#how his expressions change from one millisecond to the next

[bird-inacage]

The Heart Killers EP10 | "What about the lives we've wasted? What about the freedom I long for, the love I refrain from? Should we kill her? She taught us to kill people. What she did to us was beyond evil. Kill her! Let's kill her, Fadel! Kill her!"

May I present KHAOTUNG The Actor 👏👏👏👏👏

[smallestapplin]

Rescue bots romance headcanons

Yes, hi, I was dragged into this and now can’t stop thinking about it.

Reader is gn!human. Nothing but fluff here (if you have any less fluffy ideas please throw them at me, I’m desperate for these fuckers)

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Chase

Chase is so dense it’s a miracle he even managed to realize his feelings for you were more than just platonic, the tightness in his chassis every time he spoke to you, the claminess of his servoseach time he felt the urge to grab your hand. Oh yes, you had this police bot wrapped around your finger before he even realized it.

However, he is a very by the books bot, courting will be done properly! He scares you half to death with his siren softy ‘bwoop!’ing, sadly you aren’t the only one who gets spooked by it, as Chief Burns gets a good jump if he happens to be riding in Chase’s alt mode, same with the rest of the family if they are around when he doesn it.

The only ones not confused are the other Rescue bots, Blades and Heatwave do not stop teasing Chase for his little crush on you, making the poor bot more flustered about it than he already is (even if his expression doesn’t change much.)

Blades tries to offer some advice though from all the movies he’s watched, but most of them end up in a sillier fashion than Chase would like. Heatwave attempts to help but he’s really got nothing but support for him. Boulder, luckily, is Chase’s saving grace, using passages from the dating advice books Chase has read to help him.

He had to ask Charlie for help obtaining flowers, chocolate, a plush toy with hearts, and a request for leaving later in the night, which he was delighted to be granted.

The hard part comes with actually asking you out to a picnic under the starry sky under a nice clear night. You try not to laugh at how cute he looks with a barely big enough magnetic bow tie, a radio playing older cheesier love songs, and his gifts in his servos. He has an entire thought out speech for you, from the very instant he realized his feelings to the actions he noticed most about you that made him fall helm over pedes for you, to finally how he wishes to start a pre-conjunx endura courtship with you.

Agreeing and you have the rare chance to see such a sweet smile on his face plate and cheeks twinged blue.

Chase is a very interesting bot, he remembers very VERY little things, the date and exact time you agreed to date him, from your first hug to your first kiss, he has a calendar with all of it marked and timed, your first night in each other’s rooms in some way. Down to the last millisecond.

Protective boyfriend, very protective, it takes his job as a rescue bot very seriously and never hesitates to save people, but when it’s you in danger of about to get hit he becomes an entirely new ferocious bot, adrenaline coursing through him to get to you and take any hit for you, to get you to safety first.

Call him for anything, do you feel mildly uncomfortable around someone? Congrats, he is right next to you and putting himself between you and whoever else. He’s observant to little things, any nervousness you have will instantly be addressed by him, cause he wants you to feel safe and comfortable.

A little awkward on affection, Chase likes holding you in some way but kissing gets him bashful. Handholding, cuddling, hugging, setting you on his shoulder all come to him like second nature with you, but kissing? Please do it, he wants to kiss so badly but is unsure how to approach the subject or bring it up.

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Blades

how YOU don’t know Blades has a crush on you is beyond everyone else, it’s so obvious and just a fact. “Grass is green, the sky is blue, and Blades has a crush on that nerd.” It’s almost adorable but painful to watch. Blades thinks he’s hiding it sooo well, he’s so cool and no one knows! It’s not like he gets nervous around you and starts stuttering, it’s not like his cheeks burn blue with bright energon when you’re around him, it’s not like he squeals happily and bounces in place when you agree to watch a movie with him.

He plans every hang out to a T, always has snacks for you, what movies to watch, blankets Dani and Cody let him use. Please don’t ask him about the movie. He was too busy staring at you with a smitten look on his face plate.

Blades wasn’t a flight mode bot until he got to Earth, so he doesn’t have much control over his wings like one would think, as the rest of the team calls him the sweetspark alarm for the sole reason of they don’t even need to look up from what they are doing to know it’s you, the second they hear fast ‘ptptptptpt’ they know you are at base and Blades spotted you.

Once more with Heatwave’s banter, calling him a sap and to just go for it already he’s getting a processor ache just watching you two.

Anytime you leave base Blades mopes around, sighing, slumping over the couch already missing you and he lets everyone know it. Even his confession came out by accident, he got hurt trying to protect you and when you held his helm so gently everything just came spilling out in rapid succession.

How could you say no when he’s looking at you like you are his world? His joy makes him forget his rotator is damaged, and truthfully you wouldn’t even know how he picks you up and spins you around, cheering.

Blades is a big sweetheart, a very needy one too, he loves your attention and affection so much! If no one can find him then he’s with you, he’s so attached to your hip. Please flirt with him, even the smallest or silliest pick up line has him making a wheezing sound before covering his blushing face plate and giggling, he’s so easy to make swoon.

Please hold him while watching a horror movie, he loves them dearly but he���s such a big chicken he needs to be held and smooched instantly.

He may be fearful but that never stops him from protecting you or getting hurt trying, but please be careful on rescues and missions he will cry if you are hurt. He holds and treats you so tenderly, giving the injured area gentle kisses and apologizing he wasn’t fast enough, and always asks if you need anything. Nurse Blades is at your care to ensure a good recovery.

Blades can be a bit hard on himself and often thinks less of himself, he’s not as strong as Boulder, as smart as Chase, or very confident like Heatwave, sometimes he needs a little boost and some reminding he’s loved and perfect as he is. Cover his helm in kisses, whispering praise and what you love about him inbetween, hold him close, it really makes him feel a thousand times better.

Call him a pretty boy, he will go to you with a skip in his step and love in his eyes. You are not immune to his pet names either, ones he’s picked up from too much tv, from ‘sweetie’ to ‘honey’ to ‘cherry pie’ though the look on his face was priceless when you explained the meaning of the last one, he has called you it once and then never again he was so embarrassed.

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Heatwave

Mr I'll keep all my emotions right here until i die’ is not above finding himself smitten with you and it angers him at first, he is here on a mission nothing more nothing less and yet you throw a wrench into those plans. Your stupidly cute smile, you dumbaft adorable laugh, that stupid stupid happy sparkle you get when you see him, it’s infuriating! No one can tell what’s upsetting him, he avoids you as much as he can and uses the training dummies to get all his frustration out.

It takes him so long to calm down and fully realize this isn’t just some crush that’ll go away, no, he’s in love with you. It doesn’t help you look up at him with a smile and a happy greeting of his name, his name has never sounded better than it does leaving your lips, he could listen to you say it all day.

Once Heatwave realizes these feelings aren’t going away, prepare to have scary dog privileges, as Heatwave is very protective over you and slightly possessive, your safety and health come first and if he catches anyone saying anything that isn’t praise for you it’s on slight. He doesn’t like sharing your time, he will find some way to drag you away from others or at least keep you by his side while you talk to everyone else, even if he doesn’t speak he just grunts but makes sure you are within arms reach.

More ‘bwoop!’s of sirens, cybertronian courting at it’s finest, he likes letting you know he’s there and he always puffs his paneling when it not only works but also gets your attention. Anytime he’s pulling up he’s ’bwoop!’ing anytime you move past him he’s ‘bwoop!’ing his siren softy. His spark melts everytime you chuckle at his calls.

Kade has made ONE offhanded comment about you and it likely ended into the worst argument the team has ever seen the two have, as Heatwave does not take kindly to any bad mouthing of you, whether you are there to see it or not. The leader is a firm believer in ‘keep my sweetspark’s name outta your intake.’

And he hasn’t even asked you out yet, speaking of! When he finally does ask you, it’s late at night, everyone is asleep except you two, neither of you could sleep so you both sit in the backyard, it’s quiet aside from the sounds of the crickets and birds, and you lay so close to him, he can feel your warmth. It’s quiet between you two but it’s not uncomfortable, it’s nice, but for some reason it has him spilling his spark out to you, from his background he’s never told anyone, to how much he truly adores you, loves you, everytime you’re near he can barely think right.

Returning his affection with a smile and a kiss to his shoulder earns you one loving but grumpy bot. Constantly reminding you to take care of yourself or he will do it for you, and that is a promise.

Heatwave isn’t a huge fan of PDA, he prefers to keep your affection private and behind the closed doors of his habsuite, though he doesn’t mind a little hand holding or more subtle touches.

This is now where his slightly possessive nature kicks in, anyone even slightly hinting at flirting with you and he will stand behind you glaring something deadly to whoever you are talking to. Without hesitation he will step between you and others, he always likes keeping you at his side or slightly behind him so he can protect you. His pet names for you mostly have ‘my’ at the start of them.

Banter, I hope you like banter, because he is still a snarky bastard, he can’t help but tease you, calling you short stack (even though he is unfairly tall), or his tone mocking as he calls you ‘your majesty/princess/prince’ he lives for playful roasting each other, cause with you it always ends in someone getting a kiss to shut the other up and he won’t admit it, but he does want that kiss.

His temper can cause a bit of problems, but he has gotten better at working on it! Please, he will tell you he just needs a moment to cool down, and he will go to you when he feels calmer, cause the last thing he wants to do is say something in the heat of the moment and hurt you.

Gifts are interesting, he's more of a quality time and acts of service kinda bot, but you do in fact get gifts, sometimes it's some ancient treasure from pirates that he yoinked, sometimes its a pretty rock from an abandoned island they went to, and other times it’s a little action figure of himself and his team (which you had a good laugh about, but adore so much.)

Primus, help if you are ever injured, he goes into rescue mode but his intake is in worried partner mode and keeps trying to reassure you he is not leaving you anywhere.

Also Primus, help if someone makes you uncomfortable, he is not above catching a charge, much to the dismay of Chase.

[takenbypeter]

Hello! Per your most recent announcement I have a Bob x Reader request🙂‍↕️(Pls) The reader has a sonic scream like Black Canary & is an expert in diff martial arts. She also wears the same costume (the bodysuit, leather jacket & fishnet tights)🙈So ofc Bob finds her very attractive and gets nervous around her but she’s oblivious bc she thinks he’s like that in general with everyone. Bob also thinks he doesn’t have a chance bc he sees how close her & Bucky are but they’ve been friends for years since she’s an OG Avenger & sided with Steve during the Sokovia accords. Then we have Yelena trying to encourage Bob to make a move and Bucky trying to get the reader to see the obvious signs that Bob likes her. A little chaos but fluff in the end lol. Thank you!

Push To Start

Bob Reynolds x reader

Words: 2757

A/N: This might not be as chaotic as you wanted but yayyy first Bob fic! I have a few WIP but feel free to request again. Thanks for requesting and I love Black Canary that’s one of my girls!!!

“Hut!” Your voice bounced off the walls, while your blow landed with a thud as it came in contact with a heavy metal arm. 

You heard a gasp from across the room creating a bit of a distraction. Taking the millisecond Bucky grabbed your legs knocking you down in the process. You strained, trying to escape but bit but he pinned you down. 

From your position on the floor you could see the man behind the gasp. Bob. He was seated on his usual bench when you and Bucky spared. His face was decorated with a look of fret. 

Bucky didn’t have to follow your eyes to know who you were looking at. “Your fanboy is being a bit annoying don’t you think?”

You frowned pulling Bucky closer then tumbling around, switching positions so you’ve got him held to the mat now. 

“He’s not my fanboy, he’s here to learn about fighting styles.”

You glanced up again, noticing Bob's worry was now replaced with an expression of awe. 

Bucky escaped from your hold pretty easily and soon enough you two were both on your feet again. The next moments were filled with both parties obtaining hits, back and forth until Bucky wrapped you in a headlock, his arm tightening as you struggled. 

“Right, which is why he’s only in this room when you’re in this room. Or the fact that he’s been here for weeks and weeks and never once touched this mat.”

You lifted your top lip, snarling at his words. “He’s a visual learner, so what?” You squeaked out before using a small amount of your sonic scream. The screech, though not directed at Bucky, irritated his ears enough that it caused him to let go and fall to his knees. Once he landed, you grabbed him and tossed him over your shoulder. He landed but was on his way up again, quick.  

“Yeah sure that’s it,” he said, pushing the sweat off of his forehead. 

You were done with this conversation. Kicking it into high gear, you charged at the man and landed strike after strike until you finally knocked him down and right as he hit the ground. The timer went off. 

The tension in your body lightened as your arms dropped to your side while Bucky lay on the floor, both were exhausted. 

Bob stood up clapping at your victory and turning to him you gave a bow before waving as if you had just won a pageant. 

“Amazing,” he complimented, “really awesome,” and you grinned at him, “thank you, thank you.”

Behind you, you heard Bucky shifting around on the mat, “don’t worry about me, I’m fine. The mat is pretty comfy.”

You laughed a bit before heading towards Bob on the bench who handed you your towel and water bottle once you were close enough, “thanks.”

“No problem.”

“I’m gonna go get changed I’ll be right out.”

“And I’ll just get my own water,” you heard Bucky mumble under his breath while he head to the door. You rolled your eyes at his comment carrying on with your task at hand.

Bob waited patiently outside the changing room. It wasn’t a long wait, in fact it was quicker than usual and soon you came back out in your suit. 

Bob’s eyes blinked harshly, trying his best not to look down like a creep and check you out. He’s seen you in the suit multiple times, but god you made those fish-tights look good. 

At his silence plus the awkwardness you were beginning to feel, you grabbed the bottom of your leather jacket and turned your upper half to the side, showing the fit off. 

“How do I look?” You joked.

And little did you two know that while you asked Yelena quietly had made her appearance at the end of the hallway. Instead of approaching she watched seeing how Bob Reynolds would play this out. 

Bob wasn’t sure if his jaw was open or closed but all he knew was he had to pull himself together. “You look amazing…stunning—perfect—well you always look perfect.”

“Relax,” you placed a hand on his shoulder trying to calm his ramblings. And while you thought this was a relaxing gesture all it did was make Bob more aware of the fact that you were there. “I was joking.”

