#but like! seeing that shift. coincide w the slow shift. towards everything in her life becoming NOT completely horrible

[pepperpixel]

Some art of Tori from @misfitmccoward ‘s Naruto fic Plasticity! Because!! It’s such a good fucking fic…! I had to do fanart for it!! honestly after I first read it I was so fucking hype about it that I was almost like “omg.. I have to do an animatic or something for this. it’s SO GOOD” but. My ability to do animatics has kinda flushed down the drain recently ghghg- But! Still!! I had to at least draw some fanart for it…!

[amphxtrite]

pietro maximoff x fem!reader

warnings: light angst (sad pietro).

summary: pietro has worries about potentially becoming a father, so you hep him realize everything will be alright.

a/n: my first marvel fic, sorry if I messed up the russian.

word count: 1.8k

enjoy <3

blyad’ - fuck, printsessa - princess, moya lyubov' - my love, krasivaya - beautiful, dorogoy - darling, ya tebya lyublyu - I love you, zhena - wife

__________________________________________

“I can’t believe the captain is making me practice physical combat like I can’t take someone down with my mind.” Wanda groans, holding her sore shoulder in her hand as the two of you exit the training room.

“You know he does it just in case Wanda, besides it’s good to know.” You smile, repeating the same line for what seemed like the tenth time today.

“It’s not like my powers are going to just disappear y/n, besides I strongly dislike sparring.”

“You just don’t like it when Steve calls you out for using your powers.” You smirk.

“That was one time!” Wanda groans, murmuring a couple curses under her breath.

“Anyways, I was talking to Fury about the next mission and—”

Your sentence is cut short as the wind is knocked out of your stomach and the air around you begins to blur, terrified you latch onto the person carrying you.

“Blyad’ Pietro steal your girlfriend at your own time!” Wanda seethes.

But you can barely hear her groan of annoyance as a soft chuckle brings your eyes up to meet a pair of blue ones.

“Hello Printsessa, coincidence bumping into you here.” A familiar sokovian accent greets you.

“We live in the same building Pietro, you can’t do this every time you see me—” You squeal as the blonde picks up the pace.

“You know you love it, moya lyubov'.” He sighs with a smirk, pressing a long kiss to your cheek.

“Besides, you look ever so beautiful in my arms.” Pietro teases, pausing for a moment to nuzzle his nose to yours and take in the sight of your breathless self clutching onto his neck for dear life.

“Don’t look at me like that I-I’m trying to be mad at you.” You groan, glancing away only to find Pietro still staring at you with soft eyes, like you were his world.

“Alright, you win Piet. You’re going to make me melt.” You mutter, covering your face with your hands to disguise your deep blush, but Pietro had already seen it.

Grinning proudly to himself, he paces down to the living room and drops you gently on the couch before running off again.

“So kiddo, how was training today?” Clint asks nonchalantly, gratefully turning away from his conversation with Tony.

“Well, we finally got Wanda to spar without her powers for once, so I see that as a win.” You shrug with a laugh as Pietro arrives again with a blanket to toss over you.

“That’s good, the kid needs to learn, she can’t always use her ‘mind thing.’” Clint shrugs.

“Try telling her that.” You smirk.

A voice clearing abruptly cuts off Clint’s next sentence.

“Hey speedy, anyone ever say you look like a suburban dad with those tousled locks.” Tony comments sarcastically, eyeing Pietro’s slightly overgrown hair.

“Oh leave him alone Tones, he’s been on a mission for the past couple weeks.” You sigh, playfully pushing the brunette.

“Just saying.” Tony murmurs quietly under his breath.

You roll your eyes, but smile fondly at the thought of Pietro as a father, cradling a small child in his arms.

Glancing up at Pietro, you smile, but you’re met with a different expression.

Eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed. Pietro’s eyes cast away from you, as if he was trying to bore a hole in the wall.

“Is everything alright speedy?” You question softly, resting your hand on his arm.

Your heart clenches as he flinches slightly, turning his gaze back to you.

“Yes— yes of course krasivaya.” He smiles weakly, attempting to sound cheerful, but the break in his voice was evident.

“Um— I’m feeling kind of tired, I’ll see you guys later.” You excuse yourself, nodding to Clint and Tony as you take Pietro’s hand.

“Alright, but remember tonight’s movie night so don’t eat too much before nine, we’re ordering pizza.” Clint calls as you begin to walk away.

“Alright old man, we’ll keep it in mind.” You laugh, pulling Pietro out of the living room.

“Oh she’s getting it tonight.” Tony laughs as Clint rolls his eyes.

“Watch it, the kid looked kind of upset.” Clint sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Alright, sorry Katniss.” Tony chuckles, lifting his hands in mock surrender.

Refusing to let go of Pietro’s hand, you reach the door to his room and pull him inside, finally releasing your grip and taking a deep breath.

“Are you gonna tell me what’s really up Piet?” You sigh, taking his hands into yours.

Pietro’s eyes are downcast at the floor beneath him, glancing from side to side. For a moment, no one moves, you practically hold your breath for a moment as Pietro fidgets with your fingers and mentally debates saying anything.

When Pietro finally lifts his head, he reveals blurry blue eyes with tears welled up in the corners. “Printssesa...”

Your heart drops to your stomach as the streams fall down his cheeks, you quickly lift your hand to dry them.

