#i may tap out after today but i’m fine leaving it off here

[soup--champ]

day 5 prompt: superheroes/blood

for @smallchaoscryptid’s spiderbit week

[superblysubpar]

modern!steve harrington x fem!reader

We'll Call It Love Masterlist | song inspiration

4.8k words | 18+ NSFW

Warnings: *This is a prequel to my series "We'll Call It Love" linked above | reader drinks wine and loves olives on her pizza | swearing | SMUT (PIV intercourse -wrapped before tapped /oral - both receiving and performing/dirty talk/ass slapping)

A/N: While this is a prequel to the series, I think it's actually kind of fun to read this after the first two parts and before the third, little easter eggs and what not. I hope you enjoy this and thanks for your patience in waiting for this story! 💛

“You’re laate,” you sing into your phone, smiling at Argyle across the bar as he motions to your almost empty glass of wine. Spinning on your barstool as you nod and Robin huffs into the phone. 

“I’m so sorry, but Joe was on a terror today and like yes sir god forbid you have raisins in your trail mix and no I did not watch the barista take the temp of your half caf soy bullshit latte because believe it or not I do actually do real work for this company other than wait on your hand and foot and-”

“Robin!” Laughing into the phone and shaking your head. Your own chest hurts from her lack of ending a sentence. “Take a deep breath. I’m just joking, I already ordered the pizza and…” trailing off as she becomes far too quiet on the other end, “You’re not coming at all, are you?”

Your new friend groans, “I’m so, so, so, sorry. I promise I’m not normally this flakey, but like I cannot afford to lose this job and I have that date tomorrow so if I leave now I may as well go and buy a plot at the cemetery because-”

“Oh my god,” laughing at her dramatic flare, you smile at Argyle as he sets your refilled glass back in front of you. “Stop, you’re fine. I’m more than content to just hang here at the bar. There’s a game tonight, besides, Argyle can keep me company.”

Batting your eyelashes at him, he winks and Robin laughs on the other side of the phone but it quickly turns to another groan. “Please get extra olives on the pizza for me? Dingus hates them and he’s a baby who always gets his way and oh shit,” she whispers into the phone, “Gotta go. Joe is back and asking where his steak is and I forgot to order it. And by forgot I mean he told me he didn’t want steak an hour ago. Please pray for my quick and painless demise. I love you.”

Robin hangs up before you can reply and you slip your phone back into your purse. Leaning onto the counter, you sigh as your chin rests in your palm. “Looks like it’s just you and me tonight, Argyle.”

He tosses a rag over his shoulder and leans against the wall behind him. “Hot date cancel on you?”

Shrugging, he was no stranger to the guys you’d picked up at that very bar in just the few short weeks you’d been coming there. You take a sip of your wine before admitting, “Nah, just Robin. Although, she is very hot.”

He squints, rubbing at his jaw before snapping, “Super talkative lady right? She’s nice, I like her.”

You laugh into your glass as you nod. “That’s the one.” Looking around the fairly quiet bar, you turn back to him with a fake pout on your lips, fluttering your eyelashes dramatically. “Could I persuade you to put the baseball game on?”

He groans, wiping down a glass, “You know Eden’s rule…”

Leaning forward on your elbows, exaggerating your pout as he trails off. He squints before throwing his head back, blowing out a long exhale, “Man, you’re going down with me if she gets mad.”

Snickering into your wine glass because the other owner is quite…particular about the restaurant. Argyle is the exact laid back balance she needs to run the business or she’d never get anyone in the place - there’s a reason it’s named after him. If it were up to Eden, every guest would need to answer a questionnaire about what music taste they have, toppings on pizza, and if they played sports in high school. Any sort of sports paraphernalia on your person would get you on the sidewalk immediately if she had her way. 

Which is why you’ve learned from Argyle that Eden runs the behind the scenes business side of things, and Argyle gets creative freedom on pizzas and drinks, tending to the customers, and earning the tips he rightfully deserves. He was not let loose on decor however. The pizza bar is decked out in nostalgia from the decades, various band’s vinyls covering the walls, black and white photographs of Eden and Argyle in front of their VW Van across the country. Candlesticks with dripping wax and soft lamps lighting the tables, gold and black accented decor, and a strict aesthetic to be met when it came to the music played and what was shown on TV. 

Making a crossing motion over your chest, “I promise your secret is safe with me, nobody in here will be paying attention, anyways.”

He hums, unconvinced, but pops it on. Rolling his eyes at your grin while making a show of muting the TV and putting subtitles on. 

The bar, aside from your seat, is empty, other patrons snuggled into booths behind you. Argyle brings you out your pizza and keeps your cab at a decent level throughout the first several innings, chatting with you as he gets orders done for others. Despite being bummed to not see Robin, you’re a tad excited to have a quiet night to yourself. You enjoy being able to sit at the bar, drink too much wine, eat the kind of pizza you like and-

“Shit.”

A whisper just over your shoulder has you turning, wine glass half suspended to your lips. 

Your eyes greedily take in the man in front of you. From his worn brown leather boots, up dark black jeans that fit him perfectly, to a striped shirt revealing thick chest hair just above the top button. Swallowing harshly when you spot the gold chain nestled there as your gaze climbs higher over the tanned skin of his neck, dotted with freckles and moles. Several pairings of two that lead you to a jaw lined with slight scruff. Your thighs squeeze together on the bar stool when your eyes finally meet his, a hypnotizing and enticing swirl of honey and moss. 

He runs a hand through his disheveled chestnut locks, causal and airy with his tone after he blows his breath out with a nod to your pizza, “I was about to come over here and throw out an incredibly smooth pick up line that I worked on for the last ten minutes,” his thumb hooking over his shoulder to where he must have been before he continues, “But I see you have olives on your pizza. So. Enjoy your horrible dinner choice.”

Your mouth drops open as he slides down two open chairs from you. He smirks into his bottle of beer as he leans back on the stool, eyes on the screen playing the game. 

Hating that you can’t come up with any sort of comeback, you snap your jaw closed and roll your shoulders back, facing the mounted TV screen as well. 

Watching out of the corner of your eye as he leans forward on the bar, eyes dancing across the screen and his fingers twitching on the bottle. His thumbs wear down the paper label as the home team lets two more runs happen. 

Argyle returns with the cardboard pizza box you asked for and he glances at the screen and you lunge forward, finger pointing in his face, “Aha! So you do like baseball!”

He rolls his eyes, shrugging his shoulders, “Yeah, sure, when the Cubs are winning.”

You scoff into your wine glass, “Mm, so never.”

The olive hating man next to you groans, his forehead landing on his arms as his voice is muffled against the bar, “You hate the Cubs too? What is wrong with you?”

Your wine glass hits the bar top a little too harshly and Argyle winces, moving it safely from the edge as you turn to the adorable yet infuriating man next to you, “What is wrong with you?! I was having a perfectly normal night and then you came over here and complained about my dinner and my team preference and-”

“I’m sorry, I saw a pretty girl, alone at a bar, watching baseball and I thought I’d shoot my shot. Excuse me for finding the one girl who not only likes my least favorite food but also hates my team?!”

Rolling your eyes, you narrow them at the TV muttering to Argyle, “Why are the cutest ones always obnoxious?”

Olive man grins, catching his glance out of the corner of your eyes. His tone changes, amusement in it as his perfect teeth gleam in the low light. “You think I’m cute?”

Groaning, you rub at your temple and he keeps going, “Cause, you know, I think you’re still pretty, for what it’s worth. Even if you’re an olive loving Cubs hater.”

He sighs when you turn to face the TV again fully, arms crossing over your chest. Hearing his chair scuff against the dark hardwood beneath it, you’re a little disappointed he gave up so easily. But then, you watch Argyle smile down at the ground as a tapping happens on your shoulder. Rolling your eyes, you practically growl as you turn around to see olive man standing there. “What?”

He extends his hand, leaning on the bar next to you, “Hi, I’m Steve. While I think your choice in pizza toppings is horrendous, I’m willing to look past this fact and your denial of rooting for an excellent baseball team because you’re super cute and I’d love to buy you a drink, maybe walk you home, could even kiss you goodnight.” He smirks as you look down at his hand, and he raises his eyebrows, waiting.

You laugh, because you can’t help it, there’s just something about him. Call it a cosmic connection, who knows. He’s cute, smooth, and able to make you laugh which is saying a lot considering what you’ve been dealt lately. Slipping your hand into his, you try not to focus on how it engulfs yours or how long his fingers are as you introduce yourself. 

“Very nice to meet you. And, great choice, by the way,” hand still holding yours, he leans forward, his mouth hovering just over your lips. Mint and beer hitting you and making you dizzy as he whispers, “The cutest ones are always the best kissers too.”

That’s how you ended up kissing him in your lobby, up the entire flight of stairs, taking a break to push you against the wall, back arching over the railing as his palms pressed flat to the brick on the side of your head. Breaking apart only when the door at the bottom creaks loudly and rudely interrupts you. Steve’s lips stay on you as you bump and fumble your way to your door, hot and quick gasps for breath against your lips as his fingers dig into your hips. Moaning into your mouth as you yank on the back of his hair a little harshly. 

“Keys,” breathing into him, nipping at his top lip as he pushed you into your door. 

Steve nods and you laugh, pushing on his chest so you can focus. Only spurring him on, his lips find purchase on your neck instead. He smirks into your skin at the little yelp you make at the feeling of his teeth grazing under your ear. Thighs growing sticky from his raspy tone as his nose skims over the shell of your ear, following the curve. “Keys?”

Your back arches, neck extending as his fingers fiddle with the hem of your dress. Eyelashes fluttering and mouth parting as his nose and lips drag down your neck. Your fingers dig into his shoulders, as you laugh breathlessly, “Yeah, you know. Those things that…fuck,” Steve’s mouth is back on your ear, nibbling on your earlobe as his knee slots itself between your legs and you sigh. Fingers dragging down his collar and into his chest hair as you continue, “Unlock doors?”

He hums into your jaw, smiling at the way your hips roll, searching for friction on his thigh and he pulls away, hands on either side of your head again. His eyes sparkle in the low light of your hallway, his lips twitching up on one side before he speaks, “So unlock the door. What’re you waiting on?”

You laugh, rolling your eyes as your fingers pull the keys out of your purse slowly. Batting your eyelashes as you try to gain the upperhand again, “What’s the matter, Steve? Growing a little impatient?”

Steve’s eyes narrow playfully, he brushes a finger across your cheek, tracing it down your jaw. Soft and sweet in contrast to the way you were just making out. He leans in, lips hovering over yours as your eyes slowly fall closed, waiting for another kiss. 

That’s when his hands are on your hips again, rocking you over his thigh and you know you’re leaving a damp spot, whining into the air between your lips at his teasing. You aren’t winning this one, and you don’t really care. 

“God, fuck, I-” your brain is actually short circuiting from the way his nose brushes up yours, at the scruff of his jaw on your skin, his eyes darting down to watch the way you use his thigh shamelessly. 

Steve suddenly removes his leg, eyes growing dark at the pout your lips form, at the needy sigh that comes from your chest and huffs out of your nose. He smiles, voice a whisper and a warm breath across your cheek. Throwing your teasing right back at you, “What’s the matter? Growing impatient?”

Rolling your eyes, you spin, quickly unlocking the door and pushing inside. Steve can’t help himself it seems, hands on you immediately again. Keys and purse thrown somewhere to be dealt with later, he pushes you up against the door, his chest to your back as his nose brushes behind your ear. 

Your fingers search for purchase on the wood, back arching into him as he leaves a trail of kisses on your neck to your shoulder, his hand slowly pulling the zipper of your dress down. 

“Be-bedroom?” you gasp out as he spins you to face him, his eyes roaming over your body. His fingers gliding over the band of your underwear and snapping it, making your thighs push together. 

Steve only nods, lips dragging down your chest and stomach as he drops to his knees, “We’ll get there. Just need to taste you right now.”

“Oh, I…oh,” Your head hits back against the door behind you as his nose drags over your clothed slit. 

His fingers pull your underwear down and yours fall into his hair as his tongue licks a long stripe through you. Steve gently pushes your legs apart further, hooking them over his shoulders as his tongue swirls around your clit. Hands holding your ass, he pulls you closer to his mouth forcefully. Moaning into you as his nose glides through you, parting your lips before his mouth returns to them. Your fingers tug in his hair as you glance down at the way he’s devouring you like a man starved. Pleasantly surprised since most guys don’t even offer to go down on you during a hookup, and they definitely don’t find your clit the way Steve found it. 

His tongue prods at your entrance, teasing it before licking back up to your swollen nerves, sucking the sensitive bead between his lips. Your thighs are already shaking around his head, whines falling from you between curses and his name. 

Steve’s fingers slip through you while his tongue works at your clit under the vacuum of his lips. He pushes one finger into your entrance, squeezing at your hip when you whine. Quick to slip a second digit into you, they swirl easily, curling forward in a motion that makes you moan loudly, hand slapping over your mouth. 

He breaks away, only for a second and shakes his head no. Kissing your thigh quickly and tapping his fingers on your waist, “Come on, don’t be shy now. Wanna hear you.”

Mouth back on your clit, fingers pumping into you at a pace that matches the swirl and flick of his tongue, your hand falls back to his hair, pulling yourself closer to his face desperately. Steve nods into you, pace picking up until you’re whining loudly again. Heat radiates through your body until your thighs are squeezing on the side of his head, releasing over his tongue and fingers as your mouth falls open in a gasp, eyes pinching shut. 

Steve takes everything you’re giving him, slowly pulling his mouth and fingers away from you as yours relax in his hair. The sight between your thighs makes your arousal flutter again already. Stomach filling with warmth at the sight of his pink and glossy lips, rosy cheeks and rumpled hair. 

He smirks at you, shaking his head before sighing dramatically. “God, how can someone who tastes so sweet,” he pulls you closer to him again, kissing your thighs before continuing, “Like olives on her pizza?”

Your laugh bursts out of you, head hitting the door again, “Oh my god, shut up.”

Steve’s fingers flex on your hips, lips dragging across the plush skin of your thigh. Eyes glinting with a dare. “Make me.”

Moving to let your legs fall and do just that, he quickly grips you harder, standing. You yelp, grabbing onto his hair, your head almost hitting the ceiling. He lets your body drag down his, torturously slow like a scene straight out of Dirty Dancing, until his hands are under your butt, legs wrapping around him and your faces are close together. He’s grinning widely, tongue licking over the top row of white gleaming at you, breathless as he asks, “Bedroom?” 

You point wordlessly, swallowing at the way his muscles flex around you and the warmth of his fingertips on your spine. Your lips attack his again as he lays you on the bed. Your arms fall around his neck, pulling him to fall across you. The muscles in his forearms dance on either side of your head as he grinds against you. The denim of his jeans a welcomed friction on your sensitive cunt and you gasp into his mouth. 

It’s a flurry of wet lips over hot skin, clothes thrown to places neither of you care to pay attention to. Bodies sliding together, his swollen tip catching on your clit and you bite down on his lip at the feeling, fingers pressing crescent moons into the tight muscles of his shoulder blades. You roll, landing on top of him and working your way down his body. Lips kissing at every freckle and mole you find along his chest and abs. Nose dragging across his hips, you smile when he shivers underneath you. 

Your tongue licks up his length, tracing the curve of the vein, swirling around the tip. Pulling the mushroom head between your lips, Steve’s hips jerk as your tongue flicks at the pre-cum spilling out of him already. His fingers twist in your comforter, a strangled noise from his throat as your head sinks lower, cheeks hollowing as you take him deeper. You glance up under your fluttering lashes to find him looking down at you, wrecked, eyes wild as his tip hits the back of your throat, spit spilling from your lips around him.

“Fuck, fuck. Condom? Do you have a condom?” He gasps, pulling his hips down, his cock falling from your mouth as you nod to your dresser. 

Steve’s quick to slip it on as you straddle him, fingers dragging through his chest hair. He sits up, arms circling your waist and yanking you down closer, pulling a laugh from you. His teeth nip at your neck, voice raspy as he asks, “What do you want? Tell me what you like.”

Taken aback by his question, your hook ups are rarely able to make you laugh, orgasm, and be attentive. He slides between your folds, letting you hover over him and you pull your lip between your teeth as he sucks a bruise under your ear. 

“This is…is good,” you gasp out as he pushes at your entrance. 

Steve nods, guiding you to sink down onto his length, fingers squeezing at your waist as your mouth parts in a gasp, yours gripping at his shoulders. 

You press your face into his neck, whining as you slip further down, taking him fully and you both groan as you circle your hips. 

“Shit, take me so well, honey, that’s it,” Steve’s babbling, hands roaming up your back as his lips kiss over your chest and neck. 

Your hips circle again, slowly lifting yourself up and sinking back down on him. His nose presses into your cheek, breath huffing along your jaw as he whines your name and you flutter around him. The slow drag of his cock along your walls not enough and too much all at once. 

“Steve, I-” your chest is tight, familiar heat growing rapidly in your stomach and he holds you, pushing you down into the mattress, his weight falling on top of you. 

Steve curses softly, pulling out of you and thrusting back in with a force that makes you both gasp around each other’s lips. It’s a dirty glide, sweat slicked bodies grinding together, moans lost in each other’s mouths. The sound of your hips meeting and your arousal filling your room  drown out the way you practically plead his name. Each thrust into you feels like he’s knocking the air from your lungs and filling them at the same time. Coarse hair hitting your clit with each roll of his hips, his lips hover over yours as you throw your head back into the mattress. Your hands cling to his back, nails scratching down it as each powerful thrust shoots you higher and higher. Your eyelids flutter, you’re pretty sure you’re actually losing oxygen, leaving the atmosphere. 

Steve’s name leaves your lips in a strangled gasp and he pants into your parting mouth, “Yeah? Gonna cum for me baby?”

Nodding, babbling nonsense to him, he nips at your bottom lip as your eyes squeeze shut. Your vision fills with stars, heat filling your belly as your walls clench around him as his thrusts only pick up their pace. 

“Yeah?” His tone is mocking now into your lips, you can feel his smile against them. Your eyelids flutter, you’re whimpering, feeling like you’re on another planet, floating aimlessly through space. His thrusts stop suddenly and he sucks on your bottom lip before asking, “How about another one?”

Before you can comprehend the question, he’s pulling out and flipping you. Your stomach somersaults at the way he handles you so easily, almost lazy in how he can manhandle you. His palm rests against your lower back, your cheek pressed into the pillows. Steve groans as your legs spread for him. His hand comes down on the curve of your ass in a slap, not painfully. He cups it as you jolt forward and he curses under his breath. 

He’s not quick about it, letting his tip drag through you and you shiver. Not pushing in until you’re begging him, “Steve, please…”

Who the hell is this guy? How does he have you begging for a third orgasm?

He slips into you, your strangled cry of relief mixing with his moan. 

“Only cause you asked so nicely, pretty girl.”

Your comforter twists in your fists as his thrusts quickly turn to a brutal pace. Steve’s grip on you is bruising as you arch lower for him, spreading as wide as you can, chest heaving into the mattress. Steve’s lips trail down your spine, the cold metal of his chain dragging with them. 

He falls forward, his chest against your back, hips stuttering as his hand reaches around and rubs fast and messy circles into your clit. Your name leaves his lips against your ear as his thrusts try to match the pace of his fingers. 

You’re weightless, body buzzing, vibrating like you’re waiting for take off. Steve’s gasping as shooting stars dance across your closed eyelids. Your walls clench around him, sucking him in and he swears, asking you to cum please. You’re certain the entire galaxy just exploded inside of you as his hips thrust quickly, falter, and slow while your name leaves him in a breathless gasp and your mouth falls open in a silent scream. 

Steve rolls off of you, your chests heaving in tandem as you both stare at your ceiling. 

“That was…” Steve’s hand drags down his cheek, laughing a little. 

“Yeah?” Your lip pulls between your teeth as you try to fight your smile. 

It’s quiet for a second before he clears his throat, voice a whisper, “Yeah.”

Normally, a guy would be out your door by now. They got what they came for, and regardless of if you had a great time, you’re happy to see them go. This feels different, you’re a little hopeful for the first time in awhile. Wondering if you could do all of that again in the very near future. 

“Um…” Steve coughs, voice trailing off as you turn your head. His hand runs through his hair as he squints at your ceiling, lips pursed in thought. Your eyes track the veins and lines of muscle in his arm up to his armpit and shoulder. To the sharp line of his jaw and nose. You feel ridiculous that your thighs already push together from want after all of that. Body heating up with embarrassment, you quickly snap your head back, eyes on your ceiling once more. 

He finally sits up and questions, “Bathroom?”

“Oh. Right. Sorry. Right through there.” You point as you sit up as well. Your fingers cover your lips as you take in the angry red lines from your fingernails that contrast against the tan skin of his back. Head tilting as you watch him stand, smile hiding behind your hand as you watch his butt walk away. 

Steve looks over his shoulder, squinting as his own smile tugs at his lips. He tries to cover himself up and whispers dramatically, “Wow. Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

“Would if I could,” your laugh escapes you, your grin finally winning as your hand drops and he closes the door. 

Steve finds you dressed in sleep shorts and a band tee, chugging a glass of water in your kitchen a few minutes later. You extend it to him, noticing he’s fully dressed with his shoes in his hand. He takes a sip before setting it down, knuckles tapping on your countertop before blowing out a long breath. 

Your lips twitch as you try to fight the smile that seems to be a permanent feature around him as he looks around frantically, hand rubbing at the back of his neck. 

“Um…I guess…I should…” he trails off, watching you. 

Your arms cross over your chest, barefeet overlapping each other as you nod, “Right, yeah. That was…”

He smirks, nodding as you trail off. “Yeah, it was.”

Steve goes to leave, but spins, licking his lips before rushing out, “Listen. Could we do that again sometime? Maybe I could get your number?”

The cocky and smooth man who you met at the bar, the one who just took you to outer space seems to have disappeared. The blush in his cheeks darkens, lips parted as he seems to hold his breath waiting for your response. 

Nodding, you tuck a piece of hair behind your ear as you try not to grin while acting indifferent. “Sure, yeah.”

An awkward shuffle of him pulling his phone out and you typing your number in before handing it back to him. 

You’re startled when there’s a soft press of his smooth lips against the apple of your cheek. Warm breath hitting your jaw as he whispers, “Have a good night.”

“You…you too.”

Your hand touches where he kissed as he leaves, unsure if you’ve ever been kissed on your cheek like that before. 

Only two minutes later, tucked back in your bed when your phone buzzes. 

You bite your lip as you pull the comforter up over your chin, typing back for it only to buzz with a response immediately.

Laughing as you roll onto your stomach, it flips when you inhale the scent of his cologne that clings to your sheets. It takes a minute for him to respond again, your eyelids growing heavy when the phone buzzes finally.

Huffing into your pillow, the smile that sits there is a welcomed friend as you message him goodnight and save his number in your contacts.  Rocketman seems fitting for an idiot who takes you to outer space three times in one night. 

Even if he does hate olives. 

WCIL taglist: (I just used the series taglist for this, hope that's okay!)

@boomhauer @loveshotzz @myobmaya @sweetsweetjellybean @pastel-pillows @littlesubbyflower @johnricharddeacy @freezaz123 @selfdeprecatingnerd @big-ope-vibes @manda-panda-monium @hellkaisersangel @yogizzz @soulmatecashton @happytimeunicorns @mandyjo8719 @lunarxeclipse @buckleylips @beckkthewreck @differentdeputyfishpaper @supardupar @micheledawn1975 @imjuststeddietrashatthispoint @sagelittleplace @totally-bogus-timelady @steves-babysitter @fallinginlovewithqueue @aftermidnightwriting @omgshesinsane @pootcullen @definitionwanderlust @nostalgiafool @palmtreesx3x3

[softichill]

The Sounds of Nightmares unofficial transcript

Chapter 1 - The Workers in the Walls

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

[Click]

[Shifting, Otto clears his throat]

Otto: Yesterday evening marked my first true session with the girl. Signs of significant disorder are greater than I initially thought. Her imagination is… vast. But one phrase in particular has become an earworm of sorts. 

