#besides. one less thing for me to carry here. probably for the best

[two-calicos-in-a-trenchcoat]

That leaf looks like its screaming

Same, leaf, same.

[seonghwaddict]

blue bird — choi san, jung wooyoung

in which one of the most dangerous men in the city approaches you with an offer, but how would you have known it would turn into something more?

mafia boss!choi san x fem!reader x mafia boss!jung wooyoung. genre. fluff, smut, mafia au. warnings. explicit sexual content minors dni, unprotected sex, dom!san, dom!wooyoung, sub!reader, slight corruption, p in v, oral (f and m receiving), multiple orgasms, threesome, fingering, reverse cowgirl position, pussy drunk wooyoung??, subspace??, cum swallowing, san is a little mean, wooyoung likes to tease, lots of teasing, hair pulling, slight degradation, dirty talk like a lot of it, brief begging, praise, overuse of the word pretty, pet names (doll, princess, baby, pretty girl, good girl, baby doll, pretty little slut). i think that’s it but if i missed anything please let me know. wc. 6.9k.

lilo’s notes. hiii happy new year everyone!! this is dedicated to @garlichoisan, surprise! i was your secret santa :3 i’m sorry but i completely forgot to write angst and couldn’t find a way to squeeze it in, please forgive me 😭😭 i think i got a little carried away with the smut, it’s probably not my best since i’m not very experienced in writing it but i hope you like it and this as a whole!!

　　　　　　　　　masterlist

choi san wanted you in a rather unexpected way.

not in a friendly way or a sexual way, but actually in a professional way. ever since he’d heard of what you, the so called “blue bird,” were up to, he knew you’d be a valuable asset. shortly after he heard about you, he was quick to tell wooyoung about what he had learned from idling in a bar he’d never been to.

it was an early morning. so early that the sun hadn’t risen yet, but that didn’t bother san. he preferred quieter, intimate spaces rather than the bustling clubs of grey city. as he sipped on his whiskey, the two men beside him got to talking. neither of them were very memorable, if anything they looked too similar; not intimidating in any way. still, he made a mental note of the guns attached to their hips. it was nothing very interesting, small talk from what he could tell. well, at least until they mentioned an odd name.

“did you hear what she did?”

“who?” one of them, the one with comically thick glasses, said as he blew out some cigarette smoke.

“well… ya know…” his voice lowered to a whisper, though in his drunken state it was less of a discreet whisper and more of a loud hiss, “the blue bird.”

he gave a sound of recognition. “wonderful heist, wasn’t it?”

“indeed,” he laughed, a deep chortle, “she was here tellin’ ricky all about it yesterday. flawless, flew in and out like a ghost.” he sighed blissfully, as if he had been there to watch you work.

now this. this is what caught infamous mafia boss choi san’s attention.

“more like a bird!” the bespectacled man nudge his friend with his elbow, a high pitched giggle leaving him. “get it? because she’s called bl-”

the friend held his hand up with a deadpan expression. “yes, i get it.”

the two men talked about you some more (“pretty thing she is, isn’t she?” “mhm, heard she’s actually quite sweet too. odd thing to hear about an outlaw.”), but san tuned them out again. with an important upcoming mission, he needed someone capable of doing exactly what these two men had described. he needed someone like you. preferably, you.

going off of what he had heard, he frequented that bar, hoping you’d happen to be there at the same time. he sat at the same seat at the same counter every night and always ordered the same thing. he noticed that after the first two nights he was there, no one really sat next to him. presumably because they recognised him and opted to avoid him instead of doing anything.

not that he cared, this part of town was known to be filled with people of the rebellious type; people like him who despised the government and would stop at nothing to take it down. if anything, they most likely respected him and his business. but alas, that doesn’t matter much in this particular story, does it?

wooyoung even offered to take turns visiting the bar, curious to see this mysterious person as well. but two weeks passed and no sign of you. most of the people there were the same every time he went, he was sure he would’ve noticed a new face at some point.

fortunately, his efforts became successful.

as usual, no one sat directly beside him, leaving one or two barstools between him and whatever other patron sat at the counter. or so he thought. the usual bartender passed him and came to a stop. confused and thinking the bartender stopped for him despite already sipping on his drink, san tilted his head. but it soon became evident that he wasn’t there for him, but rather for the pretty woman he didn’t notice sitting beside him.

“the usual?” the bartender asked, a crooked smile spreading on his face as he looked at you, his hands busy drying a glass.

san heard a brief chuckle beside him, prompting him to take a proper look at you. the first thing he noticed were your lips. plump and red, smooth lipstick. then the slope of your neck and shoulders, exposed by the thin straps of your silky black dress, jacket hanging by your elbows. the soft yellow-tinted lighting bounced off your rich skin and perfect hair in an almost hypnotising way. there was something enchanting about your aura, your posture, you.

he forced himself to look away, not wanting to make you uncomfortable.

“yes, thank you.” you replied, nodding at the bartender as he turned to prepare your drink.

“one hot chocolate for our blue bird coming right up!”

blue bird.

this time san couldn’t stop himself from looking. so it was you.

the men from the other day weren’t lying when they called you a pretty little thing. you wore a silky black dress and a black fur jacket to protect you from the cold wind of the night. as his eyes roamed over you they got caught on your plump thighs. briefly, he wondered if they felt as soft as they looked but soon enough something else caught his attention. as you shifted in your seat, he caught a glimpse of the inside of your jacket, a quick glint reflecting from inside told him you were indeed carrying a weapon. he made sure to keep that in the back of his mind.

a man such as himself, wide shouldered and intimidating, was hard to ignore. if you didn’t notice him staring from the corner of your eyes, you were sure the heat of his stare would’ve burned a hole through your skin. needless to say, he had caught your attention as well, except you seemed to be better at hiding it.

once the momentary shock subsided, he smiled. the fact that such a dangerous person would regularly order hot chocolates from a bar was amusing to him.

noticing the change in expression, you glance at him. what the hell? seeing a man grinning at you was unsettling. a man with such broad shoulders who could probably easily overpower you. his face looked familiar, you realised, but couldn’t quite attach a name to it quite yet.

unsure of what to do and what this man may want from you, you turned away and engaged in a conversation with the bartender as he prepared your drink, all the while ignoring the man at your side. as soon as you finished your drink, you placed some cash on the counter and got up, swiftly walking out of the bar.

while your goal was to get away, you didn’t take the fact that he might follow you into account.

“don’t go yet, little outlaw, i’d like to talk to you about something.”

his voice was rather calm and even, but still left minimal room for discussion. you rolled your eyes before turning around with a completely different expression—eyes wide and innocent, lashes fluttering, eyebrows raised.

“you must be mistaken, sir, i have no idea what you’re talking about.”

he chuckled and took some steps forward and that’s when you recognised him. shit. he slowly walked over to you, speaking to you in that same calm voice with a sprinkle of cockiness somewhere in it. “playing dumb? really? for someone as smart as yourself i’d expect you to know that the 1 billion won bounty on your head doesn’t hide you.”

you sighed at his words, taking steps back to maintain the distance. there was no use continuing the innocent act, snapping at him, “what do you want?”

“do you know who i am?”

“of course i do, the whole city does. do you think i live under a rock?” you scoffed a laugh.

he dismissed your sarcasm, being used to having to deal with such cheeky mouths. “i have an offer.” when you didn’t reply, he continued. “help me and my… business partner with a heist.”

that was not what you expected.

“hmm… no, thanks.” you smiled up at him but nearly faltered as your back hit the wall of an alley you had unknowingly backed yourself into. you cursed yourself silently as he stood right in front of you, so close you had to look up to maintain eye contact.

“i wasn’t asking, darling.” he looked down at you, expression nearly sneering as he held an air of superiority about him. “you either agree or you’ll wake up behind bars tomorrow morning.”

“you can’t arrest me or turn me in, they’ll forget all about me since you’re the more wanted one out of the two of us.” you spoke matter-of-factly, a cocky tilt to the corner of your lips.

“i never said i would be the one to turn you in, little outlaw.”

“you know,” you hummed and moved your arms. his first assumption was that you were reaching for the dagger he glimpsed inside your jacket earlier, instinctively catching your wrists in his grasp as your words died in your throat and your breath hitched. he shifted his grip to place both of your wrists in one hand, holding them up above your head as his free hand nudged your jacket open, revealing the dagger.

he clicked his tongue patronisingly and fished it out delicately. his eyes shifted to yours, eyebrows raising in a silent question as he tossed the weapon over his shoulder. the metal blade clinked and echoed in the barren alleyway. he kept your wrists in his hold but lowered your arms, holding them at the height of your hips.

he leaned forward, speaking into your ear lowly as you suppressed a shudder. “you may continue.”

you glared at him and had the sudden urge to punch the shit eating grin off his face. “what’s in it for me?”

“um…” his face went blank and he leaned back to look at you, clearly not a single thought processing behind those cat-like eyes. “is there anything you want in particular?”

“protection.” you said simply, tilting your head.

“oh,” he nodded slowly, his brows furrowing in confusion but he kept his eyes on you. “but can’t you find that in any store?”

he felt a hit against his shin as you kicked him lightly. “ew not that. i meant… well, doing what i do, there’s a lot of people after me. you have the means to have some of your guys make sure i don’t run into any trouble.”

san nodded understandingly, loosening his grip on your wrists but not letting go. not that you minded. “that’s perfectly possible, yes.”

you exhaled, relieved. warm air fanning against his neck as you did so. “okay, then, i’m in. so what is it you need me to do?”

this time he released your wrists completely and took a step back, reaching into an inner pocket of his tailored suit and pulled out a little card with one hand as the other brought your hand up.

he brushed his hand over your closed fist, opening your fingers up to reveal your palm, placing the card in your palm before gently nudging your fingers to close over it. in a swift move, he turned your hand around and bowed forward, pressing a slow and soft kiss to your knuckles—eyes locked on yours as you stared back at him in bewilderment.

he lifted his lips, smirking at you as he straightened up, hands moving to the bottom of his blazer and tugging, stretching the wrinkles away. “i expect to see you tomorrow at dusk, little blue bird.”

with a wink, he turned on his heels and walked away. you watched him, listening to the echoing footsteps as he left the alley and disappeared around a corner, leaving you slumped against the cold brick wall with burning cheeks.

you weren’t sure what you expected when you arrived at the address on the card choi san gave you. perhaps an underground bunker that looked nothing like the breathtaking estate you stood in front of.

the building was tucked within a small forest far from the outskirts of night city. the architecture seemed foreign and classical, a building you’d roam through whilst listening to tchaikovsky or chopin—not a building you’d expect to scheme against the government in. though, you supposed in some aspects it fit the aesthetic san had going on. sipping whiskey in a fully tailored suit, the smell of cigarette smoke and mint heavy in the air around him.

you walked up to the grand double doors, taking a moment to admire the intricate carvings before ringing the bell. less than a minute later, the right door swung open to reveal a stranger.

he wore wide dark jeans and a black and white plaid shirt, the top few buttons undone to reveal his chiselled collarbones and practically half of his torso. his black hair was slicked back with a few strands framing his face with the dainty square glasses he wore, some hanging silver earrings on display. he was, completely objectively speaking, handsome.

his eyes roamed over you, taking in your appearance before smiling and crossing his arms, leaning his side against the door as he pushed his glasses up to rest on the top of his head. you noticed a mole on his face—a small dot just under his left eye. “so you’re the little outlaw san told me about, huh?”

“yes, and you are?” you knew who he was, of course, but pleasantries were pleasantries nonetheless.

“jung wooyoung, but you already knew that.”

you chuckled and put your arms up in surrender, “oh no, i’ve been caught.”

his laugh was rather high pitched as he ushered you in. “come in, it gets cold at night.”

he led you through the house, stopping by what he referred to as his office but really looked like a sitting room with soft lighting and a desk to grab some rolled up papers before continuing the walk. the interior was just as beautiful as the exterior; intricate paintings and marble floors. wooyoung smiled as he saw the awe-stricken look on your face.

he led you to another set of double doors, pushing both of them open and stepping through without looking back to make sure you were following. now this was an office.

your jaw nearly dropped as you walked into the room, spinning a full circle to gawk at the various bookshelves that lined the walls and high ceiling that looked like it came straight out of the sistine chapel. a large fireplace cast a warm, yet still dark, glow over the room, making it look that much more impressive. a graceful vintage couch with two matching armchair were placed in front of the fireplace, a glass coffee table nestled between the seats and the source of light and warmth.

the floor creaked with every step you took, being made of dark wooden planks instead of marble.

you flinched as you heard san’s familiar voice snapping you out of your stupor. “pick your jaw up, you might catch flies.”

at the sound of his voice, you whipped around and glared at him after quickly pulling yourself together. he was sat in a leather chair at his impressive desk, wooyoung sat (balanced) on the arm of the chair.

you walked over and stood across from them in front of the desk. “it’s a nice house, are you two the only ones that live here?”

wooyoung took the chance to answer. “sometimes. there’s six others that are part of our… syndicate, but they stay in other places, surrounding grey city.”

“enough of that.” san waved his hand dismissively and leaned forward. as he did so, your eyes were drawn to his chest. he wore a white button up, though it appeared to be a bit tight judging by the way the fabric around the buttons strained every time he moved. your lingering gaze didn’t go unnoticed, but neither of them brought it up. “woo, the plans, please.”

the plan was set to take place the months after you had met with them for the first time. this gave you three to prepare, to memorise the layout and every detail about the building you’ll be infiltrating. for this preparation, you frequented their estate often—nearly every day—and spent hours with them. two weeks in, they offered you one of their guest bedrooms to stay in.

at first wooyoung got on your nerves, but soon enough you grew accustomed to his antics—the clinginess, the teasing. eventually, you even found yourself liking it and seeking it out.

san was slightly more reserved at first, more serious. but soon he, too, let down his guard. encouraging words, affectionate touches.

the more time you spent with them, the more you found yourself relaxing, letting them handle you with care instead of pushing them away like you used to with so many people before them. and eventually you, dare you say, began liking them.

you couldn’t deny the way san’s sharp snd perceptive eyes made you want to squirm under his gaze as he watched you bend over his desk to point something out on the building’s floor plan. you couldn’t deny the way his gentle commands (“do this for me please.” “come here, princess.”) had butterflies roaring in your stomach.

and wooyoung. while san was indeed quite physically affectionate, it was nothing compared to wooyoung. lingering touches and smooth words. sometimes you’d be grabbing something in kitchen and he’d come by, pulling you aside by your hips to grab something. later that day you’d offered to cook something up for dinner, but he only tutted and lifted you by your waist to place you on the marble island counter (“i don’t trust you in my kitchen, baby. just sit there and look pretty for me, yeah?”). jung wooyoung was a flirt and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t like it.

two days before the heist, you walked into san’s office after waking up and not being able to find woo. in the time you’d spent with them, you had learned that san acquired the bigger and fancier office by winning a game of rock paper scissors.

as you opened the door, the cat-eyed man looked up from whatever he was working on, smiling as he watched you yawn and stretch on your way over to him. he gave you a once over; you wore an oversized shirt, the collar shifted and hanging over one shoulder, the end of the shirt ending halfway down your thighs.

“sleep well?” he asked, putting his pen down as you stopped in front of the desk. he’d woken up not too long before you, still in his sleepwear, hair tussled but somehow still perfect.

you nodded, your voice soft in your sleepy state, “where’s woo?”

“he went out to get stuff for dinner,” he chuckled as he heard the slight concern in your voice. he pushed his chair back slightly and patted his lap. “come sit here while i work, princess.”

you grinned and walked around the desk, claiming his lap as your seat. you leaned back against him, back pressed to his front. he kissed your exposed shoulder chastely and got back to work. you tried to look down at his papers to see what he was doing, but the way his unoccupied arm wrapped around your waist and shifted you slightly (in a way that accidentally made his thigh rub against certain areas) had your mind going blank, unable to focus on anything other than his touch.

though you couldn’t see it, san also had a hard time focusing. every time you moved, your ass brushed over his pelvis. it was clear he didn’t think it through when he told you to sit on him since now he was having a hard time holding himself back, a bulge growing in his sweatpants.

you shifted again, trying to find a position where none of his body parts rubbed against your core, and he sucked a sharp breath in. his hands practically flew to your hips to hold you still.

“princess, i need you to sit still or i might go crazy, okay?” he spoke softly into your ear, hot breaths brushing against your skin and making you shiver, a fact he noticed and made him smirk. maybe he was already going crazy, but just a little more wouldn’t hurt, right?

he kept his lips by your ear for a moment before moving down slightly, placing them just below your earlobe. it was your turn for your breath to hitch, tilting your head to give him more space. he nearly groaned at the subtle act of submission, burying his face into your skin and kissing his way down to the crook of your neck.

time seemed to slow as his hands tightened on your hips, he scraped his teeth along your neck before biting down gently, not enough to hurt but enough to elicit a breathy whine. when the sound left your lips, he froze.

when you noticed he wasn’t doing anything, you whined again and rolled your hips over his pelvis, dropping your head back on his shoulder. the action surprised yourself too. you’d had sex, of course, but it was never a necessity for you. even when the opportunity presented itself, you wouldn’t chase after it. yet here you were, wordlessly begging him to continue. what had these men done to you?

“is this okay?” he whispered.

you nodded immediately, turning your head to look at him. his breath nearly caught in his throat as he saw the look in your eyes, illuminated by the soft glow of the fireplace—a silent plea for him to have his way with you, release the tension that’s built up over the previous three months. without waiting a second longer, he attached his lips to your neck again, a certain roughness to the way he caressed your skin with his lips and his tongue and his teeth.

you melted against him and let your eyes fall shut when you felt his hands slip shirt off, tossing it on his desk, and then rest against your bare waist, fingertips brushing over the skin making a shiver run down your spine. a voice that wasn’t his had your eyes flying open, your body freezing for a moment before you realised who it was.

“you two just couldn’t wait for me?” wooyoung pouted, leaning against the desk in front of the chair you and san occupied. san chuckled against your neck while you stared at wooyoung, dumbfounded, unexpected excitement stirring in your abdomen.

he looked from your face, to san’s smirk, and then down at the way your hips tried finding the right angle to grind on san’s lap. a dark chuckle left wooyoung’ slips and he leaned forward, hands coming to rest on your knees.

“need help with that, doll?” he tilted his head, a mocking pout gracing his lips as he cooed at you, one hand coming up to caress your cheek for a moment as he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead.

your eyes practically twinkled as you looked up at him, pupils dilated as you nod helplessly. wooyoung smiled and patted your cheek affectionately, pecking your forehead again before sinking to his knees in between yours and san’s legs, kissing his way down your body. your eyes tracked him and his slow descent, breath held in anticipation.

“cute,” he giggled as he eyed your pink panties, slipping them off your legs and tossing them aside. he hooked your legs on either side of san’s, spreading them apart, looking up at you. “just relax, be a good girl and keep your legs like that for me, yeah?”

when you nodded, he kissed your inner thigh followed by a quiet groan as he noticed the arousal dripping from your cunt. “oh, doll, you’re so wet.”

“hm, is she?” san chimed in, one of of his hands leaving your waist to dip down and casually slide a finger through your folds; from bottom to top, applying more pressure the further he slid. you prepared yourself for his finger to get to your clit but, much to your dismay, he removed his hand just before he got there. you suppressed the urge to glare at him over your shoulder. simultaneously, wooyoung began leaving pecks all over your inner thighs.

san hummed and pressed another kiss just below your ear, whispering, his voice thick with lust, “all that and we barely even started. what a pathetic, needy mess, huh?”

the way he said it made it clear he expected an answer from you, but with how wooyoung ran a single finger through your folds, you couldn’t do much but shudder and nod. san clicked his tongue and snaked his hands further up from your waist just under your breasts, fingers brushing circles over your nipples. he waited patiently to give you more time to answer.

wooyoung’s tongue slipped out to lick a stripe from your hole to your clit and both your brain practically short-circuited. the combination of the feeling of his tongue and his wide, glossy eyes peering up at you from between your legs sending your mind reeling. he groaned as he tasted you, swearing in his head that he’d probably finish in his pants within five minutes. a sudden pinch of your nipples had you snapping out of your trance.

“say it, princess.”

“ah- i’m a mess.”

“and why are you a mess?”

you opened your mouth to answer but your own moan cut you off as wooyoung began circling your clit with his tongue. san’s lips backed away from your ear and he looked down at wooyoung, signalling for him to stop by holding up his flat palm. your chest heaved with heavy breaths as wooyoung reluctantly removed his tongue and leaned back just an inch, giving you a moment to recover.

“he won’t continue until you tell me why you’re a mess, baby.”

“because of you,” you whined, trying to press your hips closer to wooyoung’s face but to no avail as san moved his hands back down to hold you firmly by those hips he loved so much.

“good girl, that’s right,” he cooed into your ear, giving you a tender kiss. “you’re our pathetic needy mess, aren’t you?”

