#if i contact them and they’re completely out of lavender and can’t send me it i’m going to be so sad

[fingertipsmp3]

The other thing that’s happened is I got sent the wrong deodorant so now I either have to contact customer service, or spend three months smelling like apple and cinnamon (which I didn’t even know was a scent they offered)

[myherowritings]

Borrowed Sweaters, Stolen Kisses

— In a game of Truth or Dare, you’re dared to sneak into your crush’s dorm and steal one article of clothing to wear the next day. It just so happens that the hoodie you snatched was Shinsou’s favorite sweater.

pairing: shinsou hitoshi x reader word count: 2,204 genre: fluff, aged up au (class 3a) warnings: 16+, suggestive content

a/n: this used to be a harry potter fic i wrote on my hp account but i rewrote it for shinsou bc it just seemed fitting fhgjdhsfg. shinsou is in class 1a in this fic or 3a since they’re aged up and at least 18 years old u.u i hope y’all enjoy!! xx 

“No way.” You shook your head, kicking your legs out in front of you as you ignored Hagakure’s poking and prodding.

It was a relatively relaxed Friday night, and you and your friends decided to spend it in your dorm with a bottle of whisky and a game of Truth or Dare. The truths ranged from anything to, “Fuck, marry, kill: Sero, Kirishima, Kaminari” to, “Who was the last person you sent a nude to?” And the dares weren’t any better. Ashido practically vomiting in the corner served as a great reminder of that.

You were just grateful the dares you received were rather mundane. 

That was, until now.

“Y/N, you have to do it!” said Hagakure.

“Can’t I just forfeit this round and take a shot?”

“Nope, that’s only allowed for truths,” she quipped. 

You glanced over at Jirou, a pleading look on your face, but you were met with a nonchalant shrug. 

“Rules are rules,” Jirou sang, taking a swig of whisky before passing you the handle.

You opened your mouth to protest, but Mina’s fierce glare caused your words to die in your throat.

“If I had to chug that hot sauce concoction you guys made and then eat the mystery sushi until I felt sick, you can go to Shinsou’s room and steal a hoodie or something-- Sounds like a cakewalk compared to my dare.”

As she leaned her back against the bed, hand over her stomach as beads of sweat trailing down her forehead, you figured Mina was right. You’ve been in his dorm plenty of times before, anyway-- You two were friends and, at times, you supposed you enjoyed his company. What was the worst that could happen?

“You’re right.”

“I know.” 

Rolling your eyes, you stood up and slipped some fuzzy socks on, ignoring the cheers coming from your tipsy roommates. When you reached the door, your friends watching fervently as you wandered off to your ill-fated trek, you paused at the handle. 

You looked back at them, heaving a sigh. “If his dorm turns out to be booby trapped and I get caught, just know I will haunt you from the grave after I die of embarrassment.” 

“We expect nothing less,” was Tsuyu’s smart reply. 

Soon enough, you found yourself climbing up the boys’ side of Heights Alliance, feeling like you were doing a reverse walk of shame. It was a quarter past three o’clock in the morning and the odds of any of them being awake were slim to none, but that didn’t stop the butterflies from fluttering in your stomach. 

You made your way to the front of Shinsou’s dorm room and cautiously placed your hand on the door handle. With a small grumble you fished the key card Hagakure stole from Hitoshi earlier (which made you wonder just how long your friends were planning this whole escapade out…) out of the pocket of your sweatpants. 

For the most part, it looked just like your dormitory. Only neater. His desk was fairly organized and, aside from balls of yarn and different sizes of knitting needles, was clear enough to work on. Scarves and hoodies were piled onto the back of the chair and foot of the bed--which meant your dare should be easy enough to complete--and a dim light was left twinkling.

Everything seemed cozy and lived in. Normal.

Except for the fact that Shinsou Hitoshi was not in his bed. 

“What on earth?” you murmured under your breath, finding it a bit strange the room was completely empty at this hour. But knowing him, you reckoned he was out training at any hour he could--something that worried you about him--or playing with a cat off campus grounds. It wasn’t unlikely. 

Still, with your feet planted at the foot of his dormitory, you wanted to get out of there before you were caught. Because you knew there was no way in hell for your drunken ass to smooth talk your way out of this mess if he were to find you.

Your hand hovered over the article of clothing nearest to you, which was a sweater draped over the back of a chair, and you took a deep breath, saying, “It’s just a dare. You can do it.” 

Before you lost all your nerve, you snatched the jumper with one hand and slipped out of the dorm. As you rushed down the stairs, you could’ve sworn you heard some shuffling coming from the empty room. But you didn’t care.

Part one of your dare was successfully completed.

Now for the hard part: Wearing it around the next day.

- - - - -

“How do I look?” 

You posed in front of your roommate, trying not to laugh at how the borrowed jumper engulfed your frame. Walking down the center of your dorm, you gave a little twirl.

“Sexy,” Mina teased from her spot on her bed. “Shinsou’s sweater looks nice on you.” 

Sticking your tongue out at her, you made a face. “I’m not sure what you mean. It’s pretty gross to me. I would never want to wear any of Shinsou’s clothes.”

“Then why did you put the hood over your head and bury your face in the collar?” 

Slowly, you peered up at her with your view obstructed by the fabric. You sniffled haughtily, trying to ignore the soothing aroma of lavender and smoked wood that filled your sense. 

Mina smirked, catching the small sigh of contentment that left your mouth as you basked in the scent of Shinsou’s hoodie. “Gross, huh?” 

“Mention this to no one,” you mumbled with a nonthreatening glare, pulling the hood off your head and folding your fabric-covered hands over your chest.

Laughing, she tossed you your bookbag from across as she waited by the door, the rest of your friends back in their own rooms to get ready for class. “Come on, lovebug. You can see him during math in a few minutes.”

“I won’t be looking forward to it.”

You grumbled protests as the both of you made your way down the stairs of Heights Alliance and toward the main campus of U.A. High, but Ashido paid them no mind. Soon enough, you reached the room and spotted Jirou and Hagakure in their usual seats. 

“Hey,” you quickly whispered, sliding into the seat next to Tooru before Ectoplasm sauntered over to the front of the class.

“Nice jumper,” she said simply, voice going an octave higher in amusement. “I knew you’d go through with it.” 

Reminded of your rather bold choice of clothing (that was horribly out of dress code), you subconsciously tugged at the sleeves. You sent a quick plead to the gods above that you didn’t look as foolish as you thought you did. 

While Ectoplasm introduced antiderivatives and indefinite integrals to the class, Hagakure nudged you on the side, sliding you a ripped piece of her parchment paper.

You looked at her curiously as Mina peered over your shoulder to catch sight of the writing.

DO NOT LOOK NOW!!! But I’m 100% certain Shinsou has been staring at you since the start of math class.

Of course, the first thing both you and Ashido did after reading the note was turn your heads at the same time towards the back of the class where Hitoshi and his friends were sitting. And, as your luck would have had it, you made directly eye contact with an amused-looking Shinsou.

Both you and Mina turned around to face the front so fast you were sure at least one of you received whiplash. 

Wide-eyed and flushed, you exchanged glances with her, both of you trying to hold in your laughter.

“I told you not to look,” Hagakure whispered, a small giggle escaping from her lips, sending you three into fits of laughter you tried to muffle with your hands. 

Behind you, someone cleared their throat, causing the three of you to straighten up in an instant. 

“Something amusing you, ladies?” 

“No, sir,” you quipped.

“Sorry, Ectoplasm-sensei,” remarked Tooru.

“We’ll shut up now,” promised Mina.

With a stern look on his face but a slight tilt of his smile, Ectoplasm nodded and returned to his lesson. “I trust you three will be experts of the integral calculus by the next lesson and I won’t have to catch you making doe eyes at a certain someone?”

Though he asked all three of you the question, his gaze was pointed at you and the class knew it. Your cheeks heated up as slouched into your chair. Perhaps if you tried hard enough, you could turn into the seat. 

“Yes, sir,” you mumbled, ignoring the stifled laughter from Ashido and an apologetic, but amused, look from Hagakure. 

And as he continued the lesson, you could’ve sworn you felt a certain pair of eyes on the back of your head until the end of it.

When class finally concluded and Ectoplasm dismissed the lot of you, you rushed out of the classroom as fast as you could.

But not fast enough.

“Nice sweater, Y/N,” you heard a deep voice call, stopping you in your footsteps. “Looks familiar.”

You swallowed, slowly turning around to face Shinsou--lazy smirk and all. There was nothing you wanted to do more than dash back to your dormitory and hide, but instead you straightened your spine and braved a look of nonchalance.

“Does it now?”

“Yeah,” he said with an amused look in his eyes. “I’d have to say it does.”

Peering up through your lashed, you looked at him with faux innocence. “I can’t say I know why.”

Slowly, he walked closer towards you as you moved back against the wall. He took the excess fabric of your sleeve into his hands, stroking them between his fingers.

“You know-- It even feels familiar.” He smiled thoughtfully. “Just like my sweater I happened to lose last night.”

By now, the halls had begun to clear up, the traitors you called friends having left you with a thumbs up right as Shinsou approached you. 

You coughed as you repeated, “I wonder why.”

He was so close you could catch a whiff of his lavender and woodsy scent.

“If you wanted my clothes on you, Y/N, you could’ve just asked.”

You pointedly eyed the way he was toying with the hem of your--or rather, his--sweater, lifting it slightly. “Well, if you wanted my clothes off this badly, you could’ve just asked.” 

Shinsou raised his eyebrows in surprise at your suggestion, hand frozen on the fabric. The intensity of his gaze melted your steely disposition, embarrassment creeping up to your neck.

“I’m only kidding,” you murmured, refusing to be the one to break eye contact.

“That’s a shame, then.”

You blinked. “What?”

He shook his head. “Nothing.” 

Biting the inside of your lip, you toyed with the bottom of your sweater.

“That’s my favorite jumper, you know?” mused Shinsou, looking fondly at the U.A. hoodie. “Aizawa got it for me when I entered the hero course.” 

A horrified look crossed your face. You stole his favorite sweater that Eraserhead gifted him himself? Good going. 

“Oh, shit,” you swore, reaching for the hem of the hoodie. “I’m sorry, Shinsou! I didn’t know.”

Chuckling, Shinsou placed his hand on top yours to stop you from removing it. “No-- You can keep it on.” You paused. “I’d say I quite like how it looks on you.”

Your heart skipped a beat when his hand that was still on your ran down the length of your fingers. Before you could talk yourself out of it, you interlaced them with his own, causing him to send a shocked but pleased look your way. You smiled.

He ran the tip of his tongue along his lower lip, gently drawing you closer to him. “If I were to kiss you right now, would you be upset?”

You shook your head, leaning into his touch. “Upset is the last thing I’d be.”

“Well, then I suppose--”

“What are the two of you doing?” you heard Aizawa exclaim as he rounded the corner, catching sight of the two of you against the hallway. He pulled Shinsou away from you by the collar, your cheeks flooding with embarrassment. 

Shinsou, however, looked unperturbed.

“Sorry, Aizawa-sensei,” he said sincerely, “but what I was about to do just then-- I’ve wanted to do that for a while now.”

He chuckled at the shocked look on your face, giving you a wink as Aizawa released his shirt. Shinsou made his way back over to you across the hall.

“How cute you looked in my sweater was only the catalyst,” said Shinsou before placing both hands on either side of your hips, pulling you towards him in a brief but deep kiss.

“Shinsou! Y/L/N!”

“Sorry, sir.” This time, Shinsou didn’t sound so sincere as he ignored the appalled look on Aizawa’s face. “I just couldn’t wait until we got to the dorms to do that. Don’t worry though, Y/N-- I swear there will be far better kisses that’ll take place there as well.”

And though the two of you may have been sentenced to detention and cleaning duty for the next three weekends, you would have to say the kiss was definitely worth it.

[sunlight-moonrise]

The Five Dates (Reid Request)

Summary: Reader decides that she wants to help Spencer experience the things he missed out on when he was a teenager. 

A/N: I had a couple of people ask for a part 2 to The Five Times so here it is. Originally was gonna leave that fic as a standalone but writer’s block on my other WIPs led to this sequel. I strongly recommend reading the first part before reading this one so that the story-line makes more sense. As always, thank you to the lovely @spencer-reid-in-a-pool and​ @wishingwellwriting​ for being fantastic betas. They have amazing fics, so if you need another Spencer Reid fix, they can most definitely deliver. Enjoy!

Category: Fluff

Content Warnings: None

Word Count: 6.0K

Masterlist

The first date I had with my neighbor, I don’t think it really counted as a date.

Spencer and I were eating dinner at my apartment after he told me the man who tried to attack me was in custody. We were sitting on the couch with the TV on but I didn’t know what was playing since we were talking the whole time.

He told me that he does magic tricks, enjoys ghost stories, and loves to learn. In return, I told him my favorite hobbies, some habits that I can’t get out of, and food that I enjoy cooking. He listened with rapt attention, hanging on to every word I said. It was amazing being able to spend time with someone like this. It felt like I’ve known him for years rather than a few months.

“…and that’s probably my worst experience from school,” I finished, recounting the tales of my teenage years. “What about you? Anything you wish you can take back from the early days?”

Spencer suddenly turned away from me and became silent. I looked at him in confusion. Was it something I said? Did I offend him?

“Oh, I—I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” I asked, my voice coming out as a whisper because of how low I spoke.

He quickly shook his head, as if driving away some bad thoughts that plagued his mind. “It’s not you. It’s just that I was a 12-year-old prodigy at a public high school in Vegas. I didn’t have a lot of fun experiences.”

I could hear the sorrow in his words when he told me this. I know how cruel kids could be, especially to someone they considered an outcast. My heart ached for the little boy who went through so much misery at such an early age.

There were a few more seconds of silence before I had a lightbulb moment. “Well, maybe we can change that,” I suggested. “We can do some things that typical teenagers do.” A million ideas immediately came to mind. We can go bowling or ice skating or bike riding.

“I don’t know. I kind of got over that point of my life.”

“Oh.” There was no hiding the sadness in my voice, which made me feel worse. There’s no reason for me to feel dejected over his statement. I shouldn’t be so selfish.

Spencer must have sensed that something was off with me because he quickly tried to correct himself. “It’s not that I don’t want to have these experiences. I just find it embarrassing that I haven’t had them yet, even now.”

“I’m not going to judge you, Spencer. I don’t want you to feel embarrassed with me,” I assured him. I moved my hand towards his as an offer to hold, which he surprisingly took. His hand completely enveloped mine. “Tell me some things that you’ve always wanted to do when you were younger but never got the chance.”

He took a moment to think while I anxiously waited for his response. “I never had the chance to have a sleepover. I had too many responsibilities at the time. I always wanted to go to a festival or a carnival. I also—” he suddenly stopped talking. I noticed his face turning slightly red as he bit his lower lip, his other hand patting against his leg.

“What is it, Spencer?”

“I-uh always wanted to wine and dine a girl, maybe take her to see a play or movie. I wanted to take an evening stroll and just stargaze for a while.” His voice became smaller the more he talked. I hated that he started to feel self-conscious around me but knew that it couldn’t be helped. I was going to change that. I was going to make sure that Spencer Reid experienced teenage fun.

“Anyway, it’s getting late,” he said, removing his hand from mine. “I have to go in tomorrow and I am sure you have an early day as well.”

“Let me put these dishes away and I’ll walk you to the door.” I grabbed our plates and walked to the kitchen, placing them in the sink. My mind was racing with thoughts on what to do for Spencer. When I returned to the living room, he was already by the hallway, grabbing his belongings.

I slowly opened the door for him, watching as he stepped out of the apartment. Before he made it too far, I grabbed the sleeve of his arm, prompting him to turn around. Here goes nothing.

“Spencer Reid, would you like to go on a date with me?” I asked, the pitch of my voice a lot higher than normal. Despite feeling nervous, I made sure to look him in the eye and maintain contact. He stared back at me, mouth agape while his face was turning pink.

“Are you sure?” he questioned, looking down at his feet. Mental note: build up Dr. Reid’s confidence, at least around me.

“I have never been more certain of anything in my life,” I answered honestly. I smiled at him when I noticed his lips tugging upwards.

“Yes. I would like to go on a date with you, (Y/N).” The smile on his face was adorable and I was happy to be the cause of it. “Uh m-maybe I could get your number, so that we can talk,” he added.

