#except for Kun he was great at this... unless you look at the last two gifs.....

[mygirljunhee]

Please buy their albums they can't work anywhere else

[alreadyblondenow]

Whenever the sun is hiding

“And I wish that she’s you. If we have met a little bit sooner I’d marry you. Why can’t it be you?”

Pairing: General!Kun x warrior!female reader, Mulan AU, enemies to lovers Genre: SMUT, FLUFF, angst? WC: 3,750k Warnings: this story is so asian because it is a Mulan AU, this is a time where women are allowed to be warriors, mentions of heavy training bc they’re warriors, cheating but... youll get it once you read it, unprotected sex, mentions of fingering, mentions of Kun fantasizing about the reader fucking him, fingering, a lot of kisses, slight exhibitionism, mentions of other idols A/N: NOT PROOFREAD. I’ll fix it once I have time. I just watched the new Mulan movie, (yes the one that was boycotted) and it was amazing. To the one who requested this... I’m sorry if you’re not asian, :( but I hope you still read and love this.

Under the scorching sun in the middle of summer, warriors are trained to be prepared of what lies ahead. The power of the enemy is quickly growing by every second and the young warriors of China, and it’s very young, new and ambitious general is not going to slack off until his nation is safe.

That is why he is very hard and strict with how he teaches the warriors assigned to him. So strict that every woman in his battalion went home after the first few days of training. Except you.

It is your incredible will and perseverance to bring honor to your family that’s making you stay and helping you go through each hard training everyday. And who would have thought that your perseverance and driven soul will make general Qian Kun hate you to the core.

But that’s not the only reason why he hates you.

One beautiful night after your night duty when you thought everyone was asleep, you took a bath on the river and enjoyed your time alone. Releasing your feminine side by smiling while watching the moon, catching flowers that fell on water and tuck one behind your ears. You were beautiful, the general thought.

So beautiful that he almost did not realized that he was peeking now and accidentally saw your breasts the moment you went out of water. He then quickly hid behind a big rock, careful not to make a sound and careful not to be caught. That night, he touched himself while thinking about you.

And that is why general Qian Kun hated you. Because despite being a successful general in his very young age, he’s still a man who can’t have a decent fuck when he sure knew he needed one. You make him sin even though he’s already engaged and every time he touch himself with you in his mind, he will always feel so guilty afterwards.

Who wouldn’t hate you for that?

“Wake up, wake up my general”

There’s that soft toned wake up call again with a faint image of a woman on top of him, blurry because of the sunlight behind her that hurts Kun’s eyes and made him squint, but he knew he was dreaming.

And then he woke up.

It’s that dream again. The dream of his future wife who had been matched to him a day before he left for his duty as general. What a pity. It doesn’t look that much, but Kun was so excited to meet her in person. But the girl has been visiting her in his dreams, and that’s why he knew that this marriage is a good idea. This marriage will be beautiful, she will be beautiful and he will have a quiet married life after this duty of his.

Kun got up from his comfort and asked his assistant if you had gone home already and coward away. “No general, Y/n was seen during the morning run,” the soldier answered.

“Bring her to me, I want to talk to her,” Kun ordered and then stretched is body before putting on his robe and sit on his chair, waiting for your presence.

“General, L/N Y/N is here,” the soldier announced and Kun commanded you to enter right away.

It was nice on the generals tent, cozy and not hot like the tent you use together with the others. His things were neatly placed, and he is staring right at you now.

“From now on you will go last with everything. Last in line, last to shower, last to rest after training. Except during meals, you’re first during meals but don’t eat with other men. Are we clear?”

“Yes sir!” Of course it was clear to you but you never know why? Did you do something wrong?

But the real reason is, after what happened the other night, the incident in the river, Kun can’t risk the other men to be distracted by you. Some men in the battalion are already matched and ready to marry when they get home, just like him. So he can’t tolerate sin now and raise cheaters during this training .

Or maybe he simply just wanted to protect you.

For you it’s alright if you’re always last, what’s more important is you’re not last when it comes to skills and fighting. You were always doing great in the field, and the general was always impressed by what you’re showing. He just can’t say it out loud because it will hurt his pride. But who cares if he agrees, you’re not giving up and that’s what’s important.

Knowing that you’re last to take a shower and to clean yourself in the river, Kun can’t contain himself even though he has been avoiding you for weeks now. Yes. Weeks. But all his great efforts are coming to waste because at the end of the day, he will end up thinking about you and well, fantasize about you fucking him instead of resting.

“Maybe you like her and deep inside it’s not just weird fantasies after all,” the second general, Lucas, said to Kun while he is busy washing his hair.

“Did you forget that I’m matched already and she’s waiting for me to return home?” Kun frustratingly answered back.

“No, I did not forget that. But you don’t know this fiancé of yours, and you have never seen her or touched her,”

“Sure I did. In my dreams”

“That doesn’t count you moron. Look, if fantasising is not enough for you maybe just ask her-“

“You’re the moron, you know I can’t do that. I can lose my rank as general,”

“Let me finish first” Lucas held up his big hand and waited his friend to shut up, “Ask her truthfully, be clear with your intentions. After all, she’s a girl too and maybe she needs what you have been wanting too,” Lucas explained and left for he is done taking a bath.

Turns out Lucas was right. Whenever you take a bath in the river alone, and made sure that no one is watching, you touch yourself quickly and relieve your stress in a corner. Imagining a man whose fingers are deep inside you and imagining that you two are in a hurry so others won’t catch you.

Then after a good orgasm, you just feel silly and desperate. Why do I do this to myself, you murmured.

“Next time do it behind that rock,”

A familiar voice startled you and instantly made you shy. Did he saw you touch yourself? How much did he saw or hear? Why is he here? Did he do this on purpose? Of all people, why the general?

“I’m sorry general. I should get going...” you said with shy eyes, covering your still wet body with your thin robe and avoiding the general’s gaze that melts you instantly.

“Can you join me?” he stopped you from walking away from him, holding you by the elbow. A gesture that you can read easily. The general is not joking and he meant every word he said.

By the time he left you to go in the middle of the river, you haven’t made up your mind but you aren’t leaving yet as if you wanted to accept his offer and see what goes after. What are expecting? A kiss? A good talk? A good fuck? Why does he want me to join him?

All these questions ran through your mind as you slowly untie your robe and let it fall on the ground, walking slowly towards to the handsome man waiting for you under the moon and stars in the middle if a cold river.

Whatever happens, happens.

“So this is your decision?” He asked you calmly, with a soft smile that you have never seen him wear. “We will never speak of this whenever the sun is up,”

You nodded slowly and he came close, grabbing you by the waist and lifting you underwater so you could lock your legs around him.

“Tell me, are you matched?” he asked, looking so handsome in his damped hair.

“I am,” you answered weakly but you already got lost in his eyes.

“All the more reason to hide what we have,” he said and started kissing your neck that felt so good. Suddenly the cold water became warm, or that’s just Kun sharing an unfamiliar heat to you.

Slowly, he walked towards the big rock he talked about earlier. Feeling the water gush to your body and his hand soothing your butt underwater while making small talk. Everything feels so wrong but so good at this moment that you can only let out soft moans and listen to his groans as he was busy kissing you and kept on touching your body. Kissing your breast and licking your nipples like you were some kind of cold treat on a summer day, and you did not miss how his tongue felt around your sensitive areas.

“General-“

“Kun. Call me Kun whenever were alone,” he whispers and started nibbling your earlobe. His hands started to roam on your inner thighs, holding you with one hand and readying himself to make his first move. “Don’t make a sound,” he said and kissed you on the lips. Deep and with tongue that you became speechless and all you can do is shut your eyes close and feel this two fingers go inside your cunt. In and out you feel him under water but it sadly it doesn’t do the job.

“I think it’s the water,” he stopped and groaned quietly, his frustration was obvious. Is he really desperate to fuck tonight? “Let’s go to my tent, what do you think?” he asks you.

“N-no. That’s too much. We can get caught, I think I’m fine for tonight-“

He cut you off with a smirk and chuckle, “No were not. Were not going to get caught and were certainly not yet done for the night, unless you really want to. I can’t force you,” and again, he gave you freedom to choose. But whenever he’s like this you can’t help but feel like you’re throwing yourself to him. You just stared at his eyes and traced his soft lips using your thumb.

“Lead the way,” you said. And you witnessed him smile from ear to ear.

Quiet and very careful, you and Kun walked towards his tent and made sure that no one will see you together. Good thing the coast is clear and if anyones is awake, they should be guarding the place like a hawk. The moment you’re both inside his cozy tent, he blew the candle so no one would see your silhouettes, and of course, you did not make any sound.

He walked you towards his bed and slowly undid your robe, swiftly removing it and making you lie comfortably on his bed. He removed his robe and went on top of you immediately, staying in between your legs while he spreads kisses on your body. But you swear, you wanted to see his cock to inspect whether it’s big or can it fit?

“Don’t worry, you will feel it in a moment. And it will answer all your questions,” he smirked in between kissing your left breast while kneading the other. “Do you like kisses?” He asks as he spreads some around your body all the way down to your cunt, teasing it with a few licks.

“Now I do,” you smiled and answered his question. Reaching for his head to rake away his hair and to see how his tongue works.

Incredible. As expected and you wish you could make a sound.

Kun went back up to you, searching for your eyes under the very minimal light, “You should be kissed often, and by someone who knows how” he whispered and placed a soft kiss on your lips.

“Is that an invitation for tomorrow night?” You joked and smiled through the feeling of him finally spreading your legs open and making you feel his cock slide up and down your wet slit, again, teasing you and preparing you for what’s yet to come.

“If you let me kiss you everyday then I’m considered the luckiest man on Earth”

Such sweet words you thought. But such sweet words are not easily said if you don’t like the person you’re with. In other words, you don’t know if he actually mean it or is he just trying to be sweet because he’s about to fuck you senseless now?

“Ugh- it wont go in,” he said frustrated but still quiet. He’s that big and you are that tight.

“Ahh- fuck I wasn’t ready” you almost screamed the moment he put two fingers in your hole to prep you more, making you wetter by every second.

“Fuck its huge,” you informed him when Kun finally manage to put a few inches inside. He just chuckled and lowered himself to kiss your neck, whispering, “its not yet even halfway in,” he said in a very sexy way that just took your breath away.

But before he fucks you properly, he made sure he’s looking directly to you not missing the way you will react when he finally move. And when he finally did you furrowed your brows and parted your lips shamelessly, letting out small sounds that’s for yourselves only. You look and sounded so beautiful and irresistible Kun thought and he knew right then and there that he will be addicted to you. Almost to the point of he can’t let you go.

“Please don’t get me pregnant,” you plead and hold on tightly to his shoulders and kiss him even more deeply.

“I wont” he said and spread your legs even more for a new angle. Finally giving you hard and piercing thrust that you don’t have any choice but to accept them.

The night continued as you two forget the world outside the tent. He did a lot of things to you. Completely maximizing his time before the sun appears. After the first wave of your sexual activity, to your surprise he flipped you on your stomach and made you arched your back beautifully. Spreading kisses on your back while he kneads your breast from behind, pinching your nipples and giving them a great squeeze from time to time... as he fucks you harder from behind that if anyone is listening outside they will already know what you two are doing in the dark.

And just as you thought that he’s done with you, for his final move tonight, his grand finale, he made you cum using his tongue with two fingers inside your cunt and his other hand busy kneading one of your breast.

“Your legs are shaking uncontrollably, are you fine?” He was teasing you. If you have the energy to punch him you would gladly do it but now you really can’t.

While you two were enjoying the quietness of the night, you snuggle beside Kun while he wraps his arms around you. Both staring blankly in the ceiling and both replaying what happened earlier in your minds.

“I don’t feel guilty, I hope you do too” he said out of nowhere.

“Surprisingly I don’t feel guilty either,” you tighten your embrace to him.

“Is that an acceptance for my invitation for tomorrow night?” He smiled. You didn’t answer him for it was far too obvious already.

By the time you and Kun parted ways before the sun comes up, you both instantly felt incomplete. Why? You managed to get back to your tent quietly and went to sleep immediately, Kun did the same thing but right now as you sleep like a baby, Kun was having a nightmare.

Not exactly a nightmare. But it was for Kun. His fiancé visited him again in his dreams, and even though he knew it was just a dream, he still felt ashamed that he cheated.

On the next day, as expected he was back on his usual cold and strict image like he wasn’t inside you last night. But as much as everything was bothering you and your mind was out of focus the whole day, you didn’t let your guard down still did what you had to do during your training.

“A fucking tiring day don’t you think?” Your friend Hendery whined and flopped to his side of the bed. “You were out late last night. Stargazing again?”

“Y-yes, I saw different stars last night,” you said with a smirk, confident that your friend won’t get it.

And as you did stargazed near the river that night and endured the cold, you waited for a pair of arms to finally keep you warm. And his lips, to kiss your tiredness away. But to your disappointment, he never came.

He didn’t came the next night. Or the night after that. And even the following nights. Until you got the news that he left the camp and went back to the city for serious business for a few days.

“You were just a past time Y/n. The general played you and how come you were such a fool believing that he actually like you” you frustratingly murmured to yourself while you thrown rocks at the river angrily.

“Tss. You should be kissed often, and by someone who knows how” you said mimicking his words before throwing another rock, “where’s my fucking kisses now!”

“I can give them to you know if you want it,”

Finally, the person you hated so much showed up. “Well, it’s too late- general, welcome back” you bowed and gave him respect even though you know he don’t deserve it.

“I’m sorry. Please don’t be like that,” he let go of his horse and reached out to you for a hug but you avoided his touch. “Let me explain and let me make it up to you,”

You shook your head ‘no’ without looking at him. And Kun knew that this was his last card, his last chance to make it right. “I like you and that’s the truth. I realized that now during our time away, and I understand why you feel like this. I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me,”

“You’re general Qian Kun, don’t beg for my forgiveness-“

“I’m not a general right now, I’m just a normal man asking for forgive to the girl I like,” he breathed in deeply and let it out heavily, “My guilt got the best in me for the past days but now... it’s clear that I can’t lose you. Not yet and not like this”

After that night, better days came in, forgiveness was given and everything felt a lot lighter. You and Kun stopped fucking just for the sake of feeding each other’s lust and actually taking time building your relationship. Secretly. But you told him that when it’s time to go home, you should part ways and bring honor to your families by marrying the people waiting for the both of you. He did not answer you.

Of course that didn’t stop Kun from falling in love, because even though you two are in the middle of a war zone and a very sticky situation, it was a beautiful time to be in love.

And when the war between the enemies was settled, Kun wasn’t so happy upon hearing the news because this means its time to go home and get married.

After you and Kun made love in his tent for a couple of times tonight, with tired and sweaty bodies you did not care and still cling to each other.

“Tell me about your match, is he handsome like me?” He asked you out of nowhere which is alarming because he never opened this kind of topic before.

“I haven’t seen him. I left before I could meet him. But I heard that he’s brave and he can do a lot of things and that he loves his mother very much.

How about yours?”

“I don’t know anything about her she visits me in my dreams but I never see her face clearly,”

“And?” you asked because it’s obvious that he’s holding something back.

“And I wish that she’s you. If we have met a little bit sooner I’d marry you. Why can’t it be you?”

“Why? because of sex?” You asked slightly offended.

“No, no don’t get me wrong I think about you even when the sun is shining brightly in the sky or whenever you have clothes on or your body is covered in armor and your face is full of dirt. I admire your natural strength and drive.”

“This is wrong. We agreed to go home with honor” you turned your back against him and thought about what he said.

“Tell me why is this wrong? We love each other-“

“Were engaged to different people... Kun, are you hearing yourself”

“You don't marry someone you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without and Y/n, I can’t live without you” he explained sternly. Already mad but that didn’t stopped him from covering your exposed body with his blanket and leave a soft kiss on your shoulder.

“This right here, what we have now, it’s everything I wanted and more. In fact, I could die right now, Y/n. I'm just... happy. I've never felt this before. I'm just exactly where I want to be” he whispered but he sounded so frustrated still. “In the end I’ll respect your decision. But I’m not marrying someone I don’t know, someone that’s not you, I would rather die in war,”

If Kun was being honest, he thought you would chose him over someone you don’t know. He was beyond heartbroken when you told him you wanted to go home and thanked him for everything that he taught you in the field. Not even one mention of the special things you shared whenever the sun is hiding. And on top of that, you called him general before you say your goodbye.

And on your wedding day. You were wearing a traditional chinese wedding dress and wearing a beautiful smile because finally you will meet what your ancestors have matched you with.

But just like that cold night beside the river, you waited and waited and waited.... for nothing. For your groom did not show up.

For Kun did not attend his own wedding not knowing that you were the bride.

You were both completely clueless that you were meant to be.

[aomineavenue]

Summary: Six years ago, L/N Y/N wouldn’t exactly say that she loves her life. It had always been problematic but her best friend, Miya Atsumu, since she was eight when she moved to Hyōgo, has always been there for her, and she wouldn’t change it for the world. However, things would always fall apart for her ever since, so she should have expected of such. Running away from her problems seemed like the easiest route to take at the time, so what happens when the past comes barging back into her life demanding answers? Will she be able to confront her demons?

Pairings: Miya Atsumu x f!Reader

Genre: Angst, ANGST I LOVE ANGST, a lil bit of fluff here and there.

Warnings: Language, etc.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters except for the reader and my ideas. I do not claim any images used for content in this fic, everything goes out to their respective creators unless it is mentioned that it is mine.

Status: completed. | series masterlist

↩ at peace | dearest daddy

mia speaks!: 

okay, wow. So it took awhile for us to get here and I apologize for that but we’re finally done with Homesick, wew. It’s been a challenge but I’m so happy and grateful for all the positivity you guys have been sharing with me. Also, thank you so much for your patience. 

It’s been an emotional ride but we’re finally done. There may be a few short stories after this chapter but no promises. Hopefully I get the chance to though, I do want to be able to. But for now, if you guys have any requests for imagines/scenarios with this series, don’t be afraid to send them over!

Also, big thanks to @oii-sugasan​ and @sunshinesero​ for beta-reading this for me! I apologize if this chapter is any way lacking compared to the first nine chapters, it’s been awhile since I wrote anything so I hope this was a great way to end this series. 

I love you guys so much, I’m so glad to be (sorta) back. I hope you guys enjoy this!

Time was a funny and fickle thing. Sometimes there was never enough of it, and other times it stretched out endlessly. It had been seven months since your life had once again made drastic changes. It often surprised you how time flew by so fast.

Seven months since your two precious boys had been introduced to the man that they now call their father. And well, seven months since you had been reunited with the love of your life. Sure, it had ups and downs, it wasn’t bound to be perfect since the two of you were your own person. It was inevitable for such different personalities to clash, it didn’t help when there were two children present, one of them being as handful as their own father.

Atsumu had shown that he was a doting father, despite only being a part of their lives for less than a year, he had put his new family as his top priority, wanting to make up for lost time. He would instantly drop anything and everything, sometimes even volleyball when he could for times when his family needed him. Not that his new family had been a burden since then, his sons and of course you, have been nothing but loving and supportive. Showing up to games to cheer him on and the twins attending his training to either join or just watch their father and new favorite uncles.

It had been a rollercoaster ride since it was officially announced that Atsumu was off the market and that he actually had sons. Some fans were supportive, believing the news and claiming that both the young twins were striking replicas of the volleyball player. And of course, there were fans that were against it, raging how you were nothing more than a money-grabbing harlot and that you had probably lied to Atsumu about the twins being his.

They were quickly shut down, of course, by not just fans but various people close to the volleyball setter who defended you without you even asking for it. You weren’t going to lie, that particular month filled with venomous words thrown your direction stressed you out but it was mostly because of your motherly instincts, wanting to keep your sons away from such unnecessary drama. You and Atsumu had decided to ignore the majority of the vile comments but seeing you so emotionally exhausted had only fueled the already tiny flame in Atsumu. He was quick to announce that he would no longer tolerate any form of slander towards his family and would handle things legally if anyone were to step out of line.

And by the next few weeks, the hate simmered and the stress that had engulfed you and Atsumu in its grip had vanished. All that was left that made you both worry was Atsuhiro’s health.

Fortunately, Atsuhiro’s sickness didn’t grow worse as time passed by since his first transfusion. If anything, the boy was healthier and it was very much evident in his features. The healthy glow returned to his skin, he was smiling more and had shown his usual energetic-self like before he had fallen ill. Atsumu on the other hand, much to Atsuhiro’s dismay, had started becoming such an overprotective father. It took a lot of begging from Atsuhiko for their father to spend the day outside of the protective bubble of your apartment.

It took time and patience from everyone’s side to get this far, and for Atsumu, (and of course, you) he didn’t mind it one bit. He had grown more mature, despite his twin brother’s disagreements, he not only took care of himself more but he had become a role model to his sons.

Not only that, but as his relationship with his sons grew stronger, the love the two of you had for each other only seemed to intensify as well. Sure, the two of you had ups and downs back then in your friendship but it was as if time and distance hadn’t kept the two of you apart. If anything, it was as if it made your bond stronger. Two best friends, reuniting and finally expressing their true desires, it was easy for the two of you to fall into a comfortable routine.

“Where are the boys of the hour? I’ve been wanting to see how good Hiko looks in my jersey!”

Bokuto interrupts your thoughts for a brief second before you return your focus to your duties of cutting up the vegetables in the kitchen. You can’t help but chuckle at the sour expression that graces Atsumu’s expression as he fills a tray of refreshments on one of the island counters. “Don’t remind me, Bo-kun.”

“You’re just jealous that your sons didn’t want to wear your jersey," he teases, a playful grin on his lips as he lifts himself off of the ground by his hands to sit on the counter.

The scowl on Atsumu's face only deepens at the reminder, "Get off the counter, Bo-kun. Don't be rude. Why don't you actually start to help and give out these refreshments to the guests?"

You watch in amusement as the two exchange their usual banter around the kitchen of your home in Hyogo. It was decided a week ago after Atsuhiro's second transfusion was a success, that the twins would celebrate their birthday back at Hyogo instead of having the guests cramp up in your small apartment in Kanagawa.

It was also then decided by your sons what theme they would be having for their birthday. It was traditional for the twins to have their birthdays themed depending on their current interest. Lately, since the two were very fixated on volleyball due to their new favorite uncles and of course, their father, it was decided that they would be having a volleyball themed birthday where the guests were required to wear their favorite player's jersey.

For a minute, your new friend Bokuto had been rather excited upon hearing the idea.

"So show up with our own jerseys? Great!"

And as for Atsumu, he was excited at the prospect of seeing his own sons wearing his jersey. That is, until his sons destroyed such dreams.

"Are the two of you really sure?" you hear Atsumu's voice echoing from the twins' bedroom throughout the walls of the apartment as you stepped inside, shutting the door behind you as you ventured further into the comforts of your home. “Like really? Those are your choices?”

You grew curious as you slipped out of your shoes and let your hair loose from its tight bun, wincing slightly from your tugging. There was a tinge of whininess dripping from Atsumu’s voice that you couldn’t help but wonder what the three of them were talking about. It wasn’t unusual for Atsumu to be around when you had to work on days where the boys came home from school or when they didn’t have school.

At most times, when Atsumu didn't have training, he would be the one taking care of the boys instead of your mother or Osamu. Majority of his free time away from volleyball was spent with his sons, wanting to make up for the time he had lost. And there wasn't a day where the young twins wouldn't ask about their father and if he was going to visit. It was as if they were scared one of them would disappear, wanting to spend the entirety of their lives together.

"Maybe we can go with superheroes this year!" Atsumu's voice grew louder as you reached the door to the room where they occupied. Leaning against the door's frame, your eyes land on the back of Atsumu's head as he's seated on the carpeted floor facing the twins who were playing with their action figures. A small grin curling upon your lips at the sight of Atsumu’s slightly dishevelled bleached hair.

Atsuhiro, who seems to have the ability to sense your presence, looks up from his toys and in an instant, his eyes widen happily. He was about to greet you but you quickly pressed your index finger against your lips to signal the little boy not to announce your presence just yet, wanting to see Atsuhiko and Atsumu's interaction. The smart little boy that he is, nods and returns to his toys.

"But daddy," Atsuhiko protests, his focus still on the action figures in his hands, "We did superheroes last year! I wanna wear Uncle Bo's jersey!"