“Printsessa, how could I ever become a father?” He mumbles softly, pulling his bottom lip into his teeth as he tries to fight back his on-coming tears.

“Of course you could be a father Piet, you’d be an amazing dad!” You smile softly, lifting Pietro’s chin so he’s facing you again.

His lips pull up into a weak smile, but his downhearted eyes suggested there was more to it.

“Piet?” You whisper softly. “Please. You can trust me.” You murmur, lifting his hand to press a kiss to his fingers. 

The blue eyed blonde takes a deep breath and shuffles around on his feet, avoiding eye contact as your gaze softens.

“I-I don’t know dorogoy. You shouldn’t have to see me like this I apologize.” Pietro sighs, slowly trying to turn himself away from you.

“W-What? No. Piet, you’re upset. Please as long as you’re willing to tell me, I’m here to listen and help.” You smile, taking Pietro’s calloused fingers into your hand and squeezing gently.

Pietro chuckles softly and squeezes back.

“Thank you krasivaya. I don’t know how I got so lucky.” Pietro mumbles, pulling you into his arms and sniffling against your head.

“Please Piet, I think I’m the one who got lucky. The cute speedster with the perfect smile.” You smirk, nuzzling your nose into his chest.

“Yes, I suppose you did.” He chuckles softly, pressing a kiss to your hair.

Pietro clears his throat, letting out a long sigh and taking in a seep breath.

“What I mean, about being a father of course, is how could I possibly manage it.” he starts, clutching you closer to him.

“Y/n, I lost my father when I was ten, I hold onto any scrap of a memory I can hold of him but they’re slowly fading. Ever since I’ve been reckless, stupid, and childish. I almost died y/n, how could I possibly take care of children when I can barely take care of myself.” Pietro sighs and takes another deep breath.

“Truth be told I’m still much of a child myself, I couldn’t leave you with children because I died trying to prove something to myself. I couldn’t bear knowing I’d failed you and our children as a father.” Pietro finishes in a low murmur, allowing his tears to flow freely as he expressed his deepest fear and insecurity.

“Printsessa, you’ve helped me learn how to slow down and appreciate my life, but I’m still far from perfect. It’s hard for me to imagine being a father when I can see myself screwing everything up for the person who makes my life better.” He continues, gently pulling back from your arms to show the sincerity he held.

Your heart warms at the love Pietro held for you, but your stomach drops when learn his fear. Placing your hand on his cheek, you pull him towards you again, rest your forehead against his and gently clear your voice.

“Perhaps we’re not talking about the same Pietro love.” You comment softly, brushing the hair from your boyfriend’s confused eyes.

“Because my Pietro Django Maximoff, is the farthest from reckless, stupid or childish.” You begin, stroking his face with your thumb.

“My Pietro is selfless, ready at all times to help someone in need and save the day.” You smirk, watching his lips turn up as you press a peck to his nose.

“He’s brave, willing to do whatever it takes to help, but also smart enough to know when enough is enough.” You continue, kissing the tears off his cheeks.

“He’s fun, always knows how to make everyone smile.”

“y/n, I—”

“Pietro, you could never ‘fail’ me. We aren’t perfect, we’ll learn as we grow.” You smile, leaning into Pietro to press a butterfly kiss to his lips.

“Remember there’s no rush darling, and no matter what, ya tebya lyublyu.” You say as clearly as you can.

Pietro does his best to hide his laugh, but it’s futile as a low chuckle escapes.

“I butchered it didn’t I?” You sigh, shaking your head gently.

“Only a little krasivaya.” Pietro smiles, kissing your temple.

“Y-You know that’s the first time you’ve said that.” Pietro murmurs, holding you tightly against him, arms wound against your waist.

“I wanted to save it for sometime special… And I’ve been practicing.” You laugh.

“Aw I’m flattered dorogoy.” Pietro chuckles, falling onto the bed and pulling you down with him.

“Pietro!”

“You know you love it, moya lyubov.” He chuckles breathily, leaving a trail of kisses on the side of your neck.

“I love you too, printsessa. So very much.” Pietro sighs, his thick accent rolling smoothly off his tongue.

“So. Learn as we grow Piet?”

“With you beside me, anything y/n.” Pietro laughs, moulding your lips together in a soft kiss.

“Now c’mon, Nat’s picking the movie tonight.” You murmur against him.

“Oh, I love a good horror movie, Clint always screams.” Pietro laughs, standing again and pulling you bridal style into his arms, and running you to the living room.

————

“Shh, shh you’re going to wake up mama.”

You awake to the glow of a faint light and the sound of a soft cry. Squeezing your eyes together, you shift yourself to your side and attempt to drift off when a voice catches your attention.

Singing.

Coaxing your eyes open, you turn over again and glance to the other side of your bedroom where Pietro sat cradling your bundle of joy.

Pietro’s smooth voice had brought the cries to a happy coo, and you could see your daughter’s small hand reach up and touch her father’s face.

“Good morning Piet.” You smile, sitting up and rubbing your eyes.

“It’s only three a.m dorogoy, go back to bed.” Pietro insists as you stand and make your way over to him.

“And let you become the favourite, I know your plans love.” You smirk, wrapping one arm around Pietro’s shoulder and using the other to caress his cheek.