He squeezed his eyes shut as a silly smile took over his lips, “right.”

You shared a smile before he realized what you in your suit could only mean. “You’re going on a mission?”

“Yeah Valentina messaged me while I was changing. So Bucky and I are heading out soon.”

“You and Bucky? Why do they always pair you two together?” 

You shrugged, “I don’t know, probably cause we work well together. Our fighting styles complete each other,” you kidded, batting your eyelashes while Bob forced a laughing sound to come out of his mouth. 

“Okay well, don’t be gone too long,” he snapped his fingers, with them landing in a finger gun position, (something he immediately regretted after doing,) “I’ll be waiting right here.”

You tried your hardest not to laugh at the outdated hand gesture, while he continued on, “well not right here—I mean I’ll be in the building, waiting— but I’m not like just waiting if for you, I’ll be doing other things. Because waiting like a stalker is weird so yeah.”

That did it. You let out the laughter, it echoing down the hallway while you waved him off, and started walking, “bye Bob, I’ll see you later.”

Bob watched as you retreated unable to take his eyes off of you. He tried his most not to gawk at your figure but like he said, you looked good. And then finally you were gone. 

He let out a sigh realizing he was once again alone. But he wasn’t as alone as he thought. 

“Very smooth.”

“Ah!” Bob backed away from the voice, leaping from the blonde who stood right beside him her eyes also to where Bob was last peering at. 

“Geez, you act like you’ve seen a ghost.“

His body relaxed at Yelena’s words recognizing that he was in a fact safe, but his mind was still alert. 

“So I’m tired of this riff raff, will they won’t they? Ask her out already—ooh what’s the plan? I don’t want to help but I just want to be there to see how you manage this one.”

“Wh—what are you talking about?” It wasn’t out of nervousness that he stuttered in fact he was trying his hardest to plead innocence. 

“Oh don’t do that. Don’t play that game. You like her, it’s obvious so let’s just put our big boy pants on and ask her out now, okay? Okay.”

Bob opened his mouth to protest but just closed it accepting the fact that he couldn’t argue with Yelena. She was one of the few who could easily read him. 

“Okay yes I like her but there is no plan. Plus she has this whole thing for Bucky so that’s that.”

Yelena let out a snort, “her?” She pointed to where your figure was last seen, “and Bucky? That’s hilarious. You’re funnier than you realize.” She smacked his arm laughing out loud while she did so, but her laughter subsided once she realized he wasn’t joining in with her. 

“You’re serious? Oh she does not like him.”

“Why else would they be together all the time? They spar together, keep tabs on each other. Bucky keeps his distance from everybody else except from her. I don’t blame the guy, I just know I can’t beat him.”

Yelena’s jaw dropped, “wow you really are…” what she wanted to say was an idiot but she didn’t want to beat the guy further down a hole he was already putting himself in. 

“Look, they're not a thing. They’re just close. They’ve known each other for years and years. She was on Captain America’s side with Bucky when the whole internal avengers war thing happened. So yeah they’re close but they’ve never once dated, or kissed, nothing. Don’t you think they would’ve done something by now if they were interested in each other.”

Bob was silent because in a way, Yelena was right. Years and years, and not once has one made a move on the other. 

“So again I’ll ask, what’s the plan?”

Bob was quiet again, this new information plus his own information rattling inside his head. 

But ultimately he expressed, “there is no plan. If she doesn’t like a guy as great as Bucky, then what chance do I even have?” He shrugged, turning his back not wanting to talk further on the subject so he just walked away. 

Yelena hated getting sucked into this mushy gushy situation. But she stood there nodding and pressing her lips together watching his back get smaller and smaller as his distance from her grew. 

“Okay, guess it’s up to me. Again,” she said after he was gone and out of ear shot. 

A few hours had passed and as usual the mission had been successful. Sure there were some bumps in the road and you had to come to Bucky’s aid twice but who was really counting anyways. Oh wait, you were. 

You groaned as you stretched your back inside the jet, waiting for the ride back to come to its end.

“How much do you want to bet your new puppy dog is waiting for you at the front door?”

You frowned at Bucky knowing exactly who he was referring to. “Don’t call him that. He just admires us, that's all.”

“Us? More like you.”

“Us.”

“Right cause he cheers for me when I win at sparring.”

“I can’t help it that he thinks I’m cooler than you. I mean have you seen my powers? Anyone would think that.”

Bucky shook his head, a smile prevalent on his face. “He gets nervous around you.”

“He gets nervous around everyone,” you argue. 

“Not really. Not anymore. He’s still only like that with you.”

“Bucky enough,” was your response invoking Bucky to give the biggest eye roll you’ve ever seen him do. 

But despite your firm stand on the whole situation, you couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed when Bob wasn’t waiting for you at the door like Bucky had mentioned earlier. Pushing the feeling off you turned to Buck, “I’m gonna take a shower. I’ll see you later,” you said heading off towards your quarters while Bucky headed towards the kitchen. 

Great, now that Bucky stirred the thought that was hidden in the back of your head, you couldn’t get it out. Bob didn’t like you. Why would he? I mean why wouldn’t he, but he treated you the same way he had when you first met. He was just naturally that way…right?

Great now you were thinking weird thoughts. Well not weird but what if Bob did actually have feelings for you how would that even work? It would be so complicated. But he is sweet. And kind. And he reminded you of about half of the fictional crushes you used to have. Great you shook your head grabbing your towel, Bucky was ruining your life throwing these thoughts into your brain. 

Staring at yourself in the mirror you said with a firm and convincing voice, “he doesn’t like me.” And with that you hopped in the shower, and began washing the sweat and stink fork the day away. 

After your shower you ended up taking a nap, which is exactly what you needed to let your body heal a bit. Hours passed and as soon as you were up, you went into the kitchen and ran into Bucky. 

“There you are,” he said, catching your attention as you grabbed a green apple from the open fruit dish on the kitchen counter. 

“Bob was looking for you in the sparring room.”

“In the sparring room?”

“Yeah. Said something about wanting you to teach him or something.”

You suppressed your face from spreading into a wide beam and while you were still tired from the earlier mission, sparring with Bob? Now this, you were wide awake for. 

Taking your leave you left Bucky heading towards said location. 

And keeping your excitement in check you made your way and entered the room. Stepping inside and taking a peek around you easily realized, nobody was in here. 

Turning around you were about to go question the man who led you on this wild Bob chase when the door opened and there stood Bob. 

He looked surprised to see you like he hadn’t been expecting you. 

“Hi.” He said standing in the doorway, his hand still on the handle. 

“Hi?” No words were spoken and honestly you were positive Bucky just set you up. 

“I was told you wanted to learn about sparring?”

Bob smiled, a bit of laughter leaving his lips as he looked away. “I mean I do want to learn but Yelena told me there was a surprise in here for me, so here I am.”

“That’s weird, why woul—“ your question got interrupted as Bob’s body stumbled. As it lunged forward the door behind him slammed shut before a locking sound was heard. 

Yelena came into view on the glass window and gave a little wave with her signature closed lip smile before leaving your sight. 

You turned back to Bob who suddenly didn’t look as lost as you. 

“What is going on?” You asked, confusion just increasing with every action that was just taken. 

Bob who suddenly was putting pieces together let out an, “oh,” sound before explaining. 

“I think I know what this is about.” Without giving himself a second thought he let out, “she’s trying to set us up.”

“Set us up?”

He shakes his head while looking down, (a habit you noticed that he tended to do). 

“Yeah, for some reason she thinks you like me and I like you. So she set up this whole not so elaborate plan—Which is crazy,” he laughed a bit too enthusiastically. “I mean you and me? Wild, right?”

You joined in, with his strange and forced laughter. In all honesty, you felt weird about your thoughts from earlier, mainly because this only proved your original theory that he didn’t like you but also, were you disappointed that he said that?

“I mean you? Like me? Can you imagine?” He continued burying himself deeper and deeper into this word hole, “I mean can you imagine me even asking you out, like what would you even say if I did?” He said the words with the same joking tone, yet it was an odd question to ask. 

You let out a little chuckle copying him, “I don’t know. But, can you imagine us even actually dating? Would that be weird?”

He nodded, “weird.”

“So weird.”

The laughter died and suddenly you two were sharing an odd expression, one that looked as if you both were trying to decode something that just happened. As if each were trying to understand the underlying message that was being said. 

“Would it be so weird?” He asked, trying to see if you two were on the same page. 

“No, I was exaggerating, it wouldn't be so weird,” you emphasized, narrowing your eyes at the man whose tense expression finally relaxed. 

“Then would it be weird if I asked you to dinner…with me?”

He wasn’t laughing anymore, now he was serious. And so were you. “No it wouldn’t. Would it be weird if I said yes?”

Bob smiled a bit and your lips followed the direction of his. 

“It wouldn’t.”

“…so if let’s say tomorrow night at seven, we meet up in the lobby downstairs and have ourselves a not so weird date, how would that sound?”

“Not so weird,” he said.  

You laughed as he backed up, slightly proud of himself for making that laugh come out from your mouth. 

Wanting to leave on a good note he walked backwards towards the door,

“Alright, so I will see you later,” turning around he reached for the handle and yanked. The door shifted a bit in place but ultimately remained shut. He turned around a goofy look taking over now, “right, we’re locked in here.”

You nodded laughing at the dumb circumstance. “How long do you think till she comes and gets us?”

“Probably an hour.”

You nodded again and looked at the side trying to figure out what to do with the remaining time. Until eventually throwing out an idea. 

“Wanna spar?”

[redflagshipwriter]

Check Yes Chapter 7 part 2

Masterpost

Jason pulled his phone out of his back pocket when they were just a couple minutes away from the planetarium. Danny stopped talking and he shook his head. “No, no, go on,” Jason reassured. “I just need to make sure that Duke didn’t start a fire. What was that about catastrophic depressurization?”

He genuinely paid attention to what Danny was saying and swiped open his message to check that there was no problem. It was weird for Duke to message him so soon after they’d left, so it was worth checking out but probably-

“Ugh.” Jason showed Danny the phone.

Danny’s lips moved when he read. It was, Jason thought, really goddamn cute. “Nosy sibling?’ he asked. His brow scrunched up. “Hiding on your balcony? Aren’t you really high up?”

“Yeah, but you can’t keep Dick out of your place for love or money. It’s not even worth the headache of trying to brother-proof it.” Jason waved his phone a little. “I’m going to tell him to pretend that he doesn’t know Dick is there, and ask him to let us know when Dick is gone.”

“But we promised Duke dinner.” Danny frowned and bobbed a little. Jason absently put a hand on Danny’s ostensibly human head to keep him from lifting up too high. It was adorable as fuck but it was also kind of noticeable. They didn’t need to deflect an attempt to kidnap him and sell him on the metahuman trading market. 

‘That would work, though,’ Jason realized. In the back of his mind he composed a plan that would draw out the operation he knew damn well was operating somewhere in his city. 

He crossed it out in the next instant. Danny was not a Gotham vigilante. He was absolutely not asking his date to play bait in order to draw out human traffickers. That was not second date material.

Fifth date, maybe?

No. Bad. Danny probably had trauma from whatever had killed him. Jason shook the work-thoughts away, unreasonably irritated with himself for acting like fucking Bruce. Not everyone in his life was a tool or ally in the fight against evil. He needed to be gentle with Danny. 

He managed to straighten out his expression before Danny looked back at him with his big doe eyes. Aww. 

“Are you sure this is fine?” Danny broke eye contact. “It’s kinda nerdy and all that. We could do something else like go to an arcade or bowling or-”

“This is fine,” Jason reassured him. ‘But man, we should hit the arcade next time. What are your thoughts on phasing your arm into the crane game?”

“I have no scruples,” Danny said cheerfully. He latched onto Jason’s arm and Jason’s brain shut off. “Fuck the man.”

“Ahuh.” His voice came out hoarse. He didn’t look down. He couldn’t look down.

“I would steal,” Danny continued contemplatively. “I would go full Catwoman, I think.”

Jason closed his eyes and tried to find a convenient well of inner strength. He didn’t find one. He instead found his best guess as to what Danny would look like with cat ears on. Motherfucker. He picked up the pace as best as he could without shaking off the oddly cool weight attached to his arm. He desperately searched for something neutral to say. “The whip too?”

That wasn’t it. That was not the neutral topic change he wanted.

“I think I could rock that.” Danny sounded confident about it, too. “On account of how slinky and sexy I am.”

“I would say more cute,” Jason corrected.

Danny’s expression went a little flat and his grip on Jason’s arm tightened enough to convey danger. “Cute,” he echoed. “I’m so strong it’s not even funny, buddy. I am not cute. I am a perfect specimen of masculine athleticism.”

“You’re adorable, even,” Jason said, because starting a fight was much better than risking where the hell that conversation had been going. 

“Spoken like a man who wants a piggyback ride to the planetarium.” Danny let go of his arm for a millisecond and adjusted his footing for more stability. Jason reacted to sensed danger and darted away, across the sidewalk, before Danny could grab him.

He took an instant to picture that scenario. He extrapolated how he would feel if Danny picked him up and carried him up the eight flights of stairs to the planetarium, and exactly how many T-shirts Barbie would have the camera stills printed onto.

‘At least 5 shirts. Her, Steph, Cass, Timbo, Dickhead. Duke may or may not support me.’

Jason booked it, sprinting at top speed. He heard Danny shout “Oi! Come back here and take your piggyback ride like a real man!”

“No thank you!” he yelled over his shoulder with a laugh. He dodged a crowd of pedestrians and vaulted over a toddler on the sidewalk. Danny shrieked in delighted outrage at the sight. 

[nashusglasses]

re: my Twitter thread on mechanic!sylus AU and mc who doesn’t give a fuck about their ugly beater car. happy main story day @ sylus mains!!!!! warning: lots of car lingo, too much flirting, sylus loving hot and nonchalant mc. 1.7k wc

divider by thecutestgrotto

You pull up to the open garage door, roll down the front passenger window to yell out, "Am I good to come in?" He's stunlocked into nodding assent. This is the ugliest fucking car he's ever seen.