[Click, this time of a tape being inserted]

Recording of Noone: “He was right in front of me breathing hard… That’s what I remember most. The awful smell, like when sausage goes bad.”

[Click, the tape stops]

Otto: Scent while dreaming is a rarity. An indication of sensory transcendence. She may be a fine candidate for a neurological study… but her health must come first. [Sigh] There are undoubtedly other details I missed in her recount. 

Otto: [Deep breath] From the top, then. [The tape begins to rewind] Sleep be damned tonight. 

[Intro plays]

[Click]

Otto: This is the Counselor. Herein are my preliminary case notes for tape #54, session #1, patient #1220… [mumbling] referring to children by numbers… [deep breath, normal] Our relationship goes beyond mere ethics, so I can leave that practice to the heartless quacks on the upper floors. But to remain professional, I’ll use a moniker the girl has given herself… Noone. (A/N: pronounced like noon)

[quiet tapping as a drink is poured]

Otto: Noone has been in CPI care for a fortnight. Given her rather remarkable medical history, her mental state seems relatively unremarkable. [stirring his drink] She finds herself in my ward due to worsening, though not recurring, nightly afflictions. Parasomnia isn’t uncommon among patients; not to imply she’s unworthy of treatment, only that there are others worse off. 

[Otto shifts in his seat and sips his drink before setting it down]

Otto: Noone also displays signs of mild trauma. As such, Nightmare Disorder is possible. Given her diffidence, the focus for this session is to build rapport. I’m hopeful Noone will open up and we’ll learn what lies inside that little head. 

[Ceramic clicking, Otto says “Oh!” at the sound of papers being knocked over. More ceramic, the audio cuts]

[A door closes]

Otto: Take the big chair, Noone. Sit, lie, saddle it like a horse, whatever you please. 

[Otto pulls out paper as Noone sits down. The chair creaks]

[quiet jazz starts to play]

Otto: How’s that?

Noone: …fine I guess. 

Otto: [Walking to his chair] That look on your face says there’s more on your mind. 

Noone: It’s… it’s like the music I used to hear through the walls. In our old apartment. Before we moved into the fancy house. 

Otto: Would you like to talk about that? Your old apartment?

Noone: No, counselor. 

Otto: Alright. An easier question to start. How are you feeling today?

Noone: …Bit sad. 

Otto: For any reason in particular?

Noone: …Um… the red flower… mum and dad left. It went all wrinkled. I tried lifting a petal and… it broke off. But, then I saw why- little crawlies, everywhere underneath the dirt. 

Otto: Aphids? How unpleasant. [shift] Must be hard, here all alone. That wasn’t just a flower to you, was it?

Noone: No, counselor. 

Otto: Y-Your parents only want you to feel like you again. And we’ll see to that! One day at a time. 

[Otto writes something]

Otto: Have you been sleeping?

Noone: Yes, counselor. 

Otto: Call me Otto. Sleeping well?

Noone: …Yes. 

Otto: Noone? This is a place of honesty. The truth, please. 

Noone: …Fine. Middle of the night, I keep waking. 

Otto: And are you perspiring?

Noone: …um…

Otto: Sweating?

Noone: Oh. Uh, yes. And, my heart beats like there’s a- pecking bird in my chest. 

Otto: Did these nightmares coincide with the onset of your sickness?

Noone: No. O-only after. 

Otto: And, do you remember your nightmares or do they disappear come morning?

Noone: I remember. Everything. 

Otto: [pause, shifting] …Would you be alright to tell me about them? Now, or, later?

Noone: Yes. Um… The one I had last night, it’s still here. The feeling. But, may I have some juice? My head’s light, and mum says it helps. 

Otto: (amused) I’m not sure that’s true. Regardless, you may. 

[audio cuts]

[audio resumes. Noone is sipping a juice box.]

Otto: I see you eyeing my painting. I’ve had it since I was a boy. “The Zahir’s Gaze”, it’s titled. 

Noone: Why is it so- blurry?

Otto: It’s a hidden image. The trick is to unfocus your eyes. Try it!

[short pause]

Otto: There! Can you make it out now?

Noone: …no. 

Otto: I’ve got an idea. Keep your eyes on the painting- let your mind wander. Meanwhile, you can tell me your dream! If you’ve finished your juice. 

Noone: [sipping] I have. 

Otto: From the beginning, then. 

[pause]

Noone: …It started when I woke up. Somewhere I didn’t belong. 

Otto: Describe this place, please. 

Noone: Everything was white. Only slowly I realized snow was falling on a field. The view was peaceful looking out from so high up. Like I was… one. With the cold. 

Otto: You felt this cold?

Noone: Not like the counties in winter, but, more like watching someone who is chilled. Around me, but not… in me. 

[the music quietly stops. Ambience for the dream begins]

Noone: I turned away from the window, which was only a hole in the stone wall of the curved passageway, that stretched on a long ways. This- odd feeling, told me to get up. But I couldn’t stand because the ceiling was so low. I crawled ahead and… if not for the tiniest bit of light I would have fallen. Another passageway appeared on the floor. Its edges throbbing in the dark. Suddenly I- I heard a clinking from below. 

Noone: That same feeling told me I was lost inside a giant. A huge one made out of stone, and the only way out was to keep going through its veins. I climbed into the pitch dark,

[Dream!Noone gasps, the sound of sliding plays]

Noone: And immediately began sliding down the icy wetness, going and going, faster and faster. I thought the slide would never end and just- and-

[Dream!Noone grunts as she hits the ground. The sliding stops]

Noone: It shot me out. 

Otto: …Did it hurt?

Noone: …Not like when you fall for real. 

[footsteps]

Noone: I can see what it is now! The painting! A-a tiger, and two moons. 

Otto: That’s not quite right. 

[Noone walks back]

Noone: (with interest) I’ve never seen a tiger before. 

Otto: Keep trying! Remember to unfocus. Continue, as you wish. 

[pause]

Noone: An orange glowing came from a candle. But the light didn’t reach the room’s corners. A tiny hole had been cut out of the stone beside me. “The snow,” I thought. “How nice it would be to watch fall again.” I look through, but there was no snow. [ambience picks up] Only a room, brimming with glass jars. Light danced through them, coming from a doorway on the opposite side. Until… a figure stepped through it. 

Noone: This HUGE man. Wore a long coat and fishing hat. His face kind of… dripped as he watched me. Then he was gone. W- He was an.... I-I can’t remember. It’s the only thing I can’t remember. 

Otto: Could it have been someone you know, your father perhaps?

Noone: (immediately) No. This man doesn’t belong to our world. 

Otto: I don’t quite follow. 

Noone: That’s just the feeling he gave. 

Otto: You keep mentioning this “feeling”. Can you try to explain?

Noone: You can’t understand! Not unless you were there- you just can’t!

Otto: It’s alright, Noone. We don’t have to talk about him. Relax. Breathe. 

[Noone takes 3 exaggerated, slow breaths]

[ambience gets slightly louder. It’s faint, clicking machinery]

Noone: Turning from the hole, I spotted an exit on the far wall. That’s where the clinking was the loudest. I started towards it, when a shadow ran out from the corner, that of a child. I shouted “Hey!”

[Dream!Noone: Hey! Where are we?]

Noone: “Where are we?” But, quiet as a mouse, he climbed through the pulsing exit. And carelessly I followed. 

[Dream!Noone grunts as she hops through the exit]

[Machinery gets louder]

Noone: The room over was bigger. And the child was gone. All over the walls and floors, were more pulsing passages. Like living ant tunnels. All kinds of springs laid about, and little oil cans and strange tools. 

[Dream!Noone gasps]

Noone: Suddenly, footsteps. Approaching, matching the rhythm of the clinking. [sound of a wooden crate] Knowing I didn’t belong I hid behind a wooden box. 

[a hoard of small footsteps alongside the machinery]

Noone: Peeking up, I saw other small shadows entering the room. They step by each other silently. Most passed into different doors, but two stayed behind, searching for the springs. They were not children. Not at all. Even in dim light they remain shadows. Things not quite there, as if forgotten, not wanting to be seen. 

[Things clicking, cracking, and moving around]

Noone: They held nasty tools and… their empty faces showed they weren’t very bright. Both stood, looked down a passageway… and jumped. 

[Dream!Noone gets up and follows them]

Noone: With nowhere to go I did the same, climbing to the platform below. 

[Dream!Noone lands. The machinery is even louder now]

Noone: I finally saw what was making all that noise. Golden, spinning wheels. Fat ones, small ones, skinny ones, and they went down so deep I couldn’t see the end! I didn’t know what they were until that faraway feeling came back and told me. 

Noone: They were gears. With- teeth which locked perfectly into one another, clicking on and on in a song that never stopped. There were a hundred-hundred of the dull little shadows, working to keep the mechanisms going. Felt… without their doing, the gears would surely stop. And the giant would break apart stone-by-stone... But as I leaned over the edge, distracted, my foot must’ve knocked a wrench. 

[a quick clink. Dream!Noone gasps]

[the wrench falls a long way down]

Noone: All the shadows stared up. And a few begin climbing my way. They move separately, but… as one. [Dream!Noone breathing quickly] I panicked and tucked between a set of levers, in the tight space my dress got caught [Dream!Noone grunts] on the tooth of a massive gear, pulled me up and around until my dress tore [tearing fabric, Dream!Noone yelping] shooting me onto a pipe below, where I lost my grip only to hit another platform. 

[Dream!Noone lands, breathing heavily]

Noone: The shadows stopped chasing me, working again as… the yank* took the piece of my dress, now stuck between two gears, causing all the others to slow. 

Noone: While they were bothered, I took the chance to escape. 

[Dream!Noone running, machinery fades out]

Noone: The wall in front of me went… went down and around, f-forever and ever. Along with the mechanisms. I grabbed onto a rod, sliding on, when a big creak [metal groan] groaned above, and the gears went right back to singing their song. 

[machinery starts again]

Noone: The ripped fabric floated down before me, passing by a tiny crack in the stone. Painful cries came through it. [faint echoey scream] I shouldn’t have wanted to know what was on the other side, but… I did. 

[more screaming]

Noone: A small room with chains covering the floor. And 3 identical nun-like dresses, freshly pressed, hanging by a bed. Then, the chains jangled [Chains jingling, man gasping], and my heart stopped. [Man groans] A frail body slumped against the wall, a chain around his neck. He was right in front of me breathing hard… That’s what I remember most. The awful smell, like when sausage goes bad. 

Otto: Hold on a minute, Noone. [Noone gasps. Ambience suddenly stops] You distinctly smelt his breath?

Noone: Not his breath. Him. So rotten, it still stings my nose now. 

Otto: How certain are you?

Noone: You told me to tell the truth, no? I am. 

[Otto quickly writing]

Noone: Do you still want to hear the rest of my nightmare?

[Otto still writing]

Noone: Otto?

Otto: Hm? O-oh. Apologies. My mind was divided, and that’s not fair to you. 

Noone: [quiet sigh] Anyways. 

Noone: Looking through that crack, I realized something. (whisper) I was inside the walls. Like a rat. On the other side was an entire world. (normal) And everything got… w-worse from there. 

[very quiet ticking]

Noone: Lower and lower I climbed until I had gone- down so deep, that there was nothing but steam and darkness. And louder ticking, back, and forth. Back, and forth. Wanting to give up I sat listening. 

[ticking is more noticeable] 

Noone: I’d nearly fallen asleep, when suddenly a small shape crawled out from inside the wall below. “Another Worker came for me,” I thought. But… when they looked up… I saw their eyes. A child. For certain, this time. And… their hair was covered in goo, which made it hard to tell if they were a boy or a girl. Still, I climbed down, full of energy. 

[Dream!Noone climbing down]

Noone: Nearly the amount I used to have. 

Noone: We stood in silence, a moment. Stuck in their hair was… black liquid moving like smoke. 

Noone: “What’s in your-” [Dream!Noone at the same time] I started, [child shushing] but they put a hand over my mouth. Not until they pointed at the wall, did I understand why. Its another crack, led to yet another chamber. 

[Dream!Noone and child walking over. Metallic hammering starts up]

Noone: It was a hideous workshop. All around were… half-made… projects? Built from wood and metal, with all kinds of straps and cranks. Their shapes made my chest tighten. A collection of… masks was- on the shelves with screws and spikes on them, positioned to fit perfectly into a mouth! 

Noone: A tall woman bent over a new project, [faint humming] wearing a familiar dress. Long heavy chains coming out under its tail. [Chains scraping, more humming] She moaned, enjoying herself. I could feel she’d been at it for hours. Her presence alone told that she was the keeper of this stone giant. Of the world beyond the walls. 

Noone: Turning to a pile of scraps… I saw her face. Equally… old and young, and her s-skin stretched back so tight that… only her eyes seemed human. I wanted so badly to know what she was building, and to scream all the same…

Noone: But before I could do either my new friend pulled me away. They pointed up. 

Noone: From between the planks, a shadow studied us. The child pulled my arm but it was already too late. The Worker leapt down besides me, inspecting my body like a tool, reaching out with its wrench. The child pushed me away, [the sound of burning] letting a sliver of light shine out from the workshop to hit the shadow. Faster than fast, it tucked back into darkness, [sound stops] desperate to keep hidden. 

[pause]

Otto: Noone, why have you stopped?

Noone: I’m thinking. …The next bit is hard to describe. The nightmare- it shifted. 

[ambience picks up, earlier sound of machinery]

Noone: Steam reached around us. And we came to a place at the bottom of the gears. Between the walls. 

[whoosh, tick]

[whoosh, tock]

[whoosh, tick]

Noone: In front of us, a long pendulum whooshed back and forth. 

[whoosh, tick]

[whoosh, tock]

Noone: My friend grabbed hold as it swung by. I let it go past one, [tick], two, [tock], three times before finding the courage to do the same. We climbed as the pendulum rocked left and right, making my head dizzy. “Just a little more,” I repeated to myself, until my friend reached out a hand to pull me up. 

[Both Dream!Noone and child grunt as she’s pulled up]

Noone: We’d made it. Finally, the center of the clock. The room was round with a spiral staircase, and a machine made of little metallic fingers, tapping a violent rhythm. 

Noone: The ceiling was a white- clock face, but… all the numbers were wrong. 

Noone: We immediately ran up the stairs [footsteps] and at the top, we stepped out into a courtyard. 

[Dream!Noone and child breathing, stepping on grass. Machinery and ticking fades out]

Noone: My body began shaking as I heard them. [Faint screaming] Shouts and shrieks of pain. All I could do was stare up at the circular walls, which I had just been inside. This was the true building. There were a million rooms like the second one I peered into, all the way up, with- hands and limbs reaching out from between the bars that kept them locked in. My heart pounded like one of them. A Prisoner, trying to get free. 

[Screaming and shrieking continues]

Noone: I shouted “Wait, please!”

[Dream!Noone: Wait! Please!]

Noone: But my friend was across the courtyard. Then, a jingling. The tall woman jumped down from above [jingling, thump] and with thumping steps, she went after my friend. A chain leapt out beneath her dress, like a snake. It caught their leg and the woman dragged the child through the snow, kicking and yelling. 

[child struggling]

Noone: My friend scared to tears [child: Help!] yelled for help, and the woman spotted me. She began plodding my way and fear froze my feet. Getting closer and closer and all I could think was “Who brought me here, and why was I made to know these secrets?!” [chains jangling] 

Noone: With skin so tight her mouth opened only a sliver with blackened teeth inside, hungry for something! …Something that swelled inside me. 

[all ambience cuts off]

Noone: …Then I woke up. 

Otto: …That’s… awful, Noone. I’m sorry. The woman in particular sounds… disturbing. 

Noone: Yes. But, she didn’t scare me most. Not after I woke up. It was the Workers. 

Otto: Hm… because they were mindless?

Noone: No. Because they were hidden. Nobody knew they existed… that’s how I feel sometimes. Since getting the water sickness, (increasing distress) as if things are in my body but instead of making me tick they’re killing me, like the bugs in the flower pot- Ugh, I can feel them in my head!!!

Otto: Noone. Listen to me. I’ll do everything within the limits of my command to help you, but there’s nothing bad inside you. Nothing. 

Noone: …um…alright. 

Otto: [pause] I have… one more question, and I think it’s enough for your first day, okay?

Noone: Okay. 

Otto: Noone, have you ever heard of mutual dreaming?

Noone: Mutual dreaming?

Otto: Sharing the… experience with another person. 

Noone: How could what’s in my head be in someone else’s head? And who would I share it with?

Otto: Questions that have hounded my outer colleagues for years. Your perception of temperature and smell while dreaming is sometimes thought to be an indicator of this transpersonal phenomenon. While I’m not convinced of its ontological validity, I’ve longed to study a case like yours. Unfortunately- I’ve only known one other person to exhibit this faculty, years ago-

Noone: Who? Were they like me?

Otto: …My… (quietly) beloved Cici**... uh- not quite. In any case, my ambitions fell off, I… I lost sight, of… many things. But you’ve stimulated a part of me nearly forgotten. 

Noone: Oh. I think I see it now, Otto. 

Otto: Yes! That’s right! We’re in this together. 

Noone: No. The painting. 

Otto: Oh. 

Noone: It’s a map. Of stars and two circles around it. 

Otto: Yes! Good! An astrolabe, in fact. 

Noone: Astrolabe?

Otto: An ancient instrument, used to locate positions in time and space. Now, surely, you’re exhausted-

Noone: I don’t want to go to my room. To sleep. Will… will you walk me back?

Otto: Of course! And we can’t forget your nightly confectionary. [the sound of wrappers] Here now, take your pick. 

[Wrapper crinkling]

Otto: Sweets for my sweet. 

[ceramic clinking]

[click]

[Outro plays]

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

*It's a little hard to tell what word she says here

**I have no idea if this is how it's spelled

[spinningwebsandtales]

How Would The Top Gun Guys React To Their Wives Visiting Them On Base Heavily Pregnant

‘(A/N:) I had this idea while I was driving today and it hasn’t left me alone since. I may make a part 2 with more of the pilots but for now I’m just hitting some main ones. So happy reading! ~Countess

Taglist: @mads-weasley @chaoticassidy​ 

Part 2 is here

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw X FemReader

This man has been waiting months to see you. Six to be precise, cause he had been counting since leaving you. When a family day had been announced on base he was once again counting the days until he could see you and hold you once more.

The day finally arrived and he was surrounded by his fellow pilots chattering excitedly while waiting for the bus to bring the family members that they had been missing severely. The rumbling of tires filled the air and the chatter rose in volume. Rooster tapped his foot impatiently knowing that you were close but still so far. He cursed the bus for moving slower than he liked. Finally the large vehicle parked and the engine died down before the doors open. Out flooded family members looking for their loved ones amongst the uniformed crowd. Rooster felt a twinge of anxiety when he didn’t see you immediately and even after the rest had stepped off, there was no sign of you. His heart dropped and he immediately looked for his phone when he heard the bus driver speaking to someone. He looked back up to see the driver helping you down the steep stairs while you held your stomach protectively. Normally Rooster would be a little peeved at another man getting to touch you but the shock of the difference in your body since the last time he had seen you silenced him.

He started across the base towards you when you finally turned around from thanking the driver.

“Rooster,” you called doing an awkward jog to try and get to him faster. That only made him pick up speed as he didn’t want you to jar yourself or your swollen middle too much.

“Hi baby I missed you,” you said while you embraced your husband you missed so much. He held you tightly before gawking at you silently. You flicked his forehead harshly, “Um Earth to Sky Chicken I said hello!”

He stared more mouth agape before you shook some sense into him. “What happened to you?”

“Oh jeez thanks, I missed you too! “ You scoffed rolling your eyes. “That’s what happens when you come back home and won’t go on dates with me. We stay home and then boom I’m pregnant as soon as you leave.”

“Do you know if it’s a boy or girl yet,” Rooster asked rubbing your stomach lovingly.

You removed an envelope from your bag waving it towards him. “I was waiting for you.”

Rooster grinned grabbing your hand to get you inside before the heat made you sick and you could of sworn he was strutting. You laughed while he yelled at his fellow pilots about being a dad.

“Yeah we can tell,” Phoenix teased rolling her eyes playfully causing everyone to laugh.

Jake “Hangman” Seresin X FemReader

Hangman never thought about having kids, the desire had never really been prominent in his mind. After marrying you the thought was there at times but he didn’t want to leave you alone the majority of the time you were pregnant. Raising a child alone is difficult and despite his demeanor he didn’t want to do that to you. Despite his cockiness Hangman truly had your best interests in mind. Now that he was away six months was beginning to take it’s toll on both of you. So when the instructors announced that every pilots’ families were invited to come onto the base to visit Hangman was calling you immediately to let you know. When he talked to you though he grew concerned as you didn’t seem like yourself. You sounded tired and like you had been sick. He asked if you were alright but of course you shrugged everything off and told him you’d be there.

Now that day arrived and like everyone else he was anxious to see the one he loves. It didn’t help that he had been worried about you ever since talking over the phone. He’d text every day but you only assured him that you were fine. Now as the bus pulled in his heart began to race. Families filed out of the bus but you were taking your time to exit the bus. Hangman left the other Navy members as he watched the driver take the time to help you down the stairs. Hangman was there before you could get to the second step.

“Thank you,” he said to the driver taking both of your hands. Your stomach swollen and heavy with child he stared in surprise before looking back towards you.

You flushed a little pale, “Surprise!”

“Hey are you okay,” he asked holding your cheek.

“Yeah,” you laughed. “I’m just a little sick. Hangman Jr has been making my pregnancy rough. Heartburn, aches, and don’t get me started on nausea. Even the smell of dirt makes me want to puke.”

“Let’s get you inside,” Hangman took your arm leading you away from the bus.

“I’ll be alright I’m just happy to see you. I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too but you should have told me,” Hangman shook his head kissing your temple.

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” you sniffed, hormones getting the best of your senses.

“Well you surprised me,” he cooed gently soothing you. “I can’t believe I get to be a dad.”

“Believe it hotshot.” You laughed. “Now I’m definitely going to have my hands full with two of you!”

“It’s a boy!!??”

“Sorry,” you cringed. “I couldn’t wait.”

Robert “Bob” Floyd X FemReader

The last time Bob had seen you was half a year ago and he missed you like crazy. The phone calls home, random texts, and video calling was not enough to satisfy him. He longed for you touch and presence. After the marriage you both could only have a short honeymoon before he was off once again with Phoenix protecting the country you lived in. Now that he was back on base for a few weeks of training he dropped everything once a family day was planned. He called you immediately letting you know. You promised to come, missing him as much as he missed you. What Bob didn’t realize is how much your lives were going to change once he saw you.

Bob stood in the midst of his fellow pilots, messing with the collar of his uniform in the stifling heat. Phoenix elbowed him jokingly when the noises of the bus filled the atmosphere. The pilots jittered and joked amongst each other excitedly. The knowledge that they were going to get to see their loved ones so soon had them amped up. That excitement grew into concern when the bus seemed to be empty but no sign of you. Phoenix was chatting with her parents when Bob finally spotted you. The bus driver was helping you down the stairs and the difference in your form since the last he had saw you caused Bob to stumble awkwardly. Phoenix noticed and grabbed him in time.

“Easy there Bob,” she said before looking towards where he stared in shock. A younger member of a different family was helping you towards your husband. You chatted sweetly with your helper thanking him kindly when he left you to go join his family once again.

“Nice Bob,” Phoenix slapped her WSO on the back. “Who knew that you were going to be a dad so soon?!”

“Hey Bob,” you hugged him and he stiffly returned the hug.

“How did this happen,” he stuttered.

“Seriously,” you raised your eyebrow. “Do I really need to remind you what happened the last time you were home?”

The other pilots whistled after eavesdropping. Bob blushed scarlet and begun to wobble on his on two feet.

“Phoenix can you catch my husband for me again,” you looked at the female pilot. She stepped in catching him and helping Bob inside while you followed along.

“Are you at least happy Bob,” you asked disappointed in his reaction.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my life,” he replied holding your hand tightly. “I’m just overwhelmed at the moment.”