“Alright, you caught me.” Pietro chuckles, gently rocking the baby in his arms.

“Hate to say I told you so.” You laugh in a sing-song voice.

“Oh I’m still terrified, zhena.” Pietro smiles nervously, glancing over at you and pausing as he takes in your beauty in the low light. His heart flutters at the sight of you smiling down at your baby, his train of thought getting lost as you look back at him.

“But?” You question when Pietro’s sentence drops.

“But— I must say my love for you and our little angel is... Much stronger.” He murmurs, kissing your baby’s forehead.

Your heart warms at the sight of your husband's smile that matches your little girl’s.

“Learn as we grow?” Pietro smiles, leaning forward with his eyes closed.

“With you by my side, anything Piet.” You smirk, taking his fingers in your chin and meeting him halfway.

Pietro tilts his chin to deepen the kiss, but the sound of high pitched coos pull you apart.

“ya tebya lyublyu, Piet.” You sigh, leaning down and pressing a kiss to your little girl’s forehead and then the corner of Pietro’s lip.

“I love you too, y/n.” He murmurs dreamily.

“Now come on, she’s practically fighting to keep her eyes open now.” You giggle glancing down at your child’s half closed eyes.

“Alright, alright.” Pietro chuckles, placing your daughter back in the crib and collapsing onto your mattress.

“You’re doing amazing my love.” You yawn as Pietro pulls you to his chest and leans into you for a slow kiss.

“You’re not too bad yourself, printsessa.” He murmurs against your lips.

It was all even better than you had imagined.

[dianapana]

SasuHina Month 2020- Day 3

Prompt I’d Choose You Again and Again

Mirror, Mirros -Part 3

The nightmares didn’t stop. She’d wake up in a cold sweat turn on the lights and look at the mirror, with dark rubies instead of red, that was broken, the only thing that differed was the image, once it would be of her lover from the dream; than of a little girl than a little boy and the cycle would start anew.  The strangest things about the whole thing was that instead of waking up scared, her heart would indeed pound, but she woke up feeling a sadness so deep she could barely breath. The events of the dreams differ from time to time the only thing they have in common is that they all start out nice and end up with her in the closet with her the ghost of her lover.

Apart from the dreams nothing else was weird, Hinata’s life went on as normal. Go to work, go see her family or friends if she has the time and return home. Soon enough the holiday would end and Uni would start again and she’d have to reduce her hours at the diner; so Hinata was working as many hours as she could at that moment, especially having taken a week off to go see Neji.

The good thing about the diner was that the owner, Teuchi, the cook Ayane were very nice people. The other waitresses were also nice but Hinata didn’t interact as much with them. She loved the diner mainly because of its vintage style with the checked floor, the red stools and red booths. The uniform was anything they wanted to wear as long as it was a white top and black bottoms. Their nametag was brooch like and could be pinned to any top.

Teuchi had called her around noon the day before asking if she could cover a double shift, because one of the girls called in sick all of a sudden, to which Hinata agreed. She decided to wear a white T-shirt tucked in a skater skirt and a pair of black flats. She did own clothing items that were not vintage but she preferred to throw in something quite old into the mix; that day she chose to wear a red headband; the story behind that particular item was that it was an actual headband wore by a pinup model in the 50s. She took her jean jacket with her because despite being summer still, the nights were starting to get colder, autumn was making its presence known.

The day went on without any trouble, being summer, the diner was quite busy but that wasn’t all that bad; it kept Hinata occupied from thinking about the nightmares she’d been having. Around the middle of her second shift Hinata started feeling tired and her feet were killing her from walking back and forth the whole day. Thankfully dinner hour had just about ended and there were only a few more people around, most of them teens or young adults that only stopped by to eat something before going to a party. The other waitress had left about 40 minutes before.

All tables were set for the moment so Hinata could take a break herself and eat something. Ayane made her favorite veggie burger with sweet potato fries. The music was soft and mellow so people could talk, the lights weren’t blinding and everything about the diner just made Hinata feel at home. She had loved it from the moment she stepped inside it a few years ago looking for a job that she could handle while she was still in high school at the time. Hinata was just taking her plate back to the kitchen when the doorbell rang signaling new customers.

“I swear you’re going to love this place” Said a cheerful voice. Hinata recognized the voice and smiled to herself. Naruto was one of their most common customers. He’d pass by at least once a day and almost always ordered the very same thing. The diner served traditional Japanese fast food but also “normal” diner menu. Hinata took out her notepad to write down Naruto’s order despite knowing by heart exactly what he wanted.

Naruto noticed her walking their way and smiled at her and she smiled right back, he had that effect on people, his positivity was just contagious.

“Hey Naruto. We were getting worried since you haven’t been by in a few days” Hinata said, it was mostly a joke but she did notice his absence in the past 2-3 days.

“Yea sorry about that. I had to help Teme move in so there was no time to swing by” The blonde answered and nodded towards his friend. Hinata’s eyes moved to the guy standing on the other side of the booth.

The moment their eyes met she got goosebumps. She didn’t have time to analyze what was happening because Naruto started talking again.

“We’ll have two of my normal order” He said to her. “It’s the best thing here you have to try that first” he said to his friend.

As in a daze Hinata walked back to the kitchen and told Ayane the order. “Nobody new came I’m taking a 5-minute break ok?” Hinata said and hurried to the back door.