“Sure.” I took my phone from my pocket before giving it to him. He put in his number, a bit slowly but I wasn’t complaining. I saw it as more time I got to spend with him. Once he handed my phone back, we just stood in front of each other for a while.

Before I lost my resolve, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his cheek. Before either of us could do anything, I muttered a quick “Goodnight Dr. Reid,” and closed the door. My heart thumped erratically as I slid down the door.

“Goodnight (Y/N)” I heard through the block keeping us apart. His footsteps got quieter and quieter until he eventually opened and closed his own door.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely infatuated with Spencer Reid.

●●●

The second date I had with Dr. Reid, I was a nervous wreck.

Spencer and I have been texting back and forth these last few days. Luckily, we were both free this weekend, so we planned on going out. I haven’t told him yet where we’re going, much to his dismay. The only hint I gave him was to dress casually.

I’ve done some research and found that there was a food festival happening Saturday afternoon. A lot of local restaurants will have stands and distant establishments will be sending food trucks. Their theme is “Around the World” so we’ll get to explore various cultures. I’m hoping we can learn some new things from the different cuisines that would be showcased.

Saturday came around and I made sure I had everything ready. I wanted our date to go off without a hitch. I wanted this to be one of Spencer’s best experiences.

I heard a knock on my door, causing my heart to pick up a bit. I don’t know why I started to sweat. Sure, I’m going on a date with a good looking and successful man but there’s nothing to be nervous about, right? Right.

I heard another knock, more hesitant this time. I quickly made my way towards my door, taking a deep breath before opening it. Thank the angels I took in that breath because I immediately lost it again at the sight of him. 

Spencer was holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Lavender roses and red carnations were a few that I could identify. I think the purple flower might be an orchid. 

He lifted them towards me, a slight tremor in his hands. “These are for you.” 

“They’re lovely Spencer, thank you.” I grabbed the flowers from him, taking in the smell of the blossoms. “I’m going to put these in a vase. I’ll be right back.”

I made my way to the living room to do just that. I grabbed my bag and a jacket before checking myself in the mirror one last time. Happy with my appearance, I returned back to Spencer. I shut the door behind us as we walked towards the elevator.

“You look beautiful, by the way,” Spencer said as we entered the elevator. I can tell he was still nervous, the thrumming of his fingers against one another and the bouncing on his feet a few signs hinting towards his anxious state.

“You look dashing as well. Although I do remember telling you to dress casually, mister,” I said, a small smile appearing on my face at the sight of his own.

Spencer was wearing a dark pair of slacks with a light purple button-down shirt. His hair was slicked and combed back. He was rocking back and forth on his beat-upped chucks and I can see the mismatched socks peeking through. He looked a bit silly, especially considering where we are going, but handsome nonetheless.

“I don’t have casual clothing. Plus I wanted to look good for you.” I could feel my face getting warm because of his words. “By the way, it’s doctor.”

I giggled at his comment, which caused him to laugh as well. We exited the elevator and out of the lobby.

“We’re going to take the subway to our destination,” I informed him. “It should take less than half an hour to get there.”

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going now?”

“It’s still a surprise, doctor,” I beamed at him.

Fortunately, we did not experience any delays on the train. We spent the duration of the commute getting to know one another even more. He told me some stories involving outings with his co-workers and I could tell that he really loved each and every one of them. I shared some work stories and funny memories with my colleagues as well.

Once we got to our stop, I grabbed his hand and led us to the festival. It was a 10-minute walk from the exit. I turned to him as soon as I saw our destination within our sights.

“A food and wine festival?” he questioned.

“Yeah, I know this isn’t exactly what you had in mind when we were talking the other day but I thou—“

“I like it, especially since I’m  spending the day with you.” There goes my heart again, picking up pace as if I ran a marathon. I’m sure he says these things on purpose just to see me flustered.  

Spencer squeezed my hand in his and we explored the grounds. We decided to share a plate from each stall so that we can experience as much as possible. Spencer walked us to the first stall he saw, which showcased food from the Philippines.

“Did you know that Filipino food draws roots from their neighboring Asian nations as well as some Spanish countries?” he stated as we looked at the menu, “It is considered to be a perfect blend of Western and Eastern food. Actually—” he suddenly stopped himself. I looked at him curiously, wondering what caused his interruption.

“Sorry, I have a tendency to ramble.”

“There’s no need to apologize. I want to hear what you have to say. Let’s order something and you can finish telling me.”

He smiled brightly at me and squeezed my hand. After ordering a siopao to share, we sat at a table while he finished telling me facts about Filipino cuisine. As a matter of fact, he told me a lot of information about various cultures and countries as we walked from vendor to vendor.

We tried risotto from an Italian booth, which Spencer said was not as good as his friend’s cooking. We also got carne asada tacos from a Mexican food truck, where I discovered that tomatoes, dragon fruit, and vanilla originated from Mexico. We ate some sake nigiri sushi from a Japanese stand. I found out that Spencer cannot use chopsticks to save his life. I decided to feed him so that he doesn’t accidentally drop our food. We ventured to numerous vendors and had our fill in almost everything that was offered. We even had desserts and some drinks.

By the time Spencer and I made it back to our apartments, we were both stuffed. I was close to going into a food coma and I knew Spencer wasn’t far behind either.

“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten that much food in my life,” he commented as we stood in front of my door.

“You and me both. I’m sure I gained 10 pounds,” I joked, enjoying the way he laughed at my attempt at being humorous. I still held his hand in mine, not wanting the evening to end, but I knew it had to. We had spent the whole day together and we were tired.

Spencer made the decision for us. He lifted my hand, placed a chaste kiss on my knuckles and wished me sweet dreams before he retreated to his own home.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely charmed by Spencer Reid.

●●●

The third date I had with Spencer was ruined, but then fixed.

I was organizing a picnic basket when I received a call from him. I was puzzled as to why he was calling, especially when we’re supposed to meet up in a couple of hours.

“Hey (Y/N)” His voice came out gruff as if he just woke up.

“Hi Spencer, are you okay?” I heard some coughs coming from his end and I immediately became concerned over his well-being

“I don’t think I can go out this afternoon. I’ve been sick these past few days. I was really hoping to get back on my feet by now. I am so sorry.”

Before he could say anything else, because I knew he would in his remorseful state, I interrupted him. “Spencer, it's fine. We’ll raincheck,” I assured him. He tried to thank me, but another set of coughs came over. These sounded worse than the first ones.

Spencer managed to get out a goodbye before hanging up the phone. I contemplated what to do. He sounded so sick and miserable on the phone. He likely has a sore throat, maybe even muscle aches. The idea of him alone and shivering caused a dull pain in me.

I decided that I was going to see this man. I could make him something warm to eat and lend him my thickest blanket. We could even watch a movie together too.

With that in mind, I made some chicken soup and herbal tea. I put the items in containers before placing them in my picnic basket. I grabbed my largest and heaviest blanket, placing it over my shoulder. It wouldn’t fit in the basket, no matter how many times I folded it. Lastly, I grabbed my laptop, so that we can stream movies. Spencer once told me he wasn’t big on technology so I had no idea whether he owned a TV or not.

Once I had all the essential items, I made my way across the hall, knocking on his door. Unsurprisingly, it took a while for him to open the door. I waited a minute or two before he answered and was disheartened by what I saw.

Spencer was pale, well paler than usual, with a light sheen of sweat on his forehead.  His under eyes were dark and his nose was so red. He wore a robe over his pajamas. He looked as if he was about to fall over any second now.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, eyeing the blanket wrapped around me. His voice was slightly slurred and he was leaning on the doorframe to keep himself up.

“Well I figured since I couldn’t take you out on a picnic, I’ll take the picnic to you.”

He looked down at my hands, noticing the basket I was holding.

“You shouldn’t be around me, you’ll get sick.”

“Spencer Reid, you’re worth the cooties. May I please come in?”

He relented, leaving the door open for me to follow. I took in his apartment, appreciating his more vintage style. He had a massive collection of books, some of them in languages I couldn’t even identify.

“You have a miniature bookstore in here,” I commented. I turned towards him, seeing his figure laying down on the couch. 

“I like to read,” he simply said, the words muffled by the couch cushion he was lying on. I went towards him, shrugging off the blanket from me and placing it on top of his lap.

“If you get cold, use this to keep you warm. I’m going to heat up the soup and tea. Try to stay awake for me.”

Spencer nodded his head, bunching up the soft material in his hands. I quickly grabbed the content from the basket and dashed to the kitchen. It took me a few minutes to find where he puts his utensils, but I had everything taken care of in no time. I even found a tray to help me carry the food.

I brought the dishes to him, warning him of the heat. “I hope you like chicken soup and ginger tea. I added some honey to satisfy your sweet tooth.” He thanked me, holding the bowl close to him to keep him warm. I settled myself on the couch next to him, happy that he wasn’t complaining about our proximity.

“I have my laptop with me. We can watch some movies if you want.”

“I’d like that a lot.” We ended up watching The Matrix and Minority Report. Spencer tried his best to stay quiet during the films, but couldn’t help but to comment about certain technicalities and improbabilities. I found his rambling endearing, adding in my own opinions after he finished sharing his thoughts. I had to remind him to not strain his voice when he got on a tangent on how the idea of living in a simulation is not possible. He lost me once he started talking about quantum physics.

Spencer looked at the clock, noticing the late hour. “Are you going to leave?” His voice was low, and I am positive it was not because of his ill state. He was talking with passion and intensity a few moments ago.

“Do you want me to?”

“No. Is that selfish of me?” My heart skipped a beat. Knowing that he wanted me to stay with him gave me feelings I couldn’t quite describe.

“Of course not, Spence. We could have that sleepover you missed out on,” I stated enthusiastically. He stared at me for a moment, and I wondered if I misunderstood the situation. Before I could apologize for my assumption, he started talking.

“That’s the first time you called me Spence.” He’s right. All this time I’ve been addressing him as Spencer or Dr. Reid. “I like it,” he finished.         

“Let me grab my pajamas and some toiletries. I’ll be back before you know it.”

I sprinted to my apartment, changing into my sleepwear and grabbing my necessities before returning to Spencer’s. I am sure I was there and back under five minutes.

Spencer and I continued our evening playing board games. We played some chess (which I lost at) as well as poker (which I also lost at). He showed some card tricks and tried to teach me a basic one. I couldn’t do it as smoothly, but he said that with practice I could become a magician.

I knew the night was coming to an end when he began to yawn every few minutes. Despite saying that he could stay up longer, his body needed to recover.

“You should take my bedroom,” he offered after coming back from the restroom, “You’ll be comfortable there.”

“Absolutely not. Slumber Party rules dictate that we sleep in the same room.” He laughed at my proclamation.

“That’s not true.”

“Yes, it is. Now I’m going to use your bathroom. Do you keep your spare sheets in the closet?”

He nodded drowsily as I made my way to his bathroom. I did my nightly routine and grabbed a blanket from the closet. When I returned to Spencer, he was already dozing off.   

He looked so peaceful at this moment, I’ve never seen such a look on him. I kissed the bridge of his nose and made my way to the armchair.

 I settled myself as comfortably as I can.. Before I fell asleep, I could have sworn I heard a “Goodnight” coming from his direction. When I peeked to see if he was awake, his eyes were still closed but he had a wide smile on his face.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely captivated by Spencer Reid.

●●●

The fourth date I had with Spence, he was in charge.

Spencer told me that he wanted to take me out as a way to show his gratitude. I wanted to tell him that it was unnecessary, but he looked so eager and I didn’t want to take that away. Plus, I was looking forward to whatever he came up with. I know that with Spencer, I am bound to have a good time.

He kept everything a secret for me, which was no surprise considering how our first official date went down. The only thing he told me was to dress nicely, yet comfortably.

My body was pulsating with excitement. I made sure to spend extra time with my makeup. I didn’t want to go overboard, but I definitely wanted to accentuate my features. I chose to wear a maxi skirt with my favorite blouse. I added a few accessories and paired everything with some heels.

I didn’t have to wait long before hearing a knock on the door. He always seems to have impeccable timing. I practically floated towards my door with how happy I was.

Spencer was dressed in black dress pants and a deep blue button-down. The outfit was accompanied with a dark tie and blazer combo. He even had dress shoes on, which came as a surprise since this man loves his chucks.

“You look as handsome as always, Doc.” He smiled at my words. I love that he was more comfortable with my compliments. It seems like we came a long way from him stammering over his words and fidgeting with his hands. Although I must admit that I am going to miss his bashful behavior.

“I got this for you.” He revealed what appeared to be a corsage in his hands, the flowers of the accessory matching the one pinned to his blazer. “Uh- I-I know it is probably a bit um juvenile. You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to.”

“Spence, I love it. And I’ll love it more if you put it on me.”

He beamed at me, taking the corsage out of the casing and carefully securing it on my wrist. He was so gentle and patient while doing the task. Once he was done, we headed down to the lobby.

“I hope you don’t mind that I am driving,” he said as we made our way to what I assumed to be his car, a two-door pale blue Volvo. I was not surprised, this is his exact style.

“As long as you get us to our location in one piece, I don’t mind at all.” He opened my door for me before settling in on the driver’s side.

As Spencer drove, we talked about the antique style of his possessions. He shared that his Mom had a similar taste and he was very close to her when he was younger. I wanted to ask more, elated that he was telling me about his family, but decided to hold back. The way his voice wavered as he was talking showed me that this was a major effort for him. I decided to share some stories about my family and their influence over my own lifestyle.

Time always seems to fly with Spencer because before I knew it we were already parked. Being the chivalrous man that he is, Spencer made sure to open my door for me. He held my hand as we walked to the restaurant. I admired the ambiance of the venue. There was a band playing soft jazz music and lights scattered upon the ceiling. The décor was beautiful and the overall atmosphere was very cozy.

The hostess led us to our seats after Spencer informed her of our reservation. We sat at a corner table, providing us the perfect amount of privacy.

“Have you been here before?” I asked.

“No, I haven’t. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine recommended this place. He said that it was the perfect place to...uh, woo a girl.”

“Well, I am entirely wooed. But that is mostly due to the present company.” He smiled at me, before looking at the menu. I decided to do the same after noticing the pink tint at the tip of his ears. I still got it.

The rest of our dinner went smoothly. We ordered our meals as well as a glass of wine, in which I was informed of the many health benefits that come with drinking a glass of red. I was able to convince Spencer to show me a magic trick using a coin and napkin. He did it multiple times, yet I couldn’t find out how it worked. We talked about music, literature, art and so much more. We were so deep into our conversation that we didn’t notice our food had arrived.

My food smelled amazing and tasted even better. I couldn’t help but ask Spencer for a bite of his. He was willing to share as long as he got a piece of my food as well. We ended up splitting our meals with each other.

After paying for the entire bill, much to my protest, Spencer took my hand and led me out of the restaurant. I thought it would be the end of our night together but was wrong. Spencer said that there was one more surprise for me.

The car ride this time was a bit on the longer side and I wondered where on earth he could be taking us. It wasn’t until I saw a sign that a large smile appeared on my face.

“A drive-in theater?” I excitedly asked.

“Yes,” he confirmed, “I hope you don’t mind watching a scary movie.”

“As long as you don’t mind me holding you when I get scared.”

“Deal.” 

It was not difficult to find a good spot to enjoy the film. I screamed and jumped multiple times for two hours straight, much to Spencer’s amusement. He attempted to distract me by telling me facts about certain aspects of the movie which marginally helped. By the end of the film, I had started to get drowsy due to all the mini shots of adrenaline.

“Did you have fun?” he asked as he drove us home. I could hear the uneasiness in his question. I’m not sure why he was nervous, this was hands down the most fun I ever had on a date.

“Of course, Spence. This had to be the best date I ever went on. Thank you.”

He smiled widely at the road and I made sure to cherish the moment. It was not often that I got to see such a large grin on Spencer’s face. Happiness was such a good look on him. It makes him appear much more lively and handsome.

I closed my eyes, allowing them to rest momentarily. I didn’t expect to be so tired from an outing. The motion of the car driving on smooth pavement was almost like a lullaby that lured me into a light slumber.

I’m not sure how much time has passed before I was lifted into someone’s arms. If it wasn’t for the scent of coffee and cinnamon, I surely would have panicked. I felt the press of warm lips on my forehead and couldn’t stop the sigh that left my mouth. I buried my head deeper into the arms that cradled me.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I definitely adored Spencer Reid.

