#i stare at her and sigh… we love you miku

[owtt]

my miku insp..

[niki-phoria]

HII!! How are you ^^ could I request Any of the Alice In Borderland characters With a GN!S/O who has a Hatsune Miku Personality?? You can research on the character since I’m to lazy to put in the links but how would they react

pairing: chishiya x gn!reader (no pronouns used) genre: fluff word count: 364

a/n: thank you for requesting !! i'm gonna be totally honest, i have no idea who that is but google told me she's an extrovert i tried to make reader cheerful ?? this is just reader getting drunk and chishiya taking care of them lmao i hope you like it :))

warnings: ooc chishiya, i still don't know how to write drunk ppl, pls don't make fun of me for not knowing who that is lmao

requests are open !!

“come on,” you gently tug at chishiya’s wrist, pulling him through the hotel hallways. despite his protests and complaints, he lets you lead him out of the hotel and to the pool. “let’s have some fun. loosen up for once!” 

chishiya rolls his eyes but joins you by at the edge of the pool regardless. “y/n,” kuina smiles, making her way over to you. “wow, i can’t believe you got him to come out of his cave.” 

“he had to come out eventually,” you tease, knocking your shoulder into his. “i just made it happen quicker.” 

“hey, we were gonna grab drinks later, you up for it?” 

“sure,” you nod. “why not?” 

you drunkenly cling to chishiya’s shoulders as he carries you through the hotel. you stare up at him with a small smile, nuzzling even closer into him. “love you ‘shiya,” you slur, laying your head against his shoulder. chishiya stiffens a little as he continues walking. “love you so much.” 

“you’re drunk.” 

“maybe,” you hiccup. “but it’s true. i’m in love with you.” 

he uses his elbow to open the door, carrying you into your room. you cling to him as he sets you down on your bed, pushing you to lay on your side before using a few pillows to prop you up. you tiredly watch him with a small smile as he sets a bottle of water on your nightstand. 

your grip is gentle around his wrist when he goes to leave, gently pulling him closer. “stay?” chishiya sighs, letting you make space on your bed for him. as soon as he lays down you move to lay on his chest, pulling his hand up to intertwine your fingers. your hand rests over his heart. “mine,” you whisper. 

“hm?” 

“your heart. it’s mine.” chishiya stiffens, grateful for the darkness hiding the slight flush he can feel on his ears and spreading across his cheeks. he brushes a hand through your hair, pressing a kiss against your forehead. 

“sleep,” he whispers. 

you laugh, relaxing against his body and closing your eyes. “okay. love you.” 

chishiya waits until your breathing evens out before he fully relaxes himself. “i love you too.” 

[zurxmxru]

A New “SEKAI”

A/N: This took a few days to complete but I managed to finish this fic!!! Ik it’s not too big or anything but I’m pretty proud of myself and this fic!! So I hope you enjoy this fun little au cause I sure had a fun time writing some of the scenes!!! For context: This is some sort of Project Sekai au with Aqours after seeing the new “BANZAI! digital trippers” MV and there was a scene where Miku hacks Dia’s computer and I just turned that into a whole au and made it a fic so uh here we are I guess!!

———

Summary: Dia’s been watching virtual idol sensation, Hatsune Miku’s latest live stream all day and stays up in the night to watch until the end. However, a question pops into her head that leads her to end up meeting Miku in a strange place called a SEKAI. Could this be a strange dream or a string of fate?

Words: 2,632

Characters: Dia Kurosawa, Ruby Kurosawa, Hatsune Miku, Kanan Matsuura (mentioned), Hanamaru Kunikida (mentioned), 

———

It was fairly late outside and everyone seemed to be asleep. That is, except for the Kurosawa family’s eldest daughter, Dia Kurosawa. She was the only one up so late at night. Dia was in her light pink nightgown as her red ribbons kept her low pigtails in place.

She stared at her computer screen for quite awhile. Heck, she’s been watching Hatsune Miku’s stream since meeting up with Kanan and Hanamaru at the school idol club at Uranohoshi. She’s been watching this stream for most of the entire day. Dia was lost in Miku’s performance as she watched it from her  computer screen. She knew it was just some 3D avatar and that Miku was just a virtual singer, but she was just as important to Dia as any other idol around her. She loved her like any other idol.

Then it hit her. Kanan’s question to her earlier that day reminisced in her head.

“Is there a place you wanna go to, Dia?”

Her eyes widened and a little gasp quickly escaped her mouth. She looked down at her nightgown, then up at her computer screen. There was one place that she wanted to go to… It was to try and meet Hatsune Miku. But that would be silly! Hatsune Miku is a virtual idol after all, she’s not really “real”— she couldn’t tell the others that though, they’d probably laugh at her. She knows Mari and Kanan will. There has to be another, more realistic location that she wanted to go to after all!

Think Dia… Think! Come on, what’s an actual place that you want to go to? There has to be something!

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was silent for a moment, with the only noise being the live stream still happening. She took a deep breath in.. and out a few times and squinted her eyes, trying to think as hard as she could to answer such a simple question, but nothing else came to mind other than meeting Hatsune Miku.

Absolutely nothing.

She opened her eyes and a slight frown now appeared on the young woman’s face. She didn’t really know an actual answer and it made her upset. More lost if anything. It frustrated Dia that she couldn’t think of anything more realistic. She sighed as she looked back at the stream, seeing the teal-haired idol wave at the fans, seeing how much she shine.

It frustrated her even more.

Feeling a mix of all these emotions all at once made her want to lie down, and she did just that.

Now lying down on the tatami flooring in her room, Dia stared up at the ceiling light, feeling as hopeless as ever. All the emotions she felt didn’t go away, all her thoughts didn’t go away, they just stayed. And it was all because of a simple question. This was petty, she’s overthinking this, she thought. But she couldn’t get over it, not easily that is. Dia stayed laying down for a good moment or two before stretching out her left arm, reaching out towards the light as if to have someone, anyone, answer her call.

“A place that I want to go to… Huh?” She uttered out in a quiet tone so that she wouldn’t wake up her family. Dia then put her hand down and just continued to stay laying there, hoping that maybe she could just fall asleep and think about it all tomorrow. She already stayed up for a few hours anyway.

Little did she know that a strange miracle that was going to happen to her and Aqours.

Suddenly, her computer started to glitch out. It disconnected Dia from the stream and a blue screen appeared in it’s place with a familiar face also showing up on the screen with a smile on her face.

<I found you.> the familiar voice said.

Hearing the familiar voice caused Dia to snap out of her hopeless state and shot up immediately to go look at her computer screen with her eyes widened. “Eh?” Before she could even react to the voice, the screen got bright. Too bright to the point where Dia had to shield her eyes from it with her hands. She couldn’t make out what was on screen, everything was happening so fast, and the next thing she knew, she was transported to— the beach?

———————————————

“Eh? Eh? Where am I?” Dia looked left and right, and all she saw was sand that stretched for miles and miles. It took her a minute or two to realize she was standing on the warm sand barefoot, let alone at a beach of all places. “..The beach? Why here?” The dark haired brunette asked herself with no response. This certainly wasn’t the beach she was so used to seeing and going to at Uchiura, no — this beach was entirely different, but nostalgic in a way that made her think of home.

As confused as Dia was, she couldn’t deny that the scenery was beautiful. There were some palm trees standing around separately, their leaves waving slowly in the wind from where Dia was at, the breeze in the air felt chilly, but good at the same time as it moved her low pigtails and bangs, and she could see the yellow-to-blue horizon in the ocean right in front of her like the sun was rising from the sea.

“How pretty..”

It brought a little smile to her face and made her a bit more calmer now that she was in this mysterious beach. It felt like a surreal dream in a way. Dia shook her head, “Now is not the time to think about scenery here!” She declared as she started walking around the beach, “I can’t be the only one here.. Let’s see..” As Dia continued walking in her nightgown, leaving footprints in the sand, her eyes glanced around to see if anyone else was here with her. “Hello?” She called out, “Is anyone there? Helloo?” Her voice echoed as seagulls flew over her. She continued to call out to anyone, hoping she’d get a response when she started to get a little impatient.

“Ugh, this is useless! What am I thinking, of COURSE I’m the only one out here! Seriously, this is getting extremely ridicul—“

Dia cut herself off. From a distance, she noticed footprints in the sand. These weren’t her footprints, of course, they belong to someone else. Dia squinted her eyes to try and make out who was standing behind the footprints. It was hard to make out who exactly was standing there because the sun was shining a little too bright, so, she made her way closer to the footprints. “Following these lead to..” She mumbled to herself, her eyes following the trail of footprints in the sand as she walked.

“Ah.” Her eyes looked up at the individual standing there. “..!” Dia’s eyes widened in shock. The teal-haired individual’s pigtails were long. Long enough to reach her feet. They swayed beautifully in the sea breeze like palm trees — and it looked like she was wearing the summer uniform for Uranohoshi’s first years! As evident by the yellow tie, grey skirt with white lines going across the bottom half, and the short, white tank top that covered a bit of the skirt. She definitely looked familiar to Dia.

“Could it be!? No.. It’s obvious!” She said out loud. “Ha-Hatsune Miku!? *YOU* brought me here!?”

Just as Dia said her name, Hatsune Miku turned around to face her with her arms behind her back and nodded. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Dia!” She greeted with a smile. Dia took a few steps back. She couldn’t believe it! *THE* Hatsune Miku!? Talking to her!? She couldn’t resist not fan-girling over her. “O-Oh my gosh.. OH MY GOSH!!” Dia scrambled towards Miku in a frenzy, grabbing both of her hands. Her eyes were glimmering in awe. “I-I am SUCH a huge fan! I listen to all your songs, you are SPECTACULAR on stage!! Oh, and you’re recent live stream was absolutely amazing!!” Dia was speaking so fast that it sort of caught Miku a bit off guard. But regardless, Miku chuckled lightly at Dia’s enthusiasm. “I-I don’t know where to begin but— I-I am just so happy I’m finally meeting you!” Dia’s emerald green eyes were overflowing with happy tears as she held Miku’s hands tighter.

“Ehehe, c-calm down, Dia..” She said in an awkward tone. “I’m very happy you’ve been supporting me all this time, I’ve been watching you and Aqours for a long time too! That’s why..”  She looked over at the sand. Dia didn’t realize it until now, but they were close to the water. Hearing the waves as they crashed into the deep blue water and washed up on the shore was rather refreshing. But, of course, Dia was getting distracted again.

Dia quickly snapped out of it and let go of Miku’s hands as she wiped her eyes with her fingers. “I-I’m so sorry.. I was just getting so emotional..” Dia paused. ”Wait.. Did you say that you have been watching us? And what are you looking a— Ah.“  Dia glanced in the same direction Miku was and noticed a thing written in the sand near the water.

“Aqours”

“Aqours..?” She muttered. “Did.. Did you write it?” Miku looked back at Dia and shook her head. “It was always here in this SEKAI!” Dia raised an eyebrow. “..A SEKAI? What is that?” Miku smiled at the curious women.

“A SEKAI is a place created by feelings.” Miku explained. “You have a strong desire you want to fulfill, right?”

“Yes.” Dia nodded. “It’s to try and create a name for ourselves as Aqours and to be just as great as µ's once was.”

“This SEKAI is based off those feelings.”

“Ah..” Dia was still confused about the whole ‘SEKAI’ thing. It still felt like this was all just some fever dream, and sooner or later she’ll wake up. But now, she has a little bit of an understanding of what this.. Place is. However, just before Dia could say anything else, Miku added onto her previous statement.

“But, this SEKAI isn’t just based off your feelings, It’s based off the same desire the nine of you share as Aqours!” She beamed cheerfully. “The same dream the nine of us share, huh?” Dia repeated in a quiet tone. Miku nodded, “Your world and this one are connected through the song “Untitled” on your phone! When you press play, it will take you to this SEKAI. And once you press stop, it will take you back to your world!”

“Eh? “Untitled”?” Dia felt for her phone, “Ah! I left my phone back at home!” She exclaimed. “Now I have no way of checking.!” Miku reassured her. “It’s okay! It will always be on your phone regardless. Once the nine of you understand your true feelings, it will turn into a song!”

“W-Wait, wait, wait,” Dia put her hands up to her chest. “Th-This is all still very confusing! I don’t understand most of what you are saying!”

“Fufu, you’ll understand soon enough.” Miku replied. Before Dia could respond back, she heard a sound. It was like the sound someone would hear if they pressed “stop” on a song. Miku gave her one last smile as she spoke.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in Aqours! Please come visit again sometime, okay?”

“W-Wai—!” Before she knew it, Dia saw white as she got transported out of the weird ‘SEKAI’ place and back to her world in a blink of an eye, leaving Miku all by herself again.

———————————————

The next thing she knew, Dia saw pitch black. She was still breathing so that was good. However, she felt like she couldn’t really do anything, she did feel someone poking her, a few times actually. “O-Onee-chan.. Hey, onee-chan, wake up..” The high pitched voice begged. That voice.. It’s familiar alright.. Right at that moment, Dia began to slowly open her eyes.

She got a glimpse at who was poking her. The pinkish red-haired individual with the same emerald green eyes as Dia loomed over her with a concerned look on her face. Once Dia fully opened her eyes, she got a better look at the individual. There was no doubt that it was her younger sister, Ruby Kurosawa who woke her up from her weird state. “Mmh.. Ruby..?” She mumbled. “When did I..?”

“Onee-chan! Thank goodness you’re awake!” Ruby exclaimed in a relieved tone. “Ruby just woke up a few minutes ago and I saw you laying on the floor, so I got worried..” Dia felt like she had the strength to sit up after getting awakened by Ruby. And she did just that. “Thank you, Ruby.” She smiled at her sister.

Ruby was also wearing a light pink nightgown with her short hair in small pigtails and backed away from Dia, also sitting on the floor as she gave her sister a little smile back. “Say.. What time is it?”

“Huh?” Ruby looked over at the window in the room where Dia’s computer was sitting at on her desk. “I-It’s morning. Why?” Morning already? How long was she in that weird fever dream? Only a few minutes, right? ..That’s what she thought. “Oh, nothing.” Dia waved her hand dismissively at the question. “It’s just..” She glanced over at her computer to the screen pitch black. Looks like it’s off. Ruby also looked at the screen in confusion.

“What? Is something wrong, onee-chan? You look like you have something on your mind. A-Are you sick?” Ruby asked, sounding a little more concerned than when she woke up her older sister.

“Please tell me..” Ruby begged yet again.

This made Dia flinch. She didn’t want her sister worrying over her! But she couldn’t stop thinking about what happened earlier. Even if it was bits and pieces of it. Dia looked back at her sister with a little frown and sighed. “It’s just..” Her eyes darted away from Ruby and focused on something to the side as she hesitated for a second. “I’ve.. Had a strange dream last night.”

“A strange dream? What was it about?”

“I can’t remember all of it.” Dia admitted, “But I do remember talking to someone at a beach about something I.. Can’t exactly recall myself. It’s been on my mind since I woke up..”

“I see..” Ruby responded in a sympathetic tone. “I’m sorry for getting so worried again..”

“Don’t be, you were just concerned and looking out for me. I appreciate it dearly.” Dia grinned at her sister.

Ruby felt an overwhelming feeling of joy from her sister as she heard Dia speak. Dia could tell by the gleam of her eyes and the big smile on her sister’s face that also made Dia happy. “Onee-chan.!” Ruby scooted closer to Dia to give her a little hug. Dia let out a little chuckled as she hugged her sister back. “Now, now..” She retorted. “Why don’t we go and have breakfast? Aren’t you hungry by now?”

Ruby let go of Dia and nodded happily. “W-Why don’t we try cooking something together? Like, maybe an omelette or something?” Dia stood up and dusted herself off. “Very well then. I’m pretty sure we have everything we need for that.” Ruby also stood up excitedly. “Really!? Yay!” She cheered. “Let’s go, onee-chan! I can tell this is gonna be really fun already!” Dia nodded. “I can too!”

Just as the Kurosawa sisters exited the room, Dia took one last glance at the pitched black computer screen still on the desk and smiled before following Ruby.

Fate does some strange things, but it pulls people together in the most spectacular of ways.

[aliceyabusamesotherball]

xingchen looked deep into teto's eyes. "teto... i.. i have to tell you something" (i don't know what xingchen's personality is like at all) xingchen said shyly. "what is it xingchen????? you can tlel me anything" teto said reassuringly, patting xingchen on the back. xingchen sighed. this was the moment she had been waiting for all of her life (ok maybe nto all of it but some of it) (,aybe not when she was a baby) (anyways) she took teto's hands into hers and stared at her. "teto kasane. i've been in love with you for years. you're so beautiful and amazing and wonderful. i adore you teto. and even if you do not return my feelings, im fine with still being your friend, but evenif you dont wanna be friends after this because th is is kind of awkward then its fine but yeah i love you." she said (and tha twas definitely not a runon sentence).

teto blushed and was as red as he rbeautiful hair. "xingchen.. do you really mean that?" she asked. xingchen smiled. "yes, i do...." "um guys you know i'm standing right here r-" "shut the fuck up miku." xingchen quickly interrupted miku, who had literally been standing there the whole time. "oh ok...... im tired" miku quickly ran back to the school to fall asleep there so she could go into the death game later.

"finally she went away... anyways.... do you accept my confession teto?" xingchen asked, squeezing teto's hands. "oh xingchen.... my love! of course i do! i've loved you for years also, and we should get married and kiss on the lips now!" teto said, delighted. xingchen was relieved. then they kissed on the lips and got married and miku was sent into the death game later (oh no) but its okay because actually it was a prank played by teto and xingchen for their engagement party. the end

@thelogicalreaper this is actually true and canon and real and you should add it to your au becasues its really good and im reallyt good at wiritng and its 100% in character/j

[minato-division03]

The day was coming to an end on Queen Card's birthday. However she had a few more gifts to receive. A knock is heard on the door with Queen Card going over and opening the door to see three gifts on her property. Quick to lift them up, Queen Card brought them inside. Seeing as there was no letter visible she opened the largest box first. 

Inside was a black gothic styled cake with violet glass design on it. Seeing there was no letter, Queen Card moved to open the next gift.

Inside was a worn book of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Carefully opening the book, turning a few pages and admiring the artwork of the fairy tales. Closing the book and putting it aside, Queen Card turned to the final gift. 

Inside was a stunning crown made of emeralds and diamonds fit for royalty. Noticing an envelope with the words To Queen Card on it. Opened it to reveal three letters from the ladies of Wicked Requiem. 

"Dear Queen Card,

Happy Birthday! I made you a cake fit for royalty. I hope you and your teammates find it delicious. The stained glass on it gave me quite a bit of trouble. 

From, 

Kanra Akemi" 

"Dear Queenie, 

Happy Birthday girl! Hope you like my gift. It's a first edition copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Considering your aesthetic (cool by the way) you might appreciate it. I will admit it took a while to find one even with my "connections". Had to fight a few collectors for it but in the end I won. (suck it collectors) Anyway have a great birthday.

From,

Kaoru Shinozaki

P.S: Your mask is cool Queenie. Kinda wanna see how you made it." 

To Queen Card,

Like Kaoru and Kanra have mentioned Happy Birthday. I do hope you enjoy my gift. No queen should ever go without a crown of her own don't you think? If you ever come down to Edogawa do come over for a cup of tea. I have a wide variety to choose from if you wish to sit down and chat. 

Signed,

Yuriko Kuromiya"

Queen Card stared at the items she left on the coffee table of the theater's dressing room. It was… somewhat overwhelming, to say the least.

"Face it, your majesty," Miku deadpanned. "Gotta face the fact that you'll have to exit the theater to be away from work more frequently than you were hoping to be.”

She hated to admit it… but the four-tiered cake that was half her height and was handmade by a mere teenager was stunning. Truly.

"There's no way we can get this cake to any of our houses, though…" Reiaki murmured.

Queen Card shook her head. "Then I suppose we will be having our post-show celebratory meal here, in the theater. It would be a lovely treat to share with the rest of the staff."

The question was… did she really want to cut into such a magnificent piece of art? It smelled delightful and it was most certainly appealing to the eyes.

The next gift came from…

She did a double take when she read over Kaoru's message.

'Queenie'…?

Ha… this lowly being dared to nickname her… She sighed and ran her slender fingers over the rustic book cover.

“I will let it slide just this once. I had better not hear this from this person again. The gall…”

It indeed was a first edition… granted, a copy, but she never thought she’d be able to grasp see the same book in her hands again. A wave of nostalgia hit her when she slowly flipped through its pages.

She really said she wanted to see how I made my mask? I think not. Let her keep imagining. Queen Card thought as she flipped to the final letter from the envelope.

She sneered. "‘Do come over for a cup of tea’…?”

She placed the letters back in their envelope and tossed it on the coffee table carelessly.

Miku and Reiaki shot Queen Card worried, knowing looks. They understood her reaction and they understood her reasoning. They were sure she was going to reject—

“Very well, then.”

The girls looked at her in disbelief.

“Queen Card, are you out of your mind?!” Miku exclaimed.

“You know what kind of skills Yuriko Kuromiya has!”

Queen Card held up a hand, silencing the two. She pointed to the door behind her, and both Reiaki and Miku knew what that meant.

She’d explain it to them later. When the Queen was 100% certain there was no one around.

She picked up the crown with such delicacy, as if the slightest movement would cause it to break.

Beautiful…

It wasn't really possible for her to wear the crown when her mask already serves as the centerpiece of her attire.

And yet…

She smirked and held the crown in front of her to be eye-level and twirled gleefully. She began to recall words from the past that had been directed to her.

Only those who have proven to be worthy will gifted with a crown.

But no one in this world has a need for a crown, do they!

I've always detested those words…

“I’m sure I will find a use for such an exquisite piece soon enough. I will have to take up Kuromiya’s offer and give her my thanks.”

[minorisato]

with this, your heart is now mine- you won't be able to love anyone but me

vocaloid / flowreml / wc: 553 / warnings: implied past s-ic attempt / notes: i project onto reml a lot to be honest, you will learn this quickly

Reml sighed, staring at her phone screen in complete adoration. "Gaku-kun is so handsome," she smiled, as the purple-haired idol moved on stage. "Flower, you met him, didn't you?"

Flower shrugged. "I lived across the street from him for a bit," she explained. "We didn't really talk, but he was pretty nice the few times we exchanged words." She thought for a moment. "Gumi always spoke pretty highly of him, I guess, but they're cousins or something, so I don't really know if that's accurate. He seemed to mostly keep to himself."

Again, Reml sighed, this time with a bit of a dreamy air. "That totally makes sense. In all his concerts, he really gives off that vibe of being, like, polite but distant."

Flower blinked, turning to the other. "You think Dancing Samurai gives off a polite but distant vibe?"

Reml blushed. "His songs don't necessarily reflect his personality!" She proclaimed, "In all his in-between-song banter, he's very... hm..." She paused, trying to think of a good word for it. "He's very kuudere-ish? Or maybe a dandere?"

"You are the only person who uses those terms anymore," Flower sighed, exasperated.

"Nonsense!" Reml smiled, "Tons of people use them online!"

"I'm sure." Flower looked over Reml's shoulder at her phone screen. "I can't believe he can handle concerts, honestly. They drove me crazy when I worked for Vocaloid."

"Did they?" Reml asked. She loved attending concerts, but had never been in one. (Rime had once commented that all of them were doomed to YouTube and NicoNico covers for the rest of time. She seemed pretty upset at the prospect, but overall, no one in the complex particularly minded the idea.)

"Oh, absolutely," Flower responded, resting her chin in her hand. "Me and Yukari and Ia talked about it a few times. Ia was pretty fine with them- y'know, she's not super anxious about most things- but me and Yukari always thought they were more trouble than they're worth. Both of us ended up in the hospital over them at least once."

Reml took a second to process her jealousy of Flower and Yukari being so close, and then let it go. It only made sense- both of them had worked for Vocaloid for a while before joining CeVIO. (Of course, Yukari had gotten off easy, in Reml's opinion. Yukari had cut ties quietly, but when Flower announced her resignation, she was dogpiled, constantly harassed online. Only Reml knew just how badly that effected her. That was something Yukari would never have.)

(Anyway.)

More prominent in her mind, Reml wondered if Gakupo had to go to the hospital after each concert. She wondered if he worried himself sick with anxiety every single time. She wondered if Gumi did, if Luka did, if Rin and Len did. Did Hatsune Miku herself get nervous?

"Do you ever miss it?" Reml found herself asking, though she figured she already knew the answer.

"Not at all," Flower replied, confirming her thoughts. "Resigning was awful, but overall, I'm happier now. The anxiety just wasn't worth it. Doing covers everyday isn't that bad." She paused. "Besides, if I was still there, I never would have met you."

Reml blushed, staring at Flower, forgetting the concert she was watching even existed.

How could she pay attention when Flower was right there?

[heather-ouo]

The quiet watcher

Self aware! Raiden Mei x miHoYo designer! GN! Reader

Just got the idea when i was search though self aware aus and information about Mei and find a reddit talking abut her so….

I write it. two stories in a roll today!

It also bring back memories when i was play Monkai after story where she said about her favorite song and one of the lyrics is

“ I don't care if it's through the screen, love me properly ”

Thats from Hibikase by Hatsuce Miku

——————————————————————————————————

Raiden Mei that one fem character who caught your attention the most she is the second protagonist, the lover of Kiana Kaslana who is the main protagonist, the future Herrscher of Thunder in the later version of the game, the perfect kitchen wife.

Despite your are her designer also a game item designer, miHoYo didn’t put much attention on her Mei only appeared in few parts of the chapters and you just will slap the Asshole who is the story writer, Bronya the third protagonist who earned the title of ‘ favorite child of miHoYo ’.

Sitting in your workplace designing Mei’s herrscher battlesuit and raising her affection at the same time not knowing Mei is looking at you pc while the (h/c) click on cloud.

“ Captain, you shouldn’t be lazy during work. ”

You stared at the screen for a sec, damn how did she know? Was that originally in the voice line? Maybe you shouldn’t stay up just to gathering her battlesuit puzzle all night along.

Mei stood there in the bridge for hours watching designer design her new battlesuit in a tired mood well… you just have a mental argument in your head, before she became self aware along with her other selfs you spend.

It all start from when you got the idea of using the game model to test out her battlesuit moving her text file to the model, controlling around a bit which to find the battlesuit most parts went thought the model, the (h/c) winced at it.

