#but I did remember about it and go ‘well bearie would like this’ and decide to slap this into the theming

[sadnessisavegetable]

Molting

I highkey had Mitski’s “Liquid Smooth” in mind when I started, as the horror of blood flowing through a being perfectly in their prime, looping around endlessly. UNFORTUNATELY I DIVERGE FROM MY OWN PLANS WHEN THINGS SOUND COOL.

I found myself leaning into the concept of molting or shedding or perhaps breaking free of the constraints of oneself in a very similar concept to something touched on in @yiga-hellhole’s TFTK where Zant was described “…like he had grown too big for his own body, bursting from his skin, creaking his bones….sweet, liberating agony, a spider struggling wildly to break free from its molt…(Twilight Forest, Twilight King, Chapter Five: Interlude - Twilight Curse, Twilight King)”

[babybuckleys]

i don't know you yet - spencer reid.

summary: soulmates. they exist right? y/n and spencer live their daily lives doing activities that slightly coincide with each other until they meet.

word count: 1.2k.

warnings: mentions of season eight spoilers, mentions of angst.

a/n: hi! I've had this idea for a while and since I haven't written in a bit here it is. hope you guys like it, enjoy!

Taglist (in bio): @ilovejjmaybank ​ @laurenairay @hotchsbabygirl @187-reid ​ @simonsbluee ​ ​ @baby-bearie ​ @callllumhood ​ @5sos-seavey ​ @notphilosopherstudentblog-moved @dermuffvontausendjahren @fanficscuziranout @katexrichardson @sluttytears @thelukealvez @cooper-boom @edmundspevensea

tagging my cm buddy. @npatrickz

(*credit to gif owner*)

Many people imagine their dream person or think of the person they want to date or marry from a young age. Y/N remembered going to sleepovers and her friends talking about how they wanted a boyfriend with blue eyes and blonde hair or brown hair and brown eyes. But when Y/N's turn came around she always said the same thing "I don't care what they look like as long as they are the right person for me." And that's when the game would end. Because twelve year olds could not fathom that everyone had their person and at some point they'd meet and everything would work out. Her mindset was set as growing up her mom would always tell her the same story. When I met your dad I just knew she'd say.

Spencer was the same way. Always being busy with work he didn't have time to go out on dates and spend time with people. He just hoped that one day the right person would come. I mean after what happened with Maeve who he strongly believed was his soulmate he didn't really see a point in trying to move on. He always said it was too soon. 

Too soon. Two words that circled both of their brains. Too soon to date. Too soon to go out and put themselves out there. Why put yourself out there when you could stay locked up in your house where you were comfortable.

Spencer's head buried in cases and files while Y/N had her head buried in the latest book. They weren't that different to begin with. Maybe some person out in the universe made it this way. Hoping that one day two people who have had their heart broken and taped so many times would bump into each other.

The day would finally come. Well not exactly the day that they magically fell in love. But the day that they were in the same spot at the same time.

?Y/N had a tradition. Coffee every single Monday because well to be honest Mondays sucked. You know those people that take their sugar with coffee. Yeah Y/N was one of them.

Spencer had decided to stop by the coffee shop a few minutes away from his apartment. Deciding that a small detour would be nice. I mean a different type of coffee would be nice even though of course his coffee taste was more sugar than coffee.

~~~~

"Thomas please just a bit more sugar, you know that's not enough." Y/N asked the barista who slowly had become her friend to kindly add more sugar to her coffee.

"Y/N this is a disgrace how do you call this coffee." The barista said as he added more and more sugar until a small mountain piled up on the top.

"And that is why I love you Thomas." She said as she grabbed the coffee and headed toward the exit.

Spencer had heard the altercation as he waited in line for his coffee and chuckled. Wow if he could meet this person he knew they would for sure get along.

~~~~

Spencer and the BAU had been working on a case. It was a tough one to crack. Only a few minutes away from Quantico but with little to no clues they knew it would be a hair puller.

They had one neighbor as a witness and some history about the victims. Other than that they had zilche as Garcia would say.

Alex decided to go talk to the witness as Spencer worked on the geographical profile and the others went through looking for overlaps in the other victims.

As soon as Blake walked up to the door a person no older than Spencer opened the door. 

As she guided Blake to the couch, careful to pick up the scattered books all around her living room, embarrassed to have someone from the FBI see her living room like this.

"You have a vast collection of books here." Blake said attempting to make conversations before getting to the point.

"Yeah I love reading." Y/N spoke up.

"I'm quite the reader myself." As Blake looked at the small living room she couldn't help but notice the similarities between the girl in the kitchen and Spencer. Scratch that. You were so similar to Spencer that it was like an exact replica. 

~~~

Y/N did not expect to be spending her Wednesday afternoon with someone from the FBI but since her next door neighbor had been murdered she was now a part of it.

"Can you tell me what you saw." The agent sat in front of her.

"Well Mrs. Smith always is asleep by eight so i found it kind of odd that her lights were on after midnight. I was getting ready to open my door and check on her when I heard a thump. Then I looked through my peep hole and saw a man run across. He had a mask on. But he dropped it. I got a paper towel and placed it on my counter before calling the police."

"Wow that helps us more than you know." Alex was quite impressed by how much information the witness was actually able to provide.

"Yeah well anything to help find who did this." Y/N smiled at the agent.

"Well we'll call you if we need anything more, thank you for all your help."

~~~~

After arriving back at the station and giving an update on what she learned Alex suggested that Spencer go talk to the witness.

"I think he can maybe find out more since they are closer in age."

"Well that doesn't sound like a bad idea." Rossi spoke up.

Spencer not really having a problem with it headed over to your place. As he knocked he heard a familiar voice respond. He wasn't sure where but he knew that he knew you from somewhere.

"Hi uhm i'm Spencer Reid im with the FBI."

"Oh hi uhm you're partner was just here, did you guys learn something new?" 

"Oh no just another check up." 

"Oh ok, come in. I was just making coffee, would you like some?" Y/N looked at the attractive agent in front of her.

"Yeah coffee is good." 

As soon as Spencer walked in he saw the extensive book collection in the corner. Ranging from romance to mystery to autobiographies. 

"Favorite book?" Y/N asked as she poured the coffee eyeing the boy that was taking such an interest in her book collection.

"Oh i'm not sure I can pick. I mean there are so many genres." Spencer smiled feeling comfortable with the conversation.

"I agree with you." Y/N said as she poured sugar into her coffee.

As she poured the sugar it's like something clicked in Spencer's mind. Her voice, the coffee smell, the unhealthy amounts of sugar. The girl from the coffee shop. The one he so wanted to have a conversation with. 

He grabbed the sugar and as Y/N saw him pour it she smiled. Everyone she knew always said the amount she poured was ridiculous but here stood a boy in front of her who did the same thing as her. And as Spencer took a sip of his coffee he knew that he could finally have that conversation he so much wanted. And as he did he felt much happier then he had in the last few months.

[writingbeary]

Kingdom : Final Episode (pt2)

Minyoung's Outfit

[What’s ATEEZ’s ‘attractive looks’?]

[The six men and a lady who will make ATINY’s hearts flutter are coming.]

[Vincen-Jongho Cassano, the luxurious young masters and the charming young lady.]

Seonghwa: “Minyoung-ah, careful.” *holds out his hand and helps her out the van*

Yunho: “Are you sure this is the place? It’s a construction site though?”

Minyoung: *laughs* “We dressed up this nicely but Hongjoong-oppa is probably trolling us.”

San: “Where are we?”

[POWER. Hongjoong called the members to a construction site?]

Wooyoung: “We got all dressed up so let’s pretend that we’re awesome.”

Minyoung: “What are you saying oppa? We don’t need to pretend! We’re awesome. *laughs* We need to believe in ourselves! Let’s project it through since we’re all dressed up today.”

[CONFIDENCE! Is this the power of dressing up?]

Yunho: “I don’t know about you all but I was promised food and I intend to get food.”

[Then let’s go do it again!]

[Walk as if the construction site is a runway!]

[Looking real dandy, modern, chic, classic, and elegant]

Minyoung: “Did we really have to walk one-by-one? *laughs*”

Hongjoong: “Oh! You’re here.”

Yunho: “Check out the sunlight!”

Jongho: “What is this?”

Seonghwa: “You rented out the whole place?”

Minyoung: “Oppa give me allowance. *holds out hand before laughing and taking the seat between Seonghwa and Yunho*”

Hongjoong: “Take your time to look around before you sit!”

Jongho: “But the sun is too hot!”

Minyoung: “You should have told us so I could have worn a hat.”

Hongjoong: “*pointing at San* Yah. You really got dressed up today.

San: “You said to dress up.”

Hongjoong: “Yes, I did say that, but..”

Minyoung: “This is why when you give out invitations, you should specify a theme oppa.”

[Hongjoong scanning]

Hongjoong: “You’re all wearing pretty..Gosh. I expected Minyoung but everyone really put on an effort to their outfits today. *laughs*”

[This is what being real is.]

Jongho: “Please call me Vincen-Jong today.”

Hongjoong: “Call you Vincen-Jong?"

Minyoung: "No! Please no. I quite like the show. *laughs*"

Hongjoong: “You really cleaned up nicely.”

Wooyoung: “You all should have seen what Minyoung was picking from. *laughs*”

Minyoung: “Oppa! Please *laughs* I was just following instructions to dress up nicely.”

Yeosang: “Why? Why?”

Wooyoung: “So I was going to ask her to help me tie my hair and saw her staring at outfits on her bed.”

San: “But if it’s Mintokki, won’t it look okay?”

Wooyoung: “Oh it’s okay. But among them, she contemplated if she needs to wear a formal dress! *laughs*”

Minyoung: “It isn’t even a formal dress oppa! *laughs* It was just a maxi-dress! I did think it would be a bit over the top if we’re going to eat so I decided on this.”

Yunho: “I asked Seonghwa-hyung ‘Why aren’t you wearing it and only have it around your arm?’ he said ‘Yah. This belong only on my arm.’”

Seonghwa: “This is fashion.”

Hongjoong: “You have to be like that the whole day.”

Yunho: “He’s the real winner!”

Hongjoong: “You have to do that all day!”

Seonghwa: *stands up and put slings the coat over his shoulder* “This is for something like this.”

Hongjoong: “Okay. No food for you if you put that down.”

San: “Hongjoong-hyung! So…”

Yunho: “Did you listen to it?”

Hongjoong: “We decided on our final song today.”

Wooyoung: *sings the instrumental*

[BGM genius]

Hongjoong: “Our final song, even the title, is so real!”

San: “You’re right.”

Hongjoong: “The song we, ATEEZ, prepared is <The Real>. In short, it’s the song that contains ATEEZ’s realness. And I hope that it becomes a song that lets us show real Korean beauty to our Korean and International fans.”

Hongjoong: “That’s why I wanted us to get all dressed up, eat delicious food, and get ready for the final round.”

San: “Good then. But who’s going to pay?”

Hongjoong: “Well, you guys have had a rough time..”

[Could it be…?]

Hongjoong: “so I’ll use my card.”

[Hongjoong FLEX]

The members cheered upon hearing Hongjoong say that he will use his card to pay for the food.

San: “How much will you spend? I checked the prices.”

Hongjoong: “Since we’re at it anyway, order all you want so I can brag about it.”

Minyoung: “Oppa, you do know those are dangerous words right? *laughs*”

Hongjoong: “But we have to win first place on Kingdom.”

Wooyoung: “Don’t make us spit it out again when we don’t get first place.”

Hongjoong: “If we don’t win first place, then we’ll split the check. *laughs*”

Minyoung: “What’s that *laughs*”

Hongjoong: “Our final song has a clear title and theme.”

Wooyoung: “Right.”

Seonghwa: “It’s really something.”

Minyoung: “I had a hard time though? *pouts*”

Yunho: *pats Minyoung’s head, laughing* “It went well though right?”

San: “It’s so cool.”

Hongjoong: “If we talk about this song, it came out a long time ago.”

Jongho: “Right.”

Hongjoong: “We have to perform this song that we treasure in the final round. This time, I want to show an entirely different style to the extent where people can no longer remember our performances from MAMA, Introduction Stage, and Rounds 1 to 3.”

Wooyoung: “This is what I think. If round 1 to round 3 were about showing what we’re great at and what we wanted to do. The final round is where ATEEZ can show what they need to do to look real awesome.”

Minyoung: *nods* “It’s really a different part of ATEEZ but it’s also what we’ve been aiming for since debut.”

Yunho: “Oh hyung! Where’s your jacket?”

[Hawk-eyes!]

Seonghwa: “You caught me.”

Hongjoong: “Don’t be like that.”

Seonghwa: “Come on! It’s okay even if I don’t put it around my arm!”

[The food has arrived! Unlock the dishes today with the leader’s card!]

Hongjoong: “Let’s do an awesome job until Kingdom’s final round.”

Everyone: “9 makes 1 team. Let’s go!”

────────── ♔ ──────────

ATEEZ Minyoung Masterlist

Disclaimer: This is just a work of fiction. Any portrayal of real people is a combination based on what we could see on cameras and imagination of the author. This is purely fan fiction written for entertainment. Thank you for understanding.

━━━━━━ʕ ˵• ₒ ��˵ ʔ━━━━━━

Writing Beary Corner

Another shortened update because of the text block limit 🥺 Again, the formatting will be iffy until I get my computer back but I wanted to get this update out today.

Thanks 💕

30

[prompt-master]

THIS BITCH FUCKING DYING XD XD X'D

This is a lighthearted comedy fic, but I’m going to give a warning for mention/talks of suicide and death.

Now this may be a shocking sentiment to share; but being in a killing game fucking sucked, even if you were Momota Kaito. As ludicrous as that statement appears, heroes had a tough time in tragedy too. Kaito found himself feeling disappointed more often than he would like at the sight of his companions distrusting each other. How were they supposed to work together and escape if people were “scared” that they would be “murdered”?! Kaito believed in trust to the bitter end and he would see that philosophy through. To point the finger at others and accuse them of murder is simply what the mastermind wanted him to do, and if Kaito was anything he was not a loser.

But that’s part of what made his sidekick so incredible! No hero was complete without his supporting role! Of course, Shuichi was much more than a supporting role. In many ways he was the protagonist of his own world (Kaito is still the hero of this story, make no mistake). Even though Shuichi relied on the motivation of others to see himself through, he was probably one of the most capable men he’d ever met. His intinution and detective skills were essential to each trial when his thoughts weren’t fogged up by mental recoil. And despite his reclusive demeanor, he was a good friend to have that everyone wanted the best for. Shuichi was Kaito’s sidekick and it showed! For his sidekick had to stand on his own as one of the best!

...Well, maybe sometimes Shuichi didn’t have a leg to stand on because he didn’t look so dependable laying face-down on the ground. 

“Shuichi! Are you- what are you doing?” 

Shuichi was down on the ground in front of his Ultimate Lab with his foot stuck propping the door open. He didn’t lift his head up when Kaito called out his name, instead opting for a string of gibberish and raising one hand off the ground. 

“No, seriously. What are you doing?” Kaito propped the dizzy detective up against the wall, catching him as he nearly swayed back down to the floor in response. Kaito took note of his flushed face and unfocused demeanor. There wasn’t...booze in this killing game right? That would suck. A killing game and booze wouldn’t mix well. Although some may disagree and say a pint is just the pick me up after watching one of your friends be slaughtered.

“M-Momota-kun…” it seemed Shuichi was gathering his bearings again. He braced himself against Kaito by gripping his sleeves. 

“Alright, c’mon Shuichi. Let’s get you to the others. I’m sure they can help us out somehow!”

“Ah but...first things first…” Shuichi looked up at Kaito with a determined resolve in his eyes typically reserved for class trials. 

“If I die, it’s a suicide.”

Huh?

Huh?

HUH?!

WHAT?!

“Shuichi?!” Kaito shook Shuichi by the shoulders until he looked ready to pass out and keel over for good, “Why would you do that?! You have so much to live for!”

And Shuichi had the damn nerve to look exasperated by the panic, “Ack- Momota-kun please calm down it was an accident!”

“How do you accidentally kill yourself?!”

“Well it happens all the time really but-”

“That’s not reassuring coming from you! Just-” Kaito took a deep breath to steady his frustrations, “why the hell are you dying?”

“It’s- haha, well uhm, it’s a bit of a funny story you see-” Shuichi stopped his ramblings at Kaito’s unimpressed glare, Shuichi sighed and slumped over with a sense of shame and embarrassment, “I was in my lab familiarizing myself with the various poisons in case anyone tried to use one, but ended up dropping a bottle of powder on the floor and inhaling quite a bit.”