●●●

The fifth date I had with Spencer was unplanned.

Spencer has been going on cases more often recently, so we didn’t have a chance to meet. We’ve been texting one another, even calling if time allows it, but I wanted to see him.

When he told me that he was finally flying back home, I decided to meet him at his job. I considered whether or not this would be crossing boundaries, but chose to accept the consequences of my actions later.

The drive to the building where Spencer works was not as long as I imagined. After receiving a visitor’s pass from the front desk and a vague direction of where to go, I found myself lost on the sixth floor.

“Can I help you sweetheart?” a feminine voice asked me. I turned to see a brightly colored fashionista in front of me. I was in awe of her vibrant attire. “Hun?”

“Oh uh, I’m sorry. I’m—I’m waiting for Spencer Reid to return. Umm, is there a place where I can wait for him?”

She beamed at me, her comforting smile providing me some relief. “The team isn’t coming for another half hour. You can wait in my office if you’d like.”

I nodded my head and followed her, taking in my surroundings. I have never been in such an official building before.

“Here we are,” said the kind stranger, leading me to a room filled with a bunch of monitors and computers. “I’m Penelope by the way. I work with Spencer and friends.”

“I’m (Y/N), Spencer’s neighbor.” I practically saw a lightbulb go over her head as she let out a squeal. Penelope started talking a mile a minute, I couldn’t understand what she was saying. It wasn’t until she saw the bewildered expression on my face that she paused and took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that Spencer has spoken about you a few times. I didn’t want to assume initially but I figured who you were earlier. Our resident genius doesn’t get many visitors here.”

My face heated up. I was stuck on the fact that Spencer spoke about me to his colleagues, the people he considers his second family. I wondered what he said. Hopefully nothing too embarrassing, he always seems to catch me at some mortifying moments.

“Anyway,” Penelope continued, “you have to tell me about yourself. Spencer doesn’t share enough details and I promised not to search you up.”

For the next half hour, Penelope and I traded information about ourselves. She told me how she got the job as a technical analyst and some other activities she does outside of work while I told her about my typical routine and favorite pastimes.

Penelope’s phone vibrated and she immediately looked at her screen. “They’re here. Let’s go meet them upfront.”

We walked back to where I came from, standing in front of the elevators. We didn’t have to wait long for the doors to open before I saw a pack of people exiting. My eyes instantly landed on Spencer, he was the tallest in the group.

Spencer was currently looking at his phone, typing something on the screen. He finally brought his head up once he put his cell away and I felt mine vibrate with a notification. Once his eyes landed on me, he pushed past the people he was with and darted towards me.

I opened my arms as he drew me into a tight hug. It is a shame that I have not embraced Spencer more because he gives the best hugs. Everything about him automatically puts me in a tranquil state of mind.

“What are you doing here?” he asked once he put some space between us.

“I wanted to see you. Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay. I missed you.” That beautiful smile graced his face one more. How is it possible that this man is in my life?

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled Spencer and I away from our bubble. My face heated up as I saw his friends surrounding us.

“Who’s this pretty lady Reid?” asked the muscular man. I looked at all his colleagues, recognizing the blonde as the woman who was at his apartment a couple of months ago. That was when I mistakenly thought she was his girlfriend. She smiled at me, no doubt knowing who I was.

“This is (Y/N), she’s my gi—uh she’s my ummm …” he trailed off, glancing at me. I didn’t notice that we have yet to establish our relationship with one another.

“I’m his neighbor,” I finished. Spencer introduced me to his team before telling me to wait while he gathered his belongings. During his absence, Penelope convinced me to join her for a girl’s night out in the future with the other ladies. I couldn’t say no to the offer, her enthusiasm was seeping through her pores.

When Spencer returned, he grabbed my hand and said his goodbyes while leading us to the elevator. I saw Penelope whisper excitedly to the muscular man that I learned was named Derek, before the doors even got a chance to close.

“My car is here. I can drive us back home,” I informed Spencer.

He nodded his head as we exited the building and made our way to the car. I know that Spencer does not particularly like to discuss his cases, so instead I asked him questions of the places he has been at recently and whether he had the chance to explore. He animatedly told me of a book he purchased that was in a foreign language as well as a vinyl record he got at a music store.

“Can we go to the park?” he suddenly asked. I was a bit confused but decided not to question him.

“Yea, sure.”

The park was not far from where we currently were. After finding a spot and getting out, he took my hand in his once again, leading us down a serene trail. The sound of crickets chirping while the soft wind breezed through us was very relaxing. I looked up at the sky, taking in the tiny visible stars and full moon.

Spencer stopped walking in the middle of the trail, tugging my hand so that I was closer to him. He stared at me as his tongue brushed across his lips.   

“(Y/N)?” His voice had that shy tone once again.

“Yes, Spencer?” He brought his hand up to tuck some loose strands of hair behind my ear.

“May I kiss you?”

My heart started racing at his question. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. My voice was stuck in my throat so I nodded my head instead.

Spencer’s hand gently held my cheek as he leaned down towards me. I closed my eyes once his soft lips landed on mine, wrapping my free hand around his neck. He tasted sweet, as I knew he would. I pressed more firmly against him, enjoying the sound of his moan when I swept my tongue across his lower lip. He allowed me to explore his mouth as he did the same to me.

I pulled away after a while to catch my breath. Spencer placed his forehead against mine, breathing heavier than I have ever seen.

“(Y/N)?” he panted out, his voice a lot more confident than it was beforehand.

“Yes, Spencer?”

“Would you like to be my girlfriend?”

I looked into his gentle hazel eyes, embracing all the emotions he was showing me through them. That gorgeous smile adorned his face once more. He looked so beautiful right here.

“I would love to be your girlfriend, Spence.”

I captured his lips this time around, relishing the warmth of his mouth on mine.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely in love with Spencer Reid.

[cheesyficwriter]

“Oh no…he’s/she’s/they’re cute.” Please? 💓

Hi @theroomofreq 😊 thanks for the lovely request. Hope you enjoy this coffee shop meet-cute for Romione 💜

Our Usual

Hermione considered coffee to be the nectar of the Gods. The daily bitter fuel was an essential part of her mornings, a pre-ritual before a full day of classes at uni. 

Her favorite local coffee shop was just round the corner from her flat and she spent almost every morning cosying up in a secluded booth in the corner of the shop, sipping leisurely on her signature brew. However, this day was a tad bit different. She had finally managed to convince her best friend and roommate, Lavender, to grab coffee with her. Lavender was not a morning person, therefore, she was rather disgruntled when Hermione dragged her out of bed early on a Friday morning. 

The bell on the door chimed when they stepped inside. "Well, this place is just darling," Lavender remarked straight away. 

The appearance of the shop was aesthetically pleasing. The light was dim, set for ambience, with soft, smooth jazz music playing in the background. The aroma invaded their nostrils as soon as they walked into the cafe, the distinct smell of fresh pastries mixed with ground coffee beans. Hermione inhaled deeply; it was one of her favorite smells in the world. The room was relatively quiet, apart from the sounds of the milk steamer on the espresso machine. 

As they walked further into the room, Hermione could make out the rows of cakes and biscuits, all encased in a glass cabinet below the counter. Coffee beans, packed into little black baggies, lined the shelves behind the coffee bar. 

Several other university students were scattered about various tables; many were completing written assignments, some reading the newspaper, and others were seated with friendly companions. 

Hermione sighed happily. She noticed there was a short queue to place an order. "Lav, why don't you go find us a table and I'll get our drinks." 

"Perfect. I'll take a mocha."

Dave, Hermione's favorite barista, waved at her once she made it to the front counter. "Hi there, Hermione. Your usual today?" 

"You know what Dave, I think I'm actually going to try something different."

"Sorted, what can I get you?" 

"Two mochas please."

"Coming right up."

She paid quickly and retreated back to the table where Lavender was seated. Hermione was confused by the baffled expression on her friend's face as she walked over. 

"What?" 

"Hermione Granger…" Lavender murmured in a low tone, "there is a man at the bar counter that can't keep his eyes off of you." Dave? He was the person she last saw at the counter. Surely, it can't be him. He was friendly, but she had talked with him enough to know there were absolutely zero sparks between them. 

Hermione scoffed. "Don't be absurd."

"I am not joking, Hermione, and sweet Merlin, he is quite handsome. Can't say I'm not a little bit jealous."

"How do you know he's not looking at you?" Hermione retorted pointedly. 

Lavender rolled her eyes as if it was the most ridiculous question in the world. "It's simple - the whole time you were putting in our orders, he was looking at you. And he had the biggest grin on his face. His eyes practically followed you back to our table. You should take a look." 

"No, definitely not."

"Look, Hermione!"

"No, cause then it will be obvious!"

Lavender gave her puppy dog eyes and Hermione relented. With a heavy sigh, she peeked surreptitiously over her shoulder. 

There he was. A man with bright auburn hair, swept to the side, and the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen. And he was absolutely looking at her. He offered her a curvy grin and then quickly averted his eyes, as if he was embarrassed to be caught staring. 

Hermione whipped her head back around and bit her lip. "Oh no...he's cute." 

Lavender smirked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

"It is! I can't afford any distractions right now."

"That's the worst bloody excuse I've ever heard" - Dave called Hermione's name to signal the drinks were ready - "Now go up there and get our coffee orders." Her friend certainly was stubborn. 

"Can't you please pick them up?" Hermione begged.

Lavender shook her head determinedly. "No way, sweetie. This is all you. Now go." 

Hermione's feet wobbled all the way back to the coffee counter. The mysterious man was now had his back to her, seemingly engrossed in the reading material in front of him. She smiled hesitantly at Dave as she grasped the edge of the counter. She was so close to this man in the same way she was just a few moments before, yet her heart certainly wasn't pounding then like it was now. She politely murmured a thank you as she retrieved the mugs. Her voice must have sounded shaky and her hands gripped the handles of her mugs nervously. She could feel the man's eyes on her.

When Hermione peered down into her mug, she noticed an unfamiliar heart design etched into the foam. "That's curious…"

"I'm impressed. That's Dave's best artwork, yet." 

Hermione turned her head before she could even remember that she was trying to avoid eye contact with the man who spoke. She was electrified by the intensity of his gaze and the way his piecing blue eyes lit up when she finally glanced his way. Oh, there are definitely sparks with this one. 

"Here's your warmed scone, Ron." Ron. 

"Brilliant, thank you Dave," Ron smiled graciously as he took the plate with the soft pastry. 

"He knows your name," Hermione observed.

Ron froze, as if he was baffled that she was speaking directly to him, but attempted to play it cool and shrugged, "Yeah, I'm here probably five days a week...in the mornings."

What? "There's no way...I'm in here five days a week."

"Yeah…" Ron blushed and looked down at his paper, "I know." 

He knows. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. "You've seen me before?" 

He scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I see you most mornings, honestly. Although, I have a feeling today is the first day that you've seen me," he chuckled. 

Hermione felt incredibly guilty. How is it that this handsome specimen had been this close to her several times in the past and she hadn't even bothered to glance his way? She was certain she would have noticed him if she had. "I'm sorry, it's just that usually when I come in here, I'm alone, and zeroed in on my revisions. But today is a little different." She pointed to the two coffee mugs. 

His face fell slightly. "Oh, are you here with someone else today?"

Hermione couldn't help but smile. Does he look disappointed? "Yes, my roommate. She's not a big coffee person, so I haven't brought her here before." She could see the tension in his shoulders release. 

"Ah, I see." Ron smiled at her softly for a moment and then held out his hand. "I'm Ron - Ron Weasley."

Ron Weasley. She took his warm hand and jumped slightly at the prickling sensation that spread up and down her arm. She thought Ron had to have felt it too, given the way his body twitched. "Your hand…" He murmured softly, his eyes fixed on their still-joined hands, "it's quite chilly." 

Hermione pulled her hand back quickly, watching the disappointment stretch across his face, "Oh, sorry." She placed both hands around her porcelain mug and sighed happily, the warmth enveloping her icy fingers. 

"So, Hermione...I like your name," He commented genuinely. 

She wrinkled her nose slightly, surprised albeit pleased, as she took a sip of her coffee, "You do? I suppose it is rather unique."

Ron shrugged. "You're the first Hermione I know." He then pointed to her mug, "Straying away from your usual, eh?" 

Hermione lifted a curious eyebrow. "How do you know what my usual is?" 

Ron appeared slightly embarrassed again, his face turning red, as he looked at her sheepishly, "Well...uh...I usually get the same thing." 

It was then that Hermione recognised the double espresso next to his pastry plate...her usual drink. She often savored the earthy taste, indulging in the lingering bitterness of the liquid. 

"You...uh...you have excellent taste." 

"So did you...until you sweetened it up a bit too much," he scrunched up his face adorably at her mocha, but then his expression shifted into a cheeky grin. 

"Oi! I'm trying to branch out here." 

Ron held up his hands defensively, sending her a lop-sided grin that made butterflies flutter about her stomach. "Don't get me wrong, I love sweets! Just not in my coffee."

"I'll drink to that," Hermione laughed and took a sip from her mug. 

"Erm...you've got a little bit…" He pointed to a spot on his own upper lip and Hermione's eyes widened just before she hastily wiped the foam from her mouth with the back of her sleeve. 

Ron gazed up at the ceiling, as if he was debating an idea, and then called out to Dave, "Hey, you have any double cream back there?"

Dave smiled knowingly and deposited a dollop of cream into Ron's espresso cup. Ron picked up the cup and brought it to his lips, intentionally smearing the cream all around his upper lip and nose. 

Hermione giggled and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. Oh my, she wasn't quite sure she had ever felt this relaxed around a man who wasn't her father before. 

"Smooth," she teased, "You've officially ruined our favorite drink."

"Oh, bugger." He didn't look the least bit upset about it. They eyes danced happily together once more, both unwilling to break the contact. 

The doorbell chimed, causing Hermione to pivot her attention towards the exit. In all that time, Hermione hadn't realised that Lavender had snuck behind her to request her coffee in a to-go cup, and was now waving at her from the front door. Lavender gave her a quick wink before exiting. 

Hermione sipped leisurely on her coffee at the counter with Ron for several minutes, both enjoying the simplicity of each other's company. 

"Hermione," Ron gazed hopefully into her eyes, having obviously worked up the courage over time, "I hope this isn't a long shot, but would you wanna have coffee together sometime?"

Hermione beamed from ear to ear, her eyes twinkling as she cleverly responded, "I thought we already were?" 

[blissfulparker]

Moral of the story→Ceo!tom

Parings: ceo!tom x reader (flowershop!Au)

Summary: tom thinks love is a waste of time, overrated, but doesn't realize how real and how much it effects him until he meets the pretty girl who owns the flower shop.

Warnings: fluff!! Loads of fluff!

A/n: this is for @quackeroos writing challenge! It’s with the prompt, “love is overrated” I hope you enjoy it! 💗(also, I apologize for no ‘read more’ sign.🥺

Business. That’s almost everything tom knew. Tom knew a lot about his business, how to manage people, how to impress people, all of it to keep himself on top.

flowers always pleased people. Roses for when meeting with younger woman, sunflowers when meeting with older, a casual spring mix when meeting with a group of people and white roses when meeting with men. White roses seemed to intimidate people. And when there were kids involved with the business he made sure to always do something colorful.

Sending flowers was very important too. When hiring a new person he would send flowers as a compliment and almost peace offering. Sending flowers as a thank you, an invitation, and even as a sorry were all used and so tom spent a lot of money on flowers and a lot time in your shop.

Today was like any other, it was a Friday so you spend the time preparing for Saturday in the garden, expecting your highest sales day to hit.

Flowers hung from the ceiling and filled every inch of the place, always making people smile when they walk in and see their options.

But for Tom, it was just another week at your flowershop. he preferred to come in instead of call because he likes the feeling of being inside and seeing all his options but more importantly he likes you.

The bells rings which makes you perk up from the back and come down to the front. Tom moves some flowers that have already hit his face and makes his way to your front desk.

“Good morning tom!” You smile at him before moving a bouquet that’s getting ready for shipment off the desk.