You fight the urge to burst out into a fit of giggles as soon as you catch a glimpse of Atsumu slumping his shoulders dejectedly. Now you understand as to why he had his moppy voice on. "But don't you want to wear daddy's jersey for your birthday?"

"But daddy," Atsuhiko lets out a sigh, looking up at his father with a look that meant the little boy wasn't up for any arguments on the matter, "Uncle Bo is the best! So I wanna wear his jersey!"

You could have sworn you heard Atsumu whine, suddenly wishing you had decided to film this from the start. "But it will make daddy really happy if you wear his jersey!"

Atsuhiko shakes his head as he continues to play with his action figures, "But I want Uncle Bo and I to match!"

Atsumu sighs in defeat before turning his attention over to Atsuhiro, looking hopeful. "What about you, Hiro? Would you wear daddy's jersey?"

"No, daddy. I wanna wear Kageyama-san's jersey," he nods with a proud smile, "Wanna be just like him! He's so good!"

"But daddy's just as good a setter as Tobio-kun!" Atsumu cries out, throwing his hands up in the air, "betrayed by my own children. 'Samu isn't going to let me live this down."

This time, you let your presence be known by finally releasing a bubble of laughter. Atsuhiko instantly drops his action figures and rushes over with a happy squeal. Atsumu pivots his body, looking up at you with such a pitiful gaze as he juts his lower lips out ot a pout, "I want new children."

Needless to say, Atsumu had been pouty ever since and has been dreading today due to the reason that every single one of his friends had found out about it. He had tried a handful of times to change their minds, unfortunately, the young twins won't budge.

“It’s not my fault your kids like me better than you,” he huffs, folding his arms across his chest, “I am an ordinary ace after all!”

A scowl graces on Atsumu’s features which causes the other occupants in the room to chuckle in amusement. It wasn’t as if Atsumu didn’t like the idea of his sons becoming close to his teammates, but lately, it was getting harder for the setter to share. “Get your own children!”

“Ah, about that...” Bokuto trails off with a nervous chuckle which causes everyone to fall silent and look at him in curiosity, “I actually will be getting my own child soon, I think.”

“You think?” you ask with an arched brow, “You can’t just think you’re having a child, Bokuto-san.”

Atsumu interjects, “And aren’t you in love with that best friend of yours? What happened to never being with anyone else but her?”

He waves his hand in the air dismissively with a frown etched on his lips, “Well, I can’t exactly be with her when she just got married.”

“You are so getting your ear torn off by the management when this news gets out,” Atsumu snickers, which he earns a smack to his shoulder from you. “Ow!”

You narrow your gaze at your boyfriend, completely unamused with his behavior. “Don't be dramatic, I didn't hit you that hard!" Letting out a huff as you wipe your hands on the apron you were wearing, "You aren’t helping Bokuto, ‘Tsumu.”

His lips curl up to a cheeky grin at the sight of your expression. He leans forward to nuzzle his nose against your cheek, your cheeks growing warm from the public display of affection. His heart swells from your reaction to his gesture, murmuring teasingly, “Sorry, darling.”

“Please, don’t make me barf.” Osamu interrupts with his features scrunched up in distaste from the interaction between you and his brother.

Atsumu sticks his tongue out at his brother who returns the gesture with a shake of his head. His arm snakes around your waist to pull you closer to his side as he returns his attention over to his teammate, “Well, is the woman making you marry her?”

“Making you pay for child support?” Osamu quickly adds.

Atsumu quips with a chuckle, “Threatening to expose your sins?”

You interrupt the two with a glare towards them, “Stop ganging up on him!”

Bokuto lets out a laugh as he begins helping your mother set up the desserts onto one of the trays to bring outside to the guests, “Nothing like that, she’s pretty chill and we’ve gotten pretty close lately. So we’re going to co-parent.”

“That’s very mature of you, Bokuto-kun.” your mother compliments him with a smile before patting his back.

He feels his cheeks grow warm from the compliment, his heart swelling with pride. “Thank you.”

“Maybe you’ll end up falling for her anyway,” Osamu teases with a smirk playing on his lips, leaning against one of the kitchen counters.

He shakes his head at the idea as his brows knit together, “Jess and I won’t fall in love.”

“Jess?” Atsumu blinks at the familiar name before his eyes widens at the realization, releasing his grip from your waist, “Jess, that journalist that you showed around town when she first visited Japan?”

Bokuto nods with a smile gracing his features, “Yeah, she’s pretty cool.”

“Maybe you’ll learn to love her in your own way through your child,” you suggest with a shrug of your shoulders as you began untying the apron you were wearing upon realizing what time it was.

Atsumu shakes his head and responds before Bokuto could utter a single word, “No, no. That’s impossible. Bo-kun’s heart belongs to his best friend.”

“Stop teasing him,” you scold your boyfriend with a shake of your head, handing over the apron you successfully took off, “make yourself useful and help out here in the kitchen,"

"Bu—"

Cutting him off with a stern glare as you lift a tray from one of the kitchen counters and handing it over to Bokuto, a small smile gracing your lips, "Don't mind him, Bo. Can you bring these to the backyard and help out if anyone else needs help? I think Reiji needs a hand setting up the bouncy castle,"

Retrieving the tray from your hands, his eyes lighting up from the excitement, "bouncy castle, you say?"

"That's for the kids, Bo-kun." Atsumu scoffs but soon lets his lips form into a pout when he had been ignored, turning his attention over to you once Bokuto slips out of the kitchen, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to check on the boys to see if they're ready for their big entrance," you muse with an amused grin. Of course, you knew what your sons had prepared for the big entrance that they insisted. Atsumu had pestered both you and the young twins since he had heard of their plan but as your sons refused to budge, you had feigned clueless, claiming that your sons had opted it to be a surprise.

Little did Atsumu know that you had helped your sons pull off such an idea.

"I don't get why they have to have a big entrance," he sighs, brows furrowing as he racks through his thoughts on what the surprise could be. It didn't help that he was both curious and excited at what his sons might pull off.

Osamu lets out a snort, rolling his eyes at his twin brother as a smirk curls upon his lips, "What do you mean? They're your kids."

"What does that even mean?" Atsumu scowls as he slips on the apron you had handed over, walking over to where your mother was situated to take over what you were doing.

You shake your head at the two bickering older twins and shoot a look of sympathy towards your mother that was going to be left with them in the kitchen before she waves you off. Your heart was swelling from happiness at how natural everything felt, despite the silly banter thrown around. It was home.

As you step into your childhood living room, you're hit with a nostalgic wave from the memories surrounding the whole area. Though it may be a mixture of good and bad memories, since you had come to terms that you were no longer running away from your past, you only feel comfort. You made your way through your childhood home over to the bedroom that had been renovated to the liking of your twin boys.

The mere thought of your boys growing to love the place where you had grown up yourself was enough to bring a smile to your face. You press your knuckles against the wooden door to signal your presence by knocking on it repeatedly, “Are you two ready?” you ask, your voice probably muffled on the other side. Your fingers wrap around the handle of the door and as you were about to twist and push it open, the door instantly snaps back shut with a loud thud. “Can’t-”

“No, mommy!” Atsuhiko screeched causing you to blink from both the surprised force and tone. Pressing your palms and ear against the door to hear what the commotion was all about, you frown upon hearing only their shuffling feet, “What are you two doing? Guests have arrived and your party will be starting soon,”

“We’re almost ready, mommy!” Atsuhiro assures you from the other side.

A chuckle escapes your lips at their antics as you decide to not interfere any further, “Alright you two, just be sure to be out in a few. You don’t want your daddy to come fetch you. It’ll ruin the surprise.”

“Okay mommy!” you heard Atsuhiko yell out, their excited muffled voices purely obvious from the other side that you couldn’t help but smile.

On the other hand, back in the kitchen, the father of your twins was having his own little dilemma back in the kitchen. It wasn’t as if he was uncomfortable being around your mother, but it was more like he felt he was still lacking.

Despite him knowing that your mother and you hadn’t had the greatest relationship when your father passed away, he still wanted to be someone your mother would approve of. He didn’t know whether your mother knew the whole story of the relationship between the two of you but being away from you and your sons during most of their childhood was enough to make him worry. The mere idea of his sons looking up to him sent his heart soaring, but of course, he also wanted your mother to feel secure enough for him to be together with you and the twins.

“I’ll bring out these sliced up fruits outside,” Osamu cuts the clear tension surrounding the kitchen. Atsumu resists the urge to glare at his twin for leaving him behind with your mother, knowing full well that his brother knows his current insecurities. A small smirk graces Osamu’s features but not the obvious one that would make your mother notice.

Atsumu watches his twin slip out of the kitchen with a tray full of food for the guests before flickering his gaze over to your mother situated at the other side of the room, making final touches to the cupcakes. “Is there anything else that I can do?”

Without looking up, a smile etches on your mother’s face. “No, it’s fine. We’re just about done with everything.”

“It looks good,” he states with a nod of his head, not really knowing what to say.

Placing the piping bag to the side, your mother lifts her head up to look towards the direction of Atsumu and wipes her hands on the apron she’s currently wearing, “You know you can always start calling me mom.”

The mere sentence made Atsumu want to leap in excitement, but at the same time he was nervous, a sudden fear of messing things up engulfing him. “I don’t want to overste-”

“Oh please,” your mother waves her hand in the air with a light chuckle, “I’ve known you since you were eight. We’re practically family. So you might as well call me mom.”

Atsumu couldn’t help but let the corners of his mouth tug up to a wide smile, “Alright, mom.”

“I’m really happy that the two of you decided to work things out,” your mother spoke with a smile as she delicately places the cupcakes on the cupcake stand.”

His feet shuffled across the room to help your mother stack the cupcakes onto the stand, “We had to for the kids anyway.”

Your mother hums in thought for a second before responding, “I think the kids were just the push the two of you needed. If anything, I’ve always thought the two of you would always end up together since the two of you always leaned on each other for anything.”

He nods his head slowly, leaning against the counter as he feels his heart swell with happiness. “I guess you’re right, mom. I did lean on her majority of the time when we were growing up. I guess I still am now. I just wish I could make her happy.”

“Don’t worry, you do. Before she left Hyogo, I know for a fact that she was miserable in this house after her dad had passed. You were the only one giving her a reason to move forward,” your mother spoke, sadness dripping from her voice.

A sigh escapes Atsumu’s lips as his features scrunch up to something that resembles pain. “I was also the reason why she left. I may be even the biggest reason why she left.”

Your mother extends an arm out and places a hand on Atsumu’s arm, trying her best to give assurance and comfort, “You weren’t the only reason behind that. I don’t know if she’s told you, but I had neglected her. I’m not proud of it and apologies are probably never enough for forgiveness. I was barely a mother when my husband had passed. I was almost an empty shell and instead of being a moth-”

“Mom,” Atsumu cuts her off and grabs hold of her hand in his own, “Don’t blame yourself. She loves you very much. It’s all in the past. We’ll be able to move forward, we already are.”

The two were interrupted with Osamu’s arrival, knocking by the kitchen’s door frame to announce his return. A smile etched on his lips at the scene before him, “Hey, Y/N wants everyone in the living room. Apparently the boys are ready to make their big entrance.”

Your mother excuses herself as soon as she removes the apron tied around her, excitement clearly evident in her features. Atsumu knew it well, despite the relationship that you had been slowly rebuilding with your mother, she was just as excited as him to have the twins into her life. She has equally doted on, if not more, on the twins ever since and well, Atsumu wouldn’t have it any other way.

Atsumu knew for a fact that you adored the time you’ve been sharing with your mother. As long as you were happy, nothing else mattered.

Osamu gives him a pat on the back, arching a brow in curiosity as they make their way out of the kitchen, “Everything alright?”

Atsumu gives him a nod, giving him the largest grin that he could muster. “Yeah, definitely.”

“You look disgusting,” Osamu jokes, pretending to shudder which causes Atsumu to give him a shove as they step into the living room where most of the guests have already gathered.

“Hey ‘tsumu!” Bokuto calls out from next to you as soon as Atsumu comes into view. “Hurry up! I’m excited to see Hiko in my jersey!”

Atsumu rolls his eyes as he approaches, grumbling to himself. As soon as he reaches your side, he places a quick kiss to your temple before snaking an arm around your waist to pull you closer. “Yeah, yeah. You have to stop rubbing it in. We get it.”

You couldn’t help but let a laugh escape your lips as you lean yourself into Atsumu’s warmth, “Oh come on now you two, focus on the big entrance will you?”

Bokuto just snickers from the side while Atsumu sends him a glare. If you were to describe the two of them, they were practically acting like petty children but you know those two will eventually switch attitudes as soon as your twins step out to make their entrance.

You flicker your gaze over to Osamu who was situated a few steps ahead from your little group, trying his best to act natural with his phone up. The two of you had discussed prior to the party that he would be the one to film the whole thing going on. Your little boys had practically begged their uncle to film their big entrance but mostly, what you hoped Osamu to capture was Atsumu’s reaction.

A part of you expects that he would be a grinning mess at the sight of his kids but also, you’re also hoping he’d be speechless from all the teasing his kids put him through of having to wear someone else’s jersey.

“What’s taking them so long?” Atsumu asks, tilting his head slightly hoping to meet your eyes as his fingers play with the hem of your shirt.

As you were about to answer him, the familiar voices of your two boys echo throughout the room from the top of the stairs. You didn’t even have to look to know about their surprise since you know very well of what they had planned. Well, obviously, you had helped them out with picking up the jerseys that they were going to wear.

However, you had wanted to capture Atsumu’s reaction to your boys with your own two eyes instead of just watching it from a video. And honestly speaking, you didn’t think you’d fall in love with this man any more than you already do but here you are.

Just the mere sight of his features scrunching up to a look of awe was enough for your heart to swell. It looked as if he was close to tears as watches the twins descend the stairs with the prodest smiles they could muster.

You pry yourself away from his side as soon as the twins approach Atsumu, knowing full well what was going to happen as they had practiced what they were going to say. Flickering your gaze over to Atsuhiko and Atsuhiro, seeing them in Atsumu’s high school volleyball jersey made your own eyes water despite the fact that you were the ones who had gotten them the uniform a week ago.

“Wh-What are you guys wearing?” Atsumu almost chokes out his words, “What happened to the jerseys that we bought that you said you were going to wear?”

Atsuhiko throws his arms out in the air, smiling widely. “We changed daddy!”

“We wanna wear your jersey daddy,” Atushiro nods his head enthusiastically, lifting his hand up to grip onto Atsumu’s shirt.

Atsuhiko wraps his arms around Atsumu’s waist, “‘cause you’re our favorite volleyball player daddy!”

The scene itself was enough for everyone to watch in awe, a few of the guests that were invited had their own phones up to capture the moment with smiles on their faces, the others were almost practically in tears themselves, and well there was also Bokuto by the side with his pouty self at the realization that neither of his nephews were wearing his jersey like he thought they would. Atsumu on the other hand, had eventually dropped down to his knees and wrapped his arms around his two boys, burying his face in between them as he let out his own tears stream down his face from the overwhelming joy that coursed through him.

Yes, this is your family.

This is your home.

You stare out the window from the kitchen of your childhood home, a smile on your face at the beautiful afternoon of your backyard full with people you adore and have missed so much. 

The party was still in full swing despite the sun about to set, the laughter from the guests and a few children present rang in the air. Happiness had engulfed your heart and honestly, you had trouble believing it yourself but here you were. 

You wouldn’t trade this for anything. 

An arm snakes around your waist from behind and you would have been startled if you hadn’t felt Atsumu’s presence a minute ago. Despite not having seen each other in years, everything about him was still familiar. Sure, there were a few things about him that you didn’t know but that didn’t mean that he still wasn’t your Atsumu that you’ve grown to love. 

“Thank you,” he whispers as he nuzzles his nose into your hair, a smile playing on his lips. 

You place your hands atop of his and lean yourself back into his warmth, your brows furrowing in confusion. “What are you thanking me for?” 

“For everything,” he lets out a sigh, causing a shiver to run down your spine from the heat radiating from his breath close to your ear, “For giving me two amazing boys and for existing yourself.” 

Pivoting your body around so that you were facing Atsumu, your hands settling on his chest as you look up at him with your lips curling up to an assuring smile, “Thank you.” 

“And what for?” Atsumu questions, matching your own smile with his own as his hands cup your face. He lowers his head slowly, nudging your nose with his own as the pads of his thumbs brush delicately against your skin. 

Heat spreads across your cheeks at his gestures, feeling shy yourself but despite that, the majority of what you felt was only comfort in being in his arms. “For loving me as much as I love you.” 

He hums in response, placing a quick kiss to your lips. “No, I probably do love you more. More than you can imagine.” 

Before you could respond, he places his lips back firmly on yours and your eyelids flutter shut as if on instinct. The hands of yours that were resting on his chest eventually found their way around his torso to pull him close. Tilting your head to the side, the kiss itself deepens as he runs his fingers through your hair. 

It just felt so natural being with him.

Before the kiss could grow more heated however, a loud yell from outside had interrupted the both of you causing you to pull away much to both of your dismay. Your heads turn towards the direction of the commotion, the bouncy castle coming into view.

Or rather, the depleting bouncy castle with Bokuto and Hinata coming out hastily in laughter. 

You shake your head at the scene, a bubble of laughter leaving your lips before turning your head back over to look at the man before you. Just when you had decided to pull back and return to your duties of being a mother, he wraps his arms back around your waist to pull you back against him. Another laugh escapes your lips as you playfully slap his chest, “What now? We have a party going on, we have to entertain our gue-” 

“Move in with me,” he interrupts, his features showing nothing but seriousness. 

You meet his sincere gaze with your own and your heart makes a leap out of joy. There was only one answer you could possibly give. 

“Yes.”

[june-again]

TANAKA’S 25TH : 25 RELATIONSHIP HEADCANONS

Warnings: vague mentions of making out, a lot of caps, me simping

AN: I was not so hyped for today that I marked it on my calendar./s (I wrote this in like an hour because I was procrastinating, and of course every day is Tanaka brainrot day) (PAIRING: Tanaka x gn!reader)

✧ Starting off with the obvious — he calls you beautiful all the time, and absolutely not just to flatter you. He just finds you so attractive that he can’t help but constantly express it.

✧ Really all you had to do to start going out with him is say yes for once, because he asked you every day (shush he fell fast and he fell hard)

✧ Your first kiss will nearly have him on his knees trying to figure out how to ask you if he can kiss you. he will not initiate anything unless he knows for a fact you want to :(

✧ BUT he knows exactly how he wants to kiss you (has he imagined it before? ig we’ll never know). Soft, but energetic. Somehow the way he kisses you is like he’s physically worshipping you — he wants to give you his absolute best.

✧ PDA is a big yes for him. Partially because he likes showing you off, of course, but more because he just can’t resist holding your hand or giving you kisses whenever he’s with you.

✧ Hallway makeout sessions are common. ‘Nuff said (for my sanity’s sake).

✧ HE’S SO ROMANTIC AND CRINGEY LAMSDFOI like (y’all know Mikoshiba from Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun?) he will say something really mushy and then make a cheezy face AND THEN START BLUSHING LMAOSOD STOP UR TOO CUTE BB

✧ His room can be a mess, but when you come over he will do the most and clean it up enough that you’d never know.

✧ Saeko will bother him about finally getting into a relationship after being a simp for so long… and you two will dEFinitely become the ultimate pair when it comes to teasing him AHHfdgkl

✧ You two… like, you’re basically just best friends who kiss (a lot?). You can talk about literally anything for hours and have a great time.

✧ I’ve never done karaoke but I know enough about the activity and Tanaka Ryuunosuke to know that he’ll dedicate every song to you. just… “this is for YOU, babe!” *loud mic ringing noises* *Never Gonna Give You Up starts* and he will make your ears BLEED LASLDKJ

✧ Other dates — bowling? totally sucks but cheers you on. movies? might fall asleep on your shoulder, or talk during the whole movie (if you’re like me then this just makes it more fun kjasfdgpl). dinner? he has all your favourite restaurants and foods memorized. He didn’t even have to try — it’s hardwired into him to remember that kind of thing about you 🏃‍♀️

✧ Sunrise dates. He hates getting up early but will do it if it means he gets to see you — meaning that he always wants to go on a hike with you at 5am so that you can see the city as it’s just lighting up. He likes feeling like he wOKE UP WITH YOU RKLTEOIJSJLK 🥺 HELP ME

✧ Okay… hear me out on this. If you are really into a certain artist — a rapper, a vocalist, a band, (cough bts), he will always look up concerts in your area and he might surprise you with tickets :< except he’s bad at actually surprising you because he doesn’t know how to close tabS LMAOGIDJFK

✧ if you’re having a hard time… if you ever need to talk, he’s all ears. He just wants to be there for you pls don’t hide your sad from him.

✧ HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS he hugs so nice kjSRle like it’s warm and secure and so comforting and he gives you little backrubs like my grandma does 💀

✧ He is so good at encouraging you. If you ever feel like you’re not good enough, he is going to make you believe otherwise, because he believes in you.

✧👏com👏mun👏i👏ca👏tion👏!!!! Tanaka can Communicate His Thoughts. Since he’s really just a lively, supportive guy, he’s always willing to ‘talk about it’ because he wants things to get better if they can.

✧ Adding onto the last one — he is so open about his feelings. He won’t let you forget how much he loves you.

✧ He has good judgement, but not always control over his impulses (might say or do some things he’ll regret later, but he knows as a whole what he wants.) He’ll apologize if he realizes he offended you, but if he said something that hurt you and he doesn’t seem to know… please just tell him :( he wants to do better

✧ and if there’s something you’re not telling him, he’ll figure out. He might take it personally, because he isn’t really as confident as he is bold.

✧ he gets jealous of your celebrity/fictional character crush rip

✧ he has so much respect for you a person. He’s so proud of how hard you work, and understands if you need a day off to just take a break.

✧ He loves tummies and thighs… he loves all of you, and wishes you understood how fascinated and bewildered he is by you. He feels so lucky to have you in his life

✧ Honestly he can’t always believe you’re his. He’s so scared he’ll lose you, which is why he treasures every second with you.

Dear Canon Tanaka Ryuunosuke, happy birthday. I hope you and Kiyoko are happy together. You deserve the world <3

Dear Tanaka Ryuunosuke living-rent-free-in-my-head, hi babe thanks for existing I will pay you to stay ok? <3 pls don’t go anywhere you inspire me every day LAOFSDOKSGLRF 😳 love u

MASTERLIST

[cyhyr]

Summer of Whump Day 15: Sleep Deprived

Fandom: Naruto

Rating: G

Pairing: Hatake Kakashi & Umino Iruka; Umino Iruka & Uzumaki Naruto

WC: ~3320

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Notes: AU backstory for the purposes of I Wanted To.

A/N: This is just. I don't even know guys. I started writing and then it got bigger and bigger and I couldn't stop. It's just. A Lot.

~

Kakashi has not been able to take care of his sensei’s child the way he should, the way the boy admittedly deserves; and yes, absolutely, he takes that fault personally but also doesn’t do anything about it because really… what can he provide for this child besides instability? He’s hardly in the village anymore, though Sandaime has hinted that, if Kakashi asked, he could be assigned missions closer to home. Instead, Kakashi does what he can without bothering Naruto or letting the boy realize that he even exists. He ensures the bills are paid up in six-month increments, and has the utility companies know to charge to his personal account anything he misses due to being out on mission. He provides non-perishable groceries, placed in the pantry late at night every month or so: oats, rice, dried or tinned meats, beans and legumes. He’ll bring a small selection of vegetables with him at the same time, (no more than three or four items, so they don’t rot before Naruto feels obligated to eat them) usually pilfered from Gai’s garden so he knows they’re not poisoned.

And whenever he’s in the village, he makes a stop at Naruto’s apartment at least once to check in on the wards wrapped into the walls and window frames.

This is how he learns about Umino Iruka and the interest he’s taken in the village jinchūriki.

~

The wards when he gets to Minato’s son’s apartment this time are different. Odd. Not… well, actually, they might be stronger; Kakashi glances at the walls with the sharingan and finds himself mildly impressed. Whoever placed these wards knew about the ones Kakashi put up, and modified their own to augment and strengthen Kakashi’s.

Kakashi says modified because he’s seen these styles of wards before, but never used like this. The key in the front door jingles a bit, like the person unlocking the door knows Kakashi’s in here and is giving him time to leave. Kakashi takes the out for what it is and slips out the window, closing it quietly behind him. He stays plastered against the wall beside the window for a moment, however, wanting to get a glimpse of who’s taking care of his sensei’s kid in Kakashi’s stead.