You laughed but kissed him on the cheek. While it wasn’t the reaction you were looking for you knew Bob never lied.

[k9iriz]

𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘹 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

𝙧𝙝𝙚𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙟𝙤𝙗 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙟𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮 & 𝙮𝙤𝙪? 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙖 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩.

fluff!/no warnings

Rhea was wrestling in a match, a fatal 5-way to determine Bianca’s next opponent for MITB.

I watched it as i cheered her on behind the TV, before getting called to a patient at the front desk, leaving my friend to watch the rest.

“I’m gonna take this next patient, you cool?” I reassured my co-worker, as she nodded before I walked off.

45 minutes later, my co-worker was working front desk, before she seen a black Escalade pull up, causing her to sit up.

It revealed Rhea, she didn’t look so good either.

“Oh god.” My co-worker sighed, seeing rhea out of gear and in her regular clothes, with her suitcase in hand.

“Hi, Welcome. How may I help you today?” My co-worker smiled.

“Yes, this lady here has a accident on our recent show and we’re just here to make sure nothing is broken, or if she’s fine or not, since the medical staff wasn’t able to clear her, or see her.” The man explained, causing her to nod, writing her down.

“I can get you a room, this way please.” My co-worker instructed as she put rhea in a room, some minutes passed, after taking her vitals, she placed her in a room, putting her folder in the slot on the door.

I walked back down after checking out a patient, contently huffing at how my night went, preparing to get off.

“I am so beat from today. Do we have anyone else to see before i clock out?” I asked, causing my co-worked to laugh a bit, giving me a nervous look, handing me a paper.

“Yep…and it’s someone special.” My co-worker said, before i raised my eyebrows before grabbing the folder, knocking before they said i could come in.

Revealing Rhea.

Rhea looked up as she sniffled, smiling through the pain of her face practically stinging and hurting.

“Ouch.” Rhea whined, rubbing her mouth completely, i can tell she took a bad bump.

I frowned at her as her face was red and tears were running all down it, she might’ve knocked a tooth out of place.

“Aww Baby.” I frowned as I walked up to her, hugging her as she wrapped her arms around my waist, just hugging me the whole time, she really was in pain.

Releasing the hug, i grabbed some gloves as i tried to gently see the problem on her face, her trusting me with her full ability.

Rhea has always been scared of doctors offices, but since i was a nurse, id make sure i was the only one who’d make her feel comfortable at a doctors office.

I tapped rhea’s chin, signaling to open her mouth before revealing her tooth, god she knocked something loose.

“What the hell—-What did you do to make your tooth shift back like that?” I asked, in a calm manner and for Demi? She was freaking out.

“I did?” Rhea frowned as she knew she wouldn’t be cleared to have her match, everything was ruined.

“I oversold a move and hit myself in the face with my knee, It gutted right on impact, glad I didn’t bite my tongue piercing.” Rhea sighed as i took my gloves off before wiping her face clean.

“I won the match.” Rhea spoke somewhat happy, making me smile as i checked her heart rate, making sure nothing was wrong making her play with my scrub strings from my pants, causing me to giggle.

I observed rhea very closely, something was on her mind heavily, causing me to stop checking her heartbeat, looking down at her.

“What’s on your mind pretty girl?” I asked, looking at her.

Rhea stayed silent for a second before speaking up.

“I guess it’s me losing my title match since im not gonna be cleared in time. I really earned it.” Rhea sighed.

“Things happen. And this was all an accident, it’s okay. If you don’t get cleared, you’ll have another title chance down the line. Promise. It’s worth it in the end.” I reassured as rhea smiled.

“Medical staff at your job wants you at the dentist this weekend, but for now, they said to make sure nothings wrong, I’ll put you on a little heart monitor to make sure everything is okay.”

“And a bag of ice for your cheek.” I smiled, signing off on her papers as she nodded, waiting for me to return.

After a new minutes, i checked her pulse to make sure it was fine as i attached the heart monitor to her shirt, giving her a bag of ice before letting her sign off on her discharge papers.

She’s gonna be at home for a couple of weeks, so it’ll be me making sure she goes to the dentist and just taking care of her.

“Thank you.” Rhea smiled as she gathered her things before she pecked our lips numerous of times before whining, breaking the last kiss, making me giggle.

“I’ll see you when i get home.” I reassured her before he held my hand, stuffing her face in my neck, just holding me, she’s such a baby.

“Promise?” Rhea said in my neck, kissing it.

I felt my knees buckle, literally. she knows my neck is my sweet spot.

“Promise baby.” I smiled as she released her face out my neck, before she left.

I turned back to my co-worker as she squealed, making me playfully roll my eyes.

“Aww! You two are so damn cute. *sigh* I wish.” She gushed, before she sat down, earning a laugh from me.

“You will one day. She’s a handful, but it’s all worth it.” I smiled, before turning to clock out.

time to go home to take care of my baby.

[missmeinyourbones]

𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔 | (satoru gojo x reader) wc: 1k

“one waking up before the other, so they make up their side of the bed and can’t help but tuck in their sleeping lover as they do so” from this list of prompts

for my darling cass @bagsyy...us gojo lovers are truly weak in the knees stand UP

As a sorcerer, Satoru Gojo is notorious for being the strongest. 

On the other hand, as a lover, Satoru Gojo is notorious for letting his morning alarm ring far too many times more than it should. 

The sound is forever engrained in your mind as it blares through the serene silence of your bedroom a minimum of three times each morning. If you were to hear it in any other social setting, it would instantly make your face grimace and force your shoulders to cringe inwardly, like muscle memory. 

However, this morning you’ve been blessed with a great honor—Satoru clicks his alarm off after the second ring. 

Stretching over to his nightstand without as much as lifting his head from his satin pillowcase, his slender arm reaches his phone with ease, clicking the screen once and silencing the noise for good.

While the ringing may have been pleasantly brief, it still wakes you from your slumber. Crawling closer to his rustling frame, you subconsciously reach for your lover. 

“Satoru,” you manage to rasp out through sleepy yawns and fluttering eyelids. 

Sitting up in bed, he blindly reaches back to squeeze your shoulder—a touch that greets you with an unspoken I’m here, you’re fine—before pulling himself out of bed and trudging towards the bathroom, for he knows that if he lets you caress him even once, he won’t be into going to work today.

“Go back to sleep, sweets,” he quietly coos, rising from bed and making his way to the bathroom.

With the gentle closing of the door, Satoru lazily gets ready for work.

He brushes his teeth, getting white suds of mint all over the sink like a clumsy child. He washes his face, rubbing a citrus scented scrub in gentle circles all over his cheeks and forehead, in hopes of waking up like the people in the commercials do—refreshed and rejuvenated. He puts on his uniform, one lanky leg at a time, before grabbing his blindfold from where it hangs on the towel rack and tying it back with ease. 

With a quick glance at the lock screen of his phone, adorning an unflattering photo you sticking your tongue out, he realizes the time and gathers up his final belongings before leaving.

However, no matter how late Satoru may be running for work, he would never leave without completing two very important tasks that are essential to his morning routine—said tasks being making his side of the bed, and tucking yours in.

Over on his part of the mattress, he carefully folds the comforter higher towards where his head was resting just a few moments earlier. Skillfully and silently, he flattens out the wrinkles of the blanket with the smooth palm of his hand. He readjusts the pillow, fluffing it up a few times, before angling it upwards and resting it against the headboard.

He moves over to your side, admiring your (what he believes to be) sleeping frame, before gently puling the covers further up and towards your chin. As he shuffles to press the blanket further into your sides, he spares a glance to your face once more—this time being met with your wide eyes staring right back at his own.

“Thought I told you go to back to sleep,” he whispers, half chuckling but attempting to stifle it, as if you’re still on the brink of slumber. 

But your quick-witted response clarifies that you're very much awake.

“When have I ever listened to you?” you groggily blink back at him, smirk slightly covered by the comforter just barely brushing against your chin. 

He crinkles his nose at your sarcasm, and you’re sure his eyes are rolling back behind his blindfold as he faux ponders your comment. 

“Never, now that I’m thinking about it,” he smugly decides after a moment of tapping his chin.

“Exactly,” you retort, “It’s a bit late to start now.”

You lightly shrug your shoulders as you speak, causing the blanket to slowly fall from where it meets your jaw. Satoru is quick to bring it back up to your collar, pressing it in towards your chest for good measure. Tucking you in like a child, as if his tender touches will keep you sedentary in bed, make you stay there for the rest of the day until he’s able to return and crawl right back in with you. 

“Nice work with the alarm, today,” you gently praise as he continues his procedure of compactly pressing your sides in.

“Liked that, did ya?” he teases, “What can I say, I live to please.”

He moves his hand from the comforter and to your cheek, rubbing tiny soft circles on it with the pad of his thumb. The feeling has you purring like a cat underneath his touch, and Satoru finds himself mustering every single fiber of his being to not call in sick and plant himself in the enticing crook of your neck.

Your voice brings him out of his contemplation, “Have a good day today. Be safe for me, okay?”

Tongue pressed against the inside of his cheek, Satoru humors himself. “And when have I ever listened to you?” he parrots your earlier statement back to you, but he’s met with an eyebrow-raised glare.

“Not funny,” you scoff, pushing his hand from your cheek and freeing yourself from his blanketed constraints. 

Quickly shushing and guiding you back down, he repeats his action and tucks you in for a final time. “Sorry angel, couldn’t help myself,” he fights off a smirk as he places a kiss to your forehead.

Against the skin, he mumbles, “Course I’ll be safe,” the movement of his lips tickles, “For you,” he clarifies.

His lips feel tender on your warm skin, leaving a wet spot as he pulls away with an obnoxiously loud shmack. You could wipe of the residue with the back of your hand, but you don’t—you let it marinate into your skin, like a forever reminder that he was there. 

“You better be,” you grumble out, before closing your eyes again. 

Satoru kisses you goodbye and leaves the confines of your shared bedroom, but not without one final glance at his handiwork—his bedside messily made and you tucked away underneath the cocoon your blankets. He looks incredibly content with what he’s done—even though the very second he leaves your home, you're up and out of bed, fixing the sheets and reorganizing the pillows. 

But what Satoru doesn’t know won’t hurt him. 

[cringemesstickles]

Not Going Anywhere

Summary: Sam having separation anxiety after being reunited with Dean.

Pairings: None

Word Count: 1,303

A/N: based off of 9x7 bc the ending of this episode has me in a chokehold

———————————————————

It had been a couple weeks since the whole Sonny situation and Sam refused to leave Dean’s side for even a moment, following him wherever he went, the only exception being the bathroom.

Dean was always very tapped into Sam’s emotions, reading his little brother being one of his greatest talents; so when Sam was acting off, he noticed immediately.

He thought it was a little annoying, but he understood it.

From Sam’s perspective, Dean just left and didn’t come back. He didn’t know whether his brother was dead or alive.

He could’ve been kidnapped or killed and their father’s indifference and lack of concern certainly didn’t make him feel any better about it.

What if he never saw Dean again? What if he lost the most important person in his life?

If Dean disappeared during a simple food run, he could disappear doing anything if Sam wasn’t around to watch him.

So Sam followed him to the kitchen when he went to make their meals, he insisted that he sleep in Dean’s bed to 'keep him company', and if Dean went anywhere outside of the motel room, Sam demanded that he go with him.

Today however, Dean managed to sneak away while Sam was still sleeping. He wasn’t doing anything in particular, just enjoying being alone for the first time in weeks.

Sure, he felt bad; but Sam could handle being without him just for a little while.

But as much as he assured himself that his little brother would be fine, he couldn’t help the feeling of guilt that rested in the pit of his stomach.

After about 30 minutes, Dean decided to head back.

When he opened the motel door, he saw his little brother curled up on the couch, in tears.

Suddenly, he was on autopilot, big brother instincts taking over as he rushed to the kids side.

“D-De?” The little boy sniffled and looked up at him with big watery eyes.

Upon confirming with his own eyes that it was indeed ''De'', he flung his arms around the older boy, burying his face in his brothers chest.

“Woah- easy there, Sammy.. I’m here.” Dean returned the embrace and rubbed the younger’s back, trying to soothe the trembling boy.

“De- I-I didn’t know w-where you were…” Sam shook, “I woke up an..and you were just g-g-gone..” sobs wracked his small body as he tried helplessly to get his emotions under control.

“Shh.. I’m right here, Sammy. Not goin' anywhere.”

He placed a kiss to his brothers head and tightened the embrace.

If Dean knew that his absence would take this much of a toll on the kid, he would’ve broken out of that boys home and ran to his brother.

He almost felt responsible.

Sure, their dad was the one who left him there; but Dean was the one who had gotten caught in the first place. He should’ve been more careful.

But at the same time, he knew their father played as big of a role as he did.

A good father wouldn’t leave their children behind, no matter the circumstances.

A good father would race to their kid and take them home, wherever that may be.

A good father wouldn’t separate a big brother from his little brother, especially when the big brother’s life revolved around protecting the little brother.

A good father would take the little brother’s feelings into consideration before pulling a stunt like that.

And a good father would absolutely care that his own petty ''lesson'' was causing the little brother so much pain.

Dean had to pull himself out of his thoughts before his anger showed, knowing anger would just upset his brother even more.

He took a moment to gather himself before speaking.

“Sammy, I know I was gone for awhile.. but I’m back, aren’t I?” He pulled away and gave the boy a smile despite how sad those tear filled eyes were making him.

Sam sniffled and gave a weak nod.

“Exactly! Look at me, Sammy.”

He gently grabbed the little face and guided it in his direction.

“It doesn’t matter how long we’re apart; minutes, hours, months… hell, even years!”

Sam’s eyes seemed to water more simply at the idea of going a whole year apart, but Dean just wiped the tears away and continued.

“I will always come back, no matter what. Do you know why?” He asked with a grin.

“W-Why?” Sam sniffed.

Dean’s expression softened to something more sincere.

“Because there is no where on earth that I would rather be than with my pain in the ass little brother!”

He ruffled the kids hair and gave a light jab to the ribs, making him giggle lightly.

“I’m not a pain in the ass.. you’re a jerk.” The younger responded, returning the gesture with a punch to the shoulder.

Dean laughed, happy and relieved to see the kid smile.

“Careful, bitch; don’t forget I know all your weak spots.”

Sam gave a startled yelp when fingers started pinching at his ribs, smacking the hands away and wrapping his arms around himself for protection.

“In fact, I feel like you could use a good laugh, don’t you think, Sammy?” The older Winchester lightly wiggled his fingers against the younger’s sides, making him squirm.

“Dean, nohoho!” He broke into giggles almost immediately, falling back against the couch in an attempt to evade the ticklish touch; this only allowed for Dean to straddle his brother’s hips, effectively keeping him in place.

“What’s the matter, Sammy? Ticklish?” The older teased with a wolfish grin, skittering across the small ribs, electing a squeak followed by boyish laughter.

“Eek! Nohoho, don’t do thahahat!”

Sam grabbed Dean’s wrists and half heartedly tried to push them away, unsurprisingly having no success.

“But why not, Sammy? Aren’t you having fun? I know I am!” He quickened the pace and applied a little more pressure, effectively driving the younger Winchester up the wall.

Sam bucked and squealed, the teasing making the tickling even worse.

“DEHEHE, STOHOHOP!”

Dean had to laugh with his little brother, finding the sweet sound to be incredibly infectious.

“What?! But Sammy, I haven’t been able to tickle you for two whole months! I’ve got so much tickling to make up for! We wouldn’t want me getting rusty now, would we?”

He rose a brow and gave a sly smile.

“YOU’RE SO MEHEHEHEAN!”

“If this is mean, what I’m about to do is downright evil.”

Before Sam could even say anything, Dean pushed the kid’s shirt up to his ribs, taking a deep breath and blowing a big raspberry on the vulnerable stomach.

“EEK- NOT THAHAHAT! DEHEHEEEE!!”

Sam screeched and squealed, kicking and squirming in his big brother’s hold as his worst spot was ruthlessly tormented.

The elder ignored Sam’s empty pleas, knowing damn well the kid was having a blast.

Knowing how much Sam loved it made it all the more enjoyable for Dean himself; nothing made him happier than seeing his baby brother laugh and smile like the child he truly was.

He continued to blow raspberries on the kid’s belly, taking breaks in between to nuzzle the soft skin, getting him to giggle and snort adorably.

When Sam’s laughter went silent, Dean let the kid go, rolling back to his respective side of the couch and watching him try to calm himself down.

“It’s a good thing my awesome tickling skills didn’t go anywhere, don’t you agree, Sammy?”

Sam just pouted, making the older boy laugh and ruffle his hair.

Once Sam had calmed down, he crawled over to his big brother and curled up, forcing himself into the older’s lap.

“I love you, De…I missed you..”

Dean held his brother close and carded his hand through the brown locks.

“I love you too, Sammy. I’m not going anywhere.”

[galaxyquakeflakes]

A Daughter for a Daughter (4)

*And then there was angst.*

Pairing: Neteyam x fem|human OC

Summary: Pixie goes with the Sully kids to check out the abandoned battlefield.

Word Count: 3289

Links: (Previous) (Next)

---

“Lo’ak, give it up. This is just sad.” Neteyam called to his brother.

“I got her on the ropes!” Lo’ak gasped as he tried to throw Pixie off.

Pixie had her legs wrapped around Lo’ak’s torso and arm around his throat. “Tap out!” Pixie told him.

“Make sure you’re keeping pressure on the sides of the neck not the front.” Jake instructed. “You wanna cut off the blood, not the air. It’ll knock him out quicker.”

“Got it.” she adjusted her arm so it was squeezing the side of his throat. “Like this?”

“Yeah. And remember, keep your other hand on your fist to create leverage.”

“Why do I have to be the test dummy for this?” Lo’ak tried clawing at Pixie’s hands to get them off.

“You made a deal. A week off your grounding if you played the victim in Pixie’s self defense training.” Jake reminded him. “That’s good, Pixie. Perfect form. Let him go before you actually knock him out.”

Pixie released Lo’ak and he rolled away out of her reach. “I’m gonna take five.” he coughed as he caught his breath.

“I think we’ll wrap it up for today.” Jake said. “Pixie, good work. You’re really getting the hang of it.”

“Thanks.” Pixie brushed herself off. “Would probably be easier if I was bigger.”

“You work with what you got. You may be short but you can use that against your opponent. Remember what I taught you?”

“Use their momentum against them. Redirect and evade. Hitting the nose makes them cry, hitting the throat robs them of breath.” Pixie nodded. She picked up her knife. “Go for major arteries. Jugular, armpit, back of knee, and femoral artery. Try to stab in between the ribs for the heart, lungs, or liver if I can.”

There was pride on Jake’s face but it was quickly replaced with something sad. “Is something wrong?” Pixie asked, sheathing her knife once more.

“Just wish I didn’t need to teach you this stuff. You’re kids. You should be able to live in peace.”

“Uncle Jake…”

“Leave it be. Go have some fun, sweet pea.” he ruffled her hair and left.

“Pixie.” Neteyam walked over after Jake had left. “You were killer back there with Lo’ak. If dad hadn’t told you to stop I’m sure you would have put him down for a nap.”

“Thanks.” she dug her hands into her shorts pockets. “You doing anything later?”

“I was going to go patrolling with mom and dad. Why?”

“Just wondering.” she kicked a rock in her path. “Uncle Jake told me to do something fun now that my lesson is over. Was hoping you may have some ideas but if you’re going with your parents on patrol then I think I’ll just hang out with Kiri and Lo’ak.”

“I mean I have some time before we go. What did you want to do?”

“Neteyam!” Neytiri waved him over. “Come help me with this.”

“One second mom!” he shouted back. He turned back to Pixie. “This will probably only take a moment. I’ll be right back.”

“It’s fine. You got responsibilities. I’ll see you after you finish patrol. Okay?”

“Okay.” he sighed. “Make sure that Lo’ak doesn’t get into any trouble while I’m gone.”

“Will do!” she waved goodbye and went to go find her friends while Neteyam went to help his mother.

Pixie found Lo’ak and Kiri hiding behind some crates. “What are you doing?”

“Shh!” Lo’ak pulled her down. “We’re hiding from Tuk.”

“Why?”

“Cause we were planning on going adventuring around the battlefield today but if Tuk spots us then she’s going to weasel her way into coming. So we’re trying to get out of here without her spotting us.”

“Isn’t the battlefield forbidden?” Pixie narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re not supposed to go near there, remember?”

“It’s not like anything bad is gonna happen. It’s just looking at some wreckage.” Lo’ak shrugged.

“And Kiri, you’re condoning this?”

“I want to see if there are any remnants of research at the old shack.” Kiri said.

“You two are going to go even if I tell you it’s a bad idea, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Fine.” Pixie sighed, “I’ll come too. Make sure to keep you middle children out of trouble.”

“Going to the battlefield? Sounds like fun!” The three teenagers turned around as they came face to face with Tuk-Tuk. “When are we going?”

“You are not going anywhere, Tuk.” Pixie said. “You’re staying at camp.”

“But I don’t want to!” Tuk stamped her foot. “If you don’t let me come I’ll tell dad!”

“You are such a crybaby!” Lo’ak snapped. “You’re not coming!”

“Mom! Dad!” Tuk shouted. Lo’ak grabbed her and put a hand over her mouth. She licked the inside of his hand and he pulled away disgusted. “I wanna go!”

“Fine!” Lo’ak groaned. “If you can’t keep up though then you’re getting left behind.”

Together the four of them descended from the camp and made their way into the forest. They ventured deep into the land of the battlefield to explore. Tuk was having trouble keeping up but then again so was Pixie. For all her bluster it was still hard to keep up with people who had much longer legs than her. She mainly hung back with Tuk, going at a speed that was comfortable for both of them.

The first thing they found was a wrecked plane stuck inside a tree and taken over by the forest. Lo’ak and Tuk climbed higher to get a look inside. Something twisted inside Pixie seeing the fighter plane. This was not the first time she had wandered through the battlefield. She had accidentally strayed too far a few times before seeing some bit of wreckage and realizing she shouldn’t be there. It was seeing the entire plane though that had hit something inside her.

She didn’t want to be there anymore. None of them should be there.

She turned to look for Kiri to help her convince Tuk and Lo’ak they should leave but she was gone. Damn it! Every single time with that girl!

Pixie looked around trying to find Kiri and eventually came across her lying on the ground asleep with multiple atokirina covering her. Pixie paused for a moment and noted that the very grass that Kiri was laying on was moving out from her. Like a heartbeat.

In any other circumstance Pixie would have laid down with her trying to hear the heartbeat of Eywa but right now all she wanted was to get out of here. “Kiri! Kiri, wake up.” she shook her shoulder.

Kiri came to with a little yawn. She looked around at the sprites. “I was doing it again, wasn’t I?”

“Yeah.” Pixie nodded. One of the sprites landed on her shoulder. “I didn’t want to wake you up but I don’t want to be here anymore. Help me get Tuk and Lo’ak out of here.”

“What’s wrong? Why do you not want to be here?” Kiri asked.

“I just--” Pixie held her arms close to her chest, “I don’t like being here. I thought I was fine but I can’t be here. I wanna leave. Now.”

“Okay. Alright, we’ll get out of here.” Kiri stood up and together the girls went to find Lo’ak and Tuk. “It’s getting close to eclipse anyway, we need to get moving.”

“Lo’ak! Tuk!” Pixie shouted. “It’s almost curfew! We need to get going!”

“Shh!” Lo’ak waved them over. He was squatting down close to the ground, eyes trained on something in the mud. It was footprints. Boot footprints. “These are way too big to be human.”

“Avatars?” Pixie peered closer. She didn’t like this. She didn’t like this at all. They needed to leave.

“Maybe. They’re sure not any of ours.” Lo’ak stood up and slung the bow off his back as he started to follow the tracks.

“No! Lo’ak, we should leave.”

“If there are avatars out here then we need to make sure.”

“If there are avatars out here that aren’t any of ours then we need to go!” Kiri insisted. Lo’ak ignored them and continued deeper into the forest. The others didn’t have much choice but to follow and keep trying to get him to turn around.

