add their own story. He wrote what he felt everyday. He titled it, "Part 1: Abyss." The letter began with the definition of Abyss.

"A very deep and large hole; seemingly bottomless space.

If an Abyss is bottomless, when you think you have reached the bottom, you have again came to the beginning.

I turn around, there you are. And suddenly, you're not. Turn to the left, no one. Right...everyone, and then again, no one. Where am I? I do not know. I did know at first, but I have forgotten. How could that be? I hear you and try to find you, but I can't. My time has been spent and now it is time to say hello...but do I mean that? I can't decide. I would say I'm confused, but that would be a lie wouldn't it? I know too much to know anything at all. Does that even make sense? Probably not, but does it even matter really You won't listen to me either way. The only thing left of you is a shadow, locked in solitude. I hear crying, could it be you? I go back to the place I came from and realize I hadn't heard anything at all. It's lonely, being all alone all the time, but I guess I deserve it. I was such a selfish person. I take back all the things I said and did. Will you forgive me? You won't because I know you, even if you deny it. I turn around, there you are. And suddenly, you're not."

He reread the letter and threw it in the mailbox.

0o0

As time moved on in the original universe of which the criminal was exiled from, a man aged by time, sat in a room filled with white to try and stop the insanity that always tries to slip past his defenses. He receives a letter from a friend his schizophrenic mind thinks monster's stole away. He writes his story that is titled, "Part 2: Delusion" He, too, started his letter with a definition. More precisely, the definition of Delusion.

"A false belief or opinion.

Eventually, you will forget what you have already seen and will view it again.

I see you across from me. You're wearing your favorite yellow hat. Behind me, I see you yet again. I see myself, then no one at all. You are pushing me on the swing. I stop, you're gone. The swing set disappears. I hear a drum. The sound is gone. I see the sun, it turns black. I see a white light. I run towards it. Its no longer there. What time is it? The clock that appears before me has something wrong with it. The hands won't stop spinning. The moon rises and morphs into you. You float down and we dance in the dark. You leave and a masked man takes your place. I'm stabbed. It hurts. There's blood and- wait. There is no pain. No blood. No masked man. There's nothing. I see you across from me."

After finishing his part, he wrote the same message as the criminal, telling whoever receives it to write their own story. He put the letter in the mail and knew it would be sent to the woman who barely remembered him, or the criminal she shared her sentiments with.

0o0

A woman who no longer remembered where she had been twenty minutes earlier, sat on a bench in the park, reading a letter from a friend she often thought about and often forgot about. Having excessive amnesia, she knew she would have to write her story now so she wouldn't forget. She named her story, "Part 3: Forgotten" She took the idea of the two before her and wrote the definition of the word that came after whatever part they had.

"A past participle of forget which is to be unable to remember something.

When you forget what has already happened, you find yourself forgetting where you've already been.

I remember everything I touch. Everything I feel. Everything I see, smell, create, and imagine. I remember the days that have passed, the dreams I've dreamt. The faces of those who I have passed and those who have left me. I remember when I fell, running as fast as I could, trying to reach the train I knew would be leaving soon. I didn't want to be alone, so I chased after the train and fell before I could reach it. I was left alone. I remember the last time I went on a walk. I met a man that was alone, just as I was. Together, we weren't alone anymore. Together, we forgot our troubled past. Together, we made what was an unorthodox love. I decide to only remember what is now. Hm...where was I? Ah, I was here. I remember everything I touch. Everything I feel. Everything I see, smell, create, and imagine."

When she finished writing, she put the letter in the nearest mailbox, sending it to the original sender, the lover she wrote of, the criminal. She soon sat back on the bench she had started on, already forgetting what she had did, not five minutes earlier.

0o0

The criminal in the alternate universe read the story's of his lost friends with a melancholy smile on his face. He tucked away the letter some time later in a box under his bed ,after taking out a pen and titling it, "The Remnants Of What Was Then"." I finished reading and gave Tanaka my paper. He looked speechless, as did a few of the students and I couldn't help the smug smile that found its place on my face.

Only when I left out the class did I notice that Alois had somehow disappeared.

0o0

When I got to the roof for lunch, Finny pulled me to the side before the others could see me and gave me his phone. "It's the boss." He said and walked back to the others. I put the phone to my ear and waited for him to speak.

"You know you have to say something for me to know you're there." He said and I couldn't help but think the same thing I did every time I heard his voice. It sounded so familiar, yet so unfamiliar. I sighed.