It didnt took long until a conscious was given to Mei who woke up and to find in a empty room but with a mouse and a screen show a (h/c) in front.

She know the present of you! (Y/n) the person who gives all of attention to the her! Her designer! Right after when you put her text file back to the game Mei just sat on the ground of the Dorm.

“ I’m self aware now … did my wish came true….? ”

Mei looks at her hand then around the room when a wild Kiana hug her from behind.

“ Mei-senpai! Im hunger~ ”

Ah right she will think of this tomorrow.

.

. .

. . .

Everyday she stand at bridge hearing your talking about you coworkers, battlesuit idea, how you wish she was the favorite child of miHoYO instead of Bronya, showing her future battlesuit model.

Mei never know you adore her that much to a point at the where you freaking punch one of your coworkers when they keep talking shit about her.

“ YOU LITTLE SHIT DONT UNDERSTAND HOW WONDERFUL MEI IS!! ”

“ JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE HER DESIGNER DOEN’T MEAN WE HAVE TO FOLLOW YOU LIKING! ” 

And yea… Mei is worried when you are suspended from your workplace for two weeks.

Currently you are showing her Herrscher battlesuit long put down hair, a pair of dark red-ish horns, a pair of giant mechanical arms and the right one is holding a katana.

The main part of the clothes fits so well with the title Herrscher of Thunder, she can’t wait for it to release out in the future!

“ This is the final draft Mei! Aren’t you exciting? ”

You look at the left computer scene where you open the game 24/7, nothing returns.

. . .

. .

.

Right she is just a game character not like DDLC who know your every move, the (h/c) let out a sigh but you hear a familiar voice beside you.

“ l really appreciate you keep talking to me no matter what my dear designer. ”

“ Mei…?! ”

On the computer scene Mei put one hand on the screen while looking at the stunned (y/n) with a smile.

“ Thank you for all those years hard work. ”

“ You…. You are self aware Mei..”

“ That’s all thanks to you designer. ”

You rapidly stand up from your chair Mei is self aware… she can understand you! She see everything you did! Oh god… 

The (h/c) boy put a hand on the screen matching Mei’s hand.

“ Thank you… for becoming self aware… my dear Mei. ” 

Little bonus

“ Hey designer (y/n)? can i try out the new battlesuit you showed me earlier? ”

“ Sure let me move your text file real quick . ”

“ And thank you again for becoming a self aware… Raiden Mei..”

“ I‘m not even real but (y/n) treats me as an real person. ”

——————————————————————————————————

Perfect it give me After story vibes and Mei Simp vibe at the same time.

This is a oneshot so no part two

Maybe l should try with other characters-

Gonna name it SAHAU

Long is ‘ self aware Honkai Impact au’

Just like SAGA but is honkai

Edit- i just click on the tag of SAHA which turns out not about honkai so i change it to SAHIA, nvm it doesn’t work

Someone please make a short name of this plz

Nvm i made a new tag

Due to my past mistakes back in 2020 I didn’t think about the fact of writing a male reader in this one, apologize to all who read this as the male! Reader. -2024 January 13th

[jubilantwriter]

It All Began with a Big Crash

(AO3)

Summary:  It's the one year anniversary of Boyfriend and Girlfriend's growing relationship, and Boyfriend absolutely, totally, DID NOT forget that today is that special day. And yet, that one single DID NOT FORGETTing leads to a domino effect, resulting in quite possibly one of the best nights of their lives.

After all, what's the point of a performance if no one's having fun during it?

Word Count: 7154

(A/N:  Happy 1st Anniversary of Friday Night Funkin’!  I literally wrote and edited this all in one day.  Got home at midnight, started writing, and then I posted it at 10 am, took a nap, went to work, AND NOW I’M HERE ON TUMBLR :D  Anyway, FNF has been a big comfort for me these past months, so it’s only fitting that I put myself through hell to get this little bit out.  I hope you all enjoy!)

\\\\

Now, Boyfriend isn't a forgetful man.  This thought crosses his mind as he stands up abruptly after paying for his lunch and racing for the door.

"Be-!"

"Eep!"

CRASH .

But sometimes things... slip from his mind, and while he's not one prone to panic, THIS is something worth panicking over.

"-EP.  SHIT.  SORRY!"

"My dishes!"  A blonde server kneels on the ground, surrounded by the clumsy carnage created by Boyfriend inadvertently crashing into her on his rush out.  She glares accusingly at him as the boy jogs in place.  "Again, really?!"

"Sorry, sorry!"  He waves his hands in front of him before looking over his shoulder.  "I'll pay for the dishes and shit uh, later!"  He dashes out the door as she calls out behind him.

"That's what you said LAST time!"

Well, last time he was dirt poor, but now that he's pretty famous around town, he's actually got the moolah to pay for damages!  So yeah, next time!

...Is what he meant to tell her, but he's already busting into the conveniently placed flower shop, panting as he looks around wildly for help.  The florist in question glances at him completely unbothered by his entrance.  

"Forgot an important date again?" she quips, staring back down at her phone as she drapes herself over the counter.

"BAP!" he says defensively, because he DIDN'T forget!  It just... slipped his mind a little.  In his defense, he'd gotten so used to being with Girlfriend that it felt ... normal!  Like they've been together for YEARS and being with her just felt so right, and every day was the greatest day of his life because he had her by his side.  So yeah, maybe the days slipped past him in a blissful sort of way, like when he gets super focused on his music or some arbitrary task, and the hours slip by and suddenly it's the next morning!  It's kind of like that, but with a girl who makes him smile and laugh and forget that life is supposed to be difficult and hard, and not fun and invigorating.  And to think they've only been together for a year...

...A year.

...Wait.

Shit.

SHIT.

He's doing it again!

He bustles over and slaps a fifty on the counter.  "Bop!" he announces in a rush, tapping his fingers impatiently as the florist holds it up to the light. 

With a low whistle, she puts it back on the table.  "Wow, you're really going all out this time, huh?"  Before Boyfriend can respond to her sarcasm, the florist calls out to her partner in the back.  "Flower!  Miku's lil bro is back at it again, dropping a fifty and hoping for the best."

"Again?"  A husky voice makes its way over as a familiar bush of thick hair pops out from beyond the doorway.  "Boyfriend, you should know by now that apology bouquets are at least a hundred."

"Ba- skida- AUGH!  It's not an apology bouquet!"  He stomps his foot, irritated to break out the English but knowing full well it’s a matter that needs clear communication.  So not really a waste of words, just a waste of energy on two ladies who will give him shit regardless of the noise he makes.

"Oh yeah?  What's the occasion?"  The taller florist - Lily, hilariously enough - leans forward with a smirk as Flower keeps her deadpan stare.  

"It's for my anniversary!"  He crosses his arms and harrumphs as Lily whistles again.

"Damn, and you didn't invite us to the wedding?  Harsh."

"No, not that-!  Ugh, you know what I mean."

"Do we?"  Lily and Flower exchange a look before Lily's smirk widens.  "I dunno, you don't give us the dirt anymore.  Remember when you'd come in here all the time, red in the face trying to get apology bouquets for that one boy?  What's his name-"

"Pico," he answers, a bit flustered as the memories rush through his mind before shaking his head, "and he liked them all, by the way!  But this isn't about him-"

"No, it's about your new girl, right?"  Flower cuts in, leaning against the doorway with a bored expression.  "What's her favorite color?  It's not green, is it?"

"It's red, and please can you make it quick?  I dunno when she wants us to meet up, so...!"  He flashes them two thumbs up and is about to bounce, but Lily grabs the collar of his shirt with a chuckle.

"Not so fast, dumbass."  She pulls him back to the counter as he whines pathetically.  "You really think a fifty is enough for an anniversary bouquet?"

Oh no.  He starts to sweat, feeling his wallet tremble in fear.  They're doing it again.  "What do you mean?"

"What do I mean, Flower?"  Lily turns back to the shorter florist as the other makes a thoughtful hum.

"One hundred, at least."

"Yeah, at least one hundo."  Lily holds her hand out.  "C'mon, cough it up, shorty."

This is beyond unreal, but at the same time, it is completely expected from people who teased him relentlessly since he was a kid.  "If it wasn't for Miku, you guys wouldn't even be here!"

"We're only here because of convenience, please."  Lily snorts as the boy continues to struggle.  "So you aiming for an apology bouquet or an anniversary bouquet?"

"Just cut me a deal, please?  For old time's sake?" He clasps his hands together and bats his eyelashes.  "I'm still that cute little kid who used to pretend to be like Miku!  Who could forget good ol' Mikuo?"

"One hundred."  Flower cuts off the potential reminiscing and steps up to the counter.  "Or it's an apology bouquet."

Grumbling miserably, Boyfriend digs around in his pocket and manages to snag something.  He pulls out his hand and counts out four quarters.  Quietly, he puts it on top of the fifty.

Flower and Lily both look at it silently.

"...Well," Flower begins, slowly taking the money, "I did say one hundred."

Roll with it roll with it roll with it-

"Yeah, and uh, four twenty-fives makes one hundred, right?"

"What, are we speaking French now?"  Lily asks with a sneer.

"No," Boyfriend begins, blinking slowly, "pretty sure we're speaking English." 

"Oh my god."  She slaps her hand over Flower's.  "We are not doing this."

"I gave you one hundred," he argues, sweating miserably as he turns up the confidence.  

"He did give us one hundred," Flower agrees.

"You are not giving this to him.  You know he didn't even plan this!  He's too stupid to pull a slick move like that!"

Boyfriend just smiles and gives them a double thumbs up.

"It's not like anyone else is gonna be coming in to give us another job."  Flower hums and stows the money in the register, much to Lily's chagrin.  "And besides, if I get bored making it, I'll just take a nap."

"Flower-!"  Before Lily can protest even more, Flower disappears into the backroom, no doubt to either work on the bouquet or take that nap.  Lily turns back to Boyfriend and glares, jabbing a finger against his chest.  "Be back here in a few hours.  You're taking whatever the hell she makes for you, stingy little bitch."

"That's all I have on my person!"

"We accept credit and debit."

"I have bills to pay."

"You're such a little-!"  Lily makes a strangling gesture with her hands before grabbing and shaking him.  "You better give this girl a helluva anniversary."

"I'm trying!"  He backs up and shoots the tall florist finger guns before vacating the premises.  Okay, one thing down.  Next: chocolates.  Easy-peasy.  What place sells heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and other cutesy, anniversary items?

Boyfriend makes a beeline for the local grocery store and spends only a total of thirty minutes there, making the proud purchase of a box of chocolates, a little teddy bear holding a heart, and even a balloon that says, "I Love You".  Score!  Damn, he's doing great so far.  And it was such a quick purchase!  Maybe Miku's friends could learn a thing or two about making quick sales instead of harassing him over every little thing.

What's next, what's next...

A place for dinner, right!  Girlfriend loves the local bar.  Great food, a nice atmosphere, open mic nights, a server who's familiar with them...

A server that he crashed into and made her drop all those dishes to the floor... like that other time he did it to her and held up the service for a sizable amount of time...

He gulps.  Hm.  She's probably still mad at him too.  But uh, huh.  He's not sure what to do.  Maybe, maybe...

He takes out his phone and dials a familiar number.  It rings only twice before a gruff, annoyed voice answers on the other side.

"I'm busy, the fuck you want?"

Without missing a beat, he gets on his metaphorical hands and knees.  "Pico, can I ask a favor, please please pretty please?"

"Wow, English.  Must be desperate."   There's a loud crash on his end before Pico's voice yells at a pair of playful, young laughter.  "Hey- hey!  Watch it!"

"Pico, so uh, could you-?"

"Hey- give me that!"   More raucous laughter fills the line as Pico sighs.  "Sorry, Bee, don't think I can help ya today.  I was supposed to just watch these two kids 'til Lila came back, but then I got a call from a pal who needs help at her joint and- Skid, Jesus fucking Christ -"   There's some shuffling and a grunt as a playful squeal rings a little too close to the phone.  Pico continues as though nothing happened on his end.  "-and so basically I'm double booked for the night."

"Oh, okay."  He tries not to let the disappointment seep into his voice, but another sigh from Pico suggests that he heard it regardless.  

"Look, I'm real sorry, wish I could help, but a line's formin' and I can only do so much."   Pico grunts and a soft thump is heard.  Two voices chatter away distantly in the background, but Boyfriend focuses solely on Pico.  "Why?  What happened?"

"Well, today's me and Girlfriend's anniversary, and I wanted to take her out but-"

"Can't figure out a place to take her?  C'mon man, you- Jesus, you two, slow down, I'm comin'- you already know one."

"Yeah, the bar but-"

"What, ya worried about 'bout lines or somethin'?  I know it's busy and shit, but I'm sure Serv will get ya guys' a table easy.  It's just you two, you'll be fine."

"Okay, but-"

"Oh my GOD, what the HELL is THAT?!"  

A faint, childish voice answers Pico's horrified question as Boyfriend listens in.  "That's Moloch!"

"...MOLOCH?"

A roar sounds from Pico's side of the phone call.  The voice - uh, Skid, was it? - laughs excitedly.  "Yeah!  He's our friend!"

"He lives in Skid's attic!"

A demonic voice nearly blows out Boyfriend's eardrums.  "GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

"...Does your MOM know about this?!"

"Sorta!  She thinks he's a rat."

"Hey hey HEY, back OFF-!  Sorry, Bee, I'll call ya later!"  

The last thing he hears is another roar before the line hangs up.  Pico will probably be fine - he's handled worse after all, and even Boyfriend's faced off a demon or two!  Maybe three, if that Lemon Man those two kids were friends with counted as well.  Man, demons are just everywhere, huh?

...Speaking of demons.  There’s one demon he really should be focusing on.  Like getting their dinner date set up at her favorite bar in town.  Even though he’s probably on that bar’s shitlist for knocking over their number one employee again .

But Girlfriend really does love going to that bar, and if it's for her...  Fuck it, he'll suck it up and take whatever Server-chan's got against him.  He'll just challenge her to a quick rap battle, win, and THEN they can have a nice dinner!  Yeah, that's what he'll do.  Lily's words replay in his mind as he walks off to his apartment to change into something nicer.

"You better give this girl a helluva anniversary."

Fuck yeah he will.

"Damn, after all these years, you still can't tie a tie."  Lily frets over his outfit as she helps him tidy up a bit.  A colorful ribbon now decorates the box of chocolates, tying it together with the teddy bear with the balloon also tied around its wrist.  He grabs the tied together present after she rolls his sleeves up to his elbow.

"Bouquet?" he asks hopefully as Lily dusts off his shoulders for the hundredth time.  

She huffs and shakes her head, blowing a stray hair out of her face.  "You're lucky Flower didn't take a nap halfway through.  It's her best work so far!  All for the low, low cost of $51, tax not included."

"There's tax?!"  He almost falls over, but Lily grabs him by the collar of his dress shirt.

"Chill out, we'll charge it to Miku's account."

"Oh, thanks."  He swats away her hands when she tries to tuck in the other half of his shirt.  "Fuck off, it's part of my style!"

"What, being sloppy?"

"The ladies love it."

"Your lady deserves better."

"But I'm the best there is!"

"Oh, God," Lily groans as her expression falls into despair.  "Egotism really does run in the family."

"Enough about the family ego," Flower pipes up, her hands full with a large, beautiful bouquet.  "These flowers need to be appreciated."

"Holy shit."  Boyfriend takes the entire bouquet, admiring the reds, pinks, and whites.  There's a smattering of small, lavender flowers here and there, making the other colors pop.  "Roses!" he points out, the only flower he recognizes.

"Yup, and there's also lilies, alstroemeria, and-"

"Don't waste your breath," Lily cuts in, covering Flower's mouth before she can list them all out.  "He won't remember any of the names."

A disappointed sigh escapes Flower, so he gives her the biggest grin he can muster.  "Yo, I still think it's hella bomb to look at.  I really think she'll love it!"

Flower perks up a bit, a small smile forming on her usually stoic face.  "...Cool."

"Alright, get outta here."  Lily shoves him back to the door with a grin.  "You got a hot date, yeah?  Go give her the night of her life!"

"Yeah!"  He waves to the pair before leaving.  "Gonna have a great night at the bar!"

Lily's smile falters as Flower's smile immediately disappears.  "...The what?"

"See ya!"

"Wait, Boyfriend!  You're taking her out to the fucking BAR?!"  

He doesn't have the time to turn back and answer Lily, so he goes along his merry way, bouquet clutched tightly against his chest with the bear.  Hopefully the incident from earlier today has been swept away.  He really doesn't want to have a rap battle with Server-chan, but if he has to...

"Boyfriend!"  A sweet, melodic voice pulls him from his thoughts as he looks over to see his beautiful, wonderful Girlfriend.  Her iconic look now sports a sleek, black jacket reminiscent of her mother's own jacket.  It looks stunning on her, and a soft, longing "beep" escapes him as she giggles and kisses his cheek.  "Hey, hun.  Happy anniversary!"

"Happy anniversary!"  He holds out his gifts for her to take, and he delights in her unabashed joy as she takes them.

"Oh!  This teddy bear is so cute, and these flowers are lovely!"  Another giggle escapes her as she points at the bouquet.  "Roses!"

"That's what I said!"  They both share a laugh before her smile settles into something soft and relaxed.

"Now I wish I got you something too..."  Girlfriend pouts a bit, but he kisses it away with a grin.

"Hey, don't sweat it!  Lemme spoil you for the night instead."  He offers her his arm, and she happily loops hers with his.  They walk into the bar together and are met with a familiar face standing behind a podium.  Despite being the hostess, Cassette Girl keeps her iconic cap on as she notices them and greets them with a lazy smile.

"Wooow," she drawls out, giving Boyfriend a knowing grin.  "Back again so soon?  And after that huge fuss you made."

"Fuss?"  Girlfriend gives Boyfriend a curious look.  

"Uhh, beep bah."

"Didn't tell her about your mishap, huh?"  Cassette Girl raises an eyebrow and shakes her head.  "Well, if you wanted to know, Serv got it figured out.  Called in a favor last minute, and luckily he was nice enough to help out."  

"Sorry about that," he says sheepishly, and Cassette Girl merely shrugs.

"It's whatever.  Not the first time you messed her up real good.  And besides, you're not even the first person to make her crash and burn for a hot minute."  

"Is this still about the fuss you guys are talking about?"  Girlfriend looks between the two as Cassette Girl chuckles.

"Yeah, but don't worry about it.  Lemme take ya to your seats.  Bar or nah?"  

"Nah, it's our anniversary date today!"

"And you guys are spending it here?”  She pauses for a second in thought before shaking her head.  “Alright."  Cassette Girl takes it in stride and seats them near the miniature stage.

"Oh, is it open mic night tonight?"  Girlfriend sits down, already excited for the night as Cassette Girl chuckles and hands them the menus.

"Nah, originally we had a band booked tonight, but their back-up vocalist got injured, so they called it off last minute.  It's gonna be a quiet night instead."

"Aww."  The pout on Girlfriend's face lasts only a second before her smile returns.  "Oh well!  Sometimes quiet is nice too."

"Right you are.  Anyway, your waiter will be with you guys in just a sec, so take your time.  We're not too busy tonight, so feel free to cause more havoc."  She flashes a grin before walking back to her station.  

Girlfriend waves goodbye and turns back to Boyfriend with a smile.  "Cassey is so nice!  I wish we could talk to her more."  

"Maybe we'll catch her on the street one of these days."  He cracks open the menu, perusing the contents before deciding on getting his usual.

"Maybe!  Should I try something new tonight?"

"Wouldn't hurt."

"But I don't know what to get..."

"Maybe we can ask the waiter?"  He looks around for their supposed waiter, but all he sees is an unimpressed Pico standing at their table.  "Oh!  Pico!  You're dressed like a waiter!"

True to his observations, Pico is dressed similarly to Server-chan; a black long sleeved shirt replaces his usual green sweater, and a pair of black slacks replaces his usual beige cargo pants.  The only splash of color on his outfit is the bright orange apron that all servers seem to wear as per uniform, and it absolutely clashes with Pico's own bright, red hair.  

"That's because I am the waiter, dumbass."  The bite from his remark is lost from the tired slump of his shoulders, and the ginger begins to resemble Server-chan with each passing second.  "At least for tonight.  She called me in for a favor, and I agreed to help."

The conversation from earlier today pings in Boyfriend's memory.  "Is this what you meant when you said you were double booked?"

"Yeah.  Told me some blue-haired douchebag steamrolled her on his way out, and she ended up breaking a whole buncha dishes.  She went out to go replace the whole set, so I'm coverin' for the rest of her shift while she takes care of it.  Now that I think about it," Pico fixes him with a stern, knowing glare as Boyfriend shrinks under his sharp eyes, "I kinda already know about a certain blue-haired douchebag."

"I'll pay her back, I promise."  

"You fuckin' better."  Pico looks over to Girlfriend and offers her a tired grin when she waves cheerfully.  "Hey, Red, he treatin' ya well tonight?"

"Yup!  He got me chocolates, a bear, a balloon, AND a bouquet!"

"Really spoilin' ya there."

"Only the best for Gigi, right?"  He nudges Pico playfully, the earlier irritation already melting away from his expression as he rolls his eyes and ruffles Boyfriend's hair.

"Yeah yeah.  Ya guys ready to order?"

Pico takes their orders and departs quickly, the couple watching him disappear somewhere in the bar as their collective thoughts gather on one thing only.

"Mm, Pico should wear uniforms more often, huh?"

"It definitely looks flattering on him."  They both hum before taking sips from the water Pico had set down earlier while taking their orders.  With no ginger to distract them, Girlfriend's attention centers back on Boyfriend as she smiles.  "Thanks for taking me out here for dinner!  I know it's not easy for us to go out on dates since my parents still hover, so I'm really happy that we went out like you planned!"

"Oh yeah, totally."  His easy grin hides the absolute panic he had for the entire half of his day when he realized he had nothing planned.  "I wish I could treat you out for something better, but nothing else is really happening around this time of year-"

"Except for Spooky Month!"  Two voices pipe up out of nowhere as the costumed duo surprise the couple.  

"Oh, goodness, hello!"  She laughs as Skid and, uh, Pump?  Stand by their table looking curious.  "How have you two been?"

"Okay!  Mr. Pico has been babysitting us since Mom's been busy with her work stuff."  Skid bounces on his heels as Pump looks up more calmly.  "We wanted to introduce him to Moloch, but..."

"He didn't like him too much.  He said Moloch is more scary than spooky."  Pump sticks his tongue out and laughs.  "Silly Mr. Pico!  He does not understand that Moloch is our friend!"

"Moloch?"  Girlfriend hums as bobs her head in thought.  "That name sounds familiar.  There was a demon that went missing months ago by that name..."  

"Oh, weird!"

"Moloch came to us months ago too!  But now he stays in Skid's attic."

"It's like a sleepover every day!"

"That sounds like fun!"  She giggles as the kids bounce around her.

Boyfriend watches with a smile before remembering that “double booked” thing that Pico mentioned earlier.  Were these the kids he was watching when Boyfriend called…?  "So why are you guys here?  If Pico is supposed to be babysitting you guys, but is working here instead..."  Boyfriend wonders how Pico manages to balance so many jobs at once.  He himself can barely handle the one!  

"Mr. Pico said that he didn't trust Moloch and wanted us to stay somewhere safer."

"Which is weird, because Moloch is our friend!  But it made him happier, so we came here with him."

"It's boring here, so Pump and I have been teaching lots of people how to spooky dance!"

"Oh?"  Girlfriend indulges them and smiles as they crowd closer to her.  "Can you show me too?"

"You don't know the spooky dance?"

"We should show her!"

"It goes like this!"  The pair of children do a little dance for her, and a happy laugh escapes her as she watches.  Boyfriend leans back and enjoys her happiness as the kids continue to chat with her.

"That looks like fun!"

"You can do it too!"  Skid tugs on her hands, and it's enough to get her to stand up.  "Just hold out your hands like this-"

"-and then you move like this!"  The two of them demonstrate one more time before looking at Girlfriend expectantly.  It takes her a few times, but the kids are surprisingly patient and more than happy to show her as many times as she requests until she gets it right.  The sight of her having so much fun melts his heart, and he sighs as he watches her enjoy herself.  

"Damn, look at you, meltin' into the table."  

Boyfriend nearly slams his face against the table, making Pico guffaw as he puts their meals on the table.  "Dude!"

"What?  Just spittin' facts.  Hey!"  Pico's hands come to rest on his hips as he glares at the kids.  Both Girlfriend and Boyfriend exchange a look, hiding their amused grins behind their hands as Pico takes on his caretaking role.  "Skid, Pump, what did I say 'bout botherin' the customers?"

"Uhh..."  The two kids freeze in place, looking at each other before looking at Pico.  "Don't?"

"And what are you two doin'?"

"Bothering your friends!"  Pump grins as Skid nods in agreement.  "They are not customers, right?"

A puff of a laugh escapes Girlfriend as Boyfriend nudges Pico.  "Yeah dude, we're your friends, not customers.  We should get a de-"

A glare is enough to silence Boyfriend, but Girlfriend's composure quickly falls apart as a fit of giggles escapes her.  Pico ignores her as he focuses his attention on his two charges.  "They're still customers."

"But it's boring here!"

"Yeah, it's too quiet.  You said there'd be music!"

"But there's no music, except for the soft elevator music."

"But that's boring too."

Both boys pout as Pico sighs and massages his temples.  "Look, I didn't know the band would cancel today.  After I'm done here, we can do something fun , okay?"

"Like getting candy?"

"Yeah, like gettin' candy."  The two kids cheer and run off somewhere before Pico can stop them.  "Hey-!"

"Damn, Pico, I didn't think you'd be good with kids."  Boyfriend snickers as he eats a fry, watching as Pico sighs for the umpteenth time.

"You call that bein' good with kids?"

"It's better than I'd ever expect outta you."

"Rude little bitch."  Pico snatches a few fries and chomps on them, ignoring Boyfriend's protests.  

"When do you get off, Pico?"  Girlfriend spins her fork around in her pasta before feeding the first bite to Boyfriend, keeping her eyes on Pico as the ginger hums thoughtfully.

"Technically nine, but I gotta watch the kids 'til ten.  That's when Lila comes back from her shit."

"Do you wanna come over for movie night?"  She looks over to Boyfriend who nods in agreement.  Pico laughs and shakes his head.

"Ain't this supposed to be ya guys' anniversary date?  Why the hell am I bein' invited?"