Old Man Abernathy comes to Sylus' garage every five thousand kilometres driven on his Surveyor. It's still a tank at almost 18-years-old, no visible tarnish on the baby blue paint. The only pressing issue Sylus has only ever seen him come in for was a transmission failure two years ago. Abernathy is, by default, Sylus' favourite customer. A car taken care of will take care of you.

Today is a simple oil change. They talk about gas prices, the newest crossover SUV that Byora is releasing next year (they both agree the engine is way too overkill for a such a practically-built car). When Abernathy slaps Sylus's hand with four $20 bills, he asks: "Do you have availability later today?"

Sylus takes the money, wipes his dirty hands with an already-stained rag. "I have a break between 3 to 5."

"I have a niece," Abernathy starts. He slips his fraying wallet into his back pocket, rounding the front of his car to the driver's door. "I've been pestering her to get her oil changed too but she's too busy with work. Today's her day off."

"Tell her she can stop by, then." Then he takes one of the bills Abernathy gave him, pinched between two fingers for easy taking, reaching over the hood of the car. "Here. Referral bonus."

Abernathy just shakes his head, then tells him his niece's name. "I'll call her to come over at 3:30, then." He looks down at the bill Sylus still keeps outstretched toward him, face wrinkled in what Sylus can only assume is an expression of sympathy. "Trust me. You should keep it."

Sylus doesn't understand his parting words until you show up two hours later.

The first thing he notices isn't even your car, it's the sound of it. He's convinced for one millisecond that it's a straight piped Civic. Tuned for maximized volume, zero efficiency, just the loud, droning rumble that disturbs everything and everyone around you for the sake of insane street cred.

You pull up to the open garage door, roll down the front passenger window to yell out, "Am I good to come in?"

He's stunlocked into nodding assent. This is the ugliest fucking car he's ever seen.

It's a super compact two-seater Scorpio, and from the look of the headlights he guesses it's the 2032 model, red all over with orange trims. Your bumper is ziptied to the front end, and when you pull in even further all his guesses of a straight pipe turn into dust when he sees your muffler is literally just… gone. There's a sticker above the car logo that says if you come any closer I'll fart on you. The paint on your fender is bruised off with a tacky duct tape job.

Well. At the very least you have a tank of a car, too. Even if the outside looks like it's in active decay, old Scorpios like yours hold well enough into 300k mileage.

The only good thing he can glean from your presence as you come out of the car is your inherited timeliness from your uncle. That, and the fact that you are not at all what he'd imagined you'd look like. Old Man Abernathy is wan, lungs shot to hell with tar from excess smoke, sporting the pot belly of pot bellies. You're bouncing with life, your pretty smile dimming only because you notice he's just ogling at your car. Sylus is trying to come up with a greeting. He really is.

He's just—he's just never seen such an ugly fucking car.

"I take it Uncle told you Ladybug only needed an oil change." Sylus doesn't miss how you say only. Like you knew your shit-for-nothing car definitely need more than just an oil change, but you either 1) don't have the cash for it, or 2) don't really care for it.

Sylus finally stops staring at your bumper, gearing straight into work mode. "Ladybug," he repeats.

You nod. "My car."

Right. Red and round and seasoned. "Make yourself comfortable there," he says, gesturing to a worn faux-leather seat right next to his toolkit. He makes his way to the driver's door, opens it with way too much force, and cringes at the awful creaking sound it makes. "I would offer the pretty lady coffee, but I'm out of coffee beans."

You raise an eyebrow at his very obvious attempt of flirting—you might have a terrible sense for car maintenance, but you are, admittedly, very cute, and he's never been one to lessen sweet talk even if the present circumstances suggested otherwise—and take a seat. "That's too bad. I was hoping the handsome mechanic would offer me something to pass the time."

Sylus is glad you didn't take his goggling to heart, but he also didn't think you'd go toe for toe so quickly. He hides his smile behind the wheel as he bends over to pull at the hood release lever inside.

The hood pops. It sounds like a tiny explosion.

"You buy this secondhand?" He goes to wrench the hood up. It's a typical sight: dried leaves wedged randomly into metal, too much dust, some rusting on the screws. The terminals on your battery are green with corrosion. And of course, there's no built-in prop. Sylus has to walk past you to get his own. You smell like laundry, minty gum, a welcome freshness in the stale grey of his garage.

"Yeah. Bought it from my sister-in-law when she started her family." He feels your eyes on him when he comes back to prop the hood up. He flexes unconsciously, suddenly very thankful he's wearing a clean tank top. Probably sweatstained but he hopes it adds to the allure. "Why? Is it that obvious?"

Sylus pulls at the oil dipstick (which, thankfully, you still have, and he would have been deeply concerned if you'd somehow lost it, which he thinks, a little meanly, that it is well within your range to do something like that). The oil's a little past the low marker, and the colour suggests some coolant leakage. He's secretly relieved. He's most definitely seen worse.

"I don't usually see bumpers held by zipties on cars people bought from the dealership." In other words, it's perfectly normal to see someone with a beater car be a little more careless with it. A curved license plate from hitting a pole, scratches near the rear lights from a near-miss with a truck.

"I guess," you sigh. "I just—I'm always so busy with work. I needed a car that'd get me from point A to point B."

Sylus hums. Next: fixing your car to the lift after putting the dipstick back and closing the hood. Ladybug ascends (flies?) with a press of a button, suspended in the air by large metal arms for Sylus to inspect the bottom. "And would I be correct to assume Ladybug does the job perfectly for you?"

You nod. "She hasn't failed me yet."

"Keyword being yet," he teases. "Are you sure you're only here for an oil change?"

Suddenly you're very interested in his rack of tools on the wall. A subtle refusal to match the gaze he levels you with, and he can't tell if it's an act of shyness or denial. "You're just good at selling your service."

Sylus slides his oil reservoir under the drain plug, unscrews it with a wrench. He watches the oil drip heavy. Sylus wants to say, I don't want to be held liable for letting you leave my garage in a death machine, but very cordially responds with, "What if I just want you to stay a little longer?"

"Then you're good at selling your service and being a flirt," you answer. Then you laugh, and Sylus thinks he wants to hear that sound forever. "I know Ladybug is… worn-out."

"That is an understatement."

"But as long as I'm keeping up with regular maintenance, then what's the point of shelling out money on things that don't really matter?"

Now it's his turn to raise an eyebrow. "Your uncle had to convince you to come see me."

"And I listened. Thank you for taking me in, by the way."

"You're welcome." His hands are automatic, a handbook for knuckles. Filter replaced, sealed, wiped down with his rag, oil drum pushed out of the way. "How long is your typical braking distance?"

You take a beat. You watch as Ladybug comes down the lift, now. "Long enough," you murmur.

Sylus is about to rub a tired hand down his face, then remembers there's sticky oil on it. "So a brake pad check next."

"She's fine," you insist, and Sylus really can't help the incredulous look he gives you. You give in to the concern, and add: "Really. Thank you though."

He's the last person to argue with a client about what they're paying for, but he has this weirdly extreme urge to keep you here. Your casual indifference to the terrible state of your car is hilarious at best, concerning at worst. What kind of person would he be if his favourite customer's referral was left feeling unsatisfied? His business acumen would fly out the window. Ran over to filth on the concrete by a little ugly tank named Ladybug.

"Tell you what," Sylus says as he pops the hood again, gets the oil jug ready to pour. "Come back and I'll change your brake pads for free."

"That's not—"

"And I won't charge you for today, either."

You shut up. You don't say anything until Sylus has finished closing the oil cap, set all his tools aside. When he turns back around, you're looking at him like he's hung all the stars in the sky, and he has the scary feeling that he'd do it all for you in a heartbeat.

"Good to go," he says, and like he feared, you start rifling through your wallet to pay him. "I already told you—"

You shake your head fast in disbelief, exactly the same way your uncle did. "That's asking too much of you."

"Nonsense. I've already offered you an alternative way of paying. And…" He crosses his arms. Makes special note of the way you immediately notice the hardness of muscle. "I still owe you that cup of coffee."

There it is. Easy bait. You squint your eyes at the challenge, let his proposition marinate in dead silence.

Then you stick your hand out and finally say, "Deal," and Sylus's lungs expand in… relief? Excitement? You look gorgeous when you're satisfied. Your hand, soft in his callous. "I'll text you."

He doesn't dare wipe the feeling of you away until you and Ladybug rev off into the evening.

[nekomanager]

004. 𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙈𝙄𝘿𝙉𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 • DELUSIONS

track list • prev - next

What if the sexy stranger in your dreams and your seductive client at work is actually a ravishing demon determined to love you whatever it takes? Can you break through the delusions before it's too late?

incubus!kuroo, f!reader, deep pnetration, l-bombs, overstimulation, rough sex

I've been gone for so long up to the point when I thought that I'd be leaving this app and even this fic but here I am. The ending and even this chapter have changed so much from my original outline but I guess my hiatus turned them even better as I drew a lot of my emotions from the time I was away and put 'em all into writing this. Next chapter's the finale as planned, my sweethearts. Enjoy the rollercoaster! mwah mwah 💋

You drew a deep sigh. Finally, the event will be tomorrow, and you’d be wrapping up this project. You’re supposed to be relieved, but you couldn’t help but feel a stab of bitterness. 

You doublechecked all the crossed-out items in your list to see if they’re complete. Everything was all set up. In fact, you already prepared the Press Release ahead of time so it would be easy for you to seed it to the media once the party is over.  

“Good job!” Kuroo said as he went near, standing right behind you. 

You glanced up at him, carefully tracing the outline of his features—the softness of his lips, the perfect sculpt of his nose and the intensity of his eyes. He blinked, slowly, and returned your stare with his gaze softening as each millisecond dropped.  

What’s this longing building inside your chest? Will the end of this project be a goodbye for the both of you? 

Before you could even get deeper, he gave you a small smile. “Thank you for everything. There could be no one else.” 

You closed your fists, biting back your emotions. You shouldn’t be feeling this way.  

Kuroo softly smiled, which put you quite at ease. Slipping his hand in his pocket, he pulled out a small box and opened it.  

“That’s-” Your eyes widened at the sight of a gold necklace with a heart pendant.  

“For everything we spent together,” he said as he carefully laced the jewelry around your neck. He spun you a little and took a good look at you. His gaze was tender and so was the satisfaction on his face when he said, “Perfect.” 

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 

Warmth and undeniable comfort surrounded you as your arms were around his strong frame. He laid you down on the bed with a hand cupping the back of your neck.  

You peered deeply into his eyes as he firmly held your gaze, marveling at how lucky he was to have you at this very moment. He placed a kiss on your forehead, your eyelid, nose and paused for a sensuous peck on your lips. Not stopping, he sucked on the skin of your neck until his lips reached the heart pendant, giving it a tender kiss. 

His palm travelled to your breast and revered your supple flesh, bringing your nipple to his mouth, his tongue doing its magic. His other hand skimmed through your bare skin and parted your legs. He immediately found your sweet spot as if he had your body ingrained in his memory. Oh, you’re so ready for him.   

You heaved and wriggled beneath him. His middle finger teasing your clit prompted your hips to grind against his touch, feeling the sensation building and wanting more at the same time.  

“Be patient,” he whispered in your ear, and you felt him smile at your neediness. You couldn’t help but desperately whine a little in response.  

Chuckling lightly, he caressed the top of your head and pinched your cheek. “Oh, how could I resist you.” 

Taking your cue, he inserted two of his fingers in and your anticipating pussy welcomed him in so easily. He began stroking your insides and your back arched in satisfaction. Your mouth was agape and you moaned while he watched closely as your immodest expression kept making his cock harder and harder, wanting its own taste of your sopping cunt.  

You reached out for his cock, but he stopped you by the wrist.  

“I didn’t know you want me that badly,” he teased, smirking before slipping his tongue to play with yours. He sucked you relentlessly, drinking you in. The intensity of his mouth on yours matched the sweet torture of his fingers, increasing the passion as he was already feeling your thighs shaking. 

“Aahh...hah hmmn-” you whimpered. Your head dipping deeper into the pillow as you felt the rush approaching.  

“That’s it, my pretty girl...” he chanted as your hips started buckling.  

You felt the chills running across your skin. You’re getting there. You’re getting there! You’re- “Mhmn!” You let out a pained whine as he pulled out his fingers right when you’re about to cum.  

He teased you further by rubbing the pads of his three fingers over the wet lips of your pussy.  

Fuck! It was painfully making you crave him more. You want him inside you, to fill up with his dick. “Please...”  

“Please, what?” he asked, mischievously. “This one?” You felt his tip against the surface of your needy cunt. You quivered. Automatically, desperately, stupidly, you locked him in, bringing your legs around his torso.  

He responded with a kiss and held you close, feeling your trembling body encaged in his arms. You were so lost in endless want when he began running the length of his hard member against your pussy, glazing his cock with your juices.  

“Haah I – haah I want...” you managed to let out. 

“What do you want?” His gaze probed you, almost hypnotically.  

“I want...y-!” Your eyes almost crossed when he slammed the entirety of his long cock straight into your pussy, making you cum all of a sudden.  

Your body was shaking strong, yet it was just the beginning. He thrust into you through and through that you shed tears of pleasure with the overwhelming sensation. How can you even keep up with him! He’s ramming into you mercilessly like there’s no tomorrow.  

And damn, you sure looked so dirtily beautiful as your tits bounced like crazy everytime he’s hitting you deep and that motivated him to drive you even crazier. He pressed your legs further and closer to both sides of your face, putting you in a mating press. His body weight kept you in place when he took your hands and laced your fingers with his.  

His eyes were pinning you down so intensely, conveying so much lust, passion and affection.  

“Y/N...Y/N...Y/N...” He panted your name with every shove, not letting go of your gaze. His grip on your entwined hands tightened as he quickened his pace and deepened his thrusts. “I love you...I love you. Fuck! I love you.” 

Your heart felt like bursting with so much emotion that your arms flew to wrap around him. He held you tightly and buried his face in the crook of your neck while his hips rocked in a frenzy. His consistent deep and ragged strokes were now about to get you to your peak, but all that mattered in that moment was having each other this close, this uninhibited, this free. 