“your mess. i’m your mess.”

at the confirmation, san looked down at wooyoung and nodded. not even a second later wooyoung’s mouth was back on you. one of san’s hands stayed to control your hips and the other went back to massaging your breasts and tweaking your nipples.

wooyoung’s pace was relentless. he ate you out like a man starved, licking up all the juices that seeped from you while he made sure to nudge his nose against your clit repeatedly. when his mouth wasn’t at your entrance, he had his lips wrapped around your clit, alternating between rhythmic sucks and prods of his tongue, one of his fingers teasingly circling your hole.

he swore he could’ve gotten drunk off your taste, finding the way you writhed in san’s lap so cute. wooyoung momentarily removed his mouth from you once again, watching your face as he tentatively pushed his finger past your entrance. he spoke, voice somewhere between a hoarse groan and a sigh.

“fuck…”

you threw your head back on san’s shoulder, suddenly aware of the hard erection pressed against your ass. you tried to rock your hips just a bit, wanting to help him, but his fingers tightened on your hips.

“keep being such a good girl and i’ll fuck you so good you won’t remember your name, but i need you to be patient. okay, princess?”

your breath hitches and you nodded at his promise, your attention being drawn back to the man between your legs as he added another finger. your breathing grew erratic.

“mmm, so tight.” he groaned, eyes fixated on the way his fingers disappeared into your before slipping out again, more and more of your slick seeping out with each thrust of his digits. wet sounds reverberated through the room as you let out a silent curse.

you thought your noises were kept to a minimum, too embarrassed to really let loose, but as soon as he curled his fingers in you—easily finding that spongey sweet spot—a proper moan ripped itself out of you. and then his tongue was back on your clit, not as firmly as you would’ve liked but enough to draw out more moans and whimpers.

at first, he took his time, fingers thrusting in and out of you at a frustrating pace, tongue only lightly brushing over your swollen pearl. but soon enough, he sped up gradually until he reached a speed that had you crying out and arching your back with every inch that he moved. all the while san muttered encouragement into your ear.

“mhm, you’re taking his fingers so well, princess.”

“can’t wait to have my cock in your tight little pussy. don’t worry, we’ll make it fit.”

“look at you, being fucked dumb just from his fingers. you can barely even keep your eyes open, huh?”

you thought you were controlling yourself well but the moment wooyoung added a third finger, the stretch burning just slightly though your wetness kept things moving smoothly, the moment san spoke all those filthy words in your ear, you felt yourself crashing over the edge. it all felt so good you didn’t even realise you were climaxing until you felt yourself shaking and stars swarming your vision.

a high pitched cry ripped through your lips, moaning wooyoung’s name as he takes his fingers out so he can slurp up your release, groaning against you. you tasted so good and if he could, he would have bottled up all the sounds you made to listen to them before bed every night. san planted tender kisses to your jaw and shoulder as wooyoung eventually removed himself.

he looked almost as fucked out as you, drunk of the juices of your pussy as he slowly got up. he took your face in his clean hand and eagerly pressed his lips against yours, making you moan as you tasted yourself on his tongue. the two of you made out slowly, sloppily, and he slowly trailed his hands down. tracing the curve of your waist before settling his hands on your hips, guiding them to grind over san’s length.

you followed his lead, arching your back to position your pussy right over his erection. that seemed to have made san lose all his composure, rasping out harshly, “woo, please lift her up for a moment.”

moments later, you were back in his lap, this time his long cock buried deep in your cunt. his hands guided your movements, his thrusts matching the pace of the roll of your hips. though he wasn’t able to see your face, fucking you in a reverse cowgirl position, he could image how fucked out you looked. cheeks painted red, glazed over eyes, swollen lips, messed up hair.

wooyoung separated his lips from you, chuckling against your mouth. you struggled to kiss him, san feeling so good in you that you had a hard time thinking straight. “does he feel good, babydoll?”

you nodded and leaned forward just slightly to attach you lips to his pretty neck, mindlessly kissing and licking your way down to his collarbones. wooyoung tilted his head back, another dark chuckle. he thought you were so cute—making sure to give him attention even though you were bouncing in another man’s dick. said man groaned and slumped back in the seat at the change of angle as you leaned forward, not pausing his movements once. ever since he first bottomed out in you he had trouble putting together sentences.

your fingers fiddled with the buttons of his shirt. most of them were undone anyway, he liked it like that when he wore button-ups, but you wanted it completely off. he noticed your trembling hands struggling and took over for you, ignoring the buttons and just pulling off the shirt. your eyes roamed over him, jaw slack.

“you’re so pretty, woo.” you whispered after burying your face in his neck again, any filter you had on your words completely gone.

“i think you’re pretty too, doll,” he chuckled into your ear. “so pretty getting off on me and sannie at once.”

you leaned back and looked him over, darting between his eyes and the erection straining against the trousers with pleading, half closed eyes. it didn’t take a genius to figure out what you wanted, making him coo as he understood you.

“oh, you want my cock? you wanna suck it? just one shoved inside you doesn’t satisfy you enough, huh, you pretty little slut?”

your head empty, unable to focus on anything other than the two men you were trapped between, you nodded. san groaned as he felt your walls clench around him.

“fuck- she likes that.”

“is that so?” wooyoung straightened up and grinned down at you, holding your jaw in his hand. “well, then, go ahead, doll, do as you please.”

at he sound of his permission, your hands found their way to his trousers, undoing the fly and letting them fall to the ground. you could already see the shape of it through his boxers, but didn’t pause to inspect it, hooking your fingers on his waistband and pulling it down to release him.

while his length was impressive, it didn’t look quite as long as san’s but rather thicker. compared to every dick you’ve seen, you decided jung wooyoung had a pretty one. the blushing tip leaked precum that you smeared around to stroke him slowly.

you looked up at him every time you tried something new with your hands, looking for his reaction—running your thumb over his tip, squeezing lightly as your hand moved down. no mater what you did, it elicited a deep moan from him. you looked entranced as you watched the way his eyelids fluttered in pleasure. you leaned forward (both you and san moaning and shuddering at the change in angle), pressing a kiss to his tip.

this new angle had san pounding against your sweet spot repeatedly without fail, making you suddenly feel like jello. still, you tried your best to focus on the task literally at hand.

wooyoung noticed your lack of concentration, threading his fingers in your hair and gently pulling to make you look up. he pouted at you mockingly. “can’t think straight enough with sannie’s cock stuffed in you? it’s ok, doll, you look so pretty and fucked out i could cum just from looking at you.”

you shook your head and pushed forward, wrapping your lips around his tip and sinking your mouth down on his length to the best of your abilities.

wooyoung groaned, “that’s it, doll, there you go. you can take just a little more, can’t you, pretty girl?”

eager to please him, you took as much of him in your mouth as you could. you felt him hit the back of your throat and pulled back, coughing around his length. he slipped his hand out of your hair and stroke your cheek, prompting you to glance up at him.

“you’re doing well, doll, just remember to breathe through your nose. i know you can take me just a bit deeper.”

you nodded at his words, swallowing a little more, and wrapped a hand around the rest that you couldn’t fit, stroking him slowly as you led your mouth get used to the feeling. truth be told, you hadn’t given anyone head before, completely relying on your intuition now.

“yeah, there you go, my pretty little doll. i knew you could do it.”

as you mouth worked on wooyoung, you felt that familiar knot tightening in your abdomen. san must’ve been close too, letting out a hearty groan as he gripped your hips tighter and thrusted up into you faster. every time he pulled you down and snapped his hip up to meet you, the lewd sound of his skin slapping against your and his balls hitting your clit had you whining against wooyoung’s cock.

he sucked in a sharp breath, shuddering before cooing down at you. “what was that, doll? i couldn’t quite hear you.”

you continued with the sucking and stroking until you thought it was impossible, repeatedly shaking too much to keep a steady pace. but you could tell wooyoung was close judging by his sounds and pulsating, and still wanting to please him, you kept your lips around his head as you hand stroked him as fast as you could.

moments later, his body tensed and he came into your mouth. the thick, slightly salty substance ran down your throat as you swallowed it all down. when you were sure he was done, you pulled yourself off him. wooyoung looked ready to pass out, leaning against the desk and staring up at the ceiling as he panted, catching his breath. silent curses left his lips as he squeezed his eyes shut.

now with wooyoung taken care of, you leaned back against san, revelling in the feeling of him pounding into you as you felt yourself coming closer and closer to the edge. you heard him gasp by your ear and you clenched down on him.

“f-fuck… i’m gonna cum.”

oh how san loves fucking you. loves the way your walls flutter around his cock. loves all the sounds you make that he was sure you weren’t even aware of. how you writhe and jerk and shudder and whine and moan and he could go on for days.

“please, sannie,” you whined softly, “please, fill me up, please please please.”

that was the last straw. the desperation in your voice has his stomach flipping and he came just as you finished your begging. a shiver ran down your spine as your body went limp. he kept himself buried in you as one of his hands slide down to rub quick and tight circles on your clit, quickly bringing you to an orgasm that had your eyes rolling back in pleasure.

once all three of you calmed down and got cleaned up, you found yourself relaxing on san’s lap again. this time, you were on one of the couches in the living room as wooyoung sat beside you. while you were in the shower, he cooked up some instant noodles, feeding them to you now.

a hand stroked the outside of your thigh comfortingly as you slurped down the last of the noodles, you recognised it as san’s hand. your legs still felt like jello and you cuddled into him as wooyoung got up to put the bowl away. you felt san press a kiss to the top of your head, practically cradling you.

“you did well, my little blue bird,” he whispered against the crown of your head and pulled you closer, “i could stay like this all day.”

“too bad because it’s my turn now.” wooyoung buckled as he returned, collapsing on the couch and snatching you of san’s grasp without warning. he stuck his tongue out at san as he held the back of you head and pressed your face into the crook of his neck, making you giggle.

san whined and reached his hands out to grab you again only to be swatted away by woo. “hey! no fair.”

“yes, it is fair,” wooyoung giggled, “you’ve had her on your lap long enough.” his best friend glared at him and muttered something under his breath as he looked away with his arms crossed.

“oh, you big baby,” you laughed as you turned your head to look at him. extending you hand to pat his knee.

san’s eyes flashed as an idea lit up in his head. he grinned as he wrapped his arms around both you and wooyoung. you weren’t sure how it happened but next thing you knew, all three of you were laying down on the couch, the two men sandwiching you lovingly.

you felt yourself blush and your brain going blank. wooyoung laughed at the expression on your face, leaning forward to kiss you until san reached over and flicked his forehead. they proceeded to argue about who should be able to kiss you more as you sighed contentedly. you realised there was no other place in earth you’d prefer to be in more than right here, nestled between the two men who you knew would take good care of you.

networks. @cromernet @blankjournal

taglist. @ad0rechuu @sankatchu @mlink64 @yeosangsbb @hee0soo

[lixie-phoria]

[10.0 americano fiasco] BETTER THAN REVENGE !

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you would have thought that the campus walk ways would be empty considering the match that was about to start in less than fifteen minutes, everyone eager to get a good seat, but it's surprisingly crowded as you and hyunjin walk down the old, cobbled path.

"-and then changbin fell down smack on his ass. funniest thing that's ever happened during practice," hyunjin finishes his story, throwing his head back to laugh. "i wish we got that on camera."

the wind is cold, kissing your skin as it pushes back your hair, and you're slightly concerned at your friend's insistence to drink his iced americano despite the weather.

"you will never let him live it down, will you?"

"of course not!"

hyunjin's excitement is contagious, because you find yourself laughing along as he skips ahead, forcing you to take bigger steps too.

"sometimes i feel bad for him. but then i remember how he keeps stealing my protein powder!"

right. of course. every few days you are reminded your best friend is only a man whose brain is hard wired into thinking about two things - the gym and girls. specifically in that order.

"and-" here hyunjin stumbles over a crack on the ground, squealing a bit.

"careful or you're going to be the one falling on your ass."

he rolls his eyes playfully at your poke, correcting himself and removing the skip from his step before falling into line with you.

"anyways so-"

"hyunjin!"

you halt, turning back to see jeongin jogging down the path towards the pair of you.

"chan hyung said you should come back for some final strategy discussions!"

you hear your best friend groan beside you.

"we've discussed our plan a million times before!" he all but whines, stomping his leg like a toddler. "why does he want to go over it again?"

"not our choice, is it? the coach said we have to."

you pat hyunjin's arm as he slouches in defeat.

"it's fine hyune. i should probably go get a seat too or all the good ones will be taken."

"sure," he mumbles, spinning on one foot to sharply turn towards you. "bye-"

you see it happen in slow motion - hyunjin's mouth opening to finish his sentence when a large body collides into him from the back, sending the boy stumbling into you.

but you feel it before you see it - ice cold americano splashing all across the front of your white top, soaking the fabric and diffusing through it in a few seconds.

"sorry!"

you faintly hear a foreign voice apologize, their figure walking ahead without stopping to clearly notice the damage they had just caused.

"holy shit," jeongin whispers, wide eyes looking between you and hyunjin, who is also frozen in his spot, hand slapped across his mouth.

"that bitch."

the culprit is long gone, melting into the sea of people ahead, and you're still too scared to look down and see exactly how much of the drink had landed on you. but you can see hyunjin's now empty cup that had been filled nearly to the brim only a few seconds ago.

"yn-" hyunjin's voice is only a whisper, and from the horror painting his face you would have thought he had seen a ghost. "shit, i'm so sorry-"

"no time for that," jeongin interrupts, recovering first, and you turn to look at him. "hyunjin did you carry an extra t-shirt or sweatshirt with you?"

the boy shakes his head.

"just your luck," jeongin mutters as he shakes his head. "i have my spare jersey from last year. yn you can borrow that."

it's like a switch goes off in hyunjin's head as he stands straight, his horror slowly morphing into annoyance.

"that won't be necessary-"

"do you want her to freeze to death?"

"well obviously not-"

"then there's no time to waste."

"why can't we ask chan hyung or someone for their jersey? maybe-"

"i have my bag with me right now. do you want to go back to the lockers and explain to hyung what you were doing drinking an ice cold americano ten minutes before a match?"

hyunjin's mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water, searching for something to say before he slumps in defeat.

"yn are you fine with this?"

you shrug. you really didn't have a choice.

you didn't want to agree seeing the miserable look on your best friend's face, but the drink was really starting to soak through the cloth and the cold it brought was not welcomed by your bones. you could feel the goose bumps lining your skin.

and so you find yourself accepting the jersey from jeongin, trying to reassure hyunjin it wasn't his fault. but the boy wouldn't even meet your eyes.

"thanks jeongin."

he flashes you a reassuring smile before pulling hyunjin and the two are on their way, leaving you to walk to the washrooms alone.

and it isn't until you're in one of the stalls that you really realize it's jeongin's jersey, and it has his name printed on it in big bold letters.

oh.

it's jeongin's jersey, and it smells like him - the same pepper and vanilla mix you had caught on to the at the party.

it's jeongin's jersey, and it falls around you perfectly, but it's nowhere near as nice as it would look on him - highlighting all those muscles you had felt that night.

it's jeongin's jersey, and you're wearing it at his game, something you once used to do for yeonjun.

it's jeongin's jersey, and-

shut up!

you have to physically slap yourself, shaking your head as the sting spreads across your skin.

something was wrong with you. this wasn't that big of a deal. he was just helping you out. he probably doesn't even care.

yeah. he doesn't even care. that's right. it's okay, you shouldn't be flustered about it either, you think, shoving your own top into your bag and marching out determinedly. you were not going to let yang jeongin and his nice smelling jersey cloud your thoughts.

you were here for hyunjin today. he would have your full attention. you were going to support him and then go for lunch without thinking about-

"for fucks sake watch where you're going!"

you yelp in surprise as you face plant into a hard body, stumbling back in shock. it really wasn't a good day for you.

"i'm so sorr-"

"yn?"

you freeze.

no way.

"what are you doing here?"

no fucking way.

"...yeonjun?"

he's right there. in front of you. hair slightly tousled from when you crashed into him and eyes wide as he stares at you.

"yeonjun what-"

he saves you from your rambling by stepping closer, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"what are you doing?"

"is that yang jeongin's jersey?"

of course he noticed.

you want to turn right back around, dig your grave, and bury yourself alive.

"yn. are you fucking wearing jeongin's jersey right now?"

"no?"

you wish you were six feet under the ground.

"stop lying-"

"bye! gotta go!"

you push him aside, running down to occupy the first empty seat you see in the crowd of spectators, losing the boy somewhere at the back.

fuck. your. life.

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©lixie-phoria, 2024

[tkaulitzlvr]

Hi!! Could you maybe do Tom visiting reader at the hospital after she fainted and he’s trying to hide his concerns and wants to make her laugh. If you want to write it please feel free to decide if you want it to be rather angst or fluff since I completely trust your vision. Thaaaanks <3

HERE FOR YOU - T. KAULITZ

synopsis: when you faint unexpectedly and are sent to hospital, tom rushes to be at your side, trying to make your experience a little less painful.

content: fluff

a/n: thankyou so much for the request!! i feel like i don’t write enough fluff lol i’m gonna try write more. sorry this is so short too, i hope it’s okay!

tom had stopped everything that he was doing the second he had received the call from the hospital that i had been admitted. it was nothing serious, i had fainted again, but with it happening a little more often than usual the doctor wanted to keep me there overnight. i was a little worried, but i knew deep down that i would be okay. tom on the other hand, didn’t feel so at ease. he had stopped everything at the studio, becoming a panicked mess, pacing the room with his hand on his head as the doctor explained my situation. the second the call ended, he began collecting his things, saying that he had to leave, much to his band mates annoyance, but he sternly told them that he ‘i was his main priority’, scolding them for being so inconsiderate.

so he quickly left, making a quick stop at the supermarket before heading to the hospital, driving completely over the speed limit - not that he cared about the law right now, his full attention was on seeing me, rushing to the hospital desk once he had arrived, his legs unable to carry himself to my room fast enough.

the door slowly crept open, the familiar dreads and baggy attire making their way through it. his chest was heaving up and down, his lips parted as he was clearly breathless from practically running all the way here. i smile weakly at him, his face softening once he saw my state. i must admit, the situation probably looked a lot more worrying upon first glance- i was laid in a hospital bed, my eyes puffy and tired, a few machines hooked up to my body which was covered by a hospital gown that almost drowned me.

“oh meine liebe…” he begun, rushing over to me, sitting in the seat beside the hospital bed, shuffling closer to me and cupping my face in his hands. “i’m so sorry it took me so long, i left as soon as i could, i should’ve come sooner, god i feel so-”

“tom, baby, it’s okay. i’m fine, really. all this stuff is just a precaution.” i cut him off, giggling slightly at his worried state, knowing that it is all for nothing. i look into his lap, seeing a fresh bouquet of flowers and a small box of chocolates, my heart melting at the sight. “what’s this?”

my hand points to the objects on his lap as he looks downwards, seeing what i am referring to. his cheeks turn a light shade of pink as his eyes meet mine, his hands now clutching the flowers and chocolates.

“oh, sorry. i got these for you.” he says, handing the flowers to me as i left them to my nose, the sweet aroma soon filling my nostrils, temporarily getting rid of the horrible hospital smell that habituated in them before. “i hope you like them, i couldn’t decide which ones to get.”

“are you crazy? i love them. but, you really didn’t have to, thank you.” i smile, placing them on the small table to the side of me, leaning upwards and softly kissing tom on the lips as he smiles into it, pecking mine a few more times before pulling away, interlocking his fingers with mine as his thumb strokes my hands comfortingly, a calm silence taking over as the rhythmic beeping of the machine is the only sound to be heard.

he was worried. i could tell from the way his leg was bouncing up and down, his tongue fiddling with his lip ring, these all regular habits that i had picked up on whenever he was anxious about something. but he tried his best to hide it, holding my hand in his, telling me small jokes, seeing the way small giggles escape from my mouth, my happiness easing his nerves a little, but they never fully faded.

“bill said my face went literally as white as this when i got the call.” tom laughs, his hand pointing to the pearly white wall to the side of him. “i’ve never been so scared in my life. honestly, i thought i was gonna throw up.”

i shake my head, a small smile tugging on my lips as i laugh in disbelief of his ability to overreact. my heart aches at his confession, though, finding it completely adorable that he cares so much, getting worked up over the smallest things. but i wouldn’t have it any other way and, despite my teasing, he knows that too.

“you worry too much. you’d think i was dying or something.” i can’t contain my laughter now, a toothy grin on my face as he rolls his eyes jokingly.

“sorry for worrying about my girlfriend, i won’t show up next time. in fact, i’ll just eat the chocolate for myself, since you don’t appreciate my love.” he jokes, but i can tell my words make him a little ashamed for reacting the way he did, his eyes falling to his lap.