“Good morning.” He shoves his hands into his pocket and takes a deep breath. “I just need an order of 24 roses and baby breathes sent out by Friday.” He tells you and you write it down. Noticing his orders in roses you only assume he had a girlfriend, he seemed to order roses a lot.

“She must be lucky. And very very pretty.” You tell him and he gives you a shocked look. You catch his eyes of confusion and give him a small laugh.

“Red roses mean you love someone? Baby’s breath shows love for eternity?” You type in his order and add everything up for him.

“Well, she just got married to my brother and so I’m sending them as a gift for the two of them.” He tells you and you heat up feeling slightly embarrassed for assuming he had someone. But it was also resssuring knowing he didn’t have someone.

“Oh,” you clear your throat. “Sorry. I just thought.” You apologized and he shook his head. He reaches over to touch the small daisies that sat on your desk. His fingers fiddle with them gently making sure they don’t crumble in his hands.

“Your boyfriend must love you working here, brining home flowers all the time must be beautiful.” He comments trying now to figure out you. You let out a soft laugh and he looks at you look up from the register.

“No boyfriend. Just me.” You tell him trying to bite back your own disappointment. He keeps that in mind, keeps that in mind that you’re single.

“But that girlfriend of yours must love how much you order flowers.” You tell him since he never admitted to having one, just sending flowers to his brother. he shows a small grin knowing the game you’re playing.

“N-No girlfriend. Love is overrated.” He shoves his hands in his pocket and you look up with a cocked eyebrow.

“You think love is overrated?” You ask him almost with a scoff in your voice and he nods.

“I mean yeah, with work, life, little time I have, I just can’t have it right now. and I mean if you think about it, it’s so much work and effort.” What he really wanted to say was I wouldn’t be good enough. But that was personal and he doesn’t get personal with people he doesn’t know well.

“Love is a beautiful thing. and if you’re really in love you can find time and life around it.” You tell him leaning your hands on the counter and he rolls his eyes.

“It’s just stupid, a waste of time.” He told you and you felt your heart sting but shook off the feeling as he was just a regular customer.

“You order a lot of flowers.” You change the subject completely and he almost feels bad because he thought he hurt your feelings.

“I know.” He checks his phone quickly to distract himself. you come around to the front of the desk to move the other order of flowers to a cart for your worker.

“How come? I mean if you don’t believe in love then why do you order so many flowers?” You ask him. he helps you move the flowers seeing you struggle.

“I never said I don’t believe in love I just think it’s overrated.” He dusts off his hands and you flick off a piece of dirt from his shoulder.

“It’s basically the same thing.” You huff and he moves a strand of fallen hair for you.

“I order flowers for my work. It helps lighten meetings and let’s employees and clients know I care.” He tells you and you knew somewhere he had a super soft spot and wanted just as much love as he’s given.

“Smart man.” You tell him before going back to the counter. “Just write the address and if you want a note.” You tell him and he fills out his information.

You reach over and touch the daisies and then look back at tom. His handwriting sloppy on the paper as he writes down his love for his brother and new wife, his brown curls fall into his face and tickle his forehead.

“What’s your favorite flower?” You ask him and he hums softly.

“Not sure. Would I be basic if I said roses?” He looks up and you shake your head.

“No, not at all.” You tell him and he bites down on his lips and looks around.

“Then roses. Where’s that list of yours? The one with all the meanings?” He asks and you give him a smirk.

“Oh you mean my favorite book?” You ask playfully and he laughs a little as you drop down to pick up the book filled with flower meanings.

He looks at it and flips to the roses. Seeing all the different colors and meanings. Most he’s already known. Yellow means friendship, White means purity, orange means happiness, but one catches his eyes the most. One he’s never ordered and one that you never even brought up.

“Lavender roses means love at first sight?” He asks pointing to the scratched up picture of the faint lavender painted rose.

“Yeah, not a lot of people know that. but that’s what it means when they order it though. Most people order them for the color. You know, ‘my mom’s favorite color is pink so I need pink roses!’ Or the ‘my son just had a baby boy can you do blue roses?’. Black is pretty popular on halloween but of course black means morning and death.” You keep eye contact as you tell him. His eyes go soft and for a moment you see every detail of his face, you see how badly he needs love. You see how hurt he is. You can see everything.

“They’re pretty.” He tells you before clearing his throat and moving back to the book.

“Yeah.” Your shoulders almost touch his and you feel too close, you feel too close to him and get scared you’re getting too close to him emotionally.

“It’s gonna be $78.09.” You clear your throat and he nods pulling out his card ready to pay. He swipes his card and the transaction is done, he’s done with being here but he wished he could stay a little longer.

“They’ll be delivered by wednesday, I’ll see you soon I guess?” You ask hope laced in your voice.

“Yeah soon!” He smiles softly before leaving making the bell ring again. You don’t mean to watch him but you do, you watch him get into his car and drive off.

“You know, you can always send flowers to him.” Your worker, Lily, speaks up snapping your daze.

“Yeah, no, he doesn’t even believe in love.” You tell him and she smiles big.

“I never said anything about it being love…” she teases and you grow red. You clear your throat knowing her little game she was playing. She was young, always trying to play matchmaker with you.

“Go water the marigolds.” You shoe her off and she giggles a little as she walks away. You rest your head in your hands before going back to work. Thinking maybe her idea wasn’t so bad.

-

Tuesday morning

It’s 5:30 in the morning and something about feeling the first day of sunshine come though the shop was magical.

You make sure everything is perfect for when people come in. You start preparing orders to be shipped off for the day and write down future orders that need to be done.

Tom was on a different schedule as you. He got the luxury of waking up at 8:30am and getting to his office by 9:30. Either way you two both did a lot of work. So while you were already half way done with the important parts of your day, Tom hasn’t even started his.

When he did start his though it was always rushed. He always got ready quick, walking his dog fast and then getting in his car and going. Adding early mornings to a reason why he can’t have love, he wouldn’t have time to even say goodbye.

His office was always far more awake than him. Getting up the the 15th floor of his building and working as the CEO until around 7:30 at night. Another reason why he can’t have love.

They were a lot of reason why he couldn’t have love and a lot of times he thought about you, he can’t have you. You make everything seem perfect while he’s 23 trying to be the top CEO in London.

“Mr. Holland!” His front desk attendant stops him before he can get to his office.

“These were dropped off for you.” She pushed him the bouquet of lavender roses and baby breath. The looks at her and then the flowers.

“I didn’t order any.” He pushes the flowers away knowing they were from you. He remembers the conversation about the roses, he remembers the conversation about the lavender color. scared of attaching himself more to you, he pushes them away.

“They have your name on them.” She tells him again and he nods knowing he has to take the flowers. She goes back to her own work not caring about her bosses love life anymore.

Love can’t be that overrated If you don’t give it a chance

He smiles down at the note before looking at his secretary again.

“Nancy?” He asked saying her name softly and she looks up at him. “Move my 12:30 meeting to tomorrow and move my lunch to 1:00?” He asks her and she doesn’t even question before she starts to type away. He picks up the large bouquet and brings it to his office. Smelling the roses as he walks in and thinks this is the first time he’s gotten the flowers.

Maybe love was not that overrated after all. 

☆some tags!(so sorry if you didn’t wanna be tagged!) @thollandss @joshuaparkers @tomsrebeleyebrow @selfcarecap @hollandstea @tomhollandd

[liam-cadmus]

college au feat. sasushikahina

If you walk in Konoha University, you’ll immediately know the campus sweethearts, Shikamaru Nara and his girlfriend, Hinata Hyuuga. Hinata is the Student Council President, often seen with Shikamaru, the male carrying her books for her.  Deep inside, the two knows they’re missing one, the third to their duo, the one who’ll complete their triad.  Hinata would rest her head on Shikamaru’s shoulder, the Nara wrapping an arm around her. “Are you missing him again?” he questions, guiding their bodies through the crowd.  “How can I not? They said the new student is a Uchiha.” she murmurs, remembering onyx eyes and black hair, a bright smile and chubby cheeks.  “Troublesome, I swear, if this isn’t Sasuke..” Shikamaru trails off, his arm hugging her closer. Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha thought of bringing Sasuke along to their trip across the planet, wanting to settle in America with Sasuke’s older brother, Itachi.  The boy was crying that day, hugging the two of them as tight as he can being a 7-year old child. Their picture is still on their nightstands, small purple and green bracelets beside it, the accessory too big for their wrists.  “Come on, Hina, stand straighter, we’re close to the campus entrance.”

Itachi looks at the mirror, seeing his younger brother staring out the window, his charcoal eyes curious, glinting in the morning. He made sure that Sasuke knew the country they were from, the younger Uchiha still fluent in Japanese. He glances at Shisui who’s driving, his right hand clasping Itachi’s left on the gearstick.  “He’ll be fine, ‘Tachi.” Shisui murmurs, offering a grin. Itachi sighs in worry, “You know that he doesn’t remember any of his friends right?”  The plane Sasuke and his parents were boarding crashed, their parents sacrificing themselves to protect Sasuke, the boy coming out alive— but he was diagnosed with amnesia.Thankfully his brother remembers them, but they’re not sure if he will remember his childhood friends.  “He’ll be fine, he’s been healing. I think Obito’s plan to make us live here again is a good thing,” Shisui assured, a smile forming on his lips. Itachi bites his lip, before nodding— it wouldn’t do anyone good if he’s pessimistic, Sasuke can take care of himself.  Sasuke pulls his backpack, slinging it to one shoulder. He opens the car door, stepping out, before turning his head to his brother. “I’m gonna go in now, nii-san, be safe.” he says, closing the door gently. “You’ll be fine, twerp.”  He nods to Shisui before waving, the dark blue convertible driving off the road. He exhales softly, before putting his hands in the pockets of his bomber jacket, turning around. The squeals of girls flood his ears, making him frown in distaste— the action only increasing the volume.  He knows he’s good-looking, but the supposedly good attribute turns sour when girls swarm him, his dislike on physical contact increasing. He breathes heavily, willing himself not to make a scene, walking swiftly past the girls crowding him.  He walks into the campus, looking around to see the students that were supposed to show him around, a girl his age waving at him shyly. He sidles up to them, nodding. “Are you the ones that are supposed to uh..tour me?” he asks, smiling softly.  The brunette man stares at him before talking, “Quite the impression you made there.” Oh, he was talking about the fan girls, “Tell me about it,” he snorts, “I think it’s in the blood.”  “In the blood alright, come on, let’s get you out of here.” Shikamaru starts walking, Hinata walking beside him. The students part to give them way, it seems like these two are the popular kids in this university, he thinks, watching as girl wraps her hand on the brunette’s arm. The said brunette turns to him, a hand outstretched, “I’m Shikamaru Nara by the way,” Sasuke clasps his hand, shaking it, “Nice to meet you, I’m Sasuke Uchiha.”  His two companions stop in their tracks, making him raise an eyebrow. Shikamaru gulps, nudging Hinata. “H-hi Sasuke-kun, I’m H-hinata Hyuuga.” she greets, making him return a smile.  He walks along, the two of them catching up to his side, the three of them walking to the office. Shikamaru opens the door, Sasuke walking inside, the door shutting close behind him. A man lifts his head, a scar across his nose, his hair pulled on a neat ponytail. “Nice to meet you, is that you Sasuke-kun?” the man asks, making Sasuke nod hesitantly.  “It’s been a long time since I saw you here, you’ve grown up to a tall man.” Sasuke blushes slightly, “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t remember you.” he admits, seeing the man’s smile slip, before masking it again— making him really guilty. “It’s fine, here’s your schedule, locker and dorm key, and these two will show you the classes and dorms.” The schedule and keys are placed on the desk, making Sasuke get the keys and attach them to his keychain, holding the schedule in his hand.  He nods, “Thank you..,” he glances at the nametag, “Iruka-san.” the man chuckles at him, waving the honorific away. “Iruka is just fine.”  He murmurs a thanks again, before closing the door behind him, seeing Hinata and Shikamaru leaning on the wall, patiently waiting for him. He smiles, before giving his schedule, Hinata’s light lavender eyes gazing through, Shikamaru nodding over her shoulder.  Shikamaru whistles, “BS in Engineering? Hello engineer, I’m architect, and she’s BS in Interior Design.”  “We have Physics and Algebra together, and it looks like you have History with Hinata, then we all have Design together twice a week.” he notes, Hinata nodding along.  “D-do you have a club on your m-mind?” Hinata stammers, fiddling her fingers together.  “Uh, I’m not sure if I’ll join one.” he brushes his hair out of his face as the couple nod, the two of them starting to walk, Sasuke following. Suddenly, there’s a arm thrown over his shoulder, making him flinch.  “Woah, chill man, I’m not gonna hurt ya,” a tan-skinned male with short brown hair grins at him, two upside down red triangles on his cheeks.  A blond girl with turquoise eyes jump on his back, squealing on his ear. Thank god he has fast reflexes — he adjusts his grip to not let her fall. “This is great and all, but can you please explain what’s happening?” he asks, confused out of his mind, staring helplessly at his tour guides.  “Do you not remember me, Teme?!” A loud booming voice exclaims, wide blue eyes and blond hair obscuring his vision. “I’m quite sure I don’t recognize nor seen you before.”  The blond deflates, the group around him slipping into hurt expressions, frowns marring their faces. “I’m really sorry, I’m apologize for not knowing you, I have amnesia so I genuinely don’t remember you.” he explains, scowl in place. It’s annoying when people gets upset he can’t remember them, it’s not like he wanted to. “It’s fine, ‘Suke.” a taller pale teen with long brown hair approaches, white eyes staring at him. “We understand.” Shikamaru and Hinata stare at him sadly, before pulling his arm, the group slipping into position behind him. He listens absent-mindedly as Shikamaru and Hinata gestures to the different classes, the information going to his brain while he thinks about the nickname. ‘Suke? Where have I heard that before?’ he scowls internally, silently looking around the campus.  They finish the tour, stopping by the outdoor garden, several students seating together as a group, he follows absently as Shikamaru and Hinata’s friends sit in a circle, making him sit on a bench a few feet away. He drops his backpack beside him, reminding himself to drop it in the lockers.  He opens his phone, reading Itachi’s message, ‘Your bags are in your dorm already, if you have time, visit Kakashi-sensei, his class is in 3A.’

He sends a ‘Thank you, nii-san.’ in return, pocketing his phone once more. He watches as a girl with green eyes and pink hair seat beside the blond girl earlier. A black-haired male with a bowl-cut that surprisingly fits him sits down energetically, a girl with buns and two more males arriving. 

He glances away from the group, rummaging through his bag for his earphones, a tap on his shoulder making him look up. “Gaara?” 

The red-haired man smirks, plopping beside him. “What took you so long?” Gaara asks, watching amusedly as Sasuke’s earphones slip from his hand, the black-haired man glaring at him. “I had trouble with the embassy, with the plane crash and other stuff.” he huffs, jamming the an earphone in his ear, leaning on the bench.

“Temari and Kankuro is with me, we moved here three weeks earlier than you.”

 Sasuke rolls his eyes, “I know that, you kept sending me selfies of you three together.” 

“Sorry to disturb your conversation, but do you wanna have lunch with us?” The boy with bowl-cut interjects their conversation, politely smiling at them — specifically Gaara. Sasuke gives a quiet ‘ah’ in understanding, before pushing Gaara forwards. “He’d love to.” he smiles sweetly, snickering at the flushed glare Gaara sends him, the boy seating down beside the male.

The pale teen from earlier sits gently beside him, the one who called him by a nickname. “Hello, ‘Suke.” he says, making Sasuke knit his eyebrows —  half in annoyance, and because the nickname is familiar. Suke, Suke, Suke, Suke... he thinks repeatedly, wracking his brain for when he heard that nickname from. 

“Suke?” 

He gasps, a memory floating to his brain. 

A pale boy smirking at him, a blurry girl beside him. “I think it’s time for *Hinata* to use that swing,‘Suke.” he mocks, hands on his hips.  The older boy approaches him, making him squeal and hop down, glaring. “That’s unfair, I’m using it, Neji.”  “You’ve been on that for an hour now, let others use it.” Sasuke playfully pouts before hopping down, letting the girl sit on the swing instead, walking to the bark of the tree to lean on.

The Hyuuga is worriedly waving a hand in front of his face, white irises pinched in distress. “Neji?” he whispers, before clutching his head, closing his eyes at the memories re-surfing. “You remember?” Neji asks, surprise in his features.