Shivers ran down your spine and he’s quick to devour your pleasure, sealing your lips with his as he fed your pussy with his cum. You trembled beneath him completely lost in the intensity.  

You both caught on your breaths. And now, your vision was getting cloudy. Propping himself with his elbow, he lovingly caressed your head like how he usually did.  

He gave you a sweet smile, while you tried not to close your eyes and fall asleep, wanting to spend more time with him, but drowsiness was getting the best of you. Before you lose it, however, you heard him whisper, “See you later.” 

Your eyes opened, still heaving from your dream. You woke up in confusion but there’s a part of you that still wanted to remain dreaming.  

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 

It was a big relief that the event was set up perfectly. This was testament to all your hardwork, and you couldn’t wait but have Kuroo see this. You glanced at your phone. The guests were now populating the venue still there was no word from him.  

Passing by a wall mirror, you tried looking your best for tonight, and no, it wasn’t because of him! You blushed, focusing on the heart pendant he gave you, however your attention was taken when a familiar figure arrives.  

Your world stopped when you turned around and saw Kuroo.  

He was approaching with one hand in his pocket and confident strides, donning a black coat and pants with a grey dress shirt underneath. His hair was messily tousled, yet he looked so devilishly attractive. The lights were casting a magical play of red and purple over his ungodly features. His hazel orbs found you and his lips slowly stretched to a sultry smirk. Your throat went dry just by the way he locked eyes with you. You clenched your thighs together and drew in a deep breath. Kuroo was danger and desire converged into one, a man so magnetizing he’s almost a sin.  

Words got stuck in your chest as he came face-to-face with you while you got nothing to say. He leaned close to you and whispered in a low and raspy voice, “You look edible tonight.” 

You blushed. “W-What?” 

He grinned, cheekily. “You’re adorable.” 

“Oh...” You took deep breaths, panicking about what to say. “You...same.” Realizing what you just blurted out, you snapped and pulled yourself together. “I-I mean! You look the same.” 

Kuroo gave out a laugh that came from his belly. He offered you his arm and you were shy to hold onto, which, by the way, was so sturdy and strong you felt so weak and little around him. His scent was equally making you melt. It's smoky, leathery, and musky vetiver it’s intoxicating.  

“You’re wearing the necklace I gave you.”  

“O-of course,” you replied quite nervously. His eyes dragged from your face right to your cleavage where the pendant was completely undressing you with just his stare and all you could do was put a hand over yourself.  

And the bastard chuckled, you knew. You knew him so well.  

The evening went by with you socializing and networking together, but time didn’t pass without his subtle touches like featherly brushing his fingertips across your bare arms, calling your attention by lightly scratching your elbow and placing his hand at the small of your back just above your ass.  

There’s something about tonight that he’s pursuing you openly and assertively while you were letting him and doing nothing to repel him. Perhaps, it’s because you knew that you could have a chance of something...something beyond this.  

Your reverie was interrupted when he suddenly dipped close to your face and inhaled your scent. “You smell sweet.” 

“It’s vanilla.” 

“Are you?” he retorted.  

Heat crawled all over your face, knowing what he meant. You rolled your eyes at him and crossed your arms. “Don’t get me started.” 

Kuroo let out a hearty laugh, which elicited the same for you. In that moment, everything slowed down in his perspective. The crinkles in the corners of your eyes as you smiled and the genuine happiness in your laughter were gripping something inside his chest.  

Oh, how can one woman make him feel all these conflicting emotions at once. How he held so much affection for you yet felt so pained at the walls you’re putting down for him. 

“Are you okay?” You asked, full of concern. 

Kuroo ran a hand through his hair and exhaled exasperatedly. “Nothing- Nothing. It’s...” He calmed himself down. “It’s nothing.”  

“Are you sure?” 

He smiled and a slow melodious song began playing in the background, catching his attention. “May I dance with you?” 

You accepted his invitation. Despite the tension that surrounded the both of you tonight, this one was entirely different. It was romantic how he was swaying you with one of his hands respectfully rested on the small of your back, while the other was holding yours in a classic posture. 

Your eyes were attached to each other, while your heartbeats matched the tempo of the song. All this felt like a fantasy, so pure, so tender and so surreal. It felt like a dream how your chest was filled with happiness and warmth.  

How can one man make you feel so many emotions? Was it really possible for dark desire and deep devotion to exist altogether like how the serene moon finds its rest cloaked in the darkness of the midnight sky? 

“Y/N...” Kuroo uttered with a gentle look in his eyes. “I...” 

He gulped. He was not dumb. Your feelings for him were escalating, strong and true. Damn, how much he wanted to hold you close right now. Devour your lips and kiss you endlessly, but seeing how you gazed so lovingly at him, he couldn’t bear not baring who he really is to you. 

“Thank you,” you said before he could even continue. “I’m honestly super happy today.” 

Guilt was eating him alive. Everything might have started obscurely, but right now, what he was feeling for you was clear, definite and never-changing. Was it really too late? Could he somehow turn back time and change the way things kicked off?  

Kuroo stopped swaying and loosened his hold on you. 

Taking in his crestfallen expression, you asked, “Are you alright?” You saw his broad shoulders rise and fall as he took a deep breath. “What’s the problem? What’s happening?” 

What’s happening? He loves you! That’s what’s happening.  

How could he tell you? Would you even understand...that for the hundred, no, thousand years he existed, this was the first and only time he could ever think of the same woman over and over again. Would you even believe that the love he had for you was as much as the years he lived? 

Would you see right through his feelings for you, or would he remain as a beast? 

“Kuroo,” your voice pleading as you called on him.  

He pinched close his eyes. 

It’s painful. It’s painful how that one thing that keeps you by his side was also the one that could make you run away.  

He couldn’t bear to see the look in your eyes—that look of disdain because you’d see him as a monster, but he loves you and he couldn’t...He just couldn’t let you suffer perplexed and forever live in an illusion. 

“Do you...do you really want to know?” He asked almost choking in each syllable, with eyes searing deep into yours.  

“What do y-” You were stuck in his stare as his hazel gaze lifted all the fog and haze in your mind. Suddenly, everything was clear. “W-Wai- This is-” Your hands shook cold. “It’s you...All this time it’s you?” Your lips trembled. “M-My cat...the one in my dreams...It’s true? You’re an...” 

You searched his expression and, as much as hurt was evident in his features, he didn’t deny a thing.  

You brought your shaking hand over your mouth as tears began to involuntarily fall from your eyes. “All this time...you were lying to me.” 

Seeing your pain, Kuroo couldn’t help but step forward to explain. “Y/N, I...”  

You stepped back and raised a hand up. “I’m sorry. I just- I just can’t-”  

And all Kuroo could do was stand frozen as he watched you run away.  

The old lady was right all along and you couldn’t believe it. Maybe the signs were there but you refused to see them. 

Did all that matter now? 

You quickly got inside the cab you hailed. Staring outside the window, you recalled every detail of the moments you spent with him. Now, you didn’t know which one was true and which was just a fantasy.  

Incubus or not it didn’t matter anymore.  

Tears kept falling down your cheek.  

Regardless of the truth, you knew that one thing’s for real. You felt so much for him than you ever noticed. Did he even love you at all? All those times you spent did they even mean something to him? Or were you just another woman he can feed on? 

Your head spun in questions.  

Finally at your home, you immediately fell onto your bed and hugged yourself. All this time, he’s all a dream you’re meant to wake up to. 

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 

With your body feeling heavy, you couldn’t even bring yourself to get up. A black hole seemed to exist inside your heart. You felt light taps against your shoulder.  

A smile finally made its way to your face.  

You caressed his head as he purred lovingly into your touch. His fur resembled the darkness of the night, but his existence brought warmth into your life.  

He bumped his forehead onto yours and nuzzled affectionately. You caged him in your arms, and he curled up close to you, accompanying you to a peaceful slumber. 

“I love you...I’m setting you free.” 

A soft yet gentle whisper breezed through your ear that woke you up. It felt like a big part of you was taken and torn apart. 

Your fingers traced the outline of the heart pendant of the necklace Kuroo gave you.  

He didn’t appear in your dream like the usual. As much as you tried hard to deny, you...love him in all forms. 

You recalled the hurt in his eyes when he revealed the truth to you last night. It was genuine and it seemed like he, too, was holding off so many emotions he wished to convey. 

Maybe you reacted too fast? Maybe you could’ve let him explain? Maybe you shouldn’t have run away last night? 

Of course, it was never easy to say that he was an otherworldly being. Anyone would be overwhelmed.  

You messed up! 

In an instant, you bolted out of bed. Though you looked so much in disarray, you hurried and prepared for work. You’d be having a post-event meeting today. Maybe you could still make up for everything and set things right, give him a chance. Maybe you could still fix things. 

Running out of breath, you almost ran to your office building. You were so anxious as the elevator was too slow for your liking. Once the doors opened, you briskly walked to your office. 

You released the breath you’d been holding for so long as you saw him, talking to your boss with his back facing at you. You reached out a hand to tap him on his shoulder but he turned around too quick.  

“Oh, you must be Ms. Y/N. It’s a shame Kuroo-san couldn’t make it today, so he sent me instead,” he said as you felt all the life in you drained away.  

In your anticipation, you didn’t even notice the stark difference between the man in front of you and Kuroo. You truly wanted it to be him. You did, but it wasn’t.  

“By the way, he wanted me to give you this,” he handed you a box and you opened it right away.  

It was the collar you gave Mister Midnight. He...He returned it.  

Your head spiraled in disbelief. Your knees felt like melting as you slumped on the nearest chair behind you. Your eyes were filled with triggering tears as you couldn’t help the regret and disappointment to wash over you.    

What if you didn’t run away? What if you had let him explain? What if things didn’t happen this way? 

“Y/N, are you alright?” Your boss asked and you couldn’t even bring yourself to respond and just gave him a look of despair.

"Excuse me. "

You gathered all your strength to stand up, walking out of your office. Everything was caving in on you. It was dizzying and you struggled to walk home. 

He was gone. 

The cat who kept you company in your loneliest days, the man in your dreams who cradled you and kissed you gently when you’re too tired from all the responsibilities and Kuroo who made the silliest joke just to get you laughing amidst the difficulties. 

All gone just like a passing season. 

In your mind played all the memories you had together. If there was a time in your life that you’d go back just to relive again, you would definitely return to the moments you spent with him. You would live that moment, that life all over again, even if it’s just once.  

But things don’t work that way.  

You stopped by the corner where your silly cat first found you. You remembered so well how the streetlamp shed a perfect spotlight on him. Still holding onto the collar he returned to you, your fingers lingered tenderly on the material, recalling all the memories.  

“It’s done.” You instantly shifted your focus. It was the old lady and she was looking at the collar in your hand. “The bond...It’s broken.” 

Uncontrollably, a tear fell down your cheek as you recalled... 

I love you. I’m setting you free. 

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@docosahexaenoic-san @rinatoshi @prickles-the-penguin @soulessien 

@supahumbreon @kittendazzle @simpforyoubitch 

© NEKOMANAGER - All rights reserved. No work shall be reproduced, reposted, modified, translated in any form or by any means.

[jazztag]

An Encounter in the Snow IX

Hero cautiously approaches the cell door, taking a moment to steady his breath. Inside, Weapon sits just as he left him before, crouching on the floor with a drowsy attitude, clutching absentmindedly his blanket. Despite this, Weapon stirs before the door even opens. Once Hero unlocks the door, he quickly hides the blanket behind him as if fearing it might be taken away.

Stepping into the cell, the Captain positions himself in front of his prisoner, diary in hand. The same they found near the enemy's base. His soldier who’s fluent in Polareçe, has opted to remain outside. Everyone fears and wishes to not be around the living weapon, especially the ones who have lived in the occupied land. The Hero opens the diary without saying a word and looks at his soldier’s notes. written on a side paper, translating and explaining a bit of the foreign contents of the notebook. He looks at Weapon, who smiles at him from the floor.

“Let’s see which one are you out of the bunch” mumbles Hero, and with an unsure sight, he starts reading the names out from the list.

“Avi…rin?” starts the Captain, trying to pronounce the name right. He has some notes that helps him get it right. That one was easy, he thinks. He looks up to Weapon, searching for a reaction. But Weapon just sits still. His expression has changed a little, tho. As if curious.

“Avirin? Are you named Avirin?” Repeats himself Hero. Weapon looks uninterested again, and rests his chin on his right knee, caressing the ground absentmindedly.

“Ok… Next one then” says Hero. Now this one looks difficult: “Solk-ïr. Solkïr?” Hero looks up again. Weapon keeps looking at the floor, unbothered. The Captain wonders if his accent is so bad not even Weapon can make out what he is saying. But he is sure that’s correct. 

“How about Rraptúrr? Mmh? Rraptúrr. Anything?”

Weapon looks weirded out a little bit. He smiles shyly at the other's pronunciation. Hero gets even more annoyed.

“If that’s how it’s gonna be, then be it” spits Hero. He reads the next name, not quite sure this is gonna work: “Vicc… Vicci?”

Suddenly there’s some movement on his prisoner’s part, and Hero brings out his gun in a millisecond, prepared for anything. Weapon has stepped on his feet, and he is crunched down but looking at Hero in the eye.

“Vicci, huh? Are you not?”

Weapon looks at him funny. He then looks at the gun the Captain is holding and looks bored. He looks away as if trying to remember something. He looks at the ground in front of him, and his index starts sliding on the dusty surface. Hero takes two more seconds to realize Weapon is actually writing letters in the dust. He decides to pocket his gun again, and approaches his prisoner, who looks to struggle to remember how to draw letters, and after some effort finishes at least the 5-letter name. 

“VICCI” Weapon has written down. He looks up at Hero again and points at himself. Suddenly, he speaks, with a raspy voice, something that could be mistaken for a growl.

“Ja Vicci” says Weapon, with a voice that hasn’t been used for ages. Hero looks at the letters on the ground, then looks up at Weapon again.

“Vicci” repeats the Captain, and Vicci smiles.

“Vicci, Vic-ci” repeats Weapon, as if indicating the stress on the last syllable.