“T-that sounds pretty serious…” Kaito mumbled. “How do you treat a toxic inhalant?...How do I help you..? Just say the word and I’ll be there, sidekick!”

Shuichi closed his eyes and rested against the door. After a moment he said “At this rate, people will assume you killed me since you were with me all this time. So, to prove that it was a suicide-”

“Shuichi I asked how to save you not how to solve your murder.”

Shuichi tilted his head with a fog of puzzlement in his eyes, “...but solving murders is what I do?”

“Well don’t do it right now! I’m trying to prevent your death!”

“Hm.” Shuichi seemed to have to rethink his evaluation, but the situation hadn’t changed. “This is a killing game, Momota-kun. I don’t think surviving or saving is on par with the course of action the mastermind planned out.”

“W-well if there’s a poison, there’s an antidote right?”

Shuichi shook his head, “No, there’s probably enough materials to make one, but... I’m not a chemist.”

“Let’s ask Iruma to make one then!”

“She’s not a chemist either.” Not to mention Shuichi didn’t trust any sort of edible concoction Miu put together. He wasn’t sure what she would create, but he did know it would make him want to die even faster.

“Ok then, let’s ask Harumaki!”

“Wh- Momota-kun, Harukawa-san kills people!”

“Yeah, so maybe she knows how to unkill people too! I’m pretty sure she can do basically anything.”

Shuichi, with his head now in his hands, decided that it would be easier to simply go along with Kaito’s antics. His body felt weak and gross and his head was splitting, which was a shame because in all honesty that powder had smelt nice. If only it didn’t leave his lab in need of a quarantine. It could’ve been a good candle scent. Or perhaps Shuichi was just veering into delirium. Dying will do that to you. 

He was definitely veering into delirium because one moment he was staring down at his hands and the next he was being carried by Kaito. The worst part of it all was that it didn’t match his daydreams of being romantically carried bridal style by his crush. Instead he was a heavy sack of dead weight plopped against Kaito’s back trying to keep his nausea down as Kaito descended a set of stairs.

“Wh-what’re you doing?” Shuichi mumbled upon realizing that he couldn’t remember Kaito’s plan. If he had one.

“We’re going to get you help!” Shuichi thought it was a pretty bad idea. It would just make the trial even more confusing and he wouldn’t be able to clarify since corpses don’t make for good witnesses. Even if he wanted to voice that though, he ended up in a nasty coughing fit that left him gasping for air.

“Dammit!” Kaito hissed out, “If only Tojo was still here!”

That Shuichi agreed with. If Kirumi was here she would somehow manage to create a cure even though that was absolutely not in the job description of a maid. Her backstory concerned Shuichi quite a bit.

“There he is!” Kaito yelled out, picking up his pace from a light jog to a full run.

“We’re...w-w’re going to ask him for help...?” Shuichi mumbled, before letting out a loud groan, “no, that’s okay...j-just let me die then.”

“Oi Monokuma!” If it weren’t for the imminent danger that would result from it, Kaito would be throttling Monokuma until something broke. “You have to help Shuichi, dammit! Give him a cure or some shit!”

Monokuma tilted his head, looking up at Kaito with pseudo-innocence, “are you stupid or something?”

“Wh-” Kaito nearly lost his anger in confusion, only for it to come back tenfold, “you have to help him!”

“No I don’t, lol.” Monokuma shrugged, “I think the bastard dropping dead would be great! Honestly any of you mistakes would do, he’s not special or anything.”

“He’s our detective!”

“Yeah, you lot are screwed without him, huh?” Monokuma let out a cackle, curled in on his stomach like Shuichi dying was the highlight of his day. “Sounds so beary hopeless to be without a protag, huh! Man we’ve lost two protags in one show, that’s a new record! Someone write that down, I want a medal!”

“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about…” Kaito shifted Shuichi higher up on his back, ignoring the mumbles in his ear of what evidence to use in the trial, “but don’t start planning yet! Shuichi isn’t dying on my watch!”

Monokuma nodded, “yeah, you are stupid.”

“Fine then I’m going to Harumaki! She was my first plan anyway since you’re so useless!”

“Useless?” Monokuma’s voice wobbled, his head tilted down like a child being told to apologize for wrong doing, “and after all I’ve done for you too...I don’t have to provide you lot with food and shelter, you know.”

“Ahh shut up! We don’t have time for your weird feelings!” 

The world became another dizzying blur as Kaito ran off yet again. “Don’t worry Shuichi! I’m taking you to Harumaki! She’ll have everything figured out!”

---

“You inhaled a toxic powder from your lab?”

Shuichi nodded.

“And you’ve gotten no treatment this entire time?”

Shuichi nodded.

“How are you not dead already?”

Shuichi shrugged.

Maki sighed and pinched her nose, wondering how the hell these two idiots got themselves into such a mess, “Saihara, I always thought if you were going to die it would be from murder and not from some bullshit like this.”

Which was a fair assumption really. Being the detective among them, the group learned to rely on Shuichi’s deductions to solve the murders. Without him, there would be a lot of chaos that the killer could use to trick everyone. Wait. Why has no one tried to kill Shuichi again? Shuchi couldn’t tell if he was a lucky man or not, but considering he was currently dying on his crush’s back it’s safe to say he leaned towards unlucky.

Maki turned to Kaito, glaring at him in a way that said she wanted to help but the situation sucked to do anything, “what exactly do you want me to do about this?”

“Save him, of course!” “I’m not a doctor. I’m the opposite. I kill people.” 

Shuichi wished desperately that he could say “I told you so”

“Look Harumaki, we can’t just let him die like this! We’re his friends so we have to do whatever we can to help him! Not just for us, but for Akamatsu too! She wanted him to live!”

Harukawa’s steel glare seemed to melt a little at that.

“So we need a plan!” Kaito said, “and the plan is to save Shuichi!”

“That’s not a plan, that’s a goal. And it’s a stupidly impossible goal too.”

“Nothing is impossible!”

Shuichi wondered if he could just close his eyes and die to avoid all the yelling he’s had to endure today. 

Another voice joined the conversation with a loud cry of “what’s impossible!?” It was none other than Iruma Miu, confidently placing herself into the scene when no one asked her to. Kiibo was with her, following at a much slower pace with an expression that screamed second-hand embarrassment. With her hands on her hips and a smirk on her face, she ensured all parties had their eyes on her before speaking again.

“Because this hard-headed freak is right! Nothing is impossible with my beautiful plump brain around! What is it you’re looking for? A new way to pull off a fictional r18 move? I knew you three were depraved, but don’t worry Mama Miu has got it covered-”

“No, you idiot.” Maki cut her off without a drop of sympathy. Shuichi didn’t have any sympathy either though, so really it was just relatable. “Saihara is dying.”

“Eh? What?” Miu’s voice fell into a submissive whimper. She curled in on herself and fiddled her hands together. “That doesn’t sound good…”

“Yes dying is usually not good.”

Kiibo worriedly hovered near Kaito, trying to get a good look at Shuichi, “is he ok?”

“No. Because he is dying.”

Miu seemed to have panic in her eyes, “he can’t die! Not yet anyway! Who killed him huh?! Who’s trying to escape?!”

“Iruma!” Kaito ignored her questions, “you can save him, right?! He was poisoned, and you always say that you can do anything!”

“I-I mean yeah I can but… but I don’t know anything about biocompatibility... I honestly just put things in the body and hope it works…I would need more time...”

“Then what about you Kiibo?! Maybe you can...I don’t know- analyze the poison and come up with a cure!”

“My algorithm doesn’t do that...I could do a Google search if we were given WIFI access though...”

“Dammit does anyone have an idea to save Shuichi?!”

“Oh! Oh!” Miu raised her hand, “I’ve seen people induce vomiting in movies to stop poison! That’ll work, yeah?!”

Maki, realizing that this conversation was going to draw out far longer than to her liking, pulled out a chair and sat in it, “first of all: do not do that. Second of all it was an inhalant. I don’t think that will stop his lungs from shutting down any time soon.”

“I know!” Kiibo turned to Miu with a determined look, “Iruma-san! Repurpose my wiring so that my hands function as a defibrillator!”

“Did you not hear what I just said?” Maki asked.

“Well it might stop Saihara-kun from dying if his heart stopped!”

“There’s nothing we can do.” Maki stressed, “we just have to lay him down, monitor him,, and hope he lives” 

“Harumaki that’s the same as giving up!”

“Hey hey!” No. God dammit. Sure, let’s keep complicating the dialogue. Shuichi was having a very bad day. Could this poison just finish him off already instead of leaving him on death’s doorstep? Fucking rude. Ouma Kokichi, hearing the glorious sounds of frantic arguing, skipped over to the group with a peachy look on his face.

 “What’s wrong with you all? You’re acting like somebody died.” Kokichi did a dramatic gasp, covering his mouth with his hands, “did someone die?! Did someone finally kill Keeboy?!” 

Kiibo stopped debating with Miu to give Kokichi an unimpressed look, “seriously?”

“Nishishi- yeah, I guess that would be too lucky.”

“Can you take something seriously for once in your life?” Maki glared, “because somebody will die if we can’t figure this out. Saihara inhaled a toxic powder and we aren’t sure how much time we have left to save him.”

“Ehh?” Kokichi’s face turned from confusion to worry. He’d clearly thought Maki was messing with him until he saw Shuichi’s half conscious body draped over Kaito looking very much like a victim of poison. Just as quickly as his expression changed it turned into an over exaggerated ploy they’d all seen a million times. His eyes filled with tears, his lip quivered, his nose started to sniffle. With a hiccup in his voice he began to whimper, “one of you guys is trying to kill my Saihara-chan?! I thought you all were preaching about friendship and trust and ending the killing game!”

Kokichi tilted his head back as he fell into a full on sob. A loud childish ear-breaking wail resounded as tears poured from his eyes with practiced ease. “You guys are so awful!” he yelled in between his sobs, “how could you do this?! Saihara-chan can’t die!”

“Would you shut the fuck up, flat ass!’ Miu yelled. 

And just like that Kokichi’s sobs had turned off. A complete 180 from his previous demeanor. It was like he hadn’t cried at all. His eyes weren’t red and puffy, his nose was dry, and his body was relaxed and poised. He stared camly down at his fingernails, examining them as though this situation was nothing more than a slight inconvenience to his day. “I’m serious, you know. I would never joke or lie. Saihara-chan can’t die, this game wouldn’t be the same without him.”

Kaito nearly asked Kokichi what he meant. Did he care about Shuichi? Did he care about their survival? Was he finally coming around? 

“Oi Monokuma!” Kokichi yelled. Monokuma bounced into the scene as though he was on Kokichi’s beck and call. “Hey did you know that Saihara-chan is dying? Like right now? And we’re all just watching that?”

Okay. Maybe he wasn’t starting his redemption arc then. Maybe he’s still the same piece of shit Kokichi.

“Ouma, what are-”

“Of course I know! It’s pretty funny, huh Ouma-kun?”

Kokichi laughed along with Monokuma, as though they were cut from the same tree. But then suddenly he was back to that semi-disappointed demeanor. “Yeah. Saihara-chan is dying. And doesn’t that really suck? This game is going to sooo be terrible without him. In his trial I bet we’re all going to die because these morons can’t think without him. You know that too, don’t you, Monokuma? WIthout Saihara-chan your show is going to be cut off in this most annoying and unentertaining way. Ahhh I can’t believe this is how the game ends. After all that build up too. I don’t think I even want to be a part of this any more honestly. I’d much rather pig breath die.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.”

 Monokuma seemed taken aback by Kokichi’s analysis. He pondered it for a moment, nervously looking around and imagining all the lovely executions that would go to waste if Shuichi died right now. With a sigh he pulled out a very suspicious bottle from-...actually where did he pull that bottle from? Not important. What was important was that there was finally a cure in front of them, the one they’d been asking for all this time.

“Give him this and the brat should be good as new!” and with that Monokuma popped away.

Kokichi, holding the vial, smiled brightly at the others, “Here you go! Don’t let Saihara-chan die again okay! I don’t care if any of you others do but Saihara-chan is very special m’kay?”

…

…

...

“So you mean…I really could have asked Monokuma for a cure?! The bastard was just lying to me!?”

[rosedavid]

I love you beary much

A tyrus oneshot

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you all enjoy these two lovesick fools :)

...

It’s a stupid, embarrassing tradition, yet Cyrus can’t seem to bring himself to let it go. Despite its childish implication, the tradition has been around since the very first Valentine’s day he spent with Andi and Buffy. Valentine’s Day boxes were set out on desks, cards and candy being passed around to classmates. Just like everyone else, Cyrus handed out cards to all his classmates, but he had something extra special for his two new best friends: two dinosaur stuffed animals. They were his favorite animals of all time, so of course he had to gift them to Buffy and Andi.

Years later, Cyrus has kept up the tradition with encouragement from his friends. The tradition has extended to their new friends, like Jonah and Amber. Normally, he’s been getting them little stuffed trinkets, knowing that it’s unrealistic to give all of them full sized stuffed animals every year. They seem to appreciate them, at least, so Cyrus planned on doing it again the next year.

Then, he starts dating TJ.

It will be his first Valentine’s Day with an actual boyfriend. The thought that he won’t spend Valentine’s Day as single for once completely blows his mind. For once, he can’t joke around with his friends about being alone and fill their faces with ice cream while watching cheesy romantic comedies. This Valentine’s Day is the real deal.

A week before the fateful day is when Cyrus remembers that TJ has never been involved in the Valentine’s Day tradition. And suddenly, he begins to feel embarrassed about the whole thing. It’s one thing to admit to TJ that he’s slightly obsessed with dinosaurs, but it’s a completely different thing to tell TJ that he has a bunch of old stuffed animals packed under his bed that he brings out sometimes when he’s lonely or scared. Even just thinking about it makes Cyrus go red in the face.

He decides to present his dilemma to Andi and Buffy at The Spoon a few days before Valentine’s Day.

“What are you doing with Marty for Valentine’s Day?” Cyrus presses as he anxiously shoves baby taters into his mouth.

Buffy responds, “Nothing really. We’re just going to order pizza and spend a night in at his house watching epic sports fails clips.”

“Do you think TJ would want to do something like that?” he blurts out, nearly choking on a baby tater. Beside him, Andi pats his back a few times while he coughs.

“Cyrus, you’re like the best gift giver I know. If anything, we should be asking you for advice,” Andi says.

“But it’s different! This is Valentine’s Day. It’s the most romantic day of the year, and TJ is like the King of Romance.”

“The King of Romance?” Buffy drawls skeptically.

“It’s true! For our 1st month anniversary, he surprised me with a picnic at a nearby park that has swinging benches and gave me a scrapbook of pictures of the two of us! And another time, wrote me a composition on the piano. And then--”

Buffy wrinkles her nose. “We get it, TJ is sickeningly romantic. But Cyrus, no matter what you get him, he’s going to love it because it’s from you.”

“What were you planning on getting him?” Andi wonders.

“Well, I mean, I was going to get him a stuffed animal since it’s a tradition, then I was going to make him a music playlist because he loves music so much—but it’s stupid and embarrassing! I mean, TJ probably isn’t even someone who likes mushy Valentine’s Day stuff.”

“Cyrus…” Andi frowns. “Don’t doubt yourself so much. I think that sounds really sweet.”

“What if he hates it or laughs?!”

“Then I’ll punch him,” Buffy interjects.

“Buffy!”

She crosses her arms with a sigh. “Okay, don’t ever repeat this, but Cyrus—TJ is like infatuated with you. I’ve never seen someone look so lovesick before. I don’t think he’d ever make fun of you, unless maybe you got him a piece of rice with his name on it.”

“Hey!” Andi complains, “It was an…. interesting, gift.”

They all dissolve into giggles, and the mood loosens a bit.

“Now that that’s all settled…” Cyrus trails off with a smirk. “What are you going to get Amber for Valentine’s Day, Andi?”

Andi’s face heats up bright red as Buffy joins in on the questioning. It was definitely a mistake to tell them about her crush. 

“Amber probably has like a hundred Valentine’s, why would she want one from me?” Andi groans.

“Because she likes you!” Buffy grins. “Please, Andi, why else would she stumble over her words whenever you’re around? Amber never stumbles over her words.”

Andi shakes her head. “You two are being ridiculous. Amber doesn’t like me.”

Buffy and Cyrus glance at each other, conspiring for a split second before starting to sing. “Andi and Amber sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S—”

“Stop!” Andi gasps, struggling to cover their mouths with her hands. “What if she was working? You two are evil.”

“We could continue,” Buffy suggests, “unless you get her something for Valentine’s Day.”