"'Cause it's more fun when you join us!"  Boyfriend pipes up, making his eyes go wide with hope, knowing how much of a sucker Pico is for his puppy dog eyes.  Like he predicts, Pico grumbles and looks away, a slight blush to his cheeks as he tries to regain his composure.

"Touchin', but nah.  It's y'all's day.  It's not my place to interrupt."  

"You wouldn't be-!"  A ringtone goes off in the middle of her sentence.  Girlfriend pauses, taking her phone out as her smile vanishes.  "Oh, just a minute."  She leaves the table quickly as she answers her phone with a faint, "Hi, Daddy..."

"Hm."  They watch her go outside before Pico turns back to Boyfriend.  "I hope you have somethin' really good planned for tonight."

"Well, I don't have anything planned, per se-"

"Oh for fuck's sake-"

"But!  Movie night is gonna be a thing!  Or, was."  Boyfriend frowns, not liking how it was her dad who called her.  Knowing him, he could be asking her to come home earlier than planned, ruining their romantic movie night.  "I was gonna play it by ear, y'know, in case something like that happens."

"Fair."  Pico crosses his arms and fixes Boyfriend with a stare.  "So how are you gonna save this night then?"

"Dunno yet."  Boyfriend bites his lip and scratches at the table.  "Like I said, I don't have much planned, so like..."  His eyes wander over to the stage.  A keyboard is the only instrument present on the stage alongside the stereos.  He blinks slowly at the sight of it, a hum low in his throat.  

"What?  Ya suddenly got an idea?"  Pico follows his gaze and whistles low.  "Gonna sing a love song?"

"What?  No."  A pause.  "Maybe.  I dunno."

"You dunno?"

"I don't really have a song lined up."  But it would be perfect.  She loves it when he sings.  Or raps.  Or does anything really.  And she did seem a little disappointed when she found out that there wasn't going to be a show tonight...

"You're a rapper," Pico supplies easily.  "Just freestyle."

"But I don't have any beats."  Which is true, unless he gets some help.  His eyes wander up to meet Pico's gaze.  "...Can I ask a favor?"

"Shoot."

"You still beatbox?"

And Pico smirks.  "Only if ya got a plan."  

Boyfriend looks around the bar, his eyes landing on the Spooky Boys and Cassette Girl.  Music flows behind his eyes as he maps out the beats and flows on the spot.  Fingers tap out the rhythm he wants to follow, and Pico taps his foot in tandem.  "I think," he says, watching as Girlfriend comes back into the bar with a gloomy look on her face, "I've got a plan."

Pico leans forward, and Boyfriend quickly whispers it to him before shooing the ginger away.  When Girlfriend takes her seat, Boyfriend takes it upon himself to buy some time for Pico as he keeps Girlfriend's attention on him.

"Something up?"

"Oh, it's just Daddy."  Her frown deepens, and Boyfriend can feel his heart drop from the sight.  She shouldn't be unhappy on their anniversary - of course her dad would ruin things for her.  "He wants me to come home early, says he doesn't want me to stay over too late since he doesn't trust you to keep your hands to yourself."

"Tch.  Your old man needs to lay off."  From the corner of his eye, he sees Cassette Girl wander to some backroom, only to reappear with a few more coworkers as one of them takes over her position by the podium.  Pico follows her next, helping her set up a couple of mics as she tests out the keyboard.  The noises catch the attention of the patrons, including Girlfriend as she turns in interest at the ruckus.

"What's going on?  Oh, is there a show happening after all?"  A small smile forms on her lips as she watches the prep.  "I wonder who they managed to get!"

"Yeah, I wonder."  Boyfriend lets her watch them for a second longer before taking her attention again.  "So how long can you stay out?"

"Mmm, at most, maybe an hour?  Daddy's imps will come and pick me up, regardless of where I am."  She puffs her cheeks out, which would normally be cute if she wasn't so distressed.  "Mommy was okay with me spending the night!  But Daddy won't even let me stay before midnight, so that ruins movie night..."

"Hey, don't worry about it.  We can always have movie night whenever."  He reaches over and takes her hand, giving it a firm, comforting squeeze.  

"But today was supposed to be our day."  She frowns again, holding onto his hand as she sighs softly.  "We were supposed to have a nice night doing whatever we wanted.  And now that's going to be ruined because my dad is being... himself again."

Random beats start playing.  It takes them both by surprise as they turn around to see Pico messing with... some kind of pad?  Is that a launchpad?  Cassette Girl shakes her head and points to some buttons before Pico nods and- ah.  So he didn't steal it from someone.  Clearly, it was Cassette Girl's own device.  

"What are they doing?"  Girlfriend watches with more interest as the two kids clamber onto the stage, Pico talking to them softly as they nod along to whatever he's saying excitedly.  He wags his finger like a metronome, and the boys both follow its movement before nodding furiously as he grins and pats the tops of their heads.  As Pico looks up from the boys, he meets Boyfriend's gaze and gives a small nod before standing up.

"They're getting a show ready for you."  Boyfriend grins when Girlfriend looks over to him bewildered.

"What do you mean, for me?"

"Heeeellloooo, everyone!"  Cassette Girl speaks into the microphone with her familiar drawl, getting the patrons to quiet down as they watch with rapt attention.  "Now, as you know, our booked gig for tonight ended up cancelling, but at the very last minute, we managed to snag another performer instead!  You may be familiar with his bright blue hair and obnoxious voice," a rumble of laughter rolls through the crowd, but he takes it all in stride as he waits for the intro to end, "but he's gotten pretty famous throughout these parts for his amazing freestyle rap!  Dedicated to his lovely Girlfriend of one year, we have Mr. Boyfriend, here to perform for one night only!"

"Boyfriend?!"  Girlfriend's eyes widen in excitement as he stands from his seat, grinning confidently as he winks to her.  It's not often he gets to perform for the sake of performing, so he wants to make this the best performance she's ever seen.

"You better give this girl a helluva anniversary."

As if he wasn't.

He takes the offered microphone from Cassette Girl as she takes her place behind the keyboard.  

"Heya, folks!"  He waves out to the crowd as the people who recognize him from his many rap battles cheer him on.  Girlfriend cheers from the crowd, for once enjoying the show as just a normal person, instead of being in the thick of it.  "Like Cassey said, this show is dedicated to my Girlfriend.  I started this whole career for her, and if it weren't for her, I never would have found this flow in my life.  I love her more than any song can convey, so I hope a show's worth of songs can get the message along.  Now are you ready to get funkin' lit?!"  

The crowd erupts into cheers as Girlfriend stands and cheers the loudest, her smile wide and bright as she pumps her fist in the air.  They wait for the crowd to calm down before Pico starts his beatboxing.  The beat begins slow, the notes sounding familiar as recognition settles on Girlfriend's features.

"Yo," he begins, holding the microphone close to his lips as he gets into the beat, "it's the remix."   Pico's beatboxing continues before Cassette Girl joins in with her keyboard.  The beat plays from the launchpad as the beatboxing ends, and that's his cue to start rapping.

"Don't look complacent, wearin' those rags, you ain't adjacent.  Lookie, I'm fly, and you look basic.  Look in her eyes, and I feel like takin' it for the win."   He meets Girlfriend's gaze with a grin as he waves his hand back and forth, pumping the crowd up as he continues to rap.

"Her dad be evil, no twin.  Skin purp' like the Sprite, sippin'.  He open his yap and you wouldn't believe it's the sound of an angel when he spittin'."   At Pico's cue, Skid and Pump join in with a chant of, "Go man go!  Go man go!"   They keep it up as Boyfriend continues to rap, the energy high and exciting as he performs for fun.

"Even though he look like a demon, hold my blue nuts as I battle for the takin'.  Of this girl, I just wanna hold her hand.  Look in our DM's and it's like candy land."   Boyfriend kneels on the stage and gestures for Girlfriend to come closer.  Without missing a beat, Girlfriend makes her way over, her head bobbing in time to the rhythm as she smiles blissfully.

"Yo, I really can't bust when her evil ass dad tryna make my ass be grass.  So I got one shot, learned to spit real hot, and it might just go like this."   As he takes her hand, he pulls her onto the stage and the Spooky Boys go quiet for his next lines.

"I don't mean no disrespect, but there's something about her I can't let go.  Baby, you know that I love you, even though my balls are blue."   The joke gets a giggle from Girlfriend, and it takes all his willpower not to stop rapping just to kiss her right there.

"I want to spend my life with her, even if her dad is evil or some shit.  Now spit it like this: we gettin' freaky on a Friday night, chyeah!"  The crowd goes wild as he scoops Girlfriend up in one arm, cradling her against his body as he continues to rap.  Her arms wrap around his neck as she leans against him, warm and happy in his embrace.

As she should be.  

The Spooky Boys return with the chant, pumping the crowd up some more as they cheer loudly with the rap.

"I just want to hold her tight, chyeah!  Her hair, her eyes, her thighs, yeah.  If I die, it'll all be worth it.  Just to get a chance to show she's worth it!"  He sways with the beat, watching as the crowd gets into the performance.  Besides him, Cassette Girl is grinning, nodding her head to the beat as she plays the mellow tunes on her keyboard.  Pico meanwhile focuses his attention alternating between beatboxing and playing the right beats on the launchpad, all while paying attention to the song and directing when the boys start and end their chant.  Despite the amount of tasks on his shoulders, he holds himself high and proud, enjoying himself with a smile as he moves with the beat.  Even the kids are enjoying themselves, bouncing on the spot and watching Pico intently for his cues.  A part of Boyfriend wonders if they're even paying attention to the lyrics or if they're too engrossed in the beats and sounds coming from the keyboard and launchpad to even care.

Not that it matters.

All that matters is that they're all having fun .  He looks out into the crowd and sees smile upon smile as they're all enjoying themselves to the music.  This.  This is what performing is all about.  The energy, the enjoyment, everyone losing themselves to the music and forgetting their woes and worries for even just a minute-

That's what makes it all so worth it.

He raps the chorus one last time before letting the beat peter out, Pico ending the song with his beatboxing increasing in tempo before ending it abruptly.  The crowd continues their cheers as Boyfriend yells into his microphone.

"You guys ready for more?!"

There's no doubt in his mind that he will absolutely be banned from the bar after this show, just with how rowdy the crowd is getting.  But it's all worth it in the end as he nods to his friends to play whatever beat that comes to mind.  He'll come up with the lyrics on the fly, all of them dedicated to Girlfriend as he sets her down and holds her tight to his side as they sway together.

He doesn't know how long they go for.  All the hype and excitement pushes him to continue, and when he looks over to see if Pico or Cassette Girl or even the boys look just a little tired, he's surprised to see them too excited to even consider taking a break.  The night is filled with raps filled with jokes and love as the clock finally strikes ten.  

Time to end the show.

"Alriiiight, everyone!"  Cassette Girl takes the microphone back from Boyfriend, panting slightly as she gestures to the crowd that grew during the performance.  "Unfortunately, that's it for this show!  Thanks for watching, hope you enjoyed your meals, and please, come back again when we host another gig or open mic!"  The crowd applauds as they all bow.  Cassette Girl pats his shoulder with a grin and turns back to help Pico clean up.  Girlfriend clings to his side, giggling and burying her face against his neck.

"Ohhh, that was so much fun!"  Her giddiness makes him laugh as he hugs her tight, covering her face in kisses as he breathes for the first time since the performance began.

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Are you kidding?!"  She laughs and picks him up, twirling them together in a circle before cuddling him midair.  "That was the most fun I've had in ages!"

"I'm glad," he admits, relief washing over him that their night was a success after all.  "Sucks we didn't finish our dinners though."

"I can get boxes for them."  Pico shows up next to them, both kids curled up in his arms as they cling to him.  "Or, uh, I can get Cass to get 'em for ya."

"Aww, are they tired?"  Girlfriend sets Boyfriend down to take a look at the kids.  "They did a really good job tonight!"  Skid lifts his head up, a tired but bright smile on his face as he giggles.

"That was fun!  I wanna do it again, Mr. Pico!"

"I'll think about it.  Remember what we promised before the show?"

"No repeating the bad words around mom," both boys respond, although Pump's words are muffled against Pico's shirt.  He chuckles and nods towards the couple.  

"I gotta get these kids home.  You guys get some rest too."

"We will."  Boyfriend stretches, feeling worn out from the show.  

"See ya."

"Bye, Pico!"  Girlfriend waves as Pico walks off, the two kids waving from Pico's arms.  "He really is good with kids, even if he won't admit it."

"He's always been protective of them."  They both hum, the thought sobering them a bit as they watch the ginger disappear in the crowd.  "We should visit him later and make sure he's okay too."

"Sounds like a plan."  Girlfriend smiles and takes his hand, swinging their arms between them.  A waitress comes by quickly, helping them pack their barely eaten dinners and shooing them out of the bar.  As they leave, Boyfriend passes by Server-chan, her expression still looking exhausted as their eyes meet.  But despite this, she smiles when she sees him, and he hopes she had fun too during his show.

He and Girlfriend walk for about five minutes before a limo pulls up beside them.  She sighs and turns to hug him tight, her face buried in his shoulder before she kisses him softly.

"Thanks for the lovely night," she whispers, soft and tender as the warmth from her cheek seeps through his shirt.  "It really was the best night of my life."

"I'm glad then," he whispers back, pressing a kiss to her temple.  "'Cause I'm gonna make sure I make every night the best night of your life from now on."

She giggles, pulling herself away reluctantly before climbing into the limo.  He watches as it drives away into the night, leaving him alone.

The night air is cold and brisk, but he finds himself warm regardless.  A smile wide and bright on his face as he stuffs his hands into his pockets, a tune coming out in the form of a whistle as he walks home.

What a night to remember.

[vixenpen]

Neighbors (Bakugo x Miku x Hawks)

Pt. 13 Inhale/Exhale

The weight of a hand on her knee brought Miku back to reality.

“You alright, kid?“ Hawks asked, softly.

She nodded, gazing unseeingly at the passing buildings as the car shuttled them to her apartment.

“Just thinking.”

“About?”

“About how I let my love for Katsuki shape the last four years of my life. I mean, I built my entire career singing about being an independent woman and a free spirit, yet I spent the last four years behind the scenes being Katsuki’s kept woman. My apartment, my car, hell even my management was filtered through him. Shit, no fucking wonder he constantly tried it with me, I made him feel like the fucking king of my world.”

“That doesn’t make anything he did to you right.” Hawks insisted. Miku shrugged, blinking away the sting in her eyes. “Miku, look at me,” he commanded, nudging her leg. With a sigh, she turned her misty eyes to his own. “If you’re not up to this—“

“No,” she shook her head, “I have to do this sooner rather than later.” She eyed him thoughtfully, quiet for a while. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Angel, I’m not letting you walk into a lion’s den with no support,” a smile settled on his face. “I want to be here.”

Miku let out a sad little chuckle. “I feel like I’m constantly keeping you from doing your real job lately.”

“I’ve been doing my job for over fifteen years, Angel,” Hawks scoffed. “I can afford to take one month to myself.”

“Well,” Miku slumped against his shoulder with a sigh, “you’re definitely my hero right now.”

The blonde smiled, wrapping her up in his wing. “That’s good enough for me.”

The driver pulled them around the back entrance. They rushed through the back door and took the elevator to Miku’s floor.

“I don’t need much,” she told Hawks as she let them into her apartment. “Just a few...”

The couple paused as a familiar pair of crimson eyes landed on them.

When he turned his gaze to Hawks, he scowled, hands crackling with sparks.

“Get out,” Bakugo growled, glare fixed on the man, “now.”

“After you, asshole.” Hawks shot back. His wings flared, and his amber eyes glared right back.

“My name is on the lease, you son of a bitch!” Bakugo took another step forward. Hawks matched him. “The only person that shouldn’t be here is you!”

“Unlike you, Miku actually wants me here bitch-“

“GUYS, please!” Miku intervened, stepping between the two men. She held out her hands.

The men backed down, still glaring at each other over the woman’s head.

“Katsuki, I don’t want any trouble with you,” Miku sighed, “I just want to get of my things and go.”

“Dove, we need to talk.” He said, voice softening.

His tone and the familiar nickname made Miku’s lip tremble. She felt Hawks behind her, giving her shoulders a reassuring squeeze.

“You really think she wants to talk to you after the shit you pulled?” Hawks leveled at Bakugo, in a hard voice. “I’ll leave your apartment, but only if you let her get her stuff in peace.”

“Look, asswipe,” Bakugo shot back, looking ready to spit fire, “this is between me and Miku,”

“Yes it is,” Hawks fired back, “and when she’s ready, she’ll let you know. Until then, she told you she wasn’t looking for trouble-“

“Keigo,” Miku cut in again, this time grabbing the man’s hands and turning to face him. Her eyes gaze found his. “It’s ok.” She whispered.

His bushy brows lifted in surprise and he frowned down at her.

“But-“ His eyes flicked between Miku’s uneasy, but determined expression and Bakugo’s glowering stare.

He found Miku’s eyes again.

“Alright,” he nodded, “I’ll be right outside.”

With one last warning glare to her ex, the man left the apartment, and the ex lovers were faced with one another for the first time in nearly a week.

Miku’s wings hugged in on her, it took a lot to hold her ex boyfriend’s gaze. She kept envisioning him wrapped in Kirishima’s arms. On the bed they’d shared just one night before.

After a pregnant silence, Bakugo finally spoke up.

“Are you fucking him?”

“Really,” Miku scoffed. “That’s the first thing you have to say to me? So what if I fuckin’ am? At least you didn’t catch me in bed with him.”

The blonde sighed, and his entire being went slack. He ran his hands through his spiked pale blonde hair.

“Ok, fine. You’re fucking right, ok?”

Miku quirked a brow, folding her arms.

“Miku, you have every right to be mad at me after what I did to you, but I just need you to understand that it wasn’t because of you. It wasn’t anything you did.”

Miku remained silent.

“The thing is, regardless of what you might think, I still love you.”

Her heart stalled.

“But I love Kirishima too. I fell for Eijirou—hell, when we were just kids and that feeling never went away. No matter how far he went away from me.”

He took a step forward, and Miku stepped back on shaky legs. Bakugo must have realized her unease because he paused mid-step, and let his arms fall limp to his sides.

“I didn’t sleep with him because I didn’t love you. I love you both I just-I should have...I wanted to explain it sooner, but-“

“Are you stumbling over your words because you realize how stupid they sound?” Miku cut him off, impatiently.

Bakugo looked half way offended. “It might sound stupid, but it’s true! I loved you both I wanted you two equally-“

“Ohhh,” Miku’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her. “Oh,” she breathed quietly. “You wanted us both equally...that’s what it was coming down to wasn’t it? Yet another threesome? Or maybe a poly relationship?”

Her exes mouth snapped shut, brows knitting together.

Suddenly, the pounding of Miku’s heart slowed. The pieces settled into place.

She scoffed, shaking her head. “Why am I never enough for you?” Miku chuckled almost in disbelief. She wasn’t sure if it was towards him or herself. “I was never going to be enough for you was I?”

“Miku, it’s not about that—“

“Oh, I know!” She interjected, her voice rising to a harsh pitch, “it’s about you and how nothing is ever good enough for the great Bakugo Katsuki. Not your rank on the billboard charts, not your agency, not your relationship. Unless everything and everyone lines up exactly the way you want them to, you aren’t satisfied.”

“Miku, that’s not fair. I—“

“Fair?!” She barked out a disbelieving laugh. “You wanna talk about fair?! Let’s talk about me walking in on you fucking another person in the bed we shared JUST ONE NIGHT BEFORE! Let’s talk about how FAIR that was! Or how about the first and only time I let you talk me into a threesome?! Huh!”

He stepped back, Miku hardly realize that she had begun advancing towards him until he started moving away from her. Her feathers stood on end with her frayed nerves, whipping up the air around them.

“Let’s talk about how you agreed that there would be no sex unless all parties were engaged together. Then when I come back from the bathroom you’re deep dicking our third party like the key to becoming the number one hero is in that bitch’s abdomen! So if you wanna talk about what’s not fair? You got the right mother fuckin’ one!”

Her hands shook with unbridled anger, her body needed to move. She needed to vent with every part of herself.

“I was never going to be enough for you because nothing is ever going to be enough for you!” She seethed, stormy eyes looking him up and down, and she felt like she was finally seeing Bakugo Katsuki for the first time. “Not your rank, not your agency, not your relationships, and if I hadn’t caught Kirishima fucking you, I would almost say a prayer for him. Because he’s not going to be enough for you either, but since the two of you are cut from the same lying, scheming, manipulative ass cloth; you and him both can book a honey moon suite in hell; because you mother fuckas belong together.”

With that final verbal assault, Miku spun on her heel and stormed into the hallway.

A wide eyed Hawks waited on the other side along with several bystanders and neighbors who had come out of their rooms to observe the show.

“Um,” The avian spoke up hesitantly, “you good, Angel?”

“Fuckin’ peachy. Let’s go.”

Miku marched passed the gawking eyes of her old neighbors, Hawks hot on her tail.

The cool air hitting her face as she shoved her way out the door felt refreshing. The driver waiting at the car they’d left at the curb, held the door open for them.

Once she was settled against the leather seats, Miku unleashed a breath along with all of the tension she’d built verbally tearing into her ex.

Hawks gazed at her.

“Damn, Angel,” he chuckled, “after that, I think you’re my hero.”

His laughter was cut short by the woman’s lips finding his own.

The man’s eyes blew wide. His body automatically fell into the kiss with her, despite his mind screaming against the idea.

Hawks gripped Miku’s waist, pulling her tighter against his body. Fuck, she felt good...Fuck this was wrong...

“Angel,” Hawks pulled back, reluctantly, “are you sure?”

“Keigo,” Miku huffed, “I haven’t felt this sure about anything in two weeks. I’m horny and I want this, now shut the fuck up and kiss me.”

She didn’t give him a chance to answer before her lips smashed against his again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keigo couldn’t remember whining and whimpering so much in his entire life.

Miku’s pussy felt like it was choking the soul out of his dick. Every part of her body was angry and he loved it. He wanted to take every bit of the smothering, all encompassing, creamy pleasure strangling his cock, and bottle it for later.

“Ahh~ahhh fuck, fuck, fuck,” he sighed, forcing himself to keep his eyes open.

Shit she was a vision. Big breasts bouncing and ivory hair contrasting against her dark, glistening skin. Her white wings flared out—the feathers trembling.

“That’s it, Angel,” he wrapped his long fingers around her hips, one hand gripping her ass. His hips snapped up to dig deeper inside her.

Keigo’s eyes rolled. “Ride this dick, baby, let it out. Fucking ride it.”

Screams and moans and sighs fell from her mouth in the loveliest song he’d ever heard in his life.

Keigo grabbed the woman’s hand and pulled her curvy body against his hard chest, rolling his hips and deepening both of their pleasure.

“Don’t stop,” Miku mumbled, “please don’t stop~” she groaned.

“I won’t, Angel. Trust me.”

Keigo made a mental note to send Bakugo an anonymous “thank you for fucking up so royally” fruit bouquet. Because he was never getting this woman back.

(When I tell y’all I love these two)

[loosesodamarble]

Flock Together

A gift for my dear friend @cringeyvanillamilk since it is her birthday today. This piece features her Demon Slayer OCs Suzume and Takayuki.

Happy birthday, Steph! Thanks for being my friend and getting me into two whole fandoms. I hope you have a grand day today! 🥳

(Note this takes place post Muzan's defeat but the only real spoiler you need to know is that they both survive that battle.)

..........

Takayuki fidgeted nervously. It was the first time since asking Tsuru Hayashi to train him that he felt as nervous as he did. As much as Takayuki wanted to collapse to the floor as a human puddle, he had to maintain composure in front of Miku and Shouichi Hayashi.

Again it’s the Hayashi family that makes me flounder, he mused as a lump formed in his throat. He swallowed hard. “So, you’re probably wondering why I asked to meet with you, Shouichi-san, Miku-san.”

Shouichi and Miku looked at each other before smiling at Takayuki. However, there was something strained to their grins.

“Yes, we have been wondering that,” Miku said with a stiff nod. “What is it that you wanted to see us for?”

“Well…” Takayuki took a deep breath. “P-please!” He screwed his eyes shut, hoping that being unable to see the couple would give him confidence. “I would like the honor of marrying Suzume!”

“YES!” Two voices cried out in unison.

Takayuki opened his eyes. Miku had her hands clasped together and head tilted to one side. Shouichi had jumped to his feet and thrown his arms in the air. Both wore a toothy grin on their face.

For a moment, Takayuki was stunned silent and only blinked. The intensely positive reactions brought back memories.

.....

Takayuki watched as Shouichi fed an injured eagle as if it were a mild-mannered deer. Just moments earlier, when Takayuki had attempted to feed the same bird, it had aimed its talons for his face.

“Sorry about Hitorou’s temper,” Shouichi laughed as he patted the eagle’s head. “He’s usually so sweet. But I guess you come off like a rival with that cape of yours.”

“Believe me, sir, me becoming the Bird Pillar is the greatest irony in my life,” Takayuki grumbled while leaning away from Hitorou’s glare. He noticed the empty food pail by the door and reached for it.

“Ha ha! I still can’t believe that’s what my brother has been up to all these years. To think…” Shouichi stared up at nothing in particular and sighed. “And now Suzume’s taken up the sword too.” His gaze then turned to Takayuki. “Young man, would you ever consider taking Suzume as your wife in the future?”

“What?!” Takayuki unintentionally threw the pail in the air and just barely managed to catch it. “A-ah… Shouichi-san, I—” He coughed into his fist. “Our relationship is strictly professional, sir. I don’t believe any of her feelings towards me are r…” He stuttered and felt his face heat up. “Romantic in nature.”

Shouichi chuckled. “Believe me when I say this: Suzume is quite taken with you.”

Takayuki felt light but pained in his chest at the same time. “Ah… I see…”

.....

“We trust you to take care of Suzume!” Miku said, now hugging Takayuki. “You’ve been doing a fine job already!”

Yeah. “Fine.” Takayuki grit his teeth together and fought to keep a smile. Not counting all the times she’s nearly died.

Shouichi patted Takayuki’s shoulder while saying, “I’m sure Suzume will take care of you, too. But I’m sure you could tell that already.”

“You’re not wrong,” responded Takayuki. For all the times I saved her, she returned the favor. I’m blessed to have her in my life.

“Have you thought of a theme for the wedding yet?” asked Shouichi which made Takayuki startle at its suddenness. “We’d be happy to provide a lovely bird choir if you’re interested.”