“No, I just blurted out a random name to someone who was never introduced to me.” he sarcastically retorts, wincing at the harsh tone his voice dropped to. 

“Slow down, Sharingan, you just got a lot of memories.” Neji admonishes, hands steady on his shoulders to avoid him moving too much.

“You still have that nickname?” Sasuke croaks in amusement, a glint in his onyx eyes in memory. “You’re Byakugan.” he teases, watching the older boy huff in mock annoyance, fond eyes rolling at him.   ‘Who’s the girl you were with?’ he wanted to ask, but kept his mouth shut, a blurry figure in his mind.  “So, I’m guessing I’ll be helping you to regain memories.” Neji gives a half-smile, before pulling him to the group. “Hey guys, mind if you introduce yourselves?” Neji asks them while he seats himself beside the male, focusing on his hands. “I’m Tenten, this is Lee,” she gestures to the boy beside her, the bowl-cut. “I’m Ino, this is Sakura.” the blond girl continues, “she’s my girlfriend by the way.” He nods along, looking at the blond who called him ‘Teme.’ “And what’s your name, Dobe?” he asks, the insult rolling out of his mouth.  The name? pet name? insult? gets the blond’s attention, blinking repeatedly. “So?” he urges the man to talk, an awkward silence covering the group.  “Naruto Uzumaki, dattebayo!” the blond beams, then clapping the man beside him on the back. “This is Shino, and that is Chouji.” he points to a male beside Shikamaru. “I’m Kiba,” the one with triangles on his cheeks introduces, Sasuke memorizing their names.  “I’m Sasuke Uchiha.”  The others separate from him, walking around quietly, up the stairs into the third floor. He searches for room 3A, wanting to meet his cousin’s boyfriend, Kakashi. He knocks on the door, before peeking in, seeing a silver-haired man reading a orange book. Upon closer inspection, he sees the title, Icha Icha Paradise, making him gape in disbelief — what professor reads porn in public?

He clears his throat, the masked professor looking up at him lazily, it seems like the man already knew he was here.

“You’re Obito’s little cousin, Sasuke-chan?” he drawls, closing the book in his hands and resting it on the table. “Hn.” he agrees, pulling a seat out in front of Kakashi. 

“You wanted to have a mentor in Engineering right?” Kakashi hums, flicking through stacks of paper. 

Sasuke nods, watching as Kakashi separates a folder from the pile, adding it two more. “I have this club you see, I don’t know if you’ve heard it, but it’s groups with three students and a professor, and we do activities around the school.” the man explains, opening two other folders.  “These are my current students,” he points to Naruto and Sakura’s folders, pulling the new one closer, “And I’m thinking if you want, to join our group.”  Sasuke purses his lips, considering the idea. “I was originally not gonna join one, but sure.”  Kakashi smiles at him behind the mask, “You’ll enjoy it, we’ll meet twice a week. I met Obito because of this, we were groupmates.”  Sasuke ‘tch’ed, looking away. “You have Orochimaru as your mentor for Engineering, he’s actually a professor from Team 7, you’re like, their descendants.” He notices the TEAM 7 stamp on the folders, confirming Kakashi’s statement. Ah, the Head Professors, the trio known for graduating with doctorate degrees. “So I’m guessing Naruto is taking Journalism and Sakura is taking Medicine?” Kakashi nods at him, their group really matching the head professors.  “Sure, I’ll join, Hatake-sensei.” he signs his signature in the corner, listening amusedly at Kakashi. “Maa, maa, I have three cute little students, that are small versions of the head profs..Kakashi is fine, Sasuke.” “Okay Kakashi, is that all?” he asks, again, “Meet us in the courtyard by 4 pm every Tuesdays and Fridays.” he nods, before bowing. “Thank you.”  Kakashi pushes him out the room, making him glare, “Bye bye, see you tomorrow!” He stumbles out the room, adjusting the bag on his shoulder.  Someone trips to him, making him reach out to steady them? him? her? He glances to the person, seeing Hinata, letting go when she’s standing steady. “I-I’m sorry for stumbling to you.” She says, fixing the stack of books on her arm.  “It’s fine, I was about to search for you anyways. I don’t know where the dorms are.” he shoves his hands on his pockets, walking beside Hinata. “Ah, If you’d follow me.” she whispers, her hair tied in a high ponytail, pressing her glasses up her nose.  “So, you visited Kakashi-sensei, did you join their club?” she asks, starting small talk. He hums, thinking his words over before speaking, “I needed a mentor, but yeah, I’m with Sakura and Naruto.”  She smiles, “It helps you improve actually, I’m in Team 8, Kiba and Shino with Kurenai-sensei as our professor.” Sasuke ‘ah’s, letting the information roll in his brain.  They walk the hallways quietly, enjoying the comfortable silence between them.  Sasuke pulls out a the dorm key, seeing the embedded 223 on the metal. They went up two flights of stairs, stopping at the dark brown door. “You’re roommates with Shikamaru.” she says, pulling her own key of the dorm to open it.  They enter the threshold, removing their shoes and placing it in the shoe rack. Hinata nods at him before seating on the couch, resting her socked feet on the low coffee table. He wanders around, peeking to the kitchen, and walking to the hallway, seeing an empty bedroom. “Is this mine?” he questions, pointing to the room with a thumb.  Hinata leans forwards to see the room before nodding. “Yeah, that’s yours, Shikamaru’s is the one on the end.”   His confused face makes Hinata giggle, the sound coming out as tinkling bells. “Your bags are here.” she points to the bags stacked by the couch, making him pout and retrieve it.  “I’ll just...pack my clothes to my room.” he says, walking away, closing the door behind him.  Shikamaru opens the door surprised, he sees his girlfriend typing away from her laptop, Sasuke on the kitchen counter mixing various berries in cream. He slides off his shoes silently, before leaning on the doorframe and crossing his arms. “Well aren’t you comfortable.” Sasuke jumps in surprise, before scowling at him, irritated. “Close the door,” the man chides him, before plucking a muffin by the stove.  “You baked muffins?” he asks, walking to the counter, leaning his arms on the top. “Hn.” a muffin is pushed to his hand, before Sasuke walks to Hinata, placing a muffin by the table. “Thank you.” she says, a very light blush on her cheeks. He nods, before plopping on the other side of the couch, munching on the muffin with one hand, his other hand flipping through the pages of the book he’s reading.  Shikamaru takes the muffin before sitting in between the two, leaning on the back of the couch when he finishes it.  Sasuke looks up to Shikamaru leaning on his shoulder, and Hinata cleaning up papers. “Do you mind if you get him to bed, Sasuke-kun?” she asks, making him surprised  — he thought he would be uncomfortable by now, but the action seemed oddly familiar. “Ah,” he starts, before gently resting Shikamaru on the couch, draping a loose blanket on him. “I’ll walk you to your dorm, it’s late after all, if you don’t mind?”  She shakes her head, making Sasuke pout. “Come on, Shikamaru will get upset with me if I let you out on your own this late,” he reasons, knowing he’s being stubborn, but he just can’t shake the feeling of how right it is.  Hinata stifles a laugh, knowing that Shikamaru can’t get mad for not walking her back — especially Sasuke. She stares at him, seeing the same from her childhood, their memories making her smile in nostalgia. Sasuke snorts at her, “Yeah, I’ll need to walk you back, you’re just staring to space. Walking alone is out of discussion.” he threatens softly, locking the door.  Sasuke drops Hinata off in her dorm, ignoring the whispers of the other students, glaring at the boys who try to pull her away. “Thank you S-sasuke-kun.” she waves, making him return the gesture. He hurriedly walks to the elevator, ignoring at the peering eyes of the others. His keys jingle as he finds the correct key, jamming the key in and turning the knob, almost slamming the door — remembering Shikamaru’s still asleep.  Shikamaru wakes to his body being jostled, sleepily batting the hand away. A dry chuckle was heard, “Shikamaru, it’s late, just go to your bed.” Shikamaru blinks at him, before grumpily bunching the blanket around his shoulders, complaining.  “Bothersome, I just wanted to,” he gets cut off by a yawn, “sleep.” Sasuke hums amusedly, watching the Nara sleepily finding his way to his room in the dark hallway.  “Sweet dreams, Shikamaru.” he grunts, before closing the kitchen lights, hearing a faint mumble.  Sasuke fixes his button up, wearing a woolen sweater on top. He closes the door to his room, walking up to Shikamaru’s door and knocking.  “Wake up you lazy ass!” he bangs on the wall, finding satisfaction when he hears a tired groan, and a pillow thrown to the wall. “Such a drag.” the complaint is heard through the door, followed by silence. Sasuke, learned after a few weeks of living with Shikamaru, despite his high intellect and smart responses, is very lazy. “Come on, I’ll buy you coffee today, my treat.” he bribes, scowling when he hears no movement. “I’m not going to be late today, Nara.”  A few seconds tick by, before he hears sheets shuffle, and a begrudgingly brunette opening his door. “Fine, I’ll be out in 10 minutes.” He waits by the couch, twirling his keys around his finger, oblivious to Shikamaru looking at the band that holds it all together, a blue bracelet, making him force a smile. “Come on.”

A difference between Sasuke on and off campus is very different, to much of other people’s surprise. The jet black male is withdrawn, quiet, and polite outside, his expression often indifferent or ignorant to the people around him, making him look like an ass.  His friends know better, learning his other side, the witty, sarcastic Uchiha who often teases, the stubborn, polite Sasuke they once knew. He’s remembered some of them, mostly ones who he doesn’t spend much time back then. Sasuke often can be seen close to the campus’ couple, Hinata and Shikamaru worming their way to his heart. He knows that their bond is more than friendship, he feels it in his bones and bloodstream, not that he would admit it out loud. He just stays in the sidelines, watching the two share affection in his presence, but he doesn’t have the mind to disrupt them.

Sasuke really, really dislikes the girls who hounds his space, his face often displeased when they show up — especially those who already has significant others, it earns him glares. He sometimes curses his good genetics, knowing that pale skin and dark hair are attributes girls often find attractive.

“Thank god,” he breathes, walking in between Kiba and Neji, the two glaring at the girls to back off. “Sasuke-kun.” Kiba mimics the high pitched tone, wrapping himself on Sasuke’s arm. “Ha, ha, terribly funny.” he grits out, pushing Kiba away.  “You’ve been here for months, they still haven’t stopped.” Shino commented, gazing out of his tinted glasses. Sasuke huffs, remembering the girls flirting at him, shuddering at the memory of flowery perfume and long nails.  The boys around him chuckle at his reaction, knowing how many times they had to rescue the boy from crowds of women. “Sasuke Uchiha, please come to the office.” the intercom announces, speakers loud in the bustling hallway. “What did you do?” Chouji asks, pausing a moment to talk, before munching on his chips again. He shrugs his shoulders, before separating, pretending to not see the students avoiding him. He opens the door to the office, stopping in his tracks to greet Iruka, only to see Itachi and Shisui, Kakashi and Obito on one side. “Is there something wrong?”  His eyebrows knit in worry, seeing the scar going across Kakashi’s left eye, and the scars on the left of Obito’s face. His gut churns at the image his mind provides, before turning to Itachi,  who’s leaning on Shisui, the other male kissing his aniki’s temple.  “Uchiha clan was massacred in America.” Sasuke can feel his jaw dropping, his eyes widening in shock. Their clan was massacred? Does that mean the four of them are the only ones left? “Yes, we are the only ones left, we just got recently attacked.” Obito gestures to their faces, grimacing.  “You’re here to tell me that there might be someone coming after me?” he asks weakly, shoulders slumping. “Just a precaution, just...make sure someone is always with you, okay?” Itachi murmurs, patting his head. “I’ll make sure to have company, aniki.” The bell rings, snapping him out of his thoughts. He hugs them, reassuring that he’ll call them if something was to happen.  He slumps beside Naruto, tiredly rubbing his eyes, rummaging in his small bag only to groan, noticing his lack of packed lunch. Shikamaru leans forward on his other side, commenting dryly. “Nice lunch you got there.”  Sasuke peers at him with dark charcoal eyes, tiredly rubbing his arms. “Where’s yours then?” he asks, a dark eyebrow raised in return. Shikamaru opens his mouth to say he’s usually taking a share of Sasuke’s lunch when two bento boxes fall into each of their laps, making them look up in surprise.  Hinata blushes at the sudden attention directed to her, making her scrunch her nose up. “I prepared extra lunches, I n-noticed you two leaving e-earlier than normal.” she stammers, hand curling gentle fists.  Shikamaru sighs at her, tugging at her hand and intertwining it, “It’s fine, thank you babe.” he whispers, kissing her cheek softly, pulling his purple-haired girlfriend beside him. Sasuke turns away from the couple, keeping his head bowed while eating with the chopsticks.

Truthfully, Sasuke already recovered some of his memories with Hinata and Shikamaru, remembering the times they played around the Hyuuga estate when they were kids. He distinctly remembers his mom’s chatter, talking with Hiashi-san and Yoshino-san.  “Oh, remember when we were graduates? Our group was the three of us, now look at out kids.” Mikoto whispers, delight in her expression. “Mikoto, Hiashi was the only boy in ours, look at our children, his daughter is the only girl now.” Shikamaru’s mother giggles, Hiashi pinching his nose in worry. 

“I’ll marry you both when we grow up.”

The day where he laid down beside Shikamaru on a hill, both of them content in watching the cloud pass. 

The day where Neji introduced Hinata to him, making him push the purple-haired softly on the swing he sat on. 

He remembers Hinata teaching him and Shikamaru to make flower crowns, the three of them making one for each other.

He remembers when he left, leaving the purple and green bracelets around their wrists.

Even if he remembers it, he kept his mouth shut even if all he wanted to do was hug them and twirl them in circles. 

He cracks his knuckles, leaving his room in a sleeveless hoodie and joggers, his hair tied to a half-bun, his running shoes on. “Want me to bring coffee back? Vanilla Latte and Black Coffee?” he asks, wrinkling his nose at Shikamaru’s order.

The two nods at him gratefully, smiling. He closes the door behind him, placing both his earphones in, and jogging to the field, wanting to meet up with Suigetsu and the rest of Team Taka.

Team Taka is the sport news writers, Sasuke joining the small group when he remembers he used to play baseball and soccer. “Ah, Suigetsu.” he greets, sitting down beside him on the bleachers.  “Isn’t that the bad player from Kumo?” he blurts out, before slapping a hand over his mouth, Suigetsu barking out a laugh. “Ah him? Yes, he is.” Suigetsu smirks smugly at him, before glancing at the opposite bleachers, Sasuke stiffening when it’s filled with Kumo students. “You’re lucky you didn’t say that louder.” Karin comments, before writing notes. Ah, it was Kiba and Naruto’s practice, the two of them sweaty and panting. 