They came to a clearing and saw the old shack. “We shouldn’t be here.” Pixie whispered. “Uncle Jake is going to ground you for life if we don’t leave right now.”

“Shh!” Lo’ak shushed her again. She was this close to putting him in a sleeper hold and dragging him back to camp. “We’ve got to check this out.”

“No we do not!” Pixie grabbed his arm. “Those avatars are in full military combat gear. They’re not ours. We need to go!”

“Stop being such a baby. They’ll never even see us.” Lo’ak brushed her off and crept forward.

“Kiri,” Pixie turned towards the other girls. “Take Tuk and get out of here. I’ll get mush for brains.”

“But Pixie--”

“Go! Both of you, now!” she shooed them away.

Pixie crept forward through the foliage to Lo’ak. “Lo’ak,” Pixie dropped her voice to barely a whisper, “I don’t know what you’re thinking but we need to go. Your bow isn’t going to do shit against their guns. Please, let’s just leave.”

“Lyle,” one of the avatars said, “See if you can pull anything off that dash cam.”

“Thing is deader than shit, colonel.” the avatar named Lyle said.

“So were we.” answered the colonel.

So were they? Pixie’s heart dropped. She didn’t like this. “Lo’ak, please.” Pixie pleaded, “We need to go.”

“Yeah,” Lo’ak finally conceded, “We need to call this in.”

They started to retreat. Once they were a better distance away Lo’ak touched his com. “Devil Dog, this is Eagle Eye. Over.”

“Eagle Eye, send your traffic.” Jake’s voice came over the com.

“I’ve got eyes on some guys. They look like avatars. But they’re in full camo and carrying ARs. There are six of them. Over.”

“What’s your pos? Over.”

“We’re at the old shack.” Lo’ak winced as he said it. As if he could just feel the year long grounding coming his way.

“Who’s we?”

Oh crap. Pixie forgot she was part of the ‘we’ in that statement. She was going to get grounded too.

“Me and Pixie. Kiri and Tuk were with us but they’re already on their way back to camp.”

“Son, you listen to me very carefully. Pull back right now. Do not make a sound. Get the hell out of there. Move! Copy?” 

“Yes sir, moving out.” Lo’ak and Pixie began retreating once more.

“I told you!” Pixie said as they started making a hasty exit. “We are gonna get in so much trouble now.”

“I know. I know. But it turned out okay. They’ll never even know we were here.”

At that moment, in a terrible form of divine comedy, the avatars they had been watching rushed from the foliage and grabbed either of them. Immediately the training that Jake had been putting in Pixie’s head started to kick in and she tried to break out of the hold.

“Get over here! Down on your knees!” The avatar that had her kicked her back behind the knees and she buckled. One of their hands was holding her hair, the other grabbed her exopack. “Stop fighting or it comes off!”

Pixie stilled. Lo’ak was struggling in vain against the avatars that had him pinned. He was trying to call assurances out to her but the avatars were shouting over him. They took the knives off of them and threw Lo’ak’s bow and arrows away.

All Pixie could do in that moment was curse their rotten luck and thank Eywa that Kiri and Tuk had gotten out of there when they did. Two of them captured was better than all four of them.

“What have we here?” the obvious leader of the group, the colonel stepped onto the scene. He looked between Pixie and Lo’ak. There was something uncomfortably familiar in his face.

“Look Colonel.” one of the avatars, maybe Lyle, pointed to the eyebrows on Lo’ak’s face. “I think we got ourselves a half-breed.”

“Show me your fingers.” the colonel said.

Lo’ak did indeed show the colonel his fingers. Two specifically.

The colonel let out a dark little chuckle. “You’re his, aren’t you?” Shit! “You’re his alright.”

Lo’ak hissed at him but it did little in the way of intimidation. The colonel grabbed him by the queue and hauled him off the ground. “Where is he?”

“Sorry,” Lo’ak replied in Na’vi, “Unfortunately I don’t speak English with assholes.”

“Where is your father?” the colonel demanded in very stilted Na’vi.

Lo’ak remained silent. “You really want to play this game?” the colonel withdrew a large knife.

“No! Stay away from him!” Pixie screamed, kicking back at the avatar that had her. “Don’t hurt him! Please!”

The colonel turned around to look at her. Something like recognition lit in his eyes. “What’s your name, girly?”

“Pixie.”

He shook his head. “Your real name.” he held the knife up to Lo’ak’s neck. “Now!”

“Mildred McCosker.” Pixie answered. Her eyes were trained on the knife still pressed to Lo’ak’s throat. She breathed out a sigh of relief when it finally moved away.

“Millie?” the colonel’s voice almost sounded soft. It was at that moment that she understood what the hell he had meant when he said ‘So were we.’ This avatar or whatever the hell they were, was Quaritch. Back from the dead.

He waved the person holding her off. “I’ll be damned. I thought they sent you back to earth.”

“You can’t put a baby in cryo, numbnuts.” Pixie spat. There was a long moment of silence and Quaritch waved the person to grab her again.

“What are we doing, boss?” the others asked.

Quaritch pressed a hand to the com at his throat. “Iron Sky, Blue on Actual. We are standing by for extract. Over.” A pause. “Be advised. We are bringing in high value prisoners.”

They dragged Pixie and Lo’ak back towards the shack and bound their hands. Well this was only getting worse.

“Lyle,” Quaritch called over to one of the others. “Get me some audio on this.”

They fiddled around with the dashcam off the abandoned mech. Pixie glanced over to look at the footage. On the screen she could see footage of Neytiri hissing at the camera. “That’s Sully’s woman.” Quaritch said.

“Give it up, Quaritch!” The Jake in the video said. “It’s all over.”

“Nothing’s over while I’m breathing!” The Quaritch in the video said.

“I was kinda hoping you’d say that.” Even from her skewed vantage point Pixie could tell that Jake in the video had a smug face on. He charged at Quaritch. Pixie didn’t want to watch but she couldn’t pull her eyes away from the scene of them fighting. In the video two of Neytiri’s arrows sunk into Quaritch’s chest and that was the end of it.

Damn. Pixie knew what happened to her bio-dad but seeing it happen was something else. Maybe it was the terror of the situation she was in finally getting to her but Pixie couldn’t help but start laughing. She tried to muffle it, bite her lip and keep it in but the whole thing was so ridiculous. She really was going insane right now, wasn’t she?

“You laughing girl?” Quaritch turned to her. “Seeing your daddy die is funny?”

“Seeing human-you bite it is kind of funny yes. And he--you--whatever the hell is going on, they were not my dad. My dad is the loving scientist who fostered me and raised me. That corpse in the mech is nothing but an unfortunate sperm donor.”

Lo’ak snorted.

“You got bite. Just like your mother.” Quaritch smirked. “Look a lot like her too.”

“Well thank goodness for the little miracles that ensured I didn’t take after you.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” he knelt down next to her, “You look like your mama. But I can assure you, all that fight in you, that razor tongue, you’re more like me than you realize.”

“She’s nothing like you, asshole!” Lo’ak snapped.

“Hoo, you can really tell that you are indeed your father’s son.” Quaritch looked over at Lo’ak. “He got anymore of you running around?” Lo’ak didn’t respond. “Oh he’s got more. Probably got a whole litter of half-breeds just like ya.”

The sun disappeared as night fell. Rain started to fall. Usually Pixie loved seeing Pandora during a nighttime rain. From certain spots the bioluminescent flora made it look like the rain itself was glowing. But right now she was being held captive by an avatar reincarnation of her bio-dad and everything was shit.

From off in the distance she heard the sound of what could have been mistaken as an animal. The pitch was slightly off though. Not animal enough to be genuine. Neytiri.

Lo’ak could hear her too. His ears perked up and twitched trying to find where her voice was coming from. He made eye contact with Pixie and gave a little nod. They were gonna get out of here as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

From some point up above an arrow shot out of the darkness and sunk itself into the skull of the avatar that had a hold on Pixie. She ducked out of the way but was immediately shoved back behind Quaritch and the other avatars as they let loose a round of fire at the trees.

Lo’ak pulled one of the tabs on someone’s canister of gas. They used the distraction to hightail it out of there. “Go! Move! Move!” Lo’ak grabbed her and they started running. Some of the avatar were racing after them.

“Come on, Pixie! Move!” he was dragging her forward by her restraints. He was too fast for her and she kept on stumbling.

“I’m going as fast as I can!” she snapped at him. It didn’t help that the rain made her footing a lot less sure.

They made it away from the thick of the fight but that didn’t mean they could afford to slow down. Lo’ak let go of her so she could run on her own since they were out of the worst of the danger. Perhaps he should have held on though because as they were running across a tree an explosion of fire shook them and she fell off and rolled back down to the ground.

“Pixie!” She wasn’t moving! Lo’ak looked for a way to get down to her.

“Lo’ak!” Neytiri came racing after them. “Go!”

“But Pixie--” he pointed down to her immobile body. “We gotta get Pixie!”

“Jake will get her! Go!” Neytiri pulled him forward as more of the avatars started to close in.

They made it back to the ikran safely. Neytiri clasped Lo’ak to her thankful that he was safe. Jake and Neteyam came up after out of breath but safe as well. “Everyone okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah we’re good.” Lo’ak said. He looked around for Pixie but she wasn’t with Jake.

“Where’s Pixie?” Neteyam looked between Lo’ak and Neytiri. “Where is Pixie!”

“Mom said dad was gonna grab her!” Lo’ak pointed.

“I thought she was with you guys.” Jake said. “What happened?”

“She fell. She wasn’t moving--”

“No!” Neteyam turned back towards the forest, “We need to go back and get her!”

“I’ll get her. You stay with your mother.” Jake ran back into the forest. Neteyam, Lo’ak and Neytiri waited for what felt like forever but what could have only been a couple of minutes. Overhead the sound of a plane hovered and they could see bright search lights shining through the trees in the distance.

Jake returned alone.

[agaypanic]

HI! can you do a request or head cannons for kelso where he falls in love with an over achiever/ really smart girl? Where she pretty much wants nothing to do with him because she thinks he'll just ruin her grades and her bright future, but he just continues to follow her around like a lovesick puppy anyways. HE JUST WANTS HER TO LIKE HIM SO BADDD 😭😭

Michael Kelso Falling For An Over Achiever Headcanons

Masterlist

Request Something!

A/N: when she’s smart and he’s the stupidest man on the planet>>>>

***

You guys def met bc you had to tutor him in something

There’s no other way you guys would interact

Kelso never noticed you before because you don’t share any classes or hang in similar circles

But the second he meets you, he wishes he noticed you sooner

“Michael Kelso?” A voice sounded behind the boy, who was talking to his friends. Kelso turned around and, being a giant, looked down to see you looking back at him with an inquisitive look.

“That’s me.” Kelso grinned, wondering what a cute girl like you wanted to talk to him about. “I’ve never seen you around before. Are you new? Need me to help you find your classes, because honestly, I dunno if I’ll be much help.” You laughed.

“I’m not new, Michael. You may not have seen me around, but I’ve certainly seen you.” You held your hand out for him to shake. “I’m Y/n, your new math tutor. I’m in Stevens’ stats class, and he asked me to help you. Are you free after school today?” Michael nodded, taken aback by your directness and the fact that he had never noticed you before. “Good, meet me at the library after school then. We can go over what you need to work on.” 

You waved goodbye to both him and his friends before taking off. Kelso watched you until you turned a corner and were out of sight, and even then, he didn’t turn around until Eric tapped him on the shoulder.

“You good, Kelso?” He asked, watching the goofy smile on his friend’s face.

“Yeah, yeah.” Kelso took another quick look behind him, secretly hoping you’d somehow pop up again. “Hey, do you guys know where the library is? And, uh, since when did we have a library?”

It took a while, but Kelso was able to find the library

He didn’t really care about the actual tutoring, more focused on getting to know you

Or rather, getting into your pants

But you shut that down immediately 

“Michael, you need to focus.” You said for what felt like the thousandth time as you caught Michael not working on the problem in front of him. Instead, he stared at you with a dopey grin.

“Oh, I am.” He said, eyes dragging down your form before raising his eyebrows suggestively. “Why don’t we get out of here?”

“Absolutely not.” You snorted. “Look, Michael, if you wanna waste your time, that’s fine. But I have more important things to do if you won’t even try to make an effort.” You gathered your things into your bag and stood up from your seat.

Michael started to panic. He didn’t know exactly what he wanted from you, but he knew he didn’t want you to leave. There was some kind of magnetic pull you had on him.

You only made a few steps before you felt a hand on your shoulder.

“Wait!” A librarian loudly shushed Michael, and he flinched. You turned around expectantly, and he took his hand off you, trying to find words because he honestly didn’t think you’d stop. “Don’t go. I’ll… I’ll try, I promise. Just don’t leave.” Your annoyed expression softened, and you moved to sit back in your chair, Michael eagerly following you. “How about we make a deal?”

“I have to make a deal with you to get you to do your work?” You asked, a small but amused smile gracing your lips. “What kind of deal?” Michael grinned at your intrigue.

“I’ll do everything you want me to do: the note-taking, the practice questions, my homework.”

“You should already be doing your homework, Michael.”

“But, every time I get something right, I get to ask a question about you.” You raised a brow, both in confusion and interest.

“Why do you wanna know stuff about me?”

“Just do.” He shrugged, leaning back in his chair. He wanted to seem casual to not scare you off with the fact that, for some reason, he suddenly wanted to know every little thing about you.

“Okay.” 

Kelso actually starts trying to do his work

He wants to impress you so bad

And whenever he gets something right, he gets to learn more about you

It eventually paid off

“Y/n!” Kelso ran through the hallway towards you, pushing through people who were just trying to leave school. You jumped in surprise, turning in his direction, and watched him skid to a stop, almost falling on his face.

“Michael? Are you okay?” 

Kelso dug around in his jacket pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. He unraveled it and turned the front page to face you.

“I got a B minus!” He said ecstatically. You grinned.

“Congrats, Michael!” If you had gotten a C plus on an assignment, especially your midterm test, you would’ve been beyond disappointed in yourself. But you and Michael were different, him getting that kind of grade was an extreme improvement. “That should take your class grade up to some kind of C.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” 

“I’m glad to have helped.” Then you turned on your heel and started to walk away. Your work with Michael was done; he needed help passing his midterm, and you did just that. Now you could focus on acing your own assignments.

But Michael jumped in front of you, causing you to stumble in surprise.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“I’m going home; I have to study.” Michael laughed, shaking his head at you.

“What? No, let’s go celebrate!”

“No offense, Michael, but I have more important things to do than party with you. I’m sure you have friends who are more than willing to get wasted.” You pushed past him, leaving the boy saddened.

After that, Kelso felt like you were avoiding him

It was like he never saw you anymore, and if he did, you wouldn’t talk to him

It wasn’t a conscious decision on your part, at least you thought

You never hung out with Kelso before you had to tutor him, why would you do so now?

Besides, you knew that being around him any longer than necessary would just be detrimental to everything you’ve worked for

Kelso clearly didn’t feel the same

“Kelso, you gotta stop being so hung up on this chick.” Hyde reprimanded, sick of his friend constantly watching your moves. “It’s weird, and it’s honestly bumming me out.”

“I can’t help it, Hyde!” Kelso rested his head in his head, staring longingly at you reading while eating your lunch. “She’s, like, so perfect, and she won’t even give me a chance.”

“I think that means you should look for someone else, bud,” Eric said, sitting beside him.

“I’m not giving up, Eric. I just need one chance.” Kelso suddenly stood up, long legs almost making him trip over the cafeteria table bench. “That’s all I need.” 

In a flash, he was sitting across from you. So engrossed in your textbook, you barely noticed Kelso’s presence.

“Hi.” You gave him a glance before continuing with your reading. “Why don’t you wanna hang out with me, Y/n? I just wanna have fun with you, and I don’t mean that in a gross way, I swear. I just think you’re really cool, and I really liked getting to know you, and I think we could have a lot of fun-”

“That’s the problem, Michael.” You interrupted, catching him off guard. Of course, he was happy that you were speaking to him. But your response made him a bit upset. 

“What do you mean?”

You took a deep breath, bookmarking your page and setting the book on the table to clasp your hands in front of you. Then you looked at Kelso.

“All you want is fun. That may be fine for you, but I have a future to think about, one that I’ve been working so hard for. I can’t put that on hold just because you wanna have a good time.” You scratched your cheek, wishing for this conversation to be over. “I’m pretty sure that half of the girls at this school would love to have your attention.”

“But I don’t wanna give them my attention, Y/n,” Kelso replied, feeling helpless. “Please, just one date. It doesn’t even have to be a date. I just want one chance.”

“Michael.”

“If you decide you don’t want anything to do with me, I’ll leave you alone. I promise. Just one date.”

You were silent for a while, too long for Kelso’s liking. He watched you stare at him, probably to figure out the best way to reject him once and for all.

“Fine.” It was a quiet grumble, but Kelso definitely heard it. He grinned that stupid grin of his.

“Really?” He asked excitedly.

“One date. And then that’s it, Michael. Got it?”

“Yup!” He nodded enthusiastically. “Y/n, I promise you won’t regret this.”

“I think I already am.” You whispered to yourself, but Kelso caught it. But he wasn’t saddened by the comment because he could pick out the tiniest joking tone in your voice.

[solvskrift]

open a bottle up (pour a little out in your memory) | 2.7k | trans jim kirk, modern au

whumptober prompt no. 2: “I’ll call out your name, but you won’t call back.” | delirium | “They don’t care about you.” also on ao3!

>Morning kiddo<  Sent 06:48

The text isn’t that unusual, even for the early hour. But Chris’s typing bubble has disappeared and reappeared about fifty times now while Jim’s stared down at his phone in consternation.

He really doesn’t need the extra nerves. Not today.

Jim’s phone finally vibrates again and he hurriedly swipes at it to wake the screen.

Then he stares some more.

>You need a ride to the hospital?<  Sent 06:59

Jim’s thumbs hover over the keyboard, his brain zipping through all the possible replies he could send.

No.

Absolutely not.

(yes please god)

Or, possibly, how the everlivingfucK do you know I have to be at the hospital today???

After a vicious debate with himself in which he tosses his phone away and picks it back up more than once, he taps out a >yeah sure< before he can think any better of it.

—-----

Fifteen minutes later, Chris pulls into the driveway.

Jim hauls himself up off the front stoop and stalks toward the car, shoulders hunched and feet full of lead.

“How’d you know I was here?” Jim mumbles as he’s fastening his seatbelt.

“Called around when your mom mentioned you’d disappeared again. Hikaru caved, but don’t be too hard on him - I may have threatened him a little.”

“You what?”

“I’m kidding,” says Chris drily, throwing a hand over the back of Jim’s seat to reverse onto the street. “He knew I was just worried.”

Jim shifts uncomfortably. “Yeah, well, you worry too much.”

Chris just hums, eyes on the road.

Jim watches the houses and trees fly by outside the window. Eventually the silence grows so thick he can’t stand it anymore. He flicks his eyes to Chris.

“You know where you’re taking me?” he asks, but it’s more like an accusation. A challenge.

You know what you’re taking me to do?

“Yes,” Chris says simply. “Phil told me.”

Jim gapes at him, almost forgetting to be self-conscious in the face of his indignation. “He can’t do that! What about all that doctor-patient confidentiality crap? And he’s not even my doctor!”

Chris glances at him, unimpressed. “He’s not your surgeon,” he clarifies. “But he got tagged to assist, and your paperwork isn’t legit.”

Jim’s stomach flops. Well, shit.

“How the fuck did you get Frank to sign off on it?” Chris asks, glancing at him again with scrunched eyebrows.

Jim shrugs and forces his hands to unclench from his thighs. “Just mixed it in with a bunch of papers and told him it was a disciplinary notice from school. Wasn’t that hard.”

Chris huffs a laugh that’s half-disapproving, half-impressed. “Well that was a risk - what did you plan on doing if he actually read all of it?”

“Frank, reading,” Jim scoffs. “Yeah, right.” After a pause, he ventures, “Are you guys gonna report me?”

The corner of Chris’s mouth quirks up, but it’s a little sad. “No, we’re not. You’re sixteen. You did everything else right, all the therapy - ”

How does he know about that? Goddammit, Phil.

“ - and you’ve always had a pretty good idea of what you want,” he finishes. He chews his lip and taps his thumb on the steering wheel a few times. “But I want you to come stay with us after, while you recover.”

Jim grimaces. And wouldn’t that just be awkward as hell.

“Is that supposed to be blackmail?”

Chris gives him a look. “No, it’s an invitation. And a request. Or do you really want to recover from surgery on the Sulus’ couch?”

“They said I could,” Jim mumbles. Chris doesn’t dignify this with a response. After another minute in which Jim glares out of the window and works through vague feelings of mutiny, he gives in. “Fine, just…don’t tell my mom. Please?”

Chris blows out a breath that ruffles the hair at his forehead. “I’ll have to at least let her know you’re staying with us - you know I don’t have a choice about that,” he adds pointedly at the look on Jim’s face, “ - but I’ll leave the rest for you to tell her, if and when you feel like it, alright?”

“Oh okay, like when hell freezes over?”

Chris just raises his eyebrows at him to punctuate his point.

Sighing, Jim gives a slow nod, crosses his arms tightly over his chest, and counts himself lucky.

—----

It’s a short drive between Riverside and the University hospital (plus, of course, Chris has visited here too many times to count and knows exactly where to park) so before Jim knows it he’s standing in the antiseptic-smelling lobby and the excitement hits him for the first time.

He’s spent months - years - waiting for this, and as really fucking nervewracking as it is, it’s probably the best thing that’s ever happened to him and suddenly it’s not moving fast enough.

Jim sits filling out the last-minute anesthesia paperwork, leg jiggling up and down and brain circling around and around everything that’s about to happen.

His knee stops bouncing abruptly. He looks up at Chris sitting next to him and says almost accusingly, “Wait…you said they asked Phil to help with the surgery.”

Jim’s guts bottom out at the thought, but Chris is already shaking his head.

“They asked, but he recused himself.”

“He did?”

Chris gives him a lopsided smile. “Can’t operate on family.”

That shouldn’t make Jim’s throat feel tight, so he pretends it doesn’t.

“Oh,” is all he says. But maybe something shows on his face because Chris reaches over and squeezes Jim’s shoulder in that way he always does, thumb swiping over the bone and taking some of Jim’s anxiety with it.

—----

The doctor asks Jim if he’d like her to put on some music while he’s getting his IV set up. The first few notes start to filter through the speakers, and his last thought before going under is that Frank would absolutely hate this song.

Jim sleeps just fine.

—----

He comes around nauseous and disoriented.

There’s a tightness around his chest, and he looks down at himself, eyeing the compression band.

Oh. Right.

A slow, sleepy smile spreads over his face.

He realizes after a minute that he’s not alone. Chris is lounging in a chair next to his bed, but he straightens a bit and grins when he sees Jim’s eyes are open.

“Welcome back, Sleeping Beauty.”

Jim rasps something incoherent and Phil enters his vision armed with a paper cup of water. He pops a straw into it and hits the button to raise the head of Jim’s bed so he’s sitting up just a bit. “Drink,” he orders gently, holding out the cup. Jim makes a clumsy grab for it, but Phil just hangs onto it and supports the back of Jim’s head to help him sip. “You’ll be thirsty for a few hours while the anesthetic works its way out of your system.” When Jim releases the straw, he sets the cup down on a side table. “How do you feel?”

“Good,” Jim mumbles. “Sleepy.”

Phil smirks. “I bet.” He smoothes the edge of Jim’s blanket unnecessarily and exchanges a brief kiss with Chris. “I have to get back to my rounds, I’ll check in on you two later, hm?”

“M'kay,” says Jim, eyes already falling closed again.

—----

The surgeon doesn’t see any reason to keep Jim overnight, so when Phil’s shift ends at four they all head out together. (He’s offered a couple days’ worth of painkillers, but he thinks of his mom and decides he’ll do just fine with ibuprofen, thanks.)

Chris brings the car around and Phil helps Jim into the backseat before sliding in next to him. It’s only when they’re a few miles down the highway that Jim thinks to ask groggily, “What about your car?”