Oh gods no. The white-haired man shuddered. I don’t want to get assaulted on my wedding day!

“Oh!” Miku leaned back and clapped her hands together. “Shou and I still have our own wedding clothes! We could get them refitted for you and Suzume!”

Do I tell them I could just buy new robes? There was more than enough money from his salary as a Pillar to fund a wedding but Takayuki could see the gesture Miku was trying to make. Or would that offend them?

Takayuki let Miku and Shouichi ramble about wedding plans and ideas, only interjecting once in a while. It was a pleasant thing, seeing where Suzume got her own enthusiasm. It wasn’t a bother to let his future in-laws chatter away either. Though they weren’t similar in looks or mannerisms, the warmth and love that Suzume’s parents emitted reminded Takayuki of his own parents.

Takayuki smiled to himself. To be part of a family again. That desire would be fulfilled after so many years of missing his own. It made his life feel a little more whole, if different from the long lost past.

.....

Suzume let out a laugh as she shuffled forward, eyes covered by a thick, black cloth. Takayuki’s hands were on her shoulders to act as a guide but she still stuck her arms out in a weak attempt to orient herself.

“Where are we even going?” she asked.

“You’ll see when we get there,” whispered Takayuki, intentionally speaking right behind the shell of Suzume’s ear. She shuddered at his warm breath, made worse by its contrast against the winter air. “Just trust me.”

“You’ve never given me any reason to not trust you.”

Takayuki scoffed, “Even when I tried to kill you?”

“You were under a spell at the time so it wasn’t actually on you.”

“Fair point.” Takayuki leaned over Suzume’s shoulder to peck her cheek. “And thank you for helping me out of that.”

Snow quietly gave way under their feet as Takayuki continued to lead Suzume along. Eventually, they reached the location Takayuki had picked out. The man removed Suzume’s blindfold and let her behold the setting.

Laying before them was a massive lake. The surface sparkled from ice crystals floating on top of the water and the moonlight shining down. Snow along the banks glistened. To finish off the sight, there were swans gliding on the water, their white feathers looking like they were aglow as the birds circled one another.

Beautiful. Breath-taking.

Suzume looked up at Takayuki and whispered, “Taka… It’s…”

Takayuki reached up and put a finger to her lips. He took a breath before speaking his mind.

“It’s been about six years since we’ve met Suzume,” he started. “A lot has changed in that time. At first, you were just a bother to me, a burden. I had a comfortable routine and I had enough people to worry about. But then I saw your resolve. I knew people with great determination, I am one myself. But I never acknowledged a person whose spirits were greater than their physical might before you. So thank you for opening my eyes to that.”

Takayuki caressed Suzume’s cheek. She smiled and turned her head to kiss his palm.

“After I took you on as my student, I began to see more of who you were. Superstitious and cautious yet brave. Mild but strong-willed. Cheerful but not delusional. You were so grounded and plain. Not a forgettable plainness but a plainness that is easy to get along with and freeing. Having you in my life made it feel more normal. At times, I felt guilty for taking you away from a simpler, safer life. Yet, even in the darkest times… Even if you were crying, you found a way to go on.”

All of a sudden, Takayuki felt his throat close up. His eyes stung.

“A-ah! Takayuki, you’re—!” Suzume placed her hands on either side of Takayuki’s face and wiped his tears away with her thumbs. “Are you okay? If you’re overwhelmed, you don’t—!”

Shaking his head, Takayuki pulled Suzume’s hands down.

“N-no. I’m fine.” Takayuki held Suzume’s hands in his. In a moment of quiet, he rubbed her calloused palms and kissed her knuckles. “Just let me… finish.”

Takayuki took slow, even breaths.

“You became so strong as time passed. You created a marvelous technique of your own. You fought some of the most powerful creatures on the planet. You broke a spell that should’ve been impossible to undo without killing the one who set it in place. Through every trial, you became more confident and strong but you never stopped being cheerful and a little awkward. Truly, you are a contradiction, both a plain and extraordinary individual.”

Tears were running down Takayuki’s face but he couldn’t care less at that point.

“And here we are now. Suzume Hayashi, although you are a clumsy idiot most of the time—”

“Hey… Taka…”

“You’re my lovable, beautiful, strong, and inspiring idiot.” The biggest, brightest smile came to Takayuki’s face. Suzume exhaled through her nose, a subdued laugh. “I can never imagine living a life without you in it. S-so…” Takayuki pulled back and cleared his throat before pulling a small, flat box from within his robe. He handed the box to Suzume and waited for her to open in.

Inside the box were two pieces of kanzashi that Takayuki had specially commissioned. The first was a dangling style kanzashi with the crest at the end being designed after a sparrow. The second was a kushi inlaid with genuine mother-of-pearl, making the wings of the swan engraved into the wood. It was a matched set. Like them.

“W-would you c-consider being with me for the rest of our days?”

When Suzume raised her head to meet Takayuki’s gaze, there were tears in her eyes. Her lips wobbled into a tender smile as she slowly nodded.

“Yes,” she whispered, nodding more rapidly. “Yes, of course!” Suzume threw her arms around Takayuki, making him stumble back from the force. “I’d be honored to be your wife!”

“Idiot!” Takayuki laughed into Suzume’s shoulder. “It’s my honor to be your husband!”

They held onto each other, embraced each other, for a short eternity. All that mattered in the moment was their warmth and the promise of a future together.

[reyna0w0]

You’re Here Again 12

✏ todoroki shoto © kohei horikoshi

✏ todoroki shoto x fem!reader

✏✏ Chapter 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 + 12 + 13

»»—————————————♡ —————————————««

Pushing the bakery door open, (Y/N) said, “We’re home!” 

“Welcome back!” (Y/N)’s father said.

“Lunch’s almost ready. Get going inside!” 

(Y/N) nodded and went inside, Shoto following her.

“Welcome home, dears!” 

“We’re back, mom,” (Y/N) said.

“Set up the table, please,” (Y/N)’s mother said.

“Okay!” (Y/N) replied as the two fixed up the table for lunch. 

(Y/N)’s father joined them when everything was ready. Enjoying the meal, the family talked about mundane things. Mostly trying to not go into any sensitive topics especially topics which included Shoto. 

After finishing up, Shoto said with a bow, “I want to thank you all for your kindness and hospitality you’ve given me.”

“I’ll be leaving tomorrow. I’m grateful for what you’ve done for me. I’ll definitely repay it.”

“Are you going to the apartment?” (Y/N) asked.

Shoto nodded as (Y/N)’s father said, “No problem at all! You’re welcome to stay longer! We don’t mind and we just hope we were able to help you.”

“You’ve helped me more than enough, (L/N)-san.”

“We’re glad to have you around, dear,” (Y/N)’s mother said.

“Thank you so much,” Shoto said with another bow. 

“Do visit us, okay?” (Y/N)’s mother said. 

Shoto nodded. The (L/N) couple returned to their work at the bakery. (Y/N) and Shoto helped out a bit as well. (Y/N) taught him some basics of playing the guitar in their free time. 

The day passed by peacefully despite that fiasco in the early afternoon. Shoto needed the normal day after everything that had happened. Still unsure of what he would be doing but at least he wouldn’t be overstaying his welcome at (Y/N)’s place.

Following day, Shoto gathered up his things which were nothing useful since he stormed out of his house with his school bag and camera. He changed back into his uniform. Shoto swung his bag on his shoulder and made his way to the bakery. (Y/N) was there with her parents at the bustling bakery. The bustle soon died down and the family saw Shoto out.

“Again, thank you very much for everything,” Shoto said, bowing.

“Reach out to us whenever you need help, alright?” (Y/N)’s father said.

“Take some fresh bread with you!” (Y/N)’s mother said, handing Shoto a bag full of bread. 

“Thank you,” Shoto said again. 

How generous and amiable (Y/N)’s family was. It made him wonder if his family was ever like that once. 

“Take care!” (Y/N) said fondly as she waved the boy goodbye. 

She’d miss him having around. It wasn’t for long but the company was great. Her family was usually busy and she hardly made any friends in school so her weekends were usually spent by herself. (Y/N)’s hobbies took a portion of her time but having someone to talk to, who was the same age as her, was a comfort. The little meets they had at their little bridge, tucked away by the vast trees, were a source of happiness; for both of them. It was what led Shoto to seek her help when he had no one to turn to.  

Shoto made his way to the apartment. Sighing, he inserted the key and pushed the door open. Looking down at his feet was a box. Confused, he crouched down and opened it. Inside it contained his clothes and other necessities. Even his laptop was there and the USB that Enji had taken from his room. Shoto ruffled his hair in annoyance. More of Enji’s ‘charity’. 

He strolled to the kitchen, noticing a basket of fruits there. Staring at the fridge, he opened it. As he thought, it was filled with all the basic ingredients. Shoto scowled, thinking if this is how Enji is trying to make things right then he’s never going to get there with just little favors.

Shoto brought in his things into one of the bedrooms. Turning his laptop on, he stuck the USB into the port. Scanning through the pictures, he realized it was the one with the picture of (Y/N). Enji had definitely seen the pictures, it’d be a problem if Enji was lying about everything to get him back home and he would definitely use (Y/N) against him. He wished Enji really meant what he said though it was really hard to believe.

Settling down at the apartment took a bit so after that he went out for a breath of fresh air. A feeling to see (Y/N) again even though they parted not so long ago. His feet took him there, hoping she’d be there. It was the weekend so she could be there unlike on weekdays when she’d only be there at a specific time. Following the path he always took, he avoided the trees and slipped past them till the bridge came into view. To his amusement, (Y/N) was there. Sitting there, nose stuck into a book. Fully immersed, she hadn’t even noticed his arrival. “What are you reading?” Shoto asked.

Startled, (Y/N) shut her book close. “Oh, it’s you. You scared me.”

“It’s called ‘The Book Thief’. It’s about Nazi Germany during World War II which follows the life of a girl. It’s narrated by death. Isn’t it simply amazing?” (Y/N) replied with an amused expression.

She was definitely enjoying the book. “Sounds pretty interesting.”

“I’ll lend it to you when I finish,” (Y/N) said with a grin.

Shoto gave her a small smile. “What genres of books do you read?” 

“Oh. I tend to gravitate towards mystery novels,” Shoto replied.

“Mhmm, I like mystery novels too. But I read all sorts of genres. It’s lovely to read all sorts of writing by different individuals,” (Y/N) said, gleaming at the thought of novels.

She was certainly a person who had many hobbies. It’s one of which made her interesting and easy to get along with. Though she never tried making new friends ever since Miku. Shoto was different and she didn’t think they would end up like this in the beginning. He was just a boy who found the spot she always frequented and she didn’t chase him away. Getting to know him, she realized he was a person with such depth and profound emotions. 

Slowly, she started to fall for him. The boy who had a cold expression turned out to be able to make such a soft expression albeit the fact that it was a small smile. And he started to fall for her, the girl with a complex past yet so vibrant and strong. She gave him strength and much-needed support.

The two who’s lives were entwined on the winged bridge that day in spring. 

[haikyuuscreaming]

hello!! can you write something fluff with kenma, please? some friends to lovers if possible. loving your blog 💕💕

OH SHIT SORRY FOR TAKING SO LONG SDFSDFJKD this is. 3.5k words roughly and im so sorry idk why my fics always come out longer than 1k words :(((

The first time you meet Kozume Kenma, he’s hiding behind the wall that is Kuroo Tetsurou and you’re both in your first year.

“Oh?” The Nekoma volleyball captain stares you down in the Chem class you share with him. “You’re [Surname]-san, right?”

“Yeah,” You say, never breaking eye contact with him but secretly eyeing the quiet boy behind him. He’s your classmate in a few other of your periods, but not this one. This class is an advanced Chemistry class, placing you conveniently with the second-years and a handful of equally smart first-years. “I need help with the homework and you’re my best bet. Could you help out?”

Kuroo narrows his eyes at you, which you don’t exactly appreciate but you don’t say anything. “You sure you don’t want me to just give answers?”

“I kinda need to understand this to pass the class, so no thanks.”

He hums in approval, like you’ve passed some test, and nods. “Sure thing. I wanted to teach Kenma this anyway.”

Oh, that’s his name… you think to yourself, and you noticed the mentioned Kenma doesn’t look up from his Nintendo Switch, even at the mention of his name. You watch Kuroo turn around to his companion, coercing him, “Kenma, get up, we’re learning Chem.”

“Can’t we do it later?” Kenma’s voice doesn’t hold anything akin to bitterness or complaint- it’s kind of devoid, actually, in a soft and cute way- and you try to tune out the sound of Kuroo scolding him but he’s so loud when he’s right next to you.

“C’mon, we’re about to go home now, we can stay after school a little longer. Plus, we get to teach this lovely lady about nuclei.”

“I’m right here, you know,” you roll your eyes lightly but before you know it, you’re defending Kozume-san. “We can always work it out, um… I dunno, maybe over lunch on Sunday? I mean, it is Friday and this thing’s due Monday and… we can have more fun studying this if we have food.”

Stupid fucking Kuroo only grins. “Oh, so you’re asking me on a date? Kinda bold, if I don’t say so myself, kouhai-chan.”

“Kuro, stop.” Kenma speaks up and his quiet voice somehow speaks volumes. “We can meet with her on Sunday to do it.” And just like that, he retreats to his Switch without another word.

Kuroo turns to you and shrugs indifferently, contrasting his previously provocative and shitfaced attitude. “The man’s laid down the law. How’s boba on Sunday sound?”

The second time you meet Kenma is on that promised study session.

He has inconspicuous earbuds in, his face illuminated by the glowing light of his DS. He has a DS, too? He still looks cute.

And there’s Kuroo of course, but he’s irrelevant to your case unless it has to do with your god forsaken chem homework.

“You want me to go order some drinks next door?” Kuroo quirks an eyebrow. “My treat.”

“Just a brown sugar milk tea, thanks,” You tell him gratefully. Thank god for men and their dead sense of chivalry.

“No boba? You’re crazy.” Kuroo scrunches his nose at you and you wish Kenma would start talking so you could avoid this big, annoying cat. “What about you, Kenma? Your usual?”

“Yeah,” is all Kenma says.

“Alright, see you nerds later,” Kuroo practically sings out, patting both of your heads like an old man, and takes something from Kenma that you don’t quite catch, but it makes Kenma glare at him.

As soon as Kuroo’s out of sight, you find it a little awkward to keep conversation with Kenma especially with his whole gamer complex, but-

Oh.

Kuroo took Kenna's DS.

“Kuroo-san’s pretty bothersome, huh,” you sigh out in an attempt to stir conversation. Lucky for you, Kenma goes along with the conversation without fight, his eyes peering over you like reflective pools of honey.

(They’re really pretty, you think.)

“Yeah,” Kenma slouches down a little bit more in his chair at the mention of his taller friend. “He’s kind of like my second mom… but not really. Always nagging me to do things.”

You laugh at his solemn, depressed answer. “It’s fun to have him around, though, right? He’s kind of funny sometimes-- the rest he’s annoying-- and he’s decently smart even though I’m pretty sure he’s got, what, three braincells.”

To your unprompted delight, Kenma laughs softly at you poking fun of Kuroo, and the conversation between you and him starts piling up into more, and more, and it all feels so short. You don’t even notice Kuroo coming back and hovering over the table.

“Eh? You and Kenma getting along without me? What a shame, you know. I really do get third-wheeled.” Kuroo lets out a wistful sigh akin to an old man and sits down, drinks in hand. “So, who’s ready to study?”

The third time you meet Kozume Kenma, it’s at your mall’s arcade.

You and your friends are playing one of those claw machines, trying to get that really cute Miku figurine and those adorable plushies, wasting all your coins on these sucker games like the dumb teenagers you are. But a glimpse of familiar, two-toned hair catches your eye.

“Hold on,” you tell your friends who’re still busy trying to get that stupidly gorgeous Sakura Miku figure. “I’m gonna be right back.”

You wander your way to the familiar head of hair, and gratefully, your instinct was right. “Kozume-san? What’re you doing here?”

Kenma practically jumps at the sound of your voice, turning around, eyes wide. “Oh. I just got lost from the team. You’re here too?”

“Mhm,” You smile, pointing at your screaming group of friends. “My friends and I are here just to chill out and have fun. You can hang with us if you want!”

He shakes his head, his hair gracefully framing his face. “Nah, I’m fine, thanks.. I’ll just hold out until Kuro sniffs me out or something.”

You furrow your brow- geez, this kid’s gonna get lost so fast-- and you gently clasp the phone he’s holding in his hand. “Can I give you my number? I’ll pick up immediately if you ever call, just give a ring.”

You fail to notice the surprise that flits over Kenma’s face, but he reluctantly hands you his phone and you tap in your number quickly. “See you around, Kozume-san. Don’t get into trouble.”

And Kenma smiles on his own accord, his face lighting up softly like a lamp under moonlight. “You too.”

The fourth time you meet Kozume Kenma, he’s at your house working on an Japanese Lit assignment.

“Oh? Kozume-kun!” You’re pleasantly surprised when your teacher pairs the two of you up. “Nice to talk with you again.”

“Yeah, “ Kenma blinks a little awkwardly and he shyly grins, which you find even more stunning than it already is because he’s usually held up such a calm, unaffected facade. “Uh. So do you want to meet up at… your house for this? So we can do the project.”

“Oh, yeah,” You wave dismissively, beaming at him because this is your chance to get closer with him. “My little brother’s a nuisance, though, so he might bother us. I hope you don’t mind?”

“No problem.. you can text me the address, because… yeah.” You find it cute how Kenma doesn’t want to mention that the two of you have been texting a lot more lately, and the slightest blush tints his cheeks.

“Of course!”

Flash to your house, the two of you are on the floor, slaving over a giant posterboard with paint and art supplies scattered about.

“I hate making movie posters, it’s so tiring…” You groan out, trying to paint Yukio Mishima’s face with the utmost care. “And this book’s so creepy… why would we wanna make a poster of it? He commits seppuku!”

Kenma grins a little bit and he looks really cute, with his hair tied up in the back and his gaze focused on the painting at hand. “You’re so easily grossed out.”

“But he made it so detailed! You're immune ‘cause you play all those gross horror games.”

He laughs quietly, and you think you're going to heaven. “You couldn't even handle Ao Oni, stop.”

You scowl at the mention of Kenma’s dumb horror games. “He’s this weird deformed grape, okay?? It was kinda scary!”

The two of you end up nowhere near finishing your poster, and you collectively decide to put it off for maybe another day. The rest of your day is spent-- c-cuddling? (no hetero, you reassured Kenma, although you were thinking otherwise)-- and playing more horror games, much to your chagrin.

(But it gave you a reason to hug Kenma tighter.)

You can’t even count the amount of times you’ve met up with Kenma now. You’re in your second-year of high school now and your bond with him as only strengthened.

He invited you eventually to walk to school with him, along with Kuroo, and you find out that it was Kuroo’s coaxing to do so. But you’re still delighted that Kenma agreed on, what, the second time Kuroo nagged him about it?

You and Kenma have gotten fairly close. You’ve vented to him, cried to him, he’s shown his emotional side, too. You’ve even gotten a little closer to Nekoma’s god, Kuroo Tetsurou (to which your friends always complain about- “you can’t take all the cute guys for yourself”). But, in your opinion, the most important part is that you’ve been getting closer to Kozume Kenma, who you once thought would always just be the quiet classmate to you. Who would always be your unattainable, close-guarded crush.

"Kenma!” You yell out, rushing over to him with your backpack practically bouncing off of you with each step. “Wait up, would you?! How do you get out of class so quick??”

 "I was waiting for you either way,” Kenma mumbles and hunches his shoulders together. “Do you wanna go to my house? I have new games and Kuroo won't be bothering us.”

“Can’t we get snacks first?” You know you sound a little bit whiny, but you’re hungry as fuck, and Kenma’s smiling either way.

“I guess.. you’re paying, though.”

“That isn’t fair at all!”

Eventually the two of you walk to your nearest 7/11 and get chips and snacks before leaving promptly, with you holding your chocolate milk and Kenma sipping apple juice. The walk to his house is full of conversation, Kenma equally engaged as you are. But as soon as you arrive at his front doorstep, the hollow noise of an empty apple juice box makes its appearance.

“You drink your juice too fast!” You tease Kenma lightly as he frowns, unlocking the door.

“You just drink too slow,” he replies and shoulders the door open. The two of you make your way inside and flop onto the couch, Kenma crouching near the TV to boot up his newest game. “Damn. I’m still thirsty, too.”

“Language, Kenma,” You chide him, throwing a pillow at him as soon as he sits down next to you on the couch. “And-” it takes every ounce of your willpower not to turn bright red. “-do you want some of my chocolate milk?”

The silence that follows is very short (probably only, what, a second or two?), but it feels like hours of painful quiet. Kenma blinks at you and the pink that dusts his ears becomes more and more prominent each second.

“Yeah… sure,” Kenma finally says and you beam so wide that you’re sure not even the sun could battle the brightness of your happiness right now. You hand him your nearly untouched chocolate milk and his fingers brush against yours as he takes it, sipping at it cautiously like he was afraid something would happen.

(Oh my god he’s so cute.. he looks so cute… he’s drinking my chocolate milk!! He’s so-)

“Oi, Kenma! My mom told me to pick up some tomatoes from y-” The door bursts open to reveal Kuroo Tetsurou.

You freeze, since Kuroo just witnessed you passing a chocolate milk box to Kenma and the latter sipping at the straw. Kenma kind of flushes, his mouth still wrapped around the plastic straw with chocolate milk halfway up.

“Eh? Sharing drinks now?” Kuroo tsks and shakes his head, a smirk gracing his stupidly arrogant face. “You know, you two could get mono. Or any other communicable diseases. Kinda risky, you know?”

“Kuroo, stop!” You’re wildly embarrassed to be caught in this not-so-platonic situation (in your opinion, at least), before Kuroo lets out a hearty laugh.

“You know, that’s an indirect kiss!”

“Didn’t I say stop?!”

“Ah, youth. Indirect kisses! You put your mouth on the straw, then he did. Romance at its finest!”

You know, deep inside, Kuroo just likes to rile you up, but you still bite the bait. “Kuroo, shut up, please??”

And Kenma speaks up for the first time during the whole banter. “Kuro, the tomatoes are on the kitchen table. Go.”

The Nekoma captain quirks an eyebrow before shrugging and heading towards the kitchen. “Thanks. Don’t do anything risky.”

“Kuroo!”

You and Kenma awkwardly glance at each other-- you note he’s still sipping your chocolate milk-- and eventually he stands off to ward Kuroo off (who keeps chuckling for no goddamn reason).

You two are alone again, and his burnt-gold eyes stare into yours.

“Did Kuro bother you?” His ears are still pinkish, but you notice that he’s still comfortable, although you can see a sheen of sweat starting to form on his face.

“Nah... “ You force your voice to stay level. “Why does he keep doing this?? God, he’s so annyoing sometimes… it isn’t like- it isn’t like we’re dating or anything.” God fucking damn stuttering.

Kenma’s eyes widen for a fraction of a millisecond, and you almost miss it, before he clears his throat. “Yeah. Not like that at all.. let’s just go back to playing.”

The atmosphere morphs into the usual, playful one that is held between the two of you, and you’re becoming proud of how much better Kenma is at redefining conversations and shifting the mood whereas in the beginning he would struggle in topic changes.

You’re so proud of him.

(And you’re kind of in love with him.)

You have a group chat with Kuroo and Kenma, unsurprisingly.

It’s, what, midnight on a school day, and the three of you are texting. Kuroo offers a game of ‘truth or dare’, and you accept out of sheer boredom. Plus, dares are so much easier to do online because you can fake nearly anything.

kuroo >:/: kenma truth or dare

kenma :): i’m not playing

YOU: yea you are !! ur not getting out of this

kenma :): fine

  don’t say anything stupid though

kuroo >:/: so whats it gonna b???

Kenma takes a good ten seconds to respond.

kenma :): truth.

kuroo >:/: you got a crush on anyone?

YOU: oooh spicy

kenma :): kuro why

Your heart races a little bit at the comment.

YOU: oh? kenma i thought we were besties :(( why wouldnt u tell me

kenma :): it isn’t that….

  kuro you already know why are you asking me that here

kuroo >:/: for my favorite kouhai [name]-chan

YOU: fuck off kuroo we all know im ur fav bc i pay for ur boba

kuroo >:/: fair

You get impatient with Kuroo’s mindless banter, so you end up texting Kenma privately.

YOU: so who is ur crush????

kenma :): why do you assume i have one

YOU: i mean….u wouldve denied it if u didnt have one?

He leaves you on seen for two minutes and you’re about to text him and complain but his reply shoots back.

kenma :): it’s you

And your heart doesn’t skip a beat. No, it just beats even faster.

The blood is rushing to your face, you can feel it, and a smile tugs at your face subconsciously. Your brain’s running a mile a minute, and you’re so outrageously shocked and unprepared that the aftermath of it all hits you just about a minute later.

(What if he’s lying? What if someone made him say that? What if-)

YOU: fr?

YOU: kenma dont mess w me

kenma :): i’m not

kenma :): you wanted to know so yeah. it’s you

kenma :): i like you and idk kuro says it’s “more than just like” and maybe he’s right

kenma :): see u at school tmr

YOU: WAIT KENMA COME BACK ???

You cute little rat, you seeth internally, happiness still radiating off of you. Is this a dream? Oh my god. Kozume Kenma likes me.

… Kozume Kenma feels the same way I feel about him.

The next day, you anxiously wait for Kenma at your doorstep. You even woke up early and had gotten ready as soon as you could, just so you could catch Kenma ASAP.

You slept surprisingly well, despite your anxiety from Kenma, and your body was filled with energy. You check your phone every two minutes, glancing at his ‘good morning text’ and praying for another one.

kenma :))): gm i’m still walking to school with u if you want… i’ll pass by your house just in case

YOU: oh!!!! yea id love to walk to school w u :))

Silence fills your ears as you anxiously pace back and forth from your doorstep to the curb of your neighborhood. You can’t help but worry as your gaze flits across every house, begging for a sign of Kenma.

(What if you’re too late, you realize in panic. What if your efforts weren’t enough?)

But then the sound of quiet-paced footsteps snaps you out, and you look up to see Kenma, standing in front of your house, an adorably shy expression painted across his face.

“Kenma!” You hate how your voice comes out kind of squeaky and high-pitched but you don’t care right now. You practically launch off of your doorstep and bound toward him, settling by his side.