"But you always know when I'm on the phone so I see no reason to. What do you want?" I asked.

I heard his deep chuckle through the phone and it took him awhile to stop laughing. "You are always so hostile, Ciel, but back to business. When you and Finny go out tonight, you two will be meeting with a big client of mine. You will be in charge of doing the talking and Finny will protect all merchandise with his life. He will ask you to deliver something for him and after that, you are to go back to his home with whatever has been given to you and my client will give you something that you and Finny will then bring to me. Am I understood?" He asked and I quickly said yes.

"Good. Until tonight." He says and hangs up, as do I. I walk over to Finny and hand him his phone. So, we'd be meeting the boss tonight. I wonder if he'll show us his face this time, probably not.

"Want a hug, little one?" I heard a familiar voice ask but before I could say no, arms were wrapped around me from behind me and I felt as though I might faint from embarrassment. Snake was holding me tight in his arms and wouldn't let go.

I blushed and tried to get out of his vice grip, to no avail. "Let go!" I whined/yelled and I heard him chuckle and hold me closer. I didn't notice at first but I started to hyperventilate and panic. Images of Vincent and the horrible things he did to me flashed through my eyes and I started to scream, tears falling from my eyes. I could feel Snake let go of me but I couldn't stop screaming. I couldn't stop the pain I felt.

How had I not known how much it affected me? Was I really this pathetic? I had just hugged him this morning and felt nothing. When Dagger had held me in the car when taking me to Sebastian's, I had felt nothing. Or maybe, it could be because Snake had held me without me actually really wanting him to. Without being able to escape his grip. It had to be that. I was afraid of being trapped.

The last thought that surfaced from my brain before I blacked out, was that it really wasn't fair that I couldn't change into a person that would be much better than this.

Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Hurry and Remember

Chapter Text

There is nothing. Only blackness, then my own body materializes, as well as two other forms. I look at them both, shocked. On the left, there is the Sebastian I have grown to love. The Sebastian Alois had stolen from me. On the right, there is the Sebastian from those photos. The demon I had supposedly sold my soul to. My love walked over to me and I took a step back. “Love me, Ciel. Stay here, with me. Where you belong.” He said.

Before I could answer, my Demon appeared in front of me, blocking the other Sebastian from getting closer to me. “You would do good to stop while you're in the beginning. He does not belong here.” He paused and looked at me with an amused expression. “Right, little blue mouse? You need to remember soon.” He said and I looked at the other Sebastian when I heard his laugh.

“What about you, demon? He won’t live without you if he remembers. But, he will if he comes to me, right, Ciel?” He asked and my Demon pushed me back as My love came closer. “He’s already started to affect you I see.” I heard him say and was confused when my Love froze and looked at me in anger before turning his gaze onto my Demon. He smirked before saying lowly, “As long as he hates, he shall never remember, nor shall you.” He says and before I can actually say something this time, everything goes black again. I open my eyes and see Alois.

I look at him blankly before sitting up. For once, he is not glaring at me and spitting out insults. He was just sitting in a chair next to me, analyzing me, with an unreadable expression. “Ciel...” He said suddenly, which caught me off guard. I looked at him in confusion. “Why...why do you not hate me?” He asked and I paused before answering him. “Everyone deserves a second chance, yes? Or...in your case...” I stopped and looked at him straight in the face. “A third chance.” I finished and couldn’t understand why I had, but it had affected Alois in a way I had thought impossible.

He froze, his eyes wide open, but then he suddenly sent me a glare, stood and ran out of what I had now realized was the nurses office. I stood and looked at the clock. It seemed I had twenty more minutes before school ended so I picked up my things I saw next to the door and left without further thought.

0o0

I walked into my house and heard Rachel’s voice, along with another. I entered the living room and saw Rachel talking with a white haired purple eyed male. Rachel smiled and beckoned me over to her. I was reluctant to do so, but I obliged and went and sat next to her. “This is my son, Ciel.” She said and the white haired male leaned from his spot on the love seat and held his hand out for me to shake. I shook it but when I was about to pull away, he squeezed it and wouldn’t let it go. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Rachel, Ciel. I’m here with a proposition.” He said and finally let go of my hand.

“What kind of proposition?” I found myself asking.

0o0

I ran into Finny’s house, panting. “Sorry I’m late!” I yelled as I saw Finny was already ready. He looked at me in annoyance. “Took you long enough, let’s go.” He said and I nodded as I followed him out to his car.