“I’ll pick it up later,” Phil explains, an inexplicable fondness in it.

Jim relaxes into the seat and spends the rest of the drive listening to Chris and Phil talk quietly over the low buzz of the radio.

—----

Jim half expects the guest room to be straightened up and scraped clean of any sign he had ever been there.

It’s not.

The bed’s been made, but other than that it’s the same as Jim had left it the last time he stayed two months ago. Old homework scratch paper strewn about on the desk, the pair of shoes he’d kicked off by the closet, his copy of The Great Gatsby lying on the nightstand.

He sits on the edge of the mattress and breathes in the smell of the house.

—----

He tries not to leave his room much.

(Honestly, Jim spends a lot of the time looking at himself sideways in the mirror and trying not to overexert himself from how fucking giddy it makes him.)

It’s summer, though, so Chris doesn’t have to go into the school and this leaves him with plenty of time to bully Jim into eating something or watching a movie or flattening Chris at MarioKart.

Phil tries to act like he’s not hovering, but he is. Every time he comes home he wants to check Jim’s dressings and his temperature and make sure he’s not lifting anything or moving his arms too much.

Jim should be grateful.

Instead he just feels like he’s suffocating.

They haven’t really talked about it - Jim’s surgery, and all that it means. He gets the feeling they’re waiting for him to bring it up, but each time he tries it’s like he can’t unstick his throat. He doesn’t want any of it to change (even though everything is going to, everything has) - Phil and Chris have been there for him, even though there wasn’t ever any good reason for a high school history teacher and his husband to look out for a kid who did nothing but fuck up approximately three times a week.

Jim knows, deep down, that they won’t kick him out, or say anything nasty to him about all of this, but this doesn’t stop him from expecting it anyway.

—----

Three days after his surgery, he wakes up with a fever.

He pops a few more NSAIDs and doesn’t mention it.

—----

“Feeling alright?”

Chris settles on the arm of the couch and Jim blinks up at him. He shivers again and pulls the blanket more tightly around his shoulders.

“Yeah…just cold.”

Chris frowns and puts a light hand to Jim’s forehead, pushing his hair out of the way. His frown deepens, alarm flashing in his eyes. “You’re burning up.”

“I’ll be okay,” Jim protests, eyes glued to the television. “I took some ibuprofen.”

Chris hums. “I think I should take you back to the hospital.”

Jim grimaces; that’s exactly what he doesn’t want to do. Chris has already helped him enough.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jim insists, and he meets Chris’s eyes. “Seriously.”

“Trust me, kid, this isn’t something you fuck around with - I’m at least calling Phil, we’ll see what he thinks,” says Chris, digging around in his pocket for his cell.

Jim sighs and goes back to watching detectives dig up a skeleton that an unfortunate hiker had just so happened to find.

—----

Phil drags him back to the hospital after all but Jim’s so out of it by then that he doesn’t have the brain power to mind that much.

They put him back in a bed and pump him full of drugs and he’s pretty sure the nurse says something about an infection. Jim’s too busy trying not to throw up to pay a whole lot of attention.

He loses stretches of time and it’s dark outside the next time he manages to be semi-aware. By the light of the dim bedside lamp he can just make out the two shapes of Chris and Phil, both asleep sitting up and curled against each other on the tiny padded bench built into the wall under the window.

Jim stares at them. His eyes burn and he thinks maybe the nurses filled him up with more drugs than he remembers. The thoughts in his head are racing each other around, and he abruptly wishes the television in the corner wasn’t turned off. A glance around the room doesn’t reveal the remote.

There’s a beeping to his left, coming faster and faster, and it takes him a minute to realize it must be his heart monitor.

Chris stirs on the bench and blinks his eyes open, rubbing his neck.

Jim’s chest feels tight - of course it does - but he doesn’t think it’s just the compression vest.

“Hey…” Chris whispers. He carefully disentangles himself from his husband and steps toward the bed. “Hey now,” he says again as he takes a seat on the edge, and it sounds so damn soft.

That’s when Jim becomes aware he’s crying. The knowledge sends him spinning even faster and he can’t hold it in no matter how hard he tries.

“I’m sorry,” he says, but it comes out on a broken sob.

Chris’s mouth opens in a horrified sort of disbelief. He settles a hand in Jim’s hair, soothing his fingers through it. “For what, kid?”

Jim can’t think straight. “I’m sorry,” he cries again. Helpless. Desperate. “I’m sorry, I’m - that I - I tried not to be, I swear, I really, really tried - ”

“Tried to what?” Chris asks, with nothing but patience. Something shifts behind him and Jim sees that Phil’s woken up too.

Jim screws his eyes shut.

He can barely get it out.

“To not be a boy,” he chokes, and starts sobbing in earnest, chest aching.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Chris says, and he sounds utterly broken.

He leans down and gathers Jim in his arms, mindful to avoid squeezing him too tightly. The hand on his head shifts, moving in circles near his temple. “Shhh,” Chris calms. Whispers into his hair. “It’s alright. You’re alright…”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, I’m sorry I - that I couldn’t - ”

Chris just keeps holding him. Telling him things that can’t possibly be true but that Jim wants to believe so, so badly.

That he’s okay.

He doesn’t need to be sorry.

He’s exactly who he’s meant to be.

That he’s not a problem and a useless fuck-up.

Jim chokes on all the words he tries to find and just cries and cries and cries.

A weight settles at the end of the bed, and Phil’s palm rests over his shin. He doesn’t say anything - lets Chris do the talking for the both of them - but the weight is grounding, and it eases something in Jim’s heart.

—----

He’s cleared to leave eighteen hours later, hopped up on antibiotics and exhausted but more than ready to get the hell out of that room.

It’s ten in the morning, and when they get to the house Chris insists on making his specialty waffles for breakfast.

“That always takes you hours,” Jim gripes, “for some godforsaken reason. They’re waffles. Aren’t they supposed to take, like, five minutes?”

“You would think,” Phil deadpans.

“Hey,” says Chris indignantly, fastening the waist tie of his apron while Jim and Phil collapse into stools at the counter. “D’you want a gourmet breakfast or not?”

Jim and Phil look at each other, silently debating.

“That’s it!” Chris pokes a threatening spoon at the air in Phil’s direction. “No blueberries for you.”

“Me? What about him?” Phil gestures at Jim, affronted.

“He gets whatever the hell he wants,” Chris says easily and starts pulling pans out of cupboards. “Sorry, I don’t make the rules.” He goes to grab the fruit out of the freezer but stops in front of Jim, hesitating. He sets the baking powder down quietly on the counter, and his expression shifts to an odd mix of curiosity and caution.

“What’s your name?”

Oh.

With a small jolt (and a wave of gratitude) it comes to Jim that for the past few days Chris and Phil have totally avoided calling him anything besides the occasional ‘kid.’

He hasn’t told anybody this. Not even his friends.

As sure as he’s been lately about his identity, and what he wants the rest of his life to be, picking a name had felt…weird.

Silly, even.

Like he was playing pretend, or maybe dreaming, and one of these days he was going to have to wake up.

But he looks at Phil and Chris, and thinks of the room upstairs that’s always kept waiting for him, and he feels safe.

Suddenly it doesn’t feel silly anymore.

It feels like who he was meant to be.

“Jim,” he says, and it fits around him so easily, warm and right and his. “My name is Jim.”

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Oh OK. May I request Chess knight x an injured reader fluff? For example maybethe reader tripped and seriously injured their leg and chess knight found them and helped by taking care of them

You were well-acquainted with the King's champions in the castle high above Isle IV.

The ladder climb was tiring enough for the average resident, but you were pretty strong, having bested the champions once before. Nowadays you would come back to challenge them and sharpen up your parrying abilities.

Yes, they didn’t make any exceptions to their “no charm or power” rule. Not even for you. But that was fine.

The Pawns in particular were the most mischievous bunch, running around like headless chickens---in a literal sense once you parried them.

Even when you challenged them again, they always liked to catch you off-guard, running in unexpected directions just to mess with your mind and make you falter.

And at one point, you did falter.

But it was purely accidental.

After trying to leave, you tripped over a headless Pawn. Considering how small they are it’s surprising that you haven’t done that at least once. But you fell the wrong way and felt this horrible, awful pain shoot up your leg. It felt like you’ve taken a dozen hits specifically in that limb, but you just gritted your teeth and stood back up.

The Pawns were concerned, though you didn’t wanna look weak in front of them. Besides, you made a promise to Knight that you’d spar with him some more today. You couldn’t disappoint him.

But unfortunately, that’s the moment the horse champion arrived. 

He was always excited to see you and wanted to be 101% sure you were coming to his chamber. Though upon seeing you sitting on the ground and holding your leg, he instantly knew what was wrong. He raised his visor up just to be sure he wasn't imagining things.

Sure enough, he wasn't. From the looks of it, you injured yourself.

He glared at the Pawns, not wanting to hear their excuses as he made them hold his sword and shield before scooping you into his arms. You tried telling him you were fine. That it wasn't a big deal and not their fault.

But he just snorted and stormed off with you.

..........

Turns out, the castle had a infirmary where the champions would come to rest up, get their heads reattached, and polish their armor. So you were just laying in a fancy comfortable bed, your leg in a cast, while Knight guarded the doorway.

You had fallen asleep at one point, and woke back up to see him in the same exact spot, tapping his foot.

“Knight? Were you..here the whole time?”

Perking up at you voice, he turned around and rushed to your bedside, raising his visor. “Of course! It’s a knight’s duty, is it not? How’s your leg?”

“Uh, better..I guess? It’s not hurting anymore.”

“Good. I notified the King so I could watch over you in case any other challengers wanted to visit me.”

“That’s kind of you but..I’m sorry.” You sighed. “I know I promised to spar with you today.. “

“It’s no problem!” He reassured you with his bucktooth grin on his face. “We can do that some other time! If you’re not well-rested, you can’t fight.”

“That’s true. Fighting with an injured leg won’t do me any good..” You relaxed your shoulders, getting more comfortable. “It’s just silly that this is what takes me out. I crashed my plane and barely got a scratch...and yet I trip over a Pawn by accident and can’t move for a few days.”

Knight was stunned you were in a plane accident, and that made him wish he could protect you more--from the dangers below the castle. But alas he had to stay here.

“Oh don’t worry. Even the greatest of champions have their mishaps.”

“Yeah, that’s also true. Could I get some water?”

"Right away!” Knight stood up straight and saluted, the visor slamming back down over his eyes. And he dashed out of the infirmary without giving you time to even say “thanks”.

You smiled. It was nice to have a knight in shining armor who cared so much for you.

[httpsbimbo]

Floral Tendencies ⚘ acquaintance

001. c/w: f!reader, sfw, fluff, CEO!au

002. w/c: 1.2k

—

He could hear the chatter beside him as he walked across the sidewalk.

His phone's destination showed he was in the far west area of the city as he reached his stop. Staring into the vintage flower shop he saw it was empty, bright drawings coated the walls of chalk inside with concrete flooring covered in splatters of color. Bright florals blocking the proper view of the cash register.

Scratching the back of his neck, he let out a sigh. Wondering is this the right place? Fixing his shades, he pulled the door open to be welcomed with a jingle of a bell. After 2 minutes of debating if he should leave or not, the patter of your shoes started. The sight of you carrying a half empty bag of dirt.

He blinks down at you as you drop the bag down to give a warm greeting.

“Welcome to Floral Haven sir, how can I help you today?”

He was silent for just a second, staring down at his phone all of a sudden.

 “Do you have any peonies? I need a bouquet of them.” It seemed as if he was almost unsure of what he had just asked for.

“Sure do- any specific color?” You could spot a new flower shopper from a mile away so you were used to walking them in the right direction.

“I didn’t think it would matter-” 

After a pause you cracked a smile at him, a small laugh leaving your mouth that sounded heavy, rasp from exhaustion as the man lifted his eyebrow from under his shades.

“Sorry-sorry I've never heard that before. May I ask what you need the flowers for to help?” You calmed your breathing, now moving from behind the counter to move to the display

“My daughter just graduated from elementary, so I wanted to get her a gift to congratulate her.”

His tone was dry, it made it harder for you to genuinely tell if he was serious so you had just pushed it aside.

“I’d recommend the pink ones then, it means love and good luck. And most girls like pink around that age.” You hummed, lifting the pot full to move towards the back

“I’ll prepare these for the bouquet sir, please bear with me” whilst scurrying aside. He decided to take a better look in his surroundings, moving to get closer inspection on the drawings alongside the walls. Cartoonish figures holding various flowers to be selected with a look in similarity to a children's show he thought.

He took his phone out to take a few pictures for his daughter; He might bring her here next time if he’s not busy with work again.

His attention turns back to the cash register after he hears a ruffle of plastic, watching you prepare the bouquet.

“So, I'm assuming you’re a businessman?” You ask mindlessly while setting his order, your sudden words catching the man off guard.

“Yeah..”

“Long day I presume?” You finished wrapping up the flowers, now typing his total into the cash register and awaiting his response.

He paused, a slight expression of shock, “It’s noticeable?”

Giving a small laugh, you looked up at him “Someone that's fine doesn’t stand like that.”

The small banter lightened the mood, as you tapped away at the register.

“That’d be 75 dollars sir.” You spoke plainly, letting him insert his card as you took a chance to get a better look at him.

“Are you Mr. Gojo?” The sentence was bare, causing his jaw to tense.

“Ah- yes, that’d be me..” He shuddered, worried to be harassed due to his “popularity” throughout the city.

“Hm, that's nice.” You watched him take his card, a genuine face of confusion as you simply handed the bouquet to him.

He couldn't explain the slight urge to speak to you, his urge to rush out suddenly gone. Maybe it's the welcoming setting. Maybe something else. Yet he didn’t really wish to think about it.

“Erm- may I stay here for a while. My driver takes a while and all..” It came out as if he was anticipating an answer. You blink at him before smiling a little. He gave off a charm, he seemed nervous, it made you chuckle. Made the day feel slightly more entertaining.

“I don’t mind, let me have some company.”

—

“So you’re still in school but help someone here?”

Gojo is engrossed in your conversation, leaning against the far end of the counter to stare out the window. Even with your doubts of him being interested you nodded.

“Last year, I wished to be a teacher.. and my aunt can’t keep up with the place nowadays.” You worried you had overshared yet your doubts pushed away once he engaged back.

“Yeah, I never went. But I did form my own business over the past year with people I’d gone to the same school with.” 

“That's pretty cool actually. I hear about your field and you online all the time.” It was a gentle compliment, a smirk forming on his face.

You wouldn’t admit feeling a bit starstruck on meeting THE Satoru Gojo. A chance you’d ever meet him would be low, yet he seems nothing like how he's portrayed, not coming off as unforgiving and rather charming. He listens well too, you wonder how people have come to give him such a bad image for the past years.

“Why thank you.” He gave a wink as he turned to you, his shades falling down his nose.

“I felt a bit embarrassed not to realize it was a big figure like you entering, a bit starstruck.”

He lets out a deep laugh that made you shiver, covering his mouth 

“Starstruck? That's cute. You didn’t seem very intrigued after finding out though.”

You shrugged

“I don’t think anyone trying to stay out of sight from cameras would like someone gawking over them.”

“Anyone really come to this place? Like those vloggers?”

“Nah, it’s honestly just me. Gets lonely but I manage.”

You didn’t mean to say that, the words coming off heavier than anticipated. The man's blue irises dropped a bit as he frowned.

His voice came from a distance, eyes drifting back to the window. “I get what you mean.”

You can't explain it, it's odd. You haven’t felt something similar, possibly the feeling of good company. You pause, thinking for a while.

Yet you noticed a car pull up, breaking the silence. “It was pleasant,” Looking back at him, “Talking to you, and having company I meant.”

He smiled in response, then looked at the drawings. “I’ll be back to show my daughter the art of this place, she’d like it.”

You hummed, a bit flustered “Thank you Mr. Gojo.. but no need to flatter me.”

“Satoru.”

“What?” You lifted an eyebrow

“Call me Satoru.”

You paused a small nod as he started walking to the door “I’ll be prepared next time i see you- Satoru.” You waved

Giving a final goodbye while watching you wave, he flashed a smile while fixing his shades. Turning around to enter the car as he gently placed the flowers down. His head playing over the conversation for the next time he’d visit.

—

[skeletalgalore]

ABLAZE - Chapter Two: Fall Breeze

WIP: F!Reader is new to Hawkins High and is immediately drawn to the school's misfit. NO Y/N/OC USAGE!

part one | part two | part three

What's that? A playlist to go along with the fic? My, I do have a lot of time on my hands... Listen along here: link!

Originally posted on my Wattpad: link!

Chapter Two: Fall Breeze

You were stood at the end of your driveway waiting for Robin and her friend, Steve, to come pick you up. Robin had called you last night to make sure the number was right and to definitely make sure where to pick you up from.

"...so we make a left here after the gas station, and then drive straight for half a mile?" she asked.

"Yeah, for the third time, Robin," you laughed. "I'll be stood at the end of the drive waiting, saves you stressing about going too far,"

"What about if we're early and drive past when you're not there?"

You couldn't help but laugh again at her worries. "Look, you'll be fine. If I miss you guys and you're not here by 8:30, then I'll just walk. I walked home today, I should be a-okay walking to school if needs be,"

"Okay, okay, sorry," you heard Robin take a deep breath. "So what did you think of your first day? Any stresses? Any questions?"

You were hesitant to tell Robin about the Hellfire guy incident on your way home, so you thought that it may be best to try and talk about it face-to-face. "Nah, I'm all good. If I think of anything, I'll bring it up tomorrow."

You were wrapped up in a long, black, fleeced coat, and a red tartan scarf to help keep the fall breeze at bay. Rucksack sitting on the gravel next to your feet, Walkman on, feet tapping along to the beat of This Corrosion by The Sisters of Mercy - a new track added to the mixtape. You had put one of the earphones to the side to keep an ear out for Robin and Steve, worried that you might miss them and not the other way around. All of a sudden, you could hear a car coming from down the road. Squinting to see the vehicle approaching from the distance, it looked burgundy in colour and quite a nice model too. It eventually pulled up a couple of feet away from you, and as you seemed slightly hesitant to approach, you then saw Robin stick her head out of the passenger window.

"Hey! C'mon, let's gooo!" she waved and smiled. You ducked your head into your scarf hiding a smile at how silly she was, picked up your rucksack, and headed towards the car. Your assumption of it being a nice car was reaffirmed when you got closer and sat in the back. A BMW, snazzy. You pulled off your headphones and stopped your tape, tucking it all into the deep pocket of your coat. "Steve, this is our new friend," Robin introduced you. He turned around in the drivers seat and gave you a little head nod, hair bouncing a bit as he did so. "We're in, like, all the same classes together so we're gonna be best buddies, aren't we?" She smiled at you through the rear view mirror.

"Best buddies, huh? I've already been demoted, I see..." Steve teased. "I'm guessing you won't be needing a carpool to and from Hawkins High now. I get it. No need to let me down lightly, think I've got the hint--" Robin punched his arm. "--OW! Hey! C'mon, you know I was teasing,"

You laughed at their playful nature all along the journey to school. They seemed like really good friends, and couldn't help but smile at their inside jokes that you didn't even know. It was just nice to be around. The three of you arrived at the school parking lot shortly after, and you and Robin began to gather your things.

"Okay, kids, I'll be here ready and waiting to pick you up at 4pm sharp! Don't forget to eat all your packed lunch or I'm gonna be disappointed again," Steve seemed to be the joker but you really didn't mind at all. As you went to leave the car, he turned around in his seat to face you. "Hey, I know we've literally only just met but I hope you like it here. You've got a good friend in Robin, she'll look after you,"

"Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate it," you slightly blushed at him being so caring. The guy hardly knew you. You'd only been in the car for 10 minutes. You hopped out the back and adjusted all your belongings. You and Robin waved Steve off as he drove away to his day job at Family Video, and then decided to walk to your lockers inside the school. At least it would be warmer than outside. The Indiana fall breeze had a certain chill to it that was hard to shake off.

The hallway was just as busy as it was yesterday, people congregating by certain lockers, the cliques began forming yet again for their morning catch up. Thankfully, you'd been assigned a locker a couple of spaces down from Robin so you didn't have to worry about any unwanted interactions, especially from the Jocks. You side-eyed them teasing this young kid for no reason other than to make themselves laugh and to make the kid feel smaller than he already was. It made you feel uneasy and reminded you of being in the same shoes as that kid at your old high school, thankful that eyes weren't on you for once. Robin could see you tense.

"Are you alright?" she had stopped organising her books in her locker.

"Yeah, it's just seeing that kid being teased... Reminds me of my old school, that's all," you shuffled your feet a bit, focusing on grabbing your textbooks and throwing them into your bag.

"Is that why you moved?" you paused when she asked. "Oh shit, I'm sorry. If it's a touchy subject, it's fine. I'll leave it. Don't have to tell me until you're ready, Scout's Honour!" You could tell Robin was apologetic for touching a nerve, trying to make things better with some lighthearted humour.

"It's okay, you didn't know about it. Maybe I'll tell you another time, somewhere not so busy," you flashed her a small smile. She gave you a comforting one in return. The bell rang, so you closed your lockers up and headed towards your first class of the day.

The morning absolutely dragged its heels as the subjects being covered in the classes were something you'd already brushed upon in your old high school. You made some brief notes, but mainly doodled something to whip up into a proper art piece at home. You looked over towards Robin at one point and noticed she was curling her hair around her finger, idly staring at the back of a girl's head - presumably the girl she was staring at yesterday. Finally, the bell for lunch rang, everyone snapped out of their daze, and the class couldn't escape the room fast enough. Clearly they've been suffering as much as you.

Lunch was much of the same as yesterday, all that changed was the cafeteria food and apple juice instead of OJ. Robin was still staring the girl from band, who was the person she was staring at in class too.

"Poor girl's gonna have two holes in the side of her head if you keep staring," you leaned over to Robin's ear, speaking in hushed tones. She snapped out of it, blushing as she turned to face you. Even though it was obvious to you that Robin had a crush on her, you could tell she was embarrassed about being caught out. "Don't worry, I won't say anything. I know it's a difficult conversation to openly discuss," She looked at you, tilting her head to the side, narrowing her eyes briefly and then opening them a bit wider in realisation. She went to point at you as if to say 'you too?'. You turned your hand in a so-so motion but mouthed the word 'bi', and Robin nodded in response. 'Huh, I don't think I've ever openly come out to anyone before... That's a first,' you thought.

Shrugging it off, you both then dipped in and out of conversation with the people on your table. You drifted away subconsciously and began gazing around the cafeteria again, just like yesterday. The Goths reapplying their purple and black lipstick after tucking into the school's mac and cheese, the Math Nerds trying to hide in their corner using their textbooks as shields, and the Jocks using whatever they could get their hands on to try catapult towards the said Math Nerds. And yet again, your eyes fall upon the Hellfire Club table. All of them sat in their designated places, and the curly haired metalhead leader sat at the head of the table. Robin had said yesterday to you that they played Dungeons and Dragons, and you wouldn't be surprised if this was the same formation they sat in for their campaigns. The metalhead seemed to be telling the premise of the next session which he was planning, hands flailing in the air, standing on his chair at one point with one foot on the table. The others seem captivated, and honestly, so were you (even if you couldn't make out a single word he was saying). Snapping you out of your concentration, the bell cut things off and all the bodies scuttled out the cafeteria into the next classes. 'I wonder if I'll bump into him again,' you thought to yourself.

The last couple of hours dragged by just as slow as this morning, with you and Robin sharing a knowing look of 'kill me now'. The final buzz of the day rang, with kids ignoring the teacher's plea into making sure they do their homework as there will definitely be a pop quiz about what they've studied today. Their voice sounded just as tired as you all felt. You gave a nod to the teacher, acknowledging their speech. It's the least you could do.

"So obviously Steve is gonna be waiting for us outside, but he's gotta get back to his shift at Family Video. And I'm gonna be working with him too. You wanna come hang out at the shop? He'll be able to drop you off when we're done. If not, we can always drop you off at home first," Robin asked you. You hadn't really seen much of Hawkins since you moved here a couple of weeks ago. "I can give you some free popcorn..." she said in a sing-song voice, trying to tempt you. You laughed at her persuasion skills.