He gives you a shy, adoring look but you can see the anxiety in his eyes as he points forward in the direction of Nekoma. “We can talk while walking, right?”

You smile breathlessly and your fingers brush against his. He smiles at you, and you notice the same pink dusting his ears like when he was sharing chocolate milk with you.

Two hands intertwine and the conversation begins.

You’re in your third year of college now, out on a “boys (and girl) night out”, as Kuroo deemed it.

Kenma’s got it well-made for him, striking good on his company to which you supported him through the entire time, and Kuroo’s on his way to be the scientist he’s always dreamed of being even as a nerdy-jock kid. He claims he’s practically a professional volleyball player, too, just on the side, but both you and Kenma know better.

You and Kenma have been dating ever since your second-year in high school. Which makes it just about… four-ish years now that you’ve been dating.

(Kuroo claims that in your first-year, you and Kenma were basically dating each other spiritually, but you pay him no mind.)

The three of you are out on the beach on an autumn day. It’s pretty empty, despite the warm evening sun that casts a golden shine on the sand and ocean, so you’re all making epic sandcastles in peace.

“We should make a moat,” Kuroo says, already digging out a ring around the lopsided sandcastle.

“We haven’t even finished the castle itself!” You protest, pushing him lightly as you use your other hand to pat down the base of the castle.

Kenma packs sand into a small bucket and delicately places it on top of the half-finished sand “castle” to make a tower. You find it cute how he’s the only one putting in decent effort, so you help him out by packing in another bucket of sand. “Kuro would be a terrible architect,” Kenma comments.

“You right, you right,” You sigh out while Kuroo squawks in protest. Kenma leans on you, out of instinct you think, and you kiss the top of his head gently. Kuroo covers his eyes and complains about his youth and young love before Kenma haphazardly bumps into you. Which leads to the sand castle collapsing.

“Ah- Kenma!” you cry out in panic, sweeping the sand together in a half-hearted attempt to piece it back into a cohesive castle. “Be careful!”

“No, look,” he says quietly, a small smile gracing his face.

“You worked so hard on the base too, to make it big and flat- oh?” You sit up a little bit when you see a small velvet box in the middle of the sand pile.

Kuroo gasps very loudly and you stare at Kenma in shock.

Oh my god. What’s happening, what’s happening, oh my god-

You slowly reach out for the box in the middle of the mess and take it delicately, brushing off the sand clinging to it. Your fingers pry it open with shaking fingers and you feel Kenma place his hand on your arm gently, his gorgeous honey eyes staring at you. The same honey eyes you fell in love with.

You're also in love with the gorgeous, sparkling amber ring that sits in the middle of the cushioned box.

“[Name]. I want to be married. To you. Will you marry me?” Kenma’s voice is soft and sweet but you know with the convincing sureness in his voice that he’s been practicing this line for at least a month and he’s become confident in it.

You start crying immediately (god damn it, you think to yourself) your heart blooming with joy and your entire body feels like it’s about to explode of pure happiness.

You kiss him, full on the lips with tears streaming down your face and he kisses back, his arms wrapping around you and you realize he’s crying too. With the possibly happiest voice you’ve ever used in your life, you cry out, “Of course I will!” on the beach with Kuroo clapping in the background.

Two years later on that beach, you two become the happiest couple on Earth.

[yellowocaballero]

You And Me (And Your Friend Daisy)

Thanks for pushing me to finish this, Anon! This is a short, fun, and romantic story written in the verse of my other fics Bell, Book, and Candle and No Sin But Ignorance. Takes place some time post the ending of No Sin But Ignorance. That being said, this is probably very comprehensible without knowledge of those fics, so feel free to just view it as a no-apocalypse au. The majority of this was written while writing Feste - more accurately, when I needed a break from the crushing depression of Feste, so that’s why it’s so cheerful. :)

Yes, it’s named after that Garfunkel and Oates song, because that’s the plot. 

The rest of the story is under the cut!

*******************************************

“Are you going to tell me where we are?”

“You have to guess! And no peeking!”

Jon sighed, slouching in his seat. He hated surprise vacations. He hated being forced to leave work and ‘take a break’ because ‘you’re contractually obligated to use your PTO hours’. And he did take vacations, he didn’t know why everybody acted like he didn’t. He and Georgie took Gerry to Blackpool once a year for Spring Break. That was a whole week off. That was enough for anybody. 

But Martin had been pointedly sending him emails about ‘fun couple’s trips’ and ‘romantic getaways’ in an ultra-subtle act of subliminal messaging. Indeed, the three emailed promotional advertisements listing off fun, relaxing, and romantic things to do with your significant other were so subtle that Emma was forced to listen in on the automated JAWS voice reading them out and then call him a ‘fucking idiot’. 

Whatever. It wasn’t as if Gertrude took any vacations, and nobody got on her back for it. Jon was willing to bet that Dekker never sent Gertrude any passive aggressive emails. He would have to ask him later - they got boba together once a month, he was an excellent conversational partner. He was, of course, slightly insane, both for his fervent adherence to the ancient religions and willingness to come within five feet of Gertrude Robinson for personal reasons, but all the best supernatural hunters were. 

“Well, we’ve clearly been driving north for the past eight hours, judging from the angle of the sun,” Jon said, annoyed. The car radio was playing the Archers in a dull drone, which Jon had insisted upon, because he and Daisy never missed an episode. This confused and frightened Martin. A bag rustled, and Jon knew that Martin was fishing around in the plastic convenience store sack for more Jaffa cakes. “Combined with the time, that can only mean that we’re going to Scotland. I don’t have any close friends in Scotland and I’m willing to be you don’t either -”

“Hey!”

“ - so unless you assigned yourself the task of following up on the Scottish Slaughter Statement without me assigning it to you, and deciding to bring me along, I’m guessing that we’re going to stay in a hotel and do...touristy things.”

“Wrong again,” Martin said triumphantly. He liked keeping track of every time Jon was innocently incorrect about something, just to prove it to everyone else. “I mean, yes, we are in Scotland, you’re right about that, but we are not staying in a hotel. We’re staying in the country.”

“Darling, I would love to sit on the Scottish Moors and stare out into the endless, unceasing fog with you in complete silence,” Jon said lovingly, “but I thought you wanted to do something romantic.”

“That’s not romantic?” Martin gasped, horrified. “Have you even read Wuthering Heights?”

“You and Gerry are two peas in a goth pod.”

“He’s goth, I’m gothic. There’s a difference. And don’t tell me that you don’t enjoy gothic literature - you’re literally a Byronic hero.”

“Oh, here we go,” Jon sighed, as the car bumped over a speed bump. He hadn’t heard another car for hours now, and he knew that they had to be in the middle of nowhere. The weather had grown colder, more humid, and occasionally he could hear the bleat of cows. It was...calming. 

Then Martin started listing off the very many reasons why Jon was a classical Byronic hero, then Jon had to remind him that none of that stuff had technically happened, then Martin began insisting that it happened in their hearts, then Jon got deeply engrossed into today’s episode of the Archers and felt the need to inform Martin about its illustrious and aged history, which prompted Martin to put on Hatsune Miku when the episode was over and indoctrinate Jon into whatever ‘Vocaloid’ was, and by the time the car transitioned to skittering over bumpy gravel they were both entering a heated discussion about the most superior of the ‘Vocaloids’. 

“ - and she created Minecraft?”

“And she’s trans,” Martin said heatedly. 

“Good for her,” Jon said, just bemused. The car engine quieted, and keys clinked and rustled. “Are we here?”

“Yep! Seven hours later.” Martin sighed and made a quiet, satisfied noise, probably stretching, and Jon didn’t bother to fight his smile. Man was like a cat. “I want to show you around and everything, but honestly that drive was exhausting and I might take a nap first.” He sighed happily. “Peace. Quiet. No coworkers.”

“I’m your coworker,” Jon pointed out, opening the door of the car as Martin did the same. He stepped onto gravel, grinding his trainer a little into it, and breathed in. The air tasted...fresh. Clean. Pure and just a little chilly. It was nice. It perked Jon up, as the wind lightly tousled his curls. He stretched his legs too, cramped from being knitted up in the small car. Martin popped the boot and started loading packages into his arms, and Jon walked over and held his arms out so he could help Martin carry the packages. Martin dropped a picnic basket filled with snacks in his arms, and handed him his own suitcase, as Martin dropped his own suitcase on the ground with a heavy thump. “How does a teenage girl create a video game? That’s very impressive.”

“This week you are my boyfriend,” Martin corrected him, thumping the boot down. “No Emma getting on my case about misfiling the papers. No Michael concern trolling me. No Eric judging me for my taste in tea. No Gertrude terrifying me every second of the day. I am free. I am not going to think about work, or anybody related to work, for a single second. No Entities. No fear demons. No monsters, besides my boyfriend.”

“Thanks,” Jon said wryly. “Aren’t we forgetting someone?”

“Oh, darn it!” Martin opened the back door of the car, and pulled out a carrier. The wire door of the carrier cinched open and Tiresias came bounding out, barking madly and running in little circles around Jon, his tail beating against Jon’s leg. Jon laughed, lifting his burden higher in his arms, and let Martin loop his arm around Jon’s and guide him towards what he had to assume was some kind of building. “C’mere, boy. Good boy! You were so good for the trip! You’re getting a hundred snacks as soon we get inside.”

“Are you going to tell me where we are yet?” Jon asked, exasperated. 

Martin squeezed his arm happily as they walked up an incline, shoes scuffing dirt. “I got permission from Daisy to borrow it. It’s her cabin, just outside of Applecross. It’s really in the middle of nowhere, nobody around for kilometers. Just us and a great deal of cows. It’s really gorgeous, Jon, with such clean air and beautiful hills. I can’t wait to go for walks with you. You’ll get so much time to go through your audiobook collection. And we can snuggle, and I can cook for you, and we can listen to more radio dramas, and we can talk about our future, and you can pet the cows…”

“Sounds wonderful,” Jon said honestly, squeezing Martin’s arm back. They paused, Martin rustling his keys again, and Jon heard the grinding of metal before a door seemed to creak open. “I can’t wait to spend this week with you. I could use a little peace, I think.”

“Gods, me too. You have no idea how stressed I’ve been. It’ll be just you, me, and -”

That’s when Martin screamed, and Tiresias barked excitedly and ran forward, almost bowling Jon over, and a familiar voice broke the quiet of the rustic cabin. 

“Aren’t you a good boy, Tiresias? Aren’t you a good boy?” Daisy Tonner’s grin was audible through her words, but it held a familiar tint of ferociousness. “Hullo, Jon. Blackwood. What are you doing here a week early?”

“Early!” Martin squeaked. “I said we were coming up the first week of September -”

“Really?” Daisy said, voice casual. Seemingly. “Because I have it down in my calendar as the second week. This is my vacation. And I’m not leaving.”

Silence stretched between them. Jon smiled happily towards the sound of Daisy’s voice, placing his burdens at his feet, and soon Daisy walked forward and enveloped him in a bone cracking hug. 

“It’s so good to see you,” Jon said, hugging her tightly back too. “I’m sure we can share the cabin for the week. It’ll be fun, like a sleepover!”

“Oh, I think so too,” Daisy said, her voice tinged in a wolf’s grin. “Don’t you think so, Martin?”

“Good fucking christ,” Martin said. 

****

True to his word, Martin was exhausted enough that he immediately made the bed and collapsed into it. Jon lovingly took off his shoes and socks and Tiresias even, adorably, pulled the comforter up around Martin’s ears. But Martin didn’t sleep: he seemed preoccupied in angrily muttering to himself about how he didn’t get the time wrong, she did, this was all her fault, and it was also completely on purpose, devil woman, everybody was trying to ruin everything - 

“Love, if I ask her to go, she’ll go,” Jon said. 

“No! Ugh!” Martin screamed lowly, muffled, and Jon realized with amusement he was screaming into the pillow. “It’s her house, she’s doing us a favor, I don’t want to be rude! I can’t kick her out of her own home!”

“Are you going to be passive aggressive at her until she leaves?”

Incriminatingly, Martin was silent. 

“She’s more stubborn than you are. If you try to solve this with your usual methods she’ll outlast you.”

“I hate her so much,” Martin groaned. 

“Don’t say that,” Jon said loyally. “She’s really come around to you, you know. She hasn’t threatened to chop your dick off in - oh, two weeks now. That’s a new record.”

Martin groaned again. Jon kissed him on the cheek, turned the light off - “Jon, you just turned the light on.” - turned the light off for real this time, and went into the living room/dining room/kitchen to start putting away all the food they had brought. He bent over his suitcase, withdrawing Tiresias’ harness, and whistled to call him over before snapping the harness on. Tiresias stiffened into what Georgie called ‘Buisness Boy Mode’, and Jon grabbed his handle with one hand as he loaded the groceries into the other. 

“Here, let me help.” Daisy lifted the other load from the floor, leading the both of them into the kitchen and opening the fridge. “I know Georgie’s organizational system.”

Jon just sighed, slowly navigating his way to the fridge to put his own load away. They had clothing to unpack, things to set up, and arrangements to plan, but Jon had the sense that none of it was getting done immediately. 

“What were your plans for this week?”

“I normally go up here to hunt,” Daisy grunted, sliding cans into the cabinet. At Jon’s raised eyebrow, she clarified, “with guns. They’re all locked up in the gun cabinet, as is my ammo and knives. Neither you nor Martin have the keys, but the cabinet is in a closet near the bathroom. That should be locked too.”

“Goodness, Daisy, I’m not an errant toddler. I won’t play with your collection.”

“You’re my errant toddler,” Daisy said loyally, giving him a noogie and making him scowl. “Say it. Say you’re an errant toddler.”

“Goodness, Daisy, leave me be -”

Then she lifted him up, like he was nothing more than a bundle of sticks, and held him in the air as he screamed and kicked his legs, trying to get down. Tiresias, the Traitor, the Serpent, the King of Lies, barked happily. “Let me down! Daisy!”

“Say you’re an errant toddler and I’ll let you down.”

“I shan’t. Daisy, stop -!” But then she started tickling him, which was extremely dangerous, and Jon was forced to cackle out in breathless laughter, “Fine, I’m a toddler, let me down, you crazy woman!”

She tossed him lightly onto the pull-out couch, putting away the rest of the groceries herself, and Jon let Tiresias sit on top of him and lick his face as he could almost audibly hear Martin pouting in the bedroom. 

“This’ll be fun,” Daisy said, shutting the cabinet and rustling some familiar boxes. “Can’t believe Tim paid me fifty quid to do this. I would have done it for free.”

“Do what?”

“Never mind. I have your copy of Life, do you want to play?”

“Sure!” Jon sat up, feeling Daisy sit down next to him and set out the game pieces. Then something occurred to him. “Wait. What are you doing with my copy of Life?”

“Georgie lent it to me.”

“...why did Georgie -”

“I was going to leave it here for when you came up,” Daisy said easily, and Jon nodded in acceptance. “Spin the spinner to see whose turn comes first.”

Jon considered thinking deeper about this, but Daisy wouldn’t lie to him. She was the most trustworthy person he knew. She didn’t have a deceitful bone in her body. He shrugged and reached forward and found the spinner, giving it a good twist before rubbing his thumb over the braille. Something occurred to him. 

“Maybe we can ask Martin if he wants to join -”

“I’m sure he would prefer his rest.”

“Okay!”

This vacation was going to go great. Why had Jon been worried?

****

That night they had a delicious barbecue outside, cooked by Daisy. Martin ate it in angry silence, which was quickly broken by Jon’s frequent nudges and directions for conversation. He wasn’t the most socially adept person at the best of times, but Martin and Daisy were two of his best friends and he knew how to get the both of them talking. He was even able to draw them into a spirited conversation about 19th century literature - Daisy preferred Russian novels, while Martin preferred Gothic romances and Hugo and Jon tended towards nonfiction. Afterwards Daisy grabbed her gun, kissed Jon on the cheek, did something that made Martin squeak in fear, and tramped off to go hunt deer or something. Jon waved her off with a blessing, his sixth sense thrumming with satisfaction for the Sacrifice. 

He spent the night cuddled up with Martin, watching Beauty and the Beast on his laptop. Martin was obsessed with Disney movies in a way that explained a great deal about him, and Beauty and the Beast was his absolute favorite. Jon ran his fingers through his soft and feathery hair as Martin squeezed his hand, and Jon’s heart settled in complete contentment. The audio description voice droned gently about the heartwarming falling in love montages, but Jon wasn’t really paying attention: he just felt safe, and warm, and as if he wanted the moment to last forever. 

Then his mobile rang, a clear automated voice saying “Gerard calling. Gerard calling.”

“Oh, I should get that.” Jon straightened, throwing out a hand on the coffee table where he thought he had put his phone, and Martin pressed it into his hand. He accepted the call quickly, putting it on speaker and holding it up to his ear just like, he was reliably assured, ‘an old man’. “Hello, honey?”

“Jon!” Gerry yelled. “Did you get the cabin okay?”

“Oh, so everyone knew but me,” Jon said, amused. “You’re on speaker, Gerry, so say hello to Mr. Blackwood.”

“Hi Martin! Are you guys having a good time? You have to take me next time, I want to see Daisy’s guns!”

“You will not see Daisy’s guns,” Jon said quickly. 

“Hi Gerry,” Martin said, a smile clear in his somewhat strained voice. “Sure, you and Georgie should come up next time. Make it a party. Why not.”

“Told you she’d do it,” Georgie said, and Jon perked up. “Hullo, love. How’s your romantic getaway going?”

“Oh, it’s lovely,” Jon said, excited. “We’re going to walk down to the town tomorrow, check out some of their antique stores. I’ll let you know if we find any interesting art.”

“I’ve been up to Daisy’s cabin a few times with Melanie, it’s delightful. Great place for her to hunt and for me to practice my carrion photography. It’s always nice just to get away from it all! I hope you haven’t touched any work, Jon.”

“I haven’t,” Jon said loyally. He paused a beat. “Do Statements count? Because I was planning on listening to a few recorded ones as a sort of bedtime story?”

“That’s just self-care,” Georgie assured him. “Treat yourself, queen.”

“Thanks, honey. Make sure Gerry gets his homework done? Do you need any help? I have some time now -”

“I got it,” Georgie said, laughing slightly. “I can still help a fifteen year old with his English. I’ll make sure he brushes his teeth too. Just enjoy yourself.”

“Have a good time, Dad!” Gerry called, the affectionate nickname making Jon smile. “Bring me back a cow!” Slightly more muffled, Jon heard him say to Georgie, “Mum, when Jon goes on a romantic getaway, what do you think they -”

“Night, honey! Night, Martin! Love you!” Georgie called loudly.

Jon laughed, unable to stop himself from waving a little, as if they were there. “Night, you two. Love you too. Stay safe.”

“We will! Bye!”

The line clicked off, and Martin’s arm stretched across Jon’s shoulders squeezed a little tighter. Jon extended a foot and clicked the space bar on the computer, starting up the movie again. 

“You’d make a really good dad,” Martin said, almost to himself. 

Jon settled back against Martin, leaning his head against his shoulder. “I feel like one already, honestly. Obviously, I have far more experience with teenagers than babies, but they can’t be that hard. If I don’t drop them…why?”

Martin coughed a little, abruptly flustered. “No reason! No reason.”

“Do you want kids?”

“Can’t exactly have them biologically,” Martin muttered, before sighing. “Yeah, I’d love to...foster or adopt or something. I’ve had my - differences - with my parents, but I’m still glad they adopted me, you know? I’d like to pass that on. But...better. Much better.”

“Georgie is talking about fostering again once Gerard moves in with Eric,” Jon said quietly. The thought of Gerry moving out, of living full time with Eric again - it just seemed weird. Almost wrong, although it wasn’t - Eric adored Gerry, and he was a competent father. It was just that...well, technically, Gerry had been living with them since the beginning of the universe. On a purely literal level, they really had always had Gerry with them. It would be strange. “As a - recipient of the foster care system myself, I’d like to make a difference too.” He smiled thinly. “We’re very compatible, aren’t we?”

“Would it be...you and Georgie…?”

“I don’t know. Does it matter?”

Martin sighed a little. “Is it dumb that sometimes it feels like you already have a family built in?”

Hm. Jon hadn’t quite thought about it that way. “You know those jokes about me and Georgie being married are just jokes,” Jon said reproachfully. 

Martin moved away a little, leaning forward, slipping his arm from Jon’s shoulder. He abruptly missed the warmth. “But you’re partners. You’re raising a kid. And I know Daisy and Tim think of themselves as your overprotective big siblings, they aren’t even wrong.”

“Many people have siblings? And friends? Some even have kids, I’ve heard.”

“I don’t.” There was really nothing for Jon to say to that, so he didn’t say anything. “I don’t want my entire social circle to just be through you…”

“It won’t be,” Jon said firmly, reaching out a hand and brushing it against Martin’s arm. He squeezed it firmly. “You don’t have to be Lonely anymore, Martin. I won’t let you.”

“Is that a promise?” Martin said, as if he was joking, as if Jon wasn’t certain that he wasn’t. As if he needed the reassurance. 

“How can you be lonely when I’m here?” Jon said, and trailed his hand up along Martin’s arm until he reached his neck and he could cup his face. He rubbed a thumb against his wispy stubble, light and thin. “I’m right here.”

Martin kissed him, and then the movie was quite thoroughly forgotten as Jon necked with his boyfriend on the couch like a teenager. They forgot everything, and for a small period of glorious time Jon forgot everything that he knew, in all of its entirety, and his Eye saw only the here and now. 

Then the door thumped open, the wind blew into the cabin, and heavy footsteps thumped into the room. Something dragged behind the footsteps, something that sounded a bit...wet. 

Martin, who was thoroughly on top of Jon and almost done unbuttoning his shirt, froze. Jon just craned his head, trying to hear the sounds of what was likely a dead deer being pulled in through the entrance way better. 

“Hello Daisy!” Jon said, still pinned down. “How was your hunting?”

“Lucrative. We’re eating venison tomorrow.”

“Great! Need any help getting that put away?”

“No, I’m good.” Tiresias barked happily. “Here, boy, you can have a little. Good boy. I’ll probably skin and clean it outside, I just wanted to get my gloves.”

“Take your time!”

Martin sighed and got off Jon, straightening his own clothing. “Yeah, Daisy, take your time.”

“Oh, am I interrupting something?” Daisy said blithely. “I didn’t mean to.”

“You’re fine,” Jon assured her, fixing his own hair from where it had grown tangled. “Want to finish this movie with us?”

“Sure, let me gut this animal first.”

“Great! Scooch over, Martin.”

“You know,” Martin said, “maybe we want to move to the bedroom?”

“If we stay in the living room I can hook up your laptop to the television and we can watch the movie that way,” Daisy said innocently. 

“That sounds good,” Jon agreed. He patted Martin’s hand. “Is that alright with you?”

Martin sighed. “Yeah. Of course.”

That night, Jon curled up next to Martin on the creaky wooden bed, listening to the flies buzz around them and the crickets hiss their lilting song outdoors. 

His earbuds were still nestled in his ears, the soft hum of his Walkman cutting the quiet night, his own pre-recorded voice reading out a story. Martin sat next to him, and occasionally Jon could hear the soft shift of the pages of a book turning. Every so often Martin would gasp, or make a little noise at some exciting event in his book. 

Jon rolled over, throwing out an arm and pulling Martin in close, resting his head on Martin’s shoulder as he let the earbuds roll gently out of his ears. Martin was soft and warm, the cotton of his t-shirt rubbing up against Jon’s cheek, and Jon let his mind gently bliss out and drift away. 

He thought about the breakfast he wanted to make the next morning, and of the soft beat of Scottish sun on his face. He thought about the creak of cobblestones as jumped-up jalopies rolled over them, and of the shifting and groan of old wood. He thought of the bright, sharp summer smell of the highlands, and the sinking and sticky marshland. 

“We should visit the antique store in town tomorrow,” Jon murmured. “Georgie’s been looking for a new lamp, and I think they should have a nice Rococo one for cheap.”

“Oh? Maybe I can pick something up too.” Martin gently scratched Jon’s scalp, making him bliss out even further. “Nice of you to always loop us in on the best deals, you little shopping catalogue.”

They, of course, had not been to the town yet, and there was no reason for Jon to know of the antique store, or the Rococo lamp. Jon hadn’t even thought about it, the information as available and easy as the layout of the convenience store down the street and a left turn from his childhood council flat. 

Martin’s voice broke the quiet, cutting through the buzz of insects. “You know I love you, right?”

“I know everything,” Jon yawned, snuggling into Martin’s side closer. 

“Not what I meant.” Martin hesitated, almost awkwardly. “You’re a literal mind reader and everything, but I’m not, so…”

“Oh, Martin.” Jon reached a hand up and cupped Martin’s cheek. “I built this world from the bedrock of my love for you.”

“Uh - wow! That’s - it’s kind of weird how you can just say that and have it be true!”

“Our lives are weird,” Jon agreed, brushing his thumb over Martin’s lips, and he carefully leaned his head up to kiss him, and they passed the long silent minutes just like that. 

Several hours later, Jon found himself jerking awake. Martin was snoring beside him, and he couldn’t feel any sun on his face, so Jon figured it was likely still nighttime. He carefully slipped out of bed, reaching out a hand and trailing it along the wall until he managed to leave the bedroom, navigate down the hall, and enter what he was fairly sure was the living room. 

“Jon?” A voice broke the night. Daisy, who had taken the pull-out couch. “You looking for the loo?”

It was only then that Jon realized that he didn’t know why he had gotten up. Tiresias snored loudly in the kitchen, adding a subtle undertone to the noise from outside, and Jon found himself shrugging helplessly. “I don’t think so. Did I wake you up?”

“Nah. Hold tight, I’ll help you to the couch.” Sure enough, after the almost silent footsteps echoed through the main room Jon felt a soft hand on his back, and she led him towards the couch. Jon lightly kicked it, testing its height, and gently lowered himself onto it, the springs of the pull-out bed breaking through the night. “What has you up?”

Jon just shrugged again. The bed creaked beside him, and he felt calloused fingers carding through his hair with gentleness that would have been surprising to most people. 

“Am I a bad boyfriend?” Jon asked, surprising himself. He hadn’t even known he was thinking that. 

“Did Blackwood tell you that you were?” Daisy asked sharply. 