“hey, i’m only kidding. i think it’s cute how nervous you get.” i smile, kissing his lips once more as he playfully tilts his head to the side, dodging my affection.

i open my mouth in shock, pulling away from him and slumping back downwards in my seat, folding my arms against my chest. “fine then, don’t even kiss your seriously ill girlfriend, i’m practically on my death bed and you don’t even love me.”

i pretend to be offended, pouting and turning my body away from him, but his firm grip quickly moves me onto my back, his lips showering my face with kisses as he mutters out a chorus of ‘sorry’s and ‘i love you’s, his touch tickling a little, but i cannot help but allow a smile to spread across my face, his company exactly what i need right now. he kisses my forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, before finally pecking my lips, pulling away and staring lovingly into my eyes.

he continues to comfort me for the next few hours, the small window in the room showing the sky as it starts to grow dark, a mix of dark oranges and pinks taking over as the night dawns over us, neither of us going anywhere. my eyes begin to grow tired, falling shut as i know that i won’t be able to stay awake much longer, having not slept the entire day, my episode making me much more lethargic than usual. tom sits on the chair beside me, stroking my hair and helping me rest, but it isn’t enough. i can’t properly fall asleep, my eyes opening in frustration. the nagging feeling in me never fades, my body feeling strangely cold not being in his embrace as i usually am every night.

i shuffle over, making room for him and opening the covers. “hold me.” i mutter, longing to feel his arms around me, knowing that it is what i need to finally fall asleep.

he smiles sympathetically, standing up from the chair and climbing into the hospital bed, propping himself up as he places the covers back over us. my head instinctively rests on his side, his arm wrapping supportively around my shoulder, his thumb slowly stroking it. he places a short kiss on my forehead, pulling me closer into him as i wrap my arm around his torso, snuffling further into his embrace, my eyes shutting slowly.

“get some rest schatz, you need it. i’ll be right here when you wake up.” he whispers, resting his head on top of mine, listening as my breathing steadies, finally falling into a peaceful slumber as i wonder how i had gotten so lucky.

requests are open! keep sending them in!!

[kimhargreeves]

Firefly-Hotaru Haganezuka x Reader

Summary: You've arrived at the Swordsmith village. There you are desperately trying to find Haganezuka but he keeps avoiding you, since you broke your sword, soon you realize he's also been avoiding you for a different reason.

It's been about two years and a half since I became a Hashira. In my time as one of the Pillars I came across many demons, good and bad, I would get injured a lot often than I would've liked to but it's part of the job. Though, not only I would take damage but my sword as well.

As soon as my sword would be broken I would have it repaired without question, though lately I got a very threatening letter from my swordsmith.

I clenched onto it and got weirded out by all the cussing and not so readable other letters if was spread across. I sighed and decided to take matters into my own hand, to go to the village myself.

Unfortunately I would not be able to head on my own since the village is hidden and I would have to be blindfolded and carried all the way there. God knows how long the trip was going to take.

"So, tell me who is your Swordsmith?!" The female Kakushi who was carrying me asked. We had been talking for a while.

"Mr Haganezuka! Thought I don't know if he'll want to make another sword for me."

At the mention of his name I felt the female Kakushi tense. "H-He's your Swordsmith?! I do hope he doesn't kill you."

"There's no way he'll kill someone like me!" I exclaim and held my cheeks and blushed. I began to remember the first and few times we had met up with each other, when I first became a Demon Slayer.

"(Y/N), your Swordsmith is here." My master the one who taught me all about slaying demons said picking me up from my room since I was resting since I was all bruised with a broken rib due to my training.

I quickly got myself up on my feet and met up with my master in the backyard garden and saw a tall man hiding his face.

"Mr. Haganezuka this is (Y/N). (Y/N), this is the man who from now on will forge your swords-"

"That depends is she won't be a brat and break my precios swords."

"Huh?" Both my Master and I hummed and were taken back when Haganezuka all of the sudden stared at us and pointed at me with his finger then at the sword.

I blushed under the man's gaze, unsure is he was indeed glaring at me. "This sword was made with the best minerals I could find closest to the sun and made with rich-"

Wow is this man dedicated at making swords, and telling how they're made in detail. "Great! So tell me what to do!" I clapped my hands together and realized we were alone since my Master probably went to fetch something for Haganezuka to eat.

"Grab it the sword. Depending on the color is reveals your sword will be strong or weak."

"I don't believe in such things since the Slayer must be the powerful one, sure the blade helps but-" I shut my mouth when I felt his eyes on me as if telling me to shut up.

I decided to not say anything further on and instead grabbed the sword and held it in my hands, it changed almost nothing, just a light silver colored almost white. I jumped up when Haganezuka let out a scream saying how dull and not interesting the color was.

"Haganezuka calm yourself down." My Master said not fazed by his sudden outburst.

That was the first time I had met him….

"So you're a Hashira now?" Haganezuka calmly said setting my new sword down and handing it to me.

I nodded my head smiling, "Yes, i didn't expect it to happen but it did. I fought a strong upper demon. I swore to protect those less stronger than me, besides, I just found out I have a cousin who just started his demon slaying practice."

"Congratulations. Though don't get so confident just because your a Hashira now." I watched Haganezuka unveil the new and beautiful sword.

I held it up and examined how beautifully it was made. "Though my fighting skills wouldn't have been impressive without your swords, this will surely scare the demons. Thank you Mr. Haganezuka."

I bowed my head and raised it back up and saw him staring at me through the odd mask, he said nothing.

"Though this'll be the last time I'll do it! This if the fourth swords I made and it can't get any better than this." He threatened.

I started to remember my Masters words and the one of the other Swordsmith. "Haganezuka is an awful temper, if things were to get out of hand, tickle his sides."

I hummed at the memory of those words but decided to say nothing and I smiled at him.

"And what are you smiling for?!"

"Oh nothing!" I sang.

I reached out and grabbed a bento I did with mitarashi dango since I've seen Haganezuka is a fan of it. "Here, I did these for you!"

I held out the box and saw Haganezuka open the box and examine it. "I've seen you always enjoy it, and don't want you leaving on an empty stomach."

I was taken back when I saw light bubbles coming from out of the mask. What the hell?? I commented against it and smiled.

"Why not eat just one here?!" I suggested wanting to see behind the mask. I carefully reached out and lifted the mask just a bit and I felt him gripping the wrist tightly, slowly not applying pressure.

"Quit it Hashira! if you know what's best for you, get working and quit minding other's business." Haganezuka huffed and started walking away.

The next time I had seen Haganezuka was when I was leaving for another mission and stumbled upon Tanjiro Kamado. I have heard from him before, Giyu was the one who informed me of him and his demon sister Nezuko.

They intrigued me especially since I had learned that they are my long distance cousins. I had written to Tanjiro once congratulating him when I learned he passed the exam.

When I was still a little girl I was adopted to a family, since my real parents were killed by demons trying to protect me and their village. I don't remember anything about them but I am grateful that I was adopted into a loving home. Unfortunately, they were also taken away from me. But now I'm happy to know that I have a bit of family left.

"Hello Tanjiro!" I exclaimed smiling at the dark red haired boy.

"(Y/N)! I received your letter. Thank you your words were if help!" I smiled at the boys enthusiasm.

"We only have each other left, might as well keep encouraging each other's work." I said giving him a thumbs up and I looked over and saw Haganezuka with another Swordsmith.

"Haganezuka!" I cheered and saw him flinch at my sudden shout. "Long time no see, I guess I'm always lucky that I run into you." I laughed and saw the man looking away from me and murmuring something at his partner.

Tanjiro looked at me then Haganezuka. "You both know each other?" He asked tilting his head.

"No"

"Yes we do!" I said ignoring Haganezuka's words as I blushed. "Anyway I have a long missions ahead of me. See you later." I gave a peace sign to Tanjiro and Haganezuka and started running off to my mission.

"I genuinely think he's a great and kind man despite being so loud and frightening at times." I recalled as the Kakushi continued to carry me.

"I do hope you are right, Miss (Y/N)." Anyways we are here."

The Kakushi placed me on my feet and I began to unwrap the bandage around my eyes and I stared in awe at the village in front of me.

"Wow it's so beautiful!" I gasped.

The Kakushi next to me chuckled and bowed her head. "Glad to know it exceeded your expectations. I hope for us to meet in the future once more."

"The pleasure has been all mine." I smiled and bowed my head as well.

I kept staring at everywhere the further I began to walk into the village. I saw many people working and kids playing around, I still wonder why they keep hyotokko masks on their faces. I started walking towards where I assume is the chiefs place, I walked up the stairs and was greeted by two men in masks and they took me in to see the chief.

I patiently waited for the man to speak when I saw knelt down on the tatami floor. "Miss (Y/N). I had been expecting you, young lady."

I hummed and bowed my head down the floor and greeted myself to him. "It's an honor to meet you Chief Tecchin!"

"My what manners and dedication. You remind me of the young boy that came earlier today."

"Boy?" I ask raising my head back up.

The man nodded his head, despite the small stature I could tell he is highly respected here and he looks sorta cute too.

"He had a green and black haori with hanafuda earrings."

So that means Tanjiro is here as well. "I assume you are here for Haganezuka am I correct?"

"Yes, sir. You see Tanjiro is my cousin and we both were assigned to Haganezuka. My sword broke easily this time though it was my fault for-"

"No. It wasn't your fault, he didn't forge a sword with his best intentions which is why it breaks easily." The man said in a serious voice. He suddenly got scary like Haganezuka.

"I-I don't think-"

"We'll give him a beating for not working correctly and denying to make a sword for a lady as yourself." The man next to the Chief said with the Chief eagerly nodding his head.

So scary.

"Where is he anyways?" I asked wanting to see Haganezuka.

"Hotaru has run off as of lately. Wanting to be alone as usual." The Chief told me.

"Hotaru? Is that his first name?" I ask intrigued to know a bit more about him.

"Mhm I picked it myself! Though Hotaru doesn't like his name saying it's to cute for a man like him."

"I think it's such a cute and lovely name." I blushed and held my face together. Firefly. That's what his name means. Though he surely isn't as fragile as one.

"Happy to know someone else agrees with me. I adopted the boy when he was just a child."

I sat just a bit closer paying attention to his words and finding myself wanting to see Hotaru again. So we have more in common that I thought. He also lost his parents like me.

"Did Hotaru lose his parents as well?"

The Chief stared at me and shook his head. "Nope. His parents couldn't keep up with his anger so I took him as my own."

Oh damn. My body froze since I didn't expect that.

"You did lose yours did you not? Do you have any memories of them?

I stared down at my lap and back at the Chief to show respect. "Unfortunately I don't have any memories of them. All that I know if that they protected the village they had been living and everyone was massacred by a demon, I believe it was Muzan Kibutsuji."

"You are (Y/N) (L/N) are you not? I remember your parents, they were a part of this village you see. Your father was born here and while trusting outside he met your mother, she agreed to move to the village with him but over time they left, you were born here (Y/N). That means that this is your home as well and you are welcome to stay for as long as you'd like."

I stared at the Chief surprised that he knew both my parents. A few years escaped from my eyes and I cleaned them with the sleeve of my haori and thanked the Chief to telling me all he knew about my parents.

"You are more than welcome to also enjoy of our hot springs. It can heal any wound or broken heart." The Chief sang and moved his hands around.

What does he mean by that?

"If Hotaru isn't seen in a day or two I'll be more than happy to assign a new swordsmith for you." The man said bowing his head. He's the one who made Shinobu's sword.

"I understand." I frowned not wanting to have a new person making my sword, but I have to put my feelings aside and be focused on my mission, to get a new sword done.

"Follow me." I bowed my head to chief Tecchin and followed one of masked men who was with him.

I silently started to follow him and noticed the sky was turning darker as well. "Do you wish to eat first or take a bath?"

"Bath is fine since I feel filthy." Though being in a bath while eating sounds like a great idea.

"Is there something bothering you?" I glanced at the masked man.

"It's about Hotaru isn't it?"

I flinched and froze when we stopped by a few stairs and I felt his eyes on me. "You're worried that a new swordsmith might not make your sword as you want to."

"..Right..of course." I breathed out thankful that he doesn't know the real reason.

"Well, the hot springs is just above the stairs. You're more than welcome to take your time and join us for dinner once you are finished." The man bowed his head and started to leave.

I heard a familiar caw and felt my crow land on my shoulder. "Might as well relax for a bit right" I asked and saw my crow flap it's wings when I began to climb up the stairs.

I felt like my legs were about to give up. I started to take my belt off along wiith my haori and began to unbutton my uniform when I heard another caw from my crow.

"Don't worry I won't take long, there's no one here anyways. You really are a hungry bird." I sighed glaring at the bird and beginning to undress myself completely until I was bare and submerged myself further into the hot waters.

"Food always tastes better while eating with someone else."

I nod along to Tanjiro's words. Right after taking a bath I arrived to meet up with Tanjiro and Nezuko. I hadn't realized that Mitsuri was here as well until Tanjiro told me about it, Shinazugawa's younger brother was also at the village.

"Indeed. So are you saying that you also came here for a sword?"

"Mr. Haganezuka seems to be avoiding me." Tanjiro pouted.

Glad to know I'm not the only one thinking about it. "Don't worry we can both go looking for him. I'm sure he isn't far off from the village."

I noticed Tanjiro's stare on me and looked at him surprised when I saw a blush on his face. "You've always spoken fond of Mr. Haganezuka. Is there maybe-"

"I just feel high admiration for his work! Nothing more!" I blushed as well and tried brushing the topic off.

Can't believe I'm having this conversation with someone younger than me. I continued to rambled on, "Besides as slayers we can't get close to people."

"I disagree!" Tanjiro exclaimed earning a hum from his sister. "That's what makes life beautiful as well, meeting new people and forming a close bond."

I smiled at Tanjiro and nodded once. "Seems like Kyojuro taught you well." I sadly said remembering my best friend.

"Tomorrow morning let's train and go out bets then." I gave him a thumbs up and earned a nod from him and Nezuko.

****"

The next morning Tanjiro and I met up with s boy from the village, Kotetsu, and the mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito. As Hashira we have encountered with each other many times, but he doesn't seem to remember me that much or talk at all only when necessary.

Muichiro was aggressive and broke down the ancient doll the village boy had in his possession. The three of us fixed it up a bit and I let Tanjiro train with the doll since I had fought with it but was extremely hard.

The doll was designed after the first demon slayer. If fighting the doll was hard enough, I couldn't imagine fighting him in the flesh. I decided to stay with Tanjiro just for a bit, to cheer him on.

I made Tanjiro stand up straight in a certain position and hold the wooden katana he had right. The young masked boy gasped when Tanjiro was swept to it's feet and was knocked out. I was nearby going over back to Tanjiro when I heard a familiar voice.

Is that Hotaru?!

I began to quicken my pace and run over calling out his name. I noticed the young boy turn around looking at me in a panic and I saw Haganezuka's tall figure running fast away from us.

"Haganezuka! Come back here you coward." I shouted and stared at the direction he left and pouted.

I clenched my fists together and glared at where he left, also feeling a bit heartbroken that he didn't face me. I moved quickly to look at the masked boy, Kotetsu.

"You! Why didn't you say anything?!" The boy shrieked when he saw my cold expression.

"I-I don't know what you mean Hashira!" He shouted back.

"I lowered down a bit and glared at the boy and pointing at him, "I've told you my name is (Y/N)!"

The boy looked back at me and said nothing, "(Y/N)…right no wonder I've heard the name before. Mr. Haganezuka has spoken about you."

Tilting my head to the side I could notice Kotetsu muttering something to himself and a blush across the mask. Is everyone is this village weird?

"Good things I hope." I huffed and decided to go back and help Tanjiro up to his feet. "Anyways there's no time for me to be chasing that childish man, better help Tanjiro back up."

I helped Tanjiro up and gave him at least a sip of water since Kotetsu refused to give him any. "Ready to do this Tanjiro?"

My cousin Tanjiro was weak but he refused to give up. I gave him a thumbs up and watched Tanjiro begin to continue training.

[actiniumwrites]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐋𝐂𝐀𝐙𝐀𝐑𝐙𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐘

synopsis: you and kaveh were best friends for years, studying together at the akademiya and working side by side as established architects. after the devastating incident at the palace of alcazarzaray that leads to a harsh falling out, neither of you have seen each other for years. it isn’t until one day, when a multi-millionaire offers the two of you a job that could flip your lives around, that you’re forced to reconcile and maybe even become something more

characters: kaveh x gn! reader

wc: 10k

warnings: angst, fluff, ex best friends to lovers, arguments, drinking, mentions of vomiting and blacking out, mentions of being drunk/ tipsy/ alcohol in general (nothing major), swearing, inaccurate and unrealistic depictions of architecture, probably general writing errors (since this is 10k words and i’m not proofreading it three times)

notes: um so basically i got this idea one day when i was staring at the genshin map and then suddenly an entire plot just entered my brain. and y’all know i love writing fics that somehow shove the reader into the lore and then have a super angsty dynamic with one of the characters 💀 anyway, this somehow ended up being like 10k words and took me 3-4 months to finish, but i told myself i had to finish it before fontaine came out, so here it is!

“Delivery!”

The sound of beads being pushed aside and footsteps padding against the wood floors alert you quickly. Your head rises from the arm it was leaning on to meet the face of the mailman who never failed to show up weekly with a smile on his face. It’s friday and it’s dark out, the moon peers through the window, but this happens every week. Same day, same time. Always the last delivery. Always at 8 PM sharp.

Your hand reaches to the left to dip the pen you’re holding into the black liquid in the tiny pot by your elbow. Without hesitation, you’re signing off on the sheet of paper he’s given you. When you return it, you find him giving you a smile and placing the boxes and a few neatly stacked envelopes on the counter. He walks out soon after and you call out to him, “Thanks for stopping by!”

But as soon as he’s out of your eyesight, the smile on your face drops back into the bored expression it was in before he entered your shop. A sigh escapes you as you carelessly sort through the mail, tossing the boxes to the side to look through later, already knowing it was just shipments of product for your tiny store. If you were being honest, you were ready to just set all of it to the side and head home for the night, but you carried on. Dark bags and gentle creases made theirselves at home around your eyes as you stared down at the envelopes. A deep exhale falls from your mouth as you tear each and every one of them open to look at their contents. Most of it is nothing new, aside from the very last one that has bright red peeking through the paper.

EVICTION NOTICE

“Fuck,” you angrily mutter to yourself, “this better be some sort of sick joke.” But it becomes very apparent it isn’t a joke as your eyes scan over it. There’s a burning sensation behind them when you finish reading it. It lands harshly against the counter when you slam it down, crumpling a bit at the middle. You knew you were barely making ends meet, but this? This was a whole new level. The house you had been renting was small. It barely even fit you and the little things you had left after selling most of it off. The rent was cheaper and the place wasn’t great, but it worked. If you were being evicted from this, where were you supposed to go now?

The shop you had was too small and wasn’t safe for sleeping in anyway. The thought of crashing at one of your friend’s place crosses your mind, but having to rely on them sounds less than appealing. Besides, many of them would be far too inconvenient. Tighnari had been a long time friend of yours, but he lived too far from the city which meant you wouldn’t be able to get to work on time. Same with Candace, or even Dehya, who resided in the desert. Of course, there was Nilou who was always wiling to offer you help, but you know her place isn’t big enough for two people and she needed her space for dancing. Then there was Alhaitham. That option was an absolute no for many reasons, but mainly because of the fact that he lives with your ex-best friend who was the entire reason you were in this mess.

“Ahem,” someone awkwardly clears their throat in front of you.

You jump back and away from the counter where the cursed piece of paper sat. The notice had completely distracted you from the fact that someone had walked in. Noticing you had knocked down an envelope in your sudden retreat, you reach down to pick it up while addressing the person, “I apologize, but we’re closing in around two minutes. I’m afraid you’ll have to come back tomor—“

Your sentence falls short as you rise from the floor. Red eyes stare back at yours, one of the prettiest shades of red you have ever seen. You could never forget those eyes.

Speak of the Devil.

The blood in your body runs cold when reality finally smacks you in the face, “Why are you here, Kaveh.”

It’s less of a question and more of a demand. You watch as his brows furrow and you can’t help but wonder if he was expecting you to be friendly with him. If he was, it wouldn’t surprise you. Kaveh was always like that — trying to see the best in people no matter the situation.

“It’s…uh, it’s been awhile,” he stumbles over his words awkwardly. It’s unlike him, you think. From what you can remember of him, he never really stuttered or mumbled unless he was drunk. Loud and clear was always more of his thing. He wanted to make sure he was known. Maybe he changed, but for the sake of his own good, you really wish he hasn’t.

“Yeah, it has,” you purse your lips as you turn around and take the boxes the delivery man had brought to the tiny back room of the shop. Earlier you decided you would deal with them tomorrow, but honestly, you’d rather deal with them right now than with your ex-best friend, “I won’t ask again. Why are you here?”

Kaveh clears his throat and averts his eyes. You watch as his hands begin to interlock and fiddle with each other. His weight keeps shifting from one side to another as he speaks, “I need your help.”

You look at him incredulously and scoff, “No.”

“What? You haven’t even heard what I have to say yet!”

“I said no,” you stand firmly, furrowing your brows at him as you gesture to the shop around you, “Don’t you see what my life has become? I don’t care what you want or need help with, I’m not helping you.”

Kaveh glances around at all the little shelves. There’s a bunch of tiny models and little figurines, things he assumes you designed yourself. You were always talented at that sort of stuff. He preferred the flat blueprints while you had a knack for creating 3D models filled with details like no other. It was no wonder you had used that ability to your advantage.