Andi sighs in defeat. “Ugh, the worst part is I already made her something!”

“That’s so cute!” Cyrus gushes. “Your crafts are the best, Andi. If you made it, Amber is guaranteed to love it.”

“Thanks, but enough talk about dating and crushes. How about some tater theatre? I’ve missed it at SAVA,” Andi suggests. Buffy rolls her eyes as Cyrus immediately gets started into a harrowing story. For the afternoon, he gets his mind off of the whole TJ and Valentine’s Day situation. But his worries are far from over.

He manages to find the cutest stuffed animal that reminds him of TJ so much and buys it on a whim the next day. He even manages to finish putting together the playlist for TJ, full of some of their favorite songs as well as songs that Cyrus listened to relentlessly while pining over him (not that he’ll tell TJ that). It all seemed to be falling into place.

Then, Cyrus wakes up the morning of Valentine’s Day, and it all becomes real.

             No matter how hard he tries, his hair won’t cooperate. His favorite shirt has a big stain on it, he stubs his toe on his bedside table, and he can’t find his other shoe anywhere. By the time he gets to school, it’s a miracle that he’s still in one piece (well, mostly, because somehow one of his shoes got soaked through from stepping into a dirty puddle and turned the white material a sickly brown-gray).

             He walks into school and immediately spots TJ chatting with one of his basket-ball teammates. His heart stops as he sees him standing there, a beam spread across his face and a hand ruffling his fluffed up, blonde hair. That’s his boyfriend, and it’s Valentine’s Day, and ohmygodhe’scomingover—

             “Hey, Cy,” he greets. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” A kiss presses to his cheek.

             “H-Hey, Teej,” Cyrus stutters, fingers reaching up to linger on the spot where TJ’s lips touched him. “Happy Valentine’s Day. I uh, I got you something, but if you hate it it’s completely okay because I know it’s kind of stupid, but…”

             He continues rambling as he yanks out the flattened bag from his backpack and ungracefully shoves it in TJ’s hands. He knows the blush is overtaking his face all the way to the tips of his ears but is unable to stop it.

             TJ pulls out the stuffed, orange tabby cat with a heart collar and laughs. Cyrus flinches, because of course he laughed. It’s dumb, and he shouldn’t have gotten it. “I’m sorry, I know it’s ridiculous. I can take it back—”

             TJ brings it to his chest protectively. “No way! Missy belongs to me, now.”

             “Missy?” Cyrus giggles.

             “Well, she has to have a name! Let me give you my present now.”

             Cyrus’s hands shake as TJ shuffles around in his bag for the present. Finally, he brings out a bag that looks similar in size to Cyrus’s with a sheepish grin on his face. He almost looks just as nervous as Cyrus.

             Cyrus tenderly takes the bag, pulling back the tissue paper to reveal a soft, stuffed bear with the words “I love you beary much” stitched onto the belly. He laughs incredulously, grinning up at an equally smiling TJ.

             “I kind of overheard from Jonah that you have a tradition of giving your friends stuffed animals, so I thought that you deserved one in return.”

             Cyrus can feel his heart beating through his shirt. The smile on his face stretches impossibly wider until it hurts. He clutches the bear to his chest in a similar fashion as TJ did with his stuffed cat.

             “I think I should name him Thelonious,” Cyrus decrees, resulting in a sputtering TJ.

             “Cyrus!”

             “Don’t worry,” Cyrus placates, grabbing his hand. “I already have the perfect Thelonious in my life. I think I’ll name him Sir Bearrington.”

             TJ chuckles, squeezing Cyrus’s palm. “Maybe I should have named my cat Cyrus.”

             “Actually, I got that stuffed cat because I thought it looked startlingly similar to you. Same grumpy expression. If anything, we should name it TJ—”

             TJ cuts him off with fingers tickling into his sides. Cyrus dissolves into laughter, clutching at his stomach while he holds his bear in front of him as a protective shield. “S-Stop! I s-s-urrender!” TJ smiles, pulling back his hands.

             After Cyrus catches his breath, he suddenly remembers the playlist. “Oh, I almost forgot! I have another present for you, kind of. I’ll send it to your phone.”

             Confused, TJ slides his own phone out from his front pocket, opening the link that Cyrus sends a few seconds later. His eyes scroll over it curiously until understanding finally washes over his face. “Cyrus, this is…amazing! Thank you.”

             “Hopefully the songs are alright,” Cyrus says. “Some of them are our favorites, and others are ones that reminded me of you.”

             “You should come over tonight so we can listen to it together, if you want?” TJ suggests. “We could get some food for dinner, too.”

             Cyrus nods enthusiastically. “Yeah, that sounds great. Really great, actually.” He squeezes his bear tightly to hold in his excitement.

             With one final goodbye peck, TJ heads off to his first class. As he goes, Missy is still protectively clutched in his grasp. Cyrus holds Sir Bearrington in a similar fashion, thinking of TJ. Needless to say, the stuffed animal tradition will be continuing on for a beary long time.

[theydontknowaboutusimagines]

A Week of Harry One Shots #3

Request: A one Shot based on the movie Love, Rosie would be fantastic! 

**

Friends will come and go throughout life. One day you’re friends with this person and then you two grow apart and move on. Best friends are something one can find many a times over the years and still might grow apart. However, there is one type of friendship that is quite rare, life-long friends. Very few people are blessed with the chance of meeting their person before at such a young age. 

The person who understands you and gets you when no one else can. Someone who will always been there for you, well before you even know you need them. The person who will always be your ears when you need to get something off your chest and won’t judge you. The person who will wrap their arms around you whenever you need a shoulder to cry. The person who is everything to you and more. 

Fortunately, you met your person at the age of three. Your family had just moved to a new city and a new neighborhood. You were sitting outside on your front porch, holding your favorite stuffed bear to your chest, as your parents told the movers were to take everything. You still weren’t sure about moving. Just as you were getting used to your first home, you were moved away. 

You looked up when you saw someone standing in the driveway. A woman with brown hair and a little boy with green eyes. He stood behind her legs as she held dish covered in foil in her hands. 

“Hello,” the woman smiled. “Is your Mum or Dad home?” 

You hid your face behind your bear as you pointed into the house. The woman smiled before looking back at the little boy standing behind. 

“I’m Anne,” she smiled. 

“H-Hi,” you whispered. “My name’s Y/N.” 

“Nice to meet you,” she smiled. “This is my son, Harry. Harry why don’t you and Y/N play while I go meet her parents and give them the casserole.” 

The little boy, Harry, nodded and sat down on the opposite side of the step from where you were sitting. Neither of you spoke for awhile, but you noticed he slowly moved closer to you. 

“I like your bear,” he said softly. 

“Thank you,” you said. “He’s name is Beary.” 

“I like your shirt,” you told him. “I like Mickey.” 

“Me too,” he said. 

You reached into your pocket and grabbed two lollipops you had taken from your mother’s purse during the car ride. You held one out to him and he quickly took it with a smile. 

“Thank you,” he smiled. 

You giggled opening up your own lollipop and popping it into your mouth. 

And from that day on you two were pretty much inseparable. 

**

It was your 18th birthday, your best friend Harry was taking you out for a night on the town. It had been a few weeks since you had last seen him, thanks to him to being apart of the band One Direction, but you couldn’t be happier for his success. There was a knock on the door just as you finished getting ready. 

You knew exactly who it was, so you quickly ran to the door and opened it. Harry stood there holding a huge bouquet of flowers and a bag of presents. You screamed wrapping your arms around him as you jumped in for a hug. He laughed holding you to him and walking inside your house. 

“Happy birthday,” he smiled. 

“Thank you!” You smiled. “Now, I’m finally caught up with you.” 

He laughed, “It’s only been a month.” 

“Yeah, we’ll it’s still weird when we’re not the same age,” you giggled. 

“Yeah, it is,” he laughed. 

You jumped down from his arms, taking the flowers, and putting them into some water. 

“Want to do presents now or head out?” He asked. 

“Um, let’s head out. I want to give the presents proper attention and I can’t do that right now,” you laughed. “Bye, Mum! I’m leaving.” 

"Wait, your mum’s here?” Harry asked. 

“Yeah. Like she’d let me come to London for the weekend by myself,” you laughed. 

“Did she want to come?” Harry asked. 

“You can’t be serious right now,” you asked. 

“What it’s the proper thing to do,” he said. 

“No, it’s not,” you said. “Now, come on.” 

**

The night was going great. It had been so long since you and Harry had just spent time together for yourselves, so it was nice to be able to spend time with him. You both were dancing around, signing karaoke, and throwing back shots. It wasn’t exactly the first time you’ve ever been drunk, but it was the first time you were doing it legally. 

“Can we have another?” Harry asked the bartender. “Two more.” 

“No, no, I can’t,” you groaned. “I’m pretty sure my blood is all tequila right now.” 

He laughed, “One more and we’ll switch to water, promise.” 

“Ugh, fine,” you said. “You’re such a bad influence.” 

“Says the one who stole their father’s scotch stash when we were fourteen,” he smirked. 

“Yeah, well,” you said. “Fuck you.” 

He laughed handing you your shot and you both downed in on the count of three. When you brought your head back to normal, you lost your balance and fell forward, Harry catching you before you could face plant. You weren’t sure what it was about that moment, but you were feeling different. Maybe it was the bottle of tequila flowing through your veins or maybe it was something you never allowed yourself to feel. 

Harry was looking down at you and you were looking into his eyes. Your lips were inches away from each other, a force pulling them towards each other like two magnets needed to connect. And you did. As soon as your lips touched his, it felt like your body was on fire. 

His arms snaked around, pulling you closer to him, as he deepened the kiss. Your hands found their way into his hair as he pressed your back into the bar. 

And that was the last thing you remembered. 

**

After what happened on your 18th birthday, neither you or Harry brought it up again. Even though you knew it was best to keep your friendship as is, especially since he obviously didn’t feel anything, it was hard denying to yourself that you were in love with him. And you had been ever since that night. 

But instead of telling him that, you just accepted the fact that since he never said anything, it was best that you never did either. It didn’t take very long after that night for you to see Harry with a rumored girlfriend in the papers. You couldn’t exactly blame him though, he was this up and coming superstar, while you were finishing up school and heading to university. Why would he want you as more than his best friend from back home, when he could have someone who was more than that. 

To take your mind off it, you were focusing on your studies and your grades. However, one night, you decided to go to a party to destress... and you did... with one of the “popular” guys in your classes. And a few weeks later, you learned of the consequence from that night. 

You were pregnant. 

And just like that all of your dreams and ideas of what you wanted your life to be like, were gone. 

**

After you found out, you never told Harry. You even had Anne and Gemma promise they would say anything either. You still talked to him, here and there, but he was busy traveling the world, so it wasn’t like you two talked all the time either. You weren’t exactly sure why you didn’t want him to know about the baby, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to tell him either. 

He was the one person you knew that could help you through this, but you didn’t want to put your problems on him when he was living his dream. However, eventually, he did find out. 

And it wasn’t pretty. It was during a surprise visit home. He had went out for a run before his mom came home and saw you walking with a stroller down the street. When you saw him, you immediately froze. There was nowhere to go and even if there was, it was too late because he had already seen you. 

“Y/N,” he asked almost as if he was unsure. 

“Harry, hi,” you smiled awkwardly. 

“Um-” he said. “Are you babysitting?” 

“Actually,” you sighed pulling hair back from your face. “She’s uh... she’s mine.” 

“You-you have a baby?” He asked shocked. 

“Uh..Surprise,” you joked. 

“This isn’t funny,” he said. “You have a fucking baby and you didn’t tell me.” 

“Well, it’s not like you’ve exactly been around to tell,” you mumbled. 

“There’s a such thing called a fucking phone, Y/N!” He said. 

A sound of a baby cry, broke the tension between the two of you. You reached down to take your daughter out of the stroller and hold her in your arms. Harry’s eyes widened when he saw the baby girl in your arms. You kissed her head and looked over at Harry. 

“Her name is Poppy,” you whispered. 

“She’s beautiful,” he whispered. “Looks just like you.” 

“Thank you,” you whispered. “I’m sorry... I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Do you want to have some tea.. so we can talk.” 

He nodded and followed you into your house. 

**

That day you and Harry talked for hours about everything. From the night of the party when you hooked up with Poppy’s father to when you found out you were pregnant. It’s been four years since that day and Harry loved Poppy so much. You two had seen him on tour at his hometown shows in both London and Manchester. You always face-timed him whenever you got a chance and Poppy always wanted to listen to One Direction songs. 

You were happy, you were, it’s just... there was a part of your life missing. You wanted to find love. You hadn’t dated much since you were a single mother. It was easy to say raising Poppy was the main reason you hadn’t dated anyone, but the truth was because your heart already belonged to someone else. 

Harry. 

And he didn’t know it. 

Not that it really mattered because he had been dating the same person off and on over the last few years, so the odds of him even feeling the same were slim to none. And he was in no shape to be a dad. 

You knew that. 

It was one thing to be the Godfather, but it was entirely different thing to be a father. Especially, to a little girl who needed one. 

Poppy’s father wanted nothing to do with her. As soon as you told him about the baby, he told you, you could do what you wanted with him, but he didn’t want anything to do with it. As far as he was concerned, he didn’t have a baby. 

Even though you knew Poppy needed her father in her life, you were happy he wasn’t around. 

But still, you wondered if there would ever be a day when you would meet someone you could give your whole heart to and who would want to be there for Poppy like she was his own. You hoped so, but if ended up just being you and Poppy, then you would also be happy with that. 

**

Two years later and Poppy was getting ready for her first day of school. You were rushing through the house making sure she had everything she needed. You were freaking out at the fact that your baby was starting Primary school and you couldn’t believe it. 

“Mummy! Let’s go!” She giggled holding her little backpack by the door. 

“Just let me get my keys and we’ll go,” you smiled. 

Once you had everything, you opened the door, seeing Harry standing there with his hand in the air, mid knock. 

“Harry!” Poppy squealed running into his arms.

He picked her up, squeezing her tight, as he kissed her head. “How’s my girl?” he smiled. “Ready for your first day of school?” 

“Yes!” She nodded. “Look at my bag, Mummy got me!” 

Harry smiled, “She did a great job.” 

“W-What are you doing here?” You smiled hugging him. 

“I was in town, so I thought I’d pop over to see her off on her first day of school,” he smiled. “Is that okay?” 

“More than okay,” you smiled. “I’m really happy you’re here.” 

“Thanks,” he smiled. “Now, want to ride with me?” 

“YES!” Poppy smiled rushing towards his Range Rover. 

You laughed, “I think she’s more excited that you’re here than school, now.” 

“Well, it is, school,” he laughed. 

“Thank you for being here,” you said. 

“There’s no other place I’d rather be,” he smiled. 

**

A few minutes later, Harry pulled into the parking lot of the school. He helped get Poppy out of the car and the two of, each holding one of her hands, walked her into the school. Poppy’s eyes widened when you got to the classroom and you could tell she was a little hesitant about going inside. 

“There’s so many people, Mummy,” she whispered. “What if they don’t like me?” 

“How could they not like you, love?” Harry smiled. “You’re Poppy Y/Last/Name. The best girl I know. You’re smart and funny. You’re going to have loads of friends, but you know... sometimes all you really is one. So, why don’t you just focus on making one friend today and if you do, then who cares if everyone else likes you.” 

She bit her lip before wrapping her arms around him, “I love you,” she whispered. 

Harry smiled kissing her head, “I love you, too,” he whispered. “So much.” 

“Now, what’s the motto?” He joked. 

“Treat People With Kind-ness,” she smiled. 

“Good job,” he laughed. “Just remember that and you’re golden.” 

You smiled watching the two of them interacting. 

Poppy, then turned around, hugging you, “I love you, Mummy.” 

“I love you, too,” you smiled kissing her cheek. “I want you to have the best time today, yeah? And I’ll see you this afternoon, when I pick you up.” 

“Will Harry be with you?” She asked. 

“I-” You said looking at Harry and he nodded. 

“Yes, we’ll both be here to pick you up,” you smiled. 

“And go get ice cream?” She asked hopefully. 

“I don’t see, why not,” Harry laughed. 

“Yay!” She smiled. 

“Go on, now, love. You don’t want to be late,” you told her. 

“Right! Bye, Bye!” She giggled bouncing into the classroom. 

You both watched her from the doorway for a few minutes before leaving. 

**

You and Harry ended up going out for breakfast and catching up on everything you two had missed in the few months since you’ve seen him. Throughout the entire conversation though, you could see something was bothering Harry. 

“Hey, is everything okay?” You asked. “You seem a little out of it.” 