“No! No, not at all.” Jon sighed. “I just...I just have different needs than him.” He could already tell what Daisy was thinking, and he shook his head. “Not about the - the you know what thing. I just...I know how much he loves me. I know what he thinks of me, I know his dedication to me. Sometimes I just assume that he’s - capable, of what I’m capable of. Do I not tell him I love him enough? Am I not affectionate enough?”

“You aren’t as perceptive as you think you are, Jon,” Daisy said, amused. “I think you’ll find that Blackwood has quite a few more secrets than you think he does.” She untangled her fingers from his hair and squeezed his arm. “Blackwood’s insecure. All insecure people want mindreader boyfriends. But you force him to use his words and ask for what he needs, Jon. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s good for him. He needs to learn to speak up for himself.” She hummed slightly. “He reminds me of Basira, a little. She’ll never tell you that you bothered her, and she just lets it pile up and up. But then you go just a little too far, and then she explodes all of that pent up anger and frustration on you. She likes to pretend she’s a real robot, but she’s just as human as the rest of them.”

“I’m so terrified of Basira,” Jon said miserably. “Remember when I dropped a plate and she told me that the reason why my gran didn’t love me was because I was an attention seeking nine year old?”

“She’s so mean. I love her so much.” Daisy patted Jon on the back. “Buck up. I’m working on Blackwood. You focus on enjoying your vacation.”

Jon let himself lean to the side, resting his head on Daisy’s shoulder. “I’m worried that Martin will realize that I’m not capable of expressing romantic affection in a socially typical manner and leave me.”

“God, shut up, whiner.” But the bed creaked and Daisy’s head gently slid out from under his shoulder, and Daisy gently helped Jon to his feet. “I’ll get you back to bed. Bitch about your imaginary relationship problems to me in the morning.”

Translated: I love you, I’ll always be here for you, and goodnight. Jon huffed a quiet laugh. “Aren’t the lights off? How can you see anything?”

When Daisy spoke again, a quiet bass growl echoed underneath her words, and Jon grinned with her. He Knew, like how he Knew that he loved Martin enough to destroy the world, that Daisy’s eyes were flickering yellow in the darkness. “Don’t be fooled by appearances, Jon.”

She helped him back to bed, and when Jon slept through the rest of the night he dreamed of nothing but Martin’s weight on his. 

****

“What a beautiful morning!” Martin said loudly. “The birds are chirping, the Scottish highlands are beautiful, I am here on my romantic vacation away from everybody with only my lovely boyfriend for company - and Daisy Tonner!”

“Glad to be here,” Daisy said affably. 

“This is so much fun!” Martin said, still loudly.

“I think so too!” Jon said enthusiastically.

Tiresias barked. 

After a breakfast pointedly prepared by Martin, they all got dressed and saddled up to go walk into the village. It was a quick walk, only about twenty minutes, and Martin and Daisy enjoyed the scenery as Jon enjoyed the warm grip of Martin’s hand in his and the breeze on his face. 

When the trail began sloping further downhill, and their footsteps began to slide against the incline, Jon pulled what Gerry would have called a ‘pro-gamer move’ and moved his grip up until he was clinging to Martin’s arm. Martin sprayed a hand out, resting it against Jon’s back, and helped him down the trail. 

“Whoah! You alright, honey? Careful of your step!”

“Jesus christ,” Daisy muttered. 

“It’s hardly Jon’s fault -” Martin began heatedly. 

“Yeah, Daisy,” Jon said, delighting in setting them against each other like the cold, uncaring god he was, “check your privilege.”

Then they were off, because despite Daisy was allergic to social consciousness, and Jon whistled a jaunty tune, composed in the 15th century and unknown to all but its lonely shepherd creator, as they navigated their way downwards. 

The village was small, nothing more than two streets with cheerful wooden facades and swing porches set out on the decks with wizened elderly people sipping from bottles of Irn Bru and smoking down cigarettes to the dregs. At least, as narrated by Martin, who seemed to already be mentally writing his small-town murder mystery in the Scottish highlands (Martin’s poetry needed work, but his fiction held a certain massmarket appeal). Knowing Martin, the protaganist would likely be either a grandmother with his own personality, or a thirtysomething gay man who had twelve counts of arson on his record and was running from the cops. 

Wait. Wait, Jon should use his words. Ask instead of look. Display interest in Martin’s inner life - which, granted, seemed to be a waste of time when Jon could just Know and not waste his breath, but Georgie had been coaching him in this. 

“You should give the ex-con narrator a boyfriend,” Jon said supportively. “Maybe bring back the gay bar owner from the last book?”

Martin almost tripped over the gravel. “How did you know I was thinking of - Jon, I told you not to read my mind!”

“Lay off, you know he doesn’t do it on purpose,” Daisy said uninterestedly, growling at what Jon guessed were passerby on the street. 

“Daisy, stop telling me how to talk to my boyfriend -”

“Oh, he’s your boyfriend now, is he?”

“Yes! Yes, he is!”

“Let’s get some ice cream!” Jon said loudly. 

“How did you even know there was an ice cream - fine! Fine, of course!” Martin sighed loudly. “Why not!”

As it turned out, they were right in front of ice cream. Jon loved it when things worked out. 

****

Twenty minutes later, after Martin laboriously reading out all of the entirely too many flavors to Jon, Daisy growling at everybody at the store like an errant dog, fighting with the owner of the store extremely politely about his actual dog existing, and finally taking their ice cream outside to sit at a picnic bench and attack their waffle cones, Jon felt content. 

He indicated this by telling everybody everything he knew about emulsifiers, which were extremely neat and a lot of fun! Because nobody was stopping him talking by saying ‘let’s talk about something else, Jon’ or ‘isn’t that a bit boring, Jon?’ he moved onto the history of waffle cones, safe in his assumption that everybody was as interested in the topic as he was. 

“I love you so much,” Martin said, somewhat dazed, when Jon stopped to draw a breath. “Did you know that this is the second time this has happened?”

That stopped Jon short, when nothing else did. “Really? Has it?”

Martin’s spoon scraped his small paper bowl. “Yep. Uh - for my birthday, I think. Me, Tim, and - and Sasha, and you. You ordered rum raisin. I was thinking...did you actually like rum raisin? Or did you just panic?” He laughed, somewhat self-consciously. “You didn’t remember about it even before the whole apocalypse thing, so no sweat, but…”

“Oh.” Jon realized, for probably the fifth time, that Martin held years and years worth of memories in him, and that Jon had only fragments and impressions. He knew that he had everything important, that everything he needed was within him, but - did he? What if he was missing the key to everything, the key to Martin, and all he needed was to just Look deeper? “That’s - I could remember it, if I wanted.”

“It’s fine, Jon,” Daisy said quietly. “Don’t go giving yourself a migraine.”

“I could,” Jon insisted. “I’d like to remember something like your birthday, Martin. Precious memories, or - or something. Give me a moment, I can send a quick prayer, and -”

“You know,” Martin said, and he squeezed Jon’s hand. “I’d rather make new memories right now. Where we are right now, that’s - that’s the most important place, innit?”

Jon smiled at him, and he knew, in the most mundane of ways, Martin was smiling back. “I like to think so too.”

“Ugh,” Daisy teased, although perhaps to an outsider it may have sounded mean, “get that sappy shit outta my face.”

“You’re just as bad with Basira,” Jon shot back, smiling. “You two are in love -”

“Take that shit back,” Daisy hissed. 

“You want to get married -”

“Who told you!”

Jon tapped the lens of his glasses smugly. “A little Eye told me.”

“Beholding cuck.”

“No, that’s Peter -”

“Martin would know all about Peter, huh?” Daisy sneered, and the pressure on Jon’s hand intensified for a brief second before it withdrew completely, leaving his hand cold and empty.

“Jon, can you give me and Daisy a few minutes of privacy, please?” Martin said pleasantly. 

Jon raised an eyebrow, licking the ice cream dripping down his hand. It was Vast flavor. Tasted like...ozone. “Why?”

“He doesn’t know the area, you can’t send him off alone,” Daisy shot back, strangely smugly. “Come on, Blackwood. Whatever you want to say to me, you can say it in front of him.”

“You know what, fine. Fine!” Martin thumped the table, making Jon start and Tireasias stiffen. “I have done nothing that warrants this kind of treatment from you. You are disrespecting me, disrespecting my relationship, and you are insulting my fucking intelligence. I appreciate you loaning us your cabin, but if I knew that it would come with strings attached then I would have paid for my own bloody hotel! Why are you doing this!”

“Tim gave me fifty quid,” Daisy said, like the wolf that had caught the canary. “Plus it’s fucking funny.”

“Done what?” Jon asked, confused. 

“I want you out of my vacation, Daisy,” Martin hissed. “If you won’t leave the cabin, then I am booking my own Air BnB and that’s fucking final! I don’t care if I have to - to fight you in the street about it, I can and I will, you don’t want to mess with me -”

“Sure.”

Martin stopped short. Jon licked his ice cream, fascinated by the drama. “What?”

“I said sure,” Daisy enunciated clearly. “I was waiting for you to fucking say it. I told Basira I’d be home by tonight, anyway. Knew you’d snap.”

“I - what! What! What?!”

“You’re a pushover, Blackwood,” Daisy said. “Your coworkers, your friends, everyone - they just walk all over you. It’s fucking stupid. You are the archival assistant who survived the apocalypse with memories and sanity intact. You lasted longer on the position than anyone since Emma Harvey, and you didn’t have to lose your soul to do it. You looked Elias in the face as you burned his Archives down. You’re not a pussy. And I was sick of seeing you act like one. It’s fucking annoying.”

“I hate you so fucking much,” Martin whispered, somewhat in shock. 

“Well, I hate seeing my best friend date a passive aggressive loser, so we’re both unhappy.” Daisy stood up, feet shuffling against the cement, and Jon felt her press a kiss against his forehead. “You two have a nice day out. I’m going to go hunt things, and head back to London. Take care of yourself, Jon. And cut out the PDA, it’s gross.”

Suddenly, violently, with a crushing realization, the entire vacation was recontextualized. 

“I don’t appreciate any of this,” Jon said crossly, scowling in her direction. “Honestly, Daisy, you don’t -”

“Blame Tim. Love you, Jon. Love you, sweet puppy. See you later, Blackwood.”

Jon and Martin sat in silence as the sound of footsteps receded from Jon’s hearing, and the low murmur of the small village set in around them. Martin still seemed to slightly be in shock, his ice cream slowly melting, and Tiresias yawned sleepily in the sun. 

“I hate her so fucking much,” Martin whispered. 

But Jon just smiled, and reached out to brush a thumb over Martin’s close-cropped hair. He leaned in, whispering into Martin’s ear. “Hearing you yell at the scariest woman I know who isn’t Gertrude Robinson was pretty fucking sexy, love.”

“I hate her so - wait, it was? Really?” Martin coughed awkwardly. “Well, she really had it coming, and it’s not a huge deal, and I know she’s your best friend and I should be nice to her, but -”

“ - but she was right,” Jon said firmly. “An arse about making her point, but she was right. I’m working on using my words. You should too. All of the books say communication is key in a relationship. So let’s communicate, alright?” He faltered a little, uncertain if Daisy would want him to say this. “And - and it was obvious, from what she said, that Daisy respects you. It’s a very difficult thing, to win Daisy’s respect. I think she was trying to help us, in her own - unorthodox manner.”

“I hate her so much,” Martin groaned. 

“It was very sexy,” Jon hinted. 

Martin leaned in and kissed Jon lightly, and Jon could feel his smile against his own. “How about we finish our food,” he said quietly, “walk around town for a bit, buy some souvenirs for your family, and then go back to the cabin and snog and cuddle for a very long time? If that’s okay with you?”

“I’d like nothing more,” Jon said. 

And he was right. It was messy, and weird, and painfully uncomfortable.

 It was perfect.

[morbidcorvids]

I just read ur halloween fic!! And it's adorable!! Can I also request a prompt? This is their highschool years btw and its about Hizashi, Shouta, Oboro, Nemuri, Kan and Tensei having a halloween party and also having a contest on who could have the best costumes! And the two winners would be going on a date. This was set up by Nemuri, Oboro, Kan and Tensei cause they know that Shouta and Hizashi had been dancing around each other for a few years and they wanted to help. So yeah XD Hizashi goes as Hatsune Miku! Which as he likes to call it, Present Miku! XD

Happy Halloween! I’m sorry this took *forever*, but it became much longer than anticipated. I loved the whole idea of Present Miku! Hope you enjoy!

Sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes!

Title: Present Miku

If only he had put a bit more effort into his costume, his friend Kan wouldn’t have felt as personally offended. 

“You know, you could have at least bought one from the dollar store instead of wearing your black curtains as a cape,” Kan remarked, crossing his arms. 

Shouta shrugged as he sat down next to Oboro, “I wasn’t going to come in a costume, but Nemuri warned me that if I didn’t dress up then she would make a scene on my birthday.” 

“What type of scene?” Oboro asked, getting comfortable on the couch as he opened his tenth candy wrapper for the night. 

“She didn’t specify, but honestly, I‘d rather not know,” Shouta responded, laying back on the couch as he gestured for Oboro to grab him a candy from the bowl. 

Even if it wasn’t his original idea to attend the party, he had to admit, Tensei’s house was pretty impressive. From the moment he stepped onto the front gates, Shouta felt out of place with his cheap cape and DIY fangs. As the gates opened, he could see the massive garden filled with colorful plants and fancy statues. There was even a mini pond with lily pads that ran probably the bluest water Shouta had ever seen. 

As he approached the huge double doors, Tensei was already waiting for him with that flashy smile that captivated everyone in class 1-A. With the best grades in the class, and being a descendant from a family of heroes, it was no wonder he became the president of 1-A. 

When Shouta first arrived at class 1-A after transferring from General Studies, he hadn’t expected such a warm welcome from the president. The one from General Studies displayed a high ego and God complex that was unbearable most of the time. Tensei let Shouta feel included the second he entered his new classroom, and introduced him to Hizashi and Oboro - his current two best friends. 

As Tensei let him inside the house, he was greeted by an ecstatic Nemuri, who was wearing a scantily clad Poison Ivy costume. Already seeing Tensei’s detailed costume of Link from Legend of Zelda and the custom made Poison Ivy outfit from Nemuri made Shouta feel like the odd one out with his poor excuse of a costume. It didn’t help immediately getting berated by Kan for “not putting effort into his Dracula costume”. Though he had to admit; he completely forgot about Kan’s attendance and how...insensitive it would be to come with a poorly done Dracula outfit. Kan’s family, who all have similar quirks that deal with blood, practically venerate the Draculian lore. 

Kan was dressed as a chef, claiming the film Ratatouille inspired him. Shouta just rolled his eyes at the explanation and walked towards the living room. His eyes scanned the enormous living room, finding Oboro sitting down on a couch that probably cost more than his parent’s apartment. 

He currently sat on that same couch, waiting for the last person to arrive. He sighed as Oboro’s white wings hit him in the face again for the fifth time. His friend opted to dress as an angel, and his explanation was even worse than Kan’s. 

“Well, for one, I am an angel. Two, I am really feeling like acting as Cupid today,” Oboro stated, fluttering his eyes as he smiled at Shouta. 

Shouta groaned, “are you sure it isn’t an excuse to use your clouds as a substitute for pants?” 

Oboro cackled as he handed Shouta a piece of chocolate. They began talking with Kan about the scariest experiences they had with the supposed supernatural. Kan was in the middle of explaining the footsteps he used to hear walking back and forth on his apartment’s hallway at 3 in the morning when the lights were suddenly turned off. 

Shouta looked at Oboro in confusion, who stared back at him with the same puzzlement. Rays of lights invaded the room as a certain pop song blared through the speakers. Shouta winced as he covered his ears. The loud music sort of reminded him of someone…

Tensei appeared from the entrance of the living room, looking unfazed. He turned on the microphone he was holding, which let out an unpleasant howling noise. Tensei smiled apologetically, and sighed before using the microphone to speak. 

“People of Halloweentown, get ready for the greatest pop star of our generation. Please receive the wondrous, fantastic, fabulous, talented, and amazing: Present Miku!” 

Nemuri released a giant confetti cannon, which sprinkled all across the room - blinding Shouta. Of course, Shouta thought, Hizashi would be one for dramatic entrances. 

Hizashi suddenly appeared with a microphone on his hands, and began lip-syncing to the song that was still playing from the speakers. Kan leaned towards Shouta and Oboro as he covered his ears. 

“What song is this?!” He yelled, yet Shouta could barely hear him as the song blasted through their ears. Oboro laughed hysterically as he moved to the beat of the song. 

“It’s a Hatsune Miku song!” Oboro replied, “I think it is called ‘Desert Wolf’!” 

“Is it the vocaloid girl he is obsessed about?” Shouta asked. His ears finally adjusted to the loudness that invaded the room. Someone would have believed he was prepared to be bombarded with sound, considering he was friends with Hizashi, the classmate with a Voice quirk. 

Oboro smiled widely. “What do you think?” he said, pointing at Hizashi. 

A long teal hair tied in pigtails adorned Hizashi’s head, falling to his hips. He wore a grey shirt that traced his waist with a black skirt. Shouta’s eyes lingered towards the bottom, where Hizashi posed with thigh high boots. 

Shouta had to admit, Hizashi looked really nice. 

It was clear that out of everyone here, especially Shouta, Hizashi put the most effort into his costume. He even had the clothing piece on his arms glow a color similar to turquoise. His tie had his name ‘Present Miku’ engraved on the top, with small pins of Hatsune Miku attached. 

Shouta caught Nemuri glancing at him, wiggling her eyebrows. He couldn’t help the slight blush that crept on his face as he looked away. 

The song soon ended, and Hizashi bowed, receiving applause from his friends. Oboro and Nemuri clapped loud and sincere, while Shouta and Kan clapped rather unenthusiastically. 

Hizashi proceeded to plop down in between Oboro and Shouta, putting his arms around them as he hugged them tightly. 

“Happy Halloween you two!” He exclaimed, flashing his brightest grin. 

“Took you long enough to arrive,” Shouta grumbled, leaning towards Hizashi’s embrace. He’s used to Hizashi’s shoulder being his personal pillow as he took a quick nap. 

He didn’t notice the way Oboro and Kan exchanged knowing looks to one another. They looked back to Nemuri, who nodded once in agreement. She approached the center of the room - heels clanking loudly. 

“As you know, there was supposed to be a costume contest,” she reminded, looking at Shouta with those disapproving eyes again. 

“The two people who win will get to go on a ‘fake’ date inside that door,” Nemuri explained, pointing her fingers at the closed white double doors at the right side of the room. 

“Tensei decorated it so that it may seem as authentic as possible.” 

“Authentic to what?” Shouta asked with his eyes closed, still leaning on Hizashi. 

“To a date, Shouta,” Nemuri replied with a smug smile, “so let’s start with the first lucky winner!” 

“Why do we need to do this now?” Shouta complained, “and also, don’t you think it is weird to make two people go on a forced date?” 

“Shut up, Shouta,” Nemuri scolded, being one of the few people that isn’t afraid to argue with him. His intimidating look might work on his classmates, but his upperclassmen friend isn’t threatened by those judging eyes. 

“Alright, remember not to vote for yourself!” Nemuri added, “pick a paper and once you write down your pick, just place it on this bowl.” 

She gleefully walked towards Tensei and sat next to him, writing down a name with her personal calligraphy pen. Shouta sighed as Hizashi passed him a piece of paper and pen. Might as well get this over with. 

He stared at the paper for a moment, remembering the details of everyone’s costumes. He didn’t even know why he was analyzing the costumes when he already knew the answer. 

He carefully wrote Hizashi’s name, tracing back the letters as he finished. He rarely got to write his friend’s name, yet it felt so familiar to him. 

He placed his paper into the bowl, and leaned back on the couch as he waited for the last person to cast their vote. Once Kan, the last one to vote, slipped his paper into the bowl, Tensei grabbed it and started counting. 

As they waited, Hizashi was acting as the DJ for the party, though it mostly consisted of Hatsune Miku songs. Shouta stood up once to grab a piece of pigs in a blanket. As he ate the small party appetizer, he sneaked a peek at Hizashi, who was dancing to the music with Nemuri. Shouta never knew Hizashi was talented at moving his hips. His heartbeat began quickening-

“I have counted the votes!” Tensei announced, beaming in front of his friends. 

“The winner is…” he began, and Oboro began tapping the table to mimic drums. 

“Present Miku!” 

Hizashi squealed, jumping up and down with Nemuri. 

“Can’t wait to see who will be my date!” 

“I feel like I know who,” Nemuri answered, looking straight at Shouta as she winked. What was she trying to say?

“Let’s not waste time and pick the second winner!” Nemuri sang, already picking up her piece of paper. 

“Wow, someone is excited,” Shouta joked in his deadpanned time. Nemuri stuck her tongue out at him before handing him another piece of paper. Shouta sighed again, but this time louder than before. 

Hizashi was busy talking to Oboro to notice Shouta next to him. Shouta wasn’t listening to their conversation - too busy thinking on who he would pick. I mean, it isn’t a hard choice. Just pick the second best costume. 

Still, there was something impeding him from writing another name. He knew it was just a stupid date that meant nothing other than a way for his friends to tease the ones that got chosen. 

Whoever got chosen meant they were going on a “date” with Hizashi. Shouta couldn’t explain why he felt an aching in his heart as he thought about it. 

He brushed off his thoughts and wrote Kan as his answer. He didn’t know why he chose Kan, since he was sure everyone would probably pick Tensei. The speedster definitely had the second best costume at the party.

Maybe it was the thought of seeing Hizashi and Tensei having a happy date at the other side of the room that swayed his decision. He knew Hizashi wasn’t interested in Kan, especially after that time Kan told him about the pet tarantula he used to have as a kid. 

Tensei, on the other hand, always seemed to make Hizashi smile with his stories about his baby brother Iida. 

Shouta could never make Hizashi smile the same way. 

Shouta felt someone flick a finger on his forehead, bringing him back to Earth. He turned to see Hizashi smiling fondly at him. 

“Shouta, are you done?” Oboro whined, “I want to know the next winner!”

Shouta hadn’t realized he was the last one left to place his vote. He quickly stood up and dropped his paper into the bowl as he ignored everyone’s stares. 

“Are you ready to know who your date is?” Nemuri teased Hizashi. The blonde man simply raised his thumb in excitement as he jumped up and down his seat. 

Tensei didn’t take long to count votes, considering there were only six of them. Shouta just sat there, wondering how Tensei felt about receiving most of the votes. He knew he wasn’t going to win, so why did he keep feeling this pain on his chest? 

“Guys, the final vote has been determined!” Tensei announced, standing up from his chair. Shouta briefly caught Nemuri giggling with Oboro and Kan giving a nod of approval to Tensei. 

Now that Shouta thought about it - the four had been acting very suspicious throughout the night. 

“And the winner is,” Tensei started, gesturing for Oboro to do his dramatic drums. 

“Dracula!” 

Everyone in the room cheered, except for two people. Shouta didn’t know how to process what had just happened. He just gazed at Hizashi, who was noticeably pale. 

He was probably expecting someone else. 

“I can’t believe my two best friends won!” Oboro shouted, “don’t try to have too much fun inside there. Got it?”

Shouta noticed Tensei helping Hizashi towards the other room. He noticed the loud hero unusually quiet - blindly following the blue-haired man. His vision was obstructed by Nemuri standing in front of him with a deceiving smile on her lips. 

“Are you ready, big boy?” 

“Nemuri, I don’t know what is going on but this was definitely a set-up,” Shouta blurted, “and I don’t like it one bit.”

“Sure you don’t, grumpy cat,” she replied, “c’mon, your date is waiting.” 

Before he knew it, Nemuri shoved him inside a dining room. The table only contained two chairs and was decorated with a white tablecloth and a rose in the middle. The plates already had a small meal, which included a portion of lobster. 

Hizashi was sitting down, looking back at Shouta with an apologetic smile. 

“I’m sorry they put you through this,” Hizashi said, “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” 

“It’s fine,” Shouta answered a little too quickly. He was still shocked over the obvious setup from his friends. Why would they want him and Hizashi to go on a date?

Did they realize his feelings for Hizashi? Was this a cruel plan to get his feelings rejected by his crush? 

He ignored his thoughts and sat down on the empty chair. The two stayed quiet for a long moment, nervous to even stare at each other. 

Shouta broke the silence, “I don’t know why they chose me. I had the worst costume out of all of us.” 

“I think you look cute!” Hizashi blurted out, blushing deeply as he realized what he said. Shouta’s cheeks also turned into that dreaded crimson color. 

“Shouta…” Hizashi began, hesitance in his voice. The ravenette focused back on Hizashi, trying his best to compose his pumping heartbeat. 

“I guess I feel a bit more confident in this outfit, but I just wanted to say…” Hizashi continued, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Hizashi just say it,” Shouta ordered, eyes fixated on Hizashi. 

“I like you, Shouta!” Hizashi exclaimed, covering his mouth with both hands after he finished. 

Shouta’s eyes widened at the revelation. His mouth dropped open in shock and the room grew dead silent. Both lay eyes on one another; fear of uncertainty emanating from both of them. Shouta lowered his arms, trembling as he grasped for his utensil. 

“I- I like you too, Hizashi,” Shouta confessed, staring down at his plate. 

“You- you do?” Hizashi cautiously asked, thinking he heard wrong. The silent teenager liked the loud one? Oh, the irony that is love. 

Shouta nodded slowly, playing with his fork. He was surprised when Hizashi began to giggle loudly. 

“I think I should take you on a real date!” Hizashi proclaimed with excitement. Shouta chuckled lightly, still a bit timid over the whole ordeal. 

Shouta was never one to celebrate Halloween, but this year’s would definitely be unforgettable. He was celebrating it with his closest friends. His only friends. 

But best of all, he was spending it with Present Miku - the best pop star in the world. 

“So what do you say?” Hizashi asked eagerly, awaiting Shouta’s answer.

Shouta just beamed at Hizashi - showing off his DIY fangs. 

“I think I’ll like that.” 

[ririnpoga]

Rules: list the 1st 10 lines of your last 10 stories, see if there are any patterns, and pick a fave.