He notices how small it is. There’s other vendors around your shop, he noticed them as he came in. They all had bigger shops with more shelves and more room, better organization even. He liked yours though. As much as Kaveh enjoyed extravagance, the warm home vibe your store gave outmatched the others. It reminded him so much of the way you made him feel back then. Even so, he can’t help but see what you were talking about. This store isn’t what your talent should be wasted on when you were destined for far more. Both of you were. Yet here you are, both barely scraping by.

“I know and I don’t really have the right to be asking you for this, but will you please just hear me out first?” He begs with desperation in his eyes. You sigh and look off to the side before giving him a slight nod, a gesture for him to continue on.

“There’s a man named Zakai, a multi-millionaire businessman here in Sumeru who’s looking to have a custom mansion made for himself and his pregnant wife,” he explains. It’s beginning to sound all too familiar far too quickly and you can feel your willingness to let him explain slipping away from you.

“Kaveh.”

“Just listen, okay. He sought me out but wanted you too. Said something about admiring our work on the Palace of Alcazarzaray and he wants something similar but smaller with a different look.”

“Are you joking? No. There’s no way,” you refuse, waving your hands in the air as you shake your head.

Kaveh continues to plead his case though, “He’s not like Dori, I swear! He actually has empathy and his request is a lot more reasonable. Besides, there’s a lot of money involved in this. Even split between us. It would cover the debt we owe. Guaranteed.”

“You’re empathetic, Kaveh, and you’re a perfectionist. Millionaires don’t care about us. Can’t you see where this is heading? I don’t know about you, but I am not very fond of the fact that I’m wasting my life away trying to work off an insane amount of debt. What happens if another mistake occurs in the process? Hm? Our lives will be ruined ten times more than they were last time and I’m not willing to take that risk.”

“Ten times worse? Really?” He exasperatedly scoffs, throwing his hands up in the air dramatic as ever, “Of course I hate how I live right now. I mean, c’mon! Honestly, who wouldn’t? But you and I both know we don’t really have anything left. Take a look around you and tell me you wouldn’t take the chance to get out of this mess.”

The glare you’re sending him is icy cold, Kaveh falters a bit under it, but you both know he’s right. There’s a plate full of money right in front of your face and you’re so close to being able to call it yours, and yet you’re denying it? A life without debt is nothing but a dream to you at this point, one you’ve had nightly since you watched all your money slide away from you and down into Dori’s mischievous little hands.

Kaveh tests the waters when he speaks again after the brief silence, “You’re the only other architect in Sumeru that is capable of working on this job. You saw what we accomplished on the palace. We can do it again, no mistakes this time. And if it does happen…then I’ll take the fall for it. I’ll take the fall for all of it.”

Your brows furrow and you sigh for what felt like the thousandth time. The small part of you that was his best friend from all those years ago reaches out to him, “You know I can’t accept that, Kaveh. We may not be friends anymore, but I’m not going to watch you destroy yourself all over again if something goes wrong.”

“Please,” he pleads, entirely brushing off your words, “I’m doing this for the both of us. If you want out at any point, then we’ll back out together. Just…consider the offer, okay?”

The red from the letter catches your eye again and something suddenly feels like it’s pulling at your heart. An eviction notice followed by a job offer promising wealth feels like one big coincidence, but it’s not one you can ignore. You really didn’t have anything left now — aside from the tiny store you had going. And if this does turn out to be a success, your life would be entirely back on track to what it was all those years ago. You could live freely again.

One more glance at Kaveh finalizes your decision.

“I’ll do it.”

The next few times you meet with Kaveh seem to bleed well into the night. Blueprints are scattered across the floor of your shop during the after hours, a closed sign out front. Your legs are crossed over one another and your head rests atop your hand. Kaveh is standing up, muttering words you can’t quite make out.

“No…that won’t do, but…well? Dark wood? Ugh…wait! No, nevermind,” he paces back and forth, sifting through papers in his hands.

You place the outline you were looking at on the floor and glare at him coldly, “Can you stop? I can’t focus.”

Kaveh sighs and sets down the blueprints he was holding in his hand, “Sorry, I just can’t make up my mind.”

“Clearly,” you mutter.

“Here,” he picks up a pile of sketches off the table and hands them to you, “What do you think of the wood choices on these? Oh, and the color of the paint we’d use on the outside.”

Your eyes inspect them carefully as you flip through each one. They’re all relatively the same aside from a few of them. The ones that stand out the most to you are the simple ones. They’re darker and more elegant looking, exactly what this guy seemed to want. On the other hand, the rest of them are more flashy and had an air to them you couldn’t seem to take a liking to.

You slide him two of the papers, side by side and tap each of them simultaneously, “These two. They’re cost effective and fit what he wants. I say we go this route, but maybe with some slight changes.”

“What? No! Those should’ve been scrapped,” Kaveh’s eyes widen at your choice. He scrambles to grab the papers back but you slam your hand down on them before he can.

You squint your eyes, “What do you mean? These practically check everything off his list. How are we going to deny the client what he wants?”

Kaveh groans and a hand slides down his face, “These don’t even look rich. It barely screams money at all! We’re making a house for a rich man and you want to do something this simple?”

“Yes! This is literally what he wants! And it does look rich. Just because something isn’t bursting with color and fancy embellishments everywhere does not mean it doesn’t have opulence to it!”

Kaveh’s face visibly falls at your response and he can’t help but be reminded of all those years ago when you were still friends. Sure you still argued then, but it wasn’t like now. You weren’t hostile toward him and he could stand to make some changes based on your suggestions. But now, it felt like everything was going in one ear and out the other.

“What if we compromise?” he asks regretfully, not willing to give up what he wants, but still wanting to get this job done. Contrary to his cynical and provocative roommate, arguing was not something Kaveh enjoyed, and Kaveh didn’t want to strain your relationship any more than it already was.

You hesitantly nod and point to each of the sketches, “Okay, which parts?”

“Keep it extravagant, use cheaper materials?”

“No, I just said that isn’t what Mr. Zakai wants.”

“Well then what are we supposed to do?”

You roll your eyes when he isn’t looking. Sometimes it felt like you were arguing with a child.

“Simple. Choose the more plain design and maybe add a few more embellishments, while keeping it cost effective.”

Kaveh inwardly groans, but stops himself from saying anything else. He thinks for a moment, going back and forth between different ideas in his head. There’s a temptation to just grab the sketches and run off with them, leave you in the dust and forget all about your past with each other. It’s the same part of him that sits on his shoulder, whispering in his ear that maybe, just maybe, all of this is a mistake.

The other part yearns. It’s something he can’t help as he stares down at the sketches, but really, he’s looking at you from his peripheral vision. He misses the way things were when you were best friends. When you would laugh for hours on end with each other, talk about the big mansions you would build for each other some day, and the lives you were going to have. All of those visions, every thought he used to have, they all included you.

Kaveh doesn’t remember when things got so bad between you. Yes he knows the exact date, the time, the place it all went down. But when did you start really hating each other? When did your smile begin to fade into a frown whenever he showed up? And when did he start feeling a painful ache in his chest whenever your name was mentioned?

Why do things have to be the way they are?

Kaveh shuts the door in the temptation’s face. He wasn’t going to run from you or shove everything aside like he normally would. If he was granted any wish in the world, it wouldn’t be to get rid of his debt or become the richest man in the world. Because Kaveh would let himself he the poorest man in the world if it meant he could be with you again.

Mr. Zakai had come to him with an opportunity of wealth and opulence. It would make them one in the same if he could play his cards right. Wipe away his debt and his past. He could be free again. But more than that, Kaveh would have you back.

And as his ruby red eyes catch yours once more, he realizes there is nothing more that he wants than you.

“Wow, I mean, Archons. This design is just unbelievable.”

Your eyes widen ever so slightly, not quite sure if you should be scared or relieved. Mr. Zakai’s tone doesn’t give away what he’s feeling, and you’re terrified. Kaveh swears he can feel you shaking next to him in anticipation…or maybe it was the anxiety. He glances once your way and then back to Mr. Zakai before glancing at you again and awkwardly laughing, “Ahaha, I hope that’s a, uh, good ‘unbelievable?’”

Mr. Zakai throws his hands in the air and laughs brightly, “Yes, yes! Of course! This design is utterly beautiful. It’s like you took the picture from my mind and captured it right onto a piece of paper.”

Both of you sigh of relief simultaneously, clutching a hand over your hearts, but smiling nonetheless. “That’s wonderful to hear,” you say and gesture to the open land behind you that has long since been designated as the construction site for his home, “If you’d like, we can get to building as soon as possible. We already have a team prepared and everything. Just say the word.”

“Let us begin!” he cheers.

Beginning to build the actual mansion was like a dream come true for an architect. The smoothness at which everything was running was beyond belief for the both of you. All of the materials had been safely delivered with care, and although they weren’t the best of the best, they without a doubt exceeded Kaveh’s expectations. Alongside that, the plot of land being used was absolutely beautiful and the perfect place for a home.

It was a perfect distance from the main city, nothing too arduous to travel to. There was a beautiful lake nearby that was adorned with various flowers, fish, and fruit trees surrounding it. And the best part, there weren’t any cliffs or waterfalls nearby. No signs of a withering zone either. It was something Kaveh had specifically checked for before accepting the job, terrified of having a repeat of the entire incident that put you both in this mess.

It had only taken around a week and a half for the skeleton of the mansion to be built. But already, it was turning out wonderfully. Thanks to the team both of you had and your newfound ability to compromise with one another, both of your guys’ morale had been boosted immensely. Things were finally beginning to look up.

“It’s beautiful,” you whisper in awe, staring at the team working on the house just feet away from you. Kaveh stands next to you, clipboard in hand and a pen eagerly scribbling away at the paper on it.

His eyes look up from the papers he was shuffling through to glance at the house and then glance back at you, “It really is, huh? I’m glad we were able to compromise on the final design. I think it’s turning out really great.”

“And to think you wanted all those embellishments,” you laugh as you reminisce.

Kaveh scoffs and leans into your shoulder with his, “Shut up. Sometimes the blueprint version isn’t a good representation of the final product. How was I supposed to know your ideas would look so good?”

“Oh? What was that?” you cup your hand around your ear and smirk, leaning into him, “Is that you finally admitting my ideas are better than yours?”

“Hey! That is not what I said.”

“I think it is. Just admit it, my dear friend, I have always been the better architect.”

My dear…friend?

Kaveh stops in his place, blinking at your words. He breathes out and looks to the ground. He isn’t sure what you mean. Perhaps it was a slip up or just a joke, but he chooses not to take it seriously in order to protect his feelings. So he teases you, ignoring the slight ache in his heart, “Oh, so now we’re friends again?”

“Ugh, please. I couldn’t be friends with an architect that isn’t on my level,” you jest. It was indeed a slip up on your end, and you realized it the moment you said it, but like Kaveh, you knew it would be better to just brush it off. Push it aside along with any other newfound positive feelings you had toward your old friend.

“Pft, yeah right,” he rolls his eyes and turns away from you again. You both begin walking toward the house, ready to tell everyone that it’s time to pack it up for the night. The sun would be completely set in about an hour and you knew they all had families to get back to. Besides, both of you were tired and you weren’t even the ones building the damn thing. You couldn’t imagine how tired they were if you were already feeling exhausted.

Footsteps dragging against the gravel alerts the crew of your presence and they all realize what time it is. Several of them hop down from the upper layers while the rest of them begin picking up their things from the ground floor. Many of them already begin to bid one another a “goodnight,” and “get home safely.”

“Great work today, guys!” you excitedly call out to them.

Kaveh smiles a bit and joins you, clapping his hands together as he reminds them, “Please go home and get some rest. We have a busy rest of the week from here on out! We’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

Before either of you can walk away, one of the girls that was working on the building rushes up to you both, “Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to let you guys know about the progress.”

You recognize her as one of the leaders for the construction crew when you turn around. She was in charge of the more specific areas of progress when it came to the actual building aspect, while you and Kaveh had oversight on the entire thing.

“Oh?” Kaveh confusedly asks, unsure of what she had to share, “What about it? Is something the matter?”

“No, no! Nothing bad. I just wanted to let you know that at this rate, the house should be completed within three months. We’re making an exponentially great amount of progress, especially with the wonderful crew we have working on it. You guys should be proud of yourselves,” she smiles.

You and Kaveh quickly turn and high-five each other, pleased with what she was saying. But as quick as it came, it was gone. Simultaneously, you clear your throats and take a step back from one another.

“Ahem, I um — thank you! That means a lot,” you say through a strained smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes. Kaveh doesn’t say anything.

Instantly, the girl can feel the awkward tension in the air and takes a step back herself.

“Of course, I’ll uh, be going now. Have a goodnight!”

When she walks off, Kaveh turns back to you hesitantly, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.”

“Let’s just pretend that never happened, yeah?”

He hums in agreement and starts to walk alongside you, “But, hey, I was thinking. She is right, you know? We should be proud of our progress so far. Maybe we could go to the tavern tonight? But only if you want, of course!”

You pause, but nod slowly, “Yeah…yeah okay. We can do that.”

“Really?” Kaveh tilts his head to the side, not quite believing you.

“Sure,” you shrug, not thinking too much into it, “Let’s go.”

You could feel the alcohol running through your system as you spoke, laughing along with some stupid story you were telling. Kaveh and you had been at the tavern for nearly two hours and it had long since been dark outside. You didn’t even get the chance to change out of your work clothes before getting there.

It didn’t take long for either of you to find a glass of alcohol sitting in front of you alongside a bunch of different dishes. Although neither of you really had the money to spending like this, it was a congratulatory meal and you couldn’t help but splurge a little.

“I know! Oh my god,” you slur a bit, “Do you…do you remember that time that one guy in our class plagiarized his entire project all the way down to the 3-D model? What was his name again? Bahar? No, that wasn’t it…”

“Oh, Baharak!” Kaveh exclaims, jumping from his seat a little and pointing at you before sitting back down. Leaning against his seat, he lets out a nostalgic sigh, “Archons, how could I forget that guy?”

“Baharak, yeah! Man, I can’t believe he really thought he wouldn’t get expelled for that,” you say and take another sip of your drink.

Kaveh hums in agreement and takes another bite of his food, “Wait, do you remember that professor we had? The one that took my library book away?”

“Really? You’ll have to refresh my memory again,” you say, struggling to connect memories together. Neither of you were drunk, but you were sure as hell getting there. Lambad already had to tell both of you to ease up on the drinks, aware that you both had work the next day. But truly, he just didn’t want you making a ruckus in his tavern again.

It had been years since you both visited together, but he could never forget the messes you made when you were both students at the Akademiya. The days where you would drink until you blacked or vomited, the nights spent drunk crying over bad grades or shitty professors, or the time you accidentally fell asleep on the bathroom floor and he didn’t realize until after closing because Kaveh was too drunk to realize you even left. It was safe to say that you weren’t his favorite customers, despite being fully grown adults now. Lambad was not willing to have repeats of any of those incidents.

It continues on for another hour or so, just sharing stupid stories from the past and what your friendship used to be like. It almost feels as though you are friends again, even if it’s just for a brief moment.

Your smile is wide when you’re talking to him and your laugh isn’t some fake laugh that you always use when someone comes into your store or when you’re talking to literally anyone else. Your legs are bumping into his under the table too, contrary to a few years ago when he was much shorter. It’s weird, you think, how much everything has changed.

It’s not until someone at a table nearby makes a comment about you two that you really digest just how weird it all is.

“Look at that cute couple over there,” they say in awe from somewhere behind you, “Don’t you miss when we used to be like that?”

Within seconds you feel sobered up. It almost embarrasses you how one much one small comment could have an effect on you. Your heart drops into your stomach and your laughter fades out. This isn’t right, you think. You can laugh and drink all you want, but it doesn’t change what happened all those years ago. It doesn’t change the incident or the things Kaveh said to you that night or the things you said to him. It doesn’t change how hard you cried and how your life suddenly went from being on a high to dropping to the lowest you’ve ever been. You can barely survive day to day because of that day…because of him.

No. It doesn’t change anything at all.

You stand up abruptly and grab your bag, slamming some mora onto the table and glancing around hurriedly before beginning to walk out on him. Kaveh stands up too and goes to reach for your arm, but you pull away before he can make contact with it, “Hey, what’s wrong? Where are you going?”

“I can’t do this,” you mumble to yourself, rushing away out of fear.

“Can’t do what?” Kaveh’s eyes are bursting with confusion and terrified that he may have done something wrong. Something to upset you. But you’re already out of the building before he can get an answer.

It had been about a week before you saw each other again. Luckily for you, it wasn’t required that you were at the build site as long as one of you was there. And with Kaveh’s naturally perfectionistic personality, you knew you weren’t needed there. He was also smart enough to not coming looking for you either after everything that had occurred not only earlier that week, but in the years prior. There was a reason you got along so well before everything came crashing down.

No one knew you guys like you knew each other. There was no doubt about that.

The time you had been gone in the past week was spent running your store, something you had been neglecting anyway. Despite it not being the most successful business ever, it was something and you still had customers to take care of.

Today had been rather slow, being a Thursday and all. Most people were out working their other jobs and kids were in school, so there weren’t really many people to be out shopping anyway.

Aggressive footsteps catch your attention, but you don’t bother to look up at whoever had just entered, figuring it was probably some elderly guy again there to scold you like the one last week.

“Welcome in, I’ll be with you in a moment,” you call out from your spot at the counter, signing away at some documents for the store. The footsteps don’t stop and look around, however. Instead, they march right up the counter and slam your binder shut.

“Is this seriously what you’ve been doing? I get it I may have pissed you off or whatever at Lambad’s earlier this week, but leaving me at the site like that is just shallow,” a familiar voice scolds you. You look up to see Kaveh seething. Although, the longer you look in his eyes, the more you see he’s less angry and more terrified. Of what? You’re unsure.

For a moment, you have the urge to extend a hand out to him and ask him what’s wrong, but you catch yourself before you can. Besides, it would defeat the entire purpose of you being at your store instead of the mansion. Instead you scoff, regaining your anger for him, “Okay? It’s not like you really needed me there this week. All the crew is doing is just finishing the skeleton. Stop acting like something bad happened or whatever.”

Kaveh purses his lips and leans closer to you, leveling his eyes with yours. The seriousness in them is unmistakable and it shakes you a bit. You haven’t seen him like that since…well, since that day. “That’s the thing…something did happen. I came here to tell you abo—”

“What?” You cut him off, eyes widening.

“Stop,” he hushes you angrily, “Please for the love of God just listen for once. Something happened to Zakai’s wife. I came here to tell you that we need to meet with him today because it’s urgent and I barely know what’s going on myself. So please, just put our differences aside and come with me.”

Your lips shut themselves before they can speak again. There’s shock in your eyes at his slight outburst, but you gulp and nod at him. Picking up the binder from earlier, you slide it under the counter in one of the locked drawers before walking around to the other side where Kaveh stands. A quick glance around and you’re walking out of the store. Without hesitation, you flip the sign that reads open to the side that reads closed.

And although you weren’t the firmest believer in the Gods or any part of Celestia, you bowed your head and prayed to the Dendro Archon that this wasn’t what you thought it was.

Your leg bounces in anticipation as you sit next to Kaveh at the Cafe. It’s dark out, and there aren’t a lot of people around which you’re grateful for. There was a certain nervousness in the air and you weren’t ready to find out where it was going to take you.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” Mr. Zakai says sadly and sits down, sliding you both a mug with what you presume is tea. Kaveh thanks him and bumps his knee with yours from next to you.

You fall out of your thoughts and clear your throat, “Oh, uh, yeah. Of course.”

He looks down at his lap solemnly, seemingly speechless. You turn to Kaveh who’s sitting on your right and frown at him. Kaveh returns the expression but nods his head, wordlessly telling you to just wait and see. You nod back and turn to sip at your tea.

Mr. Zakai’s voice is shaky when he speaks again moments later, “I…I don’t know where to begin. I suppose I should just get to the point so I don’t waste your time.”

You both wait in silence, urging him to continue. Practically waiting on the edge of your seats at this point.

“I have to suspend the project.”

You swear you can feel your heart drop into your stomach as you breathlessly whisper a tiny, “What?”

Kaveh turns to you quickly to gauge your reaction before turning back and swallowing deeply, “I’m sorry, could you please explain what’s going on here? I mean, c’mon, we barely started this thing and now you’re backing out?”

He waves his hands in the air and coughs, “No, no! I…I’m not backing out, dear God, no. I just, I need to wait a bit. It’s my wife, she’s with a family doctor. You see, she’s pregnant and there’s been some terrible complications. I’m afraid she’s fallen ill and I can’t afford to be spending my time building some mansion when she needs me.”

“How long?” you ask firmly, “How long are you suspending this?”

“I don’t know, I’m sorry,” he regretfully apologizes.

Kaveh tries to stay calm but you can feel him shaking next to you. His hands shakily put down the tea cup and he shuts his eyes while he speaks, almost like this is just one big nightmare that he can’t wake up from, “What does this mean for us? The crew? The materials we bought?”

Zakai stutters and sighs over and over again before he can get anything out, “I promise I will pay you…eventually. I have medical bills to pay and for now, I can’t pay either of you.”

“So what? You’re just leaving us then?!” You push him further.