“Vicci, ok” nods Hero. He then tries to do the same, and points at himself this time:

“Je… Er... no, ja… Ja Hero” Says the Captain. And so, the two of them finally look at each other, not as guard and prisoner, but as people, nonetheless.

Notes: Polareçe [pronounced as "polaresse"] is a made-up language, and for Vicci's name pronunciation, here's a little help: "cc" sounds like "k", so it's Viki but with the stress on the last syllable: Vicc(í). Hope this helps!

Taglist: @whump-blog @bitchaknso @pumpkinsncoffee @scrumpledumple (comment to get added/removed from the list!)

[eloquentcoconut]

☆ A Walk in The Woods ☆

Synopsis: Jade teaches Thorn to be mindful of their words, as they just might come true. Plus, he really wanted to hangout and his method ensures a favorable outcome.

Word Count: 1,821

Notes: Idk what made me write this, but I like Jade. (I like the Leech twins in general, but Jade centric.) Googled real facts, so you cannot say you never learned anything from reading fanfics.

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“Good morning prefect.” 

My eyes flew open. Slowly turning my head to the right, there was Jade Leech, eye level with me in my darkened room. I break out into goosebumps, slowly I turn my head to the left to estimate the time. The sun has yet to rise, the sky is a deep shade of navy, grey clouds paint the sky. I notice Grim sleeping snuggly in fabric, like a cute burrito. 

“Jade what…?” I sit up and rub the sleep out of my eyes. “Why are you here so early?” As I wait for a response I hold my head in my hand, almost drifting back to sleep. 

Jade pushes a bundle of clothing into my chest. “I took the liberty of securing breakfast. Get changed.” 

My expression must be concerning as he elaborates. “Are you perhaps in need of a refresher? I specifically stated we would go on a hike tomorrow.”

“Yeah… Okay…No?” I crossed my arms. “All you said was ‘see you tomorrow.’”

“An oversight on my part, I assure you.” 

I rolled my eyes. “Well as slippery as your mind may be… But what about Floyd?”

It had just occurred to me that the tweels had both asked me to do stuff with them the next day. Was Floyd also just going to enter my dorm and whisk me away?

Jade's smile never leaves his face, but I swear I saw his eyebrow twitch for a millisecond. Jade pulls me out of bed and ushers me into the bathroom. 

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I stumbled out of the bathroom with a frown. “Jade, I’m practically drowning in these clothes. How am I supposed to hike?” 

While the white beanie and leather gloves fit, the beige jacket and blue boots however are too loose, it would be difficult to make them functional. 

“Forgive me, I’ve seemed to have miscalculated our size difference.” Jade says in faux sympathy.

Now that I’m more awake, and properly seeing Jade, I realize we match in a way. That makes sense given these are his clothes. Jade is wearing a beige beanie, a white jacket under his blue overcoat, leather gloves, brown and red laced boots, and an orange backpack secured with a buckle over his chest.  

Even though I know he’s doing this to goad me, I feel bad for complaining realizing these are his clothes. “Never mind, I appreciate the sentiment. I’m happy to wear them, and we match!” I say with a smile.

 Jade looks thoughtful. “I have a remedy for that.”

Jade steps closer. Oh duh, he can probably magic them to adjust to my size.

He scoops me up into a princess carry. Instinctively I wrap my arms around his neck for support. “Hey?! Why are you picking me up?!”

“Just fulfilling one of your hiking requirements prefect, and as an added bonus you no longer need to worry about being affected by ill-fitting gear.” He smiles. “Lucky you.” 

As he carried me through the living area, I noticed a pile of ghosts! “Did you beat up my housemates and stuff Grim in a sock?!”

“Now why would I do a thing like that?”

He’s dodging the question!

I shift my focus back to Jade. “I hope you left a note or something. People are going to misunderstand and think they stumbled into a crime scene.”

Jade chuckled. “I’ve left a note detailing everything of importance.” 

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The forest behind the school should be classified as a secondary mirror portal the way it somehow connects to everything. After some time, Jade begins his ascent up the mountain’s trail. The ground and ledges worn away from years of use. Small lightning bugs flutter by, their light dimming for rest. As we reach the first level of the mountain, frosted grass and unusual fauna are abundant. The area overlooks the campus. My stomach grumbles.

“Let’s stop for a moment for breakfast.” Jade suggests. 

I give Jade an unamused look. “May I be permitted to SIT DOWN to eat?”

“Of course.” Jade proceeded to sit on the horizontal log, moving me around so that I was sat on the left of his lap.

“JADE!”

Jade ignored my complaints and handed me a warm canister. Feeling hunger more than annoyance, I unscrew the lid to reveal the delicious aroma of rice noodle soup. Complete with an assortment of vegetables.

‘Of course there’s shiitake mushrooms in there. How do mushrooms work their way into everything with this guy?’ 

As I dig up new vegetables with each bite, my sights entirely set on a trail of fat glowing green mushrooms, I realize Jade is just as captivated by the scenery as I am. This feels awkward for me, like I’m spoiled or somehow taking advantage of Jade. 

“Open up.” I hold my spoon up to Jade’s face. He looks taken off guard for a moment but quickly recovers.

“Oya? What's this? Concerned for my well-being, or do you think I did something strange to the soup?” He gives me an unreadable look. 

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I say playfully, pushing the spoon past his lips.

On my next bite, he asks, “I notice you tend to lean towards lighter, and umami notes - is the dish to your preference?”

I finished chewing a piece of cilantro to answer him. Although his expression and tone remain unchanged, I think more than praise he wants reassurance. “You did an excellent job Jade. Your observations were correct, I love these types of foods.”

After a moment of staring at my smile, he continues. “...You don’t think it's odd, to have stored away that information?”

“I think it would be odder if you didn’t notice, given your position in Mostro Lounge.” I chuckle. “Bird watching goes both ways.” I wink.

We return to comfortable silence as I continue to feed Jade and myself. The birds begin to chirp awake, the ombre sky dyes into a golden orange sunrise. I rest my head against Jade’s shoulder, basking in the warmth of the sun. 

Once the sky fades to a light yellow and blue tone, I seal the canister and reach around Jade to tuck it back into his pack. He comments, “you’re… Interesting.”

“And I think you must be overconfident or exceptionally strong to think you can carry me the entire hike.”

Jade stood up, shifting me back to our original position and counters, “perhaps you’re simply weak?”

“Hey.” I lightly protest. 

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Jade recites his extensive knowledge of kingdom fungi lore after we had a heated debate. Upon seeing a rounded white mushroom with three perfect red circles I insisted it was a toad while Jade insisted it was in fact a mushroom. I didn’t care to explain my joke, and if we can’t make ourselves laugh then what can we do?

“Fungi are genetically closer to humans than plants… 

Some researchers have utilized mycelium and agricultural byproducts to grow compostable packaging materials… 

These bioluminescent mushrooms glow so brightly, locals nicknamed them ‘electric mushrooms’ and use them as natural torches…”  

I start fidgeting and become restless in Jade’s hold. “Jade this was *charming* for the first two hours, but my legs feel like jelly, arms are heavy - mom’s spaghetti. LET ME WALK!”

Jade sighs, walks a certain distance, and concedes. As he loosens his hold on me, I look down and realize THERE’S NO GROUND BENEATH ME?! I quickly use all of my upper strength to stay connected to Jade, rather than the open arms of the cliffside.

“What's the problem prefect? You can let go at any time or do you just enjoy being close to me?” He inquires, arms to his side.

 “I’ll die?!”

“No, I wouldn’t put you in harm’s way. Perhaps a bone or two may break but nothing dire. I’ve selected a non-too steep hill.” 

“There’s crows flying beneath us?!”

Jade looks past me. “So, there is.”

“AH FINE! You can keep holding me!” I say in desperation.  

Jade brings his arms back to secure me. “Be careful what you say or ask for dear prefect. Or you just might get it.”

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“Hmm? What’s this?” Ace asked, Deuce also leaned in to read the post it on Ramshackle’s front door.

{I have the prefect. - Leech} 

Adeuce jumped back in shock. “EHHHHH?!”

“Which one?!” Deuce asked, crumbling the paper.

“Does it matter?!” Ace countered. 

“Do they owe them a debt?!” Deuce turned to Ace. The duo frantically ran off to track down their unlucky friend.

Just upstairs, Grim heard the commotion and rolled around pitifully on the bed. “Fwnya! What gives?! THORN! GHOSTS! I’m stuck!” 

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“You know Jade, our outfit colors compliment one another’s, like matching couples outfits but not matching 1:1?” 

Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, it must have been lunch time. As we made our descent down the mountain, Jade’s extra storage filled with rare and common toadstools, I made conversation with any thought that popped into my head. 

“How interesting. Merfolk have a similar trend amongst couples. Sometimes the couple wears matching jewelry sets, whether it be the same shell or gem stone the pair has bought or found on different pieces or the same piece but split, for instance a necklace becoming two bracelets.”   

I hum in response. “That sounds nice. I’m sure there's couples on land that would be into that too.”

Suddenly a thought pops into my head, and I try to mask my fit of giggles.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I face Jade, “we should take a photo together, post it, and let people’s imaginations run wild with misconceptions, hehe.”

Jade grinned mischievously. “I like the way you think prefect.’ 

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[@ alienprotag uploaded new photos with @ shiiok.ing. Captioned: Just two inseparable mushrooms on an enchanted mountain] 

[@ ace.ofthe.court commented: pov someone just discovered photoshop - chill out w edits shorty 🙄] 

[@ shiiok.ing replied to @ ace.ofthe.court: Photoshop was not used to synchronize our heights.]

 [@ caterd.updates commented: 🥺😭 @ alienprotag has been compromised - mission failed]

[@ magicalwheels4lifer replied to @ caterd.updates: What do you mean senpai?]

[@ xchasseur.d.amourx replied to @ magicalwheels4lifer: Monsieur Mastermind and the Trickster are wearing matching outfits - signifying their courtship! C'est magnifique!]

[@ whimsqueeze commented: 😠😠😠 @ shiiok.ing ! IT WAS YOU WHO SNATCHED SHRIMPY AND MADE THEM MISS OUR DATE!]  

[@ alienprotag replied to @ ace.ofthe.court: He carried me duh 🤧🤧]

[@ ace.ofthe.court replied to @ alienprotag: Say sike rn.]

[@ shiiok.ing replied to @ ace.ofthe.court: I can assure you, I did in fact carry them the full duration of our hike.]

[@ muscles.n.apples replied to @ ace.ofthe.court: sbhfisdfinkf you just got dokkan’d.] 

[tomfoolies]

celebrations

ship: corporate affairs words: 1006 a/n: yet another missing tomja scene. this time i bring you... the beginning of season 3 episode 7, a pivotal moment in the tomja lore!!

--

Tom slips out of Logan's office, wondering if everyone knows where he's going, if his intentions are clear for others to see.

His heart makes itself known with a heavy, quick rhythm and the cold sweat of disbelief slowly creeps in. He’s outside of his own body (not for the first time), yet every sensation is heightened. His surroundings feel as sharp as the knife’s edge they’ve balanced on, for too long. To say a burden has been lifted feels inadequate — he's limitless, everything feels tangible and real again. He doesn't need time to process the new reality or let it sink in, instead it all flows back into him with ease and relief. Like everything around him had simply been waiting for this moment, skulking right at the peripheral.

His feet take him to her, without a single thought of uncertainty. People must pass by him, or he must pass by them, but he’s too tunnel-visioned to pay attention. 

Two floors down with the elevator and some more walking later, he finds her in her cubicle, with her chin against her palm, staring blankly at her monitor. Lingering for a beat he watches her, transfixed by how completely oblivious she is to what's just taken place. He revels in the fleeting moment of control he has over her, the heady power to change her entire life, right in the palm of his hand.

Sonja's gaze moves from the screen to catch the sudden movement in her peripheral vision, and it sharpens when she recognises him. Her expression shifting from boredom to confusion. A delight to observe — the way she simply can't conceal her emotions, especially the more intense ones — but only because he knows they'll be soon rendered obsolete and replaced with something else.

“Tom? I thought you had the—”

"Something's come up. I need to talk to you." He gestures her to follow him, hoping his disposition betrays nothing but a need for privacy.

She gets up from her desk, the confusion deepening, bleeding into worry. People around them perk up, spare a glance or two — he's not an uncommon sight on this floor, visiting her often enough, but everyone knows what's been going on lately. Attuned to shifts and developments in this drama that's been slowly unfolding, everyone's keen to know what happens next.

It's a wonder she can't tell it already, read it from his charged silence as they walk down the corridor, sense the faintest tremblings of excitement, decipher the small smile as he holds open the empty meeting room's door for her. But then again, he knows the neural pathways that her mind always takes, from wonder to doom in a matter of milliseconds. Not unlike his way of thinking. What he's about to tell her never felt like an option for either of them.

“You're scaring me," she exclaims when the door closes behind them. She crosses her arms over her chest, one hand rubbing up and down her other arm. "What's going on? Did they hear back from—"

"They did. We're free."

She blinks at him, brow furrowing. "Huh?"

"Nobody's going to prison. They don't have enough—"

His words hit her fast, and even before he's finished his sentence she's bridged the gap between them and wrapped her arms around his middle, squishing him close. He returns the hug with a tight squeeze, overtaken by a flood of joy. The new reality becomes even stronger, even more tangible, now that he's gotten to share it with the one person who really matters, who deserved to know.

She pulls back a bit, gripping his suit labels, both disbelief and delight evident on her face; latter being held tightly in check.

"I swear, if you're doing this just to fuck with me..."

But upon taking in his sincere expression she quickly softens, giving into the feeling he's already embraced. She wastes no time to press her lips on his. Savouring that sweet taste of newfound freedom and unbridled jubilance, released of every possible apprehension and fear.

For a moment that lasts a second, or an entire eon, they first kiss, and then simply hold each other. She hides her face in his shoulder, and in an enthusiastic move he lifts her up and spins her around. Eventually they separate, but she keeps him close. Both of them hesistant and reluctant in their withdrawal.