1. Kay stared at the blinding, glowing lights of the night. Each one of them illuminated her own path to glory and happiness, gloved hands slowly arranging her scarf over her mouth as she gave a faint, weak smile under it, cold wind blowing across warm skin. Even if it felt weird at the beginning, Kay has kind of got used to doing her job alone, but... 2. ‘’Hey, birdboy!’’ A grin was clearly visible on the blonde’s face the first time they met already, along the disgusting smell of blood and the uneasy darkness of the alley. Still, her own looks and voice were able to break through all of that, and he recalled her words at that exact moment perfectly ‘’don’t you ever get tired of being nice? Sometimes, don’t you just wanna go apeshit?’’ 3. Dream held a smirk on his face as he walked down the school corridor, other sexymen’s staring at him with envy, disgust, fully aware they were all now left in the past. He was now on the top of the sexymen food chain, having surpassed the legends of Bill, Sans and Onceler on just a few months. (I HATE THIS ONE TOO OK) 4. The sun rays welcomed the three of them to another day, Padpa grumbling something that, honestly? Didn’t matter for any of them as Rutile sighed, slowly trying to roll off the mess that Padpa’s hair was. Another day, another time having to somehow awake the two idiots that for some god forsaken reason they had to fell in love with. 5. Dabi quickly spiked up to the screams of two of his recently adopted children, eyes widening as Hawks snored. If it was of any help to him, he could clearly tell it wasn’t Toga because he recognized her screams from years on the league, but it also brought panic knowing it wasn’t her at all. 6. ‘’Wow, we’re finally here, huh? Dashcon?’’ 7. Keigo grunted as his eyes slowly stared at the clock, hands trembling with the fact he had passed another day fully awake and without sleep while trying to achieve his old goal. At this point he was fairly sure he could go to jail just based on all the sleepless pills he had taken, but considering the fact he was trying to bring back a dead person to life, he doesn’t think taking sleepless pills would be his worst crime. 8. ‘’What the fuck do you mean Miku isn’t at school today?!’’ 9. ‘’You really are an idiot for falling in love with some weird guy called Phoenix, huh?’’ Miles could only nod at his sister, fully aware he was, in her words, a foolish fool. 10. ‘’Why is your fursuit in my room.’’ I don’t have a pattern. At A L L ;D send help I think if I could point out something is uh... Ig most of my crack stuff starts with only a SINGLE dialogue line and nothing else? But then I know I have crack stuff that breaks this rule so uh h hhh h I also like lights apparently ngl. I’d maybe say that I enjoy using ambience to settle the tone of a story but idk??????????? help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we dont talk about the tumblr sexymen fanfic My favourite rn is 100% the first one because I’m biased on ship hyperfixation and also because I like the mix of what could be calm ambience with somewhat melancholic thoughts heehee hahaa hlep also listen the moment i write a *but* somewhere u can be sure that the character is not doing well theyre prob dying inside ok send help to them too I’m tagging @peachygos because again only person i talk to here :))))))))))))) Thank you @soysaucemachine for tagging me!!!!!!!!!!

[sparrellow]

Break A Leg, But Not Literally

Len was happy working from the shadows. Rin was a natural performer. Kaito loved being in the spotlight.

Another year, another school musical—and yet, just when all seemed to be going as usual, the universe had other plans.

rating: T genre: romance/friendship/humour/fluff ships: rin/len, miku/kaito if you squint words:  10,164

Len had always been a shy kid, avoiding anything that would draw unnecessary attention to him.

Every semester, his high school’s theatre club would hold a musical. It wasn’t his idea to join the theatre club (honestly, he’d rather be part of the go-home club), but he had no choice after being dragged by his bold best friend, Kaito, to the sign-up booth during first year.

Kaito was the polar opposite of Len. He loved the spotlight. He’d been acting ever since he was five. He was always first to volunteer in middle school for plays and the like. The guy was just, well, overwhelmingly eager to have hundreds of eyes staring him down.

Of course, Len never dared set foot on the stage—grudgingly obliging to work on props and lighting, and act as a stagehand. That was fine. He liked working from the shadows.

However, it was soon their last semester in which they could participate in a musical before graduation, and naturally, Kaito was trying to nag him into actually doing something. 

“C’mon, you could be like, a tree, or a swan, or something,” he hissed to him.

They were sitting at the back of the auditorium, watching the auditions for the female lead roles. The male lead role auditions were scheduled next, and hence, Kaito was waiting for his time to shine.

This semester’s musical was Swan Lake , interestingly enough. (Although, by the sounds of it, they were opting for a less tragic ending, much to Len's disappointment.)

Len rolled his eyes, although his friend couldn’t see his expression in the dark. “I’d rather be stung by a thousand wasps,” he said. “Really, Kai. I’m just happy to watch from the sidelines like always.”

“You’ll regret it,” Kaito said. “And I mean, like, you did a pretty good Odette impression when we were practicing yesterday.”

Len snorted. “Hilarious.”

“It’s true! And when you—”

He shushed his friend as the next auditioner walked onto the stage. Small, feeble, yet very cute; there stood a nervous-looking Rin Kagamine.

Kaito wolf-whistled and waved at her, earning a slap on the leg from Len. Rin glanced up at them and smiled sheepishly, before beginning her audition.

Rin was… well, she was one of the best performers in the theatre group. She’d been doing ballet since she could walk, and taking singing lessons since she could talk. She was humble and sweet and eager to please, always wearing a smile, always being soft-spoken.

There was just a lot to be said about her, but Len could never find all the right words.

One could say it was a crush, and maybe it was—he just really, really admired her. 

Kaito and Rin were good friends, having played major roles in past musicals together many times. Len could barely get out a sentence around her, though. Nevertheless, she was Rin— painfully polite and always treating others kindly.

Len watched as she acted out the scene where Odette sees Siegfried and Odile dancing together in the castle. The emotion she poured into her acting and singing—even though it was just an audition—made it seem as if the pain she was feeling was real. The performance pulled at his heartstrings.

When Rin finished her audition and toddled off the stage looking like she’d walked straight into a storm, Kaito turned to Len and said, “Oh, she’s definitely getting the lead role.”

“Yeah?”

“Too bad you won’t be her Siegfried,” he teased with a wink.

Len sighed. “What, you want to audition for Rothbart instead?”

Kaito stroked his chin in thought. “Well, auditioning as a villain is definitely a first, but I’m not opposed…”

They watched the rest of the auditions in silence. Perhaps Len was just biased, but it really did seem likely Rin would get the female lead. Of course, the other students were good, but Rin… she just stood out something special on stage.

Next were the male leads, and Kaito jumped up, ready to go wait in line to be called down by the front.

“Good luck,” he hissed to his friend.

Kaito blew him a kiss and ran off.

Unsurprisingly, he blew his audition out of the water. Of course, Len already knew that—having been his Odette while he practiced for the audition of Siegfried for the past week or so. He was definitely talented.

A few weeks after the auditions, all roles for the musical were announced. As expected, both Kaito and Rin got the leads. Rin seemed genuinely surprised, being too humble for her own good, but Kaito just looked smug.

“It’s a pity you can’t be my Odette,” he joked, as Len checked the lists for what job he’d be appointed. Ew, yet again painting and moving the props.

“I’m quite happy for Rin to be up there instead of me,” Len said, frowning at the paper as he read the names of other students who were helping out. Ugh, and that bossy girl Meiko is in charge of it? What a nightmare.

“Really? Doesn’t seem like that to me,” Kaito observed. Then he leaned over to read the list Len was looking at, snickering at something. “Oh, look! Your best friend Meiko is going to be working with you.”

The last time Meiko and Len were on the same team for the musical, she made him repaint an entire set because she didn’t like the shade of green he used. God, were art students such a pain in the butt.

Len shrugged his shoulders, considering asking to be moved to lighting or audio. “Hopefully I’ll get the paint colour right this time.”

Rin came skipping over to the boys with a smile that lit up the whole room, drawing their attention away from the list. She congratulated Kaito on landing his role. “I look forward to working with you!” she exclaimed, bowing politely.

Kaito nudged Len, winked, then gave her a thumbs up. “Right back at you, Rinnie,” he said.

She glanced over at Len questioningly, who was standing off to the side looking like a cardboard cut-out. “Are you working on props again, Len?”

Len looked down, his ears burning. “Oh. Yeah.”

“Len, here—if only he would audition too,” Kaito said, throwing a thumb in his direction. “He didn’t make a bad Odette when I was practicing.”

Rin raised her eyebrows, surprised. “Really? I wouldn’t think of Len as one to do acting.”

“I don’t,” Len mumbled.

Kaito chortled, slapping a hand down on Len's shoulder, who grunted at the impact. “Oh yeah, but he’s always been a great practice partner! He’s pretty much half the reason I remember my lines.”

“That’s nice of him!” Rin said, beaming. “Maybe I need to practice with him too. I always take forever to learn mine…”

“Well, next time him and I are practicing, I’ll call you over,” Kaito said with a grin. Len wasn’t sure if he was being serious or not, but he was praying that he wasn’t.

A group of some theatre girls walked past, calling Rin over, and she cast an apologetic look at the boys. “Sorry, gotta go,” she said, before waving goodbye and running off.

Kaito turned to Len, the grin still on his face. “So, what do you think? Wanna help Rin remember her lines?”

Len scowled at him. “Kai, I can barely get a sentence out around her. Do you think I’d be much help?”

His friend slung an arm around his shoulders. “Oh Len, we just have to get that talkative side to come out first.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“We’ll figure it out.”

Fat chance , Len mused with a pout.

.

The weeks rolled by, with work on the musical starting off slow. Len spent most of his afternoons painting props and avoiding Meiko’s wrath, and listening to the other theatre kids gossip.

One day, one of his classmates—and fellow theatre club members—approached him. 

“Hey Len,” she said. 

She was playing the role of Odile, and helping with other things on the side—Miku, he recalled her name. They’d barely talked in all their years together, so this was a first. 

She crouched on the ground beside him as he was finishing off the flowers on a bush, and looked at him with a serious expression while twisting a pigtail in one hand. “Are, you know, Kaito and Rin, like, dating? ”

Len paused mid-stroke, going, “Uhh.”

“Because, like, they seem to be really close, right, and they’re always getting the main roles,” she babbled, and he sat there in silence, wondering for a moment. “And like, I’m just curious, ‘cus they haven’t really said anything, but like, it just wouldn’t surprise me, you know?”

Eventually, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “I dunno. None of my business.” He didn’t think they were dating, but, hell, who knew. Maybe that had changed within the past day or so.

Miku looked at him weirdly. “Aren’t you, like, his best friend?”

“Yeah, and I dunno,” Len answered, returning the same expression. “What’s it to you?”

She flushed. “W-well, you know, I just thought…”

“Why not ask Kaito or something?” he said, looking back down at the prop he was working on. “The guy doesn’t keep any secrets.”

Miku huffed, frustrated with his answers. “Well, I—um, it’s just—that would be sort of rude, okay?”

Len raised an eyebrow. “Really.”

Then she threw her head back, groaning. “Wow, you are so weird. Never mind.”

Miku got up and ran off, not bothering him again. But that got Len thinking… 

What if they were dating? Sure, they were friendly with each other, but that was just—he assumed—because they’d worked together on so many musicals before. Besides, Kaito was always sort of gently nudging Len to make a move on Rin, so it didn’t make much sense if they did happen to be dating. (Unless they were like, polyamorous or something.)

Even so, Len couldn’t blame people for assuming it. They were a good-looking couple when together. And the few practices he’d sat through, he couldn’t help but be mesmerised by their acting with one another. Their voices harmonised well, their height difference was sort of amusing, and even their personalities seemed to contrast nicely.

He frowned down at the ugly flower he was painting. It was impossible to see himself with Rin, when she was just so bright and cheery, and him akin to the dark side of the moon.

“Len!” Meiko snapped, disturbing him from his thoughts. She was standing over him, her hands on her hips and her face pulled into a snarl. “Can you pick up the pace? We still have thirteen more of these bush sets to paint!”

Len grumbled an apology, and got back to work, thoughts of Rin and Kaito reeling through his mind.

.

“Huh, so something weird happened today,” Kaito said, while peeling open an ice-cream he got from the cafeteria vending machine. They were on lunch break, and it was a pleasant, mid-autumn afternoon, so they were sitting out in the courtyard, enjoying the sun.

“What happened?” Len asked, picking at the hard-boiled egg in his lunchbox.

“You know that girl Miku,” he continued, “she’s Odile, right? Anyway, she came up to me all flustered or something and was like, ‘Oh my God, are you and Rin dating?’” He mocked her voice and everything.

Len popped his egg into his mouth and chewed slowly. “She actually asked?” he said.

Kaito then looked at him, surprised. “What, did you know about this?”

“She came up to me the other day, asking if you two were dating,” Len said, before taking a sip of his banana-flavoured milk.

“She asked you? What did you say?”

“I said, ‘I dunno.’”

Kaito raised an eyebrow. “You just told her, ‘I dunno’?”

Len shrugged. “Yeah. She wasn’t happy with that answer, though, so I said if she wanted to know, to just ask you. I didn’t actually think she would, though.”

Kaito scoffed. “She did, and she looked like she was in pain.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Seemed happy to know we weren’t— ” Kaito then narrowed his eyes at Len, “—dating, though.”

“Look, it’s not my business to know if you two have something going on,” Len defended himself, pretty pathetically at that. “And, well, you’re spending a lot of time together now so maybe something could change. I don’t know.”

Kaito sighed, throwing an arm over his friend's shoulders and roughing up his hair. “God, you’re a loser. But Len, you know, Rin isn’t my type. Not saying she isn’t cute, but…” He released him and gave him a serious look. “Anyway, I’m not that much of a self-centred dick to date her behind your back, am I?”

Len shook his head, reaching up to fix his fringe. “No, but, like, I don’t own her or anything. I can’t even look her in the eye.”

“Hmm,” Kaito said. “Len, you’re too complacent and nice for your own good. You should be more fighty if you want to catch Rin’s attention.”

“I don’t like conflict.”

“Man, you’re strange.” Kaito gave him a grin, taking a bite of his ice-cream. “But I guess that’s what makes you Len.”

Len gave a dry laugh, which died down pretty soon thereafter, because he spotted the tell-tale wobble of a certain girl’s white ribbon. Rin was approaching them from the other side of the courtyard, a sense of urgency in her step.

“Hey Kaito,” she called, waving. She nodded at Len as a greeting. “We’re having a quick emergency measure-up to double check our measurements for costumes before they get finalised. Can I borrow you for a sec?”

“Aw man,” Kaito groaned. “It’s lunch time! Can’t they let a guy rest?”

Her lips twitched. “Sorry, Kai.” As Kaito gathered his things, she turned to Len. “Hi Len. How are all the props going?”

“I’ve painted seven bushes,” Len said to his knees. “And my hand really hurts.”

“Len’s an art prodigy, you see,” Kaito commented, slapping him on the back, earning a disgruntled oof . “Meiko loves his work.”

Rin raised an eyebrow. This time, she couldn’t contain her smirk. “Really?” she said, sounding skeptical. “To be honest, that girl terrifies me. Well, good luck, Len!”

Then she and Kaito were off, leaving Len to sit in the courtyard by himself and sigh down at his half-eaten lunch.

Well, at least he said more than three words to her, this time.

.

Winter vacation came and went, and soon began the countdown. Of course, the musical was still at least two months away, but theatre kids liked to feel the pressure of impending doom for some odd reason. 

Len’s team had finished with painting the bushes and were tasked to work on the castle shell with another team. Apart from a few students who were picky about design and colour, most days spent painting were uneventful.

The good thing was that the theatre club shared the auditorium for both prop preparation and rehearsal, so he got to see Kaito and Rin’s progress, too. Of course, on the odd occasion, Len was forced into helping Kaito practice his role on the weekends, but he preferred seeing it from the perspective of the audience.

One afternoon, while painting and listening to everyone’s rehearsal, there seemed to be some drama up on the stage. The theatre club’s president—Luka—was in a bad mood that day, and after Rin had stuffed up her lines for the fifth time in a row, she snapped .

Len had stopped whatever he was doing to watch as Luka pulled Rin aside to talk to her off-stage. A few minutes later, Rin went running out of the auditorium in tears.

No one else seemed to notice; rehearsal had moved on to another scene without her, and the art, audio and lighting kids were too busy focusing on their work to pay attention. Len looked around, hoping someone would follow after her, but no one did.

His stomach twisted, and he felt guilty having witnessed it, but not doing anything about it. 

Len sat for a moment, waiting for her to come back, or something , before taking a deep breath and deciding to be the one to take the initiative. He excused himself for the bathroom and went out the same door Rin ran through minutes earlier, wandering down the hall in search of the girl.

Eventually he found her tucked underneath the staircase after following the sound of her sniffling. She looked surprised on seeing him, and hurried to wipe away her tears.

He stood there, staring at her forehead, before eventually clearing his throat and going, “Uh… um… are you… okay?”

It was the most ridiculous question to ask, given Rin was literally crying right in front of him, and he punched himself in the mouth mentally for not being at least an ounce more socially adept.

She didn’t seem to mind the foolish question, though. She sniffled, wiping at her nose with her sleeve. “Ah… Len. I’m sorry. I’m okay, just… a little stressed is all.” She gave him a watery smile in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Len glanced off to the side, fiddling with his sleeve. “I saw Luka getting mad up on stage.”

Rin winced, screwing up her face. “Yeah… she’s stressed, too.” She sighed. “I mean, it’s my fault for not remembering my lines, so…” Her voice wobbled a bit at that, and she sniffled again, tears gathering.

Oh boy. He didn’t want to make her cry more. “It’s okay,” he blurted out, as if those words alone would make the situation any better. “It’s not your fault. It can’t be helped. We’re only human.”

She smiled a bit. “Yeah. You’re right,” she said. “It’s just… a lot of pressure, you know? Being the main character. I can’t help but feel I’m not right for the role. Like Miku… well, she’s so much better at this than I am.”

“That’s not true,” Len blurted. Rin looked surprised, and so did he. He scratched at his neck. “Well, um, I dunno, when I watched your audition, I couldn’t stop thinking about how well you suited Odette. Like, Miku’s was good, but there was something yours had that… hers didn’t.”

Rin tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking down. Although she still seemed upset, she had calmed down a bit.

He continued, trying to fill in the awkward silence, “I think you can do it.”

She sniffled again, letting out a shaky laugh. “Thank you, Len,” she said. She hesitated a bit, before looking up at him. “And thank you for coming out to check on me. That’s… really kind of you.”

Len managed a smile, but couldn’t quite meet her eyes.

Rin wiped at her face again and fixed her hair, taking a breath. “Okay. Let’s go back.”

They walked back to the auditorium together in silence. Before they split off their separate ways, Len stopped her, fingers barely grazing the sleeve of her shirt.

“Um,” he fumbled, when she turned to look at him. “Good luck up there.”

The corners of her lips turned, and she held up her fists. “I’ll do my best.”

For the rest of the afternoon, Rin shone brilliantly on the stage, and Meiko threw a newspaper at Len’s head for getting distracted by her.

.

“Oh Len. You sly, sly dog,” Kaito said, having heard from Rin what happened the following day.

Len gave him a look. “Well, none of you were running out to check on her.”

His friend grinned, leaning against his desk and folding his arms over his chest. “That’s true, but honestly, she and I were both equally surprised you were the one to go after her. Rin was all, Oh, that Len! He’s nice once he gets over his shyness, isn’t he? ” Kaito tried his best Rin-voice impression.

Len groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Please never do that again.”

“What?” Kaito said, grinning. “ Talking like Rin? ”

“Stop!” Len threw a hand in his direction, and he caught it, using it as a weapon to whack Len in the face.

“Anyway, so, Rin wants to practice her lines with you and me so she can get Luka off her case. I think she likes you, hey.” Kaito winked.

Len snatched his hand back. “How am I supposed to help? I’m not even acting a part.”

“Yeah, but you always do a great job playing the other roles when we’re practicing. And you always drop good hints about my next lines when I forget, ‘cus you always have the lines to read off.”

Len propped his elbow on his desk and leaned his head against his hand, disinterested. “You could, uh, also do that with each other, though.”

“C’mon Len! If you refuse to practice, she’ll think you don’t like her and get sad. She’ll be all, Oh, how disappointing, Len doesn’t want to practice with me …” Kaito faked wiping a tear.

Len rolled his eyes. “If I agree to it, will you stop doing bad impressions of Rin?”

Kaito grinned. “Maybe.”

Len narrowed his eyes.

“Okay, yes. I will stop doing bad impressions of Rin to harass you.”

He sighed, his shoulders sagging in defeat. “Fine. I’ll practice with you two. Just this once, though.”

Kaito high-fived himself. “Hell yeah! I’m gonna go tell Rin.” Then he disappeared.

Len dropped his head on his desk with a loud thunk . He didn’t know how on earth he was going to do any sort of ‘effective’ practice with Rin around.

.

“Len, you’re supposed to be the evil Rothbart, not a mute teenager,” Kaito said.

They were at a park somewhat central to all their houses on a chilly Sunday morning. Kaito was stretched out on a bench, drinking juice, and Rin stood in front of Len, waiting for him to start taking his role as the villain somewhat seriously.

But… Len couldn’t. Not with Rin dressed in cute casual clothes like this. He’d never seen her without a uniform on, in all these years of attending the same high school… and, well, it was a lot to process.

“Let’s try again,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips. “You don’t have to be convincing. Just… enough is alright, Len.”

He scanned the lines on the page in front of him again and took a breath, giving a nod. He dropped the sheet to his side and cleared his throat. Then, in the best voice he could muster, he began—

“Oh dear Odette! That prince of yours will never love you back—for he has sworn his love to my daughter Odile!”

Kaito burst into laughter from the side, but Rin ignored him and went on to deliver her line. “No! That can’t be true!” she wailed, bringing her hands up to her face in shock.

Len quickly glanced at his lines, before raising his arms like he was, uh, conjuring some magical image, or something like that. “No, Odette… it is …”

Rin stared at the empty space between his arms, her eyebrows furrowing. “It can’t be…” she said, her hands dropping to her sides. “He doesn’t love me…”

It was at this moment, Len was supposed to laugh maniacally and say something else, but he became distracted by how convincing Rin’s acting was. He didn’t realise he was gawking at her until she waved her hand in front of his face.

He snapped back to reality. “S-sorry!” he blurted, scrambling for the next line. God, this was going to kill him. “Um—uh… n-now, you shall be my pretty swan forever…”

Rin then stifled a laugh, breaking character. “Kaito, I think Len has had enough of being Rothbart for now.”

Kaito snickered into his juice bottle, waving his hand. “Oh, he’s fine. I think you were pulling on his heartstrings a little, that’s all.”

Len’s face burned. He tossed his photocopy of the musical’s script at Kaito and took a seat next to him. “Whatever, can I take a break? You two have plenty of scenes to practice with each other.”

His friend rolled his eyes, getting up from the bench with a groan. “Yeah, yeah. Alright, Rin. Let’s start from Act 4 line 46, then. Len, can you help us with our lines?”

Len begrudgingly took the papers back from Kaito and shuffled through to find Act 4.

Oh.

Oh .

It was the act with the kissing scene.

Well.

Fuck you, Kaito.

They began with Rin dying by the lake, and Kaito running in after killing Rothbart. (Len was pretty sure in the original they were both supposed to die, but the school council was all, Noooo, we want a happy ending! )

He frowned as he watched Kaito embrace her and act dramatic, confessing his love to her—what he was guessing—dead body. Rin then rose from the dead and reached out to cup his face.

“Oh, my prince!” she said. “You came back for me… and the curse has been broken!”

Kaito then turned and looked at Len, mouthing the word line .

Len sighed, muttering his next lines. “Odette, I thought I lost you.”

Kaito repeated down to Rin, “Odette, I thought I lost you.”

Silence. 

Len continued, “It was all my fault, mistaking you for that vile Odile.”

Kaito acted out the lines, then looked at him again.

Was he just doing this on purpose? He was doing it on purpose. This guy knew those lines, because Len had run over them with him at least a hundred times before. He wasn’t even looking at the script for reference anymore, because even he knew them.

“I could never love anyone else but you, Odette.”

The hint of a smirk tugged on Kaito’s lips as he repeated those lines down to Rin.

She stared up at him, as if he were a delicious slice of chocolate cake. “My prince…” she gasped.

Then it was the kiss scene.

Len averted his gaze as they leaned in for the kiss, signalling the end of the musical. He wanted to kick Kaito for this later. 

A moment passed, and the pair stood up as if nothing ever happened, brushing the grass off their clothes.

“So, what do you think, Len?” Kaito asked with a shit-eating grin.

“You need to learn your lines,” Len deadpanned.

“You wanna practice with me? Kissy-kissy.” Kaito pursed his lips and leaned in. Len swatted him away, disgusted.

“It’s not a real kiss, of course,” Rin said, smiling. “Just a theatrical one.”

Len raised an eyebrow. “A theatrical one?”

She ushered Kaito over to demonstrate. “You know, this hand faces the audience. It hides our mouths. And this hand… well, I use my fingers as a blockade for our mouths.” She placed one hand flat on the side of his face, then the other on the opposite side, and pressed one thumb over Kaito’s mouth.

“Romantic, huh?” Kaito said through her thumb.

“Ew.” Rin dropped her hands to wipe them on her shorts. “I mean, as if they’d let people kiss on stage at school.”

“Huh,” was all Len said.

Kaito wiggled his eyebrows at him. “You wanna try?”

“With you? No thanks.”

“I mean, Rin might want to—”

“Also no thanks.”

“Ouch.”

Rin just laughed. “It’s alright,” she said. She tucked her hair back behind her ears. “Can we run over another scene? There’s this one in Act 2 I really need to work on… and Len, can you help out too?” She turned to Len and gave him a pleading look.

And, well, he really couldn’t say no.

“Okay…”

“Great! Well, I need you to pretend to be the other swan maidens in the lake…”

Len thought to himself, Oh boy.

.

The weeks continued to fly by. Soon, the musical was barely a month away.

Both Rin and Kaito seemed drained from countless practices. Len was going just fine, on the other hand; props were almost finished, and now they were finessing details (as Meiko liked to call it). A few times, they did some ‘unofficial’ full run-throughs as stagehands, but there was still a bit of work that had to be done.

When Len sat down next to Kaito for lunch, his friend turned to him and said with a straight face, “Miku and I made out yesterday.”

Len almost dumped his lunchbox’s contents on his lap. “You what? ”

“Yeah,” Kaito said, looking a tad dead inside. “It was weird.”

“Why?” Len asked, although that was a strange question to ask about kissing someone .

Kaito shrugged. “We were alone, and she was stressed, and we just started making out.”

Len found such a statement hard to imagine. We just started making out . Like, how the hell do you just start making out with someone? “So…?”