"Ha, okay, you had me at popcorn. Better be sweet 'n' salty, or I'm not coming," you said half-seriously. Sweet 'n' salty was your favourite, it better be a part of the deal.

"Deal," Robin fist bumped you as you walked out the front doors of Hawkins High. Steve honked his horn as you both approached the burgundy car. Robin sat in the front again, so you threw your rucksack in first on the backseat and sat in the original place you were in this morning.

"We dropping you off home?" Steve asked, as he turned around to see whilst reversing.

"Nah, I'm tagging along for the shift," you replied. "Besides, there's some free popcorn in it for me,"

Steve gave a stern look to Robin. "What have I said about giving away popcorn? We need to sell the snacks! You know Keith doesn't like me and will use this as an excuse to fire me,"

She shrugged at him. "Whatever, she can have my allocated share for the day," Robin gave you a wink and you inwardly laughed. Steve rolled his eyes and got the three of you on the road, Robin took off her coat and slipped on her Family Video vest over her blouse, and you sat and stared out the window. 'I could get used to this...'

Not too long after leaving the school, the three of you pulled up into the forecourt where Family Video was situated alongside a small arcade and a couple of other shops. It was busy in the parking lot, filled with kids of all ages, but they seemed to be hanging out closer to the arcade so it wasn't too much of a hassle getting into the shop. When you walked in, the sound of Raiders of the Lost Ark played faintly in the background. Keith swapped with Robin and Steve so the pair could start their shift together. His drawl voice was obviously ticking Steve off, so Robin buttered Keith up to ensure that all the tasks he had now delegated onto them would be done. As he walked out the door, you heard Steve mutter 'schmuck' under his breath and you stifled a laugh.

"Popcorn now, or popcorn later?" Robin shook the empty bag towards you.

"Now's good, thanks," you replied. She filled up the bag, nearly overflowing, and passed it to you. Your eyes bulged at the amount. "You sure this is just your share?"

"Mine and half of Steve's," she tried to whisper.

"Hey!" he yelled.

"Oops," you both laughed. "Take a stroll, pick a video of your fancy. We can watch anything we want--"

"Within reason," Steve chimed in.

"--within reason," she repeated after Steve. "That's only 'cause we got watching Alien first thing one Saturday morning and traumatised the young kids picking up Mary Poppins,"

"Yeah, someone nearly lost their job for someone else's explicit VHS choice, didn't they?" Steve gave a stern look at Robin, but she refused to turn around and face him.

"I'm never gonna live it down. But I still don't regret it," you both laughed as Steve leaned his hip against the counter.

You began walking up and down the aisles filled with different tapes. You weren't particularly sure what to pick. Disney? Another Indiana Jones? All you knew was that any thriller, horror, or B-Movie special was off the cards. You stopped in front of the 'New Releases' display and picked up one of the tapes. It had 5 kids posing on the cover all looking a little moody. "Five teenage students... Saturday detention together... Bared their souls... Yeah, that'll do," you read the synopsis a bit to yourself before taking it to the counter and handing it to Steve. He nodded in appreciation for your choice and waited for the Indiana Jones flick to finish.

It was fairly quiet in the shop to be honest, so you weren't really sure as to why Robin and Steve both had to work - easily could be manned by one of them at least - but you were glad they were both working so it got making to know them both and their friendship together a lot more fun. There were plenty of little digs at each other and inside jokes were explained a bit, and you got to find out a bit about the rest of their friendship group. They didn't go into much detail but had said something pretty serious happened so a couple of their friends, El and Will, had to move away to California, and you could see that it was still pretty fresh so it still hurt. But they explained some of the recent gossip within the group; Max and Lucas had just split up - and Max was suffering really bad with the death of her brother so she'd been pretty distant, Lucas was in the basketball team but was also playing D&D with Hellfire, Mike played D&D in Hellfire was seriously missing his girlfriend and best friend, and Dustin was really enjoying being in a new D&D group as he'd missed it a lot since shit happened with Will - which was one hell of a story, but not even the full tale according to Robin (she said they'd probably tell the tale another time in the future). They both said that they all occasionally pop by to rent a movie together and hang out, but they'd all sort of found their groups in high school so didn't really see each other much apart from maybe weekends.

After learning all this new stuff about the friendship group, you realised you hadn't called home to say where you were. You excused yourself for a moment and went outside to use a payphone. Outside the arcade, you saw who you thought were Dustin, Mike, and Lucas based off the descriptions Robin and Steve had told you. Dustin and Mike seemed a bit pissed off that Lucas was bailing, and they watched him hop into a Jock's car. They both then walked into Family Video so you were pretty sure you'd be getting a full introduction shortly. You slotted in a couple of coins into the payphone and dialled home. The air had even more of a chill than before, so you pulled your coat tighter.

"Hey, mom," you said quietly. "Yeah I'm sorry I didn't call, my friends Robin and Steve gave me a lift to the video store... Uh-huh, the ones who picked me up for school this morning... No, it's okay, they're dropping me home when they've finished their shift... Okay, yeah I won't be late. Love you," and you hung up the phone. Surprisingly, there was no berating down the phone for once. In your old town, if you were calling up saying you were going to be home late, you didn't hear the end of it and would be grounded for two weeks at the least. It felt suspicious, but you might as well enjoy the peace whilst you can. You walked back into the store and the two boys you'd spotted just a moment ago were chatting animatedly with Steve and Robin.

"I just can't believe he's ditching us to play some stupid basketball! He's a nerd at heart, he should be at Hellfire with us," Dustin frowned, crossing his arms in a huff against the counter top.

"Uh-huh, and I can't believe you're ditching hanging out with me to play D&D with 'The Freak'," Steve sulked at him. Dustin hit his arm. "OW! Hey, what is with everyone doing that to me today?"

"He's not a freak," Dustin said defiantly. "Anyway, you're just jealous that I've got other friends than you,"

"No I'm not," Steve crossed his arms in front of his chest. "You just don't make time for me any more,"

"You are jealous! Is it because there's another guy older than me taking me under his wing and you don't like it?"

It hit a nerve with Steve and you could tell, hell all of you could, but he tried to play it off nonchalantly. "Look, you can hang out with anyone you like, but I was here first okay so that makes me the best,"

Dustin rolled his eyes and laughed, pushing at Steve across the counter.

Mike didn't really say too much, he just seemed to be in his own world. But he turned to face you, and gave you a puzzled look. "Hey, erm, you're new here, right?"

"Yeah, I've been in Hawkins a couple of weeks. Only just joined the high school this week," you replied. You introduced yourself and the two boys introduced themselves back, explaining what grade they were in, and that they were going to Hellfire tonight for the much anticipated campaign session. Mike then looked at his watch.

"Oh shit, Dustin, we're gonna be late! I didn't think it was so late, Eddie is gonna be mad at us,"

"Shit, shit, shit, okay, erm Steve? Can I get some Milk Duds?" Dustin rushed.

"Are you gonna pay for them this time?" his arms were still crossed. Man, he was pissed.

Dustin exhaled in frustration through his nostrils. He threw a dollar bill on the counter. Steve threw the Milk Duds directly at Dustin, causing him to fumble trying to catch them. Dustin frowned at his friend, and nudged Mike as if to say they were ready to go.

"Heh, Milk Duds are for Eddie. Hopefully it'll appease him for being late," Mike shyly explained to you whilst taking the chocolate candy from Dustin, giving them a slight shake.

"Yep, but he's still gonna be pissed when he realises Lucas is gonna be late turning up too, if he turns up at all," Dustin replied. "C'mon, let's go before he goes all Behemoth on us," the pair waved goodbye and left sharpish.

Steve ended up leaving the counter to sort some of the tapes out as some kids had been in trying to mess up the displays and spilling popcorn all over the floor. You turn to face Robin as you seemed to have a quiet moment to yourselves.

"So, who's this Eddie guy that they were talking about? Is he the head of the Hellfire group they're in?" you queried.

"Yeah, they more or less joined the group within the first week of the semester. Dustin, Mike, and Lucas were all sat together on this table in the cafeteria, and obviously they stuck out like a sore thumb. Being the charismatic character he is, he saw their fresh new faces and could tell instantly they'd be up for some D&D. Quite lucky really, they played it with their friend, Will, before he had to move," Robin explained. You nodded, finally finding out the metalhead's name who you'd accidentally bumped into yesterday and who you couldn't stop staring at. Maybe now was a good time to bring it up?

"I used to play D&D too, y'know," you casually slipped into conversation.

"Aw nice, why didn't you say something? Looks like they could've used an extra player tonight if their conversation was anything to go by,"

"Well I don't really know them, and I don't have any characters ready--"

"I'm just joshing," she playfully nudged you. "I know you wouldn't have gone anyway. Maybe another time though, get a character prepared... Just in case," she winked. It was your turn to nudge her playfully this time and you both laughed.

"I, erm, I bumped into Eddie on my walk home yesterday actually," you said. You weirdly felt shy about it, but with Steve calling him 'The Freak' and hearing others in the background say it too, it was only natural to be a bit cautious about bringing him up.

"Oh yeah? What happened?"

"Well, nothing really. I was walking back and I got near the trailer park, then this big gust of wind just blew on by. Got a face full of my own hair, couldn't see shit, ended up bumping into the guy. I thought he was gonna give me a load of shit for walking into him, but turns out he's actually quite nice," you explained.

"Steve gives Dustin a hard time about Eddie, but I've heard nothing but good things about him really. Mind you, the good things are from Dustin so maybe he's biased. But Steve has a good reason for being so harsh," Robin went on to say. She leaned forward towards you on the counter, speaking lowly so that if anyone passed by they couldn't hear what she was about to tell you. "The lowdown: Eddie's parents aren't in the picture, don't know why, but he lives with his uncle at the trailer park. He gets a bad rep 'cause he gives off stereotypical 'bad guy' vibes. He listens to metal, he's retaking his final year again, doesn't dress like everyone else, smoking pot, and well, he's also known around school for selling drugs too,"

"Oh," it took you aback slightly. "I see. I'm guessing it's mainly the dealing part that Steve is bothered about,"

Robin nodded in reply. "Personally, never had a problem with the guy. He comes in sometimes, borrows a movie, drags the kids out when they're running late, and he's always pleasant with us. I guess Dustin is right with what he's saying though, maybe Steve is a bit jealous that there's another older guy with influence in his life,"

"Maybe Steve is worried they'll end up selling or doing drugs like him," you replied. "I mean, I've only just met the kids but from what you've both told me today, they seem to have pretty sharp heads on their shoulders. They'll know to steer clear of that. They just wanna play D&D. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with a spliff every so often,"

"Right? And Steve's no person to judge for that," Robin blurted out. You raised a brow at her and mimed smoking a joint and subtly pointing at Steve, who was still sweeping up the popcorn kernels. "Shit... Yeah, Steve used to be a bit of a 'bad boy' in Hawkins High. He was the good looking popular guy. Nancy, Mike's older sister, told me that when they were dating he was smoking it at a small house party he was hosting,"

"Huh, no shit," you laughed. "Not as innocent as he seems to play then," you were a little hesitant to say what you were thinking, but if you didn't say this now, then it would eat you up. "I think he might have flirted with me?"

Robin was mid-sip of her water and nearly spat it out. "Who, Steve?!"

"No! No, no, Eddie,"

"Oh... OH. Wait, there's no might about it. He either did or he didn't,"

"Well, when I bumped into him I was really apologetic 'cause I'm clumsy, then he mentioned he'd seen me looking at him during lunch, said I should maybe introduce myself if I was gonna keep staring, called me 'sweetheart', and then walked off home,"

Robin smiled at you, resting her head on her hands. "Oh, that's a definite," you blushed at her response, trying to hide the crimson under your scarf and hoping the red would merge well with your face. "Told you he was charismatic,"

'Huh, and good looking to boot-- Oh, for God's sake...' You could feel the warmth of your cheeks getting hotter. Your thoughts were definitely not helping. "I'm just gonna go outside, I think I need a bit of air," you pointed both your hands towards the door awkwardly. Robin laughed at how shy you'd become all of a sudden, and just waved her hand at you to go outside.

The air hit you like an ice cold brick wall. If your face wasn't red from the embarrassment before, at least you could blame that damn fall breeze. You took in a couple of deep breaths, straightened yourself out, and walked back into the store. Steve had finally put on The Breakfast Club tape you'd handed him a couple hours previous. He'd managed to slip on The Goonies before your choice.

"It's his favourite," Robin said. "We have to watch it at least once a week when we're working together, don't we Steve?"

"Shut up, Robin," he called back at her. "It's at least once a fortnight..."

The store has gotten incredibly quiet just before The Breakfast Club on, it was mid-week and getting towards 8pm. There was only a couple of drifters that came in for a browse and then leave.

'Does Barry Manilow know you raid his wardrobe?' Bender gave a dig at Vice Principle Vernon. The three of you chuckled.

"Hey, you know what? You look a bit like you've raided a bit of Bender and Allison's wardrobe today," Robin pipes up, looking at you. Long black coat like Allison, red tartan scarf like Bender's shirt... Damn, she's right. You could help but shrug and laugh.

"At least you won't forget about me," you shot finger guns at her, only to receive a groan at the joke from the pair. This made you laugh harder knowing that they enjoyed the joke but sure as hell won't admit it.

The movie came to an end and Robin was running around doing the last bits of tidying before they closed. Steve started rewinding the movie. The door sprang open which made all of you jump and shoot your heads up to see who'd walked it. Dustin and Mike were back with Lucas, so it looked like he eventually turned up to join the game. They were all laughing about what had happened as they were explaining it to Steve, who just seemed to nod his head along to their tales. You sat there at the counter overhearing their trials and tribulations when the door opened again, albeit not as harshly as before. You turned to see who had come in and there he was. Eddie strolled on in to come and grab the boys.

"C'mon, guys, time to go," he squeezed Dustin's shoulders. Steve tried to hide his grimace but it didn't really work, making Eddie smirk a little. "Harrington can hear your heroic tales another day," The boys wrapped up their conversation and said bye to you all, then headed to Eddie's van outside. He held the door open for them, and just as he was exiting the store himself, Eddie swung on the door as it was closing and gave you a cheeky little wink. "See ya, sweetheart."

'Jesus fucking Christ almighty...' your stomach was suddenly home to a thousand butterflies, flitting about the place. All you could muster up was a small wave goodbye, cheeks tinted pink. The door closed behind them all and all you could hear was Eddie's van rumbling into the distance. Robin came up behind you with the dustpan and brush, placing a hand on your shoulder.

"Wow. Definitely flirting," she patted your shoulder and went to put everything away. You looked over at Steve and he was the one to have a little smirk on his lips this time. You hid your face in your hands. 'Get me home!' you shouted in your head.

The three of you hopped into Steve's BMW and began the journey home. You could tell Steve was itching to say something about Eddie's comment as he kept glancing at you in the rear view mirror. You were nervous thinking about the fact of his name being brought up, but nothing had even happened to constitute any nerves. All Eddie did was be a little flirtatious with you after bumping into him, nothing to get all worked up about.

"So... Eddie," Steve finally piped up. You scooted in your seat a little at his name. Robin's head snapped around to look at Steve as if to ask if he was really serious about bringing it up. "What was all that about?"

"I-- I don't know," you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "All I did was bump into him on my walk home yesterday,"

"Yeah, and not keep your eyes off him all lunch yesterday and today," Robin teased.

"Hey!" you raised your voice. "You've got no room to talk," Robin tried hiding her face by looking out the passenger window, but she knew Steve was giving her a glare.

"I'm only teasing," Steve ended up breaking the tension. "Look, he's not exactly the best influence in regards to his, ahem, career, but I do know he can be a pretty nice guy,"

"I can't actually believe what I'm hearing," Robin had turned back around to face Steve. "You give Dustin all this shit about hanging around with 'The Freak' and you're singing his praises now? Maybe I'll ring Dustin when I get home--"

"Alright, alright, yeah I do give him a hard time about it, sure. But I do it 'cause it's funny to wind him up,"

"Pfft, yeah right. Definitely jealous that he's hanging out with another guy older than him,"

"Whatever, anyway!" Steve had pulled over just by your house now. He turned around to face you. "As much shit as I give Dustin about Eddie, he's right in what he tells me about the guy. He makes sure to drop them off home after D&D, keeps them out of trouble away from the Jocks, would easily take a punch for them too... He seems alright, you should actually speak to him." he turns to look at Robin, who begins to nod.

"I mean, yeah, I agree. There's no harm in saying hi, right? Not gonna lose something you never had in the first place," she gives you a soft smile.

All you can do is just sit there, stiff as a board. You felt like your parents had given you 'The Talk' and felt too embarrassed to move.

"...Okay, thanks for that. I'm just gonna slide on outta here, crawl up to my room and die. Bye, guys," you opened the back seat door to the car and stepped out into the dark. You began to walk up the drive home.

"Same time tomorrow?" Robin shouted through Steve's open window.

"Sure, see you in the morning." you shouted back. The pair drove away and all you could do was bury your face into your scarf again.

You unlock your door, kick off your boots, take off your scarf and coat, and throw yourself onto the sofa. Your mom calls through from the kitchen to see if it's you and tells you dinner is in the microwave ready to reheat. You shout back to her that you'll be there in a minute, sinking into the sofa a little.

'I've been here two fucking days and I've already been told to make a move on someone I don't even know,' your inner monologue spoke again. '...he is pretty cute though, so I guess that helps.'

[sukirichi]

Hello! Can you write one about Nanami where the reader is oblivious and they're really close to Gojo so he gets jealous often. Sometimes Gojo does things purposely to annoy him and one day he just lost his composure and accidentally admitted his feelings for you.

I hope u accept if you're not too busy. Thank you!!!

— a little push

— sometimes all nanami needs is a little push.

nanami kento x fem! reader

thank you for the request anon! i’m not sure if reader is oblivious enough but i hope you like it! there’s some thick pining here hur hur, i hope you like it! i never knew i needed an easily flustered and awkward nanami in my life also this is unedited as usual

check my bio for masterlist and my milestone event! (◕ᴗ◕✿)

“Do you mind?”

Nanami sighs, silently praying to the heavens you wouldn’t hear the way his heart is absolutely panicking and beating wildly right now. You’d randomly pushed him inside the teachers’ office the moment he got back to the institute at work, and now he’s doomed to hide his feelings while you look up at him with wide, innocent eyes, a shaky yet excited grin painted on your face.

“Sorry, sorry,” you wave your hands in front of you, although he can tell you’re not apologetic at all. Nanami clears his throat when you step backwards to give him space, unsure if he’s happy or sad about the distance. “I was just really excited to see you back.”

Your carefree, lighthearted voice, along with that little jump in your toes combined with your statement – you’re basically asking Nanami to shrivel up already.

The stoic man remains composed, though, only shifting to adjust his tie while he stares down at you. You’re still somewhat bouncing on your feet, teeth biting your lip – a habit you had when you want to say something but contemplating whether you should. Tilting away to hide the slight flush in his cheeks, Nanami sighs again, pretending to be tired.

The last thing he wants to admit that even though he is exhausted from work, is that you’d never bother him. In fact, having you bombard him like this makes him feel like he didn’t deal with special grade curse by himself all alone just an hour ago.

“If there’s something you want to say, I suggest you get it over with. I don’t want to stay overtime and wait until the blindfolded creep comes around.”

You giggle at his insult, hiding behind your cupped palms. Crap, Nanami looks away and focuses on the birds outside instead, suddenly finding them so interesting despite never paying attention to them before. Maybe that was the curse of crushes – it had people acting differently and in complete contrast with their behavior.

“About that,” you begin almost shyly now, and Nanami practically bursts when he sees you tapping both of your pointer fingers together, gaze tilted away from him.

It makes him wonder you’re nearly on the same skill to Gojo, yet still somehow look like a small, innocent being that makes him want to protect you from everything – even if you were more than capable of handling things yourself. Well, Nanami concludes to himself, maybe you’re really just that paradoxical that it makes sense why he can never think straight around you. Maybe he’s really not supposed to understand the complexity of his feelings when you were a phenomena to begin with already.

“You see…Satoru asked me out.”

Nanami stiffens at your statement for a split second before his head whips to you so fast. You’re observant – of course you are, you’re a jujutsu sorcerer – and you easily pick up in his sudden change of demeanor. Your brow raises at his abrupt reaction, to which Nanami conceals by flexing his neck and rolling his shoulders back.

“I am simply tired from work,” he haf-lies, “So, Satoru asked you out? Will you say yes?”

His words and tone are monotonous, almost bored even, but deep inside he’s so close to beating the crap out of his co-worker. Well, not really, Nanami isn’t a man of violence, but he’s jealous. Of course he is – he’s liked you ever since Principal Yaga hired you.

He’s never told Satoru about his little crush on you. He would be stupid to do such; Satoru would tease him to no end and maybe even be as childish to go as far as pushing him to you. Typical elementary shit, Nanami cringes to himself, watching as you look down at your feet with a pout. Now that confused him. He isn’t sure what your body language means at all, but patient as ever, Nanami only waits.

“Well,” you scratch your forehead, “I’m really flattered. I want to say yes because Satoru is a nice guy—”

“He is not. I do not respect him.”

You roll your eyes at the way his eyes darkens, “—but also I’m not sure if I should. I mean, Satoru doesn’t really date, you know? He’ll be with like one girl and be with another the next week. I just don’t want to…like, fall for that, I guess. Not that I won’t, because he’s totally not my type—”

“It’s just a yes or no,” Nanami cuts you off, his words coming out a lot harsher than he intends it to be. It’s not that he’s annoyed at your rambling, he actually finds it so adorable when you get so lost in your train of thoughts that your mind just travels from one place to another, and seeing how your eyes just leave farther from reality is something he’s always find such an attractive quirk, but not now – not when his infuriating co-worker is intending to mess with your feelings. “Do you want to go or not? Yes or no? It’s as simple as that.”

You blink back at him in surprise, mouth opening and closing like a fish. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that Nanami was a no-bullshit man who hit things right on the head, a huge contrast to your happy-go-lucky self, but he’s right.

It is that simple – and you’re complicating things all over again.

When you give him an answer, Nanami has to muster all his energy to not deflate. He’s tired – but now his exhaustion and even the heartbreak comes crashing down all over him that he’s immediately weighed down and overwhelmed – so much so that all he wants is to go home.

“Yes, I want to go.”

It’s his day off.

Like everything else in his life, Nanami plans everything down to the last minute of his day. His day off consisted of him having the privilege to sleep in until 8am, then breakfast with coffee from that great café a five minute walk away from his apartment, then he’ll be reading books in his study for two hours. Comes after that is lunch, and he’ll brows through some TV shows, pick up his clothes from the dry cleaning, get that special limited edition dinner of his favorite sushi, read books again and call it a day.

Simple, peaceful, no hassle – it’s the perfect day to relax.

Except it isn’t.

Because it’s your day off too, and you’re out on a date with Satoru. He still remembers how happy you looked then upon accepting the white haired man’s invitation, your nimble fingers wrapped around his sleeve as you shyly asked him to come with you.

He doesn’t know why you had to bring him, but he doesn’t question it, nonetheless. Nanami wants to see how Satoru would react, if there could be any indication from the man behind his blindfold that he had ill intentions. Oddly enough, there didn’t seem to be any. Satoru only beamed and deflated into a chibi, enthusiastically nodding along with you while you planned your date together.

Nanami took it upon himself to leave.

With a silent scoff, Nanami placed his dinner down on the counter. Because it’s his day off – and mostly because he doesn’t feel like himself – Nanami went out to buy the limited edition sushi wearing a white shirt and some gray sweatpants, too forlorn and a little jealous to even bother dressing up.

It’s stupid, really. He’s been looking forward for this sushi for a long, long time, but now that he’s had it, he can’t even enjoy the taste. His mind keeps going back to you.