She's radiant; a sight he can't get enough of. Stars and sparks fly off of her in a haphazard halo of fireworks, excitement and relief all over her. Watching life settle back into her is captivating, the usual subtle sparkle returning to her eyes makes him realize just how apathetic and somber she's been for these past few weeks. He'd like to keep staring at her, keep kissing her, lock the door and show her the true extent of his excitement. But...

“I need to go back,” he murmurs. Others will soon notice he's been gone a bit too long.

She nods, but doesn’t let go quite just yet. Just looks at him like he's brought back the sun to the sky, the ocean to the scorched land. “Go. We’ll celebrate later.”

Celebration. Something neither of them thought would take place, wouldn't ever have imagined could happen during those sleepless nights where all they had was their shared fate and their elaborate scenarios they did their best to map out in their entirety, just to be ready. Hours spent in shitty diners in preparation for their new life and routines that they were so certain would take place. These moments, keeping them close and tightly together by a mutual, total absence of hope, forged a connection that felt different from what they'd already built previously.

She drops her hands, giving him the chance to pull back. He brings his hand to the back of her head, leans in once more to kiss her forehead. Her sigh of contentment makes him smile.

Nobody else will ever come close to understanding it, he knows. Nobody else could ever compare.

[dissociation-station123]

Any Given Sunday

Lucky Charm-Chapter One

Summary: Toji Fushiguro always spent time at the horse racing track. Looking to make money fast. Most of the time he was disappointed. But today he finally wins a race and that race leads him to you. Is his luck finally turning around?

Toji X Reader

Mature Content

Toji Fushiguro is convinced his shitty luck is finally turning around. He walks tall down the open space of the horse track whistling to himself. He just won big on a random pick and was on his way to collect.

He felt numerous eyes dart in his direction. He could sense it was an amalgam of emotions; fear, envy, lust, and curiosity. No matter where he went he knew attention would find him.

Toji looked towards where he felt an intense gaze. The moment his deep green eyes met theirs the stranger cowers away. He smirks in amusement and continues to move forward towards the betting window.

He towers over the window and finds a new face. “Haven’t seen you before.” He states as he assesses the woman standing before him. He watches as she finishes typing a text with a sigh. She then looks up with a deadpan expression. Dark circles were visible under her eyes.

“You may have a problem if you know every person who works here…” She responds in a soporific tone. Toji is taken back by the lack of response by his presence. Her words did not register at first but then he chuckles deeply.

“I have a lot of problems. But hopin today that changes sweetheart.” He ups his charm leaning against the counter, his biceps now bulging under his tight black tee. He pushes his winning ticket towards her.

He sees her eyebrow twitch in vexation the moment he utters a nickname. Just for a second then her mask returns. She does not say anything as she takes the ticket from his hand.

He watches her scan the paper, the sound of the register opening was euphoric in a way. Her cute manicured nails quickly count out the bills. “Congratulations…” She mumbles, handing over the large stack of cash.

Now he is utterly flabbergasted by her. The lack of any sort of reply even a refutation began to irritate him. “How is it being around money all day and having to work at a place like this?” Toji knows he is being an asshole now, desperate to get a rise from her.

“It’s wonderful. I love it.” She retorts dispassionately. A strange tension forms in his chest. He felt almost desperate to see any form of emotion from this random woman. He realizes he should move on sensing a line beginning to form. “Is that all sir?”

Something about her made him even more stubborn. “Well I’m not sure who to take for the next race. You got a favorite name you like, princess?” There it was again that small flutter of her brow, for just a millisecond.

“Number seven.” That is all she says. He smirks with confidence but it falters when his eyes meet her dead gaze; fed up with the world staring straight into his very being.

“Seven to win for five hundred then doll.” He watches as the moment he says doll she pushes the keys on her keyboard a bit rougher. He hums in amusement to himself.

She prints off a new ticket and holds it up. Toji makes sure his fingers linger on hers as they make the exchange but she does not fumble. He straightens back up and begins to turn away. A foreign sense of defeat fills him.

“Good luck…” that same monotone voice, he wonders if it will haunt him in his sleep tonight. He waves her off and begins to go back to his box seat to watch the race.

After ten minutes the horses are loaded into the gate. Toji knew he probably just wasted five hundred of his earnings because of his pride. He pulls out his phone, ignoring the bell releasing as it rings loudly across the stadium and the sound of hooves against dirt.

“Number seven is in a large lead as they reach the final turn! Amazing! This was a long shot!” The announcers yelled excitedly and Toji perks up in surprise. He sits up seeing his pick just as it dashes across the finish line with no contest in sight.

“Fucking hell…” He mutters in disbelief staring at his winning ticket. Out of curiosity he glances at the racing schedule. The name of the number seven horse in bold; Any Given Sunday. He smiles to himself and laughs as he sees most of the people around him throw their losing tickets on the ground in anger.

Still in a state of shock he returns to the same betting window ready to praise the bizarre woman. The person now sitting there is a regular staff member he recognizes instantly. The moment she sees him she twirls a lock of blonde hair around her finger, eying him seductively.

“Toji…” She practically purrs and he feels a sense of disappointment. “You never called.” She pouts, pursuing her lips in mock sadness.

“Where is the woman that was just work’n here?” He asks, ignoring her advances. He cranes his neck in an attempt to find her.

“She took her break. She usually likes to go to the paddock to watch the horses. So weird…” The blonde rolls her eyes. Toji agreed the previous woman was a bit odd but hearing someone else say it angered him for some reason.

Without conversing anymore he hands over his ticket. The blonde's eyes widened. “Holy shit Toji.” She says as she keys in the information.

“Yeah yeah just give me my money.” His patience has run out. He looks around to find where the paddock is.

“Grumpy…” The blonde says and then hands him the money. “It’s straight and to the right.” Toji nods and makes his way to find her. Pushing past others his mind focuses on finding her.

As he nears the location he freezes. There she was leaning against the railing. A faint smile ghosted her lips as she observed the thoroughbreds walking the circle. A look of calm reminiscent in her features, she looks beautiful. He swallows heavily and snaps himself into the present.

Toji approaches carefully not wanting to startle her. “Hey Su..” He begins to call her sugar but she holds up her hand to silence him. She points to her name tag without looking in his direction. “Y/N.”

“That’s my name.” She says nonchalantly and finally swivels to face him. “It’s my break. Can’t help you.” Toji grins enamored by her behavior.

“I actually just wanted to thank you. You helped me win big back there. Was it really just luck?” He watches her lean against the railing once more. She sighs as if his presence exhausts her. Toji moves beside her bending over to force her to look at him.

“Betting is always rooted in luck. Statistics and knowing the history of the horse helps you a bit.” She shrugs as she maintains perfect eye contact. He almost felt nervous around her. Second guessing his usual confidence.

“How so?” He asks now, curious. Again that flat expression, yet the way her body slumped he could sense how tired she was.

“That particular horse is a rookie. On a regular track I probably would not have picked him to win. But today's track is a bit messy. The two races he was in previously were the same and he won easily. Also the length of the track...” She explains but then notices his lost expression she trails off. “I also really like the name.”

Toji burst out laughing, deep and loud. Half of that went over his head. When she mentioned the name he could not help himself. “Why the name?” He manages to ask.

“My grandpa always took me to this track when I was younger. Everytime I wanted to bet on a long shot he would smile at me and say any given Sunday.” There it was again the phantom smile and far away look. He wanted to know more about her.

“Can I take you to dinner? As a thanks of course.” Toji asks, surprising himself at the urgency. She looks unfazed by the offer. His heart sank when the small grin she was wearing vanished.

“It’s no big deal. Save your money. I actually have to work somewhere else after this.” Toji looks away, unable to keep looking at her. He now felt how rejection could sting. Yet he understood her reasoning.

As he studied her weary posture he felt a need to help. “Wait here for a second.” She looks him over as if assessing the danger but nods.

“I’ve got twenty more minutes on my break. I’ll be here.” She responds and he quickly scans his surroundings. He spots a concession stand and darts towards it.

He feels the familiar looks in his direction but he could care less as he glances at his watch in line.

Finally he reaches the counter and a nervous teen takes his order. “Hot dog and bottled water.” He says harshly and a shaky hand takes his money. “Don’t got all day kid.” The teen picks up their pace and gathers the items quickly handing them over.

Without any more acknowledgement he makes his way back towards her. She is still in the same spot but the small smile was lost. He frowns as he approaches. “You gotta eat dol… Y/N.” He corrects himself, holding out the refreshments towards her.

“I told you to save your money.” She says dryly crossing her arms. Toji takes a breath to quell the bit of anger that surfaces.

“This may have broken my wallet yesterday but thanks to you I’ll be ok. So please…” Toji hates the way his voice cracks a bit. She slowly reaches out and takes the offering.

“Alright then. Thank you.” She walks a few steps away and sits on a bench. She looks up at him expectantly and he gladly sits beside her. Due to his large build their legs brushed, he felt a bit giddy from the contact.

“So any picks for the next race?” Toji asks to fill the silence. He turns just as her lips wrap around the hot dog and scolds his body as it reacts. He is long past puberty yet this woman is intriguing.

“Mmm yeah but it’s not just one horse that could win this one.” She covers her mouth with her hand as she finishes her bite. She takes a long sip of water and his jaw clenches at the imagery that invades his mind. “You’ll want to do a trifecta box this time.”

Distracted by his filthy thoughts, of what those full lips would feel like he doesn’t quite catch what she says. “Tri whata?”

She looks at him like he was a complete idiot. She quickly finishes the hot dog and sighs. “Trifecta box for six, one, and five.”

“Explain this to me like I’m five.” He laughs and notices a bit of ketchup on the corner of her mouth. He lifts his hand and she flinches. “It’s alright. Just got a bit of a mess here.” His voice was low yet calm as he swipes it with his thumb. Without thinking he licks it off his finger.

“Next time just hand me a napkin.” She mumbles and he notices her eyes darting around unable to make eye contact.

“Trifecta what now?” Toji asks again and it seems to settle her down. That look returns and she grumbles to herself looking at the time on her phone.

“Trifecta is where you pick the first, second, and third place horses. When you box them then they can finish the race in any order. All three of those horses have a chance of winning.” She blurts out and he nods his head now comprehending.

“I’ll do that.” He adds smiling down at her. “Hey, will you be here every weekend this season?”

“Why? So you can harass me?” She scowls, causing Toji to chuckle. He clicks his teeth at her.

“You're my good luck charm.” He says seductively and she grimaces. She pushes herself off the bench to create distance. “I’m sorry!! But seriously! You're like a racing genius. I need you.”

“Yes I’ll be here.” He watches as she stretches a bit. Again her posture looks ragged and worn. But Toji could not help but appreciate her curves.

“Great!” He shouts and she looks at him as if he has three heads. “Well it’s a pleasure meeting you Y/N. I hope we get to know each other a bit better.” He holds out his hand for her to shake.

She eyes it cautiously but eventually places her hands in his, he notices how small it felt. But when she returned the shake it was firm and strong. “It’s Toji by the way.”

“Alright.” She says, unruffled by his existence. Toji was fascinated and he could not explain why. “But keep those nicknames to yourself or I won’t give you any more tips.”

Toji finds himself cackling once again. He couldn’t remember the last time he had done so seriously. “Deal. Speaking of tips…” Toji pulls out a large stack of hundreds and she steps away.

“No, that's ok.” She announces nervously. Toji growls at her defiance. Moving towards her and she backs away.

“I’m not gonna hurt ya Y/N. Please you earned this.” Toji lowers his stance to appear less intimidating. She eyes him suspiciously. “Please…” again this woman has him begging.

She reaches out her hand and accepts the money. “Just this once. No more.” She actually points her finger at him as if to scold him. This woman was an enigma.

Toji holds up his arms in surrender with an amused grin. She turns away and begins walking back to her station. He can’t help but stare at her ass as she goes. “Damn…” He mutters under his breath. He knows that he will bring her nothing but trouble, yet he can’t help himself. “It’s her fault for peak’n my curiosity…”

Toji sits back down on the bench. A stupid wide grin on his face as he goes over their interaction. Maybe this year is going to turn around for him.

[daybreakrising]

@yuexian: ... these scars . how did you get them ? ( for wrio! )

There's the slightest hitch of breath the second a fingertip grazes the ragged line upon his throat, the subtlest tense of muscles. It's sensitive - both the skin, and the memory.

His hand catches Gao Ying's, but he doesn't divert his touch - rather, he closes his fingers around a slender wrist, uses the other as an anchor to brace against the tumultuous sea at risk of breaking the flood barriers deep within his heart. Though his mind burns with the memory of clawed metal, of a primal scream of rage, his face betrays nothing.

In fact, he smiles. It's the easy grin of someone about to tell a practiced lie, a conjured story of some dramatic incident that he will, at the end, reveal to be a joke. He has a plethora of them under his belt, rehearsed lines to deliver as needed, to cover the horror that is the truth. The reaction is knee-jerk, instinctive. That smile is in place even before he registers it himself.

"Ah? These scars?" He speaks with his usual plain confidence: there's not even a millisecond of hesitation to his words, no sign of the lingering trauma he can never escape. "Oh, I got these when this big-,"

Now he hesitates.

He could continue, roll out the story of the monster that attacked the Fortress (one of his favourites), brush off the question the way he does with everyone else. And yet... perhaps it is the way the other is looking at him, perhaps it is because he touches him with such tenderness, but Wriothesley cannot compel himself to finish the lie.

The change is immediate, and obvious. A shadow creeps into pale eyes, darkens his expression, and he is no longer smiling. His gaze drops to the hand he still holds in place against the permanent reminder of the worst night of his life: he's aware how his grip has tightened automatically, and he forces his fingers to slacken, to relax.

When he next speaks, there's a hard edge to his voice, his tone colder than the cryo he wields within his fists. "They were a parting gift from the woman I once called mother."

[shitposbyopia]

Presbyopia Speech

So, the employees at Presbyopia have specific ways in which they talk, especially how that changes when they are under pressure.