Her hands were trembling and her heart was beating much faster than it would normal. Naruto’s friend, he was the man from her dreams. The one holding her close and whispering her name. He was the man to hold out his hand and watch her kill herself in the dream. She had read somewhere that every face you see in your dreams is a person you’ve seen somewhere, on the street, on tv, in pictures. Your brain can not come up on its own with new faces. She must have seen him somewhere before today.

‘But Naruto had said he just moved here’

‘No, he said he moved. Maybe he moved from an apartment to the other, from living with his family or a roommate to living on his own. People move around in the same town all the time’

‘Right. I’m sure that’s what he meant. That means I saw him before. No biggie’

‘Yes, yes that makes sense’

There was no other explanation. Finishing up the dialogue with herself, having calmed down a little and approving of the reasoning she reached, Hinata went back inside.

The boys’ food wasn’t done yet but one of the tables wished to get the check and leave. After putting the money in the cashier Hinata went back to the kitchen and took the two-ramen bowls to the table. She was trying her best not to look at Naruto’s friend. Despite knowing that the dream was just a coincidence she still felt weird looking at him. Her brain picked his face to illustrate her lover and that was awkward.

“The diner is pretty dead at the time. Why don’t you sit down Hina?” Naruto said and slid to the side to make room for her. Naruto was right the diner was quite empty; besides them there were only 2 other tables occupied and they were both still eating. Hinata wanted to refuse but wasn’t sure how so she took the easier route and said ‘sure’.

“Hinata this is my friend Sasuke. He just transferred here from Kiri.” Naruto introduced the two and Hinata’s panic came back full mode. She had been mistaken. He moved from another town, she hadn’t seen him before, and to top it all his name was Sasuke.

“Nice to meet you. If you don’t mind me asking what’s your family name?” Her voice was oddly calm compared to the storm that was happening in her brain.

‘It’s just a name coincidence I’m sure’

‘He’s not the Sasuke from the mirror. That’s impossible’

“Uchiha” He said and looked at her in a funny way. In 5 seconds Sasuke did so much damage. He had the same name as the one written on the back of the mirror, her nightmares started after buying said mirror, this guy that shared the name from the mirror was a recurring character in her dream, and his voice matched as well, it sounded just as it did when he talked her; when he said she was beautiful in her dreams.

“Nice to meet you” Hinata said her voice was a bit breathless but neither of the guys seemed to notice. What the man said to her when she bought the mirror came back to her ‘The Uchiha curse shall not die miss, make sure you don’t either’ was it really a curse? Too many things were happening for it to be pure coincidence. She was scared.

The following 15 seconds were spent it silence, the boys were eating and Hinata was looking at her own hands. They were clasped tightly on her lap so they’d stop shaking. Thankfully one of the men from the other table signed her to go to their table. Hinata left the booth like it was on fire. Scenes from her nightmare were playing in front of her eyes. The diner was in flames and Sasuke was calling for her, asking for help.

“We’d like the check please” the man that signed for her said.

“Of course” she was working the register when Ayane came out from the kitchen.

“I’m going to turn the sign around so no more people come. Teuchi-san said we can close up earlier today since it’s this slow” Ayane said and she walked back to the register looking at the two tables that were both almost done. “You can go get your things and go home I’ll close up after everyone leaves.”

“Thank you, Ayane-san” Hinata went to the back where her jacket and bag were. She washed her hands in the bathroom before putting on her jacket and going back inside. Ayane was just ringing up the last table. Naruto and his friend had left thankfully. She wasn’t sure what she should do about the mirror, the nightmares, Sasuke. Hinata was still in deep thought when she stepped out of the diner.

“Oh, is your shift over Hina?” Naruto asked scaring her. The boys were just outside in the parking lot next to a beautiful black Impala. Sasuke was smoking not really looking at her. At least that’s what she thought, from the corner of his eye Sasuke had been following her around from the moment his eyes laid on her.

“Yes, I was just going home.” She answered it was a bit rude not to ask what they were up to but she wanted the conversation to end as soon as possible. Normally she’d stay and chit-chat with Naruto for a while, but for obvious reasons that option did not feel safe.

“Sasuke’s almost done with that cig and we can give you a drive home. It’s late and quite cold” The blonde offered.

“Oh, that’s not necessary…”

“We’re going to your neighborhood anyway, Kiba invited us over to his house to play some video games and chill.” Naruto smiled at her. “So, it’s no problem at all. I’d feel much worse if we left you here.”

Her mind was working twice as fast trying to come up with a reason why she should walk home alone. But the blonde didn’t wait for her reply and pretty much dragged her to the car and opened the door for her to get in. Which she did. She never minded Naruto’s pushiness before, but in that moment she felt irritated by it.

Sasuke slid in the driver’s seat and Naruto in the shotgun seat. The drive wouldn’t be more than 10-15 minutes but the silence was deafening.

“I heard you went to USA to see Neji a week ago, how was that?” Naruto was good like that, he always tried to keep the conversation going.

“Yea I did, it was great I missed him a lot.” Naruto talked for most of the drive.

“I don’t really know where you live Hina, I just know the neighborhood so you gotta give Teme some directions from here on”

“Actually, it’s fine if you drop me off here or at Kiba’s I can walk from there” She wasn’t very keen on Sasuke knowing where she lived.