They stay there until 6pm, Team Taka leaving him on the bleachers. He walks to the stairs on the side wanting to meet up with Kiba, when Naruto crowds him from below the steps, blue eyes glinting in the dark night. “Hi, Sasuke.” the blond speaks in a monotonous voice, making him stiffen where he’s standing. “Why are you crowding me?” he asks, suspicion in his eyes. “I just wanted to tell you that if you break their hearts, you’re dead to me.” Naruto threatens, Sasuke knowing that ‘their’ is Shikamaru and Hinata. “And why is that, usuratonkachi?” he quips, dreading the next part. “‘Cause I know you like them, you’ve been like this ever since childhood.” He exhales shakily, knowing that out of everyone, Naruto is his best friend despite being separated for 13 years. “Sasuke stop lying to yourself, please.” Naruto pleads, his hand pulling at Sasuke’s collar. “What if I do?” he snarks, pushing Naruto back. Naruto looks at him with gazed blue eyes, frowning. “I’m trying to help you, because I don’t want to see them hurt again.” The blond snaps, “I don’t want you to be hurt staying in the sidelines.” he walks away, unaware of the group of Oto students hiding by the shadowed tree, Sasuke stumbling back blinking. He regrets snapping like that, knowing that keeping this to himself would harm him in the long run. Sasuke watches as Naruto’s from disappear in the distance, leaving him sitting with his arms pillowing his head. Sasuke’s cries of help is unintelligible in the dark night sky, a group of Oto students successful in beating him up.  Kiba runs towards Naruto, panting from running across the Academy, duffle bag in hand. He just came from the lockers, leaving Naruto on the field with Sasuke. Speaking of — “Naruto, where’s Sasuke?” he asks worriedly, looking at the agitated expression his lover has.  Naruto’s lips are set in a firm line, “I left him about 10 minutes ago.” Kiba grips him on the shoulders, shaking him, “Where?” his voice must have been so distressed that the blond notices it. “Naruto, where?” he repeats, uneasily, getting impatient. “The back of the stands.” Naruto finally mumbles, the alarm in Kiba’s tone bothering him. “Shit,” Kiba runs a hand through his hand before running off, Naruto following.  Kiba sprints, ignoring his protesting lungs, willing himself to keep going. “Kiba, what’s wrong?” Naruto shouts, only increasing his speed. God knows how long the Uchiha has been alone, the other teen telling him and Neji that he needs someone beside him at all times. Kiba pants, before walking silently around the stands, snarling at the laughing group of Oto students leaving to the back gate of the campus, before turning to Sasuke who’s laying down on the grass.  He winces, before slowly approaching Sasuke, sitting the boy up against the wooden poles. “Sasuke, are you awake?”  Sasuke groans, before coughing, clutching his stomach. “Did you break anything?” Kiba asks worriedly, rubbing his back to help him with the coughing fit.  “Bruises and cuts.” Sasuke groans, slumping on the pole, wincing at the bruises on his arms. He inhales shallowly, his breath coming out in stutters. “Let’s get you to Sakura.” Sasuke lets Kiba support him, Naruto hesitantly going to his other side. “It’s not your fault, it’s fine.” he reassures the man before they walk in the dark, avoiding bumps. Sasuke walks along with the couple, knocking on Sakura’s door, the pinkette scoffing when she sees him. “And what did you do that got you beat up?” Sasuke sighs at her before shrugging, the girl narrowing her eyes at him. “You better be grateful that you have a bestfriend that’s a medic.” she clicks her tongue before pulling her first aid kit, kneeling in front of Sasuke to tend to his wounds.  “Thank you Sakura.” he turns fond eyes to her, the girl rolling her eyes at him in exasperation. He looks down at his arms marred with bandages, the girl putting ointment on his bruises, his cuts cleaned and covered.  He walks to Sakura, hugging her tight. “Thank you.” he mutters to her ear, inhaling the calming scent of light sakura leaves.  Sakura snorts, patting his back. “We need to talk about it some time, but you should go home first, it’s late.” He waves before going out the door, Naruto walking with Kiba on his back, asleep.  Sasuke drops them at the second floor, “Thank you for coming to rescue me, and don’t blame yourself, Naruto.” he emphasizes the last part, knowing the blond will feel guilty for leaving him alone. Naruto opens his mouth to disagree, when Sasuke adds, “I should have told the group I needed a person with me at all times, but I only told Kiba and Neji.”  Naruto snaps his mouth shut, blinking. “I’ll talk to you about it tomorrow, just get your boyfriend on the bed,” he looks at the watch on his wrist, wincing at the late hour, “it’s close to midnight, just rest.” Naruto squints his eyes before nodding, Sasuke silently walking to the elevator to the third floor. He winces at the fabric rubbing his shoulder, the action making the bruise sting. He needs to wear a softer, oversized hoodie tomorrow, to not aggravate his skin.

He turns the door open, seeing the asleep couple on the couch, making him arrange them to lie down better, making sure that Shikamaru has an arm around Hinata to not let her fall. He walks to his room to get his dark blue blanket from his closet — the one from his childhood, the one they used when they’re sleeping over.

Sasuke pushes Shikamaru’s hair out his face, the brown locks falling on his shoulders, eyes closed in contentment. He moves Hinata’s ponytail from where it’s stuck beneath her head, letting it fall behind her.

He tucks the blanket securely around their shoulders before kissing their temples  — wanting to smack himself after doing the action. He stands with tense shoulders, walking away to close the door behind him softly.  Sasuke rummages in his closet, looking for his oversized hoodie, only to remember he used it a few days ago, the hoodie in his hamper. He scowls before knocking on Shikamaru’s door, the man taking a shower. “Shika, can I borrow a hoodie?” he shouts through the door, listening to the water running.  “Just come in, it’s folded in the second drawer.” a voice calls back before Sasuke opens the door, hastily opening the drawer to get the hoodie, retreating back to his room immediately, not wanting the Nara to see his bruises.  He wears the hoodie, inhaling the woodsy cinnamon scent. He knows the Nara’s oversized hoodies are huge on him, but he doesn’t care. He huffs a quiet laugh, seeing the sleeves enveloping his wrists, the dark green color surprisingly looking good on him.  He coughs, before walking out the room, looking at Shikamaru who’s ruffling his damp hair. “Why’re you wearing a mask?” Sasuke shrugs, before coughing, Shikamaru raising an eyebrow. The Nara doesn’t comment on how the Uchiha went home late nor the fact the two of them woke up tucked in the blanket. He narrowed his eyes at him, Sasuke wasn’t one to arrive late, if so, he would’ve messaged him or Hinata.  Sasuke shifts his feet, frowning behind the mask, his furrowed brows hidden behind his bangs, the hood a secure feeling around his head. Sasuke stares at Shikamaru who’s staring at him, probably thinking why he arrived late, after all, he did say he was gonna buy coffee for them. Sasuke lets the Nara get lost in his thoughts, fixing the rips on his jeans before wearing his sneakers, tapping his foot from where he’s standing by the doorway. “Shika, we’re gonna be late.” Sasuke brings him out of his musings, the Nara shuffling silently to wear his own shoes, walking behind Sasuke thinking. 

Sasuke leans on the bench, Kiba and Neji seated on the wooden seat. Hinata is seated next to him, their knees bumping to each other. On Hinata’s other side, Shikamaru leans on her, their hands laced together, not that Sasuke is looking at him. 

They read the notes in between them, Shikamaru and Hinata alternating in asking him questions for the review for the short test in Algebra later. Shikamaru, the smug lazy ass, would undoubtedly pass the test in flying colors without reviewing. 

His mask is by his chin, his bowed head hiding the small scars on his cheek. Shikamaru quips some facts while he reviews, nodding along to the added lessons, the information going straight to his brain. Hinata whispers to him, much to Sasuke’s amusement. 

“Mmmm..you’re warm.” Shikamaru sleepily drawls to Hinata, his tall form bending to cuddle to her side, on the grass. Kiba snickers at him, Naruto laughing from where he’s resting his head on Kiba’s shoulder, bent down. 

Sasuke turns to give them an amused smile, reaching over Hinata to play with Shikamaru’s hair, the Nara slumping in drowsiness. Hinata giggles at him, whispering, “Sleep, babe, I’ll wake you when it’s time to go.”  He turns a pout in Hinata’s direction, his head on her shoulder, lips expecting a kiss, Hinata rolling her eyes and kissing his lips softly. He hums before turning his eyes to Sasuke, staring back at dark charcoal eyes who’s watching him, lips giving a half-smile.  Sasuke turns his eyes to his lips before turning to the other direction, the hood falling down his head. Neji leans down, whispering in Sasuke’s ear. “I can see your blush, you look like a tomatoe.” Sasuke scowls, glaring at Neji. “Says the one who avoids Suigetsu like a plague.” the Hyuuga splutters, gawking at him, the Uchiha promised him not to mention his crush. “Wolf peach is blushing.” Neji says to Kiba, the Inuzuka clutching his stomach in laughter. Sasuke turns outraged to the two, his cheeks red in embarrassment, “Kiba already made me like dogs because he knew I wouldn’t remember I hate them, and now you’re calling me wolf peach?” Neji dissolves in snickers, smacking his thigh. Naruto jumps up, “Love apple.” he declares it so proudly, that even Sasuke chokes on his laughter, Hinata looking at them confused. “Why are you laughing?” she asks shyly, seeing the carefree smiling of Sasuke, the man wheezing, “That is the most obnoxious nickname you could think for tomatoe?”  wiping the tears off his eyes.

Sasuke breathes deeply, trying not to laugh. He turns to Hinata with a wide smile, the girl looking breathless when she actually saw the dark green garment Sasuke is wearing. He looks...right — he looks like he’s theirs. She looks at him, noticing the light red scar peeking out of his bangs.  “What’s that?” she asks worriedly, before Sasuke lifts a hand to his cheek, unconsciously showing reddened knuckles, the Uchiha looking at Kiba for help. She then sees a dark purple-blue bruise on Sasuke’s collar, before he lifts the hood up again.  “What happened.” she says, stern and firm, pulling Sasuke’s hand away from where he’s pulling the strings of the hoodie. She lets her thumb graze over his knuckles, providing comfort.  Shikamaru moves beside her, looking at them half-asleep, brow knitted in the confusing scene in front of him. Sasuke turns to the others, Sakura and the rest of Konoha 12 — their group name. He knows he’s being petty by not letting the two know, but it’s not that important.

Shikamaru pulls the hood off his face, his hands cupping both his cheeks, making him internally pray that his cheeks aren’t red. Kiba smiling cheekily behind his hand, the three of them watching his face flush in amusement.  Shikamaru tilts his head up, showing the bruises on his neck, the color slightly faded. “So this is why you borrowed my hoodie.” he murmurs, his thumb following the bruises, Sasuke shuddering. 

Shikamaru lets go after a few minutes, his sleep long gone when he noticed the weary expression of Sasuke. “You wanna talk about it?” Sasuke opens his mouth before closing it again, at a complete loss of words. He bites his lip before telling the news he got when he was called to the office, of how he needed to have someone with him at all times, how he visited their practice  — leaving his conversation with Naruto unmentioned. He says how Kiba came back and brought him to Sakura, and when he covered them with the blanket.

Shikamaru stares at him before smacking him upside the head, disappointedly glaring at him. Sasuke turns to him gaping incredulously, rubbing the part he hit. “What was that for?” he asks, Shikamaru crossing his arms and letting out a ‘tch’.  “For a genius, you sure are dumb for not telling me this.” He blinks before shrugging, looking away. Shikamaru sighs before wrapping an arm on Hinata, the girl whispering, “He’s just worried like I am.”

Sasuke exhales, wanting to keep calm despite how nervous he is. He wears a light brown sweater with a black coat, his tousled hair contained under a beanie. He opens the door to the dorm, silently walking behind Shikamaru and wrapping a blindfold around his eyes. The Nara jumps in surprise before leaning against him lazily, blushing.  “What’s this for?” he asks perplexed, hands going in his pocket, curiosity killing him. Sasuke told him and Hinata to wear something nice, that they’ll go somewhere. The two of them plan to include him to their relationship, hoping that what they see between them is mutual.  He lets Sasuke guide him to his convertible, the man asking him. “Passenger or Back seat?” Shikamaru responds dryly, “Passenger please.”  He sat down on the seat, snorting. “You really plan to blindfold us while going there?” Sasuke lets out a nervous yet excited ‘Hn.’, making him chuckle. “If you say so.” he leans back on the seat, listening to Sasuke running to the direction of the girl dorms.

His brows quirk up, a smile twitching on his lips when he hears Hinata talking to Sasuke, her tone light. Sasuke opens the door behind him, Hinata shuffling to seat in the middle.  Sasuke sat down on the driver’s seat, before pulling the seatbelt around Hinata’s waist, then extending to pull Shikamaru’s seatbelt around him securely, leaning a bit close.  “There.” he says, before the car rumbles, the engine lighting. Sasuke removes his beanie, securing it on Hinata’s head before driving. “Why’d you put your beanie on me?” she asks, pulling the beanie tighter to her head.  “I don’t want it to fly away.” he murmurs, the radio playing a song. Sasuke hums along, his deep voice mingling nicely with Shikamaru’s quiet singing, Hinata singing along. 

The wind blows against their faces, sometimes breaking out in fits of laughter because of how ridiculous they might be looking. They sense, they know Sasuke is pouting whenever they laugh, the Uchiha grumbling on how the surprise would be ruined if they were able to see it.

Sasuke stops the car, removing the seatbelts around them. He opens both their doors, before dragging them out, the two holding on to his arm. He exhales before lowering Hinata on the swing, the girl gasping when she feels it wobble only to realize what it is.

Shikamaru lets Sasuke guide him blindly, laying down on a patch of grass. Sasuke smiles with dimples, before reaching out to tug their hands. “You can remove the blindfolds now.” They remove it, seeing the meadow, their clan compounds on the village in the distance. Shikamaru leans up on his elbows before huffing, “This is what you meant by we’ll know if we weren’t blindfolded.”  Hinata turns to Sasuke, the Uchiha leaning on the tree. “So you remember everything?” she asks, watching as Sasuke’s hand fiddling in his pocket.  “Everything.” he confirms, before slipping a purple bracelet on her wrist, one that fits her.  He turns to Shikamaru, placing a green bracelet softly. “I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine.” he confesses, placing a blue bracelet in Shikamaru’s palm, curling a hand over it. He leans away, mumbling, “It’s okay if you don’t though, I’m fine being friends with you.”  Hinata share a ludicrous look with Shikamaru before giggling. “Idiot, why would we not have you?” she murmurs into his temple, blushing prettily. She places a flower crown on his head, getting two more from her bag to place on Shikamaru and her own. 

Shikamaru brushes his hands with Sasuke, before intertwining them, his other hand placing the blue bracelet with flushed cheeks. They peer at Sasuke’s face, seeing red cheeks and a shy smile.  Sasuke stands up with both their hands in his own, the three of them forming a circle. The corner of his lips curl to a smirk, asking, “Can I have kisses now?”  They stare at him expectantly before he moves towards Hinata, resting his hands on her hips, drawing her closer. He leans down, letting their lips meet, sighing out in happiness. Hinata throws her arms around his neck, stepping up to her tiptoes.  Shikamaru tugs on the cuff of his shirt, Hinata pushing him off towards Shikamaru. “Geez, you’ll get kisse-” he gets cut off by warm lips pressing against his, kissing Shikamaru back. His hands slip to his half tied hair, fingers holding his face close. Shikamaru smiles into the kiss, his tan hands caressing his cheeks.

They pull away, Shikamaru and Hinata sharing a small, quick kiss, before Sasuke pulls them into his arms, kissing their temples. “I think, I love you both.”  Shikamaru snorts, “That’s a bit early, but I love you two too.” he wrinkles his nose at the repetitive phrase, Hinata nudging all their noses together. “I love you boys too.”  Sasuke smiles as he drives, his hand clasping over Shikamaru and Hinata’s on the middle, squeezing it in comfort, Hinata leaning her head on his shoulder. Shikamaru glances at them from where he’s watching the clouds, “What’re you two smiling for?” he asks, half-asleep.

“Ah, nothing.” Shikamaru squeezes his hand, his head sleepily resting on his other palm. Sasuke tries to hide his smile, only to chuckle softly, not believing he has two lovers now, a girlfriend and a boyfriend  — which he admits, was delayed. 

“Come on Sas’, it’s dark and I can see you blushing.” Hinata just giggles at him.

Kiba and Neji pat him on the back, congratulating him for finally confessing. Sasuke chuckles, leaning beside the two, Sasuke looking lovestruck at his lovers, Hinata deciding to wear his hoodie. Shikamaru looks at him over his shoulder, cracking a smile in his direction.  “Whipped. Like buttercream, or maybe meringue.” Kiba teases, genuinely happy for him. “Now let’s help Neji got his boyfriend.” he answers, smiling when he sees Suigetsu smirk at him. “Oh look, me and Kiba need to go to the others real quick, we need to water Akamaru.” he rushes to say, pulling Kiba, the two of them snickering at the bad excuse and Neji, who’s red while talking to Suigetsu. He drops beside Hinata, the girl leaning on him once he was seated, routine at this point. Shikamaru lays his head on Sasuke’s thigh, mumbling. “You’re my pillow now.” Sasuke just smiles fondly at him, his hands running through his brown strands.  “I love you.” he whispers quietly, only audible by the two beside him, Shikamaru peeking at him with one eye. “We love you too, Uchiha.”