Isabella - Isabella talks like she is delivering lines with a smile and a wink. As in, she uses the word "cadaver" on a regular basis. As if she was taught to speak by Simon Farnaby. It's all about the spectacle for her, but it's also about problem solving. She pauses between sentences while she thinks about how to make her next move, as if she is taking words off a shelf and placing them in a line before carefully placing them back. When she gets blindsided, however, suddenly her poker face is almost unreadable. Almost. Nothing can hide fully the fury of a someone who thinks they know everything when they get surprised.

Barley - Barley is the complete contrast to their partner. They are also a prey animal. A complex person trying to be as simple as humanly possible. As such, they don't really speak that much, and instead making noises. They growl and gasp, they hiss, and cry and shout. Then there are the names. The vast majority of Barley's lines are them just repeating the one nickname they have for whoever is in the scene with them in different ways. As well as variations of the phrase "I live by the river" However, as they get stressed, Barley starts to speak in ton of messy, quick sentences. The more complex that breaks through the facade, the more they talk.

Eli Stones - Eli Stones talks and moves very slowly. Everything about this man is centred around control or the lack thereof. It's the smile all over again. It's a facade. He doesn't ever answer a question directly, because he's always bluffing, always making himself the biggest threat in the room. It's also why he laughs so much, it's for the attention, it's to throw people off their balance. He's finding weakness and pushing at it. But I think the specifics are less important than the overarching. Eli Stones is, at all times, following orders and reporting back. For all the man's prancing, he has zero agency of his own. He never answers questions directly because he never actually says anything. He talks a lot, but there's no meaning there. He is a non entity.

Reece - Imagine the worst thing you could possibly say in any given situation. That is exactly what Reece would say. Forget being a bisexual disaster, this man is a bisexual bipolar clusterfuck. As for speech patterns, Reece is constantly making jokes and questions. He a funny person who's undulates between court jester and cult leader in expression. Reece gets to monologue a lot, and he opens every single one of them with "Brothers and sisters!" Meanwhile, he is also principled beyond all else, and when someone contradicts that, he suddenly becomes quiet. We get sarcasm and indignance. This man knows how to throw an insult and carve through bluster like a surgery knife.

Payton - As the avatar of silence, Payton doesn't so much not speak as make everyone around her shut the fuck up. I'm pretty sure she has about four lines total. The reason she is on this list, however, is the fact that communication isn't just verbal, and Payton is the queen of expression. Payton presents as a stoic, but the millisecond that anything interacts with her, we get the single most expressive person in the cast. She has entire conversations with people in which all she does is make faces at them or occasional gestures. We don't need to hear her to understand her fury at her boss's transphobia, or how much she revels in the violence and power of her rifle, or the safety and comfort she derives from the ocean.

[the141ghost]

The first name that Johnny threw out elicited no response from him other than a slight nod. The second, though? Well, that wiped the entire expression off his face in a matter of milliseconds.

Beth. Oh… Beth…

For what must have been the millionth time that night, Simon felt his stomach churn. He could almost smell the pine tree in the air, and see the little toy plane covered in blood. A familiar voice echoed from the back of his mind and he cast his gaze to the ground. You were told what would happen.

Simon’s eyes had glossed over, and every muscle in his body was taught. Was this what a PTSD episode felt like? He hadn’t had one for years and felt ridiculous even wondering if a fucking name could have triggered it off. He knew he had to get a hold of himself before he completely spiralled out of control, thinking about his sister-in-law, who’d married into the family in spite of the mess that they were and paid the ultimate price for it. And it had been Simon’s fault.

Johnny continued speaking. Why wouldn’t he? He didn’t know that his sister shared the name of Tommy’s Beth, there was no reason for him not to stop. So, instead of simply allowing the thoughts to take over without a fight, he set his jaw tightly and looked back up at Johnny, doing his best to hang onto every word that left the Scot’s mouth.

But, he couldn’t get a response in. He’d planned on giving some kind of empathetic understanding of having a shitty father figure, but what Johnny did next… stopped him. He’d been wishing Johnny would touch him again, and now he had, taking the wipe from Simon’s hand and returning his attention to his face.

When Johnny’s fingers touched his chin and titled his head up, it felt like life got pumped back into his lungs. He was safe here. He was with Johnny. And what happened that night wasn’t his fault.

No matter how many times he repeated the mantra to himself in his mind, he couldn’t bring himself to believe the lies.

“Sure, Johnny, one day,” he mumbled, trying to ignore the feeling of warmth that spread over his face after being cleaned once again, and he looked around before his eyes settled on what he’d just remembered they’d been nursing earlier: a half-full bottle of bourbon. He leaned down quickly, making his head throb in the process before he sat back upright with it. He raised it slightly in a weak attempt at a toast. “An’ I’d love t’meet them. Meet th’sorry lot that got stuck with you, ey?”

Then, he proceeded to drain at least half more of what was in the bottle, not stopping to breathe until he’d decided he had enough and he cleared his throat, lips turned down in a deep frown.

“Bloody awful, that is,” he said, voice still low and flat. He was good at masking his emotions, but that tended to cover everything he was feeling. He didn’t seem calm anymore, spaced out by how safe he was. It was Ghost sitting in front of Johnny now, just without his mask. He had to change the subject, he knew it was a stretch to think he could just move on. Johnny would want to ask questions, and he was genuinely worried about what he’d let slip if he responded. “Reckon the old man gets his booze from fucking B&M? I could see it.”

Johnny properly brightened up when Simon called him a good big brother.

He… that compliment hit quite deep, actually. He had always tried his very best for his sisters, back then, often feeling like he was failing because he was just fucking child, he didn’t know how to look after other children. But hearing Simon say that reassured him. He’d done the very best that he could, and that did make him a good brother.

“Aye, still call ‘em a lot, see ‘em when I can. Lorna an’ Beth, they’re called. Haven’t been back home in a while though,” he said the last part a little guiltily, even if it wasn’t really his fault. He’d been busy, visiting home hadn’t really been on his mind. It was quite far, after all. He did tend to start missing them all when it had been a while, though, so maybe it was about time.

His guilt seeped away as Simon teased and laughed, earning him a grin and an eye roll. Mostly because it was true. And he was always going to smile when he heard that laugh. He watched Simon reach up to check if his nose had stopped bleeding yet - which it had, thank God. Simon looked just as relieved as he felt.

And then he mentioned his dad, which he wasn’t going to lie, spoilt the mood a little. It wasn’t like he was the worst of all fathers - next to Simon, he’d feel kind of guilty complaining about his own dad, knowing even just a hint of the things that awful man had done. But still, he hadn’t been the best, either.

The next words out of Simon’s mouth cheered him up a little, though, once again hearing some of that northern come through. This time, though, he couldn’t help but notice that the slip up seemed a little more… intentional. He wasn’t going to complain.

“No, left when I was about 11. Pretty useless bastard. Bit of an arse, really,” Johnny sighed, and didn’t go into any more detail on it than that. The old man wasn’t worth the wasted breath.

As he’d been talking, he’d noticed a spot of blood on Simon’s cheek, just a little bit he must have missed when his wiped himself clean. Johnny wasn’t surprised, he hadn’t been very thorough. He moved forward, noting that Simon was still holding the dirtied wipe, and gestured to give it to him.

“Here,” he said, taking it, then did something that was probably far too forward, but it was too late now. He lifted Simon chin up with a couple fingers, holding it there as he wiped the spot of blood away. When he was satisfied he moved back again, dropping the wipe into the bin then pushing the bin back over to where it usually lived with his foot, no longer needing it nearby. Then, he settled back where he’d stood, as if absolutely nothing had just happened.

He was pretending he’d done nothing out of the ordinary for his own sake, his heart still beating fast in his chest as his mind caught up with his own actions.

“Ye could come up and meet ‘em all some day,” Johnny suggested, going back to their previous conversation, “Mam and ma sisters. I’m sure they’d love ta meet ye.”

[heizours]

THE PATRIOT

summary. a journey of heizou interrogating you after accidentally confessing your unbearable feelings for him earlier than intended. unfortunately, the detective himself suddenly launched a search and capture operation just so he could get the confirmation that he needs, if what he had heard was actually real.

wc. 2.2k+ words

pairings. heizou x gn! reader

notes. first time posting a full fic with only one character ! honorable mentions to my friend ain,​ for the idea which is related to this mini hcs.

“Archons, you should even be thankful that I like you and if not, I would have sent you flying across the sky.”

In less than a millisecond, you brought your hand to cover your mouth at the sudden realization at what you had just proclaimed. Your eyes were wide as bonkers, and even though you want to believe that there is still a tiny piece of hope that the person in front of you didn’t managed to hear it - his reactions had already betrayed him before he can himself.

For once, Shikanoin Heizou, the young prodigy detective of the Tenryou Commission was at loss for words. All of it happened so fast, yet it happened so slow for him - so slow like how his heart first pumped a beat the moment he laid his eyes on you - that he didn’t even noticed your horrified expression before awkwardly mumbling about how you remembered that you have other “errands” to do before running away from the still stunned man.

Heizou was left all alone, standing there in the middle of nowhere. The longer he lets your confession to sink in, the fast his heart rate frantically beats for the first time in a while. He could feel his blood rushing to all the possible places where a person’s blush could be easily noticed, and he had to cover his mouth to stop from pumping his fist and doing his victory dance.

That is until the detective had took noticed of your now — lost presence. Heizou acted like a deer caught in it's headlights as the excitement and happiness he was just feeling a while ago, were all slowly turning into panic.

"H-huh? [Name]? [Name]! — Where are you?"

---

Maybe that was the major reason, why here you are hiding under the protection of Yoimiya and her father's fireworks workshop like you were some sort of wanted criminal.

To Yoimiya, she found it quite ironic why were you even hiding in the first place when Inazuma has completely changed ever since the traveler had influenced the nation in a positive changing way — that is, until you had to explain to her that you're hiding from your crush who is none other than Shikanoin Heizou himself.

"But, why though? From what I have gathered, don't you like him?." Yoimiya exclaimed as confusion was written all over her face.

"That is the problem! You see — while we were searching for some onibokutos that Itto needs for his upcoming beetle fight with the Yashiro Commissioner, I may had accidentally confessed to him because he purposely threw the onibokuto on me..." You murmured the last few words that Yoimiya could barely hear — trying to save yourself from the embarrassment you had caused.

"And, how did me and my father's workshop got involved in this — uh case?" Yoimiya questioned with her arms on her hips, while an amused glint is starting to twink at the corner of her eyes.

"After a successful attempt of running away from him while he was still stunned and distracted — the next day after, Heizou didn't hesitated pestering and following me wherever I go, to the point where he even brought some samurai soldiers with him, so that if he ever plans to capture me again, I would be cornered without getting the chance to slip from his grasp again — sort of you could say that I was running and hiding away from him in the best way where he wouldn't be able to find me with his excellent detective instincts."

"One time I was hiding at the Komore Teahouse after a thousand pleadings from Thoma, but the day after — the moment I woke up I immediately heard the interrogating voices of some Samurai Soldiers from the Tenryou Commission, and they were asking if Thoma had seen me — much to my luck, he denied that he hasn't."

You continued, and by the time you were finished with your story, you look up to find your friend who was suppose to give you advice, was instead stifling her laugh behind her hand

"Hey, but at least you know how it feels to be a criminal in a visible surface right?" She tried to brighten up the mood of the atmosphere, only to deadpan at her before grumbling under your breath

"Though, I think you don't have anything to worry about [Name]. What's done has already been done, the least thing you could do is face him and wait for his response. I'm sure that he likes you back, if that is what the shogun will bless you." Yoimiya continued while she put a hand on your shoulder in an assuring but gentle way, before sliding the doors open and leaving you in your own comfort

---

"Shikanoin Heizou himself, ordered us to check every corner of Inazuma to look for a person who's named [Last Name] [First Name]. And this is the last place he recommended for us to look — now if you would excuse us, please let us investigate your workshop and if we still can't find them, we will take our leave shortly." announced by one of the soldiers from the Tenryou Commission, who were a division that was ordered by Heizou.

Here they are, standing intimidating and tall in front of Yoimiya who was oddly smiling instead of being scared by their presence. While on the other side of the story, and by I mean story is where you're hiding — you were shaking in your boots as beads of sweat started to form on your forehead from the sudden nervousness while covering your mouth with the both of your hands to prevent any noise, including your own breathing from coming out.

'How is he going to take this far?!'

The sound of large and heavy footsteps snapped you out from mentally cursing the detective himself, for making it look like you were like a big troublesome criminal. You frantically look around the shop to find anything — anything to hide you from the incoming intruders, until Yoimiya swiftly slipped inside the shop before putting a finger on her mouth — a gesture to remain calm and quiet.

"While Dad is busy stalling the soldiers by offering them some newly fresh fireworks, here I am helping my friend to hide from their crush — anyway, we don't have much time left. There is another door you could use as an escape, and that will simply be the door on your left. Quick and hurry! Before the soldiers lose their patience, and barge in here without any announcement" Yoimiya whispered-yelled, as her hands were frantically moving in the air, encouraging you to escape.

Before you could even touch or make contact with the door — it had already opened on it's own. Thus, that is how you found yourself caught in a mouse's trap as Shikanoin Heizou stands there right in front of you, with his arms crossed and an unpredictable emotion painted on his face.

---

This was it — this was how you are doing to meet your end. Here you are, refusing to raise your head and sitting in front of a table — with your hands ordered to be placed on top of it instead of being cuffed like how every criminal who has been interrogated here had experienced. But that's the very least of your worries right now, not when Heizou paces back and fort in front of you, calmly waiting for you to speak.

The atmosphere in the air was tense yet so awkward at the same time — that if an outsider enters the room, they would easily noticed how both parties are hesitating if they should speak or continue to keep their mouth shut.

The thoughts that continue to plague your mind, have been shut when the sounds of Heizou's steps, had came to a sudden stop. Nothing but plain silence was left — that was what you had thought before the detective took the chance to start "the" conversation with you.

"[Name], according to my intuitions you have a committed a crime — a crime that took me days to solve because the criminal themselves was a good hider from someone as me." He started as he crossed his arms, before leaning against the wall while intently staring right into your still shaken form.

"[Last Name] [First Name], why did you ran away from me that day? ...Did you have no idea, how much I panicked and was hurt when you kept pushing me away because of that?."