“Oooooor you can come hang out with us if you want, at Kiba’s I mean. He’ll be so pumped to see you.” The Uzumaki stated.

She knew Kiba would like to see her, they’ve talked a few days ago about meeting up but nothing really worked for both of them. She did miss Kiba…

‘Are you nuts? You can’t go. Sasuke will be there…’

‘It’s either that or I tell him my address what if he kills me in my sleep?’

‘O, shoot we went from creepy coincidence to murderer this fast?’

‘I don’t know! But I doubt he’ll try anything with Naruto and Kiba around…right?’

“Yea ok, I’ll join you guys for a while…”

“Great! Don’t text Kiba though I wanna see his face when he sees you.” Naruto said laughing “It’s adorable Sasuke I swear, he turns into a puppy dog whenever Hina is around”

They reached Kiba’s house and all three walked towards the door, Naruto stopped abruptly which made Sasuke stop and Hinata walked into him. Three things happened then at the same time.

1.      Hinata saw the Uchiha symbol on the back of Sasuke’s shirt.

2.      Hinata touched his arm and took a step back to balance herself, so she wouldn’t fall over

3.      Memories of her past life came back to her. All the nightmares made sense, she knew what the mirror meant, who Sasuke was. And the fear she felt just moments before; that fear turned to comfort.

Hinata took another step back, and another. She was overwhelmed by emotions. Utter sadness for the pain she experienced before, joy because she found the love of her life once again, she would find him in every lifetime time and time again. She also felt love, A feeling that Hinata had not experienced in that current life was now flowing inside her and it wanted to break free. Her eyes were watering up and all she wanted to do was hug Sasuke and make sure he is indeed real, but she couldn’t.

Part 1 (Day 1.2)

Part 2 (Day 2)

Part 4 (Day 8)

[ahgaru]

DAY6 Fic: My Heart Wanders

Pairing: Brian x OC (Fluff)

Word Count: 4,043

“I’ll be there any minute, bro” Jae said on the other line before hanging up the phone.

He let out a sigh as he put his phone down on the table and started spinning his pen, thinking how is it that they’ve got so many things to do when the new semester has just started.

He was already drowning in his thoughts when his nose caught a familiar smell. He looked at the lady who passed by him and seeing her back figure made his heart do a flip; that wavy long hair that moves smoothly as she walks, and those curves that make him want to drape his arm around them. With mouth agape, he mustered up some strength to move, or speak at least. But just when he was about to, the lady turned to greet someone from the table not so far away from him and realized she was not who he thought she was.

He let out a sharp breath and snuggled to his seat. He bit his lower lip and took a glance at her. She was smiling brightly while talking to someone, her friend maybe, across her seat. Her eyes scanned the place a bit and saw his eyes pinned on her. She unconsciously pouted and shrugged it off as he ran a hand through his hair.

He arched his forehead as he thought why of all days, it has to be today—their supposed to be 5th anniversary—that he saw a lady that reminds him so much of her. He once again took a glimpse of her, and coincidentally she saw his eyes darted on her again when she lifted up her head to talk to her friend. Her eyebrow raised in query but decided to not mind.

“Brian, I’ve been texting you. Why weren’t you texting back?” Brian composed himself as Jae took a seat across him with forehead creased. “Yeah, right. I knew it. I knew it. Cut yourself some slack, bro. C’mon let’s go. We’ll hang out with Jinyoung and the others today.”

Brian scratched the back of his head as his lips formed a thin line. Before getting up from his seat, his eyes unconsciously looked for the lady again. To his surprise she was already gazing at him, eyes full of curiosity. He took a deep breath and let it out before leaving the place.

For hours, he’s been thinking about the lady—who she is, what she’s like, what her name is, and such. He’s been thinking about her, too—how she is, if she’s happy, if she’s moved on. He’s been thinking about her and the lady that reminds him of her. Maybe it was just the hair, her perfume and her smile, nothing more and nothing less. But he’s wrong. He found this out when he saw her entering the room in one of his classes, introduced herself as a late enrollee and sat beside him.

He tried not to mind her or to even take a glimpse of her. He doesn’t want to have anything to do with her. But the odds seem to be against him when the professor announced about a 2 month-long project to be done by pair—and he was paired with her.

They were given with the question “What is the best way for people to live?” and it’s up to them on how they’re going to present it—whether do a report, a poem, a drawing or painting, a song or anyhow they want it to be done.

When the class was dismissed, he immediately stood up and grabbed his bag to get out of the room. “Hey!” a sweet voice exclaimed but he didn’t bother looking back until he felt tender fingers gripped his wrist.

“Lily…” she offered a hand to shake but he just looked at it. She narrowed her eyes on him and took his hand to shake it.  “Mr. Kang, right?”

He pulled his hand back and looked at her blankly. “Brian”, he uttered before turning around to leave.

“Are you like playing hard to get or something?” With that being said, he turned to face her again, unsure of what she meant. “At a coffee shop 2 days ago, weren’t you looking at me? Not just once, not just twice, but thrice.” His eyebrows furrowed. Before he could even take a step to turn away, she spoke again “They said that when you caught someone looking at you once, it’s a coincidence. And twice might still be but thrice is intentional.  Were you interested? And you’re like acting cold right now to make me feel you’re not to get my attention?”