The door opens and Naruto—gods, how old is he, seven? Eight?—barrels by the figure in the doorway with a grin and shoots straight for the pantry.

“Naruto-kun, take your sandals off first. I mopped for you just earlier this week, I’m not doing it again so soon.”

One arm balancing a paper bag of fresh groceries, a leather school bag over the same shoulder; hitai-ate and vest both neat, but his sleeves and pants legs are scuffed; and his fingers carry the faint dusting of chalk that hours of holding ingrains and a quick wash won’t wipe away. A teacher.

“Iruka-sensei, I can mop later; I’m hungry now!”

“I won’t ask you twice.” The man—this Iruka-sensei—walks barefoot through the apartment and sets the grocery bag down on the kitchen table. Naruto hangs his head and goes back to the door, and once he’s out of the room, Iruka looks at the window Kakashi is peeking in, scowling initially. The scowl lessens when he sees the Konoha ANBU mask, and he nods, but makes a slight shoo gesture.

“What’re we making tonight, sensei?” Naruto bounds back into the room, barefoot as his sensei.

“I’m thinking of teaching you breakfast for dinner,” Iruka says. “Miso soup, tamagoyaki, steamed salmon; how’s that sound?”

“Sounds great!”

“And if we make enough, you’ll have enough for the morning, too,” Iruka ruffles Naruto’s hair. “Go grab out the rice and we’ll get started, okay?”

Kakashi leaves. Iruka-sensei seems to have only good intentions.

~

Iruka is a new teacher, one that (if the very quiet rumors are to be believed) didn’t initially want to be the jinchūriki’s homeroom teacher. Something changed his mind, clearly, and now he’s spending every moment outside of class with the kid.

Every. Moment.

Kakashi notices the third time he’s in the village after meeting Iruka—notices how tired the man seems. He follows the teacher from just before dawn when he wakes up and heads out to Naruto’s apartment and fixes him breakfast. Kakashi watches Iruka herd Naruto around the apartment, brushing teeth, getting changed, gods Naruto where’s your homework I told you to put it right back in your bag last night after I helped you with it. Then they’re out the door and one of them locks the deadbolt while the other activates the wards (Iruka always double-checks the wards if Naruto does them) and they walk to the Academy together.

Iruka spends the day in the Academy staunchly refusing to play favorites. If Kakashi didn’t know that the man had made Naruto eat breakfast while searching for a clean shirt for the child to wear, he’d swear Naruto was Iruka’s least favorite student—based solely on the amount of yelling.

But the two of them have lunch together, talk and hang out during recess unless Iruka shoos him away to play, and then they walk together to either Iruka’s or Naruto’s apartment after school. Sometimes they’ll go out for ramen, or to one of the training grounds to work on a technique they started in class which Naruto needs more time to fully grasp. Iruka is a patient teacher, especially one-on-one, and even though Minato-sensei’s son doesn’t perform well on the tests in school he learns the techniques after class and gains the appropriate muscle memory.

Which is admittedly much more important than the grades Naruto earns. Iruka won’t say as much, but it’s obvious that he agrees when his teaching style puts emphasis on practicals rather than paper tests. Kakashi approves.

After a day of minding twenty-five ankle-biters, an afternoon of extra training for the village jinchūriki, and an evening of making sure Naruto is fed and happy and his homework is completed to the best of his ability, Iruka then helps Naruto get ready for bed. Against the kid’s token protests, they’ll read a story together (Kakashi suspects Iruka does this because Naruto’s reading skills are lacking, but he could also very well just be doing it because he enjoys it—the man’s motives are enigma to him) and Iruka will tuck Naruto in. He stays at the apartment until he knows Naruto is asleep, tidying up here and there or even just leaning in the bedroom doorway watching the jinchūriki’s chest rise and fall.

Only when Naruto’s asleep will Iruka leave, activating the wards and locking up after himself.

It took only two times of Kakashi watching these kinds of days go by before he realized that Iruka knew he had been watched all day. As he passes the tree outside of Naruto’s building, the only one that reaches high enough to afford a glance into his apartment, Iruka looks right up into the limbs where Kakashi is crouched, waves, and continues back to his own home.

(He had been underestimating Umino Iruka’s awareness. He’s intrigued.)

(But anyway.)

Once he’s home, Iruka rushes through grading and lesson plans and adjustments. He makes lunch for himself and Naruto for tomorrow. Cleans, if he remembers; showers, if he has any energy left. Then, Umino-sensei crashes hard around one or two in the morning.

All to start over again at five-thirty the next morning.

It can’t be sustainable. Kakashi is morbidly interested in how long Iruka planned to keep up this kind of schedule.

~

It starts out with checking out during lunch. Kakashi is lounging in the trees on the Academy grounds, pretending to read but listening intently to Naruto ramble on about some new topping Ichiraku is introducing on Friday and please Iruka-sensei can we go? Then the soft click of dropped chopsticks against a bento box made Kakashi look down to the pair sitting at the base of his tree.

“Iruka-sensei? Are you—?”

“Oh, I’m. I’m alright.” Iruka laughs it off, fumbling for his chopsticks. “I was just thinking too hard there.”

“You shouldn’t do that!”

“Hu—?”

“You tell me not to think too hard all the time,” Naruto pouts. “That I’ll hurt myself.”

Iruka’s laugh crinkles his eyes and he tips his head back. “Gods, Naruto, I’m sorry—no, not—um. Listen, forget it, okay? Ramen, on Friday, right?”

“YES!”

And it was forgotten. Except, Iruka is unconsciously rubbing his fingers together beside his hip and Kakashi can see it. Something happened to force the drop—likely, he lost feeling in his hand briefly.

~

Kakashi’s out of the village as it gets worse, but he hears all about it from Shikaku and Inoichi when he gets back. They’re in the hallway outside the Hokage’s office, talking in low tones like they were discussing an attack on the village.

“What could cause such a serious mood shift?”

“Genjutsu; one of the other teachers sabotaging him; another student practicing poorly.”

“Iruka-sensei?” Kakashi asks.

Both men look at him as he approaches. He’s still in his ANBU armor, but the mask is in his locker. It’s an open secret he’s in ANBU; only his codename is high-clearance.

Shikaku nods. “Shikamaru’s complaining about the man’s temper being shorter than usual.”

“My Ino confirmed this behavior shift. We’re understandably worried, if someone if trying to use an Academy teacher to attack the kids—”

Kakashi shakes his head. “It’s not that.”

“And you would know?” Shikaku prompts.

“He’s taking care of Naruto,” Kakashi shrugs. “It’s probably catching up with him, finally.”

“What is?” Inoichi looks honestly confused.

Kakashi tilts his head and then realizes. “Ah. That’s right. You’re both married. You have a way to share the responsibilities.”

Sakumo hadn’t ever been irate with him, but Kakashi can remember him being tired. He lifts his hand and walks away. “I’ll see if I can’t have a talk with Iruka-sensei,” he says, as though he speaks with the man on a regular basis instead of just waving back from his shadowed space in the tree at night when Iruka leaves Naruto.

~

He doesn’t get a chance to talk to Iruka for weeks. When he gets back, it finally comes to a head.

Kakashi is perched outside Iruka’s apartment where he and Naruto are preparing their dinner. Naruto, still talking a mile a minute, hardly notices that Iruka is dazed at the counter, his hands going through the motions of peeling carrots and separating pieces of broccoli without being fully cognizant. He’s much paler than the last time Kakashi peeked in on them—all except for the bags under his eyes; those couldn’t get much darker if they were black.

He flinches forward as Iruka drifts to the side. Naruto catches his teacher before Kakashi can take a step, and the clang of a knife hitting the floor is more than a little startling. Together, they stick Iruka’s hand under running water from the tap, and then Naruto disappears further into the apartment and returns a few seconds later with a first aid kit.

“What was that about, Iruka-sensei?”

Iruka takes a bit to answer. “I haven’t been sleeping well,” he says. “I’m a bit tired, that’s all. Sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Naruto says. He finishes caring for his sensei and then says, “How about I go get some take-out, and then we can clean up and you can go to bed?”

Iruka smiles tiredly. “We can bring the take-out to your place, okay? I’ll clean up when I come back home.”

“But—”

“It’s okay, Naruto,” Iruka puts his unbandaged hand in Naruto’s hair. “I’d rather make sure you’re fed and well-rested for school tomorrow. That’s what's important.”

“You’re important, too, sensei,” Naruto says.

Kakashi can’t help but agree.

“Let’s go get some ramen, and we can argue about this later.”

Kakashi flashes away to Ichiraku to put in their order and pay. It’s the least he can do, right?

Later that night, Iruka leaves Naruto’s apartment and like always, lifts his head to wave up at Kakashi in the tree. Only, his eyes roll back with the movement of lifting his head and his knees collapse under him and Kakashi makes it just in time to keep the sensei’s head from hitting the ground. He catches Iruka with one hand under his back and the other cupped behind his head and eases him down against his raised knee.

As soon as Iruka is horizontal, his eyes flutter back open. “Oh, ANBU-san,” he mutters. He’s dazed and foggy, but tries to stand up on his own anyway.

“Sensei, are you well?” Kakashi asks, knowing the answer but needing Iruka to admit it.

Iruka waves him away. “I’m fine, I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

It’s more than that if you’re slipping into micro-sleep, Kakashi thinks, but lets the man stubbornly stand up. He’s still holding his hands out, ready to catch him again, when after five paces Iruka tips sideways and falls again. Kakashi keeps him upright this time, arms tight around his waist and back.

Iruka stays under for a few seconds this time, and when he wakes he leans more heavily into Kakashi’s armor and groans. “What’s happening?” he murmurs.

Normally, he would stay and look after Naruto all night, but this seems more important. “Umino-sensei, I’m going to see you to the hospital now,” he says.

“But… Naruto?”

Because of course Iruka figured out that Kakashi—his ANBU persona at least—stays close to Naruto at all times. “Together, our wards are top-notch, sensei,” Kakashi says. “He’ll be okay for a night.” He slips Iruka onto his back, pulling his arms over his shoulders. Iruka’s light breath huffs past his ear as he says, “Hold on.” Then, they’re gone.

~

Iruka wakes up much later, Naruto tipped against his hospital bed, snoring. He feels so much better after however many hours of sleep he’s gotten. He wonders briefly why he’s here, and where the ANBU that brought him here is. If Naruto is here, that ANBU is likely closeby. Iruka lets out a jaw-cracking yawn and settles back down on the pillow to sleep some more.

When he wakes up the second time, it’s because he has to pee so bad oh gods. It’s night time and Naruto is gone—Iruka tries not to feel disappointed. His legs shake under him when he tries to stand to get to the restroom; whatever’s wrong with him, it’s making him weak as a newborn but he will not embarrass himself by not making it to the toilet. He pushes chakra through his legs, and, finally, blissfully, makes it.

He gets a good look at himself in the mirror as he’s washing his hands. His eyes are puffy and red, but he has some color back in his skin. His hair could use a wash and some heavy conditioning—he hadn’t had time for that in awhile. All in all, it’s not bad; but he’s still wondering why he’s here.

Iruka leaves the restroom and is halfway across the room to his bed when his chakra flares unexpectedly. He stumbles, collapses, and feels his eyes blur and begin to roll back.

Before his head can hit the tile, he’s caught and cushioned by Naruto’s ANBU. The ANBU gently picks him up, one arm under his knees and the other around his back, and it’s like Iruka weighs nothing as the ANBU stands and carries him back to bed.

“Thank-you, ANBU-san,” Iruka says, flushed. “I promise I’m not usually so weak.”

The ANBU fusses with the blanket and covers Iruka back up. He (Iruka assumes they’re a he, the voice and height lead him to believe it but he’s been wrong before) seems frustrated, in the way that ANBU show frustration: by being busy, and then by being absolutely still. He’ll make sure the water pitcher is full, and then stand silently by the window for a few seconds. Pace the width of the room from window to door and back, and then stand at the end of the bed.

“What’s going on, ANBU-san? Is Naruto—?”

“Uzumaki-kun is safe, healthy, and well-cared for,” the ANBU says, cutting him off. “You are a godsend to this village, if only to care for the uncared for.”

Iruka glowers. “Someone had to do it. He’s seven years old and living alone and has lived alone his entire life. I couldn’t—”

“I’m aware,” the ANBU holds up a hand to stop his rant. “Believe me, if I could have done more, I would have. But an ANBU is no role model, especially not me. I’m glad he’s had you. That said.” The ANBU somehow matched Iruka’s glower through the mask; he was suddenly glad for all the time spent in Sandaime’s office around the ANBU that he can pick up on these micro-aggressions for what they are.

Iruka folds his arms and waits for the ANBU to continue.

After a heavy sigh, the ANBU says, “Sleep deprivation.”

“I—what?”

“What you’re here for. You’ve been running yourself into the ground, sensei. You slept for twenty-two hours, and you’re still not fully recovered. The medics say it could take up to a week of proper sleep for you to feel normal again.”

Iruka flushes and ducks his head. “I… But, that doesn’t…”

“How much sleep have you been getting? Three, Four hours a night? And then you’re exhausting yourself all day looking after pre-genin and then Naruto.” The ANBU folds his arms. “This isn’t sustainable.”

“I know that. I just.” Iruka groans. “I don’t have time for—” He scrubs both hands across his eyes. Now that he’s actually gotten some sleep he’s really tired. “No one else takes care of him, not the way he needs it; he’s just a kid! It bothers me enough that he lives by himself—”

“Your immune system was compromised when you arrived, sensei.” The ANBU snapped, quieting Iruka’s tirade. “Who’s going to take care of Naruto the way he deserves if you’re stuck on your back with a perfectly, normally treatable form of the flu? What will happen to him if you critically injure yourself due to a micro-sleep at an inopportune time and find yourself off-roster for weeks? What then, sensei?”

The silence is heavy. Iruka picks at a stray thread in the blanket on his lap.

“I don’t know,” he answers, his voice small. “I didn’t… I wasn’t thinking that far ahead, I guess.”

The ANBU nods. “At least you’re aware now.”

There’s a long, awkward pause as Iruka wonders what else there is to say.

“You have a spare room in your apartment, yes?” the ANBU breaks the silence.

Iruka nods, slowly, not sure where this is going.

“Maybe…” the ANBU continues slowly, “maybe changes in Naruto’s living arrangements can be made. If Naruto were living with you, could you agree to a better sleep schedule—one with which you can better take care of yourself and Naruto?”

Iruka could kiss this man.

“Yes! Yes, please, I’ll—yes! I’ll take him, even if it means I have to lose him as a student, I’d take him as a foster.”

The ANBU chuckles. “I’ll speak with the Hokage. If he says no, well… There’s nothing saying that Naruto himself can’t choose where he lives, is there?” Then his micro-aggression is back, leaning over the foot of the bed with his arms wide. “My only stipulation is that you take better care of yourself. A sick guardian can’t very well keep up with any child, let alone a jinchūriki.”

Iruka nods. “Deal.” He covers a yawn with his palm and asks, “Can this taking care of myself clause start now, with me asking you to leave so I can go back to sleep?”

“I’m not leaving,” the ANBU says, standing back up straight. “If you’re to be the guardian of our jinchūriki, you’ll need to get used to the ANBU guard, sensei. But please, get some sleep.” He chuckles lightly, “I think I’ve caught you enough in the last thirty-six hours, don’t you?”

[pepperful-qt]

Hi there! Can I request hcs of kuroo, kita and semi with a big brain s/o? It doesn't just apply to s/o academically, but more so about life in general (like having ~streetsmarts~) thank you!

you said street smarts my mind went to jj bittenbinder. ngl i kinda used the wisdom proficiencies from d&d as reference for this hahaha nerd i hope it’s what you want! also i just want to thank you for requesting my not-so-secret fav semi semi

Kuroo, Kita, & Semi with a big brain s/o

* * * * *

Kuroo Tetsuro

oh this man appreciates it. he’s so entertained

you know that drinking game that Tyrion does with Shae where he guesses something about your past and if he’s right you have to drink, if not he does? that’s what you do minus the drinking part obv,, unless

as a person with high charisma himself, you make it a game to see who can bluff out and/or fool the other (you almost always win)

any time there’s a game night and you’re playing a social deception game you always win. no one can get a lie past you

if it’s a teamwork one, you and Kuroo crush everyone else

you find ways to skimp on your hw but still come out fine. he has no idea how, and it both annoys and impresses him

“i thought you stayed up watching buzzfeed unsolved instead of studying last night??”

“yeah so what?”

“but you got a 96%”

he knows that intelligence isn’t just defined by what you’re able to memorize out of a book, and you’re a perfect example of that. he respects you a lot

you’re the type of person that reads random articles and therefore has the most random bits of trivia that you throw in conversation

he can have an intellectual conversation with you, since you always come up with unique perspectives. he loves asking your opinion on things, bc who tf knows what’ll come out of your mouth

you don’t know what a derivative is to save your life but you know the location of every 7/11 in a ten mile radius, and if they carry a specific type of onigiri or cup noodle flavor

but fr you give the best advice and are always there to lend an ear

you watch murder mystery movies together and try to figure out the culprit, sometimes actually arguing over it

other times you’ll watch a drama and make bets on who’s gonna do what or end up with who

rip Kenma in the corner just trying to live his life

it’s hilarious seeing you interact with someone who is not “big brain” or street smart

let’s just use Lev as an example for no particular reason, just bc

you quickly learned that Lev would believe almost anything you said, he was that fascinated by your apparent wisdom

so you and Kuroo will sometimes join forces and see what you can get him to believe. you once convinced him that if you kill an insect you’d become that insect in your next life and die the same way, and for a solid month he would start crying if he ever stepped on an ant

chaos couple™

you have this whole atmosphere about you that is just “do not fuck with me” bamf if i do say so myself

which tbh is one of the things he finds most attractive about you. you knew exactly what he was up to the first time he started flirting with you, but you weren’t intimidated one bit. you became a challenge~

10/10 best looking couple of the three

* * * 

Kita Shinsuke

the two voices of reason, bless you both. you’re very similar, but also very different

he’s the definition of high intelligence & high wisdom with low charisma cleric kita omg, while you have both high wisdom and high charisma with an intelligence stat you barely use (high or low lol)

he’s the kind of guy who always thinks things through with logic, and he’s always sure of his decisions

you on the other hand, have an intuition based logic

freaks him out when you rely on your gut instinct but somehow it always pays off

“why?” 

“just because” 

“but why??”

you’re adaptable in almost every situation, always know what to say, and have an uncanny ability to read people

which actually comes in handy in your relationship

he’s not the best at expressing himself but you always seem to know his emotional state and thought process, something no one else except his granny has really cracked yet and you do it so easily. sometimes he wonders if you’re a mind reader

you knew he liked you before he did & you asked him out first ~

“Shin-kun, you look happy today!” 

“Ah, I was able to clean all the volleyballs after practice and still had time to fold and organize the scrimmige vests by color.”

meanwhile Atsumu: “hE litERALLY?? looks the sAME??!”

speaking of the twins, you’re great at handling them

Atsumu tried to scare you away the first time you showed up at practice before you and Kita announced your relationship, but you were calm and polite

which tbh put him off more than if you’d clammed up or gotten angry. he almost felt bad for being rude. almost.

imagine how bad he felt when Kita found out

the both of you are both feared and respected by the team 

you’ll help Kita out with his self-assigned chores sometimes, figuring out new ways to be efficient and not lose quality

he also loves how he can trust you to take care of yourself, whether it’s walking home alone or losing you in a crowd or just looking after your health. he still worries and dotes on you but it’s out of love, not because he’s concerned you’ll hurt yourself unintentionally 

he loves a person with common sense @ inarizaki

you’re both really good at getting gifts for each other, since you’re both very perceptive

one time you guessed his favorite flavor of ice cream and it made the butterflies a’flutter

there’s this silent competition between you two of who can give the better gifts

wishes you would study more though ngl. he knows you’re smart you just don’t always dedicate that intelligence to your schoolwork

he finds it charming how you’re always looking at things from different angles rather than the straightforward path. he thinks it’s a very good quality

that “yeah but what if...” kind of mentality

we already know he appreciates that attitude if he doesn’t really take it on himself

you’re both able to appreciate the nuances of life and enjoy the moment together

your relationship is one of the most balanced and strong out there tbh,,

* * *

Semi Eita

you’ve got this charm that makes people respect you. a certain type of confidence, if you will, that made him first notice you

lots of students were intimidated by the members of the volleyball team, for their height and reputation etc, but you never showed any reservation, not even with Ushijima

as well as your conviction, you have take no shit attitude that comes in great handy with certain members of the team it’s also hot af

you can banter with Tendou and you provoke Goshiki all day long but never Shirabu bc you know what’s up

you do however irritate him with mind games, bc you know he’s a little shit who stole your bf’s spot and needs to be taken down a peg sometimes

you: *describing the quantum wave trolley problem”

Shirabu: *screams*

all the while Semi is trying and failing to hide the smug little smirk on his face

with Semi though, you’re able to just talk

he enjoys conversation with you bc he’s never bored. you make him think and you make him laugh, both good things

sometimes you’ll point something out that just makes him go “oh” bc it seems so obvious when you point it out

other times it’s something so outlandish that he can’t help but crack a smile or let out a laugh 

sometimes it’s the connect the dots meme “you didn’t connect shit” lmao

again, solid advice giver with no holds barred. anyone who needs to be straight up told what they need to hear comes to you, bc you're usually right

and Semi himself can get lost in his own head so it's nice to have you to ground him

you’re decent in your classes sure, but where you really impress is your strategy in game. any game

once you were invited to play laser tag with the team and you whipped out a battle plan that annihilated the other team

alternatively, you show no mercy in monopoly or uno, damn your relationships

it’s actually very annoying how quickly you pick up the rules and nuances to games and use them to your advantage

if you’re both very competitive, it’s usually better for everyone if you’re both on the same team

but he likes a challenge heh

okay, we know he’s bad at dressing himself when it comes to casual outfits. no common sense. you notice this too

“Eita, sweetie, if you go out like that you will get mugged,, even in Miyagi.”

you’ll walk down the street hand in hand and you make random guesses or stories about the people you see 

“that guy is totally a scammer” or “bet that lady looking at the papaya is trying to start a diet for the third time, look at her face” and he’ll chuckle

he knows there’s always something going on inside your mind and he wants to know

when you’re lost in thought he’ll tap your forehead

“hey what’s going on in there?”

he enjoys listening to your musings and thoughts and opinions. you either have a crazy gut instinct or have some unique thought you’ve internally debated over for months

gets inspiration from you actually, even if he doesn’t realize it

likewise, you realize he has a lot on his mind he doesn’t say, but you have a way of making him say it, even if he is hesitant and abrasive at first

you’ll call him at 3am with a random thought and he’ll grumble a bit but actually will listen to you with the smallest smile on his face

* * * * * 

i hope??? this was good??? also lmk if this is too long without a read more i’m not sure :P

[zabiume]

I love your character interactions! I ,especially, love the Renji chapters

Could you do one Ichigo acts as a wingman for Renji? Seeing as they spent most of their years battling or being part of their respective squad, I'd like to think their social skills are not on the great side

We need more Renji hijinks!

Ichigo is Bad at love lives in general, both his own and that of others, so I improvised a little and took the crack-ish route with this. Hope you enjoy!

“You’re so cute.” Ichigo pinched Chad’s cheek, leaving the latter rather flustered and questioning the exact sequence of moments that led them all here. Here, being the back alley of the Second Division barracks, but also the general life circumstances that had just happened in the last 72 hours.

“Oh dear.” Orihime fanned her face, rocking from foot to foot as she tried to make eye contact with Chad over Ichigo’s unruly hair. No avail.

“Don’t worry, Inoue, I think you’re real cute, too,” Ichigo declared, swaying heavily from where was tucked into Chad’s side and drawing closer to her in big, bumbling steps. His hands arched forward in a grabby motion, like he was searching for her head. “C’mere.”

Orihime squeaked with a jump, swatting his hand away and shooting Chad a helpless stare. Chad returned it with a shrug, watching Ichigo’s every move with all the bewildered posturing of Frankenstein upon creating his own monster. Horror. Awe. Regret. Orihime read it clear as day in his eyes because she was sure they were all reflected in her own.

“Kurosaki-kun.” She valiantly tried to duck out of the headlock hug Ichigo was trying to pull her into. “Please. You’ll regret this in the morning--oh, Sado-kun, help!”