The serious tone poisoned in his voice, has been immediately replaced with a hurtful tone of despair. Which is rare to see from the once playful and teasing detective, who had decided to let himself step out of his shell and show his vulnerability for once.

"I ask a question, and I expect an answer in return. No?" Heizou clicked his tongue in disapproval as he stalked towards your figure, before leaning in front of you.

He lifted his finger to raise your chin up, and finally for the longest time — the both of your eyes had meet once again. Despite the bold gesture he was doing, it was far from the circular emotions that are motioning in his eyes.

"Now, speak — it doesn't matter how long we'll be here. I will not let you run away again, not before you repeat what you had said that day." His tone more dead serious than ever - seriously, how could this man have a change of duality in a millisecond?

Another pause of silence had occurred once again between the two of you — after a long critical thinking, you decided to give what the poor man is demanding you to give him. Though you were already facing the rejection you're about to face, you really have no choice but to confess it, isn't it?

"Since you really are determined about it, fine I will. Shikanoin Heizou, I have been seeing you as someone who's more than a friend for a while now but like any romance novel. Out of fear, I kept it because I didn't want to lose our friendship and there would be some awkward tension between us."

You revealed.

"T-that confession wasn't even supposed to happen in the first place, if you weren't so - so annoying that time then maybe this wouldn't ha-"

"....Why?" The detective had cut you off and whispered more likely to himself for you to barely hear, but despite that you had still managed to.

"[Name], is there any reason....why you're regretting that scenario?"

His question made you deeply flustered and had completely caught you off guard. What in the Teyvat does he mean?

If the both of you weren't in this crisis right now, Heizou could have grabbed the chance to pinch your cheeks because you suddenly looked like a deer caught in it's headlights for a minute. The least thing he could to right now was to hold in the smile that was threatening to crawl on his face.

He had decided at that exact moment — no more questions, no more wasting his and your time in this cellar room, and no more running away from the feelings he has for you. He is going to snatch this chance, not when he had finally got the information that the feelings are 99.9% very mutual.

"You, still haven't catch up do you?" He let out a light-hearted chuckle before moving his eyes once again, to your still confused figure.

"[Name], I like you too — a lot. Or more like I love you so much that I just want to annoy and love the living shit out of you. I know this is an out of character confession from someone like me, but please believe me at least this once when I tell you that I love you."

He confessed it back, all in one go. On the other side of the story, the sudden reciprocating confession from the person you have been admiring from afar, was too much to take in.

Your eyes were blown wide as the sizes of plates, your body was shaking from the genuine happiness you're feeling and you couldn't fight back the smile that is slowly crawling up to your face.

"Heizou, I-i swear if this is another one of those prank of yours, I will not hesitate to-"

The sentence was cut off when a quick pair of lips landed on yours, before pulling away in a second. Thousand shades of red creeped up to neck, as you were now covering your blushing face, while Heizou was clearly enjoying the state you are in right now.

"Does it still look like it? Perhaps...another kiss should change the gears in your mind?"

He teased as tiny smirk formed on his exquisite face, clearly leaning in once again, to the point that both of your lips are left with small gap in between. If one of you leaned in closer, for sure it would end up in the same situation you had experienced beforehand.

"Maybe, you should." Said you — deciding to be bold in the middle of the scenario you are trapped in.

Before diving in once again, to hover his lips over yours — he looked at you to get your consent one last time which you clearly got the hint, as no words left out of your mouth, but the way you looked at him was enough to tell him that you are allowing him to.

The both of you clearly know, that it wasn't a prank.

[songmingisthighs]

Algedonic

introduction pt. i | pt. ii | pt. iii

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ch. xlviii - she's no longer with us

soulmate!yunho × reader

fated and marked, soulmates are supposed to be your destiny. you are connected to him by his heart and him to yours. but despite the cosmic or even divine intervention, you felt that he is not wholly yours. why is destiny so cruel to you?

To say that it was a bad morning was an understatement. The road to Ilsan was closed off due to an accident with a truck. The truck toppled over and blocked off the whole road and so he was forced to spend the night in his car at a rest area nearby.

It was as if the universe was punishing him for meeting Somi. He actually unserdtood why the universe would punish him but to put him in a tougher position with his soulmate was just cruel. All through the night, he thought of ways to make things up to you. He wanted to call you and apologize but his phone had completely died and he didn't have any way to charge it until he got to the bnb.

As soon as he woke up, he immediately drove to Ilsan.

Yunho arrived at the bnb at exactly 8.22 am, dishelved and looking rather frantic. The front desk was occupied by a kid. And by kid, it's literally a child with a Nintendo Switch in his hands, glaring at the screen of his console with his tongue stuck out, similar to an angry puppy.

Not knowing which room you got into, Yunho can't just go in and look into each room. So he rung the bell at the front desk to get anyone's attention.

The first rung, no one came from the back nor did the kid lifted his gaze from his game.

The second rung, he managed to get a scrunch of the nose from the kid.

The third which consecutively followed by the fourth, fifth, and sixth, finally managed to get someone's attention.

"Kyungmin!" A lady called as she rushed behind the front desk, "Why'd you just sit there? You could've helped with the guest!" She scolded. The boy paused his game and stared at his mom with a pout on his face, "I'm sorry, but hyung said I'm not supposed to interact with strangers," he then turn his head towards Yunho and squinted at him dramatically, "That guy could take me away and take my stomach to sell in the Black Market," he concluded.

The lady simply rolled her eyes and smacked the little boy lightly on the arm, "Don't be ridiculous! And you're being rude to our customer! Which one of your hyungs said that to you?" His mom asked. Before Kyungmin could answer, Yunho had interrupted them, "I'm sorry to cut in, but can I please ask for help?" Yunho asked sheepishly. Realizing this, the lady ushered the little boy to play in the back as she turned a charming, homey smile on her face. "I'm sorry for that, what can I help you with?" She asked with an obviously set up customer service voice. Yunho actually was amazed at how quick she can change her expressions and tone.

"I- I was supposed to arrive here yesterday evening following ny girlfriend who arrived here earlier, but there was an issue on the road. My phone died so I can't ask my girlfriend anything, I think she is still sleeping and I don't wanna wake her. Can you help me find our room?" He asked. The lady chuckled and opened a medium sized book with leather hardcover, "Not to worry dearie, I can just check her name here," she said reassuringly which made Yunho sighe in relief. "Now what's the name of the reservation?" She asked as she scanned the book, "I'm not sure but it should either be under Jung Yunho or (y/n),"

The lady's finger on the page stopped moving as her head shot up to stare at Yunho in disbelief. "(y/n) you said? And... Yunho?" She asked again, seemingly surprised. Yunho was equally, if not more, surprised that she seemed to know him. He simply nodded slowly, "yes, (y/n) is my girlfriend and I'm Jung Yunho,"

For the second time that day, Yunho saw how quick the lady could change her expression in milliseconds. Her kind eyes turned into a glare and at that moment, Yunho believed that the ground could simply split open and swallow him whole. It seemed for a while that she hesitated to give him any help, but she sighed and dropped a key on the counter in front of him, "Room 494, first floor," she simply said. Yunho took the keys but simply dumbly stared at it. The lady sighed in exasperation and pointed at the numbers printed, "1F494, got it?" she stated so bluntly.

Scared that he'd piss her off, Yunho bowed at her and scurried off with his luggage. Even as he walked away, he could hear her muttering or maybe cursing at him. He had no idea what he could've done for her to hate him that much, but he had a sneaking suspicion that it might have something to do with you.

When he entered the room, he could understand why you wanted to go the bnb in the first place. The room was beyond comfy and the scenery was just breathtaking. He felt serenity wash over him within the few minutes he roamed around the room.

But the feeling didn't last as long as he scanned the room, looking over the items that you had put on the tables and also your opened luggage. He then shifted his gaze to the bed that is slightly wrinkled, indicating that it's been laid on but not slept in. He wondered where you might be, why you're not in bed at such an early time.

After dropping his luggage next to yours, he went to plop down on the bed. How much he wished he had slept on the bed instead of on the stiff backseat of his car.

Yunho decided to text send you a text message, asking about your whereabouts. Several text messages to be exact. he had hoped you would answer as soon as possible, but there was no immediate answer. He thought that you might just be out walking around town, getting breakfast while resenting his absence. So he decided to take a quick shower, clean himself from the night in his car. It felt disgusting and not even the hot shower can wash off the guilt.

Thinking that he should wait for you, Yunho decided to just stay in the room. He didn't want to leave the room for any reason, he even ordered food to his room, delivered by the same lady from the front desk. The times when he opened the door of his room to check on your arrival or to get the food, he'd see the little boy lurking around the corner before dashing off somewhere else. Why was that boy so interested in him?

After hours spent in his room, Yunho felt his patience running thin. He knew he had messed up yet again, but to give him the silent treatment and decided that he wasn't worth any chance of redemption. So he became slightly pissed. The texts he sent began to show how impatient he is.

Finally, at 4.13 pm he decided to seek an answer of his own. The lady at the front desk was the first person he thought of.

Luckily, the lady and the little boy were there, sitting all happy and content. That was until he showed up. A scowl immediately appeared on the lady's face even before Yunho had the chance to say anything. "Excuse me, I-" "You want to ask where your girlfriend is," the lady stated, cutting Yunho off. Yunho's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting her to immediately tell him that she knows your whereabouts.

"You know where she is?" he asked again, making sure. The little boy tugged on his mom's shirt, "Mom, does this ahjussi know (y/n) noona?" he asked. Yunho's left eye twitched when he heard the word 'ahjussi', but that wasn't what he wanted to focus on at that moment. The lady waved a hand to the boy, wordlessly telling him to not interfere. "Weird isn't it that a bnb owner knows where your girlfriend is but not you?" she asked back snidely.

Ignoring her snideness, he decided that knowing your whereabouts is more important. "Can you please tell me where she is? Please?" Yunho pled.

Though not knowing him, she knew that he's going to be relentless. So she exhaled sharply to show her disdain, propped her hands on the desk, and stared at him dead in the eyes.

"She's no longer with us," she blurted out.

While earlier he felt like the ground could open and swallow him, at that moment, Yunho felt as if a block of ice had been thrown on his face.

"W-what ?" he asked again, thinking he was mistaken.

The lady leaned in close to his face and repeated slowly, "She is no longer with us," she said.

Before any more interaction could happen, Yunho had bolted away to his room in disbelief.

He knew he had to make a plan. But what? What can he do after hearing that you're no longer with them?

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[ohmylcve]

Something about the shift in atmosphere made Keith feel as if he had stepped out of reality—as if he were inside a movie, where the lights, the subtle camera movements, and the lingering gazes would slowly build this moment, piece by piece. The slight changes in Iris’ expression, the way she seemed to hover at the edge of a line she wouldn’t normally cross… it was amusing. He couldn't look away. He wanted to take in every flicker of hesitation, every unspoken thought, to craft his own understanding of what they might mean.

"Awfully curious..." his voice carried the weight of the word she had chosen, drawing it out just enough, his half-shut gaze hinting at the thought that maybe she wasn’t the kind to let people in so easily. That maybe she lived in a universe that belonged only to her. And yet, here he was—after a mere twist of fate—finding himself part of something that was hers.

Without breaking his slow, observant rhythm, Keith shifted aside from the doorway, making room for her to step in. No grand gesture, no formal invitation—just an opening, a silent acknowledgment that she could if she wanted to. He liked how things were unfolding: the way they danced around the truth, speaking in near-misdirections yet never straying too far from what they were actually saying. When she spoke of what she lived for, something in him stirred. He found himself drawn to her—not just her words, but the way she expressed them, the way her cheeks flushed yet her voice carried quiet defiance. She’s brave, he thought, realizing only now that this was the first thing he had truly noticed about her. "The lingering feeling that something might happen..." he went on, echoing the feeling they obviously shared. A small pause. A knowing look. "Perhaps that's the best thing in life, isn't it?" leaning lazily against the doorframe, he let a smirk curl onto his lips. "To be surprised by the unexpected."

His next words came with a playful glint in his eyes. "Are we still pretending we're not talking about ourselves here, miss?" and then, as if dismissing the question, he stepped further inside, heading toward his living room. He didn’t glance back: didn’t need to. She had the choice—whether to follow, whether to let herself be pulled into whatever this was. "I'd rather answer with what I live for," he said, settling onto the couch. "I live for people. Watching them, capturing faces, expressions, the way their moods shift in the span of a breath..." his smirk faded into something softer now. "Or maybe... I live within seconds. Milliseconds, actually. The ones that slip through your fingers, the ones you don’t even know if your mind will hold onto afterward." finally, he looked at her, eyes meeting hers from across the room. "How does that sound to you?"

The words hung in the air, soft and weighted, settling over her like a blanket she didn’t quite know how to shrug off. Invite me in? A beer, maybe a joint, and questions about my life? The ease in his tone, the smirk that danced at the corner of his lips—it all made her chest tighten, her pulse quicken.

Her fingers curled tighter around the edges of the package, grounding herself against the rising tide of something she didn’t dare name just yet. He had taken a step closer—just enough to tip the atmosphere from casual to something more charged, more intimate. She caught her breath, her voice a little steadier now, though a teasing lilt wove itself through her words.

❝You’d ask questions, huh?❞ she echoed, tilting her head slightly, letting her gaze flit over him as if weighing whether or not he was serious. ❝Seems awfully curious for someone who’s had a front-row seat to my intimate Amazon orders.❞

The words escaped before she could stop them, and her cheeks flared with color almost instantly. But instead of retreating, she stepped into it, her smile softening into something playful—bold, even.

❝What I do for a living,❞ she murmured, her tone dipping lower, laced with a quiet, daring amusement. ❝I survive. I chase stories no one wants to tell and try not to burn myself out in the process. But what I live for?❞ She paused, meeting his gaze fully now, letting the weight of her honesty press between them. ❝Moments where the air feels heavier, and you don’t quite know what’s going to happen next.❞

She shifted slightly, holding the package tightly, the tension in the room thick enough to feel like a third presence. ❝So, Keith… tell me. What do you do for a living?❞