He scoffed. “Dream on”

He became grumpy all day. Even the way she talks is like her. As much as he doesn’t want to get involve with her, she’s been persistent on talking to him. She’s her partner in a project, of course. But it might be more than that.

Eventually, Brian gave up. He couldn’t do anything about it anyway since they need to start doing the project. “So… what are we gonna do? How about like a documentary?” Lily asked and Brian just shrugged. She pouted and Brian’s gaze landed on her lips. He took a gulp and looked away while Lily sighed.

“Are you just naturally cold or you’re just putting up an act?” Brian lazily put his gaze back at her as her forehead creased “Or you became like this because something happened; something changed you” Her lips formed a thin line and her eyes narrowed before she continued “Like… a past love” His jaw clenched and she smirked “Bingo!”

It irritates him so much how many things remind him of her. He just wants to forget her but fate seems to be playing with him—making him meet someone who resembles his past love so much.

She took a glance outside the coffee shop and smirked. As if a light bulb appeared on the top of her head, she took her bag and gripped Brian’s wrist, making him stand up. Confusion was plastered on his face as she drags him out of the place.

“W-wait!” Brian took a step back, afraid to get wet from the rain but Lily was thinking otherwise. She held his wrist again and started running. Brian hurriedly pushed a button on his car key remote to open his car. She immediately put her bag inside, took Brian’s and put it in, too.

Brian arched his eyebrows when she closed the door but she just smiled widely. She took his hand and ran. His gaze shifted from her bouncing hair to her hand that is holding his. If I loosen up and let her be in my life, will I be able to forget you? He slightly shook his head and decided to let her be so he started running with will.

They started dancing in the rain, running and trying to catch each other. She finally saw him laugh and she felt her heart skipped a beat and her cheeks heated up but she brushed them all off.

As days passed, they’ve drawn closer to each other. “How about, you know, let’s just explore things, observe people and realize for ourselves what’s the best way to live, and make something out of those experiences?” Brian suggested

“Do you play instruments?”

“Yeah, I can play the guitar and piano”

Lily smiled and took Brian’s hand and led him to the music room. “Tada!” she exclaimed with a big bright smile plastered on her face while shaking her hands with her arms stretched. She once again held his hand and made him to sit in front of the piano. She tilted her head, motioning Brian to play.

His eyebrows hid beneath his hair when he raised them in hesitation. He softly let out a breath as he raised his hands and put them above the piano. When his fingers met the keys, everything became nostalgic. He closed his eyes and started playing and unconsciously he started singing while flashback of memories played on his head.

“They say a few drinks will help me to forget her but after one too many I know that I’m never.”

His chest started to ache as remnants of his past love continue to play a show in his mind. He was so indulged in singing when a soft voice joined him. He slowly opened his eyes only to see hers darted on his.

“And my mates are all there trying to calm me down ‘cause I’m shouting your name all over the town. I’m swearing if I go there now I can change your mind, turn it all around.”

When Brian stopped playing, there was a few seconds of silence. Lily shrugged her shoulders as her thumbs found their way on the back pocket of her pants. “So… what’s her name?” Brian looked up to her and saw her biting her lower lip, avoiding eye contact “You know… that past love of yours who made you cold towards people”

“Angel”

She pouted before swallowing the lump in her throat. The way he said her name was soft, and love was evident. “Wow. So was she like a literal angel? Like someone who descended from heaven and hid her wings?”

“Yeah”

She pressed her lips together as she asks herself why there is a pang on her chest. Oh, I’m not dumb. Yeah, I like him. She became interested the moment she caught him taking glances. She was just curious that she started bothering him and made him talk to her. But being with him 6 days a week, and it’s been 2 and a half weeks now, made her fondness of him grow.

Later that day, she found out from one of Brian’s friends that she resembles Angel so much. That must be the reason why he kept on glancing at me that time. Although it hurts, she thought she could make him forget her.

Few days passed and they became even closer to each other. Brian couldn’t deny that he’s also fond of her. He doesn’t know if it’s just because she reminds him of Angel or it’s because she’s the reason why he could laugh like before again.

One Friday night, they decided to meet up to see the town’s festival together. Her lips curved immediately when she spotted Brian waiting for her. He looks so manly. Lily smiled to herself as she thought he’s serving a boyfriend look. She ran to him and grabbed his hand. Brian made a lopsided smile as he shifted his gaze from her bouncing hair to their hands. Why does she love grabbing hand and wrist so much? Is she even aware? He let out a soft chortle as Lily continued to drag Brian along in the crowd.

When Lily finally decided to slow down, she realized she was holding his hand. Just when she was about to let it go, Brian intertwined their fingers. “We might lose each other if one of us let go” Brian uttered as his gaze roamed around the crowd. ‘Just this once’ Brian thought as he felt her fingers moved. She took a gulp and quickly composed herself.

They had so much fun that night. They played and laughed a lot. Brian offered a ride but Lily insisted to walk so he walked her home. They were goofing around when a speeding car passed by. Fortunately, Brian was fast and pulled Lily, her head on his chest and his arm on her waist, the other hand on her wrist. His forehead was creased as his eyes followed the speeding car. He looked down to see if Lily was okay, only to find her looking up at him. Lily noticed how his strong expression changed when his eyes found her. Their faces were just few inches apart from each other’s.  Brian’s eyes shifted down to her lips before pulling his gaze back to her eyes. She swallowed a dry lump in her throat as her eyes fixed on his lips for a few moments, too. That’s when Brian lost it. He leaned to close the gap between them and crashed his lips softly on hers and she responded. It lasted for a good three seconds. She softly smiled and murmured her thanks for walking her home before she entered her house.