“I’m sorry, really, I am,” he stands up and backs away slowly, “I need to go visit my wife. We’ll chat again soon.”

Hurriedly, he rushes off before either of you get the chance to go after him. Your breathing is heavy and labored, but neither of you move from your seats. There’s a lump in your throat, one you’re desperately trying to push down as you whisper, “I should have never agreed to this.”

“Hey, it’s not over yet,” Kaveh tries to reason as he places a hand on your shoulder. You shrug him off and stand up, shaking your head as you turn around to walk away.

Kaveh quickly springs from his seat and rushes to catch up with you. He pleads with you desperately, “I didn’t know this was going to happen, I swear. This is all my fault.”

“Yeah, it is,” you spat at him, stopping in your tracks and turning to him, “That’s the problem with you, Kaveh. Wherever you go, bad luck just seems to follow. I should’ve known better, honestly. You’d think after all these years I would’ve been smarter. And now…now my life is even more ruined than it was before. Thanks a lot.”

“You know what? No. You agreed to this, so you don’t get to treat me like dirt on your shoe just because something went wrong. Don’t you realize my life is just as ruined as yours is? You’re not the only one with problems!” He yells suddenly, taking a step forward toward you. A few people stop and stare but quickly keep moving when you turn and glare at them.

“My life was ruined in seconds!” You dig your pointer finger into his chest as you match his volume.

“Yeah? Well so was mine! You’re not the only one who’s been suffering all this time.”

Silence washes over both of you. You take a step back from him and remove your hand from his chest hesitantly, angry tears beginning to sting your eyes. Kaveh feels the same prickliness too, a dull ache in his chest as he stands before you. This wasn’t what either of you wanted deep down, and you realize that as you turn and walk away from him again.

There were so many moments of failure in Kaveh’s life, but you had an equal share as well. Yet, for some reason, neither of you realized the other was hurting just as much. Perhaps, like Kaveh, the real reason you accepted the project was so you could rekindle your friendship, bring back a relationship you missed dearly.

You look up at the moon as you walk away, leaving him somewhere behind you where you don’t care to look back to. And as you stare at its presence in the sky, you can’t help but feel like it was just like you and him. He was the sun, and you were the moon. Beautiful in their own ways, but bound by fate to never exist at the same time. Never to coexist.

Maybe this time, the tiny thread that still connected you had finally tethered for good.

The day it all happened was both blurry and clear in your memories.

That day.

Everything seemed to irk you from the moment you awoke that morning. The sheets on your bed weren’t quite placed right. The temperature in your house was miserably warm, even worse, humid after you accidentally left your window open the night before. The ingredients you had planned on using for your favorite breakfast had miraculously grown mold overnight. Not to mention, you were already late five minutes to the build site and everyone knew how particular Dori was about being punctual.

The clouds were a depressing gray from what you could remember. The rain was normally one of your favorite things. After all, you chose to live in the rainforest for a reason. But that day, the gloomy sight stirred a sense of anger in you that was impossible to shake.

You could remember the way Kaveh was avoiding you in the weeks leading up to it all. It was justified in your eyes because well, you were avoiding him too. Neither of you seemed to be able to stand the constant arguments that would break out between you. Most of them were pointless too — small things that could be resolved without a bunch of yelling and insults. Yet, every time you looked at him, every time he spoke, every time he even breathed, you felt anger seep into your blood.

At that point, the both of you had worked on several projects together. Houses, libraries, stores, gardens, you name it. The Palace of Alcazarzaray was the first real project you had both worked on. It was big, flashy, and was going to make a statement about your capabilities to all of Sumeru. Fame and riches were plastered all over the opportunity. The magnum opus of both of your careers.

It was this very reason that you both fought so often. There was so much to plan. So much to work on. At first, things had gone well considering you were both great friends — the best of friends, even. Any outsider or non-architect would probably make the naive assumption that, if anything, it would bring you even closer together. But with so much pressure, the opposite happened and you grew apart. The conflict was too much to handle on either side and you couldn’t keep up with it. Neither of you could.

The rain was bothersome when it started.

It started with a few drops here and there. You could remember hastily wiping them from your hands and face before peering up at the sky with a frown. Within a mere few seconds, the sprinkling rain became aggressive and thunderous. Lightning flashed in your eyes as the afternoon sky faded from a light gray to a deep blue and black.

It was hard to hear the yelling of all the crew members over the rumbling of the thunder overhead. The water below the structure began to thrash rapidly and the cliffs had a slight shake to them. Up until that part, everything was clear to you.

Then the rain was in your eyes and your breathing was heavy as you aimlessly ran around. Eventually, everyone had evacuated the site to a nearby area. Everything had happened so fast you couldn’t even remember how you ended up there, wrapped in a blanket and shivering in the corner of a small tent with a few other people. Soon after, everyone got sent home for the afternoon in a bad mood.

It wasn’t until hours later that a majority of the crew had returned. Your heart dropped within the first few steps you took as the palace came into sight. What had once been turning out to be a luxurious palace was crumbled down into nothing but ruins. Forest Rangers surrounded the place, evaluating it and dragging some equipment away. As soon as Tighnari spotted you, he jogged over to you, carefully explaining what happened.

After the rain, the withering made its way to the house and destroyed just about everything. Within hours, everything you had been working toward for months vanished out of thin air. Kaveh had been walking up to the both of you when the news was relayed to you. What he overheard stopped him in his tracks, allowing him to fall to his knees in anger, frustration, but most importantly, denial. Part of him could process it, while the other part wished he could wake up from whatever nightmare he seemed to be having.

If there was one thing you could remember better than anything else, it was the silence that followed. Everyone dispersed from the area with crest fallen expressions making their way home to their families for the second time that night. You and Kaveh stayed behind, sitting quietly within the ruins on your knees, surrounded by rubble, praying for a miracle from the Dendro Archon.

Tears fell silently down both of your faces as he leaned against your shoulder, arms wrapped carelessly around your abdomen. You had no energy to return the action, and so you sat there in the still silence without so much as a sniffle. Your head was bowed to your chest, unable to look at the place anymore in fear of breaking down in a way that seemed worse than the way the palace had broken.

Both of your tears’ had dried with the morning sun. There was a pounding in your head as Kaveh dragged you back to his house to collect his savings and prepare to sell his house. You had done the same after making a hesitant agreement with him. A tingling sensation covered your body as your chest and stomach ached. Anxiety was written all over your face and you couldn’t help but feel regret over your actions. There was no other way out, you thought.

The arguments hadn’t stopped even after everything had been settled with the money and the plans to rebuild the palace came into fruition. You still had a hard time being around him and he felt the same way. Despite that small moment of desperation where he clung to you in the ruins, there wasn’t much left of your friendship by the end.

Ultimately, one thing led to another and a snap happened. Kaveh was the one to snap first, turning around on you one day and just hurling insult after insult. You followed suite, not backing down for the sake of your dignity. And at that moment, you just wanted to make each other hurt. There was nothing more to it. No real reason to be arguing anymore — not even over small trivial things like misplaced blueprints or an empty paint can being knocked over. It was pure hatred at its finest.

Coincidentally, that was the last day you ever saw each other. You both unknowingly felt bad about hurting each other like that. You were supposed to be best friends afterall. Some part of you even wanted to be more. Not that he ever knew that, though. There was a time in which you tried to apologize, but the residual anger that burned in your heart prevented you from ever seeking him out.

And so, everything you had come to know of him ceased at once. Kaveh was no longer part of your life and you were no longer part of his. The Palace of Alcazarzaray was finished by the crew and anytime either of you ever had to meet with Dori it was always separate. For years, you hadn’t even caught so much as a glance of him.

There was nothing left. Absolutely nothing.

Three weeks had passed since Zakai had reached out to either of you. History seemed to be repeating itself with you and Kaveh as well, seeing as neither of you had crossed paths at all within that time.

You were back to quietly running your tiny little store. There was only a week left until your eviction went into effect. The few things you had in your house had been moved into a small section in the back of your store where you had settled to live temporarily. There wasn’t much room and it wasn’t the safest, but you would find a way to make it work for the time being.

“Um, hi,” a timid voice squeaks out, catching you off guard, “I have an urgent delivery. Could you please confirm your name on the envelope?”

Your eyes lift from the paper they’re staring at blankly. Your brows furrow and you nod at the young boy who didn’t look to be older than fifteen. “Do you know what this is about?” You ask him as you turn to find a letter opener from behind you.

“Not exactly. It’s from my uncle Zakai, you know him right?”

“Yeah, something like that. Thanks,” you mumble. He hums before awkwardly walking out of your shop. When he’s gone, you eagerly cut open the pristine envelope to find a paper inside. It’s a letter, you realize as you begin to read it. It’s addressed to both you and Kaveh, so you assume he must’ve received one as well.

Inside the letter details a meeting at a specific time and place. It’s the build site, later this afternoon at three o’clock. Most of it is just jumbled up, redundant apologies that you can’t resist your eyes from rolling at, but the end of the letter catches your eye. Moving back up a few sentences you had scanned over, you reread it carefully.

“He wants to start the project back up?” You ask to no one but yourself. The letter falls from your hand onto the counter and you stare out at your shop in contemplation. On one hand, you could return to the project and see it through. Maybe hope nothing bad happens again. On the other, you could ditch the whole thing out of fear that history could repeat itself for a third time. It would mean you could avoid seeing Kaveh again. Because, as you angrily spat at him before, bad luck seemed to follow him wherever he went. You were far too scared of what the outcome of seeing him again would be.

Minutes later you had your answer as you found yourself flipping the sign outside the shop to closed and locking the doors.

It wasn’t worth it, you realized, being scared of someone who was only scared and sensitive himself. Joining the project again couldn’t hurt you any further than it already had. There was no contractual agreement that would force you to be friendly with Kaveh again either. Perhaps you could work merely as coworkers and nothing more. Speak to him only when you have to and get this job done once and for all.

“I’m glad to have you back,” Zakai shakes your hand firmly as you fall into step with him.

“Happy to be back,” you lie. Hesitantly, you turn to him and clear your throat, “If you don’t mind me asking, is your wife alright? What made you come back to the project?”

Mr. Zakai sends you a fond smile as he thinks of her, “She’s perfectly fine. Thank you for asking. There were a few complications with the baby, but she made it through and everything is going smoothly now. The baby is actually due in a few weeks. Can you believe it?”

“Not at all,” you smile halfheartedly.

“Anyway,” he says as you reach the site with him, “I came back to the project because I am a man of my word. I said I wasn’t going to drop it, so here I am. Besides, I’m impressed with yours and Kaveh’s work. I truly hope we can finish what we started.”

You nod silently to yourself. Before you or Zakai can say anything else, Kaveh jogs up to you both out of breath, “I’m so sorry I’m late. My annoying roommate took my key again and I couldn’t get back into the house to grab my things, so I had to go track him down and get it back.”

“That’s okay,” Zakai laughs and holds out his hand for Kaveh to shake, “It’s good to see you, Kaveh.”

“You too,” he says before turning to you. Kaveh nods at you silently. Hesitantly, you nod back, averting your eyes quickly.

It doesn’t take long for everything to return to the natural swing of things. The crew was happy to be back and building and Zakai was more than pleased with how close the house was to being completed. Over the next few weeks, everyone works diligently to get it completed.

Day in and day out, neither of you spoke to one another just as you had hoped for. No arguments, no silly jokes, no talking about ideas…nothing. Sometimes it felt a little lonely, even when you were standing right next to each other. There were times where you had seen something on the way to site that you wanted to talk to someone about, rant about your day, whatever. Even when you were still in the period of “hating” each other before Zakai temporarily left the project, both of you still felt more comfortable speaking to each other.

You want to hate him. You really do. But after everything that has happened, after all the emotions you can’t seem to restrain anymore, you’re beginning to wonder if you ever really hated him the way you said you did.

On the final day of the project, it rains again. You aren’t worried this time, however. Not like how you were with the palace. The house was built, inside and out. The only thing left to add was the remainders of Zakai and his wife’s furniture and any other little embellishments he had requested. A pay check was already in the mail for you both, your ticket out of the miserable life you’ve both led for two years.

You’re walking away for the night when footsteps pick up from somewhere behind you. Most of the crew was in front of you chatting away under a ledge shielded from the rain. There’s a hollow feeling in your chest that leaves you feeling dissatisfied with it all as you walk away, no umbrella and shivering furiously under the pouring rain. Eventually, the mysterious person catches up to you and falls into step with you. There was only one person it could have been.

A few weeks ago, you would have swatted him away or sped up so you could get as far away from him as possible. But now, just like that night in the ruins two years ago, you had no energy to push him away anymore. So, silently, you both walk side by side until you reach Sumeru City.

A bolt of lightning landing on the ground a few feet away causes you both to jump back. Thunder follows suite and suddenly the rain turns more into a storm that threatens to flood the city. Icy hail begins to fall not even seconds later, harshly landing against both of your backs as you rush into the city.

Kaveh’s hand gently grabs yours and eagerly drags you away with him. He’s yelling something, but you can’t make out what he’s saying. And before you know it, you’re both sitting in a booth at Lambad’s Tavern soaked and shivering.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers into the air, “We should stay here until the storm dies down. It’s too dangerous outside.”

“Yeah,” you quietly agree and nod quickly, eyes stuck on the table like it was the most interesting thing ever. Kaveh’s looking at you, but you ignore his gaze.

Minutes later, Lambad walks over with a sympathetic expression on his face as he sets down two hot chocolates. He makes some small talk about the storm which both of you indulge him in as you sip on the hot drinks, acting as if nothing was wrong between you. Eventually, he goes to leave but stops to turn back, “I’ll bring out two more on me. Please, stay as long as you need.”

“Thank you,” you both say simultaneously. It goes quiet when he leaves.

For the first time in two years, it feels like the silence is warm and home like. It’s no longer awkward and cold. It reminds you of the time when you were still scholars at the Akademiya, studying late at night at your house in your room. He would sit in your bed while you studied at your desk. There was always something so comforting about it despite the fact that you had to study. Being with him was your favorite thing in the world. And even though it felt like you both had been thrown into the pits of hell with each other, forced against each other over and over again, sitting across from him now felt like none of that had ever happened. For a tiny moment, it felt like you were friends again.

“I never wanted you out of my life,” Kaveh breaks the silence suddenly. Your eyes meet his for the first time that night and they’re brewing with a certain determination, sadness, and anger all at once. You can feel it in yourself too.

“What?” you breathe out. Your brows furrow as you take in what he’s saying, “You never wanted me to leave? But I thought…after everything, I mean. After what we said to each other back then, you didn’t hate me?”

Kaveh frowns and his mouth falls agape as his hands slam against the table dramatically. The words fall out of his mouth before he can stop them, “Hate you? Archons no! How could I hate you when I was in love with you?”

“Wait—you…? You were in love with me?”

His face falls instantly, hands waving in the air, “Shit, I didn’t mean—”

Your eyes glance back and forth between his, desperately searching for any sign of a prank or some sort of sick joke. Fear pangs your heart when you can’t find any, “Kaveh…why didn’t you say anything?”

“You were you and I was me. It never would’ve worked no matter how much I wanted it to,” Kaveh slumps into his seat, scoffing as he forces himself to look away from you, “You know what? Can we please just forget I ever said anything?”

The realization of what all the years you spent together meant hits you hard as you sit across from him. The rain pounding against the windows makes your head pound even harder as you try to make sense of it all. Because, no, this was not some sick joke or some prank. Kaveh was wholeheartedly in love with you at some point and you had no idea.

There were times where you felt the same. Staring at him from across the room, his beautiful blonde hair messily sprawled across your bed as he complained about the project you were working on. The times when he would be going on and on about his passions and you couldn’t help but zone out and just admire him in all his glory. Or when he would bring you food just because he knew you had forgotten to eat again. All the trinkets he would buy you because they reminded him of you. The way he made you feel so loved and cared for. Over the years, you had unknowingly fallen for him too. Kaveh may have only ever been your best friend, but in moments like those, moments where the light hit him just right, you wished he could have been more.

“No.”

“No?”

You lean across the table slightly, forcing him to look at you, “I can’t just ignore that. I can’t pretend you didn’t say it or that you never had feelings for me. I hate to admit it, but Kaveh, I had feelings for you too back then.”

It’s silent for a few moments. You give him the chance to speak, but he doesn’t take it. You take in a deep inhale and hesitantly speak, “I know it’s been a long time — years to be precise. And it pains me to say this, but I’m really happy the project worked out how it did. That opportunity from Zakai gave me more than I could ask for and…I’m glad it brought me back to you.”

“Yeah,” Kaveh scoffs playfully, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, “Only after a painstaking amount of convincing.”

“Oh please, I had every reason to say no to you,” you refute, crossing your arms in defense, “And I wasn’t finished. What I was trying to say, was that, even though it’s been so many years, I don’t know where to go from here. But I…I don’t want us to go back to the way things were.”

Kaveh sighs, “I know. I don’t either. Obviously we both have things we need to work through. But, if you’re willing, I’d like to start over again. Not completely, of course. But I want us to be friends again, maybe one day even more…If you’ll have me, that is.”

“Okay,” you breathe out with a small smile. Although it took years and a painful amount of fighting, tears, and money, you had found each other again. Perhaps you couldn’t love each other now, but the feeling was without a doubt there. The pounding in your hearts and ache for one another was concrete proof of it.

And as Kaveh reaches out and takes your hand again for the first time in two years, he knows he’ll never let you go again.

[silverynight]

The haori

It surprises Tanjirou to see Tomioka arrive to the butterfly mansion; he knows (thanks to Kocho) that there's not going to be a hashira meeting any time soon. Also, and he feels relieved when he notices, Tomioka doesn't look injured.

His surprise only grows when the water hashira looks around, almost desperate. As soon as his deep blue eyes find his though, his shoulders relax.

Taking a deep breath, the Pillar sits right next to him on the floor. The sun is shining brightly over the backyard; everything looks green there.

It's really a beautiful day.

"They told me you were hurt."

He nods, although realizes quickly that it's useless because Tomioka is not looking at him.

"Nothing serious," he says, smiling because Tomioka's presence always makes him feel better. "It's just my arm and leg."

Turning his head at him, Tomioka frowns, glaring in disapproval at the bandage under Tanjirou's white pants. Then, he looks at the one under his sleeve like it has personally insulted him.

"Are you sure you don't need to be in bed right now?"

Shaking his head, Tanjirou chuckles; even though Tomioka looks irritated, his nose tells him he's not angry with him; he's worried. Around them, the people working in the mansion start looking in their direction every now and then with curiosity.

"I'm fine. I'll probably get another mission soon."

By the way he grimaces, Tomioka doesn't seem to like the idea of him going into battle at the moment.

Tanjirou is about to ask him what he's doing there when the hashira moves and puts his own haori on the young demon slayer's shoulders.

Blinking in confusion, Tanjirou glances up at Tomioka again only to see that he's looking away from him again. His cheeks are slightly pink.

"You looked like you were cold."

He's not. The weather is amazing. However, he doesn't want to make him feel bad (after all he's done for Nezuko) so he thanks him and puts it on.

Besides, his uniform and his haori are being washed at the moment so he supposes it's fine to borrow Tomioka's for a while.

It smells just like him; like ocean water, like salt... Like a river. All at the same time.

"It's huge," Tanjirou chuckles. It's only natural since Tomioka is taller and stronger than him.

"My haori looks perfect on you," the water hashira says and only then Tanjirou looks back at him, noticing the fond expression on his face.

He sounds almost proud and his eyes glimmer with triumph when he notices the others are watching them.

Aoi gets closer to them and (to Tanjirou's shock) bow at them both. Tomioka nods in approval for some reason.

No, she's never bowed at him. Tanjirou is sure her rank is superior to his.

"I'm sorry to interrupt such an intimate moment," she mumbles, prompting Tanjirou to narrow his eyes in confusion. "But I need to check on Tanjirou-san injuries."

San? Since when she uses an honorific to talk to him?

"Of course," Tomioka says. "I'll go with you."

***

Looking unusually nervous, Aoi does her best to change Tanjirou's bandages quickly. It seems like Tomioka's intense look is making her less confident for some reason.

She looks almost scared.

"You should get something to eat," she tells him, moving away from as soon as she finishes. Relief is written all over her face. "Well, I'm done here."

"Thank you!" Tanjirou grins, but doesn't have time to say anything else because Tomioka takes him in his arms and carries him to the main room.

They eat together; he's so focused on the food that doesn't realize he's still wearing the haori or that Tomioka is staring at him with a fond smile.

When they finish, Kocho tells Tanjirou she has important things to discuss with Tomioka so the young demon slayer goes to Nezuko's room to check on her.

He manages to catch a few sentences of their conversation however.

"You have to tell him, Giyuu! Otherwise you're doing this for nothing! You know it's not fair..."

"I will tell him eventually."

"Probably on your wedding day..."

Tanjirou narrows his eyes, he's not sure if Kocho is just joking or if she's being serious, but thinking about Tomioka getting married makes him feel sad for a moment. He shakes his head though, reminding himself to be kind. He should be glad for his friends.