He sighed running his hands through his hair, “There’s another reason I stopped by today, Y/N.” 

“Okay, what is it?” You asked. “Is everything alright?” 

“Do you remember the night of your 18th birthday?” He sighed. 

“You mean you got me pissed drunk?” You laughed. “Of course, I remember.” 

He smiled a bit at that, “Well, other than that, do you remember anything else?” 

You froze, why was he asking that. Of course, you remember, even though you were blackout drunk, you still remembered. 

“That depends,” you whispered. “Do you remember?” 

“Us making out for half the fucking night? Yeah, I remember,” he sighed. “And I’ve been remembering everyday since that night. Remembering how it felt to pressed against you and your lips on mine. Remember that I realized I was fucking in love with you in that specific moment and that I’m still fucking in love with you after all of these years.” 

“What?” you asked shocked at what you were hearing. 

“I’m sorry to lay this all out right here, like this,” he sighed. “But I couldn’t... I couldn’t keep my feelings for you inside any longer. I-I-I love you, Y/N. You’re my best friend... hell, you’re more than my best friend and you always have been. You’re my person. I love you and I love Poppy. God, do you know how many times I’ve wished she was mine? I know, I know this is a lot and I know this is going to be difficult... but I want... I want us to try... give us a shot... I mean that is.. if if you feel the same way.” 

“Harry-” You sighed. “I-I don’t know what to say. Why didn’t you ever tell me this before? Why didn’t you say something after that night?” 

“Because I was scared? I mean we were best friends... I thought maybe... maybe we just happened to kiss because we were both drunk. But I couldn’t get it out of my head... and then I had to go. I figured if it had been more than just a drunken kiss, you would have brought it up, but you didn’t. So, I hid my feelings until that day I came home to see you,” he whispered.

“When you found out about Poppy,” you stated. 

He nodded, “I know this selfish, but I was only nineteen. I was traveling the world in this huge band... I couldn’t be a dad and I knew I would have to be one if we were to be in a relationship. I wasn’t ready for that and I don’t think either of us would have been ready for that either.” 

“I understand that,” you whispered. “And I never, I never would have asked you to do that. You wouldn’t have had any obligation.” 

“I know that, but I would have had it for myself,” he whispered. 

“Why now?” You asked. “I understand why you never said anything back then, but what’s changed now?” 

“What’s changed is that I know I’m never going to be happy unless I told you how I felt,” he whispered. “And I did. I’m not asking for an answer now. I’m not asking you to jump into my arms and we’re suddenly in a relationship. I just... I needed you to know how I felt.” 

You looked down at your half eaten plate of food. You no longer had an appetite as you were soaking in everything that had just happened. For so long, you’ve wanted to hear those words from him and now that you have, you didn’t know how to feel. 

“I’m... I-I don’t know how I feel about this,” you whispered. “All these years, I’ve longed to hear you say you love me, but now that I have, I don’t know I feel about it. If this were just about me, I would probably jump into your arms right now, but it’s not. I have Poppy to think about, Harry. I know you would never hurt her or me. But we also know that there is a huge chance that we wouldn’t work in a relationship. And if we were together and Poppy looked up to you as a Dad, she’d have to experience losing one... and I just.. I can’t put her though that.” 

“She wouldn’t lose me,” he whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.” 

“It’s easy for you to say that now, but you don’t know how you’d feel if the moment of us ending our relationship would be,” you whispered. “I just... I need some time to think about this.” 

“Okay,” he nodded. “Take all the time you need.” 

**

Three months had passed by since Harry had told you he loved you. You still hadn’t given him an answer or even told him how you truly felt. This was a huge decision. Yes, this is something you’ve always wanted, but you were terrified. Terrified it wouldn’t work out. Terrified you would get hurt or even worse Poppy. 

How would it even work? Harry didn’t even live in London half the time due to work and personal reasons. But that wasn’t even the thing you were most worried about it. Harry was still young, hell, you both were. But asking him to take on the responsibility of being a father, you still couldn’t do that. 

You were finishing up dinner while Poppy was drawing at the kitchen table. When she was done, she ran over to you, handing you her drawing. 

“Thank you, baby. Why don’t you go wash up, dinner will be ready soon,” you told her. 

She nodded, running to the bathroom, while you took a moment to look at her drawing. It was a picture of three stick people with hearts all around. There were two taller stick people, and a smaller one. Under them where the names, Mummy, Daddy Harry, and Poppy. You gasped as you read it, almost dropping it to the floor. 

When Poppy came back into the kitchen, you both sat down for dinner. After she had taken a few bites, she looked up at you. 

“Mummy, do you like my drawing?” She asked. 

“I do, love,” you smiled. “But, you do know Harry... Harry isn’t your Daddy.” 

She sighed, “I know,” she nodded. “But I want him to be. My friend Alex was telling me all the things he does with his Daddy and I started thinking that Harry does that too! He isn’t here a lot, but he loves me and I love him!” 

“You know Mummy and Harry have been friends for a long time, yeah?” You asked. 

She nodded, “Since before I was born!” 

You laughed, “Yes, way before that. Well, what if Mummy and Harry wanted to be more than friends.” 

“What that mean?” She asked. 

“Well, really, nothing would really change accept, we would see Harry more and he and I would kiss and hold hands,” you said. 

“Ew!” She groaned. “No, kissing.” 

You laughed, “Okay, no kissing around you, how would you feel?” 

“Make Mummy smile?” She asked. 

“Yeah,” you nodded. “It would make me smile very much.” 

“Then yes!” She nodded. 

And with that, you knew what you had to do. 

**

Harry was no longer in London, so you had to book a flight to LA. Poppy had insisted on coming because she knew you were going to see Harry, so you brought her along too. You didn’t tell him you were coming because you didn’t want to tell him your feelings over the phone and ruin the trip. You did, however, talk to Jeff and he said he’d get you a car to pick you up at the airport and Harry’s address. 

Once the plane landed, you went to the hotel to freshen up and Glenne offered to watch Poppy while you and Harry talked. You couldn’t believe that you were about to do this. You were about to get what you’ve waited so long for. When the car pulled up to Harry’s house, your stomach was doing flip-flops. You took a deep breath before getting out and heading to the front door. 

You gave it a quick knock and Harry opened it within a few minutes. 

“Y/N-what are you-” he asked. 

“Wait! Don’t. I.. I let me get this out,” you said. “I love you. I’m in love with you. I have been since, well most of my life. Poppy loves you and I know how much you love her. I want to give us a try. I know... I know it’s been a while since you told me how you felt, but I-”

Just then, you saw someone standing in the house behind Harry. You instantly recognized her, she was Harry’s ex. And she was in his house. 

“God, I can’t believe I’m so fucking stupid,” you whispered. “Of course, of course, I can’t believe that I thought you would actually give me proper time to think without going back to your ex. But clearly I was wrong.” 

“I’m just going to go,” you said turning around. 

“Y/N!” Harry sighed, chasing after you. 

“Just forget about it,” you said. “This is just another sign that we shouldn’t be more than friends, Harry. I mean, we’ve been friends for 22 years, right? Why change it now.” 

Harry couldn’t even respond to you before you were back in the car and leaving. 

**

You had the driver drop you off at a park nearby. You needed time to think. You couldn’t face Poppy like this. This was exactly what you were afraid of, getting Poppy’s hopes up only to have them shattered. You never should have told her. You should have never told her or even brought to LA. 

You were sitting on a swing in the playground area. It was a bit rainy, so there weren’t many people there, but the weather reminded you of home. About fifteen minutes after you arrived, someone sat down on the swing beside you. You didn’t have to look over because you knew exactly who it was. 

Harry. 

“I’m not with her,” he said. “I know it looked bad, but she was just over to hang out. We’re friends... that’s it.” 

“Just like we’re friends?” You whispered. 

“Not even close,” he whispered. “Y/N, when I told you I love you and I wanted to be with you. I meant it. I still do.” 

“And I want to be with you too,” you whispered. “But honestly how is this going to work... logistically.” 

“I’m going to be spending time in London more,” he said. “I’m working on some things in London and I might have to travel some more here and there, but I’m not going anywhere too far.” 

“And what happens when you go on tour?” You asked. 

‘You two can come with me or fly out whenever you can,” he said. “I won’t lie and say it won’t be hard, but we’re only going to know if it’s going to work if we try.”

“Are you sure you’re ready to be a father?” You asked. “Poppy drew this the other night. She already looks up to you like a Daddy. I don’t know what I would do if this did work out...” 

“I promise you, Y/N,” he whispered. “Even if we don’t work out, which I don’t know know why we wouldn’t, but if for some reason we didn’t, you two would never lose me. I promise.” 

You bit your lip as you looked down. Harry reached over for your hand. 

“I love you,” he whispered. 

“I love you, too,” you whispered back. 

“Then let’s be together,” he whispered. “We’ve already spent years apart. This is finally our time.” 

“Okay,” you nodded. “Let’s be together.” 

He smiled widely, leaning over still in his swing and pressed his lips against yours. 

**

An hour later, you and Harry met Jeff and Glenne with Poppy. As soon as she saw the two of you walking up, hand in hand, she ran up to you two, wrapping her arms around your legs. 

“Mummy! Harry!” She smiled. “Happy?” 

“Yes, we’re both very happy,” Harry smiled picking her up. “What about you?” 

“Very Very Happy!” She giggled. 

You smiled kissing her head. 

“Are we a family now?” She asked. 

You looked over at Harry, who was looking at you. “Always.” 

“Hey Poppy,” you smiled. “Cover your eyes, love.” 

She giggled, placing her hands over eyes, as you leaned up to press your lips against his. 

And just like that, you had everything you ever wanted. 

[5sosdrfluke]

Shamara for Christmas (Ashton Fic)

Thank you so much to @dukehoods , @plainwhiteluke , and @flannelpunkcalum for putting this fic exchange together! It’s been fun to be able to write a few little things for @thecashtonexpress about Ashton! I really hope you like it Shamara! 

Since that night that Ashton admitted his feelings for you, you’ve been getting closer. He treated you like a queen and the friendship you had before definitely benefited the relationship you two had now. It’s been a few months and Christmas and New Year’s was right around the corner. 

Ashton was draping Christmas lights over the tree while whistling along to his Spotify playlist of Christmas songs. You reached behind the tree and plugged in the string, illuminating the branches. Ashton maneuvered around the tree to give you a sweet smile in appreciation. 

“Shamara, can you hand me that last strand?” He asked, motioning with his fingers to the last strand of colorful lights. You nodded and handed them to him and he pulled you close to kiss your cheek. “Thanks, loves.” 

You felt your cheeks flush a bit at his pet name for you today. He made a point to give you a different one each day to add some spontaneity. He would occasionally recycle some of them, but he came up with some creative ones. There was a day when all he would call you is “squish”. When you tried to argue about it being a bad name, he stopped you and explained that he loved to squish your cheeks and that he liked that you giggled when he did. So you grew fond of it. Eventually. 

Ash reached up and secured the last bit of the lights on the top of the tree. “There. Do know where the star is?” He wondered, running his fingers through his hair. 

“We could just put you on top of the tree,” You mumbled. 

Ashton looked at you and sputtered a bit, going red in the face at your words. His sputtering turned into soft giggles that made you melt. “I’m not a star.”  

“Yes you are, Ash,” You replied with a kiss to his cheek. 

He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close to his chest. He rested his head on top of yours and let out a small sigh. “I love you, baby. Let’s decorate the tree, yeah?” 

You nodded and reveled in the warmth of his hug for a few moments longer. When he pulled away, his fingers gently brushed the small of your back causing a shiver to run down your spine. He dropped a wink and gathered some ornaments in his hands. You joined in and hung pretty, weird, and adorable ornaments all over the branches of the big tree. Ash bumped hips with yours a few times and giggled when you did it back. He joked with you about how many ornaments the two of you had combined and loved hearing the stories behind some of the ones that you hung. 

“Shamara, remember this one?” Ash asked and held up a cute little teddy bear ornament. You looked it over and raised your eyebrows. 

“You still have this?” 

“Of course I do. You gave it to me when we first started hanging out. It was around Christmas and you just kind of shoved it into my hands and said ‘you’re a beary good friend',” He recounted, chuckling at the bad pun that you had, unfortunately, let loose. 

“I can’t believe you kept it, baby,” You murmured. 

He hung the little bear and took your hands in his, locking eyes with you. “Loves, I’ve kept everything you’ve given me. You mean a lot to me and whenever I look at one of the things you gave me, I think of you. It’s not a bad thought. It’s the best, actually,” He rambled, “Of course I’m going to keep cute things from you.” 

You squeezed his hands gently and placed a kiss on his knuckles. “You’re adorable.” 

He grinned. “I know. Hey, the tree looks pretty great! You up for some hot chocolate and a Christmas movie?” 

He let you decide which movie you liked while he whipped up some hot chocolate in the kitchen. He added a splash of vanilla and some marshmallows. He looked out to where you were and smiled to himself. He still couldn’t believe that you were here with him, decorating for Christmas and kissing him under the mistletoe. A few months ago he never would’ve dreamed that he would be in this place. He didn’t think you’d feel the same way. He’s glad that he got a bit drunk that night that he called you. He continued to smile as he carefully carried the mugs of chocolate back to you.

You had fallen asleep during the movie and Ashton didn’t mind. He got to hold you and keep you safe from…well…his lemon tree? He just liked having you in his arms. He pressed kisses to the top of your head and your forehead, feeling like the luckiest man in the world. 

When New Year’s came around, he had completely given his heart to you. He showed you off to the world and didn’t have a care in the world about what anyone said. He loved you more than words could say. He tried to put it into words, but nothing did his feelings justice. He held you close in public, held your hand, gave you soft kisses that turned into heated make-out sessions to his bandmates dismay, and took Instagram-worthy pictures of you to show off just how beautiful you are. He was the happiest he’d been in such a long time.

“Ash? You okay? You look miles away.” 

He blinked and looked at you, snapping out of his thoughts. A small grin played at his lips and he kissed at your cheeks. “I’m here, doll. Just thinkin' about you.”

You felt your cheeks flush. “Anyway…um. Midnight is in a few minutes. Do you want something to drink or anything?” 

“Nah, I got something to kiss,” He teased and pecked your lips. You smiled against his lips and wrapped your arms around his slim waist. He retaliated with a soft sigh and an arm wrapping around your shoulders. “I love you.”

“I love you more, Ashton.” 

“You lie, Shamara.” 

“3…2….1…Happy New Year!” The crowd around you yelled and clinked glasses. Some people kissed, some just hugged, and some drank.

Ashton’s slender fingers lifted your chin slightly and his soft lips pressed to yours. He kissed you gently at first, but it melted into one filled with passion and love. He showed you his love in his actions and held you close, moving your mouth with yours. All of those years of loving you finally came to the ending he wanted. But he knew it wasn’t an ending, it was the most wonderful of beginnings. 

He slowly broke the kiss and lingered ever so slightly near your lips. His beautiful hazel eyes stared into yours. He knew right then and there that you were the love of his life. “Happy New Year, Shamara.”

(A/N: Shamara I hope you liked your secret Santa writing! I had fun with sending you things, even though I messed up the anon thing the first time 😂 I also hope this little fic is what you were wanting! I wanted to incorporate the best friends to lovers as well as a holiday theme! Merry Christmas lovely! I hope you have a wonderful few weeks -Kenzie xx)

[eternal-love-song]

Let’s Bake A Cake

Midoriya, Shinso, and Hatsume decide to bake a cake! It goes about as well as you might expect.

[Izuku x Shinso x Hatsume] [Established Relationship, Polyamory, Humor]

Part 1 of this story (the idea) shows three different versions of how they got into this situation (because I couldn't pick just one.) Parts 2 and 3 are chronological.

Part I: The Idea

(Shinso Version)

They were all in Midoriya's room. Midoriya was sitting on the edge of the bed, just barely staying off his feet as he spoke rapid fire to Hatsume, sitting in his desk chair. She was sitting backwards in the chair, her arms folded over the back and her eyes lit up with excitement as she chattered with Izuku about quirks.

Shinso was sitting on the floor with his back against the bed, slouching so much that he was almost laying down. He had his face practically buried in his phone as he scrolled through various social media sights and half listened to their chatter. They were talking so quickly and so excitedly that he could hardly discern the words, but the blanket of noise was oddly comforting.

"Hey," he said as an idea came to him. "Let's bake a cake."

They didn't hear him. Here he was with the best idea ever and no one was even listening to him. He huffed, pushing himself up and crawling closer to them. He held his hand up between them and snapped a few time to catch their attention.