“Hurry up and remember.”

I stopped. What was that? “You coming Ciel?” I heard Finny ask and shook my head to rid myself of such crazy voices in my head. “Yeah, I’m coming.”

It’s not fair that I didn’t know what that voice had meant by that. I wish I had known.

Notes:

Well, Please tell me what you think! Also, the poem did not belong to me, but don't think I can't make a good poem, I was being lazy.

[xxmaddyxx]

POV SEIJOH X CHUBBY FEM! MANAGER! READER cuz it sounds super cute

contents: basically first day as manager, some swearing masterlist

they were so excited to hear that they were getting another manager

cuz Lord knows that poor Kiyosce needed some help

especially with Mad dog and Oikawa on one team (even tho Iwa helped some)

you met them for the first time at one of their practices a couple days from a training camp they were going to

you ran a bit late (oops) and when you entered the gym everyone was already warming up and serving

you also happened to walk in right when Oikawa did his oh so famous jump serve

and it was as powerful as Kiyosce described it

God i would not want to receive that

you walked up to the bench and placed your backpack down which contained your homework for the day

you already caught Kindaichi's eye who was whispering something to Watari

"Hey! Come to the bench guys!" Kiyosce yelled and the boys started to gather the balls into the cart

you had already received your manager shirt and you were standing beside Kiyosce fiddling with the zipper

after the team huddled around, he spoke up

"As you can see, we have a new addition to the Seijoh Volleyball club." he motioned toward you "This is y/n l/n, and she'll be managing you children with me."

"Children? You both are our age, maybe younger." said Matsukawa

"Still, you act like 5 year olds."

"No, that's all Shittykawa." Iwaizumi gave Oikawa a side glance

"Iwa-chan, that's no way to introduce me!" he said, sipping his water

"Anyway, be nice to her." Kiyosce rolled his eyes. "Go keep serving for a few more minutes."

"Okay!"

Half of the team scattered and Matsukawa approached you first.

"Hi, I'm Matsukawa. I'm one of the winged spikers."

"Oh, hi. I used to play volleyball, and that was one of my favorite positions!" You said enthusiastically

"Really? Well, let's see what you got." He grabbed a ball and you nervously walked to the spiking position

it had been a minute since you last properly spiked a ball, on a court, over a net

"I'm just gonna toss it to you because I can't really set."

you nodded and got ready

you didn't even realize most of them stopped serving to watch what you were gonna do

he tossed the ball, and as soon as it left his fingertips, you began your footwork

soon enough, you felt yourself leave the ground and hitting a pretty good spike down the center of the court

when you landed, everyone just kinda looked at you

you stood there thinking, they probably thought that was nothing compared to Iwaizumi or Matsukawa... or Mad dog

then you heard clapping

you looked to see Oikawa smiling and clapping and others soon joined

"That was really good!"

"How'd you do that?"

"Have you played before?"

you started to blush and thanked everyone for being so nice

you made your way back to the bench where Kiyosce prepared a clipboard for you

practice went on as normal and everyone gathered at the end and then were dismissed

Iwaizumi and Oikawa came up to you outside the gym

"Yoohoo~ Y/n!" Oikawa called and you turned around to look at him

"That was pretty impressive, your skills aren't bad." He was half smirking and Iwa rolled his eyes behind him

"Stop trying to flatter and ask her the damn question."

"Ugh! Iwa-chan, I was trying to warm up to the question."

"What'd you need?"

you were ready for him to ask you for your friend's number or to set him up with your friend

that's usually what happened when cute guys came up to you

"Can I have-"

here it comes

"your number?"

wut... your number?

"Oh, uh yeah sure." He handed you his phone with a new contact screen already open

your hands were shaking as you typed in the digits and a blush rose to your cheeks

it's not like you haven't seen his fangirls before

as annoying as they may be, some of them were really pretty

and you felt like you couldn't compete with them, so you didn't even approach Oikawa

you finished with his phone and handed it back to him

"Thanks y/n~" he smiled at you "See you-"

"God, you're making me want to gag, you can flirt later. I'm starving and you're buying me dinner so come on. Bye y/n." He smiled and waved

"Bye Iwaizumi and Oikawa." You waved and walked to your car

"Don't worry Iwa, I'll send you her number. I know you're too scared to-"

"Shut up."