Note : 

Danzo was arrested, along with his minions, ensuring the safety of the Uchihas. Madara, an Uchiha moved back with them, along with his boyfriend Hashirama. (”I tried my best, it’s a busy week for me, so I apologize for the grammar mistakes.I know that they’re a bit ooc, and some details aren’t added, like some Team 7 bonding or Orochimaru being a mentor. I wrote this really quickly, so I can’t make sure it’s good, but I hope you enjoy.” - lian <3)

[fanficshiddles]

Caught in his web, Chapter 52

When Loki got Chloe home, Bear was so excited to see her. She managed to sit down on the floor to cuddle him for a few minutes. Loki spoke to Pete and asked him to take Bear for a walk and give him his dinner, to keep an eye on him for the evening.

Pete was happy to oblige, just so happy that Chloe was home safely.

Loki knew that Chloe’s migraine was easing, and she was capable of walking, but he still decided to carry her upstairs to his room.

‘I’ve been in these clothes all night and day.’ She said, scrunching her nose up.

Loki chuckled and nuzzled her nose with his own. ‘You’re not too smelly, don’t worry.’ He teased, making her smile. ‘But I think we both need a relaxing bath together.’

He carried her through to his en-suite. While he ran the water in the bath, he undressed her and felt his heart hurt when he saw bruising starting to form on her sides, legs and arms.

‘Did he do this?’ He snarled angrily.

‘No. He didn’t hurt me like that. It was in the van, all the moving about.’ She said quietly, looking at her arms.

Loki sighed, but said nothing else as he stripped also. He added some calming lavender and chamomile bubble bath to the water then checked it was warm enough before sinking into it with Chloe in his arms.

He placed her between his legs, so her back was flush against his chest. She leaned back against him and he rubbed her arms softly and kissed her neck.

‘I promise, you’re safe now. No one will ever hurt you again or take you from me.’ He assured her.

‘Is Ben… Is he dead?’ She asked, swallowing hard.

‘Yes.’ Loki said firmly.

Chloe nodded. Feeling conflicted about that. But mainly relieved.

‘Those girls… can’t you save them? Why would you be involved in… that?’ She had slightly tensed up again in his arms and Loki felt it.

Loki sighed and nuzzled into her hair. ‘It’s just business, doll. Business that you are not involved in, you were never meant to be there. You’re not one of them.’

‘But I am. I’m a girl, there is no difference between me and them.’ She said and tried to turn around to face him and get slight distance, but Loki’s arm around her middle didn’t allow her to.

‘You know what I mean, Chloe.’

‘No! It’s horrible, disgusting and sick what goes on. You sell those girls, like they’re property. Like they’re nothing but objects.’ She squirmed and really tried to get away but just succeeded in making a mess as water splashed out over the bath.

‘Ok, ok. Calm down, Chloe. Don’t hurt yourself.’ Loki said firmly, but calmly. ‘I will make a call after the bath, to bring those girls back. Ok?’

Chloe stopped squirming and turned her head around to look at him as best she could. ‘Really?’

‘Yes, really.’ Loki nodded, rubbing her arm.

‘And you won’t do it again? You’ll stop trafficking girls?’ She asked, hopeful.

Loki nodded again. ‘Yes. I will stop, for you.’

‘Promise?’

‘I promise.’ Loki smiled and kissed the top of her head.

She relaxed in his arms again, leaning back into him, trusting him to keep his word. Loki slid both arms around her and squeezed her tightly. He breathed in deeply, just glad to have his girl back. It had been the worse twenty-four hours of his life, not knowing if he had lost her forever or not.

‘Ben said it was my Father who paid him to kidnap me… Is that true? Or did Ben just take me?’ She asked after a few moments of silence.

‘It was your Father, yes. He tried to buy you back again, but he didn’t know about Ben’s devious and un-trusting side. He’s always had it, always been the one that would be most likely to stab you in the back. But I still never, ever, would’ve thought about him doing something quite like this to me… To you.’

A tear rolled down Chloe’s cheek, thinking that it was all down to her Father in the first place that she was put in that position. Almost chucked into the system of trafficking. It made her sick to think about, that her own flesh and blood did that to her.

‘How did you find out where I was?’

‘It was actually due to your Father, that one. He came to me, begging for help. Telling me what he did. Ben slipped up, telling Kenneth about his plan to send you to Germany.’

‘Where is he now?’ Chloe asked while swirling her hands about in the bubbles.

‘I don’t know. I chucked him out of here when I got all the information I needed out of him.’ Loki lied.

‘I don’t ever want to see him again, Loki.’ She said, worriedly, as she took hold of Loki’s forearm that was around her middle.

‘Don’t worry, doll. I promise, you won’t ever see him again. I will not let him near you.’ Loki put his chin on her shoulder and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Being so close and having skin on skin contact, Loki was naturally aroused. Chloe could feel him pressing against her lower back. But neither of them made a move, Chloe was too tired and feeling all over the place to even think about sex. And Loki knew it wasn’t the right time for it, she was sore and tired. He would’ve given up sex for life if it had been the only way to get her back.

After bathing, they both went to bed and fell asleep soundly wrapped up in one another’s arms.

-

The following day, after both getting a good night’s rest, Chloe and Loki were playing outside in the garden with Bear. David had popped round to check on how Chloe was.

Loki and David went inside to get some drinks and snacks sorted while Chloe stayed outside with Bear.

‘So we’re clear, and tell the others too, Chloe thinks I’m out of the trafficking game. She also thinks I was able to pull those girls out and get them safely back here… So she has to remain in that mind-frame, got it?’ Loki said quietly.

‘Got it.’ David nodded. ‘I’ll let people know.’

‘Cheers.’ Loki patted David on the back. ‘Any word on why Ben kidnapped Chloe?’ 

‘I’ve spoken to as many of his associates, but nothing.’ David sighed, shaking his head. 

‘Well it’s done now.’ Loki nodded.

They went out to join Chloe again, but were surprised when they saw her Mother at the gate.

‘Mum? What are you doing here?’ Chloe asked nervously.

Bear went running over to the stranger, barking and his hackles were up. Though still being young and cute, he wasn’t overly threatening, even with his shark like teeth.

Loki walked over and scooped him up, getting licks to the face in return when he stopped barking.

‘I… I needed to see you. Your Dad came home yesterday morning in such distress, he had been out all night. Said he made a mistake, that he had put you in grave danger. I couldn’t make any sense out of him, but he was worried over you. I had to come and check if you were ok!’ She looked anxiously at Loki, then back at her daughter.

‘You can come in.’ Loki opened the gate for her, she thanked him and stepped into the garden.

Chloe stood, unsure about what to do. She hadn’t exactly put up much of a fight for her back when Loki took her… But everything had changed since then.

Loki put Bear down and he went straight over to Chloe’s Mum, sniffing about her. Then he ran over to Chloe, wagging his tail.

‘You look well, Chloe.’ She smiled at her daughter. ‘I… I haven’t seen Kenneth since yesterday morning. He was out the door again before I could get anything proper out of him. Do you know where he is?’

‘No. And I don’t care. He gave a dangerous man a lot of money in return for me being kidnapped from Loki. Said man then tried to send me abroad, trafficking.’ Chloe said, her jaw clenching.

Her Mum’s eyes widened. ‘What? No!’

‘I’m afraid it is true.’ Loki stepped in, moving to stand at Chloe’s side and wrapping an arm around her. ‘Thankfully I was able to find Chloe in time before she was lost forever. I haven’t seen your husband since he left here yesterday, begging me to save Chloe.’

‘I want you to leave… Mum.’ Chloe then said. Loki raised an eyebrow at her.

‘Please, Chloe. I just…’

‘Your Mother can stay, if you wish her to.’ Loki said softly, giving Chloe a squeeze.

‘No. I don’t want her to.’ She said firmly and bent over to scoop Bear up, then she stormed off inside.

‘Well, you heard your daughter. So it’s probably best if you leave now.’ Loki said and motioned to the gate.

Her Mum looked down sadly and nodded. ‘Sorry for bothering you. But please, if you hear from Kenneth, tell him to come home.’ She pleaded.

Loki nodded once.

He watched her leave, making sure she was gone completely before he went inside to find Chloe. He sought her out in the living room, snuggling Bear on the sofa.

‘Why did you send her away?’ Loki asked and sat down next to her, stroking Bear.

‘She’s just as bad for not fighting for me before… I thought maybe she came here to actually see me. But no. She’s more interested in finding my Dad.’ She scoffed.

‘Oh, sweetheart. Come here.’ Loki put his arm around her and leaned back, pulling her with him to hold her. ‘I know it’s hard, but you don’t need them. You’ve got me, and you always will have.’

‘I know.’ She nodded and sighed. ‘I love you, Loki.’ She lifted her head and smiled at him.

‘I love you too.’ He smiled back and held her chin steady as he kissed her softly.

[labyrinthsofyou]

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

pairing: wong yukhei & female reader

genre: fluff & mild suggestive mentions

words: 2, 800

summary: yukhei replaces the most important part of his body with you.

author’s note: tenses change to indicate present and past. my first story with wong yukhei. happy reading!

+

“look at this, babe!”

your eyes tear away the book in your hands and move to your confident boyfriend who loves to flex in front of the mirror after his workout. wong yukhei who prides himself on exercise, on maintaining the healthy and fit body that helps him through the hours of practices and weeks of tours, loves to show you all his hard work. you make eye contact with him through the mirror. his eyebrow quirks. an arm rises. and his signature smile paints his face as he showcases his biceps.

“don’t you just love them?”

you playfully roll your eyes.

yukhei shifts his position then and shows you both arms all flexed out.

“of course,” you reply with grin.

you take the bookmark on the nightstand beside you and slip it between the pages. bare feet on the carpet floor, you get off the bed to make your way to him. the light sheen on his body is still apparent from the noon sunlight filtering into the shared bedroom. you stand next to him. eyes meeting through your reflections, your hands reach up to give his muscles a squeeze. they're hard underneath your touch. you have to chuckle just a little. “so strong just for me, right? so you can protect me?” 

“you got that right!” yukhei tells you with much enthusiasm.

you humor him. “how about your six friends?” you love to, just for the excited look on his face right now. “how did they do today?” 

his face glows. he laughs with a tint of pink on his cheeks every time you say that. but regardless, yukhei grabs the hem of his shirt and lifts it confidently to reveal the define lines on his torso. 

you run your fingers along his body, still warm and slightly sticky from the workout, admiring the tighten muscles. “so sexy. my kind of man.” you make your voice swoon with a sweet sigh.

“hm, I always knew you were only with me for my body,” yukhei runs a hand through his hair, black and unstyled from the norms of hair spray. “and charming good looks,” he finishes with his tongue snaking out to lick the corner of his mouth. the smile broadens on his face. your eyes never break from one another. you see the teasing in him. 

“oh, definitely. i love your arms.” he laughs. “i love your abs.” you love playing along with him. “i love your shoulders,” you say as you raise your hands to rest on them.

yukhei drops the hem of his shirt and stands straighter. he squares up his shoulders. you give them a squeeze too. how they become your makeshift pillow countless times when you fall asleep on him during your movie night dates. how he never pushes you off either. but instead he leans down to you, resting his cheek against the top of your head and falls asleep himself. 

“and those legs,” you tell him with a smile. yukhei puts out a leg, long and toned. he bends slightly to validate the length of them.

he is tall and he makes you feel small even if you aren’t short. your head is able to rest on his shoulder when you take midnight walks. he can press his lips to your forehead easily. but when you stand next to him, when he is being cuddly and covers your body with his and legs are tangled, he makes you feel small.

he makes you feel protected.

you lean down and slide your hand onto his thigh. “don’t forget about those thighs, too!” yukhei rolls up the basketball shorts he’s wearing to give you a better view.

that’s your seat, you like to joke. yukhei never argues that though. 

even if there are seats available, he always wants you to sit on his lap. a usual mix of 'come sit with me,’ which really meant come sit on me, and just him gently tugging you towards him. 

when you had quietly asked him about it once, yukhei had admitted with a shy smile, “i just want you close to me… that’s all.” you had kissed his cheek, feeling the heat of embarrassment from his confession. 

and every time, given how touchy he always is, his hands never stop. drawing circles on the small of your back. squeezing and rubbing your thigh. soothing you and reminding him you are there with him.

that thought brings you back. 

“and most definitely your hands, babe. i love your hands. 

yukhei holds his hands in front, admiring the part of his body that holds you, warms you, calms you and makes you crazy with the smallest touch. magic hands you had referred to them once because of everything he can do with them. he had loved the title and immediately proved to you why he deserved it.

you reach for his hand. larger than yours he will never let you forget. warm like always. you intertwine your fingers together to bring the back of his hand to your lips. you press a kiss to it. you find his gaze once more. 

“you know you’re just so handsome and i love every part of you.” yukhei plays bashful. but you're completely truthful. 

“and you’re beautiful. that’s why me and you together,” yukhei clicks his tongue, releases your hand and gives a chef’s kiss. “we can’t be matched,” he says proudly with a beam. yukhei wraps his arm around your shoulder and bends down to press a sloppy and very wet kiss to your cheek.

your giggle filters through the room before you speak. “but do you know what i love most about you?” 

yukhei ponders the question. his arms? no. his shoulders? no. his abs? no 

he turns his head dramatically to the side. “my jawline!” and lifts his hand to run the back of his index finger around it. your laughter and touch follow his, running along the edge of it as well. you can spend hours, and have, laying with him just pressing your lips to it as his hands roam your body. but you shake your head.

yukhei thinks for a moment before he puckers his lips like he had done once in an interview.

“sexy lips!” he declares confidently. 

plump and soft, they are simply always kissable. his lips work wonders on your body. they bring you to another dimension. and every time his lips find yours, whether it’s chaste or passionate, each kiss cannot be compared. yet each one sends sparks soaring from your fingertips to your toes. each kiss makes your stomach fill with butterflies. that never fails. you bring your thumb to his lips and lightly swipe across it. then you sigh cause it's not.

is this a trick question? his eyebrows furrow. he contemplates for a minute until his face lights up. 

“my face! the main point!” yukhei claps his hands. it has everything he thinks. eyes that will make you faint. a smile that can melt you. the expression he offers you tells you he’s positive of his answer. 

yes, his face is something else. a work of art that should be on magazine covers and studied because every time you look at him, you are amazed by every centimeter of it. you scrunch up your nose though since no, it’s not. 

yukhei looks at you skeptically before raising both eyebrows and clears his throat loudly for dramatic effects because he definitely knows now. he smirks. his hand moves down. your eyes follow. for a second, he palms himself. while you do love and enjoy that part of him tremendously and in every way possible, you shake your head with a loud laugh.

confusion and disbelief cover his face because it’s a no for everything. “you’re-”

his words calling you a liar are cut when you move to stand on your toes. you grip his shirt. his hands, warm and comforting, instinctively settle on your hips to pull you closer. your lips rest beside his ear.

you can’t see it. 

your hand settles on his chest.

but you can feel it.

“your heart.”

and the answer leaves your mouth just loud enough for yukhei to hear.

because what you love most about him is underneath the skin and bones.

when he makes you laugh and smile because everything about his laugh and smile is contagious. when he says nothing and wraps his arms around you because he wants you to know he’s there for you. when he stands behind you in large crowds because he knows it makes you uneasy. when he buries his face into the crook of your neck to inhale the scent of lavender on you so he can remember it when he’s away. when he goes on tour at the other side of the world and sneaks off for a minute just to wish you sweet dreams. when he comes back from those tours at the other side of the world and hugs you tight so he can pepper your face with kisses. when your back presses to his chest and you feel his lips against the nape of your neck before you drift off to sleep. when he brings your cold hands to his mouth to warm with his breath because sometimes you forget your gloves. when he brings you your favorite jasmine tea when you’re feeling under the weather. when he adds to the bucket list of all the cities and countries you need to visit because he thinks you deserve to see the world. and when he looks at you, whether you are in a sea of people or alone as he covers your body with his, yukhei looks at you as if you hang the stars in the night sky.

yes, he is handsome. but his heart makes him beautiful.

his heart, that’s what you love most about him. 

your feet firm on the floor again, you glance up at him to search for a response in his eyes because yukhei says nothing then. to be quite honest, a part of you is proud of yourself. it is not often you can make him speechless. quick with his words and comebacks he always is. 

but right now, yukhei isn’t because of all the things he thinks of, that answer never crosses his mind. his hands slide behind you, fingers splaying on the small of your back. you feel the quickening thumps of his heart underneath your palm. a soft and sweet smile you offer him as the heat on your cheeks build under his stare.