After seeing that Nezuko is still asleep, Tanjirou decides to go back to the yard, but finds himself in front Murata instead. They almost bump into each other, however, thanks to his nose he could move away in time.

"Tanjirou!" He says, smiling as his cheeks turn slightly pink. "Just the person I was in looking for!"

"Really?" He chuckles. "What do you need from me?"

"Well... Since both got some free time right now I was wondering..." He stops as soon as his eyes fall over the haori Tanjirou's wearing. "Is that Tomioka-san's?"

"Yes," Tanjirou nods, looking down at himself, still amused. "It's really big for me, don't you think? Oh, sorry! You were about to tell me something! What was it?"

Murata shakes his head, looking pale.

"N-Nothig. I didn't know you were already–that you had..." Again, he stops when he sees something over Tanjirou's shoulder. He bows. "I was already leaving, Tomioka-san!"

"Wait!" It's too late, he's already gone before Tanjirou can say anything else. He smells a bitter scent coming from Tomioka when he moves right next to him. However, when the water hashira looks down at him, the smell is replaced by a sweeter one.

"Let's go to the backyard," Tomioka mumbles, trying to hold back a pleased smile.

***

Tanjirou gives him back the haori when it's time for him to leave. With a soft smile, he puts it back on slowly, almost like he wants everyone to see him.

"I'll be in contact," Tomioka promises, caressing Tanjirou's hair, surprising the young demon slayer. "I'll find a way to see you soon, no matter where you are."

Feeling excited at the possibility of seeing him again soon, Tanjirou beams at him. However, his smile vanishes when the water hashira leans, takes his hand and kisses it softly.

It's a shame the Pillar goes away right after that, leaving Tanjirou in a flustered shock for a couple of seconds.

There's something going on. Something he's missing.

He has to find out what it is.

***

Patreon

[batwritings]

Kinktober Day 6 - Dub-con

So, on of my headmates who adores Gaz wrote this and it has to be THE MOST fluffiest dub-con I've ever read in my entire life. Enjoy!~

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

You really didn’t think you had drank that much when you were out celebrating with the task force. A mission well done deserved equal celebration, but…well, you were starting to think, somewhere in your mind that you had over done just a teensy bit. Walking was hard, and you were nothing but giggles left and right.

“Bit too much tonight huh mate?” Gaz asked you with a warm chuckle as he helped sling your arm around his shoulder. You and the sergeant had been growing much closer as of late. With you up for a promotion within the ranks and him having held the position for a number of years now, he knew a thing or two about the process and was more than happy to give you some pointers.

“I didn’t think I was such a lightweight,” you slurred with a laugh, leaning your weight into him. The two of you, through some careful maneuvering made your way back through the barracks to Gaz’s room. His was a bit secluded from the rest of the squad, which was probably the purpose of him bringing you here. Less light and noise for the inevitable hangover come morning.

“There we are,” the man hums, helping lower you to his bed. “I’m gonna run and get you some water and aspirin. Be right back.” You tried in vain to lift your hand and ask him to stay as you watched him slip out the door. In no shape to chase after him, you simply let yourself flop over.

You couldn’t help but cringe at your own drunken thoughts that crept up as you lied there. ‘The sheets even smell like him.’ You hadn’t wanted to say anything through being nearly carried back, but you loved every second of the closeness. Despite the added body heat, Gaz was like a cool breath of fresh air that soothed the alcoholic flush that came over your body. 

You whined a little when you grabbed onto his pillow, wishing more and more that it was him. “Miss me that much?” You heard, followed by teasing laughter. The sergeant was back, putting a cup of water and two red and white pills on the small nightstand beside his bed. A rough, war-beaten hand came to ruffle your hair affectionately. “Try to get some sleep Y/N. We’ve still got work to do come morning.”

Your hand moved of it’s own accord, gripping onto his in a clumsy attempt to hold it. “Don’ go,” you whine, trying your best to give puppy eyes. You knew they were his weakness, and you weren’t the only one noticing the closeness. 

A number of times as the two of you had gotten closer that little things had happened that would cause one, if not both of you two blush. Bumping arms, getting a little close when filling out paperwork, the whole works. It was like the two of you were two high schoolers with crushes versus grown ass adults that could express your attraction to the other, regardless of the rules your company had around insubordination.

Well now was that time, your drunken mind decided. “Want you to sleep here…with me,” you told him. Sure, you sounded a bit childish, but you could easily blame that on the alcohol come the morning. You watched as Gaz’s cheeks went up in a flush.

“I..” he started, before sighing. “Love you need some rest. Having me in the bed with you isn’t going to help that.” You’re sure you would have appreciated the gesture any other time. Unfortunately (or potentially, fortunately), your fuzzy mind didn’t exactly have a care for pleasantries. 

You’re not sure where you found the strength to pull the young man closer, but you did, easily letting your lips crash into his. You heard Gaz let out a surprised noise before he melted, fixing the two of you so the kiss was a little more coordinated. For a while, time stood still. The two of you and your connection was all that existed. 

Slowly, Gaz pulled away, his breath a bit heavy. “I…” you could practically see the gears turning and as he tried to process what had just happened and how to best proceed. “I should…go. I…you’re really drunk love. It would be wrong for me to keep going, as much as I want to.”

You felt yourself get teary-eyed at this; you knew full well why he was saying it, but…part of you didn’t care. The sergeant caught on immediately, hushing you gently and cupping your face. “No, no no no love it’s okay,” he cooed gently. “Don’t cry Y/N. It’s not because I don’t like you. But I’m sure as hell not going to take advantage of you while you’re drunk as shit.”

You took hold of his wrist to hold his hand against your face. “Promise?” your voice wobbled as the tears threatened to fall at even the inkling of a wrong word.

“Promise sweetheart, I promise,” Gaz reassured you with a kiss to your temple. “How about a compromise yeah? I stay here the night, sneak out in the morning so the Captain doesn’t have a conniption, and we talk about this tomorrow when we’re both more level headed. Sound good?”

You could barely keep your eyes open between the tears, waning adrenaline, and the overall rough day you’d had. The ebony-skinned man chuckled, standing up to strip off his shirt. If your body temperature was any indicator, it would be a rather warm night in all of his clothes. He quickly switched out of his uniform cargo pants, popping on a pair of sweats before helping you sit up to get you out of your clothes as well.

You felt akin to a rag doll with the way you needed Gaz’s help. You giggled drunkenly when you watched chocolate eyes linger on you a bit longer than was probably appropriate when your shirt had been taken off. He couldn’t help it; even with all the scars that marred your skin, you were positively gorgeous. 

The sergeant ripped his eyes away, quickly getting you into one of his older shirts that was just a bit baggy on your frame. He helps slide off your cargo pants and got you into a pair of his old basketball shorts before laying you back down. It was a tight fight with the both of you on that old military cot, but spooning you word just fine. 

“Thankyouu…” you mumbled, sleep already trying to claim you. You felt Gaz kiss the back of your head softly before he spoke.

“Don’t thank me yet love. We’re still gonna have to talk about your dubious actions come morning.”

[agaypanic]

Benny saves reader from a zombie

When The Dead Rise (Benny Weir X Reader)

Masterlist

Request Something!

Summary: Ethan has to take his little sister trick or treating, so of course he invites all of his friends to keep him company. Splitting up from your friends to spend time with your boyfriend ends up giving you some scares.

A/N: SO MANY THINGS TO SAY!!! 1, sorry for not posting a story in over 2 weeks, i discovered character ai messaging and became addicted to talking to josh hutcherson’s (i love that man, im so glad hes been getting more attention again, im so sad that he has a gf and is like 10+ years older than me) mike schmidt from fnaf (lowkey wondering if i should try making character chats, i think itd be fun lol). 2, thank you for 1.1k followers!!! It truly means a lot to me! 3, I still have a good handful of requests and i don’t know when they’ll all be finished, so if you’ve sent in a request that i haven't gotten to yet, im so sorry lol. 4, this feels kinda half-assed but enjoy this halloween fic even tho its fuckin november lmao

***

“Ethan, hurry up!” Benny yelled up the stairs to his best friend, who was in his room getting ready. “If we wait any longer, all the good candy’s gonna be gone!”

“Calm down, Bens.” You laughed. “We’re big kids; we can buy our own candy.”

“It’s not the same.” He whined, letting you pull him towards you by the lapels of his suit jacket. You fixed his poorly tied tie and smoothed out the fabric of his outfit. Benny wanted to be a magician this year, saying it fit perfectly. He even somehow roped you into dressing up as a magician’s assistant.

Before you could reply, there was a knock at the door. Unsure of whether it was a trick-or-treater or one of your friends, you grabbed the bowl of candy near the front entrance and opened the door. But the sight before you made you jump, some pieces of candy flying out of the bowl.

“Trick or treat!” Rory snickered behind an ugly zombie mask. It looked like the mask had been melted and worn out. 

“Couldn’t you have just dressed up as a vampire?” You asked, letting Rory into the house and closing the door. “You know, with you being a vampire and all.”

“Too easy.” Rory shrugged, taking off the mask. “Besides, scaring the crap out of you is worth wearing the mask.” He grinned, and you smacked his shoulder with an eye roll.

Hearing footsteps come thundering down the stairs, you all turned around. Jane came down in a princess costume while Ethan was close behind in one of his regular outfits. You all booed him and his wardrobe.

“Boring!”

“Didn’t even try.”

“Where’s your Halloween spirit, man?”

“Guys, give me a break, okay?” Ethan sighed. It was clear he didn’t really want to go out tonight. Wanting him to at least try to get into the spirit of the holiday, you grabbed a pack of fake vampire fangs from the trick-or-treating bowl.

“Here, you can be the vampire. Now let’s go, or Jane won’t get any candy.” Hearing this, Jane raced out the door, the rest of you hot on her tail.

***

It was late at night when you all decided to stop trick or treating. Jane’s candy bag was practically bursting at the seams, and she was worn out to the point where Rory had to start carrying her. He only did it because, due to being a vampire, he was the only one strong enough to haul her around, and she promised to give him some of her candy.

“Wanna split?” Benny leaned down to whisper to you, the two of you slowing down and gradually being separated from your friends. Deciding that they probably wouldn’t mind your absence, you nodded. Benny grinned and squeezed your hand that he had been holding the entire evening before pulling you in the direction of his house.

As the two of you walked down the street, a chill ran up your spine. An October night in Canada probably wasn’t the best time to wear a costume that had a good amount of skin, but when you put the costume on, you had decided that it would be a problem for future you.

Future you was less than pleased.

Luckily, being the amazing and thoughtful boyfriend he was, Benny took off his magician’s cape and tied it around you. He must’ve enchanted it, because you were immediately warmed by the fabric. You clung onto his arm, not missing the proud smile he had when he looked down at you wearing something of his.

“Oh, gosh.” You murmured, slowing to a stop. Benny stumbled, looking around in confusion. Before he could ask what was wrong, you pointed to what awaited you just a few yards ahead.

If you knew that the Whitechapel cemetery would be on your route to Benny’s house, you would’ve gone another way. But here you were, looking at the fog-covered, fenced-up plot of land in front of you, the path that went through it looking less than inviting. Given you and your friends’ track records with supernatural and dead things, you were weary of spooky things, such as a cemetery at night. Tonight being Halloween didn’t help much.

“Come on, N/n, it’s okay.” Benny cooed, pulling you along. “Nothing’s gonna happen, I promise.”

“How can you be so sure?” You asked, squeezing his arm.

“I’ll protect you, babe.”

“Oh, great, so we’re both dead.” You half-joked, and Benny gave you a fake offended look.

“Rude.” You got to the fence, and you paused again. Benny looked back and sighed; it was as if he could read your mind before you protested. “Going through the cemetery instead of around is the quickest way home, Y/n. We’ll speedwalk.”

After a deep breath, you nodded, and you both ventured through the graveyard. You clung to Benny as if your life depended on it. For all you knew, it did. The aura surrounding you as you walked spooked Benny a bit, but he did his best to put on a brave face for you.

Before you knew it, you were almost at the other side of the cemetery. Relief filled you as the fog faded just enough to show you the exit.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” You say, a pep in your step now. But for some reason, Benny pulled on his cape that was around your shoulders. You looked back in confusion.

It wasn’t Benny, you realized. Because he was standing next to you, not behind you.

Behind you was a hideous, groaning creature that looked like it had been decaying for years. You wouldn’t have been surprised if it had crawled out of one of the graves you and Benny walked by.

“Zombie!” You shouted, making Benny jump. You tried to run, but the creature’s decaying hand had a death grip on the cape you were wearing, the opposing forces almost choking you.

Benny grabbed the string that tied the cape around you and somehow ripped it apart. It was probably the sudden adrenaline that gave him the strength to do that and then pick you up when you were finally free. Tossing you over his shoulder, Benny ran out of the graveyard while you both freaked out about what you saw.

Over your squeals and shouts, you didn’t hear the laughing that came from the place you were fleeing from. The zombie dropped the cape and ripped off its face, revealing a cackling Rory. But his laughs were suddenly cut short when he heard a rustle in a nearby bush. Realizing that being alone in the cemetery was becoming too creepy for him, Rory sped away.

When you reached Benny’s house and called your friends, you told them all about the terrifying encounter you and Benny had with the dead. During your storytelling, you didn’t notice Rory having a slight grin on his face the entire time.

[feelyourrush]

A Sonny Disposition || Tim LaFlour x F!OC || Chapter 001

Synopsis: Sonny, a freshman at Stratford University, is a bubbly and hyper-feminine fashion design student all the way from Australia. She's excited to be on her own for the first time, but settling into independence is proving to be more complicated than she anticipated. Thankfully, fellow student, piercing-lover punk, and hockey ingenue Tim LaFlour lives in the same apartment building as her and is more than willing to lend a helping hand—even if they seem to be from completely separate worlds. What will they learn from each other? What will they have the patience to teach each other?

Genre/tags: Pure fluff, no smut. A friends-to-lovers slow burn romance with mutual pining. Imagine two golden retrievers crushing hard on each other p much!! Slight age difference, big size difference.

Word count: 1,850

A/N: My first fic in the Matt Lillard tag! My first fic on this blog! My first fic in a long, long time. And of course I couldn't help but start a new series. Aiming for this to be a novella/shorter chapter book. Hope y'all enjoy and please leave feedback if you have it!!

"Honestly, Auntie Steph, Uncle Benny—" I let out a grunt, hoisting a large suitcase and out of the back of their trunk— "Don't worry too much about me. I'll be fine, and I know who to call in case I need any help."

They followed behind me, with Auntie Steph carrying a large dress form and Uncle Benny pushing a dolly with the rest of my things. "We know, love. We're just one call away, and your Auntie Steph has some clients downtown," Uncle Benny addressed me from behind the pile of moving boxes atop the dolly as we walked into the apartment building.

"Right. I'm down here at least twice a week," Aunt Steph said. She was a consultant for an interior design firm, handling top-tier clients. Famous actresses, hockey players, the like. I held the door open as best as I could, practically squished between the door and the railing of the small staircase up to the apartment building.

I was a few days away from starting my freshman year at Stratford University in Toronto. I was a late registrant, so by the time I got accepted, there was no housing left in the freshman dorms. Instead, I was assigned to an apartment typically reserved for the upperclassmen. It was still maintained by the university, but I supposed I still had perks. Living with the older students probably meant a bit more freedom, not that I was planning on doing much besides schoolwork.

My aunt and uncle were just like my parents, worrywarts. Except, I could at least dodge my parents somewhat; I came all the way from Australia where I've lived for the last... well, my whole life. They were busy with work so all they could do was drop me off at the airport. Between then and about an hour ago, when I met up with my aunt and uncle at the airport, I traveled alone and enjoyed it. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, and I appreciate having people who cared about me a lot—but my goodness, could they be overbearing!

I was trying to hide my anxiousness to get rid of my aunt and uncle, but I wasn't so sure how well it was working. "I know. I've got you both on speed dial," I said, flashing them one of my signature megawatt smiles as we careened my things inside.

Like in the movies, students were bustling across the lobby, traversing its small space with ease. They looked grown up, if that makes sense. I felt intimidated, to say the least, and had half a mind to pay a visit to the chancellor's office or find someone else in charge to see if they could squeeze me into one of the freshman dorms. I would take an air duct if it was all they had.

My apartment was upstairs, at the very end of the hall on the third floor. The building seemed older, less well-kept and modern like the rest of the university. The dusty spiderwebs in the corners of the ceiling and the scratched linoleum in my room gave the whole place a nice charm, though. It was lived-in, and felt grown-up, too.

I could feel the excitement set in as Uncle Benny emptied the dolly. Eventually, they plopped onto the sunken-in, emerald green couch in the middle of the living room. I laughed, watching them take their exaggerated breaths. We were a theatrical bunch.

"Somehow, we did it," Auntie Steph said.

Uncle Benny checked his watch. "Alright, honey. It's almost lunch time. We'll get out of your hair so you can get something to eat. Remember what we said."

"Of course," I said, giving them hugs as they stood up from the couch. Real good hugs, too, like the ones I'd given my family right before I got on the plane. It was a bittersweet moment, one that marked the end of my phase as that little kid who played dress up with her Barbie dolls and the beginning of my new chapter as a fashion design student. "I love you both."

"We love you too," Aunt Steph said. "We'll send our wishes."

After they left, I was so exhausted from my long journey that I thought I'd better rest, too. With a deep breath, I landed on the couch—and heard a crack of wood underneath me. I sank a few inches.

===

"Thanks so much," I said while signing my name on a piece of paper. I looked up at the gentleman with a polite, expectant smile.

"Are ya sure you don't need our help carrying this up?" he asked, raising his eyebrow at me. Behind him, a small crew of movers were transporting my new couch into the lobby.

"Umm..." I sized the couch up and down. It was about the same size as my old one, with three cushions. Knowing my parents, they ordered me something a bit hefty so it would last longer, made of real wood and all. I had the upper body strength of a squirrel, probably, but I didn't want to look stupid in front of the movers. I was grown up, after all, doing big girl things now. Surely I could move a couch by myself. Giving them all a thumbs up, I said, "I should be able to handle it. Got some friends coming soon to help me."

"Alright," the gentleman filed my papers away and gave his crew a shrug before walking out. "Have a good day, miss."

It was just me and a couch in the lobby now. "Hmm." I circled it, feeling its plastic wrap. At least I wouldn't have to worry about the cushions flying off while I was carrying this thing. I glanced over at the elevator, which was much too small to fit the couch on (and it probably would've been over the weight limit). Then I looked up at the stairs.

Not realizing I was taking up the space in front of the main entryway to the building, I heard someone clear their throat behind me, startling me.

"Uh... need a hand?"

I didn't know where to look first, because it certainly wasn't his face. He was a tall guy, at least a foot taller than me, bleach blonde, and he wore these giant black combat boots, faded gray jeans that had more than a little distressing on them, and a cut-off t-shirt that said The Ramones on it. He had a cornucopia of piercings on his face. Their silver beads reflected under the fluorescent light. I'd never seen anyone like him before.

I was probably gawking, because a second later, he spoke again. "You okay?"

I picked my jaw up off the floor. "Yeah! Yeah, totally. I just, um..." I chuckled awkwardly, patting the top of the couch.

"Did you order this thing?"

"Yes, I did," I said confidently.

"You know, the apartments come with their own couches, right?" He couldn't hide his smile.

"Yeah," I said, not so confidently anymore. For a scary-looking guy, he had a big, friendly smile. It caught me off guard, just like the rest of him did. "Mine, um, broke."

Despite his smile, I thought he was going to chew me out and tell me to move. But he looked the couch up and down, and then looked at me at least up (my lower half was covered by the back of the couch) and said, "Right. Well, I'm cool with it being here but I don't know if the rest of the guys will be."

"Rest of the...?"

Before I knew it, a slew of boys—men? students?—flooded into the apartment building, vaulting over the couch and brushing past me to go upstairs. They were all the same size and stature as him and for a second there, I was worried I would get trampled, so I stayed completely still, scrunching my face.

They were all carrying duffel bags and hockey sticks, dressed in Stratford jerseys and sweatpants. I put two and two together. When the dust settled was around the same time I realized I could ask them to help me carry the couch up, but they were already gone by then. I looked over at the guy and we seemed to be on the same wavelength.

"Do you think I could—"

"Hey, do you need—"

We chuckled, realizing we talked over each other. He said, "I got you." Then, he hollered up, "Hey! Sammo! Bowman! Could use a hand."

They spawned from above, almost racing each other to the bottom of the steps. I couldn't help but laugh at how rowdy they were.

"Oh, we got a new couch for the spot, eh?" asked Sammo, whose name was on his jersey. Bowman splayed across the couch for a laugh before hopping back up.

"This is..." the blonde guy looked over at me, furrowing his brow.

"Sonny. I'm Sonny," I smiled.

"Tim, you caught yourself a girl from down undah?" Sammo teased.

The blonde, who I knew now as Tim, continued. "....Sonny, and she needs our help carrying this to her apartment. Apartment...?"

"13."

"Damn. That's all the way at the end of the hall, isn't it?" Bowman asked.