Monday came and Lily’s blood was on a rush. She didn’t know what to do or how she should act around him. Is she the only one overthinking about what happened last Friday night? Was she the only one who couldn’t sleep for three days because of that three-second kiss?

‘Act normal. Act normal. Act normal.’ She chanted repeatedly in her mind but when she bumped into someone’s chest and saw the face similar to the face she kept on thinking and seeing in her mind for the past days, she turned back to escape—escape from something she doesn’t know. Why am I walking away?

She thought her heart just stopped when an arm caught her and made her turn. “Where are you going? Class will start soon” he tilted his head to their classroom’s door. It doesn’t seem to bother him. She gulped and cleared her throat “Uhm, nothing—no—nowhere. I just thought I forgot something.” She showed a tight smile before she shuffled her feet towards the door.

Fortunately, their lesson made Lily preoccupied and she was finally able to act normal around him. But what’s ‘normal’ like for both of them? Is Brian playing with her hand while he’s lazing around in the music room included? Or him pulling Lily closer to encircle his arm around her waist? She knows they’re not but she didn’t protest.

As days passed, things that weren’t normal became normal: back hugs, casual intertwining of fingers and even pecks at random times. They haven’t really talked about it. They don’t know what they are, what they have, they just go with the flow—with their feelings; with the moment; with the mood.

“What was she like?” Lily asked Brian’s friend who just came back from Thailand one day. Apparently, he’s Angel’s best friend.

Bambam’s  eyebrows raised in confusion as he processed Lily’s question “Ah! You mean, Angel?” Lily, with lips pressed together, nodded. “A literal angel, man. She has a sweet and nice voice. She’s super kind yet really fun to be with. She eats a lot, like really. Her curves are deceitful because she eats more than I do and Brian really loved seeing her enjoy eating. She was the one who encouraged Brian about music. She was the one who made Brian dance in the rain. She was—“

“What are you guys talking about?” Brian who just walked out from the kitchen butted in as he put down a bowl of chips on the coffee table. He sat beside Lily and planted a soft kiss on her shoulder.

Bambam, with mouth agape, just stared in confusion because Lily said she’s not ‘Brian’s girl’ but the latter is acting all lovey-dovey with her. That’s when it hit him that the two have something but aren’t really a ‘thing’.

She swallowed a bitter lump when she realized that the memories they’ve made were memories of Brian and Angel. “Nothing in particular” she slightly beamed at him.

She tried to not mind. She convinced herself that maybe if she’d try, she’d be able to replace Angel in his heart until she overhead Bambam and Brian’s conversation few days after.

“You’re fully aware that she can never be Angel, right?” Lily clenched her fist as she put it down just when she was about to knock on Brian’s door. “Jae and Wonpil told me what you’ve been doing and both of them aren’t blind to not see that you’re seeing Angel in Lily.”

“It’s not like that, Bro”

“What? You mean when I saw you tie Lily’s hair in a bun? And not just like any other bun but Angel’s favorite kind of bun? Or when you tried to play with it, trying to braid it? When I heard you telling her to eat more and suggested Angel’s favorite food? They’re all not what we’re thinking? You’re not just seeing Angel in her but you’re turning her into Angel”

Lily’s shoulders were moving up and down fast as she tried to calm her breathing. She tried to gulp but her throat was so dry.

“Tell me, when you hug her, is it because you just want to hug her or you hug her because you miss Angel? When you snuggle yourself on her shoulder, isn’t it because she smells like her?” Bambam continued and Lily couldn’t take it any longer when she heard Brian replied “I don’t know”

“Is Brian with you?” Jae asked on the other line of the phone hours after. She took a glance on her wristwatch and saw it’s past 11 on the evening already. She heard faint voices of Brian’s friends on the background, Wonpil’s, Sungjin’s, Dowoon’s and even Bambam’s.  There was a bitter taste on her tongue, or must be her imagination. She cleared her throat before answering ‘no’ to Jae.

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“No. No. Nothing. But just in case you get a hold of him, could you please contact me?” She heard Sungjin and Bambam’s voices talking. She heard Bambam explaining what happened; that Brian wanted to be alone after their talk about Angel.

“Okay” she said almost whisper before hanging up the phone.

She massaged her temple as she tried to take the heaviness on her chest away. She wanted to be alone, too but she couldn’t deny that she’s worried about him. It’s almost midnight.

She walked around the town for almost half an hour until she found him sitting under a street light post, near an alley. She stopped for a moment as she admired how the rays of light shone upon him like he’s some angel. Angel. She bit her lip before she decided to take a step.

“Bri…” she called softly as she kneeled down in front of him, patting his face “Bri? Bri?”

Brian’s forehead furrowed as he felt a pang on his chest. Bri Bri. An image of Angel flashed in his mind calling him ‘Bri Bri’ playfully. He hastily grabbed Lily’s wrist and pulled her for a kiss. “Angel…” he whispered, more like a plea.