"Huh?" Midoriya jumped and blinked a few times before he focused on Shinso, deflating as his end of the conversation died off. It didn't effect Hatsume. She continued on as if Midoriya hadn't abruptly stopped talking and Shinso wasn't blatantly trying to get her attention. Shinso glared at her, but he knew that wouldn't make much of a difference. "What is it, Shinso?" Midoriya asked.

"Let's bake a cake," He repeated.

"A...cake?"

"Yeah," Shinso nodded. "I have a craving."

"Um, okay," Midoriya agreed. There was confusion on his face, but he was smiling as earnestly as ever.

Shinso pointed at Hatsume. "She can come, too. If you want."

Midoriya laughed. He reached out to push on Hatsume's shoulder playfully. "Come on, don't ignore him."

"I wasn't ignoring him," She said. "I hadn't finished my thought yet."

Shinso rolled his eyes. "Your thought was several paragraphs worth of text?"

"I have well formed opinions."

"Whatever," Shinso said. "Let's go."

(Hatsume Version)

Hatsume had one passion and it wasn't just inventing things like everyone thought. Hatsume's passion was innovation. She saw something and she wanted to find a way to make it better. How could she make it work more smoothly? How could she make something more convenient? What if she made it faster, or stronger, or bigger? This was Mei's passion.

Usually she had tunnel vision when it came to creating new things, but sometimes other people inspired her.

"Wow, Mei, is there anything you can't make?" She's spent two days making something to help this girl improve her fire quirk, but she couldn't remember her name at all.

"I haven't met a problem that I haven't beaten yet," Hatsume told her.

The girl laughed.

Her friend, some gen ed girl whose quirk was little more than a physical mutation, also laughed. "People that are really good at things like this usually suck at real skills."

"Real skills?" Hatsume repeated. Most things people said about her didn't bother her, especially if they happened to be true, but this annoyed her. They came to her for help and then had the nerve to imply that she didn't have "real" skills.

"You know, like cooking and stuff."

"Don't be rude," the fire quirk girl said, pushing her friend from the room.

"What? It's true!" The girl insisted before pushed out the door.

Hatsume didn't usually feel like she needed to prove things to other people and aside from being annoyed that her talents were being belittled, she didn't feel like she needed to prove anything this time either. But it was a challenge and Hatsume wasn't afraid of a challenge. Cooking couldn't be that hard. In fact, she was fairly certain that she could improve the process somehow.

Her eagerness lead her to leave the lab immediately. She went to the gen ed dorms, knocking loudly on Shinso's door.

He only opened it a crack and she stared at one bloodshot, sleep deprived eye. "What?"

"I want to bake a cake!" she announced excitedly.

He stared at her for moment, then he slammed the door in her face. Shinso could be so grumpy sometimes. She banged on his door again, but he didn't answer it again. If she wanted to, she could probably get his door open. He wouldn't appreciate that, though. Not after last time.

She left and came back twenty minutes later with Midoriya. She let him knock on the door and when she Shinso answered it this time, she pushed the door all the way open.

"I want to bake a cake!" she announced for a second time.

"Fuck, Hatsume!" Shinso swore, glaring at her with beary eyes. "You almost threw that door into my face."

"Wait, you want to do what?" Midoriya asked.

"You brought her here and you didn't even ask why?" Shinso groaned.

"I... didn't think I needed to?" Midoriya answered sheepishly, smiling nervously at him. Hatsume could see the moment that smile made Shinso crack and then the moment afterwards where he was annoyed for being swayed. He blew out an irritated breathe and glared at her.

"Why do you want to bake a cake?" Shinso asked. "You won't eat on a regular schedule but you're willing to bake an entire cake?"

"I want to improve the process," she told him.

"Do you even know how to bake a cake, first off, before you go trying to 'improve the process?'" Shinso asked.

She was undaunted by his lack of enthusiasm. "It can't be that hard."

Shinso looked like he was about to lose it, which was why Midoriya stepped between them with a large grin. "I bet we can do it together," he told them.

Hatsume grinned widely. Having Midoriya on her side guaranteed a win against Shinso.

Shinso just sighed deeply. "I hate this already," he said.

"But you'll help us?" Midoriya asked.

Shinso had turned his long suffering sighs into an art. An art that was sadly lost on them most of the time. "I'll help."

"Yes!" Hatsume exclaimed. "Victory is assured."

(Izuku Version)

Izuku was sitting at his desk when the door opened. He looked up to see Hatsume's greasy smile and Shinso on her heels, hand in a bag of chips.

"Your door is unlocked," Shinso told him as he sat on Izuku's bed.

Hatsume had the good grace to remain standing. "Hey, Midoriya."

Midoriya smiled at her. "Hello, Hatsume. And I know my door was unlocked. I left it open for you two." He looked back at Hatsume again. "I, uh, was expecting to have you in better condition, Hatsume."

Hatsume shrugged. "I was doing some last minute upgrades and it would have taken way too much time to stop by my dorm and shower, so I thought I'd just do it tomorrow."

"To-tomorrow?" He stuttered. "You can't stay that way all day."

"Why not?" She shrugged.

Shinso laughed and shook his head. "Why do we let this grease monkey hang out with us?"

"Hatsume, I'm making a new rule that you can't come into my room without showering first," Izuku told her.

"That's more of a hindrance to you than it is to me," she replied.

He sighed. Deeply. Hatsume was a handful and a half.

"So what did you want?" Shinso asked.

"Right." Izuku smiled. "My mom's birthday is coming up soon and I wanted to bake her cake. I was hoping that you two would be willing to help me make a practice cake?" His statement tuned into a question halfway through and he smiled at them imploringly.

"I've never made a device to help with cooking before," Hatsume mumbled, placing a hand on her chin as she began to think.

"No, that's not what I meant," he told her.

"You realize that this is going to be a diaster, right?" Shinso asked. "Hatsume probably lives off of cup noodles and take out, and I've never baked a day in my life."

"I've baked before," Izuku told them. "I'm just a little out of practice... and I haven't done it on my own before, but I know what to do! Mostly."

"Read my lips, Midoriya." Shinso sat forward and pointed to his mouth as he enunciated his words carefully, "Di-sas-ter."

"Of course I'll help you, Midoriya! This is a great opportunity to test out--"

"No," Shinso interrupted her. "You go back to your dorm and shower before you even talk to us again."

"Ugh! Who has time for that?" she groaned.

"You do," Shinso insisted. "Now shoo."

"I have to agree with Shinso on this one," Izuku said. "You can't really cook if your hands are covered in grease stains."

"I'll wash my hands," She told them.

"Wash your body, you filthy creature!" Shinso yelled, throwing his nearly empty chip bag at her.

Part II: The Location

(1-A Dorms)

"Midoriya, your dorms are kinda crowded," Hatsume said.

The kitchen area was alread crowded, the couches full, and she was pretty sure the entire class was lounging around. The kitchen was filled with yelling and explosions, something pink was chasing a pile of floating clothing, and some blonde guy was staring at her? No... he was staring at the window behind her? Whatever, it didn't matter.

"Does anyone ever go into their own room around here?" Shinso asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Midoriya shrugged. "We get along really well."

"Out of my way, Deku!"

Midoriya jumped back at the walking explosion pushed his way past, an apoloegetic red head and a scolding black haired boy on his heels.

"Yeah, real friendly," Shinso said.

"W-well, most of us get along," Midoriya muttered.

Hatsume placed her hands on her hips. "I could use of one my babies to--"

"Pass," Shinso interrupted.

"We could wait until later tonight?" Midoriya suggested.

"Pass," Shinso said again.

Hatsume sighed. "Midoriya, I don't think we're going to get any cooking done here. "

Shinso frowned and took a deep breath. "Let's go to my dorm."

(Gen Ed Dorms)

"Take two," Shinso said as he lead them into his dorm room. Izuku was surprised at how much... emptier it was. It wasn't entirely empty, of course. There were a few people around, but it was nothing like his dorm. He was used to his entire class hanging out fairly often, but that didn't seem to be the case with the gen ed kids.

"at least it isn't crowded," Hatsume said with a smile.

"Yeah, we'll have room to move around," Izuku added. It was pretty rare that they were in the gen ed dorms. Shinso didn't like to hang out his room much, preferring to come to Izuku's instead. Or maybe he just didn't like him and Hatsume to be in space.

"Hey," one of the kids lounging in the room elbowed his friend. "Shinso bought his stooges."

Izuku's steps faltered. The two were speaking in a low tone, but not so low that they couldn't be overheard. Not so low that Izuku thought they were trying not to be heard.

"Didn't he fight that kid at the sport's festival?" the other questioned. "Man, it's gotta suck to keep falling for Shinso's quirk."

"Midoriya." Shinso bumped his shoulder with Izuku's. "You're spacing out." Shinso's lips were pressed into a hard line. He clearly heard what those two were saying and he was ignoring it. Izuku felt his hands balling into fist.

"S-sorry," he tried to laugh it off, but it rang false. "I, um...sorry."

Hatsume was staring at the two with her arms crossed. It was rare to see her with such a focused look on her face unless she was working. Shinso grabbed the back of her shirt and pulled her toward the kitchen. Izuku found himself reluctantly following.

"It's fine," Shinso said. "No big deal."

"And he's with Hot Hatsume," the gen ed kid continued. "Think he's trying to get her to fix his quirk?"

His friend scoffed. "No way, I think he's got other things on his mind, if you catch my drift."

They laughed. "Once a villain always."

"No," Hatsume said. "I'm not gonna stay here and listen this." Her gaze was still focused on the two gossipers on the couch, glaring more fiercely than he'd ever seen from her.

Shinso looked at her with surprise. He glanced quickly at them before looking back to Izuku and Hatsume. "I can make them go away, if you want," he said quietly.

"That's not good enough," Hatsume told him. She turned around to look at Shinso. "i'm pretty sure Midoriya's gonna punch those two in the face if we stay here any longer and I'm going to help him."

They both looked at Izuku's hands where they were still balled into fist at his side. He avoided their gaze. "People used to say mean things to me to my face all the time. I don't like hearing them talk about you this way."

Shinso's expression was still disbelieving, but he nodded. "Uh, okay. We can..."

Hatsume grabbed both their hands. "My dorm," she said difinitively. She marched them out of the room quickly. Izuku felt himself slowly calming. He looked over at Shinso and took his other hand.

"I'm okay, Hatsume," Izuku said quietly.

"I'm not," she replied and squeezed his hand tighter.

(Support Course Dorms)

The support course dorms were surprisingly empty. Shinso had never noticed before, since he so rarely came to Hatsume's dorm. There was only one person in the room, sitting on the floor and glued to her phone. She waved in their general direction but Hasume either ignored the greeting or didn't see it. Midoriya, of course, waved back, though Shinso felt certain Midoriya had no idea who that girl was.

Shinso shook his head at his boyfriend's friendliness. How he could so easily go from wanting to punch someone in the face to waving at strangers would always be lost on Shinso. Friendliness was not in Shinso's nature, not like it was for Midoriya.

"Here," Hatsume said once they were standing in her dorm's kitchen. She let go of their hands and spun on her heel to face them both. "Empty kitchen ready for use."

"Why's it so empty?" Midoriya asked.

Hatsume shrugged. "Everyone keeps to themselves a lot," she explained. "Most of them just hang out in each other's rooms or in the other dorms. It doesn't really matter, right?"

"I guess not," Midoriya replied.

Shinso went over to the fridge, opening the door and poking his head in. It took only a moment to discern the problem of this location. "There's nothing in here."

"Huh," Hatsume hummed. "I suppose I didn't think of that."

Shinso closed the fridge.

"I guess we should go shopping," Midoriya said.

"Guess so," Shinso agreed with a sigh.

Part III: Execution

(Shopping)

"What do we need to bake a cake?" Hatsume asked once they were in the store. Midoriya had a shopping basket on his arm as he walked around the store with her and Shinso following him.

"Eggs, milk, butter, sugar," Midoriya began listing off the ingredients.

"Hey, what kind of cake are we making?" Shinso asked.

"Uh..." Midoriya's gaze traveled to her and she shrugged.

"Fuck it, let's just buy chocolate and go home. This isn't worth it." Shinso said.

"No, we can... we can do this! Let's just... make something simple," Midoriya said.

"We should get back up ingredients," Hatsume said. "I have a feeling that we're going to need them."

"Yeah... we probably will," Midoriya admitted.

"I'm still getting chocolate," Shinso said, walking away from them. "Chocolate is my comfort food."

"I thought your comfort was--"

"I have many comfort foods, Midoriya."

"Well, if we're all getting things," Hatsume said, "I should get a few things, too."

"W-wait!" Midoriya objected.

Neither of his significant other's waited.

(Baking)

Midoriya dropped all the bags on the counter gently before laying his head down beside them and looking at Shinso and Hatsume with sad eyes. "Why did I have to carry all the bags?"

"You're the hero around here," Shinso answered with a smirk.

"You wanna be a hero, too!" Midoriya objected.

"You're my role model," Shinso replied easily.

Hatsume was gathering bowls and utensils, taking ingredients out of the bags, and being much more helpful than Shinso was used to. He laid his folded arms on Midoriya's back as he watched her. He could feel the heat of Midoriya's blush as his boyfriend's face turned red.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Midoriya asked.

"Watching our girlfriend," Shinso answered. "She almost looks like she knows what she's doing, doesn't she?"

Midoriya stopped blushing and squirming long enough to watch Hatsume. "Y-yeah, she does."

Shinso grinned as he wrapped his arms around Midoriya. "Also, you're really cute and I couldn't resist cuddling you!"

"Sh-shin!" He exclaimed, squirming once more and causing Shinso to laugh as his boyfriend flailed and tried to escape his embrace. This was nice. Shinso could do with a few more moments like this.

They ended up in a heap on the floor. Midoriya red and embarrassed while Shinso was pleased and slightly out of breath. Shinso looked up to see Hatsume still at the counter and he got up to check on what she was doing.

"What are you doing, Mei?" Shinso asked. She had placed all of the ingredients in separate bowls, luckily without opening any of them, since he knew for a fact that she couldn't cook.

"I've seen cooking shows before," Hatsume explained. "You're supposed to have each thing in it's own bowl." She looked so proud of herself that he couldn't stop himself from petting her head.

"Oh, Hatsume." He pulled her closer, still petting her head.

"What?" She asked. He was a little surprised that Hatsume didn't try to pull away. Most people would object to his somewhat patronizing behavior even if he was joking. He should have expected that Mei wouldn't see it that way and honestly, he wasn't objecting to being able to hold her without objection.

Midoriya picked himself up off the floor. "Hatsume, they do that to show the audience what to do. You don't actually need to have all the ingredients separated like that."

"Oh." Hatsume smiled at them both. "I guess we'll follow your lead, Midoriya."

Shinso looked to Midoriya, as well. "Lead us, o leader."

Midoriya sighed, but he was smiling."

They did not bake a cake.

Their night ended with a mess kitchen and Izuku standing over them with a look of frustration and disappointment. The kitchen was a mess, they were a mess, and looking at all the wasted ingredients.

"So, in all fairness, I did tell you that this would end in disaster," Shinso said. He was trying to shake flour out of hair and succeeding in only making more of a mess.

Hatsume had egg in her hair. Izuku made a note to either keep her away from the kitchen at all cost or take great pains to teach her at least the basics. He wasn't sure which would be better in the long run, so he pushed the thought away for the time being.

"I can clean all of this up," Hatsume said. "It's my dorm, after all."

"And yourself," Izuku added with a sigh.

"Yeah, yeah," she said. "If I'm going to be cleaning up anyway, I'll clean myself, too."

"At this point," Shinso said, "We should just buy a cake. And maybe try again without Mei."

"Hey! No leaving me out!" she objected.

"No offense, Mei, but you need remedial lessons before you can attempt something as hard as a cake."

Hatsume frowned. "Cooking can't be this hard."

"You just need to learn the basics first," Izuku told her. He reached out to rest his hands on her shoulders. "Hatsume, I care about you a lot. Please, promise me that you'll stay out of the kitchen until Shin or I can teach you not to set everything on fire."

She sighed. "Alright, I get your point, Midoriya."

"You go clean yourself up and get some sleep, Midoriya," Shinso yold him. "I'll help Mei and tomorrow, I'll go buy a cake."

"Thanks Shin."

Shinso smiled, leaning forward to kiss him on the cheek. "You deserve the rest." He pulled Hatsume over and pushed her toward Izuku. "Tell our boyfriend goodbye."

Hatsume hugged him. Izuku ignored the mess that newly covered him and returned the hug. "Thanks for trying, you guys."

"Next time, I'll do better," Hatsume told him.

"She's already planning a next time," Shinso said with mock horror in his voice.