Chad rushed forward and grabbed Ichigo’s arm before he could haul her up in the air in one graceless swoop. “Ichigo, she’s right.” Chad yanked him with minimum effort, despite his murmured protests. Orihime stumbled backwards with a grateful wheeze, going pink in the face as she held one thumb up to indicate she was relatively okay.

Given the circumstances.

“The only thing I’ll regret in the morning is not telling my friends how much I love them!” Ichigo roared, thrashing helplessly in Chad’s arms. He paused briefly when his eyes caught a shadow of movement, a lone shinigami passing them by as he made his way to the Second’s offices. “Oi! You!” The shinigami arched a brow. Surely he was wondering what the savior of three worlds was doing by the Second Division, restrained by his ryoka comrades. “You--shinigami dude.” He jerked his thumb back to Chad and Orihime. “These are my friends. Tell 'em I love 'em, they don’t seem to get it.”

“Oh god,” Orihime whispered, making placating and equally floundering gestures as she indicated for the shinigami to keep walking and not pay any attention to Ichigo. Chad gave an apologetic smile, but didn’t loosen his iron-clad grip on Ichigo’s shoulders either.

This was going to be a long, long night.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

The thing was, the Second Division of the Gotei 13, also dubbed affectionately by some as the Onmitsukido, was taking the aid of one Urahara Kisuke in developing the perfect truth serum for witness interrogation purposes. It had very much been a joint effort from the beginning, he would attest humbly, but the truth of the matter was that the Twelfth Division had the spottiest record for ethical research practices and no one could answer for how that truth serum had ended up in the hands of one substitute shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo. And if there was anyone who had a spottier record on giving in to base and curious impulses more than Division 12, it was, indeed, the hailed savior of three worlds--

-- or so the Seireitei Communication would report, a good thirteen hours after the entire fiasco had simmered down.

Luckily or unluckily for everyone else involved, the night was still young.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Kuchiki Rukia felt the low buzz of her spirit phone, mid-conversation with her brother and his lieutenant by the Sixth Division barracks. She fished it out of her robes and frowned, knowing full well Inoue would not text her an SOS unless there was an emergency of world-ending proportions or if the latest chapter in the shoujo they were co-reading had come out.

We tried to stop him, it read instead, followed by an, I’m so sorry, Kuchiki-san :(((

“Sorry?” Rukia mumbled, impervious to Renji and Byakuya’s confused glances in her direction. “Sorry about what?”

Stop whom?

Her answer came in the form of a sudden, but incredible burst of blurred energy whirring past her senses and leaving several afterimages after it came to a halt. Rukia remained lax, already having sensed Ichigo’s reiatsu--not to mention his obscenely orange hair that defeated the stealthy purpose of shunpo in the first place--but Byakuya’s hand came to rest warily on the hilt of his zanpakuto, mouth downturned in displeasure that Ichigo had pulled a Yoruichi on them and shown up full speed ahead when they were least expecting him.

“Kurosaki,” he intoned, which really meant, ‘what is the meaning of this?’

“Hey Ichigo,” Renji greeted, not deterred in the slightest. None of the trio had noticed anything off about him just yet--not the way his pupils were exceptionally large, nor the way he walked like he had the world’s heaviest weights balancing on his shoulders. Ichigo was a teenager after all, and teenagers, well-- they slouched.

“Renji!” Ichigo cheered, shoving his face right into where the crook of Renji’s face met his shoulder. “Been lookin’ for you and Rukia all over.” He cracked one eye open, still awkwardly snuggled into Renji’s side as he observed Byakuya. “Not you, though.”

Byakuya’s shoulders hunched and Rukia would have rolled her eyes at his callous attitude--except he was acting rather weird, cuddling up to Renji like that. Renji himself took Ichigo’s gestures amicably, patting him on the back with one hand and exchanging a confused, but happy grin with Rukia.

“Good to see you, bud,” Renji replied after a moment too long’s worth of a hug, like he was speaking to someone particularly slow. He gingerly peeled Ichigo off his shoulders, however, because Byakuya was giving him the ‘improper body language on the divison premises’ glare and Renji did not want to get demoted on the grounds that Ichigo was having a touch-starved day. “What can we do for ya?”

“Ichigo, what are you doing here?” Rukia demanded, pinching his elbow lightly when his eyes flickered after a meandering grasshopper. Was he drunk? She sniffed his breath but couldn’t discern anything. Was this what Inoue was trying to warn him about? Because Inoue was definitely trying to warn her about...whatever this was.

“You two,” Ichigo said suddenly, making all three of them flinch as he pointed to Renji and Rukia. “I’ve got a serious bone to pick with you two, but especially you, Rukia.” Rukia was about to open her mouth and tell Ichigo where exactly he could put his bone, but Byakuya spoke up first after a long moment’s silence.

“If it is combat practice you accosted my sister about, I will have to remind you that she is far too busy to accommodate your childish whims and needs.” He leveled his gaze with an irate Ichigo who couldn’t give less of a shit about him. “Though it might make for interesting observation how you would tackle her graceful bankai with your own bullheadedness, you will have to stop by after hours. Unlike regular humans, we have work to do.”

“Combat practice?” Ichigo echoed, making a disgusted face. “What are you, stoned?” Byakuya’s face turned scary shades of white, while Renji visibly flinched behind him. “I’m here because I’m sick of the way you two have been dancin’ around each other but being too damn stupid to get together already, damn it!”

Renji wanted the floor to bury him alive. His ears were so red in blatant shock, he didn’t dare look at Byakuya, choosing to look at the floor instead. He’d never explicitly told Ichigo it was a secret, but never in his life had he fathomed...this. This was it. This was the day Byakuya would senbonzakura his ass out of here and he could kiss his dreams of making a methodical and proper proposal goodbye. Even if he could pass it off as a joke later, Byakuya would not take this slight to his professionalism right under his nose so easily without consequences.

Rukia, on the other hand, was pissed.

“Just what do you think of yourself, Ichigo, coming here and saying sh--things like that!” Rukia yanked Ichigo by the collar until he was down to her level. If Renji had been looking anywhere but at his sandals, he would have noticed her ears reddening too, but he was too busy marveling at the shrill anger in her voice to notice it. “What’s wrong with you?!”

“What’s wrong with me?” Ichigo demanded, shoving Rukia off and coming around to stand beside Renji. “What’s wrong with you?” He lifted one arm, a firm hand clenching around Renji’s bicep back and forth. “I mean, are you blind?”

“Ichigo,” Renji warned, though it came out more as a squeak.

“This guy nearly dragged his ass through the dirt for forty years. He’s got a job. Do you know how hard it is to get a job?” Ichigo let his arm drop but prodded one finger on Renji’s left eyebrow. “He does his eyebrows. He’s 6′2--”

“Kurosaki Ichigo,” Byakuya warned, slightly affronted at the mention of Renji’s height, but Ichigo was on a full-fledged soapbox roll now.

“-- And he loves you, Rukia!” he yelled, shaking a fist impatiently. “He looks at you like you hung the moon and stars; hell, he looks at you like you are the moon and stars.” He clapped a very mortified Renji’s shoulders with--what he probably thought--were encouraging thumps. He looked all for the world like a car salesman trying to make a busted sell out of a very old Honda. Renji looked like he wanted to die, but Ichigo went on, “I think you know he loves you, Rukia, and I think you love him too. The only problem is that you’re both too stupid to accept it! Going on, this an’ that about how I’m the reason you’re back together and you owe me your first born kid--well that’s great and all but it means horseshit if you’re gonna keep dancing around like this all the time! Isn’t it about damn time you made your feelings clear?”

There was a very pronounced silence in the air. Byakuya cleared his throat uncomfortably. Rukia looked like a solid mix between wanting to murder Ichigo and wanting somebody to murder her. Renji had backed himself into the shadows and begun planning his quickest escape route because he did not want to be here. Ichigo stared.

“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?” he whispered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I feel like I’m going crazy.”

Byakuya opened his mouth to speak, but his eyes widened when he spotted the telltale brown of a staff coming out to whack Ichigo on the back of his head. Ichigo’s eyes glazed over and he slumped forward, almost crashing to the floor if it hadn’t been for Rukia and Renji catching his weight from either side.

“Yoo-hoo,” Urahara sang casually, lifting one hand sheepishly against his hat. “I’ve come to pick up a very important package. If you good folks could just hand him over, that would be great for all parties involved, thank you.”

The silence was considerably stilted, now that Ichigo had passed out, but Renji and Rukia were still quite in shock.

“Abarai, Rukia,” Byakuya said, primly locking his hands ahead of him and giving Ichigo’s knocked-out figure a nod. “You will want to see him off, correct?”

“Y-yes, sir!” they both chorused, drawing closer together even as they balanced Ichigo between them. Urahara hummed to himself, locking his own arms behind him.

“Then get going,” Byakuya ordered, eyebrow twitching in annoyance at Urahara. “I have conveniently pressing matters to tend to for the rest of the afternoon.”

Rukia and Renji shared a look. “Yes, sir!” They took off behind Urahara, feeling lines of sweat race past both their faces as they didn’t dare once look behind them.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

“So, uh,” Renji said, later that evening, over a glass of beer. “About that whole Ichigo thing...”

“I know Renji,” Rukia said quickly, ears flaring red, before her eyes softened and she tacked on a quiet, “I do, too.”

“Oh.” Renji coughed. “Good. That’s, uh--that’s good.”

Rukia’s eyes narrowed at him. “You were going to deny it, weren’t you?”

“Maybe,” Renji said, then admitted sheepishly, “Only if you were. I was gonna put the whole thing behind us, if we’re being totally honest.”

Rukia tossed a tissue at him. “Shut up,” she muttered, but neither of them held back their shit-eating grins as their hands warmly reached for each other under the table.

Renji squeezed once. Rukia squeezed back, and both of them made mental promises to beat the living shit out of Ichigo when he came to, later

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

“Urrrrrrgh, I feel like shit,” Ichigo grumbled, pressing the heel of his hand against his forehead. “Did I come see you and Renji yesterday?”

“You did,” Rukia said shortly, dabbing at his forehead with a wet cloth. “Lay still, Urahara said you’d come down with side-effects if you aren’t being careful.”

Ichigo winced. “He drugged me, didn’t he?”

Rukia stared at him, wondering if he really didn’t remember the events of yesterday at all. “Yeah,” she grumbled, jabbing him extra hard on his eyebrow. “You sure spouted a lot of shit on that truth serum.”

Ichigo’s eyes widened for a second, fully considering the weight of Rukia’s words. She looked away, feeling a swarm of heat flushing up her face.

“I asked you to confess to Renji, didn’t I?” he said slowly, and Rukia’s quick inhale was about telltale as anything that he’d hit the mark. “Was I right? Did you two do it?”

“Shut up, Ichigo,” Rukia said with a long sigh, tossing aside the rag and beginning to storm out of one of the many rooms in the shoten.

“I totally am!” he called out after her, a wide and shit-eating grin on his face, “You two so owe me one.” Rukia was about to slam the door behind her when she heard him quietly mutter, “God, Inoue owes me so much cash, too.”

She swung back into the room immediately. “You bet on this?!”

The shoten door slammed closed. If anyone heard Ichigo screaming for help after, they didn’t mention it.

sorry for the short ending. thank you for the prompt!

[currywaifu]

𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: that’s pretty knit 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: rurikawa yuki/reader 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: sfw 𝐰𝐜: 1.9k words, 1 image

𝐚𝐧: yuki birthday month, yuki fic. ahaha i am very direct with my titles again. what’s new? because of the research i did, i’m probably gonna go order some knitting materials online now

Perhaps you spent too much time at the nearest arts and crafts store. For a dozen or so minutes you stood in one spot, unmoving unless someone needed to pass by you, your eyes flitting up and down, left and right as you debated over the different assortments of yarn.

You already had an inkling the different colours would overwhelm you— with so many different colours and different shades each, how could you possibly limit yourself to just one? You didn’t expect to be this troubled with choosing among different yarn weights, too. Why did the store give you 7 different choices? How were you supposed to know if choosing light yarn was better than choosing bulky yarn?

… you seriously should have done more research, but the prospect of finally having free time to visit the shop overshadowed any semblance of rationality you previously possessed.

Look at you now.

Alright, Plan A— scope out the area for the friendliest looking employee and muster up the courage to ask for help, plain and simple.

Except things don’t always go as planned.

When you hear your name come from a voice behind you, it was impossible not to figure out who it was that caught you. You’re just a little bit upset and a little bit tense because of all people to come across at this moment, it had to be Yuki? It’s not that you dislike him, rather it’s because the opposite is true that you found yourself more pressed than you should be.

It was like buying a surprise gift for someone and that exact someone seeing you buy that gift… actually, that was pretty much the situation— the only differing variable being that the gift hasn’t even been created yet.

Seriously, you just had to come across the very person you were planning on making something for?

“Yuki-kun! What are you doing here?”

He gave you a blank stare, as if waiting for you to realise how dumb your question was. Rurikawa Yuki? In a crafts store? Unless you wanted something specific, the answer should have been plenty obvious.

“Hah? I want to buy materials to make clothes, obviously,” he replied, tilting his head to gesture towards his shopping basket filled with various beads, lace, and… were those feathers? Was he just replenishing stock and were those all for one outfit? Curiosity was getting the better of you, mouth already poised to ask a follow-up question before he interrupted you.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you?”

To any deities out there, grant you a smidge of acting prowess, or at the very least the ability to make some half-truths and get away with it.

You awkwardly let out a laugh, your eyes leaving Yuki as they dragged themselves back towards the shelves.

“I’m supposed to make a scarf for someone,” an omission of information, but technically the truth, “but I don’t know which yarn to pick?”

For a few seconds Yuki stared at you with narrowed eyes, ultimately letting out a sigh as he placed his own items on the tiled floor, facing the same direction as you.

“Any colour you want?”

Taking the opportunity to resolve one of your main problems, you quickly told him that he could choose any colour he wanted. Haha, you were so slick getting Yuki to choose the material he’d like the most. If you somehow screwed up the knitting process, at least he’d like the colour, right?

“Didn’t you do any research?” Yuki asked, sifting through the pale pink yarns to look for the appropriate weight.

“Not really,” you admitted sheepishly, “I mean, I just saw the steps were easy enough and decided to give it a try.”

“I-di-ot~” he said in a sing-song voice, but despite the nickname you knew there was underlying affection there somewhere, “one skein of super-bulky yarn would be the easiest to work with, then you probably need a crochet hook and 9 mm knitting needles too…”

You follow the green-haired boy as he moves to a different aisle, picking up the supplies you inevitably would have had trouble choosing between.

“Really, you could have just asked me, if you’re so clueless. I’d help you out.”

“No way!” you suddenly exclaimed, earning yourself front row tickets to Yuki’s look of confusion, “I can do it myself!”

You hoped your sudden outburst didn’t come off as rude, but he seemed to just push the matter away nonchalantly.

“Suddenly getting so loud, what’s with you…” he muttered, dropping the things he picked up for you atop your waiting hands, “but that’s fine. The scarf won’t be as cute as if I helped you, but maybe it’ll turn out decent at least.”

You clutched the materials to your chest, already anticipating being able to prove Yuki wrong. How would he react the moment he knew the person you were knitting something for was him?

“I’ll show it to you when I’m done!” you promised, “I need your seal of approval, after all!”

He’d probably point out any issues regardless, so you just had to make sure you did your absolute best!

Knitting took a lot more effort than you anticipated. First of all, you had to do something called a cast on around the needle? Apparently the wrap cast on was great for beginners, but you weren’t gonna lie— it did take you one whole article from some “The Queen of Yarn” blogspot and one 5 minute YouTube tutorial just to make sure you were on the right track.

One. Slip knot: loop the yarn around your fingers clockwise, the yarn attached to the ball going under the loop, slid off your fingers and slipped onto the needle.

It wasn’t that the steps were particularly difficult. Rather, it was constantly making sure you weren’t accidentally skipping any steps or areas due to not paying too much attention.

Two. Open the loop to make a stitch: hold the empty needle with your dominant hand, and the needle with the slip knot in the other. Slip the empty needle into the first loop— from front to back.

Still, it was difficult to stop your thoughts from wandering— perhaps you should have chosen to listen to some kind of tea spill or podcast or comedy routine or anything with words instead of the LoFi ChillHop live stream playing from your phone. You were going to give Yuki a scarf— then what?

Three. Wrap the yarn: go counter-clockwise, the working yarn sliding between both of the needles.

You had a crush on Yuki, plain and simple, but it’d be embarrassing to just admit it! The amount of courage you had still needed replenishing, what with the amount you used up to just go up to him and try befriending him a couple of months back. What if you confessed, and he decided not only was your scarf ugly, he wouldn’t be friends with you anymore as well?

Four. Turn the stitch: slide the dominant-hand needle from the back to the front of the other needle.

But would it be enough to just pass off the garment as a, “thank you for being my friend” gift? Especially when there was no real occasion, and the hours you put in into making him something— would he question it?

Five. Finish the stitch: slide the dominant-hand needle up so that the first loop on the other needle slides off. Move on to the next loop, do the same thing, repeating until you are out of stitches.

Well, even with all of Yuki’s bluntness, he was still kind so he’d probably still be your friend! It’d still really hurt if he rejected you though, so maybe you should put off implying anything more than platonic between you two for… a while. Maybe it was too soon?

Looking at the progress you made, you were unable to hold in a groan of defeat. The pale pink yarn against the bamboo needle looked pretty and neat; there was an issue though.

One row. You were only able to do one row so far.

Your phone clock said it was still pretty early into the afternoon. Well, a few more hours wouldn’t hurt anything except your hands, right?

A hand therapy site told you that pain brought by needlework was probably due to repetition of motion, bad posture, and or general fatigue. Not gonna lie, you probably fit into all three— the last one maybe more so than others.

How long one took to knit varied— some dedicating days, while others were able to crank out 5 scarves a day. A part of you was proud to be able to procure something presentable and wearable in one sitting.

…

You’re just choosing to omit the fact that that one sitting lasted until 3 am, but what Yuki doesn’t know? Won’t hurt him.

Thanking your singular brain cell right now that you decided to do this project over the weekend instead of during a school day— you’re unsure if you’d even be able to survive at all if you actually had to do maths and stuff the day after.

Deciding to just go with the flow, you found yourself folding the scarf as neatly as you could, gingerly placing it inside a paper bag. After all, you agreed to “have him judge” your creation today.

In all honesty, you thought you had built up the confidence to confess your crush to Yuki. If he reciprocated, good for you! If he didn’t, well, either you take it cooly or go ‘I said I liked you as a friend thing, silly!”

Standing in front of him though, his orange eyes scrutinising the pale pink scarf, made you lose your words, hesitation standing in its stead.

“Garter stitch…”

“What do you think, Yuki-kun?” you asked, peering at the green haired boy curiously as you impatiently awaited his verdict.

“I’m honestly surprised you made something nice,”

“Hey—“

“But for beginner, it’s pretty good,” he complimented, “actually, I can see myself wearing it when it gets colder—“

Even with such simple words, you felt your heart swell in happiness. Not only did he say he liked it, but he even went as far as to say he’d wear it? There were so many ways to get your gratitude across, to tell Yuki your true intentions in ‘asking for his approval’. With all of your options, you went with

“If you like it, it’s yours!”

“Hey, you…”

He looked like he didn’t know how to respond. Actually, you can relate to that because even you’re befuddled by your wording. Didn’t it make it seem like you gifted it to him as an afterthought?

“I mean, well that’s not what I meant,” you hurriedly followed up, “I wanted to give it to you from the start? I didn’t know if it’d be nice though so if you said it was ugly I would’ve hidden it from the world? You said you would wear it though so—“

“This won’t do…” Yuki replied, interrupting your impending rambling. Before you could ask him what he meant, he pulls your hand to lead you inside the dormitories.

Unbeknownst to you, pink the same shade of your... his scarf painted his cheeks. If only the weather was fit for the garment you gave, he’d be able to blame the sudden colour on the cold.

“Come on, I need to get your measurements.”

It was difficult to keep the silly grin off of your face afterwards.

want to order again?

[sapphiewritesandstuff]

Could you do Headcanons of the twins seeing their former crush when they were alive in school to coming back years after as teacher?

Your wish is my command, Anon-san~

Although it was never specified that Tsukasa had a crush on the reader, I hope this does imply it. In my head, he’s a very chaotic character and probably wouldn’t recognize the feeling of crushing on someone. I hope I conveyed his affections for the reader in his own, unique way :D

Headcanons of the Yugi Twins’ Former Crush Returning as a Teacher

Hanako (Amane Yugi)

The first time he heard of you, it was from Nene

“Hanako-kun! We have a new English teacher. She came from America and can speak over five languages! She even let us call her by her first name!”

That, he found weird.

Afterall, you had moved away to America a year before his death.

And you were cool

Could it be…?

No way, he told himself. Things like that don’t just happen!

But he decided to check it out himself

So the next day when Nene was in class, he floated to the teacher’s lounge

Before he could even go into the lounge, he heard someone say, “Wow, (Last Name)-san, that’s amazing.”

It hit him

(Last Name)... it had to be you, right.

But Hanako knew he shouldn’t get his hopes up too high

What if it wasn’t you after all?

Deep down, he hoped it is you

You had left before he had the chance of confessing his feelings. And then he died.

Hanako might be dead, but his love for you isn’t

The door opened, and you walked out, laughing about something.

It is you. You look older but he could still tell it was your beautiful face.

He took a moment to admire you.

His immediate concern is that you can’t see him.

That breaks his heart but he pushes his disappointment away to think of a plan for you to notice him

“Hey, Yashiro. Can you do me a favor?”

Nene gave him a wary look, “Depends on what it is.”

She had a gut feeling it was going to be something concerning her new English teacher…

Tsukasa Yugi

Tsukasa had found you unintentionally.

He was going around the school, looking for some poor spirits to torture— er, to play with.You went straight through him, literally.

He stopped for a minute, brows furrowing, his usual grin faltering.

It can’t be you.

You had been his friend when all the other kids thought he was strange and wouldn’t play with him

Except Amane, of course

You never really hung out with him when his older twin brother was around

But you always found time to hang out with him alone

Then you moved away without saying a word to him

He only knew because of Amane bursting into tears one night

Tsukasa asked him what was wrong and the news of you leaving came out quickly

So Tsukasa assumed you left because he didn’t want to be his friend anymore

It’s okay though, he still had Amane!

But if you didn’t want to be his friend anymore; why would you come back years later? After his death, nonetheless.

He decided to find out

So he followed (stalked) you throughout the school, not even bothering with the mokkes he saw along the way

Strange, indeed.

Like Hanako, he also found you to be… slightly different, but in a good way.

Your face lost its roundness and obtained a more angular look to it

Your eyes lost the naivety it once held, replaced with an intelligent glint

And your body, well

You had grown a lot in the years you had been away, so much that you were now much taller than him

Tsukasa couldn’t decide whether he liked that or not

But in the end, he decided he loved everything about you

He loved you just as much as he loved Amane!

“What?” Hanako’s brows furrowed as the mokkes continued, waving it’s ears around urgently. “That scary apparition was following that girl you wanted to meet!” 

He frowned, feeling conflicted. On one hand, Hanako was puzzled as to why Tsukasa of all people would stalk you around the school. His brother hadn’t been very close to you from what he knew, so why would his twin do such a thing? Unless there’s something he was missing…

On the other, it made perfect sense. Tsukasa had figured out that you were someone precious to Hanako, which made you an obstacle in the way of his older brother’s love. 

“He wouldn’t…” Hanako muttered to himself, gazing out the window towards the direction of the staff room. 

---

“Yashiro-chan, are you sure?” You laughed nervously as the ombre haired girl stubbornly pushed you into the girl’s bathroom. “Please, (Name)-sensei. Everyone is terrified of Hanako-san of the Toilets. It would make everyone feel better if you proved that the rumor is fake!” Nene gushed, shooting the third stall door a look that said, I’m doing this for you, Hanako-kun, so you better be grateful! Inside the third stall, Hanako gave her an apologetic look, despite the fact the radish-legged girl can’t see it.

You sighed, a long, drawn out sigh that echoed across the small space you two occupied. “Alright, Yashiro-chan, I’ll do it to rest your spirits.” Nene bit back a laugh at the unintended pun. 

“So…” you muttered to yourself, a habit you had that Hanako remembered vividly from your middle school days. 