“I don’t even like Miku,” his friend moaned, dropping his head. “She’s too… I dunno, noisy? Not my type at all.”

Len couldn’t help but ask, “What is your type?”

Kaito tapped his chin in thought. “Hmm. Bossy. Cold. Could crush my head with her thighs.”

“So, like Meiko?”

Kaito tilted his head, squinting at the wall beside Len. “Eh, yeah. I guess so.”\

Len didn’t know what to do with this newfound information. He shovelled a dim sum into his mouth and chewed. “What are you going to do about Miku?” he asked.

Kaito groaned. “I don’t know. I don’t like turning people down and… I mean, I totally made out with her yesterday, so.”

Len went for the salad, saying, “I don’t make out with random girls on the regular, so I don’t have any advice to give you, sorry.”

“That’s alright,” Kaito said, putting his head in his hands. “I’ll figure it out.”

Len frowned at his friend, couldn’t help but feel concerned for him. The musical-induced exhaustion definitely was clouding his judgement (or he had some sort of attraction to Miku he was in denial about, but who knew).

He saw Rin in the hallway later that day, and she almost completely snubbed him, until realising at the last minute he’d walked past. She swung around and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him over by the wall.

It caught him off-guard, and he stuttered something of a hello.

She sighed, folding her arms over her chest. “Rehearsals have been taking it out of me. How are you doing, though?”

Len fidgeted with the collar of his shirt. “Prop work is far from as bad as your case is.”

“That’s good to hear.” Rin smiled. “How’s Kaito? He was a bit of a zombie yesterday.”

“Oh.” He recalled the conversation earlier, and the crisis Kaito seemed to be having. “Not so great,” he decided as the best answer.

She frowned, folding her arms over her chest. “He needs to take it easy. I was going to ask if you wanted to practice this weekend, but maybe we should let him rest…”

Len didn’t mind not practicing, because he’d been humiliated at least a million times during the past four practices they’d done. Of course it meant more time with Rin, but at what cost?

“Yeah, might be a good idea,” he agreed. Kaito would probably spend the weekend having a crisis about girls, anyway.

Rin dropped her arms to her sides. “Well, we’re almost there. Only four weeks to go!” She then waved goodbye and disappeared off down the hallway, into the mass of migrating students.

Len exhaled. Only four weeks to go .

.

Two weeks to go—that was when the accident happened.

Rehearsals had been slotted into lunchtimes to add extra practice, but Len usually didn’t have to go, so he spent a lot of his lunches by himself. He was enjoying his peace and quiet in the classroom, reading a manga and eating a sandwich, when the door clattered open and both Rin and Miku came running in looking like they’d run a marathon.

Rin stumbled over to his desk, breathless, and blurted, “Kaito’s going to hospital.”

Len dog-eared his book and looked up at her, not sure if he’d heard her right. “He’s going where?”

Miku appeared from behind, repeating, “The hospital. He’s going to the hospital.”

“He fell off the stage during rehearsal,” Rin continued, her eyes wide. 

“His leg, like, snapped like uncooked spaghetti,” Miku added, the detail a little unnecessary.

Len finished his sandwich. “Is he alright?”

The girls exchanged looks with each other. “We don’t know, but the paramedics said he might’ve broken his leg. He just… landed on it in the wrong way, and it was awful,” Rin said. “Luka’s freaking out.”

What he wanted to know was, how the hell did Kaito fall off the stage? The guy wasn’t even clumsy, and yet, here he was, probably breaking his leg two weeks before the musical. What a clown.

“Oh,” Len said, unsure how to take the news. “Well, thanks for telling me.”

Miku was already distracted, telling another student about the incident, which signalled that whatever went down during practice would spread around the school like wildfire by the end of the day. 

“No problem.” Rin’s eyebrows furrowed. “I’m just really worried. We’ll probably have an emergency meeting for it tomorrow, and for now this afternoon’s rehearsal has been called off, but…” She trailed off, chewing her lip with uncertainty.

“How did he fall off the stage?” Len asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

She shrugged her shoulders, the corners of her lips turning down. “I don’t really know. I guess he was really tired and just lost his balance… I wasn’t on stage at the time. I just heard him fall. It wasn’t good.”

“I wonder if he’ll be alright to do the musical,” he mused aloud.

Rin hung her head. “I hope he will,” she said. “But I have a feeling he won’t.”

That feeling was right. Kaito messaged Len that night to tell him, rather joyfully, that he had broken his ankle.

I’ll be at school nice and drugged up tomorrow! he added.

The next day, the emergency meeting for the theatre club was called after school. Although Len didn’t really have to attend it, being simply a stagehand, Kaito had dragged him along, asking for ‘moral support’.

“Do you really need moral support?” Len said, watching as his friend hobbled beside him on crutches.

“ Yes. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to this role, you know. I’m going to need you to wipe away my tears.”

“Can’t you ask Miku to do that for you?”

“Len. Die ,” was Kaito’s harsh response.

They were the last ones to arrive at the auditorium, where most of the cast had gathered in a circle. Rin was chewing on her nails—something she tended to do when she was stressed—and Luka was pacing back and forth across the room, a frown etched into her lips.

Upon seeing that Kaito had arrived, Luka stopped and clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention to her.

“So, as you may know, Kaito has broken his ankle and has had to step down from his role from Siegfried,” she began. A shocked chatter rumbled through the group, and she cleared her throat, signalling for silence. “We had an understudy—Yuuma—but conveniently, he got the flu and won’t be able to take on the position.”

“Oh boy,” Kaito said, apparently having only just heard wind of this. 

Luka pushed back her hair, exhaling. “So, now we don’t have anyone to play the role of Siegfried—and I’m trying to decide what to do next,” she said. “First, any questions, ideas, or concerns about this?”

Miku put up her hand. “Is the musical going to be cancelled?”

“No,” Luka answered. “But we may have to change things, if we can’t find someone to fill Kaito’s spot.”

People began to murmur, sharing their doubt for such a possibility.

“We only have two weeks,” someone said. “I don’t think we can find anyone else to play the role of Siegfried.”

Luka frowned. “Well, first, does anyone know someone who might be able to do Siegfried? Or does anyone think they can step up to the position?”

The room went silent. Everyone looked around at each other.

Then Kaito cleared his throat. “I know someone.”

Luka turned to him. “Who?”

He gestured to Len standing beside him. “This guy has essentially all my lines memorised.”

Len’s face went red as everyone’s eyes fell on him. Oh no. Oh no no no no no . “Kaito,” he hissed, panicking.

Luka seemed unconvinced, folding her arms over her chest and raising an eyebrow. 

Kaito kept talking. “Len’s been practicing with Rin and me, helping us with our lines. I think he could pull it off. I forced him to make a band with me once in middle school, so I know he can sing.”

It was then Len wished for a hole to appear in the ground and swallow him up. What the hell was Kaito thinking? He did not want this at all.

Rin spoke up, much to his displeasure. “I think Len can do it too,” she said. “Like Kaito said, he already knows most—if not all—of Siegfried’s lines. So if anything, he would just have to learn the songs and his actions.”

Luka was slowly coming around, tapping her chin. “Hmm. Well. Anyone have another suggestion?” She scanned the group, waiting for another name to be called, but crickets chirped in response. “Okay. Let’s have a show of hands then. Who’s okay with Len taking the role of Siegfried?”

Kaito and Rin’s hands shot up. Then, slowly, one-by-one, other students began raising their hands, too. It was a good 80% of students voting in favour of him.

“It looks like Len’s our best bet, then,” Luka decided, after counting the number. She looked at Len, who was beside himself. “Well, Len. Is it alright if you take the role of Siegfried in place of Kaito?”

Len swallowed, a nervous sweat breaking out across his body. His eyes darted from Kaito, who was giving him a serious look, to Rin, who was basically pleading him with her eyes.

Oh God. Oh God. He hated disappointing people.

He found himself muttering, “Sure. Okay. Yes.”

Just like that, a sigh of relief seemed to wash across the theatre club. 

Just like that, Len was going to be Siegfried.

Ah. Fuck.

.

Kaito tried his very best to convince Len he was capable of getting on stage and performing. Rin had even joined in, much to his surprise.

Len stared at the space above their heads, feeling as if he might puke.

“You’ll be fine, Len,” Kaito reassured. “Just think everyone in the audience is a potato.”

Rin nodded in agreement, her white bow bobbing up and down. “If you can get up and take on a role in front of me without even knowing the lines, you can get up in front of everyone else and be Siegfried.”

“But what happens if I forget my lines, or go off-key?” Len protested, looking pale.

“You just improvise, man,” Kaito said, as if it was the easiest answer ever. “You just keep going.”

“And Len,” Rin added, reaching out to grab his hands. She looked him in the eyes and his stomach did a somersault. “I’ll be up there with you, so don’t worry. If something happens, I’ll help you out if I can.”

His chest went warm and fuzzy. God, why did she have so much influence over him?

Len’s eyebrows furrowed. “I just… I don’t know if I can do it.”

Both Rin and Kaito yelled in his face, “You can!”

“You just have to believe in yourself,” Kaito said, hitting his own chest with a fist.

Rin nodded. “We’re all nervous going up there. But think of it as a fun challenge! You’re not being Len on stage. You’re being Siegfried.”

“Anyway, we should get on with practicing,” Kaito said, holding up his script. “We only have a week and a bit to go. Luka’s going to lose her mind if you show up next week with no clue what to do.”

Len whined as a complaint, but nevertheless, obliged.

Of course, Rin and Kaito were nice enough to spend essentially their entire weekend at the park helping him catch up, even going as far to teach him the dance moves and lyrics, and explain stage cues. Len was just absolutely terrified of getting up in front of hundreds of people to sing a solo song. Even doing such a thing in front of Rin now seemed like child’s play.

While Kaito hobbled off to the bathroom later in the day, they took a drink break. 

Rin turned to Len and admitted, “You know what? I’m really glad you were chosen to fill in for Kaito.”

Len’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? Why?”

She smiled down at her bottle of green tea she bought from the vending machine. “Well, Yuuma’s cool and all, but I feel more at ease when acting with you and Kaito. I’m glad it wasn’t someone else. You know, since it’s such an intimate role.”

Ah. Right. “Oh,” Len said. He was happy to hear that, and a smile inched its way onto his lips. Hearing that she felt comfortable around him was… somewhat relieving to his anxiety over what she thought of him. “Thank you.”

Rin looked up at him, beaming. Her face glowed under the afternoon light, and her blue eyes glittered like stars. He couldn’t help but stare.

Kaito returned, appearing from behind them. “Oh, you two look nice and comfortable. Guess we’re ready for Act 4, huh?” he joked.

Len grabbed one of his crutches, threatening to take it from his grasp. “Don’t test me, disabled man.”

Kaito pulled a face.

“We still need to do Act 3, first,” Rin said, not quite catching the joke—or perhaps just ignoring it. “It’s the longest one, so Len needs lots of practice.”

“Alright, alright.” Kaito waved his hand. “Let’s keep going, then.”

.

The following week went by in the blink of an eye. Len was exhausted and busy every day, rehearsing and doing costume try-ons and so on and so forth. By the end of the week, he almost didn’t care anymore, he was so tired.

Most of Len’s costumes consisted of safety pins, considering Kaito was both taller and larger than him in size. It was always a struggle getting in and out of the costumes, which made costume changes much more dire in between scenes.

Luka seemed somewhat satisfied with what he could do, though, which was a relief to both him and Kaito. (Although, his dancing left much to be desired.) “It’s not perfect,” she said in regards to his performance, “but it’s better than nothing at all.”

He tried to take it as a compliment.

Soon, they were doing their last dress rehearsal, two days before the show.

Kaito came up to him after the rehearsal, having sat and watched part of it. “How do you feel, Siegfried?” he asked, swinging an arm over his shoulders.

“Like I might have explosive diarrhea on the day,” Len answered.

“Oh yeah,” Kaito said with a nod. “It be like that sometimes.” He gave him a rough pat on the back. “You’ll be fine though. Do it for the theatrical kiss with Rin.”

Len could only roll his eyes.

Finally, the day of the performance came. According to Rin, who was chewing on her nails backstage, the auditorium was packed full. Len’s knees turned weak, and he sunk down on the ground beside her.

Rin put a hand on his shoulder. “You’ll do great, my prince,” she said, giving a wink, before getting dragged off by one of the stagehands.

His insides melted like butter. A part of him still couldn’t get it around his head that this was happening.

Kaito appeared with his crutches, hopping over to give him a last minute pep talk. Mostly, he just rattled off with bullshit.

“Just don’t look at the audience’s faces. That’s what always throws me off,” he told him.

“Will try not to,” Len said through grit teeth.

“ Or you can try finding my face, in which I’ll blow you kisses.”

“That’s great to hear, Kai.”

Kaito grinned, checking the time on his watch. “Well, I should go now. But hey. Break a leg, alright?” He gave him a thumbs up. “Just not literally, otherwise you’ll end up like me.”

Len frowned at him. “You better not have jinxed me.”

Kaito ignored him and left, leaving Len to try his best not to throw up.

Soon, the music for the opening began to play.

 .

  three…

two…

one

It’s showtime!

 .

 The adrenaline rush kept Len going, somehow, through the entire musical. He made mistakes, sure, but the show went on. The lights were bright and blinding, and at times he was just lost up on the wide, empty stage. Yet, he did it all. He managed to make it to the end.

He realised this as he was leaning over Rin, her chest rising and falling, her eyelids fluttering.

“Odette…” he whispered, a cue for Rin to ‘awaken’.

She stirred, sitting up, meeting his eyes. She looked different with makeup on, under the heavy stage lights. It wasn’t bad; it made her look older, sharper, more adult than a girl. She smiled at him, and he wasn’t sure if it was her acting, or actually genuine.

Rin reached out to cup his face, hands warm and clammy. He didn’t mind. “Oh, my prince!” she said. “You came back for me… and the curse has been broken.”

Len’s heart was beating so hard against his rib cage, like it might leap out of his chest. He wondered if she could hear it. “I thought I lost you,” he breathed. “It was all my fault, mistaking you for that vile Odile.”

She shook her head, the feathers in her hair dancing in the air around her head.

He took a breath. “I could never love anyone else but you…” Her name danced on the tip of his tongue, and he swallowed it back. “…Odette.”

Rin gazed up at him. Her eyes were dark underneath all the makeup. He didn’t know what was going through her mind at that moment. “My prince…” she whispered.

She leaned in for the ‘kiss’ and he followed, expecting for it to go as it did in their practice. But for some reason, she didn’t place her thumb over his lips. She just went straight in , and their lips mashed together, and his eyes almost flew open in shock at the contact.

Of course, Len managed to keep his composure—just barely—reminding himself to push through until the curtains dropped in front of them, and the audience burst into applause.

Once they were no longer in view, Rin jumped away from him like he was on fire, her skin bright red down to her neck. “Oh my god,” she whispered, covering her face with her hands. “I’m so sorry. I totally forgot to move my thumb.”

Len’s mouth was still warm from hers. The stage around them was spinning a little. “It’s… fine,” he managed to get out. 

The stagehands began ushering them off-stage before they could talk more, preparing them for the curtain call. 

He didn’t have any time after that to speak with Rin about the kiss. Once they were finished with the curtain call, she was whisked away by a crowd of underclassmen congratulating her and giving her flowers for her last show. It was only now that he realised how popular she was.

Kaito found him amongst the crowd, holding his hand up for a high-five. “You did it!” he said. “My little Lenny has grown up.”

“Please never call me that again,” Len said with a groan.

Kaito ignored him. “What’s that on your mouth?”

“Huh?” Len wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. It was red lipstick. From Rin’s lips. “Oh.”

Kaito raised his eyebrows. “Speaking of which, that kiss with Rin on stage seemed awfully… realistic. ”

Len laughed nervously at that. “Yeah… well…”

His friend leaned in, his eyes going wide. “Wait, it was real?”

“It was an accident,” Len said. His face was hot.

Kaito’s jaw went slack. “Oh my god. You…”

Len shushed him. “It’s not that big of a deal. It was an accident . Rin forgot to put her thumb in the way so we just… you know…”

“She forgot to put her thumb in the way, huh,” Kaito said, narrowing his eyes and stroking his chin. “She never forgot with me.”

Len shrugged. “Maybe she was nervous, or something, I don’t know. I didn’t get to talk to her about it much.”

Kaito hummed in thought. There was a mischievous glint in his eye. “Well, I’m sure you’ll get a chance to talk to her about it at dinner tonight.”

“There's dinner?” Len echoed.

“Uh, yeah, we always do dinner. Didn’t anyone tell you?”

“No…”

“Oh, well. We’re having dinner at a yakiniku restaurant. Wanna come?”

“I guess?”

Kaito winked. “More time with Rin, too.”

Len blushed, then elbowed his friend in the stomach. “I wish you’d shut up sometimes,” he muttered, before walking off to get out of costume.

.

As they were taking the train to the yakiniku restaurant Luka had booked, Miku wriggled her way in between Len and Kaito. 

“Len actually did pretty well up there!” she said. “I was surprised.”

“That’s a bit rude,” Kaito said down to her with a frown.

“What?” Miku batted her eyelashes innocently. “It’s his first time performing! I was sort of expecting something to go terribly wrong.”

Kaito rolled his eyes. “Well, of course Len did great. He’s like a closet superstar.”

Len snorted. “I’m anything but that, Kai.”

Miku pouted. “I’m not trying to be mean! You don’t think I’m being rude, do you, Len?”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“See? He agrees with me!”

“He didn’t even give you a verbal answer, Miku,” Kaito said.

She folded her arms over her chest, puffing out her cheeks. 

Rin turned, having overheard their conversation. “What’s going on?” she asked.

“We were just discussing Len’s total owning of the stage,” Kaito answered. “And Miku’s being a bitch.”

“I’m not!” Miku cried, indignant.

Rin giggled. “Len did really well, despite the circumstances,” she said. She kept her eyes on Miku and Kaito, avoiding meeting Len’s gaze “Who knew the quiet boy could brew such a storm?”

“He was just saving it up. Huh, Len?” Kaito looked at him.

Len mustered a smile. “I hope I never have to do that again,” was all he could respond with.

Everyone aww-ed in disappointment, and Kaito poked him with one of his crutches. “Nah. You loved it. It was the best experience you’ve ever had.”

“It was the most distressing experience I’ve had,” Len corrected.

Their train pulled up at their stop, and they filed out of the carriage, following Luka’s lead. The walk to the restaurant was around ten minutes, and everyone had moved on to another conversation with each other. Kaito was bickering with Miku, who seemed awfully touchy-feely with him.

Hmm , Len thought.

He didn’t mind the moment of quiet, though, as he tagged behind the group. It was weighing down on him—now that the adrenalin rush had finished—how goddamn exhausted he was. He couldn’t wait to have a bath and crawl into bed.

At the restaurant, Len took a seat between Kaito and another girl—Gumi—who played as one of the swan princesses. He hadn’t talked to her much before, but she seemed friendly. Across from him was Gakupo—who played Rothbart, Miki—who played another swan princess, and Piko—who was Seigfried’s best friend. He’d managed to get to know Gakupo and Piko through his role a little bit—they were okay. 

Alas, Rin was at a separate table, along with Luka, Meiko and Miku (which was, perhaps, not entirely a bad thing). 

So much for having the chance to talk to her about what happened on stage, though.

Although it was hard to organise a group of like, thirteen rowdy teenagers, eventually they sorted their orders for drinks and food. Everyone was busy chatting, and Len was just sitting there, staring at the empty table in front of him. Sometimes Kaito would try to drag him into his conversation with Miku, mainly asking for him to give his two cents in their argument, but eventually he would just… fade out of existence again.

When their drinks came, they made a toast.

Luka did the honours, being the club president. “Well, despite one of our leads breaking an ankle two weeks before our show, I guess we did pretty well,” she said, narrowing her eyes at Kaito, who wore a proud expression. “Thanks to Len being able to pull through and play the role in Kaito’s place. Thanks to everyone else, too, for all your hard work and cooperation for the past semester. It’s been an honour being your club president.” It was now she looked a bit teary.

(Len didn’t realise the theatre club was such a big thing to her… but, well.)

“So, a toast to our theatre club! Well done everyone, and good luck with finals next semester!”

Everyone held up their glasses.

“Cheers!”

After that was done, came the wait for food. Len took that as a chance to escape and get a breath of fresh air (he was getting a little claustrophobic, sandwiched between Kaito and Gumi). He excused himself to the bathroom, then slipped outside, unnoticed.

Len glanced at the time, making sure he didn’t spend too long outside that people came looking. He crouched down on the curb, breathing in the freezing, late-winter air.

There were footsteps behind him not long after he’d been outside, and he turned, expecting Kaito to have followed him out. But much to his surprise (and pleasure), it was Rin.

She tucked her hair behind her ears. “Mind if I join?” she asked.

Len nodded, the words getting caught in his throat.

Rin sat down beside him with a sigh. Her shoulder bumped against his, and his heart fluttered. “Are you feeling alright?” she asked, glancing at him. She’d wiped most of her makeup off, returning that familiar softness to her features.

“Yeah,” he croaked, before clearing his throat. “Just needed some air. It was a bit crowded, is all.”

“Yeah,” she agreed in an exhale. “The exhaustion sort of hits you around now.”

Len hummed in response. “I don’t know if I can get up off the ground, to be honest. My legs are killing me.”

Rin chuckled. “It’s all that dancing.”

“I didn’t know I had to use so many muscles for that.”

“Yeah,” she said. “Comes easy to me, having done ballet and all.”

Rin then leaned against him, her head lowering to his shoulder. He stiffened at first, then relaxed—although, all the skin she was touching was on fire.

“Still exhausted, though,” she mumbled. 

“You did amazing,” he said.

Rin’s hand fluttered down to his thigh. It was hot through the fabric of his jeans. His heartbeat picked up, hammering against his chest as his mind went reeling. He didn’t know what was going on.

“You did amazing, too,” she said back, a smile in her voice.

Len wanted to disagree with that statement, but instead, decided to shut up for once. He settled for a quiet, “Thank you.”

He wondered if she could hear his heart, beating so loud. God, she could definitely hear his heart.

She then said, “I’m sorry about the kiss at the end, though.”

“Oh, um,” he fumbled. “It’s fine, I… it took me by surprise, but…” It was good. I wanted you to kiss me more.

“It took me by surprise, too,” Rin said with a laugh. “I almost broke character there on stage.”

Len laughed with her. “I was confused for a moment, thought your thumb was oddly soft,” he admitted.

“Oh, you’re telling me my thumb doesn’t feel like a kiss?” she jested. “Rude.”

They chuckled together, before a beat of silence passed. Then Rin said, “You caught me off-guard up there, Len.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I did?”

“Yeah,” she said. “Your acting was… really good.”

Len stared straight ahead at the vending machine across the road, illuminating the darkness. He knew Rin could hear his heart. Her hand was still on his thigh, and her head still resting on his shoulder. The gentle smiles and the fact that she was sitting here, out in the cold with him, and not inside with the others.

He didn’t want to get ahead of himself, and yet…

Something inside just told him to go for it. Maybe he was reaching a state of over-exhaustion and his brain wasn’t functioning properly, but to heck with it.

“It wasn’t acting,” he whispered, the words difficult to get out.

Rin lifted her head to look at him, going, “Hmm?”

Len swallowed, mustering up the courage to try again. “It wasn’t acting,” he repeated. Once they were out, it was like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

She gazed at him, confusion first crossing her face, then consideration, then realisation. Her eyes went wide, her lips parting.

For a split second, he wondered, with terror, if he’d gotten it wrong. If he’d mistaken all her gestures for something they weren’t. If she was about to break his heart, then and there, in the most awkward situation ever.

But then Rin’s lips curled up into a smile. She leaned in close, her forehead touching his.

“Do you want to… try again?” she whispered. “But this time, not just an accident.”

Len didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned in, lips brushing against hers. She reciprocated, pressing back hard against his mouth. A hand reached up to grab the collar of his shirt, curling into a fist. The other still rested on his thigh, fingers pressing down into his skin.

He reached for her shoulders, then up to her neck, the sides of her face. He tangled his fingers in her hair, pulling her closer, drawing on her warmth.

Someone coughed from behind. Startled, they both jumped away from each other and turned to see Meiko.

She folded her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said, in a tone that wasn’t very apologetic, “but everyone’s wondering where you two went, so unless you want to have to explain to them in detail what you were just doing, you should probably come inside.”

Rin cleared her throat, flustered. “S-sorry Meiko,” she stuttered.

Meiko just shook her head at them, before walking back into the restaurant.

Rin looked at Len. She exhaled and shrugged her shoulders. “We should probably go back.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, breathless.

She leaned in again to peck him on the lips once more before standing up, dusting off her clothes. She held out a hand for him, and he grabbed it, pulling him up.

Together, with faces red like stop signs, they walked back into the restaurant and took their seats, acting as if nothing ever happened.

.

When they were saying goodbye later that evening and going their separate ways, Rin kissed him again, right in front of Kaito.

Kaito gasped. “Excuse me,” he said, holding up a hand. They pulled away to look at him. “When did this happen?”

Rin looked at Len, smiling, and Len shrugged. “Like, two hours ago,” he said.

Kaito put a hand to his chest. “And you didn’t tell me, your best friend? I’m offended.”

“Well, you know now,” Len said.

Kaito sniffled, pretending to wipe away a tear, before he dropped his hand and grinned. “It’s about time!”

Len rolled his eyes, but Rin laughed, leaning into his shoulder. “Can you let us kiss in peace, please?”

“What, you didn’t get enough time on stage?”

“Kai! Away!” Len shooed him, and the boy left, cackling to himself.

Rin shook her head. “I think those painkillers are ramping him up a little, or maybe it’s just because I’m tired.”

“Definitely the painkillers,” Len said.

She reached down for his hand and squeezed it. Her fingers were cold, like ice. Her expression turned serious as she looked up at him from under her lashes. “So… does this mean we’re dating?”

He gazed at her face a moment, surprised she'd even bothered asking the question. “Well, I hope so,” he said.

A grin started to fight its way onto her lips, her shoulders sagging with relief. “Me too.”

Len reached up to brush some hair out of her eyes. “You wanna do something fun during spring vacation? Like see a movie, or go bowling or something.”

“Yeah,” Rin said, beaming. “I’d like to do something.”

“It’s a date, then,” he said.

Then they leaned in for another kiss.