Izuku laughed as he stepped away. "Next time we'll do better, he agreed."

[clownsgobeepbeep]

Carnival Of Love(Pennywise x Reader)

You have a carnival date with Pennywise.

Sorry if this is complete trash, this week has been very stressful and I was too focused on trying to finish my commissions on time :(

Words:2013

"Pennywise,come on! It's already dark out and I wouldn't want to wait any longer!"

"Oh yes, I would not want to wait any longer to consume the oh so innocent children, my dear."

"Pennywise, we already went over the rules."you mentioned, then being replied with a groan that came from the clown who sat on the ground in front of you. He watched as you slipped on your jacket, then adjusting the rest of your outfit before turning to the feline like clown. You lifted your arms up as if to present yourself which made him shut his eyes before he immediately leaned to the side and you felt the floor shake when he plummeted down.

Your smile slowly died down as you walked over to him, then bending down to press a hand onto his cheek as he looked up at you with angry eyes.

"Penny, please. You promised me you would be a good boy, just this night."

"I only agreed to go to the carnival with you, and nothing more my dear."

"Nooo, you agreed to go with me to the carnival and not create any chaos, because I promised to let you have a night to your instincts.

Pennywise furrowed his eyebrows before he turned and laid on his back, then sighing loudly as he remembered the exact deal. Rather than arguing with you any more, he adjusted his hands and raised his legs into the air to then hop onto his feet and shake his body which jingled.

"Well hurry it up then!"he exclaimed after twisting his torso to look at you, his legs then doing the same before he placed his hands on his hips in a sassy manner. "Because if you don't, I'm going to take each child and feast upon their flesh!"

"Pennywise no!"You shouted right as he got onto his hands and crawled out of your room with a silly cackle, you then chasing after him with the fear of him actually harming somebody.

After a while of chasing Pennywise, you bent down to take a breath because you had absolutely no clue where the clown had gone.

As you had your hands on your knees and took a few breaths, you wondered where it is the clown had gone; though you shook your head and stood up to look ahead, seeing that the carnival entrance was just a few feet away.

With a sigh, you fixed your clothes before casually walking over to the line that had already been formed and grew by the second. Right when you stood behind the last couple in line, you slightly jumped when you felt a long arm wrap itself around your waist as you were brought towards a strong chest.

"Hey darling, sorry I'm late. "You heard which made you turn to the side before you saw an all too familiar man that only appeared when he wanted to. "This line seems a bit too long, how about we cut through,hmm?"

"Pen-Robert...we are not going to cut in line, these people have been waiting and now we-"

"Alright alright, I got enough of your yapping. Let me handle things sweets."The man leaned down to press a somewhat rough yet quick kiss on your lips before he released you and walked away, adjusting the collar of his long coat.

"You just...damn this clown..."you muttered under your breath, then looking back to the front and seeing that it had decreased, so you walked a little further before reaching your what could the considered the end of the line for you.

You kept staring up ahead, but then turned back to see if maybe you could catch sight of "Robert", though you saw nothing except the people who kept on coming to visit the carnival. Looking at the entrance, you then felt your eyes widen when you instantly heard a loud banshee like scream come from that same direction.

"Oh no..."

Soon enough, the people in front of you all turned pale before some more screams and cries were heard, and everybody was now in a panic trying to run off. You were in a way unfazed, because you expected something like this to happen because why wouldn't it?

You stood on your same spot, not moving anywhere nor anything but your hand which you brought up to your forehead and it concealed your obviously disappointed expression. Although, it was altered when one of the fleeing people bumped into you and you widened your eyes again before you felt yourself land onto the dirt beneath you.

"Ow!"your bottom immediately stung with pain just as your wrist did, because you had landed a bit incorrectly which took your thoughts away from the loud, terrifying roars that were sounding from ahead. The people continued to scurry away while you held onto your hand and pouted.

You decided to remain on the ground before realizing that everybody was now gone, and you were sitting alone in the middle of the path until you heard some distant growling that made you glance up. Right in front of you, you felt a hot and heavy breath on your face as you looked at the creature in front of you, though it quickly shifted into its clown form.

"My love, are you alright?"Pennywise asked, and you saw that he had a sincerely worried expression as he leaned down to wrap his arms around you, then picking you up while one of his hands somehow let go of you to grab your injured wrist.

"Yeah...I just got pushed and fell down.Maybe we should just go home-"

"No!"he said a bit too loudly, then placing a gentle kiss onto your hand before wrapping his arm around you again as he began to walk towards the carnival. "I did not make such an amazing and dramatic entrance for nothing. These foolish idiots were ruining our night and I of course had to get rid of them."

Well, at least he was doing something bad for a somewhat good cause.

"Alright, I guess we can go in since we'll be all alone."you said, knowing that there really would be no way out of this situation. Just like that, Pennywise let out a toothy grin that made you giggles as he walked through the entrance of the carnival, and you were looked up at the strings of bright lights that were hung all over from what you could see.

Pennywise walked for a little more before stopping to set you down in front of a stand that was a throwing game, and he giggled to himself before reaching up a grabbing a small plushie that he then handed to you.

"Here you go (Y/N)! I won it just for you my dear!"he grinned a buck toothed grin which made you laugh, but you then made that go away.

"Did you really win it? Or did Ol' Pennywise cheat because he can't do something that simple,hmm? Is he perhaps, a sore loser?"

You noticed that his expression immediately turned into an angry pout right before he easily discarded of the toy and slammed his hand against the wooden counter. His other hand had reached to a nearby basket that contained a few baseballs, and he grabbed one before stretching his arm out as he now looked at the front with a determined look. He looked so ready to throw that ball and break the empty glass bottles that were standing on their shelf, and he felt as if they were mocking him and his abilities.

"I'll show you a real sore loser!"

You licked at the ice cream you had gotten while one of your hands held onto a giant teddy bear because Pennywise had been holding a few others. Although, he was not exactly content at the moment and dug his claws into the plush toys he was carrying for you.

Pennywise had his angry face which only brought a smile to your features, especially after all the carnival games you convinced him to play.

So far, he had only gotten prizes from the coin toss game and the shooting range sans his powers or advantageous abilities. You on the other hand, had won far more than he did which angered him to no end because how was it possible that a "mere, weak, mortal human beat him at games that he mastered since the beginning of time"?

"Penny, are we going on-"

"We are not going on that idiotic ride, no matter what you say."

"Ha! Come on Penny! We can ridicule the ride while we're on it! And it'll add on even more to our little date!"you said after finishing you icy treat, knowing that a suggestion of yours would tick him off.

"No (Y/N)!"

You let out a laugh and placed your now free arm on the bear to hold it tighter, then letting out a small yawn before talking again.

"I thought you would have wanted to go on the Tunnel of Love! Don't you just love it all? So, so romantic! Just your thing Penny."

Pennywise stopped walking which then caused you to do so, and you stared at his angry expression before letting out a quiet laugh that made him huff and turn to walk away from you again. You giggled and nuzzled into your bear, realizing that it was quite lonely with just the two of you, and the giant "Beary-wise".

Although, you soon enough heard your clown let out an excited gasp which made you turn your head to the side, then letting out a small smile when your eyes landed on the huge and colorful ferris wheel that was moving, but had stopped when Pennywise made it do so.

"Get inside my dear! We would not want to miss out of the ferris wheel, yes? This is a much better option that your absurd tunnel of love! And the others will get to-"

"Pennywise, we're the only ones here."

"Eh,so what?"he grabbed your wrist and dragged you into the basket before tearing away the bear from your hands, and you had realized that he had dropped everything he had been holding as well without a care.

Pennywise entered himself and sitting down next to you. He shut the small door and peeked his head out of the box, then winking at the machinery before it all began to move.

The basket you were in slowly followed the next, and had soon reached the top which made Pennywise flick his wrist which then resulted in the entire ride to stop. You looked ahead and let out a small smile, noticing that Derry wasn't always a horrible place, and that even with its several flaws, there was beauty like the one you were looking at now.

"Wow...when has Derry been so quiet, and at ease?"you asked with a small chuckle, and since you were so entranced with all the lights and the darkness, you had not noticed that you were only replied to with silence.

While doing that, you had never realized that Pennywise gazed at you with his mouth agape, but he then closed it when he gulped and then cleared his throat which caught your attention.

You felt Pennywise grab your face and you stared at each other intensely for a moment before he leaned in, then gently pressing his lips against yours before you slowly shut your eyes. You brought your hands to his chest, clutching onto his costume as your lips moved against each other in a passionate yet surprisingly slow manner, right before the both of you pulled away.

You were in a slight daze as you felt the clown's fingers caress your cheeks before he rubbed his red nose against yours, then giving you a sly smirk.

"You're staying up here until I decide to move this machine."

"Pennywise!"

"Alright...how about we go into the tunnel of love to have some fun?"

[human-monodam]

Fall of Monokuma. Part 3 finale

(After a couple weeks, Future Foundation found DR building that held the simulation for the V3 killing game, but not the Team DR employees. As such the site became a study site for FF, hoping that they could find more information on Team DR. Meanwhile, Izuru is working on something important with Monokuma under his supervision at the time. After a while, Izuru walks over to Monokuma and removes his AI chip. After another while, Monokuma comes to only to find himself in the human body you see today.)

Monokuma: What the hell is this?! What did you do to my lovely beary flesh?

Izuru: I'm running a small experiment at the moment. Since your old body gives people uncomfortable just from sight alone, I've decided to transfer your mind and memories in a human body. No longer will you be the murder bear you once was. Instead, you will continue life as a normal human being.

(Monokuma looks at Izuru to see if he was serious. Monokuma sees that he is not. This realization causes Monokuma to laugh in rebuttal.)

Monokuma: You always were a funny guy, Kamakura! Hahahahaha! Do you really think that giving me a human body would change me in the slightest?!

(Izuru gives no answer and leaves. Monokuma shrugs and leaves as well in his new human body. As he was walking around the halls of Future Foundation, he notices that no one is stopping from going anyway, leading him to believe either no one recognizes him or care about what he does from now on. With those thoughts in mind, Monokuma, victoriously, strolls towards to main exit. Before he could leave the Future Foundation building, he is confronted by Makoto, Kyoko, and Byakuya. The looks on their faces already gave Monokuma the impression that they know its him in the human body.)

Monokuma: What's up, my beloved students? Came to see your "favorite" headmaster off?

Makoto: No. We are here to give you a little warning before you go.

Kyoko: Inside your red eye contains a tracking device and a special "despair sensor." Anytime you do anything despairing, we will know. And we will come after you.

Byakuya: And to be extra sure you don't try anything like removing your eye, we also have a couple of our agents watching you from the shadows.

Makoto: No matter where you are, no matter where you go, no matter what you do from this point on, we will find out.

Monokuma: Why not just off me then if you don't trust me that much?

Makoto: Because we're not like you. Maybe back then when all else fails. Maybe if we didn't know about Team DR, we would've scrapped you by now. And trust me. I, and many others, would love to get rid of you for good. But we won't do that. We won't play into your hands, Monokuma. Nor will we let the history between us make any serious leaps in judgement for us.

Kyoko: So for your sake, "former headmaster", we suggest that you take this information to heart and live a simple quiet life. Do that, and there won't be any problems.

Byakuya: But step out of line for either a nanosecond, we will come after you and do what we should've done a long time ago. Got it, bear?

(Monokuma was a little annoyed at this, but knew well enough that they were serious. He is in a position where if he is not careful it could mean the absolute end for him. He lose his job, he nearly died getting run over, and now he is in a tight spot that could mean certain death if he isn't careful. Monokuma, begrudgingly, agrees to keep things calm and quiet for the rest of his life.)

Makoto: Okay. Your free to go. Just remember, we are always watching you.

(Those were the last words Monokuma heard before leaving Future Foundation. Sometime after leaving Future Foundation, Monokuma opened up his own personal bar to make ends meet. While he was doing that, Izuru retrieved the Monokubs and Motherkuma AIs and gave them human bodies along side Shirokuma and Kurokuma. Monokuma tries to lead a normal family life, but the memories of his past and news of other killing games happening left him bitter and angry. Things got so bad that his wife, Motherkuma, had a divorce and left him, taking her cubs with her. So now Monokuma runs a bar on a daily basis while also drinking his sorrows away constantly. Its a sad life for the retired despair bear. And with that, this concludes the Fall of Monokuma. A story of how the once famous murder bear was reduced the mess you see today. The credits roll.)

[jessischipmunk]

Happiness

Pairing: Barry Allen x Ralph Dibny x Reader 

Warnings: none. some sadness and feelings of loneliness but nothing beyond that. 

Summary: Reader has had feelings for Barry for ages, but knows he is destined with iris. She still wants her and Barry to be close, but is afraid she has lost him completely. Then, unexpectedly, she gets another ear to listen to her side, and even given a chance for happiness with another. 

I had to walk out of the room. Something about seeing Barry with Iris put me off. I don’t know. I had feelings for Barry. Still do. They’re going away slowly, but they’re still there. But he is destined with Iris and I won’t get in the way of that. Seeing them together the way they are now will hopefully just take some time getting used to. 

I was on the top level of STAR Labs. Not many knew about the top level, which was why I chose it as my go to spot for alone time. I liked it. Quiet and no disturbances. 

I was standing, staring forward at the wall when I felt a gust if wind breeze around me. I turned around. 

“You okay?” Barry asked. The fact he noticed I left made my heart skip a beat. “You don’t normally leave during a meeting.” 

“I’m fine,” I responded. “Just not feeling very well.” Barry and I used to be close, and I would tell him everything. There was even a time he made me believe we could be. But since he and Iris had gotten together, we’ve drifted apart. 

“Is this about-” 

“No, Barry,” I cut him off. “I’m fine.” 

He put his hands up in defense and left the room. I stood as I did before and in less than five minutes Iris walked in. 

“Hey, can we talk?” She asked. 

This can’t be good. “Sure,” I said and we sat down, our backs against the wall. The room was fairly empty, except for the desk and chair in the far left corner of the room. I had occupied it with a few of my things. “You’re not going to threaten me, are you?” 

“What? No. Why would you thi - oh, Barry.” She paused. “I’m not going to threaten you. We’re friends, remember?” 

I nodded. “I just want you to know I won’t be in the way.” 

She looked at me confused. 

“I know you know about my feelings for Barry, but I’m not gonna do anything. They’re slowly going away. Just not as fast as I would like them to. I love him and I love you. I just want you guys to be happy and if that means being together then go for it. I’m not gonna stand in the way of what was meant to be. It was you from the beginning. Always will be. I wasn’t anything but a second choice.” I looked away, the pain settling in. 

“(y/n), you know that’s not true. He may not love you the way he loves me, but he cares about you just the same. You are not a second choice to him.” 

“Sure feels like it,” I said softly. 

“He doesn’t mean it that way. Not at all. Sometimes he just isn’t sure how t handle a situation. And this is one of them.” 

“Its not you two being together that gets to me. It’s the fact that I never see him anymore. I feel like I’ve lost him, despite seeing him at work every day, ya know?” 

“I plan on talking to him about that today. I don’t want this to put a damper on any of our friendships.” 

I nodded. “Just. . . you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll get used to it. Things happen for a reason. I’ll get over it and meet someone else eventually. I think I’m just gonna make myself scarce until then. Or least for a day or two.” 

“(y/n)-”

“No, it’ll be good. Gives me time to figure myself out.” 

“Alright, well, even though it may be awkward, I am here if you ever want to talk.” 

“Thanks,” I said and smiled softly. 

With that, Iris patted my knee, got up, and left the room. 

After that I spent at least ten minutes just crying, trying to pull myself together before I decided to pack up and leave. As I was putting my things away Ralph Dibny entered the room. What the hell?

“How did you get up here,” I interrogated. 

“I was wandering around and came across this extra floor,” he responded. 

“Guess my secret hideout isn’t so secret anymore,” I sighed. 

“Guess not.” There was a long, silent pause. “Okay, so I won’t lie. At least not to you.” I looked at him quizzically. This was bound to be interesting. “I was standing out there for a while and heard the conversation you had with Iris.” 

Great. 

I just rolled my eyes and looked away. “I don’t need you rubbing it in my face, Ralph. This bullshit is already keeping me awake at night.” 

“I wasn’t going to. I was just letting you know that if you ever needed anyone to talk to you, I’ll be here.” 

“Thanks.” I look at him again. “Why are you being so nice to me? You don’t need to pity me, if that’s the case.” 