Knocking three times on the red bathroom door, you cleared your throat before asking in a clear voice, “Hanako-san, Hanako-san, are you there?” Behind you, Nene braced herself for Hanako’s entrance and your reaction.

In the sing-song voice he used on her, Hanako-kun replied lightly, “Here I am~” before setting a hand down on your shoulder, much like what he had done for Nene. Being the great actress she is, Nene screamed dramatically, pointing at the apparition floating beside you, “(Name)-sensei! It’s a perverted toilet ghost!” Of course, taking the time to insult the said ‘perverted toilet ghost’.

Hanako sent an unimpressed look her way (one which she ignored). You had been pretty calm up until this point, your only reaction being an initial flinch.

You sighed, turning away from Hanako to send Nene a flat look. “Yashiro-chan. This is funny and all, but I have better things—”

Before you can finish, Hanako circled around, hovering in front of you, flashing you the smug smirk you knew all too well. “Better things to do, huh, (Name)-chan?” 

Your eyes widened, mouth opening in disbelief. “Amane-kun?” 

Hanako tipped his hat, not forgetting to shoot you a wink along with it. “The one and only,” his eyes softened when tears came to your eyes, “and didn’t I tell you to drop the honorifics?”

You were in shock. “H-How? I heard that…” you trailed off, face crumpling into grief. Hanako nodded gravely, a comforting smile replacing the smirk he had one before. He floated forward cautiously, testing your reaction. When you held out your arms without a word, he met you halfway in a bittersweet embrace. 

Nene backed away from the two, silently giddy. Now Hanako-kun can be happy, she thought happily, watching the heartwarming reunion of the two former best friends. Right when she was about to back out of the bathroom, she bumped into something. Looking up, she stared right into Tsukasa’s smiling face. 

“Ahhhhh!”

You looked up sharply at Nene’s scream, concern for your adorable student overwhelming the blissfulness of being in Amane’s arms again—

Wait, what are you even saying? No, this isn’t the time for this! 

Shaking the thoughts away, you followed after Hanako, who had floated ahead of you to check on Nene, brows furrowed with concern—for you or the radish legged girl—you don’t know. But selfishly, you hoped it was the former. 

“Yashiro?” Hanako asked, voice slightly strained. Silence. Nothing from the ruby-eyed girl. 

Instead, a different voice answered, “Wow, Amane, I thought the older brother knew to share with his younger brother~?”

Hanako’s amber eyes widened as the figure with his face rounded the corner. Tsukasa grinned, eyes narrowing slightly. He did not reach out to glomp his elder brother, instead opting to turn his gaze to you.

You watched, a multitude of feelings fluttering around in your chest, constricting your breathing. “Tsukasa-kun…”

Tsukasa tilted his head to the side, giving you a closed eyed smile, waving his entire arm, “Hey, (Name)-chan! I thought I’d never see you again.” His voice lowered at the end of his greeting, giving you the chills.

Nevertheless, you couldn’t stop yourself from running up to hug the second of the two people you thought you’ll never see again. Despite being a spirit, Tsukasa felt as he had always felt, albeit missing the familiar warmth you used to get from hugging the younger twin.

You heard Hanako’s warning for you to stay away from his twin. You ignored in favor of gripping Tsukasa tighter, fearing if you let go, he would disappear again. Tsukasa stroked your hair softly, softly uttering words of comfort while he sent his older brother a smug smirk.

Hanako gritted his teeth, clenching the handle of his trusty kitchen knife tighter. He could see that Tsukasa would not hurt you, but the brief moment of relief was washed away by the feelings caused by the content look on your face and the smug look on his brother’s.

Sensing a disaster about to unfold, you released Tsukasa, stepping back so you could look at both twins. “You guys…” Giving them both a genuine smile, you grabbed Hanako and brought them both to your chest.

It was messy to say the least. Tsukasa’s cheek squished against Hanako’s and you were all on the ground in the girl’s bathroom, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you can interact with the two people you thought you had lost forever.

That's all that matters.

[settersloveletters]

hello hellooo!! i literally love ur blog so mf much, can i pls request some yummy angst w a fluffy ending w tsukki and kenma 🥺? where their s/o feels jealous n insecure maybe about another girl and when they bring it up they end up having a huge fight ?

— you’re great; oneshot

a/n: okay,, i only wrote tsukki’s right now and i’ll get to kenma’s soon but i really wanted to post this tonight so i hope that’s okay >_< also idk how to write angst so i’m sorry if this doesn’t pull your heartstrings ;w;

oh i also started to write in proper grammar and not all lowercase ehehe

➳ request: s/o insecure abt another girl + angst + big fight with tsukki and kenma

➳ pairing: tsukishima x f!reader

➳ genre: angst, fluffy at the end

➳ word count: 1.9k

➳ admin: kiri ♡

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

You continued to tap the top end of your pencil against your desk, leaning your head against the palm of your hand as you glared at the familiar blonde across the room. You and Tsukishima Kei had been an item for almost a year now, and you couldn’t be happier. That is, until your homeroom teacher assigned a project that required everyone to be in pairs.

“Earth to (Y/N),” Hitoka Yachi, your assignment partner and best friend, waved her hand in front of your face. “You’re gonna get wrinkles on your forehead if you keep glaring at Tsukishima-kun and Akari-san.”

“I am not glaring at them.” You scoff, leaning back against your chair and folding your arms over your chest.

“(Y/N) you shouldn’t be worried about anything,” Yachi responded, “Tsukishima-kun only has eyes for you.”

You blew your bangs out of your face in frustration as you turned towards the window. You knew that you shouldn’t be worrying over this trivial matter, but the fact that your boyfriend was spending most of his time with the most popular girl — also dubbed at the most prettiest — in your year bothered you.

“Doesn’t help that Kei’s partners with Akari-san.” You argue back. Akari Hana was the girl that every guy dreamed about. Smart, athletic, pretty. You were insecure enough. When you compare yourself to Akari you could find so many flaws in you and so many perfections in her. It didn’t help that your last boyfriend — which was back in junior high — broke up with you for a girl similar to Akari.

As the bell rang, signaling that school was over, you gathered your things into your school bag and was about to head over to Tsukki when you stopped. You watched as your boyfriend — without glancing at you — made his way out the class. Still talking to Akari. You purse your lips and gripped the strap of your bag.

It’s okay. You were fine.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

The rest of the week remained just like that. Tsukki only offering you good morning texts and a peck on the cheek when he sees you, before making his way to Akari. Again. Every time you tried to talk to, or approach Tsukki he would brush you off before he ran off to Ms. Popularity.

You told yourself that it was fine, and that they were only spending that much time together for the sake of the project. However you started to notice how much closer the two started to get. Every time you see either of them, the other is right beside them. Even as you went to the volleyball club’s practice after school, you stopped yourself from entering the gym as you saw Akari watching from the sides. You turned right around and went home. The only text you got from Tsukki was him asking where you were, to which you replied saying you weren’t feeling well.

[5:43] my little tsun-chan: hey why didn’t you come to practice today?

[5:50] you: i went home, wasn’t feeling well

[6:00] my little tsun-chan: dumbass, you gotta take better care of yourself

You tossed your phone to the side and pressed your face into your pillow. Kei you idiot.

Friday finally came around and you couldn’t be more relieved. Friday was the day you and Tsukki held your weekly movie nights. One of the days that left a special place in your heart. You smiled as you made your way to school, knowing that this was one day that Akari Hana couldn’t take Tsukki away.

“Oh sorry (Y/N),” Tsukki looked at you. You found him underneath a tree out in the school yard. You assumed that he was waiting for you, however that wasn’t the case. “Hana-san and I were gonna finish the assignment today.”

“But we always have movie nights Fridays.” You furrow your eyebrows. “We’ve never missed one unless you have a game.”

“Well yeah, but this is for school and Hana-san is busy over the weekend so we only have today to finish.” Tsukki pulled out his phone.

“Hana-san? Since when have you started calling her by her first name?”

“I forgot, but she’s the one who insisted and I didn’t really care.” Tsukki replied, not sparing you any glacé.

“You and Akari-san have gotten a lot closer huh?” You bite your lip, your throat starting to hurt.

“Well yeah, we’re partners of course.”

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with her too. We’ve barely talked to each other this whole week” You brought your gaze downwards, whispering the last sentence.

“(Y/N), don’t you think you’re overreacting?” Tsukki, rolled his eyes, finally looking at you.

“Is it my fault that I’m worried? Probably.” You bite your lip harder. “Akari-san’s amazing though. She’s pretty, smart, talented and athletic.”

“Yeah she’s all of those things. But you’re great too (Y/N).”

“Just great… That makes me feel better.” You laugh bitterly.

Just hearing Tsukki say stuff like it wasn’t a big deal, affected you a lot. You started to remember this exact scenario happening back in your last year of junior high. Where you confronted your current boyfriend at the time and asked him about a girl in your grade that all the guys fawned over. If you weren’t already insecure the words that he said raised the bar.

“She’s just amazing. From her face to her personality. But you’re great too (Y/N).”

But you’re great too (Y/N). But you’re great too (Y/N). But you’re great too (Y/N).

You could feel some tears welling up in your eyes as you remember that phrase, “You seem like you like Akari-san a lot.”

“What are you jealous?” He smirks.

“Do you think this is a joke?” You can see a figure out of the corner of your eye. Glancing towards the side you see Akari Hana walking out of the school doors looking around for Tsukki.

“Okay Hana-san and I need to finish our assignment. When you’ve gotten over your unnecessary jealousy, I’ll text you.” He started to walk towards Akari.

“You know what. I’m done Tsukishima.” You dig your nails into your hand. “If you think Akari is all that, you might as well go out with her.”

Tsukki turns around at your statement, “What? (Y/N) what are you even saying?” He touches your wrist.

“NO! Don’t touch me!” You yell, shrinking away from his touch. “Just go to Akari. I’m done Tsukishima.”

You turn away and run off to your house.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

You spend your weekend locked up in your room, eating ice cream and chips while reading sad fanfiction to soothe your aching heart. Tsukki tried calling you after you ran home, and even sent multiple texts. But you just brushed it off, putting your phone on do not disturb as to not disrupt your reading.

When Sunday came around, your heart hurt just more than it had been. It was your one year anniversary with Tsukki. Or it would’ve been. You covered yourself with your blankets as you hugged your stuffed animal. You gave up reading on fanfics and decided to just lay there, staring off into space. You enjoyed the quietness.

“(Y/N)-CHAN!” Your bedroom door was slammed open, surprising you from the sudden loud noise. You looked up to see Yachi standing in the doorway. “I’m here to take you out because you’ve been stuck inside all weekend.”

“Yachi please no,” You groan, pulling the covers over your head. “Just let me wither away in my sadness.”

“Nope it’s almost 6 and you’ve spend the entire day inside, now get up and get in the shower.” Yachi replied, grabbing the covers off of you.

Groaning once again, you begrudgingly made your way to your bathroom knowing that you couldn’t argue your way out of this. Stepping back into your room, wrapped in your towels you see Yachi sitting on your bed, texting away on her phone.

“Who’re you texting?”

“Huh? Oh, just Hinata-kun don’t worry.” Yachi says, placing her phone down on your bed. “You’re wearing that by the way.”

She points to a yellow sundress covered in a floral pattern laid out on your bed. Letting out a sigh, you grab the dress and head back into your bathroom to change. After fixing yourself up, You and Yachi head downstairs. Reaching the final step you hear a knock at your door which leaves you confused. Looking back at Yachi, she shrugs her shoulders at you.

Opening the door, you come face-to-face with the person you’d least expect to show up. “What’re you doing here.”

At your door stands Tsukki, in a pair of khaki coloured pants and a navy blue polo shirt. He was holding a bouquet of flowers as he darted his eyes everywhere, except your own eyes.

“I–uh,” Tsukki, sighed and finally looked at you. “(Y/N), please let me explain everything.”

“I’m supposed to be going out with Yachi right now.” You cross your arms over your chest.

“Actually (Y/N), Hinata-kun texted me and needs my help with Kageyama-kun.” Yachi speaks up, “I gotta go but I’ll talk to you later!”

The blonde girl heads out the door before you could say anything and you’re left alone with Tsukki. The two of you fall into uncomfortable silence, something that hasn’t happened between you in awhile.

“(Y/N)–“ Tsukki starts to say, but you cut him off before anything.

“As much as I don’t wanna talk to you, I’ll give you 10 minutes.”

“I need 30 minutes.”

Your mouth gapes open, “30 minutes, Tsukishima–“

“Please, (Y/N).” He pleaded.

“Fine.”

After a long walk in silence, the sun had started to set that an orange hue was left in the sky. Tsukishima led you to a small park away from the houses and roads. From a distance you could see small little lights littering the ground. As you got closer, you realized that the little lights littering the ground were candles. Candles that led to a small gazebo where a table setting was set up in the middle.

“Tsukishima what is this?” You asked as he pulled out your chair for you to sit.

“This is what me and Han- Akari-san had been planning.” Tsukki reveals.

“Akari-chan?”

“All that time her and I have been spending, she’s been helping me plan this for our one year.”

Your eyes widen at his confession. You suddenly feel stupid for thinking the things you thought. You felt stupid for thinking that Tsukishima would ever be like your ex-boyfriend. You just felt stupid.

“I–“ You don’t even know what to say.

“No don’t you dare apologize. I’m the one who’s sorry for just edging you on like that. I just made things worse.” Tsukki took your hands in his. “I have no idea how to express how I’m feeling without being sarcastic. And I hurt you. But I swear to you (Y/N), I love you and I will always love you.”

You could feel the tears coming up in your eyes, but you feel Tsukki’s calloused fingers wipe them away. “I’m sorry for acting so jealous and insecure. And for jumping to conclusions.”

Tsukki shakes his head. “Let’s just put this behind us.” He leans in and places a kiss on your forehead showing his affection.

Your relationship stood strong ever since.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

[Behind the Scenes]

(Y/N): wait a minute did yachi have a hand in this too? Is that why she came to my house and got me to get ready?

Tsukki: maybe

(Y/N): wait is that hinata and yachi… and akari-san in those bushes??

three heads pop up before the three run off

[basically-i-write-shit]

sliiiiiides into ur dms with semi-ancient youtube au ideas because I may or may not have reappeared after *checks watch* four years to lurk through your haikyuu tag. Consider: kiyoko being insecure because she hangs out with yacchan and yams and tsukki, all of whom sing and/or play instruments and kiyoko's like "...I'm just pretty and a functional adult, you guys are all so talented". Also consider noya scaring the shit out of asahi who is worried for his boyfriend's health and safety

I haven’t written a thing of substance all summer, and these prompts just SENT me. Some Youtube AU is exactly what I need. 

-

Shimizu Kiyoko is not an actress. This much she’s figured out; after a long day on set of one of Ennoshita’s short skits in which she just couldn’t deliver the lines right, couldn’t emote enough for the camera, and many more mishaps that Ennoshita was so overly patient for, she never wants to look at a camera again. Except, of course, she has to-- because her girlfriend vlogs exciting life moments, and this apparently constituted as an exciting life moment. Kiyoko knows she looks put-off in the background as Yachi vlogs in the back of their Uber, and she feels bad for not looking a little happier, but she can’t find it in her for some reason. 

The thing is, Kiyoko is always at least moderately good at anything she tries-- with a few exceptions, of which she’s known for a while, like anything musical, or riding bike. She can do both, but very shakily. She had thought maybe acting would be one of the things she’s good at, because in theory it sounds easy, but either she’s really bad or Ennoshita is a mean director because what was supposed to be a two hour shoot had turned into five. Dinner had been awkward, with Kiyoko piping up even less than usual as Yachi and Ennoshita talked about anything and everything. 

Kiyoko is so lost in thought that she doesn’t hear Yachi sign off from her vlog, nor does she notice they’ve pulled up in front of their apartment building; Yachi’s hand on her shoulder startles her, and her cheeks flush a bit in embarrassment. 

“Hey, we’re home...You alright?” Yachi asks. Kiyoko smiles and nods stiffly. 

“Just a bit tired, is all.” She says. It’s not entirely a lie; she’s exhausted from the long day she’s had, and just wants to curl up in bed with her girlfriend. “Let’s go.” 

Opening the door on her side of the car, Kiyoko makes her way around the car and onto the pavement in front of their apartment building; she holds a hand out for Yachi when her door opens, which Yachi takes with a smile. They walk to the elevator in silence. Kiyoko uses her free hand to press the button for the 20th floor, and they start the ride up to their apartment. At first, it’s just as quiet as the walk in, and then Yachi starts to hum the same song playing in the elevator, quiet but still there. Kiyoko feels a soft smile tugging on her lips as she listens to her girlfriend. The elevator dings, and the doors open, and once again they’re walking; it’s a short distance down the hall to their apartment, but Yachi hums the elevator music still as they unlock the door and step in. 

There’s no need to call an “I’m home!” as the both of them are coming in together, and the apartment is silent in return. Yachi lets out a tired sigh, her shoulders slumping as she slips her coat and shoes off. “It’s so good to be home~ I love Enno-san, but that shoot when so looooong! I almost fell asleep during dinner!” 

Kiyoko chuckles and shakes her head, trekking up the small set of stairs that separates the entrance from the rest of the apartment. “It was a long day. I think I’m going to shower and go to bed. You going to join me?” 

“That sounds good. I can wait to edit this vlog until tomorrow.” Yachi replies, muffling a yawn behind her hand. She comes up the stairs a moment later, wrapping her arms around Kiyoko, who leads her down the hall to the bedroom. Yachi falls onto the bed with a soft thunk and Kiyoko smiles as she searches the room for her bath towel. She finds it hanging behind the door, and as she’s turning to go back down the hall to the bathroom, Yachi speaks up, “Hey babe?.. Are you really okay? You looked kinda upset in the car.” 

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Kiyoko hums. She leans against the doorframe, looking over at Yachi as she sits back up, The look on Yachi’s face is stern, and Kiyoko hates seeing the worry lines creasing her forehead and between her eyes. “...I suppose I was just a little disappointed in myself today. I couldn’t seem to get my lines right at all.” 

“Hm? That’s all that has you upset? Honey, you did fine.” 

“I know I did fine, it’s just...I had hoped I’d be good at it, is all.” Kiyoko murmurs. She’s embarrassed to say it. Yachi is normally the one that’s insecure, she’s the one that’s supposed to be strong, and here she is embarrassed over one skit. “You and Yamaguchi-kun make it look so easy...Like how you and Yamaguchi-kun or Tsukishima-kun make it look easy to play an instrument...I can’t even read a script and make it sound natural.” 

Yachi frowns, standing up and crossing the small space between them. “You did just fine, dear. And-- And who cares if you’re not good at acting, or singing? There are plenty of other things people like you for.” She says. 

“Yeah, I suppose. I just wish people liked me for more than my looks...All I am is pretty and a little smart.” 

It’s true, even if she doesn’t want to admit it; Kiyoko only posts on her channel once a month, if that, and it’s all educational or how-to videos. She knows her following is mostly people who think she’s attractive, or Yachi’s subscribers who thought she had content similar to her girlfriend’s. How else does she have over a half a million subscribers? She’s not at all talented. 

Yachi lets out an “aww!” and wraps her arms around Kiyoko, who hugs back, although a bit surprised. 

“Wh- What? I said the truth.” 

“That’s not what anyone thinks of you! And if it is, I’ll fight them! All of them!” Yachi says, hugging Kiyoko tight. 

“I--” 

“Your worth is not dependent on your talents. I mean it.” 

“But--” 

“Kiyoko.” Yachi’s voice is strong, probably the most assured she’s ever been, and Kiyoko pauses in her objections. She rests her head on Yachi’s shoulder, hugging her tighter. 

“...How did I get so lucky?” 

“I ask myself the same thing every night. Now go shower, so I can cuddle my wonderful, beautiful girlfriend.” 

Kiyoko smiles as Yachi pulls away, her cheeks flushed. She supposes as long as Yachi loves her, she doesn’t mind if she’s the worst actor in the world. 

-

Mild Manga spoilers for the Asanoya drabble but like very mild. 

Asahi Azumane, despite his affluence in Japanese fashion, does not go on social media often-- that is, unless his boyfriend and avid world-traveller-slash-modern-day-adventurer is involved. Asahi isn’t able to go on every trip Noya goes on, since his days are busy, but he watches Noya’s videos whilst he’s away. 

Even if Noya calls and details his adventures, Asahi finds comfort --and occasional terror-- in Noya’s vlogs. Seeing Noya (and, on occasion, Tanaka) doing wild stunts in a foreign country is terrifying and sends Asahi’s heart racing. 

Asahi isn’t on social media. Which makes him even more concerned when he logs onto twitter and finds a two-day-old tweet from his boyfriend, the caption on a picture of bloody teeth in a hotel room’s bathroom sink saying “Lol @ tana_ryuu_vlog and I tried surfing in the HUGE tub in my hotel room....Didn’t go too great. Vlog where this happened coming sometime this week!” 

Asahi’s heart sinks and he thinks back to when Noya called him from Bali last night-- he hadn’t said anything about losing his teeth, or an accident of any kind. Yet here Asahi is, staring at the tweet with trembling hands. He doesn’t even noticed he’s exited out of his twitter and into his phone dialer until he sees Noya’s name on the screen, the call processing. He holds the phone to his ear, trying to remember to breathe. 

“Hello? Babe, everything alright? You should be working right now.” Noya sounds tired, like he was asleep, and-- right, it’s only nine in the morning where he is right now. 

“I’m-- I’m fine. Are you okay? I saw your tweet.” Asahi asks, his voice quiet. 

“Huh? Which one?” 

“You tried...bathtub surfing...” 

There’s a quiet “Ah!” and Noya laughs, his tone light despite Asahi’s anxiety. “Right! That was so hilarious, babe, Ryuu lost his two front teeth! Ennoshita-san is going to kill him!” 

It takes a moment for Asahi to process. When he finally does, he blinks. Once, twice. “I-- What?” 

“Yeah, we have ‘em in a glass of milk, he’s going to an emergency dentist across town right now to see if they can put ‘em back in, or if he’ll have to get an implant in when we get back to Japan.” 

...Sometimes Asahi wonders why he loves him so much. 

[magioftheseas]

Start of Consumption

Summary: She shouldn’t expect anything from this bright-faced girl with soft pink cheeks.

Rating: PG

Warnings: None.

Notes: The title is similar to the last jshk fic I wrote, whoops. They’re not related at all unless you want them to be. But, yeah, I just wanted more AoiNene. Thus, AoiNene. It’s pine-y, but it’s not as angsty as last time. It’s more bittersweet.

***Alternate Ao3 Link***

Commission? Donate?

When Yashiro joined the club, she knew better than to expect anything different. Another person to smile and keep their distance, another gaze that shifts from admiration to apprehension. The only significance was that—

“Please!” Yashiro exclaimed, practically flinging her body into a bow. “T-Take good care of me, Akane-san!”

Even with zero expectations, there was no denying that Yashiro Nene was cute. Bright-faced and alit with excitement and enthusiasm—clearly naïve. Simple-minded, but unquestionably sweet. As Aoi’s stare ran down the newest recruit, she noticed Yashiro’s knees buck towards each other. Yashiro was avoiding her gaze now, her expression transparently pained and embarrassed. Anxious because Aoi had clearly gotten an eyeful of her thicker than average legs.

There wasn’t any reason to expect anything. Yashiro was someone who wore her heart on her sleeve.

When she takes Yashiro’s hands in her own, it’s with a squeeze that’s only a notch tighter than it should be.

“Let’s do our best to get along, Yashiro-san,” she chirps, the usual gaudy sentiment flowing off her tongue like water at this point. “Don’t hesitate to turn to me if you ever need help, okay?”

“O-Okay...”

She doesn’t expect anything. Obviously not, even from a sweet, bright-faced girl with soft pink cheeks.

--

Somehow, she’s still disappointed to learn the reason why Yashiro joined the gardening club.

“T-There’s this boy,” she’s stammering, all flustered and adorable if not for the insipid words that drop from her lips like gunk from pipes. “He’s really cool and handsome... But the kind of girl he likes is, well...”

“You’ve liked him for a long time?” Aoi asks cheerfully, as if she doesn’t already know more than just the shallow answer. As if it isn’t annoying how Yashiro frantically nods and gets even squirmier as she thinks about her feelings. “You should just talk to him, then, Yashiro-san.”

“N-No way!” she exclaimed. “Not until I’m the kind of girl he likes!”