"C'mon, boys. Sonny's new around here. Let's be polite and make her want to stay," Tim said. It was then that I noticed he also had a duffel bag and hockey sticks, which he set down outside. They each took a side and I went to lift my own, but I was met with a hand up from Sammo.

"Don't worry about this, me'lady. Don't want you liftin' up a finger." Sammo grinned.

So, I took careful steps behind them, figuring I shouldn't insist to be in the way, and watched them pivot with every bend of the staircase. This was a whole lot easier than careening this whole thing up myself. I wasn't sure what I was thinking when I let those movers leave.

Finally, they set the couch down in the middle of my room. It seemed to be no effort to them at all. I wore a warm smile.

"Thank you guys, so much," I said, holding my hands together.

"Ah, don't mention it. C'mon, Sammo, let's go." The pair left my place, and me and Tim, alone.

I chuckled, feeling a bit awkward. "You really saved the day," I said. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be sorry," he told me. "Looks like we were at the right place at the right time." He smiled. "Well, Sonny, it turns out I'm actually in the apartment right underneath you. Number six. So if you need anything else..."

A sort of dread filled my stomach. You could hear every step you took in this place thanks to the creaky wooden floors. I was already a bit worried about bothering my neighbors with my endless nights of sewing and my impromptu dance parties, now I had to think about not bothering Tim. Strange and yet adorable and super helpful Tim. I tried to hide how horrified I was with a smile right back.

"Cool. I'll keep that in mind," I said. "Thanks again, and, um, see ya around."

"See ya."

[pomplalamoose]

can we get some hc’s for being dilf!lukes work wife pretty please 👀💗

a/n: for inclusivity's sake this is written for a gender neutral reader so everyone can enjoy <3

Hiiiii dear anon!!! Thank you so much for your request🩵

I'm not going to lie though, I found it somewhat difficult to think of Dilf!Luke with a work spouse due to his past and the way I generally like to imagine him to be.

But the concept really intrigues me and I have some ideas, so let's make some specific adjustments for this post to work:

• Dilf!Luke's first wife never died

• in fact he was never married to begin with

• his child is the result of a happy relationship which eventually ended in mutual agreement

• (otherwise he'd never allow himself to grow close to someone in a way like this)

• generally he's a slightly more positive version of himself, especially when compared to my other posts

On the other hand, here are some things that didn't change:

• he's always polite and hospitable, though keeps a distance between himself and everyone else

• a little bit intimidating with how he carries himself

• comes across as stern, though not as strongly as he does in my other posts

• even here I do not mention what kind of work it is he does, except that the two of you work together. I think it's fun to let everyone fill in the blanks with what they'd like best :)

• so imagine the first weeks at a new job: the new surroundings, hours, daily routines, tasks, co-workers...

• possibly you're one of the youngest among them as well and feel a little bit out of place, struggling to fit in among the already established relationships of your colleagues

• it's a lot and you find yourself wishing for someone to take you under their wing, even if it's just for the very beginning

• someone who looks out for you

• someone to have lunch with, to sit beside in meetings

• someone who takes time for you, to patiently answer any questions that might arise

• and maybe, if you're being honest, it's not just anybody you're hoping will do so

• handsome Mr. Skywalker, or Luke, as he introduces himself, works in the room just across the hall from yours, often brightening your surroundings simply by existing

• the most horrible day tends to change into a good one as soon as you catch a glimpse of his remarkable eyes or his private smile directed just at you

• a coincidental meeting by the coffee machine, on the stairs or in one of the many elevators is ways an event you think back to in the evening

• before you know it you're developing a major crush on him and, honestly, how could anyone not feel drawn to him?

• his looks

• his obvious kindness

• to the way he greets you by name when you clock in, his voice still a little bit rugged from sleep

• quickly it becomes your sole mission to catch his attention at least once a day, if even for the tiniest amount of time, just the smallest of interactions

• (you'd happily keep him company for hours on end if that's what he wanted but for now you'll take anything you can get)

• if only it weren't for a little problem

• (not to mention the rather obvious age difference)

• what you were already suspecting becomes a disappointing reality once you start to get more included by your other coworkers

• "he's generally well liked but sadly keeps to himself most of the time"

• "we already tried to get him out of his shell"

• "I see the way you look at him and believe me, many of us have been there.", a very nice elderly lady tells you

• "It's better to get him out of your head, my dear"

• "he's not one to seek out friendships or... other connections at work"

• and while you know they're probably right, that you should put your focus elsewhere, your thoughts can't seem to leave the mysterious older man alone

• like, you didn't even try!

• and so, more or less undeterred by your colleague's words, you make it a habit to include Luke into your work day

• after all there is no harm in being nice

• and no harm whatsoever in maybe flirting a little bit

• it does take him quite a while to warm up to you, though eventually, slowly, his careful kept distance wavers

• it starts without you realizing it at first but then, one morning, a steaming mug of your favorite tea/coffee sits on top of your desk to greet you

• (he's definitely a person to remember small things only mentioned in passing)

• maybe you don't connect the dots right away, still too tired to think properly

• and for a while you're confused, left to wonder; you can't even remember telling anyone about your favorite drink

• when you DO though and peek your head into his room to thank him, his response isn't more than a slightly amused expression that makes your stomach flutter

• sure this will have happened the first and only time, you try not to get your hopes up until small, colorful sticky notes appear in the files he returns to you

• they're often hidden, not to be spotted immediately, showing hand drawn smiley faces or fun little doodles

• and sometimes, when you're lucky, sweet messages written in Luke's familiar handwriting

• (those you treasure the most)

• suddenly, during lunch breaks, you often find yourself in the same spot in the park nearby (maybe intentionally so, maybe not) and end up spending them together

• during small talk that soon turns to more in depths conversations, you learn he likes to bake

• faced with your excitement it's not long after that he'd bring a batch of freshly made cookies with him just for you

• it'd definitely become a regular thing too, with him even trying out new recipes to ask your opinion and being super happy when you like them

• I think this is the point where, going forward, you'd only grow closer over time, eventually reaching that stage where it makes sense to call him your work husband

• he'd recommend books or movies to you, maybe music as well, that he thinks you'd enjoy and likes to hear about what you think he should try in return

• if you're currently learning a new language he'd memorize a few phrases to surprise you with simple greetings or compliments

• (alternatively he doesn't need to and would casually mention that he is in fact fluent, offering to practice with you)

• he'd like to surprise you with litte things to put on your desk

• maybe a fun plant, some cute organizers or, his favorite, completely obscure and very unnecessary trinkets he came upon on random that made him think of you

• on days that he knows will be particularly stressful, he brings in a few pretty flowers for you

• sometimes they're bought, sometimes he picks them on his way through the park, sometimes (very rarely), though he'd never admit to it in front of you, they're stolen out of someone's garden

• when you need a break he covers for you, no questions asked, seamlessly stepping into your role and everyone's way, keeping the others off your back

• during team celebrations, he ensures you get the best piece of cake or the best seat, or whatever it is you want at that moment

[sweetbottletops]

What's this casual cool happening in her school get up? Staying out with her school friends? Not wanting Uncle Joe up in her business?

Mitsuki's genres are blurring.

Ch.61

In case it wasn't clear enough, the rizz was adopted from Kanna, period, and the anxiety inherited from the Koga side.

Joe, please. She's 17-ish. That debilitating social awkwardness was so last week year.

Kanna missed all of Mitsuki's issues the last six years. On the one hand, Joe's lived in instincts do count... On the other hand, Mitsuki could benefit from an adult that hasn't seen her be a complete hot mess for years and just sees her as she's wanting to be seen right now. Kanna runs a lot cooler than Joe too.

"Besides, Aya-chan's there too." For a while now I've felt like Kanna is actually on Team Aya now that's she's had a chance to catch up with Mitsuki more and saw things for herself. I don't think she'd force the same spit up scenario that happened to her and Joe on them. More on that later.

Trying not to do a Joe-mama joke here, but Joe is really not used to Mitsuki choosing something like this for herself and he's not dealing with the change. TBF, she's not used to it either. *BLUSH*

After something like this they're probably used to her coming home as soon and she could get away, drained of energy, Joe treating her to something nice, ending the night comatose with her headphones in bed. Now that she did some typical teenager thing and seems fine he's feeling the tectonic shift.

Mitsuki has her happy green eyes going in overdrive.

*head pat* Kanna is a cool cat.

She called Kanna to check in. Not Joe. And she wants to keep secrets. She's speedrunning her youth. LOL

Mitsuki finding a confidant that is carrying around less of her baggage than Joe might be a good when it comes to talking about some things. Specifically girl things. She's been aware of how much of a burden stuff has been on Joe, since she was really little, and is somewhat passively choosing some independence via the person who hasn't seen her at her worst. And at her age that's not a terrible thing.

*flashback*

Kanna first saw Mitsuki again after six years when she was having one of her best nights. She's where she's comfortable. She's got her girl with her (Kanna clocked that right away). She comes off really confident. It's nice to have that be someone's latest impression even if they find out some of the other things later.

I think her "get Joe to America through Mitsuki" fell on it's face out of the gate and she already sensed it when she saw them.

Game recognizes game.

She follows it up with their Girl's Day Out. Where Aya was on the forefront of Mitsuki's mind and she stepped out to spontaneously call her. Mitsuki isn't dreaming of America even it had been Joe's back in the day.

Kanna is vetting her.

Setting Aya up for a reaction with the classic "she's been talking about you..." Allowing the "ex gf" misunderstanding to sink in for a few seconds.

The "so cute" was Kanna's POV. Aya has passed all of the tests.

Bringing it back to this chapter: When Joe is having his anxiety scenarios about Mitsuki she's quick to say not to worry because she has Aya with her. And to me Mitsuki deciding to call Kanna about her social choices she's probably the one most up to date on how that relationship is going and that's her was conclusion.

[nikisfwn]

Picture To Burn

You and Alex burn all of your ex’s stuff together after a drunken night at your house when you confessed to him. Things get a bit out of control.

Warnings: swearing?, mentions of sex but no actual sex, alcohol

A/N: Hi! I haven’t done a oneshot yet, in truth I’ve posted two things in total and no one has responded to them so have a cool little oneshot I had an idea for. Peep the Taylor Swift song as a title. I was struggling to come up with one and it came up on my playlist. Enjoy! (also sorry that it isnt all about the burning shit but i got carried away)

It was a Friday evening and you were drunk to shit. You and your boyfriend had broken up earlier on that day because he had slept with the same girl from his office even after you confronted him about it three months ago. Sure, you should’ve broken up with him then but you loved him. Too bad he was too busy fucking someone else to feel the same. A buzz on your coffee table snapped you back to reality from your drunken state.

Al Turner: Hey, Jamie told me about you and your boyfriends break up. How you feelin? Do you want me to come over or you could come over here?X

You grabbed the phone off the table and typed out a reply.

Hey Alex. I've had too much to drink to be able to come round yours. But if you could come over here that would be great. x

Al Turner: Great, I'll see you soon.X

Fuck. You needed to clean up. Alex was only about 5 minutes away, even less if he was driving. You quickly stood up groaning at the dizziness and headache that hit you at the sudden movement. You started picking up beer bottles trying not to count because you didn't need to know exactly how many it took to actually have an effect on you. You had just finished putting them in a bin bag when the door opened. There stood Alex with a crate of beer and his key in hand as well as an overnight bag on his shoulders. You hadn't invited him to stay the night but who were you kidding, of course you would let him.

"You should probably sit down love, you look like shit." Alex gave out a soft chuckle but he wasn't exactly joking, you knew that. You sighed and sat down patting the spot next to you on the sofa. Alex stepped properly inside and closed the door behind him, kicking his shoes off and finally locking the door before falling onto the sofa next to you. "Well I did bring these for you." He said holding up the crate of beer, "But it doesn't look like you need anymore to drink." He laughed, this time properly but you frowned. "You can't drink in front of me just because I've already had loads Al." Your words came out slightly slurred but you chose to ignore it. Alex however, did not. "Y/n, you are absolutely shitfaced and we both know it. Besides I can drink in front of you without giving you any, you just don't want me to." A smirk crawled onto his face, one that you almost wanted to punch right off.

"You're such a dickhead." You laughed with him as he gave you a beer taking one out for himself too. You opened it with the ring on your middle finger. The two of you sat in a comfortable silence as you stared at him. His beautiful eyes, his perfect smile, his stupid hair that he recently cut. You loved him, and not just as a friend. He was your best mate since you guys were 5, but you had a crush on him since you were 13. How could you admit it without ruining your friendship? "So, you gonna tell me what happened with him?" Alex spoke up, destroying the silence that had hovered over you. You sighed, a bit dramatically but apparently that was all you needed to let it out.

"Fucking hell, he was cheating on me within the first two months of us dating. Some random bitch in 'is office called Sarah or somethin. A friend of mine works with 'em and saw it 'appen. I confronted him about it and he said that he would stop, he apologised and well, I loved him so I kept dating him. I had a feeling it was still goin on I just didn't confront him about it. But earlier-" You paused remembering the events of today trying to put it into words and finally continuing. "Earlier I walked in on him and Sarah fuckin on the bloody sofa! So not only had they kept doin it, they started doin it in their free time too! I walked in and they didn't seem to notice until I had gotten so angry and- well I smashed one of his vases. Shocker but they stopped after that. He looked at me and started screaming about how I can't just walk into his house and that I should've knocked or texted. I told him that he gave me a key to use and that I had texted him but he was too busy with a whore to realise. He screamed at me to get the fuck out and I told him that he could keep on fuckin her 'cause I never wanted to see him again. He just said get out again so I threw the key at him grabbed the one to my house off his keys and left. Sarah just- stared the whole time. Like usually I would say that she had nothing to do with it but she did. That is what pissed me off wif her so much." You sighed realising you had been rambling and words getting more slurred and angry as you went on.

"Oh y/n. He's a bastard he isn't worth your time I promise you." You downed half of your beer as he spoke. "I mean I've given up on women at the moment, you should give up on men and we should just chill together." It was made as a jokey remark, you knew that. It did hurt slightly though. That Alex wasn't interested in you romantically. You played along with the joke though, "We should just fuckin date each other at this point." You both laughed. "I mean we already act like an old married couple it wouldn't make the biggest difference." Alex added on. You both laughed so much slowly making your way through the beers. When eventually you were so drunk that you couldn't think straight.

"Al?" Your quiet voice interrupted the silence that had hung over you. "Yea luv?" His words were loud considering the quiet atmosphere and he had no idea how to control the volume of his voice. "Y'know I luv ya right?" Alex turned to face you. "Yea? Why?" "No Al, not how you luv me. I mean I really really like you Alex. Not just as friends." There. It was out in the open. Your big crush on Alex was revealed after god knows how many years. "Really?" You nodded slightly averting your gaze from him. He grabbed the bottom of your chin and tilted your face up leaning in and giving you the best kiss you had in your entire life. He tasted like beer, old cigarettes and mint. God it was amazing. If you could've stayed there forever you would. He pulled away after what felt like an eternity but you still wished it was longer. He rested his forehead on yours and sighed before speaking. "In case you didn't get it, I like you too, love."

You and Alex spoke for hours on end before the idea came up to burn your ex's stuff. So now it was two am and you and Alex stood in your back garden with a box of your ex boyfriends stuff next to your barbecue. You had a bucket of water in case things went wrong obviously but other than that it was two drunk idiots with fire, therefore a bad idea. Alex was passing you items out of the box questioning every single one. "The fook is this love?" "That is a picture of me Brian and Sarah at a work party. Pass it 'ere." "Fookin' 'ell they're both ugly pieces of shit ain't they?" You held the picture above the fire and nodded while laughing before chucking the small amount of remains into a smaller bucket of water you had to put out the items. "Fuck, he didn't even 'ave good taste in music darlin' why were you wif him?" He had a shirt with Little Mix's logo on it and tour dates. The dickhead had bought it for Sarah but got it delivered to the wrong address so now you were left with it. "No clue Al, absolutely no clue." He passed you it and you placed it on the barbecue when things got out of hand.

"FUCK!" Alex quickly grabbed the bucket off the floor and chucked it over the barbecue while you turned it off. After a few seconds of you both staring in shock, the fire went out. "Fuckin hell." Your breathing was barely calming down but Alex pulled you into a hug. "Reckon that's a sign we should stop darlin'." Alex said chuckling softly. "Yeah probably." The two of you pulled away and started clearing up the mess you had made taking it inside and throwing the burnt items in the bin. "I think you should go to sleep love, you're wasted." Alex said to you after you had both cleared up. "Sure. But you're coming to bed too." You had a big smile on your face. "With you?" He cocked a brow and you nodded, "If you want me too then of course love." You grabbed his hand and you both made your way upstairs. getting changed with Alex in the bathroom you laid in the bed waiting for him.

He got in bed and you cuddled up to him. "Y/n?" You hummed into his chest in response. "What are we?" You looked up at him. "What do you want us to be Alex?" He thought about it for a minute before kissing your forehead. "I want to be yours love." You smiled and kissed him. "Well that's good because I wanna be yours too." He pulled you impossibly close to him as you fell asleep in his arms.

Your boyfriends arms.

It's a little rushed so sorry about that but I hope you liked it! The burning of your ex's shit was gonna be the main thing but I got distracted so it's a bit random. Hope you liked it!

[murderousxcoffee]

My Dearest Adversaries Ch1 [Dilf!PolyGhostface x Reincarnated Sidney!Reader]

Prologue

Thanks to @brahmsheelshireshusband for the great name! No CWs apply, I think

Man, people used to tell you, you’ve got one hell of a future waiting for you.

You didn’t believe that then. You don’t believe it now, sitting on the floor of your shitty apartment, eating Chinese takeout. But things could be worse. God knows they could be so much worse.

It’s been less than two weeks since you moved in. Probably should’ve stayed in a campus dorm, but the thought of being around people made your skin crawl. Besides, this complex is nothing but college students and college dropouts and what you’re guessing are the two professors you saw not long ago. 

People here are, uh, nice. You think. You’re not really the best at making friends, ‘cause of the nightmares and stuff. But you’ve got a friendly next door neighbor, and someone invited you over for pizza sometime. Everyone seems to know everyone else, and they seem open to knowing you, too. Cool?

Maybe you should try and tone down the cynicism. You don’t have any reason to be cynical anymore, anyway. And yet…

Somewhere in your heart, a snake is coiled tight. It’s always there, that tight binding of anger, inescapable, insatiable. It has been there since you were born, and it will be there, you know it will be there, when you die. You were, after all, born to die, you know this. That’s the knowledge you’ve carried since even before the murders of your parents. That you’re here to die, and you’re not going to die alone.

Your phone rings. You glance at the screen. UNKNOWN CALLER, it reads in big fat letters.

You go back to eating.

The phone rings on.

Eventually, they’ll get bored, you tell yourself.

The phone rings on.

Eventually that telemarketer will give up.

The phone rings on.

Damn, this guy’s persistent.

The phone rings on.

The coils tighten around your heart. You look at the screen again.

You set your food down on the blanket you spread on the floor, and pick up the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Sidney.”

Your mouth goes dry. That voice.

“I’m glad you finally picked up. What took you so long?”

That fucking voice.

“You have the wrong number,” you speak.

“Do I?” he says.

You aren’t thinking, but you’re okay with that. Like allowing an old trusted friend to take the wheel of the car when you can’t drive. You pull yourself to your feet. As you pass the window, you look through the blinds. You’re high off the ground, where you should be safe. The courtyard below you is empty of anything but shadows in the streetlights. You look at the reflections in the glass at the room behind you. The room is empty of anything but you. How long will that be true?

“That’s not my name.” You turn around, head to the kitchen.

“Is it?” he says.

A weird thought surfaces - which one is this? - but you’re not thinking clearly, no, you’re not thinking at all, so you let it wash away.

There aren’t many knives in your kitchen, but there is one you trust in a drawer. You pull it out, press your back against the wall, and force yourself to breathe.

“Who is this?”

“Oh, you know… just a friend.”

“I don’t have friends.”

“Really? What a shame. I hoped you’d have brought some with you.” The voice lowers. “Is it really just you, Sidney? Did you really come back all alone?”

Your stomach rolls. You place your fist over it, holding the knife away from your body. In your mind, you think of blood, so much blood and your hand all wet and sticky and slimy with it. But not how you remember.

What you want to say is, I don’t need anyone else.

What you say instead is, “which one are you?”

“Which one?” His voice lights up. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s always just been me.”

“You’re lying.”

“Am I?”

“I know you’re lying.” Your voice shakes.

“Is that so.”

You didn’t even realize you’d closed your eyes. Now you open them again. Adjust your grip on the knife. Get moving.

“Where are you?”

“What a good question! How about we play a little game? Get it right, and I’ll tell you.”

“Fuck you.” You throw open the closet door in the hall. Empty of everything but a few bags from a dollar store. There’s only three rooms in this apartment, why does it now seem so huge?

“Oh, don’t be like that, Sid.” The shortened name stops you in your tracks. Your hand shakes, your grip on the phone beginning to hurt. “We both know there’s only one way this can end.”

“I’ll kill you first,” you whisper. 

“Now who ever said anything about killing?” The voice cackles. “I thought we were just having a conversation! No need to get all intense about this.”