“Have I ever not been nice to you?” I gave him a look. “Don’t answer that. Okay, honestly, I think you’re a really great person and I know how you are feeling right now. I’ve always wanted to get to know you better. I guess my sarcastic, asshole remarks were just results of me being terrified that you’d hate me. And I know it would seem like a dick move to swerve right in after all that’s happened with Barry and ask you out. So I’m not gonna do that. I just wanted to let you know that I am sorry for what you’re going through and I’m here if you ever need anything.” 

I looked up at him and smiled. Before this whole thing with Barry happened, before it consumed me at least, I always found Ralph attractive. He can be an ass, but he’s also funny. And I have never seen this side of him before, but I can could tell by the gleam in his eyes that he was being sincere. 

“Thank you, Ralph. That means a lot.” 

“Anytime. Are you heading out?” 

“Yeah. I was planning on it. Nothing much left for me here right now. I was thinking of taking the next couple days off just to clear my head.” 

“Would you mind if I walked you home?” 

I smiled again. “Not at all.” 

We started to head out and I did my best to ignore everyone that was around. Thankfully no one paid attention. It was a bit cold outside and I had forgotten my jacket. Ralph insisted I wear his until we got to my apartment. 

When we were finally standing on my front porch, I handed back his jacket. 

“You can come in if you want,” I said. “But you totally don’t have to.” 

“I’d love to,” he said. I smiled softly and turned to unlock my door. We walked into my clean apartment. I hardly ever have anyone over and try to do things on a daily basis so it stays clean. I set my bag down on the chair by the front window. “So what do you normally do when you get home,” Ralph asked. 

“Nothing. I usually read a book or watch TV. Most of the time its a book.” 

“You like reading?” 

“Absolutely. I can’t explain why, but my most favorite thing is curling up under a blanket and sitting in that chair while its pouring rain outside, and reading a book.”  

“That sounds relaxing. I’m not much of a reader, but if its something I really like, I can’t put it down.” 

I sat down on the couch and Ralph followed. We just sat there talking for hours. The more I learned about him, the more I liked him. He isn’t that jerk that everyone thinks he is. He’s actually a very intellectual person. I explained to him everything about Barry. I didn’t care if I was with Barry romantically. What I cared most about was losing a really good friend. Ralph seemed to understand what I meant completely. 

Eventually it got dark outside and the two of us found ourselves watching a movie. Inch by inch I found myself moving closer to Ralph until I was molded into his side, his arm resting around my shoulder while my head lay on his chest. We both fell asleep before the movie ended. 

I was woken up by a text message vibrating my phone. I looked at it groggily and saw that it was Barry. I looked up at Ralph who was still sound asleep. I read the message. 

Beary <3: Hey, (y/n). I am so sorry for ignoring you these past weeks. That was not my intention. Being with Iris. . . I kind of lost track of everything else. And what I did to you, I’m sorry about that most of all. It was never my intention to lead you on. Regardless of all that has happened, I don’t want to lose you. I want you in my life. You are such a great friend to both me and Iris and I know you will find happiness they way you need it very soon. And I apologize for saying this in a text, but it’s late and I wanted to get it all off my chest whether you see it now, or when you wake up. What do ya say? Do you forgive me?

I smiled. 

Me:  Yes, I forgive you, Flash. And I think you may be right about that happiness. 

Beary <3: I saw you leave with Ralph. Are you guys with each other right now. . .

Me: yeah. We’ve just been talking. We fell asleep watching a movie. Nothing else happened. 

Beary <3: Okay, well just be safe. Do you want to get lunch sometime this week? Like we used to do? 

Me: yeah. I’d like that. 

Beary <3: Great! I’ll talk to you more tomorrow. Get some rest. Goodnight! 

Me: Night, Bar. 

I looked over at Ralph once again. He was still sound asleep. His face looked so angelic. I smiled and stifled a giggle. I got up and grabbed a blanket to cover us with and sat back in the position I was before. 

I was happy. I didn’t lose Barry like I thought I had. And never did I think that I would find myself with Ralph Dibny at two o’clock in the morning, in my apartment, passed out on the couch together.

Barry was right. I would find happiness very soon. And who knew that it would be with Ralph Dibny. 

[writingbeary]

Writing Beary Corner:

Happy birthday @shinescape !

Thank you for being such a great friend. 💕 A random meeting and a spontaneous exchange that led to many scenarios and stories. Here's to more alternate universes in the void! 🥂

PS. This might be an unusual type of gift lol but I think it fits the situation 👀

italicized words are flashback

It was a pleasant day, perfect almost, spent away from the bustling life in the city. A spontaneous decision made due to the need to unwind from a week filled with stacks of papers and cups of coffee.

Intertwined hands, splashing waves against the shore, hints of distant music and chatter, but most of all the sound of your laughter resounding through as you continue rambling about your week. If you ask San, that is what made this day almost perfect, the way your eyes twinkle as you recap the fun things you did throughout the week and the way your brows furrow when you remember something that annoyed you. 

"Everyone is partnered up already. Why are group projects even a thing at college?" you sighed. Looking around, you saw one person looking as troubled as you are. Choi San. He was popular among the students with his looks, but he was also the unapproachable type of popular.

It's not like you particularly dislike the guy but he intimidated the heck out of you. It might be because you rarely see him smile or that in the classes you two share, he is almost always sleeping. 

"No Y/N, this is for your grades too. He might not be as scary as you think. Let's not judge someone based on their appearance." giving yourself a pep talk, you stood up and walked towards his seat.

 "Uhh..Choi San? Do you want to partner up with me? I think everyone already has their partners decided." You asked trying not to cower from his gaze. 

San glanced at the handout and nodded "Alright L/N." he paused before smiling "Do you want to work on it today? I'm free after lunch."

You were surprised that it went well, okay you might have been biased towards him and may have been judging him, so seeing him smile and be friendly is such a relief. "Sure! Let's exchange numbers and meet up at the coffee shop near here to brainstorm." 

He hands you his phone "Here, put your number in and I'll message you."

Both of you meshed well together that the project was done way before the deadline and became friends just as fast. During your meetups, you both shared stories with each other and found common interests, like your love for music.

You also met his friends, seven more of his friends, and became close with them. Once, you told them of about the rumors of how San was thought to be working for a club because he would always come to class either looking grumpy or sleepy. They laughed it off and clarified that it might be because he was up gaming at night with them or that he was practicing for a new dance routine.

"Did you stay up late again?" San laughed seeing you trying to stay awake in your seat.

"I didn't plan to. I was watching this drama, but it was so interesting that I didn't realize it was past midnight already." You replied yawning a bit, trying to take notes. You may be sleepy but you're awake enough to have your wits with you to take notes.

"Here." San placed the canned coffee to your desk before looking at the front. "You need it more than I do." 

Smiling, you thanked him under your breath and took a sip of the coffee. "Thanks San. You saved me. Let's grab lunch together later. I'll treat you to some mean dessert." 

"San! I made it! I passed the interview!" You said as you pulled him into a tight hug. "I can't believe it!" 

San smiled genuinely happy for you as he wraps his arms around you "Congratulations! I knew that you'll ace it. This calls for a celebration! Come, let's go barbecue. It's my treat today."

"Oh?  Choi San! What's happening?" you laughed patting his back "Not that I'm complaining but what's with the sudden generosity?"

"What? You don't want it?" San asked laughing

"I want it. I want it. Come on, you dork. I hope you're fully prepared. I'm starving and I fully intend to enjoy the rare occasion that the Choi San is treating me to food." you both walked hand in hand towards the grill restaurant with bright smiles painted across your faces.

San smiled listening to your voice, almost entranced by it, and taking in every expression you make. 

"…you should have seen Wooyoung's expression! San? Are you listening?" a pout made its way to your face as you nudged him out of his thoughts.

"Sorry sorry." San laughed, patting your head. "I got lost in my thoughts."

"Did you even listen to what I was talking about? I was talking for a long time but apparently, I wasn't talking to anyone." You huffed, hitting his arm lightly. "Spill. What are you so thinking hard about?"

He grinned before running off as he shouts, "Last one to the shack pays for lunch!"

"Hey! No fair! San, you can't do that to me." gasping, you ran after him in a hurry tugging Wooyoung's hand with you. "Come on Woo! We cannot let him win!"

Wooyoung laughed, already used to both of your spontaneous competitions, running after San with you "Why are we even doing this?"

You grinned holding his hand tighter "Because it makes life fun? and well I don't want to lose to him."

"Well, it doesn't hurt to lose to him from time to time. He is the reason we got together, after all." Wooyoung smiled, lifting your interlocked hands up and kissing your knuckles.

San watched the two of you with a wry smile. It was almost perfect, if not for the small pang of pain in his heart. Sadly, it was not his hand you were holding but his best friend’s. The day would have been perfect except for that one little detail. You were in-love with his best friend. But he wouldn't change anything, if it means both of his favorite people in this world are beaming with bright smiles, he will hide his feelings. Like drawings on the sand getting washed up by the waves, he will cover it up with a smile and wish for both of your happiness. He will be content with just being by your side and supporting the two of you.

━━━━━━ʕ ˵• ₒ •˵ ʔ━━━━━━

Disclaimer: This is just a work of fiction. Any portrayal of real people is a combination based on what we could see on cameras and imagination of the author. This is purely fan fiction written for entertainment. Thank you for understanding.

[artificervaldi]

Velvet Apartments [1/?]

Characters (this chapter): P3 MaMC(Minato Arisato), P3 FeMC (Minako Arisato), Akihiko Sanada, Margaret, Theodore, Teddie, Shinjiro Aragaki, Ryoji Mochizuki 

Ships (this chapter): Barebone start to Minato/Akihiko, Minako/Teddie, and Shinjiro/Theodore if you squint

Summary: The Arisato twins just wanted to get away from their cousin and live on their own. A strange man's offer leads them to the Velvet Apartments and gets them involved with something inhuman...

Ao3 Link | Next Chapter

A/N: I’ve been posting this fic to Ao3 for a bit and thought why not crosspost it? Better to have backups, right? All warnings are included in the link, but I will warn as I slowly post this to tumblr for each chapter. Expect a lot of weird ships with a few less-weird sprinkled in. I’ll only tag the Personas characters in the chapter appear in originally, so don’t expect a P5 character in a chapter tagged only P3 and P4, that type of thing. It does include characters from P3 to P5.

Minato Arisato wasn’t sure exactly what he was looking at when he looked up at Velvet Apartments, but he wasn’t sure he liked it. How he’d ended up here, he wasn’t sure, it had all happened in a blur, really. He and his sister had been living with their cousin Ryoji and it’d gotten to be too much, so they started looking for their own place. A man had approached him and told him about this place.

He’d found it kind of odd to start, but Minako was this close to killing Ryoji that he didn’t have much choice. Minato didn’t want to be in charge of hiding a body for his sister, that would be...troublesome, to say the least. An apartment was a much better idea.

“Minato, earth to Minato!” Minako waved a hand in front of her brother’s face, pulling him out of his thoughts. “You were doing that spacing out thing again.”

“You say that like it’s all I do.”

“Have you seen yourself when you have headphones in? You’re dead to the world.”

Minato rolled his eyes a bit, but there was a small smile on his face. “You’re just as bad, though.”

“I am not!”

He shook his head and looked away. “Whatever you say.”

“I know you’re smiling.” Minako frowned, watching Minato carefully.

“I am not.”

The twins seemed to carry on with this, bickering the way most siblings do, for quite awhile. At least until someone came out of the apartment and made their way over to the moving van.

“New tenants? Need any help with all your things?” The man who’d come out smiled at them, casual as could be despite the bandage on his face. Either this guy got himself injured through a lot of fighting or he was clumsy, that was the only thought that passed through Minato’s mind.

“Well, I’ll be able to handle most of my stuff, but feel free to help my brother,” Minako sent him a grin, “he’s very frail.”

“I am not, but help wouldn’t be turned down.” Minato decided now was not the time to quip back. He would do that later, when he wasn’t in the middle of a first impression. Unlike Minako, when he said something that was meant to tease, it sounded kind of rude.

“Great! Well, I’m Akihiko Sanada, nice to meet you!” When he smiled Minato had to note that it was a nice one. It could give almost anyone a warm, fuzzy feeling (though it was odd, it was kinda...different than the feeling his sister’s smile gave him).

“I’m Minako Arisato, and this is my twin brother, Minato. Pleasure to meet you!” Minako sent Minato a grin and he grimaced. He knew that look, that was the look of Minako doing all in her power to set him up with someone.

“Minato and Minako, should be easy to remember,” he flashed that smile at both of them and Minato looked away. He couldn’t give his sister any satisfaction in all of this. If he did, he’d never hear the end of it.

“Let’s get going, then.” He made his way to the back of the moving truck and pulled out a few boxes, only for Akihiko to take them from his hands. Why did he have a feeling he believed Minako saying he was frail over his denial of that? That was totally the case.

Minato just shook his head and took some other boxes and started for the door. There was a lot to get up to the apartment, so there wasn’t time to pout about it. There was more important things to pout about, anyway.

He watched Minako make her way to the front desk and chat with the woman behind it for a moment. There she was, in her natural habitat, becoming friendly with just about anyone she met. It was always helpful when she did that, but Minato had to think now was not the time. They had so much to get up to the apartment…

“So,” Akihiko made his way over to Minato as Minako finished up her chat, “you’re twins, right? Which one of you is older?”

“That doesn’t really matter, does it?” Minako gave a laugh, “I mean, we were basically born at the same--”

“I’m older.” Minato was always too happy to tell people that, wasn’t he?

“Really, Minato?”

“Yeah, he asked, so I told him.” He shrugged his shoulders and pressed the button for the fourth floor on the elevator.

“I’m sorry,” the woman behind the desk smiled at Minato, looking him over with oddly yellow eyes, “the elevator is out of order, I’m afraid you’ll have to use the stairs.”

Minato sighed. Alright, that wasn’t the best news, but it could be worse. They could be on the sixth of seventh floor instead. It might just take a while to get everything up there, was all.

“Thank you for the information, well, let’s get to the--”

“One moment, I’ll call down some more help.” The smile was still on her face, but Minato couldn’t help but be a bit put off. She was so professional, so… unhuman. The eyes didn’t help kill that vibe, either.

“Alright, thank you!” Minako smiled at her and punched Minato in the side, as if telling him to stop staring. “We’ll wait right here, then.”

The woman smiled and turned away for a moment, picking up the phone and seemingly calling someone. All that could really be caught was “quickly now” and “I’ll be waiting,” it seemed she was talking as quietly as she could then? It was hard to blame her, Minato wasn’t too keen on others listening in on him, either.

Soon enough, a man who looked a lot like the woman behind the desk came running down the stairs. His hair was slicked back in order to look neat and he looked like a bellboy or door greeter or something like that. Overall he looked like any average employee, if it wasn’t for the fact he had the same yellow, inhuman eyes.

“There you are, Theodore. Do be a dear and help them carry their items to their apartment, seeing as you weren’t at the door.”

“I’m sorry Margaret! Elizabeth was asking me to--”

Margaret held up a hand and shook her head. “Just go, Theo. They seem to have plenty of things they could need help carrying, we don’t want to make them wait any longer.”

“Yes sister, of course.” He turned to face them and smiled. “Hello, I’m Theodore, but you may call me Theo. Could I take some of those boxes for you?”

“Oh, sure!” Minako dumped her boxes in his hands as if this was the most normal thing to happen to her. After living with Ryoji, though, Minato could see why this wasn’t affecting her much. “I’ll go grab some more boxes and we’ll be done a lot faster!”

“Should we wait for her?” Akihiko raised an eyebrow and looked to Minato for an answer.

“Yeah, if we don’t I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“Do you two not get along?” Theodore frowned and tilted his head to the side, as if Margaret didn’t have a look on her face like she wouldn’t be letting Theodore hear the end of something after he was done with this.

“Oh, we get along great. We’re best friends, really.”

“So it’s that kind of sibling bond!” That seemed to excite Theodore, for some reason, as he nodded with a huge smile on his face. Odd, but hey, whatever made him happy.

“Alright!” And there was Minako, carrying way too many boxes for her tiny body. “Let’s get going!”

“Need some help?” Akihiko rose and eyebrow and Theodore reached for one of the boxes.

“Nope, I have this under control.” She smiled at them from around the boxes and stepped out of Theodore’s reach.

“Are you sure, you seem to be having some trouble--”

“I’m sure!”

Akihiko turned to look at Minato. “Can you...say something about all of this?”

“She gets her stubbornness from me.”

“Not what I was looking for, but alright.” Akihiko seemed to already know there was no point in arguing with such a statement. One twin being stubborn was enough to deal with at once.