His kind of girl is even shallower than your crush on him, Yashiro.

“Best of luck, Yashiro-san!” she instead chirps, pumping her fists. “I’m here to support you!”

“T-Thank you, Akane-san,” Yashiro blubbers and then sniffles. “Y-You’re so nice...”

With how pitiful you are, how can I not be? That and...

Yashiro has been sweet and bright-faced for the past week. Yashiro has also been more focused on tilling the garden than she has been shooting Aoi looks when she thinks Aoi won’t notice. Yashiro really is fixated on this guy, and...

He’s not even a great person. Akane hates him, as he does every guy, but even without that, Aoi knows he’s terrible. He’s a playboy who is fickle and easily bored, and he’s made a good number of girls cry. It won’t be long before Yashiro’s tears of gratitude towards Aoi become tears of shame and despair at the whole situation.

“U-Um, what about you, Akane-san?”

For now, Yashiro is looking at her with sparkling eyes.

“Is there a guy you like?” she asks, and when Aoi doesn’t immediately answer, she lets out a gasp. “Oh! Right! There’s Aoi...kun? Uh. T-That guy with the glasses, I mean.”

“We’re just childhood friends,” Aoi said, all too used to this exchange. “It’s not like that.”

“Oh, you don’t like him? He’s so devoted to you, though.”

Who is he devoted to? She wonders bitterly. Certainly not me.

“It’s romantic,” Yashiro went on. “When someone is so taken by you that they’re just consumed. Like nothing else matters...”

Are you just saying that because you’re the same way? And with some guy who is awful? Just like Akane-kun, then. You two would make a good pair. Such a wonderful pair. So taken with each other that no one else even needs to exist.

“You and Akane-kun would be a good match,” she said. Yashiro gets so adorably flustered, denies it, and the day goes on.

Aoi does not attend school for the rest of the week.

(“I-I’m sorry! I’m not ever going to go near Aoi-kun!” Yashiro exclaims to her while sobbing. “Please don’t ever disappear like that again, Akane-san!”

Aoi laughs it off easily, and says just as easily that she was just sick.)

--

“But, it’s weird to hear you call him Aoi-kun. How about you just use Aoi for me?”

“A-Aoi? Ah, okay. Okay, okay, Aoi.”

“Just like that, Nene-chan.”

--

Yashiro Nene has been clingy with her lately. Likely worried that Aoi will disappear again if she’s not. God, she really is a lot like Akane. Except Yashiro Nene only ever says that she’s nice. Nice and—

“A good friend! We’re like, best friends!” She’s even bragging about it to one of the other girls. “Aoi’s really, really sweet when you get to know her!”

“Ehhh, really?” one of the other faceless nobodies laughs. “Akane-san always seems so unapproachable. Well. She is the most beautiful girl in the school. Not to mention the guys she has trailing after her...”

Aoi cringes because no one’s noticed her hiding from the corner. She cringes severely.

“She’s really nice!” Yashiro insists. “And Akane-kun is her childhood friend!”

“Aren’t you worried about your crush liking her, too, Yashiro-san?”

Yashiro does stiffen and—ah. There it is. It’s a good thing it’s happened now and not later. She was getting tired of Yashiro trailing after her so desperately. She really was.

“Nene-chan,” she murmurs to herself,  just to feel the syllables on her tongue and no other reason. It’s just because it’s a cute name. A nice name. One she isn’t going to say again, because Yashiro’s not going to like her anymore. “Nene-chan, Nene-chan...”

“I-If it’s Aoi, it’s okay,” Yashiro says, so quietly that Aoi almost doesn’t hear it at first. “Aoi is...really, really nice. Who wouldn’t like her?”

“I guess it doesn’t matter,” the other girl says. “Akane-san rejects everyone. Cheer up, Yashiro-san, we’re just teasing.”

“T-That’s mean,” Yashiro whimpers. “Are you this mean to Aoi, too?!”

Aoi blinks.

“A-Ah, what? H-Haha, Yashiro-san, you don’t need to get so...”

“If you’re mean to Aoi, that’s wrong!” Yashiro is shouting now. “Aoi’s a sweet girl! Just because guys like her doesn’t mean that girls shouldn’t! She’s really, really nice!”

“C-Calm down, Yashiro-san...!”

“She’s the nicest!! I won’t have you bully her!”

“Please, calm down!!”

Calm down, Aoi thinks to herself, thinks especially to her now racing heart. Calm down, calm down. Nene-chan is just passionate. Overzealous. You knew this when you heard about all the things she did just to be that guy’s ideal type. She’s just—

“I won’t let anyone bully my best friend...!”

She’s—

--

“Nene-chan. Nene-chan...”

“Aoi!” Nene greats her so brightly, so adorably. “Look, look! The tomatoes are sprouting!”

“You’ve taken such great care of them!” she gushes, and she still can’t stop her heart from pounding. Just looking at Nene grin with such pride makes her almost disgustingly giddy. “How about I treat you for doing such great work? How does ice cream sound?”

“I’m almost done watering everything,” Nene rambles on. “I need to buy groceries, too. I have dinner to cook and I want to try a new recipe...”

It’s for that guy’s sake. She’s learning to garden and cook for that guy. What else is there to expect?

“Do you mind if I join you for that?”

You shouldn’t expect anything at all. You shouldn’t, you shouldn’t...

“A-Ah, I’m not that good at cooking yet...” Nene’s so flustered. So adorably flustered. “But, if you want to, Aoi... I don’t mind... Would you have any advice?”

“A pinch, maybe.” It should be easy to smile as per usual, but Aoi has to struggle in fighting off a grimace this time. “Since it’s for your crush, you should just think of me like...mmm, a husband, maybe?”

“Y-You’re too pretty to be a husband, Aoi,” Nene points out, but she laughs. She laughs so easily. “But, okay. I’ll try my best!”

“I’m here to support you, Nene-chan.” It’s a mantra she needs to repeat. Over and over.

She shouldn’t expect anything.

Haah.

She shouldn’t expect anything from this bright-faced girl with soft pink cheeks.

I want to kiss her.

[theluckyshadow]

OC Headcannons

Fei Zhao

Will make separate post for the rest of NCT cuz this is getting long + if wanted I guess I could do a smut one like I did for Ateez and Skz- not Got7 except maybe Yugyeom for Jiah... moving on

Fei Zhao, 17/03/2000, ♉️, 🇦🇺

3/4 OC’s born and raised in Australia

Both parents are Chinese but live (and raised Fei) in Aus

Fei is an only child but grew up being the eldest cousin, her parents had her very young (17) and currently have no plans for more kids

Her grandmothers are always (joking) about her giving them great grandkids

Her dad’s mum is the worst and has even asked her about taking a “pick from her band”

Fei’s has a middle name- Rayne

Another who had read the fan fiction written for her and her band

Except she actively reads them out just to laugh and she makes comments on them

Scared Winwin doing that once

Another OC who is pretty inappropriate, to the displeasure of Kun

Super close with her parents

Doesn’t like to be babied, the boys learnt that the tough way

SM/Label V put her down as an SM rookie by mistake but the fans thought she fit the NCT look

She was super excited to debut with WayV

While she was highly requested to end up joining NCT-WayV specifically she still receives hate

She stands her ground and doesn’t let it get to her unless they’ve build up

Is friends with Mark and Johnny- honourary Foreign Swagger

Steals the boys clothes

Likes video games- Fallen Order is currently her favourite

Cares far less for her looks and presence than she should

Messy hair, no pants, no bra etc usually not caught on film without a bra though

Suffers panic attacks and lows that she’s successfully hidden

Successfully hidden her fear of people, doesn’t want anyone to take advantage of that

She constantly gets shipped with all of WayV, and Dream members since those are who she’s seen with the most

She knows the ship names: Feidery, Feijun, YangFei, Fun/Kei, Tei/Fen, Feiwin/Feicheng, Lufei, Renfei, Feno (tho people did accidentally start calling her and Jeno Fennel because of how similar the ship name sounded and she just accepted it), Feichan, Feimin, Fenle etc she’s sure there is more

She’s a main vocal but a killer rapper

Everyone thought she’d be an absolute cutie, BUT with the boys she’s a fellow crackhead and on her solo stages a beast of a dancer (aka damn she hot)

Has no filter, at all, her Yang and Ten are the worst left alone. Since all three are English speakers they torment the others with teasing

She has deep regrets in teaching the boys Aussie slang because now they find it interesting and keep finding ones that are inappropriate and make her laugh way to hard.

Don’t tell anyone but she swears she misheard Yang asking her for a gobby in which she cried out laughing and asked him to repeat it “he just asked what it was-“

If she had to pick a member to date you’d need to give her a week to think of an answer because she loves them all and wouldn’t have a clue who to pick

Also can’t forget that these boys (par Xiaojun and Kun) don’t knock at all so they’ve seen more of her than she’d like but thankfully she’s usually got all the important parts covered

Relationship with WayV

Kun

“Hi mum.” “FOOD!” “Cooking battle time.” “Magic!”

She’s like the child Kun doesn’t want and with her and Yang combined in teasing him it’s endless

Dear Kun’s future s/o- many apologies if he doesn’t want kids now because of them

She confides in him as a leader about things bothering her that could affect the band but only if he’s noticed first- she doesn’t really do deep and meaningfuls

Overall they get along really well and she trusts him

Ten

Endlessly teasing each other

One minute both of them are fine, maybe cuddling really depends next they are making fun of each other’s pre-debut photos

Her, Ten and Winwin are the most flexible but he’s a show off and her personality is a bit competitive so she usually out flexes him

They both like cuddles and she’s the one everyone goes too but she usually goes to Ten for a hug

Feels really awkward when she has her lows and night terrors but Ten is usually there for her so some people think that they are the closest in the group

Winwin

She buys him icecream whenever he wants

Puppy eyes do not work on her unless you are Dong Sicheng aka Winwin

She’s quite strong and can usually be found lifting him up just to annoy him

He goes to her for advice sometimes, not for any particular reason but she’s pretty good at advice and is super reliable

Very much a sister brother relationship

Lucas

He teases her for being short, the teasing doesn’t last long because she has no qualms about punching him for it

Surprisingly they don’t actually interact too much just kind of say hi how are you and what not

It’s not that they don’t they just haven’t clicked yet but maybe they will

Though when they do get along they are loud and proud

Xiaojun

Protective of him

She knows he isn’t delicate but in her nature she sees him and thinks must protect lmao

The two of them are quite touchy, same with Hendery and Ten and when they are sat beside each other in interviews they’ll secretly hold hands (or pinkies) or during lives someone has a hand on the others thigh

She’s very comfortable around him and likes getting cuddles from him when she can

If she can’t get to Ten after a night terror she tries to get Xiaojun without waking up Yangyang and they’ll sneak into her room and just talk until she or both of them fall asleep

Hendery

Crackhead central

She has this urge to out idiot him every time he does something dumb

Like stated before with Xiaojun they are touchy, these two are the clingiest though

These two are always touching, but not in a bad sense, like if these two are sat together, his head will be in her lap- vice versa or her legs over his legs etc

These two are also gym buddies, really because both are a little lazy but are also competitive but only around each other

Probably shipped together the most too because they always seem to be together and neither actually tease the other

YangYang

Oop it’s idiots time

These two don’t have a filter when left alone or with Ten - well to an extent

Remember that live where Yang said if he had a son he’d name the son Eleven

Yeah she was there and she was sitting in just utter confusion the entire time because she’d stopped listening until that point

Also that bit when he goes “anything can happen” imagine having Fei there sitting just behind them looking super confused as they turn and look at her- thanks you two you fueled rumours of her and Yang dating

Cue her saying “Jesus Christ I feel sorry for you future partner. I wouldn’t let you name the kid.”

Cannot be bothered calling him Yangyang it’s pretty much always just Yang

[katsukiboom]

Your Silhouette || IzuOcha

Hey guys! Today I’m bringing you this commission I did for the lovely @xpegasusuniverse​, thank you once more for all the love and support my dude! The prompt given was “the Dekusquad was going to see a movie as a group, but everyone ends up canceling at the last minute except Izuku and Ochako” - I hope you guys enjoy it as well! <3

Ko-Fi || Commissions

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- Midoriya! Uraraka-san!

As they sat in class waiting for Aizawa to appear that Friday morning, both teens turned around from their small talk just in time to see a certain, usually serious blue-haired boy approach them through the small crowd of students gathered on the hallway with a slight frown adorning his expression - he seemed just a little bit sad and by what Uraraka could guess, it had something to do with their big plans for the night.

- I am so glad I finally caught up with you guys, - Iida said once he was by their side. He was a bit agitated as if he had run all the way from wherever he was, his cheeks just barely tinted red. – I… I’m so sorry, - he continued while dramatically wrapping an arm around Izuku’s shoulders and putting his free hand above his eyes, covering his glasses as well. Something about the whole thing didn’t seem ‘normal’ to Ochaco, but she attributed it to her surprise. – Aizawa-sensei needs me to run some errands for the upcoming festival, which unfortunately means I will not be able to join tonight’s meeting. I am sorry for the inconvenience; I hope you have a great time. – His short explanation was followed by a sigh, and she only smiled.

- It’s okay, Iida-kun, - she replied, one hand held in front of her as a gesture of understanding, - let’s make sure to do the next one when we’re all available!

But little did she know it was just the beginning of the day.

Next it was Tsuyu, who slipped a note to Ochaco’s desk in the middle of Present Mic’s class, her neat handwriting explaining that she would have to come back home for the night as something had happened with the babysitter and she’d have to take care of her siblings for the weekend; as she didn’t know when her mother would come pick her up, she had decided to stay in the dorms just in case she missed the timing. Ochaco was worried and thought that it must’ve been something quite important, but when she noticed her friend was smiling back at her and then gave a side glance to Iida’s desk the sensation that something was off started to form in her mind.

The last person to cancel was Todoroki, offering them little words about what was holding him back but Izuku seemed panicked when the dual-haired boy came up to them with a sulky face. – It’s just that I have a lot going on and it has left me a bit tired, - Shouto had said. - I think you two should get together anyways. It’d be such a shame to waste the tickets Iida got us.

It all seemed pesky.

- What do you think we should do? – A nervous Izuku asked Ochaco while they waited in line for lunch, both their minds analyzing the possibilities without the other one knowing. – I- I mean, I’m not sure if you’re comfortable with just the two of us going…

She didn’t reply right away, thankful that she was before him to get her meal and that he wasn’t able to see her cheeks turn red at the sound of those words. Alone with Deku? Did I win the lottery? – I’m okay with it as long as you’re okay too, Deku-kun, - she shyly replied, - we could go back to the dorms and change after classes end so we don’t have to deal with the uniforms, but we have to be super quick about it so we don’t come back too late.

With her back turned to him, she was unable to see the big grin that spread on his face.

The hours after that seemed to fly by, and in no time the bell that warned students about the end of the day; it was a quick trip to the 1-A dorms for the students and no one really suspected a thing when the pair bolted towards their respective rooms except for the three that had bailed out of the outing, whose understanding glances met at the same time as they shared an unspoken secret: it had all been just a ruse, a shortcut in the way of, hopefully, making the two lovebirds realize what they had been so oblivious to this whole time. Some might’ve argued that it was pushing the two into that position but truly their friends knew they were just quickening the inevitable, and with one last smile they all got into their own rooms as well.

                                                              -

Izuku was the first one to get out of his, wearing a plain black shirt with a pair of washed-up jeans, a black jacket and his usual red sneakers, having cleaned them enough to glisten underneath the ceiling lights. He was satisfied with his looks to say the least but he still feared he’d feel underdressed, even if Ochaco wore something similar. ‘What if we accidentally wear matching clothes? Would she feel embarrassed by that?’ his mind started racing and his cheeks turned slightly red, but he tried to hide it as he made his way to the common room where Aoyama and Kaminari were playing with cards, their loud voices a dead giveaway that Aoyama was actually winning.

- Hey, Deku, going out somewhere fancy tonight? – Sero asked from the small kitchen there, a glass of water in his hand. His eyebrows were raised and his usual smile rested on his face, but this time it felt a bit more teasing than usual. From his side, Jirou watched with amusement.

- Yeah, actually, - Izuku started saying but he was cut off by the timid sound of heels behind him, and he was sure nothing in the world could’ve prepared him for what was coming: Ochaco was wearing a baby pink button-up with a flowy skirt to match and white sandals with kitten heels. She was holding a small purse and seemed to have put on minimal makeup, although to him she looked just as beautiful as ever. – He-h-hello Uraraka-san, - he muttered, fighting the urge to look at her outfit just one more time. – You look gre... good. You look really good, - he added with a nervous laugh.

That was all he could say and he wanted nothing more than to slap himself for not being able to fully express himself, but her gentle smile more than made up for his mistake. - You don’t look bad either, - she told him while blatantly ignoring the many surprised looks they were getting from their present classmates. – Are you ready? We should go now unless we want to miss the movie, - she added with a little sigh at the end and Izuku smiled back, feeling his confidence resurging as he let her lead the way.

                                                              -

The way to the movie theater wasn’t as quiet as Izuku feared it would be; they talked about school, the upcoming festival and the holidays that would follow and their expectations for the night, and he was happy to see her just as excited as he was. – What was the name of the movie Iida bought the tickets for? – Ochaco asked just as they got to their destination, but before he could reply she found it while scrolling up their group chat in her phone. – O-oh, - she whispered, which made him feel just a tad uneasy. – It’s called Your Silhouette, - she explained as they walked inside the small venue, the volume of the chatting around them rising but still allowing them to talk normally through the noise. – It’s the latest film by Miyazaki; you know, the famous director. It’s got great reviews but it’s a romance movie, - she added, not taking her gaze off her phone, and he saw her cheeks turning red. – Are you still fine watching that together, Deku?

He thought about it for a second, taking his time to reply while scanning the different food options the place had to offer. – If Uraraka-san’s okay with it, - he finally replied, - then I’m okay as well. – Their eyes met and their hearts jumped as they smiled at each other. Izuku wondered when it had been the last time he had felt this comfortable being alone with a girl, but he knew it would be of no use to dwell on whatever he felt in the past and just decided to enjoy the night without caring about what would come after.

They bought two large sodas and only one bucket of sweet popcorn along with a bag of chips, as they had agreed that the movie would be too long for them to grab some dinner later. Feeling satisfied with their snacks, they headed to their designated auditorium and quickly found their seats – they were surprised to see that Iida had given them the only tickets that were located at the back of the room and that were in the two-seat row, giving them no option but to sit there just far enough from the rest of the movie-goers. Uraraka took the time before the movie started to make a quick trip to the bathroom and Izuku saw the chance to message one of his friends in search of answers.

‘It was all on purpose, right? Was this a set-up?’

His message was read almost instantly by Todoroki but he received no reply other than a wink face emoji, and he almost groaned loudly had it not been for the lights going down and the projection starting to run. Izuku was in the middle of texting his date to tell her to hurry up when a finger tapped on his shoulder, making him turn around abruptly; her round face was right behind him and the distance between them was shorter than usual, but when she whispered, - I’m back, Deku-kun, - he almost melted on the spot.

Carefully, he let her pass to the seat beside the wall, holding both sodas so that she didn’t accidentally spill anything. The movie started not long after, and as the whole room fell into silence only the munching noises could be heard around them. Taking a peek at the girl next to him, he saw her attentively watching the film as if she was trying to remember every line, which made him laugh silently yet caught her attention. – Is something wrong? – She mouthed, tilting her head to the side ever so slightly.

- Oh, no, it’s just that you looked so cute just now, - Izuku replied without really thinking, and didn’t notice until her eyes opened up like plates. It was too late to back down but he also didn’t want to lose the courage that had surfaced in his body, and instinctively reached out to grab her hand, giving it a little squeeze before pulling away and turning back to the movie. He seemed completely calm on the outside but his mind was reeling, telling himself that his impulse would cost him the friendship he held so dearly, but it was only a matter of time until he felt a soft touch against his arm again.

When he looked at her again, he saw her gleeful expression and her hand barely tugging at his jacket. Due to the darkened room and the constant lights flashing on her skin he wasn’t sure if she was blushing again, but maybe he didn’t need to know. – I think you look really handsome as well, Deku, - she said just loud enough for him to hear, and his heart skipped a beat yet again. Uraraka looked so innocent yet breathtaking, something only the atmosphere around them could cause, and he felt actually blessed to be able to take in such a scene.

They stood there, looking at each other before he slowly moved forward and she mirrored his actions, meeting him halfway and sealing their feelings for each other with a soft peck that lasted shorter than either of them would’ve liked. The film became the least of their worries as they melted into one another, his arm wrapping around her shoulders and keeping her glued to him for the rest of the date.

If anyone had walked in the room they would’ve seen only a silhouette of two people merged together, their hearts moving in sync after being released from their cages.

[mayonaka-no-sasayaki]

CoAi Week 2019: Day 1

@coai

Ticking Heartbeats

♡ August 25th - Day 1: Time

Time heals all wounds.

Shinichi tries to remember this as he waits in the airport.

While he agrees with the notion to an extent, it’s not easy in practice— not when those wounds involve broken trust and empty promises.

At first, he thought that it would be difficult with Ran and it was. Heavens above, it was. But they’ve known each other for most of their lives and they’ve only just started dating at the time so they managed to power on through eventually.

No, what blindsided him was trying to build back the trust he once had with Haibara.

The fallout for his carelessness on the school field trip to Kyōtō had almost cost them everything; had even forced Haibara out of hiding. And in the end, it was because of Haibara they’ve managed to survive at all as the blonde used the same fear that used to cripple her once upon a time to fight back with reignited paranoia and vigilance; protecting those they love from an ambush while he fought in the front lines. It brought to light on how much he didn’t really know Haibara as the scientist planned and outwitted their enemies in ways that awed even him.

At the time, it made him wonder if this is who Haibara was before she lost her sister— the one they called Sherry; the Organisation’s top mind and scientist.

It both excites and chills him, knowing how deadly Haibara can really be.

Nonetheless, he’s grateful for having a partner as capable as Haibara especially when the scientist fought so hard to help him return back home to his life. Thinking back, Shinichi realises that it was the first time he ever hugged Haibara and mourns at what came after. With his body regained and his loved ones safe, Shinichi immediately went to Ran without looking back; honestly thinking that the worst was over.

It wasn’t until he woke the next morning to find that Haibara left Beika that he realised how wrong he was.

The only thing he knew at the time was that Haibara had took Jodie-sensei previous offer to be in FBI custody and left with only a goodbye to Agasa-hakase. It stung something fierce and he had pestered those in the know until they gave him the chance to talk to the scientist.

The ensuing fight brought a lot of ugly issues to light; things that he was too oblivious or careless to realise until it was too late.

I’ve already given you the antidote, Kudou-kun, Haibara had murmured, tired and weary. What else would you need me around for?

It left his blood cold when he realised that for all the time they’ve spent together, Haibara had thought that he only kept the scientist around for the antidote. Anger had coursed through him at the thought before crippling shame took over when Shinichi recalled his previous actions and words to the scientist. His continued carelessness with the antidote and disregard for Haibara’s warning and advices had made him grit his teeth in guilty silence.

Things weren’t the same after that, even after he tries to distract himself by settling back into his life again.

The weeks after the Organisation’s downfall were excruciating and it wasn’t only because of all the cleanup they had to do. Haibara didn’t ignore or snap at him whenever he called. The blond was brisk and clipped as ever.

But there was no denying the distance Shinichi suddenly found stretching between himself and his friend. While Haibara entertained his calls, the scientist no longer teased him or confined in him. Their bantering were nonexistent and he remembers missing the sarcasm and sass that used to come easily between them. For weeks, it was nothing but business between them as Haibara no longer spoke to Shinichi unless absolutely necessary. Shinichi has seen Haibara explode in anger, mostly due to his recklessness but in those cold weeks, Shinichi found out that Haibara was astoundingly good at giving the silent treatment without actually being silent.

It drove him mad to the point that he requested (actually begged) to meet Haibara, even just once; even for just a moment because he thought that maybe he had already given the biochemist enough space to at least take the chance to make amends. The fact that Haibara agreed at all was fortunate and Shinichi found himself at the American Embassy in Minato Ward as Akai-san stood guard nearby.

Shinichi hadn’t wasted his time and bowed, apologising to the woman he unintentionally wronged. It must’ve been an odd sight; a teenager bowing to a grade schooler but Shinichi didn’t care. Not if it meant his pride and carelessness would cost him the friend he was just getting to know.