Lily didn’t know what tasted bitter, is it the alcohol from Brian’s mouth or her tears running down her face? She softly pushed Brian’s chest and stood up, fished her phone out of her pocket and texted Jae.

Brian woke up the next morning with a headache. He rummaged for his phone and checked his inbox.

Record what you’ve composed and send it to me. I’ll practice the song on my own. See you next week.

Brian dialed Lily’s number as he struggled getting up but he couldn’t get hold of her. He tried texting her but she didn’t respond. He still doesn’t know what the lyrics for their project will be. Every time they go to the music room, Lily would just hum along to Brian playing the piano while writing on her notebook. Brian didn’t even question her and just trusted her. But he’s so confused right now as to why she suddenly texted him that. It was a cold demand. And aren’t they going to practice together at least once? He’s going to play the piano in class and not just a recorded one. Will they be able to pull it through?

When he went out of his bed room, his friends welcomed him with shooting daggers in the living room. Sungjin was kind enough to explain everything and he couldn’t help but murmur curses.

He tried to contact Lily, find her and talk to her but there’s no dice. She wasn’t even at their class. He tried to roam around their school, asked every single person they know but he’s still clueless.

The day of the deadline for their project came but Lily is still nowhere to be found. Their classmates were already presenting and Brian couldn’t focus on whatever’s happening in the room.

“Mr. Kang? Mr. Kang?” their professor called out but he didn’t hear a thing. Someone tapped his shoulder and motioned him to look in front. “It’s your turn.”

He looked around before standing up. He didn’t even wonder why their professor didn’t ask anything about his partner. What is he going to do now?

He sat in front of the piano and took a breath as their classroom’s door opened.  Lily stepped in and their professor just nodded and motioned her to stand in front. She didn’t even bother to land a gaze at Brian.

“Mr. Kang? Please start”

Brian’s gaze lingered at Lily for a few more moments before he finally touched the keys and played. He didn’t know what will happen. All he knows is just to play what he has composed. He was a bit startled when he finally heard Lily’s angelic voice. Everyone was listening intently and others were nodding as they agree to the lines of the song.

The song talked about living a life without regret; doing things that you want, expressing yourself as much as you want to; taking risks even if it’s scary; treasuring memories, making the painful ones into lessons and stepping stones to be stronger as you enter life’s harder levels; not blaming anyone to what you’ve become; not hating even if you’re hurting nor hold someone responsible of what you’re feeling; giving love even if you’re breaking; forgiving so you could live life free from burden; even if it’s hard, you gotta see the light in every dark night; let go if you got to even if it would hurt you; accept things that you can’t change; be grateful in every little thing and say sorry if you’ve caused someone in pain.

The room was occupied with loud applause from everyone. Lily just beamed faintly as she walked out of the room. The professor didn’t seem to mind but Brian did. He didn’t even bother to make an excuse as he dashed out of their room and called Lily. He was expecting for her to run or walk fast but she looked back and waited for him.

“Uhm…” He bit his lower lip and licked it as he was trying to find words to say

Lily smiled to him “It’s okay. Just don’t let your heart wander to somewhere it doesn’t belong.” She caressed his cheek and studied his face “Don’t worry, I’m fine. Just don’t say sorry and say that you regret everything. Because I treasured every moment with you even if those memories were just a remake of memories of Angel and you.” Her voice cracked and a tear escaped.

Brian held her hand on his cheek “But sorry I hurt you”

She nodded with a smile and painful laugh afterwards before pulling her hand away and tiptoed for a kiss “Farewell” she beamed before turning her back as Brian just stood still as he watched her walk away.

Brian couldn’t deny that he’s hurt, too. It was so foolish of him to let his emotion drive him. He didn’t just lose Angel but also Lily. He should’ve made sure of what he’s feeling first. He wanted to keep one but he lost two. He didn’t want to be a jerk. His selfishness ate him and he just didn’t know what he could do.

He’ll just try to live like Lily’s farewell message to him; take Lily’s advice through that song that talks about the best way to live. Everyone has their own views and opinion but he wants to take a shot on this one.

Next time, I’ll be careful not to make my heart wander to where it doesn’t belong. I’ll make sure to love someone for who she is not because I see someone in her for who she’s not. I’ll make sure to pour my emotions and affection to her because that’s what I feel for her and not just because I miss someone who she resembles.

“Farewell…. Is it?”

[A/N]: Please read. Huhu

I didn’t mean to make Brian a jerk in this story. It’s just that, this story is inspired from the song Missing You by Teen Top

Lily is the one who suggested that song and is also the reason for the Better Together story (Brian x Reader) ; I don’t take requests but she’s an exception and those mutuals on twitter who helped me with the scenes with my previous works

I actually wrote a song! But I formatted my phone last month and lost it. And my mind is really dry and couldn’t make another one. So I just described it.

Sorry, I made this kinda rush bc this is kinda long overdue. I really want to publish this before Lily’s vacation ends (and that’s two days from now). So from the festival scene till the end, I didn’t really put much thought on them anymore and Im sorry. I wanted to put more feelings into them tho but if I don’t do it today, I don’t know when I’d be able to bc I’d be busy with thesis; that’s why there are also a lot of plot holes.

We have different views in life. And as much as I want to justify, explain and elaborate every point I made there (the description of the song), I need to do something. If you have a different view, I accept and respect it.