“Shut up!” You slam open your bedroom door. “I know who you are!”

“You do?” He’s taunting you. Your hands are shaking, and it’s not all fear anymore. “Well don’t keep me in suspense, sweetheart! Tell me who I am.”

Your closet doesn’t even have clothes in it yet. You close the door and sink to the floor. The painted wood is cool against your forehead.

“Ghostface.” That’s all you need to say.

The other end is silent. When did you stop breathing? You’re used to holding it. You’re used to making yourself exhale and inhale without a sound.

“Now how about that?” He says. “You do know who I am.”

On the floor, a glint of light. You dropped the knife at some point. There’s wet on your fingers, you look at your hand and for a moment, it's all red.

“I’m a little bit surprised, Sidney.” Again, that name. “I never took you for the true crime type. It’s got so many bad memories attached to it. But I guess we all start somewhere, don’t we?”

Your stomach twists. You grit your teeth.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you need to do more homework, baby girl. Better get on it quick, before classes start. You wouldn’t want to get left behind by all your new friends, would you?”

You don’t answer that. You let your eyes close, choose to breathe and think for one second, two, three, four.

“You’re not in my apartment, are you,” you say, voice flat. 

“Would you like me to be?” He purrs.

Turning around on the floor, pushing the knife away, you lean your back against the door.

“Do you want to know what I’d do,” he says, “If I were in that place alone with you?”

There’s no good answer for that, is there.

“You’re going to tell me even if I say no.”

“That’s my Sidney,” he whispers. “So fucking smart, Sidney. Once you know how the game works, you know just what to do to win it. But all games rely on a little luck to win. I’m sure you know how the quote goes.”

The wolf only needs to be lucky once. Yeah, you know that one.

“Every game is a little bit different, sweetie,” he says. “Nobody ever gets the same cards twice. So, I don’t really know what I’m gonna do, when I’m alone with you. But I promise you, baby. I promise you, you’re gonna hate it even more than the last time.”

You close your eyes.

“Which. One. Are. You?”

He breathes on the other end of the phone.

“Your first.”

Nausea rolls over you, it takes a moment to process what he said.

“Now the next time I see you,” he says, “we’re gonna play that little game you know I love. I’ve changed it up since the last time we played. It’s like brand new. I promise you won’t get bored.”

Your hand covers your mouth. A name surfaces in your mind, you struggle to grasp it, but the voice drives everything out of your head. 

“It’s gonna be so fun, it’ll be killer!” The laughter stabs your ear drums. You pull the phone away from your ear and look at the screen just as the other hangs up.

It takes all your strength not to throw the phone into the wall.

“Fuck!” You pull your knees up to your body best you can and bury your fingers in your hair. Now you feel them, hot tears streaming down your face, burning your skin. You don’t fight them. You let the alien emotions sink into your bones.

This is not a familiar pain. This is not a familiar rage. It is yours, uniquely yours, in every way. You grind your teeth as the sobs shake your body, and in this moment, you embrace it. That hatred that chased you down from the town of your childhood all the way to this miserable little city in the sun.

It pisses you off, that you’re not the only Ghostface in town. That’s what you tell yourself hours later, after you calmed down. It scares you, that another one might be onto you. That’s why you felt so sick when he said ‘your first’. You thought he said ‘you first’. That’s what you tell yourself. 

By the time the morning sun hits your windows, you even think you believe it.

[fruit-salad-ship]

for those who do not wish to dive into the fallout AU for the best bit.

i think this is it, at least for me. less of a huge read, but the one section if you HAD to know, is worth it.

Plum’s notions about this woman she’s sat beside are proven correct when she’s confronted with a truth, probably the first honest truth Peach has said to her.
“Everyones done things they’re not proud of, Grey, myself, even you.” The big woman points the finger right back at Plum, not skipping a beat, not angry, just factual, she saw through her from the start, it wasn’t hard, continuing. “Are you so innocent? To have three factions come together to hunt you down? What must you have done to cause enemies to put aside such massive differences to end just one life?” Plum cannot answer that, cant find the words in time to defend herself. “The truth is everyone on this farm is a monster in one way or another, only difference is we’re trying to make up for it.” Peach turns a bit where she sits, leans in, earnestly, looking at her guest with a stern thinning gaze, trying to find a point within her that she saw in grey, that she sees sometimes in others on the road. A point of redemption. The offer is worth extending to Plum, despite her attempts to meddle since arriving, to put cracks in what is trying to be built here, Peach looks at her and holds out a metaphorical helping hand, an olive branch so to speak. “Stay, make up for what you did, whatever it is, we don’t need to know, but you can fix this. Make things better than when you found them.” A moral both her and Grey carry, and one she thinks might just resonate with this woman, even if only a little. Plum is still unable to answer, for once, her witty remarks and devious words fail her, watching as peach goes, gets her confiscated rifle from her room before placing it down on the table, putting a packed bag by the door that she’d already stocked, food, water, enough things to get her guest off to a good start if she leaves. Even extra ammo for her gun.

“The choice is yours.” And Peach leaves for bed.

Plum sits up all night, pondering in firelight, looking around at the life these two have started to build, a life she wanted once, when she was young and naive, but grew to believe it was impossible, and now, it was a life offered to her too. Here’s her chance, is she good enough to take it? To brave trying to change, to be more than she always has been? Its scary to consider, theres so much she could do wrong, these two are not like the rest, they can’t be bought, they don’t falter when given a choice that shakes their morals, whatever they were, wherever life took them, they’re trying to turn it around right here, right now. What if trouble finds Plum, what if these seemingly good people get caught in the crossfire? Was it worth the risk? So many questions, things Plum wished she had definitive answers for, but life not so easy, nothing is clear cut.

Peach wakes to find the bag she’d packed gone, the rifle not where she’d placed it the night before. ‘To each their own’, she thinks, ‘can’t do more than put the offer on the table’. A twinge of sadness settles under her skin, that she couldn’t pull another out of a bad life. Her day begins like many others, kettle whistling on the stove, coffee in hand as she steps out onto the deck, stares across the farm as her vision adjusts to the light out here, looks across her plants, but her steps are paused, her raised cup hovering at her lips, assessing what she’s looking at, not even taking her first sip yet. A stooped figure is crouched trying to pull a root from the dirt of an unused field. Plum didn’t leave, stands up straight with a stretch in her spine, noticing Peach, she’s far away but you cant miss that smile, not even with Peach’s bad vision. She’s got her rifle with her propped against a stump to one side, grabbed as she approaches, wiping her brow with a coy grin. Peach says nothing, just makes her a hot drink, both taking a seat on the deck in the early dawn.“I put the bag away. Don’t think I’ll need it just yet.” About all Plum could say, both women smiling into their drinks.

[amberdablade]

💛💙❤~Octavia x GN!Reader~❤💙💛

Hope you enjoy my latest creation!

Requested by: Click the link to find out :3

TW: Swearing, panic attacks.

Y/n’s Pov

       Octavia ran over to you carrying another one of the ugly hats you had found earlier. It was black with green checkered shapes smeared throughout the fabric, and on top of the ugly piece of clothing sprouted four or so purple feathers spreading in all directions.

       “You should try this one on, Y/n!” she called in her accent, “it might complete your look!” You laughed at the owl’s joke and did as she said, looking like a complete dork as you did so.

       You and Octavia were shopping at the cheapest store in all of hell. Everything that was being sold was either ugly pieces of clothing or cheap plastic items filled with hazardous chemicals to make it look sellable. The two of you had been shopping here ever since you were kids, always enjoying the crap people would buy for themselves at such a price. You both rarely bought anything but now and then you two would find something you both loved enough to take home. Today, the green-speckled hat might just be that object.

       You looked at yourself in a nearby mirror. You were already wearing a black cape with velvet red sweats. Adding the hat to the look made you into a complete laughing stock. Octavia giggled at your new appearance.

       “We have got to buy this thing,” she said. You nodded and turned to look at her, her beauty taking your breath away as it always did.

       You liked her. Even though Octavia was your best and only friend, you had fallen head over heels for her ever since you turned fifteen. Now, nearly four years later, you debated whether or not to tell her due to your feelings never ceasing. You would’ve told her a while back, but due to the thought of her rejecting you and losing the bond you two had was enough to make you shy away. Besides, many had confessed their love for her in the past, but all were rejected since they didn’t have true feelings; they were only after the Goetia fame and fortune. You could care less about Octavia being the heir to such a name of power, you loved Octavia for Octavia and nothing more. But why would she believe you? After all, in her eyes, you’d just be another one after her name and not her heart.

       You pushed your thoughts away as she took the hat from your head with a smile.

       “I’ll pay for it this time,” she said, “after all you paid last time. It’s only fair.” You smiled back and nodded again. You walked up to the imp cashier and watched Octavia pay for the item.

       “You’re quiet today, Y/n,” she started, “you doing okay?” You looked her in the eyes hesitantly and nodded once more.

       “Yeah! Sorry, I’ve got my head in the clouds today,” you replied, “didn’t get much sleep last night.” The cashier handed the paid-for hat to Octavia in a plastic bag and wished both of you a good day. Octavia playfully rolled her eyes and chuckled as the two of you made your way out.

       “Totally understandable. Happens to me all the time.” She placed her arm around you causing your heart to skip a beat and led you out of the store. The air outside of the building was cool and refreshing with a slight breeze. The air smelled of cigars and the moon painted with a pentagram shone high above your heads spreading its reddish light down upon Pentagram City.

       “Well, I should probably head home, my mom’s probably upset with the servants for not knowing where I am,” she said, releasing her warm touch from you.

       “I had fun with you, Via,” you replied, trying your best not to sound weird. You were debating whether or not to share your true feelings with her. But just as you were about to speak she asked you something you would’ve never expected.

       “Hey, Y/n, I was wondering if tomorrow night you were free to come hang out? My friend Loona’s hosting a wicked party at her friend’s house tomorrow at 9:00 pm. There’s gonna be food, music, and games and I couldn’t help but ask you to come since I know you’ll make it ten times better than if you weren’t there. If you’re not sure you can always text me later. I-” You didn’t let her finish, the answer was clear as day.

       “Yes, I would love to come!” you blurted. Octavia didn’t seem to mind the interruption when her face lit up with a smile and her feathers ruffled with excitement.

       “Wonderful! Uh… I mean cool,” she said, regaining her normal stature. “I’ll see you then I guess. Bye, Y/n!” You waved in farewell as Octavia walked down the street in the direction of her home, the Goetia palace. You watched her walk away until you couldn’t see her form any longer and sighed.

      “Off to the shelter,” you thought. Unlike the girl of your dreams, you were poor and homeless ever since your parents died when you were eleven. No one was there to take you in, so you made a life of your own living on the streets. Recently however a homeless shelter had taken you in along with your situation. It had been the first time in ages since you had warm meals and a decent place to rest. You never bothered to tell Via about your struggles with survival. She knew about your parents but she just assumed an aunt, uncle, or even a distant cousin had taken you in. She had questioned your ragged clothes and stick-thin appearance before, but you always told her “bad paycheck” or “stomach bug.” She always believed you but after a while, the lies had begun to take a toll on you. “You shouldn’t lie to her,” was one of the many thoughts that consumed your mind as you wandered ‘home.’ “You don’t want her to find out the hard way, it’s not worth such a risk.” You agreed with yourself. Maybe it was time to stop the lying and secret-keeping.

       “Tomorrow night at the party,” you thought, “that’s when I’ll tell her how I truly feel and about my real situation back home.”

Octavia’s Pov

       Octavia was ecstatic that Y/n could come to the party. She adored them to the point of never wanting to leave their side. Parting a few moments ago was enough to leave her heart feeling empty and bring her mood down, especially as the Goetia palace came closer into view. The last thing she wanted to deal with was her mother and the fact that she had been gone nearly all day without excuse.

      “She’s bound to ask a shit ton of questions,” she thought with a sigh. When she arrived at the crystalline doors of the palace, she pulled her hood up from her jacket and tried her best to look unnoticeable. She took a deep breath. “Here we go, let’s just hope she’s not yelling at dad again.” She opened the door and was greeted by the palace’s shine and splendor. She walked through the main entrance and through a few of the corridors as quietly as possible to avoid her mother’s prying curiosity. From the sounds of it, it didn’t seem like her father was home, but that had proven to be wrong many times. Just as she turned around a bend in the hallway nearest to her room, she was met with her mother’s tall fuming form.

       “Well??!” With hands on her hips and feathers ruffled with rage, Stella stared holes into her daughter. “Where the fuck have you been off to today?! I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Did you ever stop to think how worried I could’ve been?!”

       “Like fuck you’d care about me,” Octavia shot back, “all you care about is yelling at everyone twenty-four seven.” Stella ignored the disrespectful comment and continued like Via had said nothing.

       “Where have you been?! Hopefully not getting fucked by any of your impish friends like your father!”

       “Shut up! It's none of your business where I was, now leave me alone!” she shouted. Octavia shoved past her mother and bolted to her room. She slammed the door shut and locked it, beginning to feel her eyes burn with tears of hatred. She sat beside her bed and hugged herself into a defensive ball as her mother stomped away. Octavia wiped away the tears in her eyes and pulled out her phone. She opened up the lock screen to find her wallpaper set to her and Y/n drinking smoothies. She smiled at the memory.

       It had been an unnaturally hot day in hell, and the two of you had decided to go out for ice cream. When the shop reported being all out, she had invited you over to her house while her parents were away to make smoothies instead. The servants had made some for both of you and the rest was history.

       Y/n might’ve not realized it at the time, but that was Octavia’s favorite memory.

       She grabbed her headphones and began listening to music, every song reminding her of them. After a while, she fell into a deep sleep with her final thoughts being everything to do with Y/n.

      “I think… I might love them,” was her final thought as she drifted off to sleep.

Y/n’s Pov

       It was the next day and the night of the party. Octavia had texted you the directions for the house and what time she would be there. Butterflies and feelings of anxiousness clouded your thoughts ever so slightly as the time of telling her your feelings grew nearer and nearer. You tried your best not to think about it, but every time you brushed away the thought it only came back, stronger and fiercer. By the time you arrived at the gateway to the house, you were almost dizzy with anxiety. You tried to remain focused and took in a deep breath to soothe your beating heart.

       The house you were standing in front of was not just any house, but a mansion. The outside walls were made of dark oak wood and the third floor was a greenhouse; windows enclosing the roof. Vines of ivy covered the pillars that held up the overhanging portion of the roof in the front. And the garden… the garden was something else. All types of roses, lilacs, and even the flowers of hell littered the front lawn. You couldn’t help but think that Stolas, Octavia’s father who loved to garden, had been here before and played around with it.

       You overcame your awe and walked up the pathway that led to the entrance. As you walked closer, Octavia’s unmistakable form became visible to you standing by the door looking down at her phone.

       “Octavia!” you called out. You saw her lift her head at your voice and smile.

       “Y/n! I’m so glad you could make it! I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.” You walked up to her, the faint sound of music reaching your ears from the inside of the house. You smiled and looked her in the eyes, nearly getting lost in her beauty (again).  

       “I’m glad I could come,” you said gently. She put her phone away, patted your right shoulder, and turned to knock on the door. About a moment after she knocked, the door opened to reveal a red-eyed hellhound holding a wine bottle. Her face smiled and her white and gray tail began to wag.

       “Octavia!” So glad you could come!” she said. She turned to look at you and eyed you up and down. “I see you brought your date with you.” Your face turned beet red while Octavia slightly blushed.

       “Oh, we’re not dating,” she quickly replied. “This is my friend, Y/n. Y/n, this is Loona.”

       “Sup, Y/n. Nice to meet you,” Loona replied with a smirk. You felt your face return to its normal color.

       “Nice to meet you too, Loona. I’ve heard great things about you.” Loon chuckled.

       “Good to know I’m still liked.” She took a sip from the wine bottle and gestured to come in. “Come on in you two. Refreshments are in the kitchen, food should be to your left if the rest of the hellhounds haven’t eaten it already, the bedrooms are upstairs, and the garden on the roof is free to use if you need fresh air. Completely understandable in this environment.” Octavia thanked Loona as you took in your surroundings.

       The house was in absolute chaos. Hell hounds were practically everywhere, laying on the couch on their phones, tearing up the couch, savagely eating the offered food leaving crumbs and messes everywhere, spilling wine and whiskey, making out in the corners, and screaming the lyrics to the already ear-splitting music. This was practically your least favorite environment ever. You couldn’t stand overstimulation like this for too long, it would begin to drive you crazy and gift you nauseating headaches. You and Octavia were practically the only non-hellhound in the whole party and it brought you a little too far out of your comfort zone.

       You shook your head to clear the fog and the anxiety that was beginning to overcome you. “I need to do this for Octavia,” you thought, “I don’t want her to be disappointed.” Octavia grasped your hand and smiled.

       “So,” she said, “what shall we do first?” The sudden attention nearly overwhelmed you and you took your hand away.

       “I-I need some time alone,” you said in a panic. You tried your best to ignore the noises and yells as you bolted away. You headed towards the only place that Loona said would be quiet: the greenhouse.

Octavia’s Pov

       Y/n’s sudden reaction shocked Octavia. Did she say something, do something wrong? She watched as they ran up the wooden stairs leading to the top floor. The pain in her heart was unmistakable and uncontrollable. She stood in the middle of the living room, frozen. She debated whether to follow them or stay put. She wasn’t sure of what to do in a situation like this. She was usually the one that acted like this, not the other way around. She assumed they were having a panic attack.

       “What do I normally feel like when I’m having a panic attack?” she thought. She sat on one of the couches near a hellhound on his phone as she tried to put herself in Y/n’s situation. She had experienced many panic attacks before, so it wasn’t difficult to imagine what they were going through.

       It was so difficult to concentrate with all the noise, nobody was calm and nobody was quiet.

      “I need somewhere calm to think, maybe I can make this right.” She thought of what Loona had said earlier. “I think I’ll go up to the greenhouse.”

Y/n’s Pov

       You entered through the glass doors of the greenhouse, heart still beating fast and head continuously dizzy.

       “I ruined it, I ruined my chance,” you mumbled between tears. You shut the door behind you and fled to a stone bench near a flowered red palm-like tree.

       The greenhouse was beautiful. Flowers were everywhere, the space was dimly lit while the moon once again shone overhead, adding a luminous glow to the area. A few butterflies flew around the bushes and trees busily attending to the flowers. You rested your head in your hands as more tears came down. You could never be with Octavia, and the time had come to accept that as a fact. It would be pointless to pursue someone as rich and powerful as she was.

       And beautiful.

       You heard the glass door open and the sight that followed. The footsteps sounded familiar to you causing you to lift your head in curiosity. You turned towards the doorway only to find a thick trunk of a tree blocking your view. The source of the footsteps rounded the corner of the tree and the two of you locked eyes.

       It was Octavia. Slouched and teary-eyed just like yourself. A butterfly flew in front of your face.

       “Octavia?”

       “Y/n?” You both stared at one another in silence for what seemed like ages until Octavia ran over to you and hugged you. She snuggled into your neck.

       “I’m sorry about earlier, if it was because of me I promise I won’t ever do it again, I just need you to tell me what I did so I can know and make things right again. Please, whatever it takes to get you back.” The sudden touch and affection shocked you, even her words were enough to keep you stiff. You somehow fought through the nerves, relaxed, and hugged Octavia back.

       “It's…uh... It's okay, Via, I promise you didn’t do anything wrong… I just get stressed in loud environments and I…” Octavia’s eyes met yours. It nearly broke her heart to see her cry like this. Maybe telling her your feelings right now wasn’t the best time…

       “No, I have to do this, I can’t just chicken out now. Not when I’m this close.”

       “Octavia…” you started, “I have to tell you something I-” you paused then took a deep breath, “I love you, Octavia. I’ve loved you for nearly five years now and… Look I promise I don’t love you for your wealth, I love you-” Octavia didn’t let you finish. She interrupted you with a kiss on the lips, causing you to become flustered and a hot mess. She ceased the kiss after a few moments and smiled.

       “That’s good because it would be awkward if I was the only one who had feelings for my best friend.” Her reaction and response filled you to the brim with happiness, all you could do in return was hug her tightly and smile. “We should get out of here,” she continued, “I should’ve never brought you here. How about we go to your house? If that’s alright with you of course.” You sighed and your smile faded.

       “Octavia, I need to be honest with you about something.” You explained to her about your homelessness and what happened after your parents died. Octavia listened with great attention and concern as you rambled on. When you finished she smiled and laughed.

       “Oh, Y/n, why didn’t you tell me this a while ago? You could've lived with me, I have plenty of rooms in the palace, and I’m sure my dad wouldn’t mind.” You shrugged.

       “I thought you would be mad at me or something for not telling you,” you responded.

       “Well, I am a little frustrated but I can see where you're coming from. Tell you what, you can come over to my house tonight and hang out with me. Both of my parents are gone and we can watch movies together if you’d like.” You nodded and smiled.

       “That sounds lovely.” You kissed her again and the two of you left for the palace, Octavia’s hand in yours.~

-

Word Count: 3,199

Hope that wasn't too wordy and complicated. I wrote this over the course of about a week and it ended up getting long :|

Cya next time!