He finally understood that the way he prioritised certain things and people in his life had caused Haibara pain and wondered if an apology for not only endangering their safety and even forcing Haibara out of hiding to protect his friends and family would be enough. It was especially humiliating because he didn’t broke just one but two promises at the time; to not get caught while attending the field trip and to protect the scientist.

Damn it all to hell, Gin had almost killed Haibara because of him.

Thankfully, an apology was all Haibara had been waiting for because the hesitant smile Shinichi received was the first he ever gotten since their victory and the distance between them wasn’t so wide anymore. Eventually, he had to say goodbye to Haibara and watched as Akai-san escorted the scientist back. For safety reason, he wasn’t informed of Haibara’s departure from Japan until days later in a form of an untraceable email with only an address to an apartment nearby Thames Street, London.

There was still a certain tentative caution to Haibara’s actions and words in the following weeks but it got better from that point on and Shinichi was careful not to take his friend for granted anymore.

Haibara became his confidant in anything and everything, and eventually Shinichi earned the right to be hers in return.

It was to the point where Haibara was the first person Shinichi turned to when he and Ran broke up. While he always believed that they’d be inevitable, some part of Shinichi knew that he and Ran wouldn’t last; not after what he went through as Conan. Maybe they could’ve made a happily ever after that would’ve lasted a lifetime but they had built each other up so much in their heads to ever make it work in real life. It was wonderful and beautiful while it lasted; everything he dreamed of since he was a kindergartener. When reality crashed down on him almost a year later, he shakily called up Haibara while it was probably in the middle of the night in London.

Paralyzed and voice stuck in his throat, a heavy silence stretched on before Haibara told him in the softest, kindest tone he had ever heard from the biochemist.

It’s okay to not be okay, Kudou-kun. It’s okay to be human.

Shinichi doesn’t remember much from that day except that he spent hours with his phone pressed to his ear as his body shook with sobs; mourning for the dream that he had to wake up from. It was also the first time that he was lulled to sleep by Haibara’s singing, curled up in his chair inside the library.

Neither of them ever mentioned what happened that day but Shinichi felt the first shift then, and life continued on as he got back to his feet and mended things with Ran. His relationship with Haibara became stronger as time marches on; so much so, that Shinichi can say that he at least earned back that bit of Haibara’s trust before he unknowingly lost it. But time means distance and distance has given him a great deal of perspectives.

Time and distance have also made his heart grow fonder for the scientist.

Weeks turned into months. Fondness shifted into affection as they became better friends; phone calls and emails to long video calls that became as frequent as three times a week.

Months turned into years and affection morphed into love. Impromptu visits to London over the summer (because he’s a Sherlockian; he’d take every chance he can get to go to London. That, and he’s come to really like Haibara’s British accent, okay?) to daily phone calls when he’s back home in Japan.

Just like the passage of time, his fondness for Haibara grew into something that rivals the love he felt for Ran. But different at the same time. It’s not the sort of reckless and passionate love he had with Ran that embodies the beauty of sweet youth. What he feels for Haibara is quiet, thrumming like a heartbeat; constant and reassuring.

Now, almost three years later; a week before his twentieth birthday, Shinichi is in the airport with Agasa-hakase by his side; low key panicking about what he’s going to say as they wait for Haibara to finally come home.

Shinichi doesn’t know how or why but it’s like there’s a ticking; a countdown in his head before a chime goes off and he looks up, zeroing in on the mass of people coming out from the gate. There’s a familiar head of blonde hair; that certain shade of Venetian that he’d recognise anywhere. It’s a bit longer now but still in that elegant perm. Then, he stops and stares when he realises that the one he’s waiting for is that of a young woman and not the eleven year old girl he saw last summer.

Shinichi never pried with what Haibara wanted to do with her own antidote and was even wiling to wait for the woman to grow up again before even thinking about courting her. But right now, standing with his mouth wide opened, Shinichi stares as Haibara glances around before sharp turquoise eyes land on him, softening into something warm and familiar.

There’s no running, no dramatic reunion. They walk towards one another, cutting through the masses with a single minded focus that has people stumbling away to make way for them until they stand face to face. There’s a dopey smile on his face and he’s happy to note that Haibara is also wearing a smile that lights up her beautiful face.

Agasa-hakase welcomes Haibara first; a father welcoming his beloved daughter home as he tucks her into a warm hug and fatherly kiss on the forehead.

When it’s his turn, Shinichi raises a hand, smile widening into a grin as suddenly, he knows exactly what he wants to say. “Happy to finally meet you. The name is Kudou Shinichi; detective. Yoroshiku."

Haibara breathes out a laugh, soft and unburden as she reaches out to grasp his hand into her own. “Likewise, Kudou-kun. I'm Miyano Shiho; CSI. Yoroshiku ne."

And before she has the chance to step back, Shinichi tugs Hai— no, Miyano to him and into a hug. Miyano stills in his arms as Shinichi murmurs against Miyano’s temple.

“Okaeri."

A beat then, Miyano relaxes and hugs back before pulling away a bit to cradle his face. Miyano looks at him for a long moment and he lets her, hoping against hope that all that time they’ve spent together after the fall isn’t wasted and that Miyano knows that he’s not that same boy he used to be.  Finally, he sees Miyano smiling, unrestrained and unapologetic and hopeful. She guides his head down to press a kiss on his cheek then rests their foreheads together.

“Tadaima."

Hands intertwined, Shinichi smiles and feels the final tendrils of old regrets fade away into nothing.

Time can heal all wounds.

You just have to try and do your part in it. 

[olboypacman]

Chapter 3. Three Way Dance (Dark Knights, Darker Queens)

A/N: I claim no ownership of Yandere Simulator, Ouran Highschool Host Club or any associated characters or trademarks.

****

The seven hosts come upon the front of the property hosting Akademi Highschool. Its white stone tile pathways beckoning the visitors forward.

It’s just after 4 o’clock, the hosts having arrived not long after classes have dismissed.

Students are passing by them, the females in uniforms identical to Oka’s black jacket with red accents, skirt and white shirt with red bow, and the males with matching styled uniforms, except that they’re wearing a tie instead of a bow and slacks instead of skirts. The various students appear to be heading home or to do whatever off campus after school activities them may have planned as the host club congregates at the front of the property.

“It’s no Ouran, but I guess it’s pretty impressive,” said Hikaru, as the hosts begin to make their way to the pathway, the twin shooting flirtatious smiles at the girls passing them who’s stare lingers on the group.

“Well, not every school can be as well funded as Ouran, Hikaru. But still, for a commoner’s school it’s not bad.” Said Tamaki, as followed Hikaru’s lead smiling at passersby.

“On the contrary, Tamaki. Akademi’s actually pretty well funded, the school being backed the Saikou Corporation,” responded Kyoya.

“Huh,” said Tamaki, “if this is the case, why have I never heard of it?”

“It’s because you rich bastards live in a bubble,” said Haruhi, showing subdued smiles of her own at the young women of Akademi as they pass them by, following the lead of her clubmates.

“What was that, Haruhi?” Asked Kyoya.

“Nothing, Senpai. Though, I guess it is nice gesture that such a big and successful company would bankroll a school like this.”

As Kyoya said, Akademi was in fact a school with the financial backing of Saikou Corp.

His background check on Oka (and information provided by Reiko) had of course led him to Akademi, which in turn lead him down an interesting path.

Kyoya initially thought also it was simply a philanthropic endeavor on behalf of the organization, as the company and the family behind it are based in Buraza Town.

But he found its origins maybe a bit more peculiar than a successful company simply giving back.

It’s rumored that Saisho Saikou, founder and former CEO of the Saikou Corporation, had founded the school for his daughter as sort of a grooming program as for she would eventually take the reins of the organization when Saisho retired. However, for one reason or another, she left it all behind and it was her brother who eventually inherited the company.

He also found that some of the very best students are fast tracked to a position within the Saikou Corporation upon completion of their education, and as it now stands (if the rumors are true), the current CEO’s oldest child, Megami Saikou is currently attending, the implication being she’s currently being groomed as the next head of the company.

There’s was also another rumor he had heard.

There’s a supposed predatory hacker lurking the halls of Akademi, whom may or may not be in the employ of Saikou Corp.

Info-chan.

There was no other name Kyoya could ascertain.

It’s believed that this ‘Info-chan’ is into many illegitimate activities including, but not limited to selling illicit photos of her classmates, blackmail, and corporate espionage. It’s scary that such a person would even be aloud to exist within these wall, unless this ‘Info-chan’ has dirt on the head administrator or even the Saikous themselves.

Definity not a situation the third son of the Ootori’s wants to find him or his friends in.

Which reminds me, thought Kyoya.

“Everyone,” said Kyoya aloud, as the members of Ouran’s Host Club came upon the front gate. “Before we officially enter, please heed my advice. Don’t use any Wi-Fi networks, as a matter of fact, put all your phones on airplane mode and do not use any free-standing charging stations.”

As the other hosts complied with Kyoya’s request and then crossed the gate. Haruhi approaches him.

“Senpai, tell me you didn’t.” She said.

“I haven’t the faintest of what you mean, Haruhi,” Kyoya responded, risking the wrath of his favorite kohai.

“So, you didn’t run a background check on Oka-chan?” She asked, folding her arms across her chest, already knowing his answer.

“I can neither confirm nor deny such accusations,” said Kyoya, adjusting his glasses.

“Damnit, Kyoya-senpai! We agreed you wouldn’t do that! Are you trying to ruin Mori-senpai’s chances with Oka-chan!?”

“You’ll find I agreed to no such thing, if I recall correctly. Besides, when have you known me to walk into a situation unprepared.”

“We’re accompanying a friend to ask a girl out! What could possibly go wrong, Senpai!?”

Kyoya hums at her, taking his glasses off pulling a handkerchief from is jacket pocket and begins cleaning them off. “You’re right, Haruhi. This should be simple. But I’ve read some interesting things last night,” he levels his gaze to the natural host, his cold façade temporarily broken, “things that could potentially put you all at risk. I’m just taking the necessary steps to make sure nothing happens to you all.”

“OK, fine, Senpai.” She said nodding her understanding of his point. “So, you did run a background check on Oka-chan, what is it about her that has you so spooked?”

“It’s not Oka, Haruhi. She’s harmless as near as I can tell. But, there maybe someone in this school who could prove to be problematic.”

The pair then approach the hosts at the gate as they’re being fussed over by a tanned, blonde-haired teacher, a coach perhaps, based on the red tracksuit she’s wearing.

“Oh, my goodness, are you gentlemen models? Is the school being prepped for a shoot?” She said.

“No ma’am,” said Tamaki, as he smiled at the older woman, taking her hand in his, “though I see how one would make that mistake, we are not models nor are we here for a shoot. My friend here,” he said gesturing to Mori, “seems to have been struck lovesick by one of your students, and we’re searching for her.”

“Oh, my how romantic!” She exclaimed. “Do you happen to know the name of this student? I may be able to point you in the right direction.”

“Oka Ruto,” said Kyoya, getting the attention of woman as he and Haruhi closed the distance between the hosts and the coach.

Her blue eyes flashed in recognition at bespectacled young man.

She pulls her hand from Tamaki’s as she exclaims, “Kyoya Ootori!”

“Taiso-san, how have you been? I had no idea you took on a career in education,” said Kyoya.

“I’ve been great, Kyoya-kun. Though things have slowed down since my Olympic days, I very much enjoy my work here!”

“Wait, Taiso,” said Haruhi, “as in Kyoshi Taiso. The swimmer? The one who won 23 gold medals?”

“Guilty as charged,” she said red-faced woman at the mentioning of her past accomplishments.

“How do you know Senpai, Taiso-san?” Asked Kaoru.

“Oh, the Ootori Group was one of my sponsors during my time in the Olympics. I’ve also been friends with his sister, Fuyumi, for as long as I can remember. My goodness, I remember when he was a little boy. He was so adorable and here he is now as a handsome young man. Anyways, you guys are here to see Oka-chan? She’s usually with her group of friends depending of one of her group’s club activities. Although…” she trailed off, concern adorning her face as she looks away from Kyoya.

“What is it, Taiso-san?” Implored Kyoya.

“A friend of hers, Ayano Aishi. Up until recently, I always got strange vibes from that girl. I mean she didn’t seem dangerous, but still, something about her creeped me out. Something about her seemed, unnatural, robotic. It was her eyes, grey and dull, like a doll’s. She always seemed like she was pretending to emote, pretending to appear normal.” Responded Kyoshi.

“Hmm,” responded Kyoya, “you said ‘until recently’, what did you mean by that?”

“She doesn’t seem like she’s pretending anymore, she seems to be much more normal, I guess. I think being around Budo-kun and Midori-chan have changed her for the better. But she still creeps me out. She’s also fiercely protective of her friends, Oka-chan especially. I want you boys to be extra careful around her, OK, Kyoya-kun.”

“Of course, when have you known an Ootori to be careless.” Said Kyoya.

Kyoshi nods her head in a farewell as the host club retreats to a nearby bench to come up with a plan of attack as far as finding Oka.

“I think Taiso-san might be wrong about Ayano. Anyone who’s has Budo’s heart can’t possibly be that bad.” Honey piped up.

“Be that as it may, I suggest we do be careful.” Said Kyoya.

“Is that why you had us put our phones on airplane mode, Senpai?” Said Kaoru.

“Hmm, you know me so well, Kaoru,” he responded.

“So how do you think we should go about searching for Oka-chan. It’s like Hikaru said, this place is no Ouran, but Akademi is still a lot of ground to cover.” Said Tamaki.

“It’s simple Tamaki, we split up.” Suggested Kyoya.

****

Tamaki never thought he’d see a day where his looks would be a burden.

About every girl that crosses his path stops him, trying to flirt or otherwise trying to get his attention. He lays on the charm as he always does, puts on that million-dollar smile of his and tries to move on as courteously as he can.

As he makes his from this most recent crowd of young women, he sees who he’s looking for.

The navy-blue haired girl is seated in an area at one of four tables, with awnings over the top of them, a wall of the school to her back with 3 vending machines and 2 water fountains to situated on it. She’s seated with two other young women, one with short aqua blue shaded hair and red eyes, her face in a book, occasionally contributing the conversation the other two are having. The other young woman has dark grey eyes and long black hair styled in a ponytail with a bang over her forehead styled towards the right and two side bangs on either side of her head and is speaking with Oka as they both nurse a canned drink of some kind.

Presumably one of two other young women Oka’s seated with is this Ayano Aishi Taiso-san expressed her apprehension over. But she appears to just a schoolgirl from where Tamaki’s standing. How dangerous can she be?

Wait, thinks Tamaki, isn’t Ayano Aishi the young lady that participated in that tournament not too long ago? The one that Budo charged security over?

He thinks back to that weekend, witnessing first-hand how much pain that young lady wrought to make it to the semi-finals of that tournament.

Perhaps she’s not as harmless as she seems at first glance, he thinks further. And he then he wonders just how dangerous this Ayano could be.

Best to tread carefully then, Ouran’s Host Club President thinks, showing rare awareness that he can be at times, rather grating.

The coast seems clear for now, so at the risk of being stopped by another group of girls, he makes a beeline straight to Oka Ruto and her the two friends she’s seated with.

He stops dead before he completes a full stride, a young woman that seemingly has come from nowhere is now blocking his path.

Her skin is an unnatural tan, but she manages to pull the look off. She has wavy blonde hair styled into a large ponytail with a light blue butterfly clip on her right bang. She’s wearing heavy makeup and she’s dressed in a uniform matching the other female students he’s seen, but she’s wearing loose socks on her shins. Her pale blue eyes are trained the expert host, a glow of want evident in them as her face is adorned by a ravenous, lustful smile.

“OH. EM. GEE. How is it a cutie like yourself hasn’t asked me out yet!? There’s this restaurant my dad takes me too who’s food is just to die for!” She closes the distance between them and gently puts her hands on his chest, using the excuse of smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in his suit coat to feel him up.

Tamaki instantly recognizes her type.

Spoiled rotten beyond all hope.

While his patience for these types is incredibly small, the young woman before him could prove useful to get Oka’s attention without tempting the wrath of Ayano.

He cracks that trade smile of his at the shorter girl, takes her hand left hand in his right, “And may I have my princess’ name?”

“Princess?” She says softly, taking his bait. “Musume Ronshaku, and yours, cutie?”

“Suoh. Tamaki Suoh.”

“Well what do you say, Tamaki-kun, we get out of here and get better acquainted?”

“Well, Musume-chan,” he said, running finger temptingly under her chin as he brought his face temptingly closer to hers, “it sounds lovely, but,” he continued, not much space between them, “there’s something I came here to do, and there’s very lovely young woman who’d be hurt and disappointed if I took another lady on a date.”

“Then let’s get out of here and…” she stops for a beat, recognizing she’d been refused, “wait, what?” She exclaimed; befuddlement evident on her face.

“There’s already a young lady of whom my heart belongs and is actually here to assist a friend to win the heart of one that he fancies.”

She re-dons a seductresses’ persona, grinning hungrily once more and says, “I don’t see a girl with you right now, what she doesn’t-“

“Musume-chan, I’m going to stop you right there. Surely you don’t expect me to be disloyal my love!? And if I were to just go and rendezvous with you knowing I’m in a relationship, how can you possibly expect any loyalty from me when I would discard my previous lover so abruptly?”

Befuddlement returned to her face, then it melts into anger. She bares her teeth and her brows crease, ruining the otherwise beautiful visage of this young woman at her fury. “Fine! You don’t know what you’re missing! There’s plenty of other boys who’d kill for a chance to have me on their arm, you bastard! You aren’t even that cute anyway.”

She sighs outward, having expended herself with her tirade and tires to blow past the blonde host, but before she can he takes her hand once more stopping her from leaving.

“Hey! What’s the big idea you jerk, you’ve made your decision!”

“Musume-chan, I know I don’t have the right to do so, but can you do me favor,” he asked dropping to a knee, a genuine somber look on his face.

“And how can you possibly think I’d do anything for you, you jerk!?”

“I apologize if my rebuffing your affections were harsh, Musume-chan.” He said, standing to his full height. “But a beautiful young maiden such as yourself shouldn’t just be willing to give your affections to a pretty face,” he said smiling down on her.

A blush staining her face, as she looks away from the blonde young man, a look of regret on her face at her actions. “Well, maybe I did come on to you a little strong, Tamaki-kun. And maybe I might’ve been a little harsh on you too.”

His smile widens and he says, “There’s hope for you yet, Musume-chan.”

****

Well this was a surprise.

When Musume had approached their group, saying there was this drop-dead gorgeous young man who wanted to speak to Oka, it had put Ayano’s guard on overdrive.

Musume was notorious at Akademi for bullying, Oka being a frequent target. Ayano wasn’t just going to sit around and let it happen again.

So, much to the dismay of Musume, she had led Oka, Kuu and herself to whatever prank she’d had in waiting for Oka.

But, Ayano hadn’t thought in a million years that Musume would be telling the truth.

But low and behold, the tan skinned blonde had led them to a tall, statuesque, blue-eyed, blonde haired young man standing by the doorway by the eating area in the courtyard of Akademi.

He’s good looking objectively, by Ayano’s guess. But he isn’t exactly to her taste. His hair’s not dark enough. Or messy enough. He’s kind of a bean poll too. And one would bet he doesn’t fill out a gi as well as…

Ayano shakes her head free of thoughts of a certain dark-haired martial artist, discarding her comparisons to the tall blonde before them.

God help him if he’s in on this prank too, though Ayano.

“Thank you for your help, Musume-chan,” said the tall blonde, as he waived his goodbye to Musume.

The tanned blonde waives her own goodbye to blue-eyed blonde in front of them as she takes her leave.

“T-That uniform,” says Oka, “so you go to school with Umehito-kun and,” she hesitates, looking away from the tall young man, a flush of embarrassment staining her usually pale features, “Takashi-kun. Is he here?” She asks, approaching Tamaki wearily, yet a sense of hope. “C-can I see him? I have something I’d very much like to tell him.”

“Worry not, my dear,” exclaims Tamaki, grabbing Oka’s hands while closing his eyes dramatically, clearly looking to expel some theatrical soliloquy.

The occult obsessed young lady visibly tenses, obviously uncomfortable with the contact of this stranger.

It’s something not lost on Ayano.

“Ayano-chan,” vigilantly said Kuu, putting her hand on the shoulder of the grey eyed girl.

She shrugs off Kuu’s hand as she walks to where Tamaki and Oka are standing.

“All will soon be-“ He’s interrupted by Ayano removing his hands from Oka’s. “Huh?” He uttered; confusion obvious on his face. He opens his eyes and is greeted with the apprehensive visage of Oka and the incensed face of Ayano.

“Back. Off.” Commanded Ayano through gritted teeth. “Can’t you see your making her uncomfortable?”

He yelps, jumping back animatedly as he does so at the order of the dark-haired girl.

“Sorry,” he responded in earnest, “I guess I simply got caught up in Ruto-san’s desire to communicate her feelings to my Senpai. Please, forgive me,” he said bowing regally, “and I apologize to you as well…”

“Aishi. Ayano Aishi.” She finished for him.

“And may I have the other young lady’s name?” Asked Tamaki.

“Kuu Dere,” said the aqua-blue haired girl.

“Tamaki Suoh, pleased to meet your acquaintance, ladies.”

“And you said that Tamaki-kun’s a classmate of this boy you’ve been crushing on, Oka?” Said Kuu.

“Kuu-chan!” Replied an incredulous Oka.

“What? You’ve since admitted to us that what you’re feeling isn’t a curse, and here’s a friend of this crush of yours right here before us more than willing to make the intro duction,” replied Kuu, noncommittally.

Oka sighs at her friend’s bluntness, somewhat jealous of her just stating the matters of her heart like its simplest thing in the world.

Then on que, as if reading her mind, Kuu utters, “Simple, all things considered.”

“Well, where is this, what did you say his name was again, Oka-chan?” Said Ayano.

“Takashi.” Replied Oka.

“Where is this Takashi-kun, Suoh-san? Take us to him, if you please. I’d very much like to meet him myself.” Said Ayano.

“Be nice, Ayano-chan. Oka-chan presumably likes this boy.” Giggled Kuu.

“No problem ladies just follow me,” he said bowing to them.

He begins to walk, leading the way to Takashi, but he stops abruptly.

“Um, I don’t exactly know where he is,” he said embarrassed, “and a friend of mine advised us to put our phones on airplane mode during our visit, so I have no way to contact him. Come to think of it, he didn’t even tell us why. And I didn’t think to ask him.” Tamaki finished, scratching back of his head, sheepishly.

“This friend of yours seems like a smart man. Then I guess were finding him the old-fashioned way,” said Ayano.

The group of 3 girls one and boy decide to search for Tamaki’s friends’ floor by floor.

Looking for a group of criminally attractive young men can’t be that difficult.

Their journey leads them to north wing of the first floor of Akademi, where there’s quite a ruckus inside of both the Cooking and Drama Clubs.

Inside the Drama Club much fuss is being made over the visitors inside, the Hitachiin Twins, as they in turn fuss over one of the club’s members,  Kokona Haruka.

They eagerly request the young lady try on the various costumes the club had to offer, offering their complements for Kokona and their cretiques for improving the club’s wardrobe (they are their mother’s sons after all). Although there’s a young lady with a similar hair style to Kokona silently seething at their antics everyone else present doesn’t seem to mind the Twin’s input.

At Tamaki’s request they take their leave, bidding goodbye to everyone, including the annoyed young lady hanging back. “Goodbye, other Kokona!” They intoned simultaneously as they left, much to her chagrin.

In the Cooking Club theirs a bit of a gluttonous disappearing act happening. More than a generous number of deserts are being devoured by Honey as the members of the club look on in awe, Usa-chan at his side.

When his attention is called by Tamaki and the others, he turns his head, his cheeks comically expanded by the amount cakes in his mouth. He attempts to address his kohai, but due to the amount of food in Honey’s mouth he’s not clearly understood. And Mori’s nowhere in sight to admonish his cousin for temporarily forgetting his manners. Honey swallows his fill and then exclaims with a sheepish smile, “Oh Tama-chan! Hika-chan and Kao-chan too! And see you’ve found Oka-chan, it nice to see you again,” he finishes, waving at the dark blue haired girl.

Oka bows slightly, responding with a sheepish, “Hi.”