Were you having fun with Satoru? Were you enjoying your time? Was Satoru treating you well? What was Satoru’s intentions when it came with you? The last time Nanami checked, you and him got along really well and you’re mostly the one who whacks the taller man in the head upside down when he’s being stupid, almost like two peas in a pod, except you were the smarter one. He’d been so sure you’re nothing but friends and yet…it all lead to this.

Nanami pushes his sushi away. They no longer taste like anything, the texture like dried paper on his mouth. He wipes his lips with a napkin, staring longingly at well…nothing. His walls were plain and empty, and suddenly, Nanami can’t help but compare himself to Gojo.

You both planned to go to the local carnival. There’d be lots of foods and even parlor shops, ferris wheel rides and photo booths to create memories. Of course you and Satoru would go there; both of you enjoyed loud, bustling crowds, claiming there was something amazing about basking in the “lives of humans when ignorant of curses” while Nanami prefers his peace and silence.

Had you gone out on a date with him instead, Nanami can’t guarantee he’ll be any fun. He most definitely wouldn’t ask you to go to a carnival with him either. It was loud, cramped, crowded, and it’s too chaotic for him to ever enjoy your presence and enjoy it alone.

Nanami closes the sushi box, turns on the TV and lets is play on the background, a wet towel above his eyes to relax his tired eyes.

He hopes you’re having fun. He hopes Satoru is treating you well. Nanami just ignores the slight pain in his chest when he thinks of you, laughing and touching anyone but him, and he could picture it already. You’ve always been so open and welcoming to everyone, he knows you’ll have fun today, too.

That’s one of the things he finds most endearing about you – that your smile never fades and you never forget about the simple, little things in life to focus on to keep your sanity after facing curse after curse.

He’s fine, he tells himself. Satoru may be annoying, but he knows you could have fun with him, and you deserved to be happy more than anyone else.

Nanami is about to fall asleep on his couch when his phone vibrates on the coffee tables. Groaning, he flicks off the towel to his shoulders, grumbling about how Principal Yaga better be respecting his day off, but the last thing he expects to see is your contact name flashing on the screen. In the contact photo, you’re winking with a peace sign held above your head.

You look so utterly adorable Nanami just wants to kiss you. He remembers this photo was taken when Yuuji got bored and asked to play games on his phone. Upon finding that there was none – of course there was none – the strawberry-haired student opted for taking pictures of everyone instead. There’s one with Nobara growling, Megumi sipping his boba-tea with dead eyes as if he’s so done with the world, more than twenty pictures of Satoru flexing his muscles and posing like an idiot, and then there’s yours.

Nanami remembers staring at his phone for a solid minute, his gallery actually blessed with your face in it. The sun shines behind you on that photo and you’re absolutely shining. He thinks that’s when he truly fell in love.

And it just so happened the love of his life is calling, making his heart skip a beat because shouldn’t you be with Gojo? Why were you calling him? Did something wrong happen?

Nanami doesn’t waste another second before swiping the green icon, already standing up from the couch as he grabs his jacket. He had this weird inkling something is wrong, why else would you call him?

His theories are proven true when your voice comes out shaky. “H-hello?”

“Good evening,” he greets stiffly, brows furrowed as he listens in on the way you seem to be shuffling around. “Is there something wrong?”

“I, uhm,” he hears you sniffle through the other line, “Yeah, I guess there is…Satoru just texted he can’t come because Principal Yaga suddenly sent him to a mission overseas…and then I just realized that Satoru’s been summoned by the elders and he’s just refusing to show up, so now they cornered him, I guess… anyways, I’m talking too much and I don’t want to be a bother, but would you maybe…like to hang out with me?”

Nanami’s hand freezes on the doorknob. “Hang out…professionally?”

He immediately wants to smack himself in the forehead for that. Out of all things he could’ve said, he just had to utter something unintelligent. He hears you snicker in the background and Nanami’s ears redden. 

He quickly regains his composure with a clear of his throat, suddenly remembering that Satoru’s ditched you, so now you’re asking him instead. It kind of feels like he’s just a replacement, but Nanami buries this feeling down before it consumes him, wondering if he’s already regretting changing into better clothes because he actually agreed to go to a carnival with you.

Upon hearing your happy, “Okay! I’ll wait for you then!”, Nanami realizes that he doesn’t actually mind. Especially not with you.

The carnival is loud.

Nanami dreads the moment he steps out of his car, his body swallowed by the bustling crowd and defeaning music of banging drums and clashing instruments. There’s a hundred scents everywhere – smoke, fish, glazed apples – he doesn’t know where to begin or how to focus.

He nearly turns back to his hair, about to shoot you a text that maybe this is beyond him after all. His head begins to spin when he’s only pushed deeper into the crowd, people bumping into him with every single second and it’s so suffocating. It doesn’t make sense to him how anyone could possibly go on a date like this and enjoy it. He knows for sure this chaos won’t let him enjoy his date’s presence because he’s too busy trying to get away from it all.

Nanami staggers for a bit when a strong hand tugs him to the side. Soon, he finds himself pressed flush against you in a tight corner, your hips warm on his. “Hi,” you breathe out airily, lashes fanning and fluttering in that same manner that always made his heart do complete flips.

“Hello,” he greets back with a small bow out of faux respect, but really, he’s just keeping his head down because you look so beautiful in that moment he doesn’t even know where to look. You’re warm and soft next to his hard and stiff muscles, the scent of roses and vanilla mixing in with the street smoke and Nanami’s head grows dizzy, his hand around yours tightening for comfort. “Y/N…I do not prefer this crowd. Can I take you back home instead? You must be tired – I’ll prepare dinner for you.”

Nanami blinks back in surprise when he sees you nod, a slight grimace on your face, and you practically bury your face in his bicep as you groan, “It’s too noisy for me too. Let’s just hang out at your place.”

So you end up in his immaculately clean apartment, admiring and staring at the boring furniture. Nanami changes into more comfortable clothes and whips out something to cook, not wanting to feed you measly take out when you’re probably famished. He watches with side glances as you pick up a photo of him with his parents when he was younger, cooing and giggling at the baby version of him.

“Nanamin, you’re so cute!”

Nanami scoffs and turns back to the heated water in the bowl, arms hard as they cross against his chest covered with an apron. “Please do not call me cute. I am anything but.”

“No, you’re really cute,” you insist, but after seeing Nanami’s flustered frown, you eventually give up and give the poor man a break. Later, you wobble next to him, watching with curious eyes and a small smile as he adds the vegetables into the soup, moving expertly as he diced up the onions to the side. The sheer focus and attention on his daily tasks makes him falter, and he suddenly finds it so hard to function now.

“Why are you staring at me? Is there something so interesting about slicing up onions?”

“No, not really,” you say absentmindedly, the slight plop of the ingredients echoing. “It’s just – I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this way. Domestic, I mean, but it looks good on you,” you nod to yourself, and Nanami finds himself struggling to act as if your presence wasn’t making him go crazy while he proceeds to cook. “In fact, everything looks good on you, and I find you really interesting!”

“Y-you do?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” you shrug, assisting him silently with mixing the bowl even when he didn’t ask you to. Unaware that he’s now focused on you, watching you cook with him with you pressed up against his side, almost as if it’s right where you belong, Nanami feels the same with you. You also look good being this domestic with him, and he suddenly blurts out, “Would you like to stay with me? Like this?”

Your eyes slide over his in a slow fashion, slow enough that his brain hotwires at the fear maybe he’s said something wrong. But Nanami immediately swallows it down, huffing and turning away from you with that stoic expression again. “Forgive me. That was weird—”

“Why would it be weird?” you laughed to yourself before bumping your hips with his, “You’re the one who invited me here. Of course I want to stay.”

That’s…that’s not what he means.

Nanami is left staring openly at you while you help him set the table and you proceed to talk about how you didn’t really want to go to the carnival but Satoru insisted you’d have fun, so you went anyway even if you’d much prefer to be somewhere else. He’s barely listening, too distracted by the way your lips move and how you swing the house slippers on your big toe, your legs crossed on top of another and your figure slightly hunched across from him.

You look so comfortable and welcomed in his home that it puts him at ease too, not worried that he has to impress you anything because it’s you, and Nanami could actually be vulnerable enough to laugh with you over a bowl of vegetable soup.

It’s fine, he lies to himself again, it’s fine that you don’t know he likes you even if he tends to slip and be obvious sometimes. Because at least you’re with him in that moment, and he lies to himself again that it’s fine, that maybe next time he’ll tell you, but he doesn’t worry about. How could he worry about it when you’re snorting so loud over a lame joke he said that rice nearly came out your nose, and he’s so drunk over the sound of your bubbly laughter that something flutters deep within his belly?

When you help him wash the dishes and bask in the silence instead, comfortable over the lack of words and nothing but the sound of his faucet running and the slight rubbing of towels against dishes heard in the background, Nanami is unsure whether he’s glad that Satoru ditched you on your first date.

It doesn’t stop there.

Nanami only keeps falling in love with you more. He’s been doing a good job of keeping his feelings to himself because the last thing he wants is to have you stay away from him, but Satoru was really getting on his nerves.

He’s just come back from exorcising a curse when he sees you and Satoru play-wrestling in the field with the other students. Megumi is grumbling to himself in the corner, Yuuji is laughing and cheering on you to tackle down his sensei who’s currently going down in high-pitched laughter, Toge pumping his fists and screaming, “Salmon, salmon!”

It’s a chaotic sight – one that he usually doesn’t mind – until you finally pin Satoru down on the ground, your ass above his crotch. Satoru’s hands then come up to squeeze your ass and hips under the false pretense he’s struggling to push you off him, but Nanami knows better.

“Give up already!” you tease the other sorcerer who’s still wriggling underneath you, and Nanami sees it before it happens.

Satoru’s legs bend beneath you and he tries to pin you under him in quick movements, but Nanami is faster, his reflexes taking over. Before he realizes what he’s doing, Nanami tugs you and pulls you forward until you collide on his chest. He’s breathing hard, eyes narrowed at the arrogant smirk painted on Satoru’s features. Meanwhile, you’ve softened in Nanami’s grip, hands fisting his shirt that has him hardening up out of sheer protectiveness.

“Oh, Nanamin!” Satoru beams while wiping the dirt on his hands across his uniform, “Glad to see you here. You wanna join training too?”

“This is hardly training,” he retorts with a clenched jaw, “You’re harassing and disrespecting your fellow sorcerer because you can never keep your dirty hands to yourself,” before Satoru could defend himself, he’s already all over you, his hand tilting your chin side to side to check for any injuries. “Are you hurt anywhere? Did this bastard do anything else?”

“No, not really—”

“Why do you care so much, Nanamin?” Satoru teases, and the students all huddle to watch the commotion. Everyone can feel the tension rising, and Nanami only stiffens up further when he feels you lean closer to his warmth almost absentmindedly. “She and I were just playing around, no hard feelings, no foul play. We’re just having fun, right, Y/N?”

“She is not someone you can just have fun with, Satoru. You’ve already crossed the line when you ditched her on your first date, and you didn’t even bother texting or calling back when I drove her home. It’s disrespectful, and she deserves better than that.”

“Nanami—”

“I was busy,” Satoru sighs dramatically, “And if she deserves better than me, then who would it be? I can take care her of her, you know, she and I have been besties for like what, a year now? I’ll be good to her,” he smirks, and Nanami wants nothing more than to punch him square in the jaw. “Besides, it’s not like she’s dating anyone else. She’s single and ready to mingle—”

“Maybe she is, but I’m not,” Nanami deadpans, his harsh tone shocking everyone.

“Wh-what do you mean?” you squeak under him, and Nanami falls silent. He’s never thought of confessing to you, especially not this way, and Nobara is biting Yuuji’s jacket behind them to muffle her squeals. Panda is clapping his hands and whispers oh, here we go, followed by Toge’s salmon salmon.

It dawns on him now that everyone knows he likes you after all, and now that he’s confronted with the situation, he can’t run away from it. Not that Nanami plans on running away, for he is a man and his pride doesn’t allow him to evade situations like this.

He just wishes it could’ve gone out better.

“Forgive me if this makes you uncomfortable,” Nanami releases his grip on you, loosening his tie that makes him feel like he’s choking both on air and his words. Through his cool stature, he’s actually sweating inside his clothes, and it doesn’t help you’re patient with him too, head tilted to the side curiously and so horribly cutely he might combust. “But I have always been, and I still am, utterly in love with you.”

Nobara and Yuuji no longer hold back as they scream to themselves, the former slapping the latter in his back while Megumi only shakes his head, muttering “about time,” under his breath. Maki snickers to herself and Satoru is stunned, but it’s nothing compared to the way you shrink under his gaze for a moment.

He believes you’re going to run away from him because of his blatant confession; it wasn’t romantic at all, and the kids are still screaming too loudly for him to form coherent thoughts.

Nanami begins to form a deep bow, ready to apologize wholeheartedly and to politely ask you to forget this if you wish – he would respect your decision. But just as his gaze met the ground, he’s thrown off balance as you jump on him, soft glossy lips crashing into his.

The screams and cheers of everyone are suddenly drowned out when he feels your lips molding onto his, and he can feel you smiling happily, giggling while his hands tentatively run down your hips to hold you close. It’s unprofessional, displeasing, and downright horrendous to be kissing someone during work hours while the students are watching, especially because his clothes are crumpled from your eager touch and you’re on top of his chest, but Nanami absolutely doesn’t give a single fuck because he’s kissing you back fervently.

It’s what he’s always wanted – you’re the one he’s always wanted, and now that he has you in his hold, he’s not easily letting you go.

“See? I told you guys,” Satoru proudly puffs his chest up in the background, “All Nanamin needs is a little push.”

[libraryofloveletters]

Love’s Gonna Get You Killed

Chapter Two: You and Me, Always Forever. 

Frank Castle x Fem!Reader 

Series Summery:  A life long crush on the boy next door leaves you with unrequited love and regret. You wish you could take back the things that happened, to have him be yours. When you reconnect, is it far too late to fix what’s said and done?

Warnings: mentions of shitty parents, death of a sibling, brief mention of depression, mentions of war and pregnancy, Frank saying some things he shouldn't have, momentary lapse in judgement on reader’s part, alcohol and the consumption of, a few swear words, Billy being a little instigator and a tiny bit of flirting between reader and billy 

Word Count: 4,627

Author’s Note: this is a little more insight of Frank and reader’s friendship and what pushes it to its breaking point + we get to introduced to my lover boy Billy :) and yes, I’m aware frank and billy met overseas but I needed an excuse for him to be here so go with it // I tried to follow the canon timeline as close as possible, it’s off a little but just go with it // see if you can spot the dialogue from the punisher :) 

LGGYK taglist // series masterlist 

---- 

You can still feel the sun beating against your skin through the black gown. Nervously tapping your foot on the dry grass as your heel sunk further into mud while you waited for your name to be called. 

Finally it echoes through the giant speakers throughout the field, you walk into the stage, focusing on not tripping onto your face. A loud whistle came from the back of the sea of people. 

You look out into the crowd, squinting to block the sun and pinpoint the sound. 

He stood there with a smile on his face, whistling once more as you collected your diploma. 

End of Senior Year - May  

Your stomach fluttered as you walked the rest of the way across the stage. 

You didn’t think he'd actually show up. 

When you mentioned that your graduation was on Friday, it was more of a by the way mention so he'd know where you were rather than guessing. 

Frank’s mother had invited you over for dinner the night before to celebrate seeing that she nor Frank’s father would be able to get off work to be there for you. It was fine, you weren't expecting them to come but you were grateful that she had thought to make dinner to celebrate your success. 

Your own parents hadn’t shown up. 

Your father had work and if he missed it, who’d keep the house afloat ? Your mother had fallen into a depression after your brother passed and it had been over 5 years. You still loved Micheal, you mourned and missed him everyday, especially on days like today but how was it fair to you that you lost your parents because they lost their son. 

They clung onto the thought of Micheal more than they did to you and you were alive. 

You expected to walk across the stage in deafening silence but Frank; Frank always shows up. 

He had really stepped up since you met him. Most mornings he drove you to school, at least for the rest of his senior year. After he graduated, he got a job and left earlier so you didn't see him much. 

It took 20 minutes for them to get through the rest of the students before everyone tossed their caps like a typical high school grad scene and you made your way through the sea of happy kids and teary parents to find Frank. 

You had lost your heels when you walked off the stage so they were already in your hands when you spotted Frank. He smiles, his arms open as you start running towards him. 

Frank wrapped his arms around you when you collided into him, hoisting you up and spinning you around. He finally put you back down after a good squeeze, your arms over his shoulders as you stood on your tiptoes to be somewhat eye level with him. 

“I’m so proud of you.” his hand cups your cheek. You can feel the blush creeping up your cheek as you look away.

Frank leans down and kisses your forehead gently, “you did good. He’d be proud of you,” Frank slung an arm over your shoulder as he pulled you against his side. 

You look over at him, brows furrowed. “Micheal.” he says, “Micheal would be proud of you.”  he holds you close as the two of you make your way to the parking lot. 

Frank opens the door for you, letting you settle into the seat before shutting the door and making his way around to his side of the car. “Pancakes to celebrate ? Then to Central Park ?” 

You shift in the seat to look at the man beside you, your brows furrowed with your head tilted to the side. “I thought you had work?” 

“I’d never miss my girl’s graduation for work.” he smiles, hand resting your exposed knee, the dress you had on had shifted upward when you sat. You hoped you could play off the blush on your cheeks from the heat. “Okay, pancakes and then the beach, park’s got too many kids.” 

“Scared I’m gonna lose you in the crowd of short people ?” he jokes, you give his arm a shove. “Shut up!” you laughed as he pulled out of the busy parking lot. 

The day was hot, the kind of heat that suffocated you and that was the way you liked it. Your hair pulled back over your shoulders, thighs sticking to the leather seats of Frank’s car as he sped down the street with all the windows rolled down. 

This was a core memory. 

Frank made your days a lot better, even if he hadn't realized that. 

The man driving glanced over at the girl in the passenger seat; the way your arms folded on the edge of the window, cheek leant to your arm as you watched the passing buildings. The wind blowing through the car, messing your hair up but you didn’t have a care in the world; this was the happiest he'd seen you in a long time.

It broke his heart to know he’d ruin your happiness but he couldn’t hide this from you - he hid it as long as he could. 

Frank followed you into the diner, sliding into the opposite side of the booth. “I enlisted.” he blurts out, causing you to look up from the menu. 

Your brows raise, waiting for him to go on. “I've done my training. Basic is done next week but if I’m right, I'm getting deployed by the end of the month.” Frank rambles out in one breath, looking at you for a reaction. 

Before you could answer, Joan comes over to take your orders. 

“Um, lemonade and grilled cheese.” you give her a small smile. “No pancakes today, sweets?” she teases with a smile but you shook your head. “Too sweet for my liking right now.” 

Joan turns her attention to Frank, waiting for his order. “Just water for now, thanks.” 

Frank was much too worried about your reaction to eat anything- he might actually be sick if he did. She steps away and Frank’s eyes are back on you. “Say something, please.” he whispers, his hand resting atop yours. 

“Please.” he begs, hand squeezing yours. “Say something.” 

Your eyes focus on Frank - this would be the last time you see him like this. 

Eyes full of innocence, untouched by the harm of the world - oblivious to the fact that war rips you apart and breaks you down until you’re no longer you. 

This would be the last moments you spent with your best friend. He'd leave as Frank but come back a hollow shell of himself. No matter what you say or think, things would never be the same after this. 

Barely a whisper, had he not been focused, he’d miss it - “how could you?” 

Frank’s heart dropped to his stomach at the look on your face. You wanted to say more, to yell or throw something at him but you were paralyzed with fear. 

You’ve lost Frank. 

He was gone the moment he enlisted - Sure, he was physically here but that counted for nothing if he was leaving you. 

“You know what happened to Micheal.” your eyes glued to his face, he felt like he'd throw up any moment. “And you still enlisted ?” 

“I’m not destined to be a lawyer or some doctor, sweetheart. I’m just a dumbass kid that gets kicked out of school for fighting and I can’t keep a job for more than a month ‘cause of that shit. I had to do something with my life.” 

“You could have done anything else, Frank. Who says you aren't destined for greatness?” 

Frank lets out an exasperated sigh. “Tell me what else I could have fucking done, y/n. Need I remind you I’m not the one that got in Colombia.” his voice raises a bit more than he expected. 

The fairly busy diner fell silent. Joan, who was at the table, glanced between you and Frank before setting the plate down and walking away. 

“Don’t raise your fucking voice at me.” you spat, the harsh words bubbling over. You were beyond pissed. He had always promised to be there for you and now what? He’d just up and leave ? 

The two of you sit in silence, Frank watches as you twirl the straw in your glass. His eyes focused on your hand because he couldn’t bear to look at you and see the sadness written across your face. 

You were holding back tears, knowing if you so much as glance at him, you’d break down. 

Frank’s thumb brushes over the soft skin of your hand, finally getting the courage to look you in the eyes. “I’m sorry.” 

“What’s done is done.” you hum, not looking at him. 

“Y/n, please. I couldn’t stay here forever. What was I supposed to do? Live in my parents house and hope that I find a job that I can keep, maybe get married and have some kids? That shit ain’t in the cards for me.” 

“Who says it isn't ? You’re always so negative, Frank.” 

“Really ? You had the perfect life, loving parents and a brother who loved you so much and where are they now? Your mom doesn’t leave her room, your dad barely talks to you and your brother is fucking dead - that fairytale shit you’re talking about doesn’t exist.” 

Your eyes finally met his. 

The tears flooding your eyes fell, the mascara running as they did. The harshness of his words hitting you like a freight train, you hadn't chosen for things to be this way but he made it seem like you did and you couldn't hate him more for that. 

You didn’t have the words to express the hatred you felt for him at this moment so you slid out of the booth, your unbuckled heels clicking on the tile floors as you walked out of the diner. 

Frank sat there, watching from the window as you pulled the heels off your feet and walked further from the diner. 

Not once did you look back to see if he was following you. 

He really fucked it up this time. 

---- 

The Summer Before College - June 

Frank stood at the front door, a bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers in his hand. 

He had been stationed a few states over and he was eligible for a few days of leave before his deployment so he decided to take it and be home for his mother's birthday. 

He needed to make up with you. 

So much had happened in the last month and life didn’t feel right without you by his side. 

Hesitantly, he knocked on the door and the feeling of rejection and nausea flooded his body. You had opened the door quicker than he could settle his nerves. The two of you standing there, the tension rising by the second. 

“Frank.” your eyes meet his brown ones, he smiles at the sight of you. 

You had on his favourite dress - yellow with sunflowers embroidered into the skirt at the bottom. It was actually a birthday gift from his mother the year you met him. 

He didn’t even know you still had it, let alone wore it.

“Y/n.” The sound of your name on his lips was a foreign but welcomed one, as if you were a long lost love he was meeting for the first time in years. His heart was beating out of his chest at that point. 

He extended the flowers towards you, “for you.” 

The yellow of the flowers seemed dull in comparison to the smile on your face when you leant down to smell them. 

“Thanks. Thought you were stationed.. somewhere. Can't remember what your mom said.” you lie, setting the flowers on the table by the front door before stepping out and shutting the door behind you. You knew exactly where he was stationed, you knew every detail about his life in the past month. 

You knew all about where he was stationed, who his commanding officer was, how long until he’d be deployed and most importantly, who the woman he had been seeing was. 

His mother filled in all the details without even realizing. 

Shortly after the day in the diner, you had seen Frank through the window of the restaurant, sitting across from a brunette, smiles on both of their faces. It wasn't  until a few weeks later that Frank’s mom had mentioned her, telling you all about Frank’s new girlfriend. 

You stepped past Frank to sit on the front steps, smoothing the fabric of the skirt over your thighs before patting the concrete beside you. 

He sits, glancing at you. It’s quite sometime before either of you says anything. 

“I met someone.” he hums, you look over at him. “Yeah? Who’s the lucky guy?” you joke, earning you a small smile. 

“Her name’s Maria. She’s great, really.” 

“Good, I’m glad you’re happy.” you smile at him, looking back out at the busy street. 