 --

 About two flights of stairs up and things went wrong, fast. Minako was stumbling, the boxes stacked way too high for her to even really see ahead of her. It was a miracle that she only tripped when they made it to the last step up onto the second floor. That didn’t make Minato feel any better about her falling though.

Minato was just about ready to throw the boxes and move to help her up when a blond man came bolting down the hall. Guess he’d seen her fall and wanted to be helpful, that or he was looking for a chance to flirt. Maybe both, but Minato found people who wanted to do both of those things far and few between.

“Are you alright? That seemed like a beary bad fall!” He held out a hand to Minako, a smile on his face.

Minako blinked a few times before laughing at the (really bad) bear pun and taking his hand. “I’m fine, it wasn’t unbearable or anything!”

The blond’s eyes lit up, catching onto the stress she’d put on bear. “I-I’m Teddie, it’s nice to meet you miss!”

“I’m Minako Arisato!” She smiled at him and shook his hand, seeing as she was already holding it.

“A pretty name for a pretty lady!” Teddie kissed her hand and Minako blushed a bit. “Are you moving into the building?”

“That we are! My brother and I!” She pointed over at Minato and smiled at him, her eyes bright.

“What’s going on, exactly?” Theodore leaned over to Minato, confusion clear on his face. Oh, that was right, Minako hadn’t been that excited around this guy before now, huh?

“She just found her soulmate, probably.”

Theodore blinked. “Really?”

“That’s my best guess, at the very least.” His sister was an enigma sometimes, you know? He didn’t know everything about her.

“I see…”

By the time Minato looked back over at his sister, she’d gotten Teddie to help her carry some boxes. Well, she liked the guy well enough if she was letting him help her out, right? She usually would’ve brushed anyone trying to help off… Maybe the fall scared her, actually. It was hard to tell why she was accepting help.

Oh well, she seemed to be having a good time and that was all that mattered. Minato would just check for injuries when they made it up there. He couldn’t help but be worried, even if he was sure deep down she was alright.

“Minato…” Minako moved over to him and bumped against him. “Minato, are you okay?”

He blinked a few times and shook his head. “I’m fine, don’t worry about it.” They just needed to start up the next set of stairs already.

Too bad for him, Akihiko had ended up noticing when Minako walked over to Minato. He was totally going to take the boxes from him, wasn’t he? All because he let his guard down for a split second…

“Let me take a few of those.” At least Akihiko only took about half his boxes. Anymore than that and Minato would have mirrored his sister’s insistence about how many boxes they could carry from earlier.

“Thanks…” Minato sighed, shaking his head. If there was one thing he hated, it was being treated like this. Akihiko didn’t know that, though, so he’d let it pass for now. If Minako had anything to say about it, they’d be chatting a lot more anyway.

Speaking of Minako, though… This Teddie guy was going to help him distract himself right now. Minako wanted to set him up with Akihiko? Fine, but he wasn’t going to let Minako do that without having some fun of his own.

He made his way over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, watching for her reactions carefully.

“Minato? What are you--” A gentle push towards Teddie cut her right off and Minato knew he wouldn’t be hearing the end of this later. Did that mean he would regret the choice? No, no it didn’t.

“Whoa,” Teddie caught Minako easily with one arm, “I’m the luckiest guy around today!”

Minako blushed and cleared her throat, standing up. “Don’t be silly, Teddie!” She turned to Minato. “You are so dead.”

“I know I am.”

Minako sighed and shook her head, steadying herself fully. “Let’s just get going, there’s still more down in the van!”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“So this is what it’s like when both siblings participate in the teasing…?” Theodore titled his head to the side for a moment before nodding. “Interesting…”

“...Is that guy okay?” Minato just had to ask now, leaning over to Akihiko.

“As far as I know, mostly? His sisters are just the type to bully, I guess.” Akihiko shrugged and started up the stairs. “Most of the residents don’t think about it much.”

“I see…” Then he’d just try and follow that example. Getting caught up with too many people wouldn’t be good for him. It never was.

“Minato!” How did his sister always know when he was thinking something negative? Was it a sixth, twin-related, sense or something? If it was, why did his never seem to be as good as hers was?

“What is it, Minako?”

“You keep over thinking like that and you’ll fall down the stairs!” She paused before giving him a smile and fluttering her eyelashes. “Unless you want Sanada-kun to have to catch you!”

“You know that’s not what it is, you brat.” He frowned, or maybe it was more pouted, at her.

“It was a joke, you brat!” She stuck her tongue out at him and kept moving up the stairs. “I mean, come on, you know it was!”

“Yeah, doesn’t mean I have to like it. Besides, weren’t you the one who just had to be caught by Teddie…?”

“That was your fault!”

Teddie blinked a few times, peeking around Minako at Minato. “Whoa, your relationship bearly seems healthy.”

“You just haven’t seen us when we’re not tired and in the middle of a move, I promise it’s usually much better than this.” Minako gave an awkward laugh and looked back at Teddie. “It’s been a long day, is all.”

“Besides, some bickering between siblings is healthy, isn’t it?” Akihiko looked behind himself, only to lose his footing and fall.

Minato, without even thinking about it, dropped the boxes in his hands and caught Akihiko at the last moment, barely keeping himself on the step. That could’ve been really bad, if he hadn’t kept his footing, ugh. Minako and Teddie would’ve gone down too--

As if the world was against him, though, he slipped back just far enough that he went falling down. Soon enough he was hitting into Minako and they were falling further, Teddie trying and failing to catch them. Next was going to be Theodore and then there would be injuries and pain all around. Just what Minato had wanted to avoid with this move.

He closed his eyes and decided if he couldn’t stop the fall he’d at least brace himself as best he could and try to lessen the injuries to Akihiko (Minako and Teddie being under him made it basically impossible to help them without more quick thinking than he had at the moment). He took a deep breath, throwing his hands in front of himself to try and push Akihiko up the stairs, away from the fall and--

And they never hit the ground. In fact, they stopped moving, as if they’d all been caught by something or someone. Cracking an eye open, he glanced over his shoulder and there was Theodore, having not budged an inch, holding Teddie up with one hand. How in the hell could he support them all with one hand? No one could be that strong, could they.

“Are you all alright? That seemed like it was going to end badly!” And he was acting so casual about this too, was this normal here? Judging by the look on Teddie’s face, it wasn’t.

“W-Well!” As if realizing a huge mistake Theodore stumbled back a bit and fell over in such a way that no one really got hurt. “We should hurry up and make it to your apartment, before someone falls again!”

 --

 Finally they made it to the apartment and Minato sighed. That had been an adventure, to say the least, and something about Theodore was really off to him after the incident on the stairs. Was this apartment really a good idea?

“Minato, you’re doing it again…” Minako sighed and shook her head. “How to deal with this…?”

Before he could ask what she meant, she gave him a push of her own, right into Akihiko. Unlike Teddie, though, he wasn’t able to prepare himself to catch Minato and went stumbling back himself. Soon enough it was like a bad snowball effect, hitting into Teddie and then into Theodore, who happened to have his back turned this time.

“Oh, you guys…!” Minako paused and jumped back a step, seemingly in fear of something.

“What is it, a monster?” Minato hoped his joke helped Minako calm down about...whatever it was.

Akihiko looked behind him and laughed. “No, it’s not a monster, just Shinji. His face is kinda scary, though.”

Minato peeked over Akihiko’s shoulder and blinked. Looked like someone had stopped Theodore from face planting, and that someone must’ve been that Shinji guy.

“Oh, Shinjiro, thank you very much!” Theodore straightened himself quickly and took a step back.

Shinjiro shrugged a bit and looked over at Akihiko, a frown on his face. “Aki, new friend of yours?”

Akihiko blinked a few times before both he and Minato realized they were pressed up against each other still. Well, that wouldn’t have mattered if someone hadn’t pointed it out, right? Minato told himself that that was the case.

“Wow, Sanada-kun, your face is really red right now!” Minako just had to note that as she moved in front of them to help Teddie up, didn’t she?

“Don’t know who this lady is, but she’d right Aki, your face is about the shade of a tomato right now,” Shinjiro seemed to say that with a laugh held back.

“Like you can talk, Shinji!” Akihiko seemed raring to go now, yet didn’t move to push Minato away. “Did you not notice the new addition to your arm?”

Shinjiro glanced over and shrugged when he noticed Theodore standing very close to his side. “Doesn’t he always do this to people?”

“I mean, fair enough, but still. Seems to usually be you.” Akihiko rose an eyebrow, as if he was challenging Shinjiro to deny it.

Shinjiro, however, just shook his head (though Minato was pretty sure he could see a glint of Shinjiro thinking about saying something before that) and turned to look at the twins. “So you two are moving in, huh?”

Minako, still looking at least a little putoff by this all, smiled and nodded. “Yep, yes we are!”

“...I see.” Shinjiro nodded a bit and looked around at the people nearby. “Quite the group you have helping with the move, huh?”

“We just kept getting more and more help, I guess.” Minato shrugged, moving to stand next to his sister. She had the key right now and needed to open the door…

“I see, well--”

“Minato! Minako! I knew I’d find you two here!”

Minato wasted no time taking the boxes from Minako. If he hadn’t done that, he was sure they’d be smashed into almost nothing from Minako’s anger. Of course, of course this was going to happen.

“Ryoji…”

[ecotone99]

[HM] Beary Nice

Beary Nice

“An’ Sunday night, mommy made hot chocolate and we drunk it by the fireplace!” Cassie held up a polaroid picture of herself seated on what appeared to be a fold out sofa bed covered with what looked like very old and very stained “My Little Pony” sheets. In one hand she held a mug that proclaimed “World’s Greatest Grandma” and in the other she held a death grip on a small brown teddy bear with big goofy eyes and a red bow tie. “And Beary had a beary good time!” she finished with a giggle.

Cassie, like many of the kids in Mrs. Bloomer’s first grade class, was very fond of their class pet, a stuffed teddy bear Mrs. Bloomer introduced to them as “Beary Nice”. During the week, Beary sat in a little rocking chair by Mrs. Bloomer’s desk, and every weekend one of the children got to take Beary home and would later report on what they did together.

Mrs. Bloomer forced a smile. “Very good Cassie, thank you”. The little girl sat down, a smile beaming from her dirt-smudged face. “Well, it looks like Beary Nice had a good weekend with you. Thank you for taking care of him Cassie. Well, lets see, whose turn is it to take him home this weekend…” Mrs. Bloomer turned to the chart on the wall, though she already knew who was next. She’d been dreading this day all year. Dakota’s turn.

Dakota was already waving his hand wildly and making an “ooh” sound. Mrs. Bloomer gritted her teeth and turned to look at him. His long, filthy blond hair stood out starkly against the faded black AC/DC T-shirt he’d been wearing the last three days. Dakota was at least two years older than everyone else in the class and, given that he couldn’t even begin to read, he was likely going to be back in 1st grade again next year. He had, however, developed an even stronger attachment to Beary than most of the other children, to the point where he sometimes interrupted class to ask questions about the bear- “Does Beary have a daddy?” or “Does Beary cuss?” ”Yes…Dakota. I think its your turn.” Mrs. Bloomer said at last.

“I know it is Miss Bloomer! I counted the days from the start of the year and this is the 84th.” He smiled back at her, his crooked yellow teeth taunting her.

“Yes... Well, its almost time to go, so why don’t you go get Beary from his chair. Now remember you have to be nice to him.”

“We’re gonna shoot my dad’s gun!” Dakota announced loudly as he seized the bear roughly from its chair. The rest of the class laughed. Mrs. Bloomer sighed and realized she would probably never see Beary Nice again.

*********

On Monday, Dakota didn’t bother coming to school. When Tuesday came, he actually showed up for school, and, as Mrs. Bloomer feared, Dakota failed to return the bear. “He’s okay, I left him home watchin’ cartoons with my mama” he said reassuringly. “I’ll bring him back tomorrow.”

On Wednesday, once again, Dakota failed to produce the bear. Mrs. Bloomer decided to not make a scene during class, and instead asked Dakota to come see her before he went to recess. When he approached the desk, his face was already red and a look of consternation filled his normally impish face, so Mrs. Bloomer proceeded with caution.

“Now Dakota…You made a promise to bring Beary back. Why haven’t you done it yet?” Dakota fidgeted and looked down at his feet.

“Dakota, you have to bring Beary back. He is probably very lonely sitting at your house by himself.”

“He aint there by his self. My mama’s there with him.”

“Well be that as it may…” ”Miss Bloomer, Beary told me he don’t wanna come back here. He said he likes it at my house. Can I have him?” Dakota’s grubby face peered up at Mrs. Bloomer pleadingly.

“Uh…No, Dakota, we can’t do that. He belongs to the whole class.”

”But I love him Miss Bloomer. He wants to stay with me. . Please Miss Bloomer.” Tears began to well up in Dakota’s eyes.

“Dakota,” Mrs. Bloomer cleared her throat and looked away momentarily, “We …You need to bring Beary Nice back.” Dakota’s eyes dropped and tears began to roll down his cheeks, leaving brown streaks of dirt as they fell to the floor. He nodded and walked out the door. After she was sure he was gone, Mrs. Bloomer quietly locked the door and dug through her purse for the tiny bottle of Crown Royal she kept hidden in the middle pocket.

*******

The bell rang to begin class on Friday morning. After missing school Thursday, Dakota was back, seated in his chair, making faces at the boy behind him and laughing. Mrs. Bloomer had already decided to not make a scene by asking for the bear in front of the other children. As she got up to call role, a little girl raised her hand.

“Yes Rachel?”

“Do I get to take Beary home this weekend?”

Mrs. Bloomer gritted her teeth and swallowed. “We’ll talk about that later.”

The little girl pressed the issue. “But Mrs. Bloomer, its my weekend. We were gonna take him to the zoo.”

Mrs. Bloomer swallowed hard, gauging Dakota’s reaction. He was looking agitated, glaring at the little girl and wiggling around in his desk uncomfortably.

“Rachel, I said we’ll talk about this later.”

“No fair!” the little girl pouted. “Dakota was supposed to bring him back!”

“No!” shouted Dakota, giggling.

“Dakota! That’s very rude.” Mrs. Bloomer glared at the boy. “Dakota, see me at recess.” The boy stood up and grinned at her and shook his head.

“Dakota, sit down. Do you want me to call Mr. George?”

He shook his head again, then between giggles said, “You aint ever gettin' Beary back”.

“Dakota-“ ”He’s dead. He’s in hell with my daddy.”

“Dakota!” Children gasped around the room. Cassie started crying loudly. Mrs. Bloomer pressed the button to summon a principal to the classroom. “Dakota, sit down. You are in big trouble.” The little boy shook his head again, violently, his dirty hair flailing wildly around his head.

“You want Beary?” Dakota said, laughing maniacally. “You can have him!” Dakota reached deep into his G.I. Joe backpack and triumphantly yanked out what appeared to be a big piece of steel wool. He flung it at Mrs. Bloomer, who narrowly avoided the projectile, causing it to bounce off the white board and land on the tile floor with a plastic clacking sound. The room fell deathly silent as a smell of smoke and ash filled everybody’s nostrils. Staring back at the class were a pair of big melted plastic eyes.

“I burned him just like I burned my mawmaw’s cat!”

The next few minutes would forever be a blur in Mrs. Bloomer's memory. Dakota fell to his knees laughing while the other children screamed in horror. Leaping with almost preternatural speed, he snatched a bucket of safety scissors from Mrs. Bloomer's desk, and flung it around his head, sending scissors flying in every direction, all the while laughing and laughing and laughing. The children in the front row dove behind their desks, while those in the back just wailed. Somewhere in the distance, Mrs. Bloomer thought she heard a dog barking. She remembered a knock at the door, then the sound of old hinges squealing as it was thrust open, then Principal George's booming voice. Dakota, still laughing, dove for the classroom window, but was too short to get over the windowsill, and crash landed on his back. Mr. George grabbed him by the collar and drug him away, the sound of his heels squeaking on the vinyl floors barely audible over his laughter. Mrs. Bloomer stared dumbly as he disappeared into the hallway, his eyes bloodshot, his cheeks wet with tears, and his mouth agape and curled with hysterics as he laughed and laughed and laughed. It was over. Mrs. Bloomer looked around the room. Children were still crying, but started to take their seats. They looked to her for guidance. She stood, meaning to say something, but the words just weren't there. Then she saw it, the charred remains of Beary Nice, blackened limbs akimbo on the floor where Dakota left him. She approached it, toeing at it first, then bent down and took it into her hands. Its melted eyes glared at her accusingly. "Alright, Rachel," she held it out, "You may have Beary this weekend."

submitted by /u/Skelter1999 [link] [comments] via Blogger https://ift.tt/37k5Ofj