Kaoru and Hikaru playfully admonishes their senpai for not searching for Oka as was discussed as introductions are made around, but asked when confronted with the same, they lamely cross their arms dismissing any wrongdoing.

The rapidly expanding group of Ouran and Akademi students make their way to the second floor.

Ayano suggested they make a pit stop before continuing their search for the rest of host club, picking up  a friend of theirs as her club had usually let out around this time.

There was an interesting sight when they came upon the club.

On the far end of the sat three figures, facing a large flat screened television. A girl with long green hair dressed in a similar uniform as Ayano and the others is standing over the shoulder of short brown haired young man dressed similarly to the other host club members as the green haired girl gives him instructions, presumably for the fighting game being played, it’s action taking place on the large television mounted on the wall in front of them. Sitting next to the young man is anther, taller young man with spiky blue hair with ponytail over his shoulder, patchy facial hair, circular glasses and headphones around his neck. He’s dressed in a similar uniform as the other males around the school.

One of the characters on screen life bar is depleted and falls to the ground defeated as an announcer dramatically yells ‘K.O’.

“You did it Haruhi-chan!” Yelled the green haired girl.

The addressed young man, Haruhi presumably, stands, humbly stating, ”Thanks Midori-chan, but it was your instruction that lead me to the win. I couldn’t have done this without you,” finished Haruhi, smiling brightly at the taller girl, slightly tilting her head as she does so.

Midori blushes brightly at Haruhi’s kind words, bringing her hands to her face attempting to cover her rapidly darkening cheeks so fast it creates an audible slapping sound. “Haruhi-chan! Thank you!” She said. Midori then turns her attention to other young man, “Gema-senpai, it was a good game, right?”

He stands turning to Midori and Haruhi, his anger an apparent on his face at losing to an amateur.

But before the blue haired club leader can say anything, Haruhi says, “It was a good game, Gema-kun,” extending her hand, earnest smile having never left her face.

The anger melts from Gema’s face, but he relectanly shakes Haruhi’s hand, “Good match,” he mutters before he goes off to a corner to some game or another on his phone.

“Well, this is surprise isn’t it?” Exclaims Hikaru, with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Indeed. Our usually responsible and studious Haruhi, slinking off and playing video games. For shame!” Followed up Kaoru, with faux dramatics.

She loses her smile, her expression turning to a more even tone, “Sorry. I know we were to find Oka-chan, but I met Midori-chan and she invited me to the gaming club. She’s very difficult to say no to. Besides, it looks like you guys found her on your own.”

After more introductions are made, the group takes their leave, but not before Tamaki pulls Haruhi behind.

“Midori was calling you ‘Haruhi-chan’, does she know you’re a girl?” He asks.

Haruhi shrugs her shoulders noncommittally, “If she does, I didn’t tell her. And what does it matter anyway? We don’t go to school here, nor do we live in this town, plus Oka-chan and her friends seem pretty easy going to me.”

“I guess you’re right, Haruhi.” Responded Tamaki.

Their next stop is still on the second floor, as they come upon Kyoya in the Art Club of all places, speaking with the club’s president.

“Excellent, Tsuka-san. And I can expect those potraits to be delivered on the agreed upon date?” Asked Kyoya.

“Of course,” replied young man of few words.

Kyoya bows to the club’s president and says, “I look forward to seeing your work, Tsuka-san.”

He turns to the sorted members of the host club, plus Ayano, Midori, Oka and Kuu, and says, “Oh, it looks like you’ve all found Oka, it’s nice to see you again Ruto-san.”

“Kyoya,” Haruhi addressed, “what scheme-hatchery are up to?”

“Oh, Haruhi,” said Kyoya, a look of mock hurt on his face, “it was nothing more than having paintings of the club commissioned to be actioned off on our website. How little do you think of me? Don’t answer that. Now, where’s Mori?”

****

Osoro and the others warned him something like this would happen.

Umeji was convinced it was just a passing fancy, and that things would just move forward.

That his little companion would just wander off school grounds the same way he wondered on.

But here he is now, faced with an absolute giant of man, his back to a wall of the outside of the school, dressed to the nines in a powder blue suit coat adorned with an unfamiliar crest on the left breast, a white shirt, black tie, pressed black slacks, and black shined dress shoes. He’s staring Umeji down with a determination that states a willingness to throw down. And in this giant’s hands is a kitten with a grey and white coat being scratched behind its ears as it purrs contently.

At first glance Umeji thought this giant was a new member of the school’s staff, but his youthful face and spike-styled hair betrays that of a much younger man than his size would infer.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Said the giant, his dark grey eyes boring into Umeji’s.

Umeji nervously fiddles with the bag of dry fish in his pocket as he responds, “Put the cat down, and get out of here. Unless you want to end up like the last clowns who tried to invade Akademi.”

The kitten fidgets in Mori’s grip, mewling at the spiky, blonde haired, orange eyed delinquent, presumably in recognition of shorter boy.

This ignites an anxiety within Mori.

What could this guy possibly want with this kitten?

Based on the way the kitten is mewling and fidgeting it can’t be nothing good.

This little guy just had to approach him as he searched for Oka.

Oh well.

“Sorry, but that’s not going to happen.” Responded Mori.

The orange eyed delinquent pulls a brown baseball bat from the box on his back, “Wrong answer,” he muttered.

Umeji brings the bat in front of him, holding it like how a kendo student, but Mori being one of the top kendo players in the country sees holes in his stance.

“Just walk away. It doesn’t have to be like this,” says Mori.

Umeji responds by bringing the bat above his head and charges Mori, going for a sloppy overhead swing.

Mori slightly tightens his hold on the kitten as he effortlessly evades Umeji’s clumsy swing.

Umeji charges Mori a few more times, getting visibly more frustrated and tired with each successive swing.

“Stay still you son of a bitch!” He yells, baring his teeth as he goes for another swing of the bat.

“Umeji!” Yells a low, yet feminine voice.

Both Mori and Umeji turn to see a group of four young men and one young woman making their way toward them. The tanned skinned, blonde haired girl is situated in front of the other 4 boys, 2 of them flanking either of her shoulder. The four boys have wearing the same uniform and have similarly dyed hair the same as Umeji, but they are of varying styles befitting that of a delinquent.

The young woman has an ‘x’ shaped scar on her left cheek and her blonde hair is wild, almost unkempt with a fringe styled over her face. Her brows are creased in annoyance, her lips in a straight thin line and her brown eyes are trained on Umeji and Mori. She dressed radically different from the other female students in this school. She’s dressed in a short sleeved white button up shirt, missing the bow that every other girl’s uniform had, with white wraps adorning her hands and forearms and a slightly oversized tattered black jacket around her shoulders like a cape. Her lower half is covered by a black skirt with gray shorts peeking from up under it with more wraps taped around her toned legs and faded black shoes on her feet.

“Having trouble there, Umeji?” She said, as the group closed the distance between them.

He flushes out of embarrassment and because he’s out of breath and answers between wheezes, “I got it under control, boss. No need for you guys to step in.”

The tan skinned girl breaks her gaze from Umeji, leveling it at Mori. She cracks a smile and says, “I told your obsession with that little pussy would bite you in the ass one day.”

The group of four flanking her laughs at her quip.

The gray coated cat in Mori’s pops it’s claws, digging them into Mori’s hand. He loosens his grip as he hisses in pain. The kitten bounds it way to Umeji, stopping in front of the boy, meowing expectantly.

Mori’s confused by this.

“Yeah, yeah, I got you,” he says, pulling the bag a of fish and piece of aluminum foil out his pocket. He situates the foil in a bowl like shape, then pours the bag of fish into it.

The kitten then looks up Umeji, meowing his appreciation, before it starts to eat it’s fill. Umeji then starts to scratch the kitten behind its ears as it purrs in contentment as the delinquent smiles down on it.

“I can see you’re confused, big guy. Our Umeji’s got a soft spot for the little furry things. To the point he risks his reputation as one of us on campus.” Said Osoro. “It’s not like he’s any good at concealing it either. Oka and that green-haired ditz caught him babying the little one here one day,” she finished under her breath.

“Oka? As in Oka Ruto?” He said, wondering why the apple of his eye would associate with these types. “Are you friends?"

“Nah, more like an acquaintance. She’s more of friend to Umeji and my boys then she is to me. Though I get the impression she doesn’t get that.” Responded Osoro.

“What’s it to you anyway?” Asked Umeji, stepping away from the feasting kitten.

Mori looks away from the group of blonde hairs, his cheeks darkening slightly. “I have something very important I wish to discuss with her.” He said lowly.

“And what makes you think we would let you, huh? There’s a toll for messing with one of us,” said Umeji as he once more went for his bat.

“No,” interjected Osoro, as she stepped in between the two boys, pushing at Umeji’s chest, “rich boy here gets a pass. Plus, from the way things seem, you attacked first Umeji. Besides, do you even know who this is? You wouldn’t have stood a chance.” She then turns to face Mori, leveling her eyes with his despite their disparity in height, “Takashi Morinozuka.”

Umeji’s eyes widen in realization, now cognizant of the young man he attacked. “The Takashi Morinozuka?”

Mori nods in the affirmative.

“Huh,” he says simply, looking to Osoro, then back to Mori, “not a chance in hell.”

Mori and then group of delinquents are then interrupted by the footsteps of the Host Club, Oka, Midori, Ayano and Kuu as they enter the scene.

Ayano takes point stepping in front of Mori, suspicious of Osoro and her cohorts.

She looks back at the tall host and says, “You are Takashi, are you not?”

He nods.

“I believe you have something to say to Oka-chan, but that can wait.” Finished Ayano, as she turned to face Osoro and her group. “Shidesu, do you mind telling me why Takashi-san is bleeding?”

Osoro stares down the shorter dark-haired girl, shrugging her shoulders in indifference at the accusation leveled at her and her friends. “I don’t know what you mean Aishi. You know, I don’t appreciate having a finger pointed at me every time someone at Akademi gets a papercut. Maybe you’ve been hanging around that feather haired goody-goody too much, his habits of jumping on my case are starting to rub off on ya. It’s starting to piss me off. You know I saw that tournament you were in the other day, we both know I can do you a whole lot worse than that,” Osoro finishes her statement as steps into Ayano’s personal space going toe-to-toe with her.

“Um,” mutters a soft voice, “Yan-chan, Oro-chan, please…” finished Oka obviously put off by her two friends’ conflict.

Osoro then turns to Oka, as the blue-haired occultist nervously looks away from the two girls, fiddling with her fingers.

“Damnit Ruto! I told you not to call me that,” Osoro yelled, snapping Oka to attention. Osoro stares her down for a moment before she says, “Alright, you get pass today, Aishi.” She snaps her fingers and says, “Come on troops! We’ve gotta meet Odayaka at the bakery, it’s cheesecake day.”

Osoro her friends go on their way, but not before Umeji utters, “And you complain about my obsession with pussy…”

Osoro smacks him upside his head, “Show some respect! It’s Amai.”

“Well, now that’s taken care of I believe you have something to say to Oka-chan,” Intoned Ayano to Mori.

“Hn,” he responded.

Ayano walks toward Oka, placing a hand on her shoulder, “If he tries anything funny, don’t hesitate. OK, Oka-chan?”

In response, she looks up Mori giving him a shy smile. “I don’t think you need to worry about that, Ayano-chan.”

Ayano nods, then walks over to their assorted group of friends, new and old, and says, “Midori-chan,” said Ayano, as she clapped her hands together smiling at Midori, “how would you like to take some pictures with our new friends?”

“Oh my god! Would I ever!” Screeched the green haired girl.

Oka walks over to Mori, taking him by the hand and leading him to a nearby bench. She produces a bandage wrap and what appears to be a hemostatic agent placing them on the bench next to Mori. She then walks over to a nearby water fountain, wets a handkerchief and makes her way back to Mori, sitting next to host.

“Takashi-kun,” she starts, as starts to clean the wounds on his hand, “I apologize for Umeji-kun and Nao-kun.”

“Nao-kun?” Asks Mori.

“Um, the uh, kitten.”

At the mention of his name, Nao the kitten mews up at the two as he walks toward them. Nao’s finished his fill of fish and is now looking to be pet again as he continues to mew.

“Nao-kun!” Scolds Oka. “You can’t expect to scratch a new friend and be rewarded for it.”

Nao folds his ears submissively at Oka’s light scolding. He mews cutely once more in an attempt to smooth things over with the dark-blue haired girl.

She shakes her head at the kitten and pats her lap.

Immediately, Nao’s eye’s glow and his ears return to their original position and he leaps up into Oka’s lap, padding around until he finds a comfortable position and curls into himself, purring contently.

Mori laughs lightly at the display.

She applies the agent in response, and the host’s laughs are replaced with a hiss of pain.

“Sorry.”

She begins to wrap the gauze around Mori’s hand, having cleaned the scratches and applied the hemostat. “Like I was saying, Umeji-kun’s got a reputation he wants to protect and very much desires not be seen tending to a kitten, despite his obvious soft-spot for Nao. And as far as Nao-kun, it’s best not to get in between him and his favorite food.” She said, as she finished wrapping the gauze around his hand. “There!”

“Hm.” Went Mori. “Oka-chan, may I ask where you learned to clean and treat wounds?” Requested Mori.

“W-Well,” she said, her hands still holding Mori’s freshly treated one, “Ayano-chan and Budo-kun are in the school’s Karate Club and sometimes have more than their share of scrapes and bruises after sparring days. I guess I kind of fell into doing it, as they didn’t have anyone else to treat them after their club time. And as I’m sure you know both Umehito-kun and I share very similar hobbies. Fiddling with herbs and other ingredients for potions and elixirs has given me a little bit of skill in the subject. That mixture I applied to your scratches is my own design even!” She continued as she lightly caressed his freshly treated hand.

Her eyes widen, recognizing what she’s doing and let’s go, busing herself scratching Nao behind his ears.

Mori laughs again, much to her chagrin.

“Hey, don’t laugh! Otherwise, I-I’ll-“ said a red-faced Oka, “I’ll get Nao-kun to scratch you again!”

To emphasize her point she holds the grey coated kitten in Mori’s face as he mews softly.

Mori gently takes the kitten from Oka’s grasp. He places the kitten in his lap petting him while smiling at her, “I’m not in the way of Nao-kun’s fish, so I think I ‘m good on that front.” He said in his deep baritone.

He then levels a serious look her way, as she turns to meet his gaze. His eyes boring into hers with an unspoken determination. It’s like his stare is penetrating her down to her very core. It stirs a fluttering in her that’s just as exciting as it is terrifying to her.

“Oka-chan,” he starts seriously, “I know we’ve just met, but I can’t help but feel there’s something here.” He takes her hand gently in his to emphasize his point.

Oka, who’s at most times very resistant to letting most other people touch her, lets it go, just like when they first met.

Her heart is hammering in her chest and palms are starting to perspire at her anxiety.      

He slightly tightens his grip on her hand, as if non-verbally communicate that’s fine to be nervous.

Because if he were honest with himself, he would let her know he’s just as nervous.

Mori breaks his gaze from Oka, looking ahead, determination still shimmering in his eyes.

“I spoke with Nekozawa-san not long after the little episode he and I had. He talked about you. He couldn’t help himself. You’re incredibly important to him, you know. He told me how when your parents passed away that there was no one but him and his parents to take you in. He told me he was simply acting in your defense when he confronted me that day. He went on to say that you very vulnerable when you were younger. That you were bullied a great deal because of your interest in the occult. He said he hated himself because he couldn’t do much to protect you and had to lean on Budo-kun heavily to look after you. He said that he hated that things didn’t really turn around for you until you met your current group of friends in high school.” He re-levels his gaze to the dark-blue haired girl. “He told me a lot about you, Oka-chan. He showed me that through everything, you have the strength to show the world that you can be who you are proudly regardless of what the world thinks of it or what it throws at you. That’s not a strength you find in many people and,” he smiles at her once more, “that’s a strength I can admire.”

“A-admire? No one's ever said that a-about me before,” responded a cherry-red faced Oka, as she nervously fiddled with the edge of her skirt, looking down. “Y-you mean you-“ she trailed off.

“Every word, Oka-chan.” Responded Mori. “I’d like to take you out sometime, maybe for lunch, or tea. To maybe get better acquainted. May I see you phone?” Asked Mori.

She digs into her uniform coat pocket, fishing out a smartphone adorned in a black case with a white spider webs, matching her stockings and cut-off gloves and hands it off to him.

He takes it, releasing her hand and then hastily begins typing something in.

“What’re you-“

Before she can complete the thought, he offers her back to her. Right there on the screen is a new contact, Takashi Morinozuka, it read with an accompanying phone number.

“You don’t need to answer now, Oka-chan. But if you so choose, don’t hesitate to contact me so we can hash out the details, if you simply just want to talk, or if you just want to be friends if you so desire.” He then carefully takes the napping Nao, places him in Oka’s hands, and stands to his full height, looking down to Oka, “I eagerly await your correspondence, and thank you for taking the time to listen to what I have to say, Oka-chan.”

“Takashi-kun,” she utters before he has a chance to go, “I think there might be something here too,” she said leveling a shy smile at the host.

He returns it in earnest, as he goes to join their assorted group of friends as they take pictures and converse with one another.

****

Well they seem to be hitting things off, thought Kyoya as he observed Oka and Mori while writing in his notebook.

He hears two pairs of footsteps coming up behind him, before he’s softly tapped on the shoulder.

He turns, finding Oka’s two friends, Ayano and Midori, looking at him expectantly (more Midori did, Ayano looked more neutral than anything).

“Excuse me, Kyoya-kun, was it?” Asked Midori, “Would you like to take a picture with us? You’re the only one of your group, besides Takashi-kun we haven’t taken a pic with,” she finished, barely containing her excitement.

“I would be glad to, Gurin-san. For until I miss my guess, I think we’ll be seeing more of each other,” Kyoya said, gesturing towards Oka and Mori. “I can’t think of better way to commemorate the new friendship between us.”

Kyoya stands between the two girls, slight angled off as they prepare to take the picture. Midori budges in close, standing at Kyoya’s right shoulder, grinning widely while throwing up two peace signs on either hand. Ayano, standing at Kyoya’s left shoulder angles her phone in front of trio, taking great care to catch Kyoya’s face (maybe seemingly more care than necessary for just a group selfie), making the third son of the Ootori’s the centerpiece of the picture. The dark-haired girl smiles subtilty and throws up a peace sign of her own, snapping the picture on her phone.

“Oh, oh! Let me see Ayano-chan!” Screeched Midori, as eagerly reached for Ayano’s phone. “Perfect. Please don’t forget to send me copies those pics Ayano. I really want to post them on Facebook.”

Interesting, thought Kyoya, as he observed the two girls (though mostly, Ayano). Taiso-san had warned him about Ayano, sighting a look her eyes and pretending to emote. He did note that she wore a bored expression that gradually turned slight softer the more she interacted with his friends. He also observed genuine flashes of affection whenever Midori said something seemingly without thinking or when Kuu went to correct the green haired girl. Interestingly enough, she appears to be immune to Tamaki’s charms. Judging by how similar he and her friend Midori seemed, she’s used to the exuberance of bright-haired idiots.

From what Kyoya can deduce, Ayano seems like any other schoolgirl. More reserved than most but he’s not seeing anything that give off any red flags.

Although something did seem deliberate about the way she went about taking pictures of Kyoya and the host club. Like she’s going to use them for something other than just commemorating meeting new friends.

Oh well, thought, Kyoya. It’s just something he’ll have to keep an eye on.

He sees Mori approach from his conversation with Oka. He’s sporting a small smile as he closes the distance. He sees Oka on the bench, looking after the kitten that scratched Mori earlier. He catches her looking up to Mori briefly, a shy smile and a blush on her face before she looks back the kitten in her lap.

“I hope this took you out of your funk, Mori-senpai. I hope I can put your name back up for reservations. Although, I’m not sure how long it will take to win back the goodwill of your clientele. Oh, well. I’m sure we’ll come with something.” Said Kyoya to his upperclassman.

Mori responds by affectionately rubbing the top of Kyoya’s head, playfully messing his hair.

“OK, Ok, enough of that, senpai!” Complained Kyoya.

“Hey, Takashi-kun, come take a picture with us!” Yelled Midori, as she waived him over to their group of assorted friends.

****

Later that night, Ayano’s sitting at her desk, going through the photos she’s taken today. She looks at them fondly, remembering how she made Midori so happy by such a small gesture. She lands one of all her assorted friends new and old, wondering what experiences a wait her and her friends now after being acquainted with Ouran’s Host Club. She particularly wondered about the tallest among them, Takashi Morinozuka, considering his interest in Oka.

She learned a lot about the hosts today.

Tamaki. Princely, charismatic, but loud, animated and incredibly dramatic. Her years of being friend’s with Midori taught her the experience and know-how to deal with it.

Kyoya, intelligent and calculating. He tries his best to play the part of detached egoist and may even fool some into believing that that’s who he is, but Ayano can see the genuine care and affection he has for his clubmates.

The Hiatchiin Twins, Kaoru and Hikaru. Playful, mischievous, and very affectionate towards each other. That last bit had the usually unflappable Kuu very interested. Ayano had played the ‘Which one is Hikaru?’ Game, winning several times in a row where her friends were unable to tell the two apart. That had won her the respect of twins instantly.

Haruhi Fujioka, the most earnest and modest of the club was by far the easiest to get on with. The girl dressed as a boy for a reasons that have yet to have been revealed to Ayano was easy to talk to and understood the world around her in a way that belied her age. She has since become desensitized to her friend’s antics, but still carries a deep affection for her friends. Speaking of which, she did seem a little more affectionate with Tamaki than anyone else, perhaps the two are dating. Maybe she could give some advice on…never mind, thought Ayano.

Mitsukuni Haninozuka or Honey, as he’s known by his friends is not what he seems. She actually is familiar with the diminutive blonde is through Budo’s stories of never having bested Honey in a fight. There’s way more underneath his child-like nature than at first glance, that much is obvious. He’s actually the oldest of the club members and shares an interesting kinship with Takashi.

And on the subject of the tall host, the quiet dark-haired young seemed steady and reliable, but she didn’t really get a chance to get know him, as he spent most of time speaking with Oka.

The two are clearly enamored with each other despite not having only seen each at least twice and that worries Ayano.

While she will always be thankful to Taro to awakening the emotions within her, her own experience with a first crush had her ready to ruin her own life and those around her in order to win his affections. She luckily had Budo to talk her down, making her realize exactly who’s right for her heart.

Ayano doesn’t want that for her friend, so she’s going to do everything in her power to make sure this budding romance with Takashi Morinozuka isn’t just some passing fancy, especially on Mori’s part.

Ayano isn’t sure Oka can take that kind of heartbreak.

“It hurts when people leave, I don’t want to be hurt again,” Oka said in reference to hesitating befriending each other.

Oka won’t be hurt, I’ll make sure of it, thought Ayano, as she steeled herself for what she’s going to do.

She takes out her phone, going to her contacts and swiping down until one name comes up.

‘Info,’ it read, as Ayano’s finger hovered above her screen.

She sighs, hitting the name, then pushing the option to text.

Hey, she texted.

She waited for a few minutes before she received any correspondence.

Well, well, well. This is quite the surprise, read Info-chan’s response. What can I do for you?

How do you know I want something? Maybe I just want to talk? Ayano typed back.

You haven’t contacted me in months, Yan-chan. You couldn’t even be bothered to send me an upskirt for old time sake? You want something, no question. So, what do you want? Finally decided you want to go after your precious Senpai and looking for my help? But word around the school is that you have the hots for Budo Masuta. Oh, are you trying to have two boys at the same time? My innocent little Yan-chan’s not so innocent after all, messaged Info-chan.

This was a mistake, thought the incensed Ayano.

No, you idiot. I need information on the people in the pictures I’m about to send you. Anything you can dig up will be helpful. Ayano texted.

She sends the photos of the host club, with their names and waits for Info-chan’s response.

Ayano, do have any idea who these guys are? Texted Info-chan.

The twins and short blonde for sure, but everyone else is anyone’s guess. Ayano messaged.

I’ll get your dirt, Ayano. If there’s any to find out. But you’ll owe me Ayano. Responded Info-chan.

What do you want from me? Ayano sent.

I’ll let you know later. I’ll contact you later with what I find out. Catch you later, Yan-chan! Texted Info-chan, with smiley face emoji.

“Great,” intoned Ayano aloud, “now I’m indebted to the devil and I have no idea what she wants in return.”