You had so many questions, you wanted to know all the details but you didn’t want to overstep. You feel like if you say the wrong thing, he’s gonna lose his mind again.

“Cat’s got your tongue ? Nothing to ask?” he nudged you with his shoulder. You shrug, “not really my business, is it?” 

“Oh c’mon, you’re always in my business. Ask what you want.” Frank looks over at you - god, he wanted to tell you everything, he missed talking to you. 

You budge, turning on the steps to face him. Your legs folded criss crossed with the skirt spread across them. The yellow catches his eye, glancing down at the flowers on the dress before looking back up at you. 

“How’d you meet?” 

“I was in the park, trying to learn this new song on my guitar and I'm singing out loud like an asshole over and over again. I looked up and there was she, smiling at me - man, I was done for.” he chuckles. 

“She turns to me and asks, ‘Hey buddy, you know anything else ‘cause we're sick of hearing you butcher this one.’ I go red and all her friends are laughing but I tell her I don’t do requests and if she wanted one, it'd cost her.” 

“Very smooth,” you mumble, picking at the nail polish on your fingernail. “Yeah, thank you. I thought so too.” 

“So how long have you two been seeing each other ?” 

“A few weeks, a little over a month actually. I mean, it's not super serious but I like her.” he tells you, the smile on his face telling you that he more than likes her - Frank genuinely had feelings for this girl. 

You were happy for him, truly, but a part of you was jealous. 

You always thought it'd be you and him, forever and always, ‘till the end of time. 

But life rarely works out the way you expect it too. 

Frank’s arm slung over your shoulder, pulling you into his side. Your arm was tossed over his lap as you shifted to get comfortable, your head resting against his collarbone. 

It felt good to be back in his arms. 

Don't get too comfortable. The voice in your head screams at you, that spot wasn't yours. 

“Maybe you’d like to meet her?” he looks down at you, your gaze meets his halfway. 

This was too much - from the words he said to you only a month ago and now you being back in his arms. 

You can’t do this. 

You sat up, shifting so there’s a space between the two of you. Frank’s brows furrow, eyes flicker between you and the newly created space. “You don’t have to meet her, I just- I thought maybe you’d like too but it's okay.” 

“Maybe some other time.” you hum, getting up. You brush the dust off the back of your dress. “It was nice to see you, Frank.” 

“You too, doll.” 

You force yourself to make your way down the steps, you had no idea where you were going but you needed to be anywhere but there. 

It’s clear that things were changing. 

----

End of August 

The week before Frank’s official deployment, he comes home once more to say his final goodbyes for the time being. His parents decided it would be nice to throw a little good-bye party for both their son and for the end of summer. 

You were walking across the street with a bag slung on your shoulder and case of beer in your arms, which was surprisingly a lot heavier than it was when you bought it at the store. 

A tall man sitting on the Castle’s front porch noticed your struggle, he set his beer down before jogging down the steps to take the case of beer from you. 

“Oh, you don’t-” “Can’t let a pretty lady like you struggle while I sit on my ass.” he says, flashing you a smile as he bumps the back gate open with his hip, waiting for you to step through first.  

Your stomach flutters at the stranger’s comment, you could feel his eyes on you as you walked further into the yard, he followed behind you. 

“You can set that down anywhere.” You mention, walking towards the house. He nods, eyes still on you until you disappear into the house. Frank’s mom was putting something onto a tray when she saw you. 

“Y/n, sweetheart!” she beamed, coming over to hug you. “How are you?” 

“Good, how are you?” “Been busy, Frankie isn't here right now. He stepped out to pick up Maria.” she tells you, turning her attention back to whatever she had on the tray. 

“Do you need any help?” 

“No no, go enjoy yourself.” she shoos you from the kitchen. As you step out, the warmth of the afternoon sun beating down on your skin makes you smile before finding a chair in the corner of the yard to plop down in. 

Your head leant back over the edge of it, eyes closed as you basked in the sun when something blocked the light causing you to open your eyes. 

The man from before stood in front of you, two beers in his hand but one extended towards you. “Beer?” he smiles, handing you the bottle beside sitting in the chair next to you. 

You look at him, taking in his features for a moment - fair skin, slightly tanned from the summer sun, slicked back brown hair peeking out from under the baseball cap on his head, his eyes the deepest shade of brown you’d ever seen. 

“I’m Billy, I didn’t catch your name earlier.” he hums, you smile. “That’s because I didn’t say. It’s y/n and thank you for your help.” you lean your bottle towards him and he knocks his against it lightly before taking a sip. 

“I can’t say I’ve seen you with Frank before, how’d you two know each other?” you take a sip of your beer. 

“We’re heading out together. Met him in training and Frank offered to take me in for this week seeing that I ain’t got anywhere better to be.” 

“No family ?” you hum casually, staring off into the yard. The reality of your words kicking in and you whip your head to face Billy so quick, you might have given yourself whiplash. 

“God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ask you your business.” you ramble out and hide your blush behind another sip of beer. Billy chuckles and shakes his head, “no worries, but yeah, I grew up in the system.” he takes another sip. 

“What about you? How'd you know Frank?” 

Do you give the random man you just met the whole story or the simplified version? 

“I live across the street.” - simplified version it is. 

“The man of the night!” you hear Frank’s father yell at the other end of the yard. You look in the direction of the shout to see Frank walking into the yard with his arm over Maria’s shoulder. 

You can’t help but think how her dress is a little on the snug side which seemed odd for such a hot day. You pushed the thought out of your mind when Billy stood, his hand extended towards you. Resting your hand in his, Billy pulls you up and slings his arm over your shoulder, mirroring the position Maria and Frank are in as you two walk towards them. 

“Hey man,” Billy smiles at his friend, Frank nods at him before glancing at you. You were tucked under Billy’s arm, against his side when you see Frank pull Maria a little closer to him. 

“Hey,” Frank’s eyes flicker between the two of you before looking at Maria. “This is Maria.” he introduces the brunette to the two of you. 

“Hi!” she smiles, leaning further into Frank and subconsciously, you find yourself doing the same thing to Billy. “It’s nice to meet you guys.” she says cheerfully. 

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. Billy seems to notice how your body tenses up at the sound of her voice and he chuckles to himself before his hand rubs your side softly, drifting down towards your waist to rest there. 

“I’m Billy, this is y/n.” you give her a small wave when Billy introduces you. 

“You must be Billy’s girlfriend,” Maria’s eyes flicker between the two of you. You and Billy exchange a look before laughing, shaking your heads. “No, we’ve only just met. What makes you think that?” you ask her, brows furrowed as you feel Billy’s hand drift lower to your hip. 

“The matching.” she states, nodding towards your green sundress and Billy’s green t-shirt. “Pure coincidence.” Billy hums, smiling at the pair in front of him. 

Frank had been quiet the whole time, watching the exchange between the 3 of you. He hated seeing Billy’s hands on you. 

You were his. 

Well, you weren't but you were his friend and he didn’t like that. 

Billy had a bit of a reputation - he tended to float from bed to bed, pleasing all the ladies as he went and Frank would hate for you to just be another one of those meaningless hookups for Billy to add to the books. 

“Why don’t you get a drink ?” Frank asks Maria, glancing towards Billy. “Bill, help her, would you? I need y/n for a few minutes.” Frank unwrapped himself from her, his hand grabbing your wrist and practically pulling you away from Billy. 

“Frank, what the hell?” you ask as he pulls you into the house and up the stairs towards his bedroom. “What’s going on?” you ask him, sitting on the edge of his bed as he shuts the door. 

Frank tumbles through the drawer of his dresser and pulls out a little box before joining you on the bed. He hands it to you, eyes on you as you push the lid to the velvet box open.  

In said box, sat a ring - a gold band with an emerald cut diamond in the centre. 

“This is your mom’s engagement ring.” you say, looking up at him. Frank nods, letting out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. 

“It's for Maria.” 

Your blood runs cold, heart dropping to your stomach. 

His mother's words playing over in your head - “I see the way he looks at you, sweetheart. Frankie might not see it but I do, he likes you.”

That ring was supposed to be yours, she told you as much - “It was his grandmother’s ring before it went to his mom and now to me - next, to you.”

“You’re gonna propose ?” the question obviously answered by his previous statement. “She's pregnant, y/n.” Frank smiles.  

“Frank,” you inhale, taking a moment to gather your thoughts. “Are you sure this is what you want to do? You’re both so young, you can raise the baby without getting married.” 

“I just wanna do right by her.” he tells you, taking the box back from you and shutting it. “I don't know if she’ll say yes but I've gotta ask, right ?”  You’re so paralyzed by all of the sudden factors that you just nod. 

What happened to the guy that told you all the fairytale shit you thought was bullshit? That marriage and kids aren't in the cards for him? 

“My parents don’t know she's pregnant nor does Billy and I'd like to keep it that way ‘till after I asked. Think you can keep it a secret ?” he looks over at you and you nod. 

“Do you think she’ll like it?” “She’d be crazy not to. It's a Castle tradition.” you smile, remembering the story of the ring. Frank nods, resting his hand atop yours. 

“You're the best, y/n. I really am lucky to have a friend like you.” His words hit you like a ton of bricks, one word specifically - friend.  

Because that’s all you’ll ever be to him, a friend. 

You just smile at the man beside you, watching as he gets up and shoves the box into his shirt pocket. Frank’s hands cup your cheeks for what you assume would be the last time as he leans down and kisses your forehead. 

“Thank you.” he whispers. 

“What for?” 

“For showing me that I was worthy of love.” 

You blink away tears as Frank lets go and steps out of the room, leaving you there. You let out a sigh, falling back onto his bed. 

At some point, you get up and run a hand over your face, fixing your hair and dress before jogging down the stairs and into the yard just in time to see Frank tapping Maria on the shoulder. 

Frank got down on one knee, pulling the box out of his pocket and opening it. Maria’s eyes go wide, her hand over her mouth as Frank says something to her that no one but the two of them could hear. 

Moments later, she's nodding and her face covered in tears when he gets up and slides the ring onto her finger. Frank leans down and kisses her, the backyard full of people begin to cheer but you weren't. 

You can feel eyes on you and now there’s someone close to you. The smell of cologne and beer coming from behind you - Billy.

“Green ain’t a good colour on you, darlin’” he hums, making you roll your eyes. 

“I thought I looked pretty good in this dress.” your rebuttal making him laugh. 

“You know that’s not what I meant, but you're right, you do look good.” his hand’s on your hip as he shifts you to the side so he could step out of the house. 

The rest of the evening goes by quickly, people congratulating the happy couple and having a good time. 

It wasn't until a bit past midnight that the yard starts to clear out and before you realize it, it's you, Billy, Frank and Maria in the yard. 

The only noise coming from the makeshift fire pit in the middle of the chairs, the orange hue covering everyone. Billy’s arm rested over the back of your chair while Maria snuggled further into Frank’s side, his hand coming around her to rest on her belly. 

Billy follows your gaze, watching as you watch them before you take a sip of whatever was in your cup and judging by the wince on your face; it was straight liquor. 

He leans and gently takes the cup from you, setting it down on the ground before leaning back towards you. 

“Green isn't your colour.” 

---

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[iwadori]

So I'm reading your works and I love them !! I was thinking of requesting some kind of drabble or whatever you like, about a female reader who has thick thighs and is somewhat plump and is in love with Tsukishima but he makes a comment about the food and she feels bad and when she meets Bokuto in the boot camp Bokuto is too cute and attentive to her asking for her number and a date. If you don't feel comfortable with this, just ignore it and good luck with your blog. Sorry my english is bad<3

When they make you insecure PT 5 (tsukishima,bokuto)

Part One Part Two  Part Three Part Four  Part Five Part 6

Word Count: 2.6K

Genre: Angst to Fluff

masterlist

Tsukishima

You and Tsukishima have been dating in your first year (as you both went to the same middle school together.)

You were in love with Tsukishima, you always have been to be honest, but once you became officially boyfriend and girlfriend your feelings amplified.

But recently, Tsukishima hasn’t been so nice.  

“Y/N we’re going on another training camp at Nekoma” Hinata exclaimed running up to you, as you leaning against Tsukishima “and you get to come too this time!”

You recently became the new trainee manager as the third-year manager, Kikyoko, is going to graduate. Tsukishima acted as if you being around all the time in practice was the worst thing in the world, but Yamagucchi always assured you that ‘Tsukki’ was just joking.

“Oh well that’s fun...” you say entertaining Hinata’s excitement. You were kind of excited to go to the training camp too, as it was in Tokyo after all. You were always a big fan of volleyball as your dad used to play for the national team and you were planning to play on the girls team this year but you felt that you didn’t have the body for it (which was obviously not true.)

Hinata kept on rambling on before Tsukishima insulted him. “Gosh Kei, you don’t have to be so rude.” you complained, he slightly nudged you off of him and put on his headphones showing you that he was not in a good mood.

You let the rest of the practice continue, making notes of things and basically being Kiyoko’s shadow. As it ended, you waited outside for Tsukishima to walk home with you, but one of the guys told you he left 5 minutes ago. You knew there was no point of chasing after him so you just walked on your own, making you sigh in defeat.

Tsukishima was what you would describe as hot and cold. Some days he was fine a ‘perfect gentlemen’ but other days, days like this Tsukishima was just Tsukishima.  

When you got home, you decided to watch matches of all the other schools just to get some insight. You were watching a Fukarodani V Nekoma match from a few years ago and something caught your eye, well someone did to be more specific. A beefy, bicolour haired boy who was hooting like an owl was mesmerizing to watch.

You saw that his name was Bokuto Koutarou which triggered your next actions, which were to internet stalk him. You learned that he was the captain of the team and the team’s ace and the 5th ace in the country which piqued your interest in the boy even more.

‘This is going to be an exciting training camp’ you think to yourself before going to sleep.

`Kiyoko gave you an itinerary of all the things you should bring, since you weren’t going to be joining in any of the matches you were reminded to bring things that would keep entertained.  

You get to the bus at the crack of dawn, ready to be driven to Tokyo. Hinata and Kageyama were already arguing (let’s pretend that they didn’t have to do the retakes in the test) Tanaka and Nishinoya were being loud, and the rest of the members were already asleep. You wanted to sit next to Tsukishima but when you were about to sit down, he put his carryon bag in the seat next to him.

The bus ride was around 4-5 hours, and you spent your time reading and sleeping. Daichi got the loudmouths to calm down making the bus ride more tolerable. You suffered from slight motion sickness but you powered through.

When you arrived there, you saw all the other teams and their buses too. You felt a bit overwhelmed, seeing these tall boys just crowd around an entrance way. But too your surprise, noticing your slight anxiousness, Tsukishima grabbed your hand in a hand-hold.  

The Nekoma coach, explained how the day would pan out and where each team would be residing for the week. There was a lot of commotion getting everyone settled, Hinata and Nishinoya were basically bouncing off of the wall commenting on all the people and the place and how they’re going to ‘crush the competition.’  

You could tell that when the other teams were looking at Karasuno they were all staring at Kiyoko. Inquisitive about how there wasn’t only one girl manager but there was two. As you were walking your eyes locked with Bokuto Koutarou’s making yours widen, you blush and turn your head quickly.  

What you didn’t know was, after your small interaction, Bokuto elbowed Akaashi and said “Akaaashi AKKAAASHI, did ya see that? did ya?” he was flying with happiness “That girl from Karasuno smiled at me. She’s really pretty.”

“I think she’s from Karasuno” Akaashi said “So maybe you’ll see her around”

Bokuto stared off in the direction you were walking in “Yeah, hopefully.”

The first day, everyone got settled in and then the teams went straight into games. There were two different gyms and today, in gym 1, you were watching Karasuno V Nekoma. (By the way I literally don’t remember the teams at the training camp besides Nekoma, Karasuno and Fukarodani.) The game was very back a point each team making point after point, you already knew of Nekoma’s captain, Kuroo Testurou and the setter Kenma, you’ve actually played games with Kenma online before so you were fairly acquainted with him already.

The games ended and it was now dinner time, the canteen was packed with all the boys rushing to line up for the food. You waited at the back of the line, not really caring about when you got your food. Suddenly, you felt a tap on your shoulder and you looked over to see Boktuo,  

“Hi.” he said “I’m Bok-”

“Bokuto Koutarou!” You finished “I'm a big fan..” you cringed immediately at your excitement ‘pull it together Y/N’ you scold yourself.

“Oh well hi, I’m glad you know who I am” he said “and may I ask for your name?”  

“Oh I’m Y/N L/N” you say with a slight blush “I'm the trainee manager from Karasuno.”  

“Cool! Well I hope to see you aro-” he starts  

“Y/N, I’ve been looking all over for you, I already got your food for you.” Tsukishima said pulling at your arm a bit harshly, dragging you over to a table with the Karasuno team.

“Gosh Tsukki, no need to be so harsh” you say rubbing at your wrist, he didn’t apologize and just started eating his food.  

You look down at your plate and see the small portion that Tsukki got for you. The Karasuno bunch was being loud, as they usually are, so when you whisper “Tsukki what the fuck is this” whilst nudging him in the side, he didn’t hear you (or atleast he pretended he didn’t.) You tried again but a little louder saying, “Tsukishima what the fuck is this.” you realised you said it a bit too loud as the whole Karasuno table stopped their conversations to look over at the slight commontion you caused.

“What do you mean Y/N?” he said with a slight smirk on his face.

“I mean what’s with the portion size of a bird that you gave me?” you ask getting upset “Do you really think im that big?”

“Well, you could start eating less that’s for sure.” he said earning gasps from you and some of the people sitting at the table “Y/N let's face it, you eat like a pig and you look like an elephant, me making your food portion smaller is the least I could do.”  

By now you had tears in your eyes, Tsukishima was a dick. You knew this, everybody knew this to be honest, yet you still loved him. He wasn’t like this in middle school, yes he was a bit snarky and rude (but wasn’t every middle schooler?) High school Tsukishima was like a completely different person. As much as you wanted to run away and hide, you knew you couldn’t.  

So you stood up and said “Tsukishima, I’ve spent 3 years loving and pining after you, because I thought you were this great guy, but turns out you’re a huge asshole” you start making some of the people listening in smile in laughter “Tsukishima, I’ve hated this past year dating you, you’ve been such a huge dick and I’m finally stopping you. I can’t do this anymore. I won’t.” You start making your way to exit before finally saying “Oh and by the way I’m not the pig here, you are... oh and I’m breaking up with you.” You left, hearing a few laughs and some claps behind you.

You felt relieved, like the massive cloud that’s been over your head is finally gone. You went to the gym since you knew it was empty and picked up a ball to just throw it around a bit. After a while of ‘de-stressing,’ you hear someone else enter the gym.

“Oh I didn’t know you’d be here.” said Bokuto  

“Well here I am,” you say awkwardly “I can leave if you want me too, I know this is for actual volleyball players.”

“No no it’s fine you can definitely stay, in fact do you mind setting for me?” he asks  

“Sure, of course I don’t mind” you reply, excited you get to play with someone.  You haven’t played in ages, you always begged Tsukishima to just throw a ball around with you but he never did.  

You set to Boktuo a lot, with him always asking for ‘another one’ everytime he spiked the ball. Eventually, you were tired of setting and wanted to spike. You originally was a spiker to begin with taking after your dad. Thats why you took a liking to Bokuto in the first place cause he reminded you of the joys you had when watching your father play.

Bokuto set a ball to you and you spiked it with great strength and accuracy smiling at the burning feeling you felt in your palm.  

“Woahh” Bokuto shouted going towards you in amazement “Where did you learn how to spike like that?”

“From my dad, I don’t know if you heard of him before but my dad’s name is D/N L/N...?” you say

“D/N L/N, Y/N he is my idol!” he shouted again “I want to be just like him.”

“I think you can, I see a lot of similarites in the way you both play.” you say

“Really! And you’ve seen me play before..?” he asks

“Yeah, I watched some of your games before coming here... you’re really good” you shyly admit.

“Wow.”

You and Bokuto spend the rest of your time, talking about volleyball you’re interests, things you have in common, your likes and dislikes. Talking to Bokuto was refreshing, he didn’t randomly insult you or make snide comments about your weight or your looks. He just genuinely looked happy to be there talking to you, unlike Tsukishima.  

Seeing your change in mood, Bokuto stops talking and asks “are you alright? I forgot to ask earlier, but I saw what happened in the canteen and I hope you’re okay.”  

“Yeah I’m fine, it’s just things with me and Tsukishima reached a breaking point, I guess...” you say sniffling a bit talking about it “But it’s fine now I’ve broken up with him and I feel better already.”

“So you’re saying your single...?” he asked blushing a bit

“Yeah I guess I am...” you smile blushing also.  

“Okay great...well I hope this isn’t too forward after everything happened with Tsukki and all but...” he starts “but would you like to go on a date with me?”

“Who me?” you ask as if you weren’t the only other person in the room

“No the volleyball” he responds sarcastically “Of course you Y/N.”  

“Are you sure, cause to be honest Bokuto you’re a really good-looking guy” you say making him smile widely “so I think you need someone to match your level in attractiveness” you look down and his smile drops.

“What do you mean?” he asks before realising all the stuff Tsukishima said about you “Y/N you’re beautiful, your face, your body just you.” you blush at his words “when I first saw you when you were walking past us in the entrance way the first thing I thought and said about you was “Akaashi who is that girl she’s beautiful.””  

“Really?” you ask with disbelief

“Mhm” he nods excitedly “So will you go on a date with me?”  

“I guess so...” you say a bit unsure

“HEY HEY HEY!” he exclaims “I gotta go tell akaashi!” he runs out of the gym in a hurry making you laugh, but he comes back to give you a quick unexpected kiss on the cheek making you smile.

You checked your phone for the time realising that you’ve been with Bokuto for 3 hours and you knew that everyone would be going to sleep now. As you are the manager you slept seperately from the rest of the team but before you went to your sleeping quaters you went to Karasunos.  

“Y/N where have you been? We’ve been worried about you.” asked yammagucchi  

“It’s fine yams don’t worry about it, guys” you say catching everyones attention “I just wanted to apologise to you for my outburst at dinner, it wasn’t my intention to cause a scence.”

“It’s fine Y/N” said sugawara “He definitely deserved it.”

“Yeah as your marvellous senpai we gave him a good telling off” said Tanaka and Nishinoya  making you chuckle.  

“Okay well thanks guys, I’m going to sleep goodnight.”

“Wait Y/N can I speak with you.” asked Tsukishima gesturing to outside the room

“Umm sure” you respond following him into the corridor.

“I just want to say I’m sorry for the things I’ve said and done over the past year and how I’ve been a terrible boyfriend, you don’t deserve that. So, I’m sorry.”  

“I can’t say I can forgive you yet.” you say making Tsukishima look sad “but maybe with effort from you we can become friends possibly?”  

“Just friends?” he said with hope in voice thinking that you could be something more.

“Just friends.” you repeated and confirmed “Besides I have been asked on a date”  

“With who?”  

“None of your business stingyshima” you mock the nickname that Hinata calls him making him scowl and you smile “Goodnight.”

After Bokuto’s confession and Tsukishima’s apology, the rest of the training camp went off without a hitch. In your breaks and lunchtimes, you got to know more about Bokuto and with Kuroo’s help you even got to sneak out to actually go on your date. You sometimes even went to practice with them getting to show off your skills, with Bokuto cheering you on and complimenting you every single time.  

Tsukishima kept his distance for the most part, and kept the snarky comments about you and Bokuto to himself (even though he was dying to say them.) You eventually fully forgave Tsukishima in your 3rd year but you definitely weren’t as close as you used to be. Tsukishima’s comments and actions did affect you for a while however with the help of your loving boyfriend, you were reminded how beautiful you are no matter what weight, shape or height you were.

You and Bokuto stayed together, you made sure to come to every one of his games and when you introduced him to your dad he fainted on sight. Your dad and Bokuto got along, and became very close friends, Bokuto always came to him for advice (especially volleyball advice.) You loved Bokuto and he definitely loved you too.

AN: I hope you liked it, since I didn’t want to make it too similar too the Atsumu insecure one. And I feel like it dragged out a bit but got rushed in the endd....but oh well...