“what?” 

yet yukhei provides you no answer to your question. 

because it is everything on the outside of him that draws people in at first. it's his looks, his height, the usual that he knows too well. 

but not with you. 

not when he had first walked into the café and saw you working in between classes on a very sunny tuesday afternoon. not when he came back every week possible after whenever he needed his caffeine fix. not when he came in twice still wearing his performance outfit with his hair styled and he had felt someone take a picture of him. you had not treated him any differently. but the smiles you had given him made his heart fluttered. the small talk he had experienced only made him want a little more. 

just one moment was all yukhei had needed. 

and on a very rainy thursday morning and him being clumsy and not paying attention because he just wanted your attention, yukhei had slipped. the sign he missed. on the floor he landed. the coffee in his grasp had splattered all over. embarrassed he had been. attention from you he had finally received. 

beside him you had appeared asking if he was alright and ready to clean. instead yukhei had apologized profusely as he ignored the pain that was settling in him and stood up. but you had reassured him it was okay with sincerity because it hadn’t been the first mess and wouldn’t be the last. regardless though, yukhei had helped you clean it up because insistent he was since it was his fault. once he had been finished though, with the closer than normal proximity to you, he had pushed his nerves to the side. this had been the one moment he needed. his hand had extended and yukhei had introduced himself. 

the nervousness had radiated off of him. his eyes had been so large and hopeful, waiting for your reaction. your gaze had shifted between his face and his hand as you had tucked the falling piece of hair behind you ear. and then you had playfully questioned if he had slipped and dropped the coffee just so he could talk to you.

his face had heated up. yukhei had let out the breath he had been holding. a deep chuckle had soon followed. you hadn’t been able to bite back a smile.

then his hand you had taken. 

yukhei had sworn it stopped raining at that moment. 

and now, the longer yukhei stares at you looking at him with your sweet and teasing smile, he has no regrets. 

when he finds you waiting up for him in the late nights to early mornings because sometimes that is the only time you get to spend together. when you put your hand against his and he sees the size difference that makes him laugh and you giggle. when he lays his head on your lap so you can thread your fingers through his hair. when you reassure him in the quiet nights that he’s doing well because sometimes he is too hard on himself. when you jump into his arms backstage after his shows and tell him how proud you are of him. when you whisper through the phone and video chats that you sleep better when he’s beside you. when you shower him with your kisses all over his body on the rare days off that makes him want to stay in bed all day. when you never fight his wish of staying in bed all day on those said rare days off because you want him as much as he wants you. and when you tell him the three little words, whether you are face to face or miles apart, yukhei feels the meaning in every part of it. 

he will slip and drop that coffee all over again for you to take his hand and change his world.

yukhei bends down, his arms moving to wrap around you. you will never be tired of being caged in his embrace. the tip of his nose brushes gently against yours once, then twice before his head tilts the smallest degree. his mouth finds yours and you feel it again.

the love and meaning in it when your lips meet. the fluttering in your stomach begins.  

slow and sweet it is until one of his hands comes up to cradle your neck. your arms slip over his shoulders. his hold of you tightens. on your toes you go once more. the added height allows you to deepen the kiss as the tiny gap between your bodies disappears. yukhei angles his head a bit more and pushes forward a touch. you moan into his mouth, the position offering you more of what you want from him.

but almost as soon as you do though, yukhei pulls away with you almost chasing after him. just a little longer you want him lingering across your lips. he opens his eyes. his slightly ragged breaths tickle your skin. you with your faintly parted lips, closed eyes, and heated face because of him, yukhei thinks this is one of his favorite sights of you. and when you open your eyes moments later and find him watching you, a light breathless laugh escapes you.

he doesn’t know how it’s possible. but it is. 

“you don’t know, do you?” yukhei asks softly, almost dreamily.

your hands move to clasp behind his neck. the small nudge you give him has him bumping his forehead to yours. 

you will never be tired of having him so close.

a low hum you release before you question quietly. “know what?” the curiosity hangs in your response. 

his hand travels up to cup your face. eyes never faltering from yours, his mouth forms a tiny grin. 

all yukhei sees is stars. all yukhei feels is love. 

and then he leans in again. his lips stop mere centimeters from your very own. a tease, you think he is. but a perfect moment he believes because when your attempt to bite back a smile fails just like that very day, the grin on his face widens.  

yukhei knows for certain without a doubt.

“you are my heart.”

[imagine-loki]

Caught in his web, Chapter 52

TITLE: Caught in his web CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 52 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki is a crime lord, a very dangerous man in the city. He is owed money, but the man is unable to pay Loki back, so Loki takes his daughter as payment instead.  RATING: M

When Loki got Chloe home, Bear was so excited to see her. She managed to sit down on the floor to cuddle him for a few minutes. Loki spoke to Pete and asked him to take Bear for a walk and give him his dinner, to keep an eye on him for the evening.

Pete was happy to oblige, just so happy that Chloe was home safely.

Loki knew that Chloe’s migraine was easing, and she was capable of walking, but he still decided to carry her upstairs to his room.

‘I’ve been in these clothes all night and day.’ She said, scrunching her nose up.

Loki chuckled and nuzzled her nose with his own. ‘You’re not too smelly, don’t worry.’ He teased, making her smile. ‘But I think we both need a relaxing bath together.’

He carried her through to his en-suite. While he ran the water in the bath, he undressed her and felt his heart hurt when he saw bruising starting to form on her sides, legs and arms.

‘Did he do this?’ He snarled angrily.

‘No. He didn’t hurt me like that. It was in the van, all the moving about.’ She said quietly, looking at her arms.

Loki sighed, but said nothing else as he stripped also. He added some calming lavender and chamomile bubble bath to the water then checked it was warm enough before sinking into it with Chloe in his arms.

He placed her between his legs, so her back was flush against his chest. She leaned back against him and he rubbed her arms softly and kissed her neck.

‘I promise, you’re safe now. No one will ever hurt you again or take you from me.’ He assured her.

‘Is Ben… Is he dead?’ She asked, swallowing hard.

‘Yes.’ Loki said firmly.

Chloe nodded. Feeling conflicted about that. But mainly relieved.

‘Those girls… can’t you save them? Why would you be involved in… that?’ She had slightly tensed up again in his arms and Loki felt it.

Loki sighed and nuzzled into her hair. ‘It’s just business, doll. Business that you are not involved in, you were never meant to be there. You’re not one of them.’

‘But I am. I’m a girl, there is no difference between me and them.’ She said and tried to turn around to face him and get slight distance, but Loki’s arm around her middle didn’t allow her to.

‘You know what I mean, Chloe.’

‘No! It’s horrible, disgusting and sick what goes on. You sell those girls, like they’re property. Like they’re nothing but objects.’ She squirmed and really tried to get away but just succeeded in making a mess as water splashed out over the bath.

‘Ok, ok. Calm down, Chloe. Don’t hurt yourself.’ Loki said firmly, but calmly. ‘I will make a call after the bath, to bring those girls back. Ok?’

Chloe stopped squirming and turned her head around to look at him as best she could. ‘Really?’

‘Yes, really.’ Loki nodded, rubbing her arm.

‘And you won’t do it again? You’ll stop trafficking girls?’ She asked, hopeful.

Loki nodded again. ‘Yes. I will stop, for you.’

‘Promise?’

‘I promise.’ Loki smiled and kissed the top of her head.

She relaxed in his arms again, leaning back into him, trusting him to keep his word. Loki slid both arms around her and squeezed her tightly. He breathed in deeply, just glad to have his girl back. It had been the worse twenty-four hours of his life, not knowing if he had lost her forever or not.

‘Ben said it was my Father who paid him to kidnap me… Is that true? Or did Ben just take me?’ She asked after a few moments of silence.

‘It was your Father, yes. He tried to buy you back again, but he didn’t know about Ben’s devious and un-trusting side. He’s always had it, always been the one that would be most likely to stab you in the back. But I still never, ever, would’ve thought about him doing something quite like this to me… To you.’

A tear rolled down Chloe’s cheek, thinking that it was all down to her Father in the first place that she was put in that position. Almost chucked into the system of trafficking. It made her sick to think about, that her own flesh and blood did that to her.

‘How did you find out where I was?’

‘It was actually due to your Father, that one. He came to me, begging for help. Telling me what he did. Ben slipped up, telling Kenneth about his plan to send you to Germany.’

‘Where is he now?’ Chloe asked while swirling her hands about in the bubbles.

‘I don’t know. I chucked him out of here when I got all the information I needed out of him.’ Loki lied.

‘I don’t ever want to see him again, Loki.’ She said, worriedly, as she took hold of Loki’s forearm that was around her middle.

‘Don’t worry, doll. I promise, you won’t ever see him again. I will not let him near you.’ Loki put his chin on her shoulder and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Being so close and having skin on skin contact, Loki was naturally aroused. Chloe could feel him pressing against her lower back. But neither of them made a move, Chloe was too tired and feeling all over the place to even think about sex. And Loki knew it wasn’t the right time for it, she was sore and tired. He would’ve given up sex for life if it had been the only way to get her back.

After bathing, they both went to bed and fell asleep soundly wrapped up in one another’s arms.

-

The following day, after both getting a good night’s rest, Chloe and Loki were playing outside in the garden with Bear. David had popped round to check on how Chloe was.

Loki and David went inside to get some drinks and snacks sorted while Chloe stayed outside with Bear.

‘So we’re clear, and tell the others too, Chloe thinks I’m out of the trafficking game. She also thinks I was able to pull those girls out and get them safely back here… So she has to remain in that mind-frame, got it?’ Loki said quietly.

‘Got it.’ David nodded. ‘I’ll let people know.’

‘Cheers.’ Loki patted David on the back. ‘Any word on why Ben kidnapped Chloe?’ 

‘I’ve spoken to as many of his associates, but nothing.’ David sighed, shaking his head. 

‘Well it’s done now.’ Loki nodded.

They went out to join Chloe again, but were surprised when they saw her Mother at the gate.

‘Mum? What are you doing here?’ Chloe asked nervously.

Bear went running over to the stranger, barking and his hackles were up. Though still being young and cute, he wasn’t overly threatening, even with his shark like teeth.

Loki walked over and scooped him up, getting licks to the face in return when he stopped barking.

‘I… I needed to see you. Your Dad came home yesterday morning in such distress, he had been out all night. Said he made a mistake, that he had put you in grave danger. I couldn’t make any sense out of him, but he was worried over you. I had to come and check if you were ok!’ She looked anxiously at Loki, then back at her daughter.

‘You can come in.’ Loki opened the gate for her, she thanked him and stepped into the garden.

Chloe stood, unsure about what to do. She hadn’t exactly put up much of a fight for her back when Loki took her… But everything had changed since then.

Loki put Bear down and he went straight over to Chloe’s Mum, sniffing about her. Then he ran over to Chloe, wagging his tail.

‘You look well, Chloe.’ She smiled at her daughter. ‘I… I haven’t seen Kenneth since yesterday morning. He was out the door again before I could get anything proper out of him. Do you know where he is?’

‘No. And I don’t care. He gave a dangerous man a lot of money in return for me being kidnapped from Loki. Said man then tried to send me abroad, trafficking.’ Chloe said, her jaw clenching.

Her Mum’s eyes widened. ‘What? No!’

‘I’m afraid it is true.’ Loki stepped in, moving to stand at Chloe’s side and wrapping an arm around her. ‘Thankfully I was able to find Chloe in time before she was lost forever. I haven’t seen your husband since he left here yesterday, begging me to save Chloe.’

‘I want you to leave… Mum.’ Chloe then said. Loki raised an eyebrow at her.

‘Please, Chloe. I just…’

‘Your Mother can stay, if you wish her to.’ Loki said softly, giving Chloe a squeeze.

‘No. I don’t want her to.’ She said firmly and bent over to scoop Bear up, then she stormed off inside.

‘Well, you heard your daughter. So it’s probably best if you leave now.’ Loki said and motioned to the gate.

Her Mum looked down sadly and nodded. ‘Sorry for bothering you. But please, if you hear from Kenneth, tell him to come home.’ She pleaded.

Loki nodded once.

He watched her leave, making sure she was gone completely before he went inside to find Chloe. He sought her out in the living room, snuggling Bear on the sofa.

‘Why did you send her away?’ Loki asked and sat down next to her, stroking Bear.

‘She’s just as bad for not fighting for me before… I thought maybe she came here to actually see me. But no. She’s more interested in finding my Dad.’ She scoffed.

‘Oh, sweetheart. Come here.’ Loki put his arm around her and leaned back, pulling her with him to hold her. ‘I know it’s hard, but you don’t need them. You’ve got me, and you always will have.’

‘I know.’ She nodded and sighed. ‘I love you, Loki.’ She lifted her head and smiled at him.

‘I love you too.’ He smiled back and held her chin steady as he kissed her softly.

[lilyharvord]

Song of the Pheonix Part 8

Hey guys, sorry this took so long to get out. It was super hard to find time to write this lately. Also I was having a hard time connecting plot points. I think I finally got this set up though. It's a little shorter than all the previous chapters, but it gets the important work done. The support for this fic is so uplifting! You can also find it on AO3, and any kudos and comments there are super helpful! 

AO3 Link

Find the rest of the parts here: 

part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 / part 7 

Enjoy! 

(/Coriane/)

      It’s surprisingly cold when the sun begins to rise. Doria snores softly in her chair, while I sit huddled in my mass of blankets. For two nights I’ve sat like this, watching my jailor nod off in the early morning. If I wanted to escape, that would be the time to do it. To combat the cold I could take a blanket, and I’d slowly been stashing away little bits of food that was brought to me. I had enough for maybe two days if I rationed it. I can’t leave without Mare though. At least, I feel like I shouldn’t leave without her. Would we even make it out of the hundreds of miles of plains to return to Ascendant? I don’t even know which direction the city is in, let alone how we’ll climb a mountain to get to it. And if she’s in the same state I remembered, I would have to carry her. I know for a fact that I’m not strong enough to do that. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there though.

Doria snorts and then shakes awake, drawing me out of my thoughts. Her bleary eyes blink into focus as she searches the tent wildly for me. When she finally sees me, almost hiding underneath my pile of blankets, she rubs at her eye with her palm. “Need coffee.” She grumbles before rising from the chair. I watch her pull her hair into a messy tie before asking, “Can I have some?”

Her eyes narrow until she says, “Get up.”

I push the blankets off of me and stand. She looks me over, and her lips curl as she takes in the same robe I’ve worn for three days now. Tapping her point finger to her thumb, she says, “Stay here.” She pushes the flap aside, only to pause and look over her shoulder once more. “Try to leave, and you won’t make it passed the third row of tents.”

“Why would I try and run through hundreds of miles of plains dressed like this?” I grumble as I sit on the vanity stool. Doria’s brow raises at my tone, only for her lips to curl up in a smirk as she leaves the tent.

Outside of the tent, the sounds of the early risers preparing for the day begin. Guards grumble as they switch shifts, alerting each other to potential obstacles. I strain my ears, hoping to catch a hint of Mare’s location. No one discusses her though. Squeezing the loose fabric of my robe in my fists, I try to wait patiently. I doubt Doria will bring me anything back, but I can hope. Coffee does sound nice, regardless of where I’m getting it from.

The tent flap opens, startling me, and Doria enters before stepping aside to reveal Proteus. Raising my chin as he lets the flap close behind him, I say, “You are not coffee.”

He chuckles, completely in control of his expression now. He looks me over before saying, “They’re scouring the mountain for you and Barrow. I have half a mind to leave two animal carcasses for them to find.”

My blood runs cold, imagining what that could do. Blood would run down the mountain in waterfalls if he does that. Swallowing the bile in my throat, I whisper, “Don’t. You’ll have to send more men and women to die if you do that.”

His expression hardens, and he closes the space between us to say, “You don’t know the first thing about what my people would do for their goal.” “Show me, let me try to help you. My son—“

“Your son is a middle rung on a ladder. He forfeited his right to sway anyone’s decision when he abdicated.” Proteus waves my words away with his hand. “I can get more out of killing you and Barrow than I can from trading you.”

My stomach rolls, and I spot Doria finger the knife on her belt behind him. My fingers twitch in my lap and I breathe, “Please. You can achieve more than you think through negotiations.” I would sing if I could, but Proteus avoids my eyes contact expertly. I should have never told him how to prevent me from singing. Beating myself over that mistake won’t help me now though. Besides, if I sing him into a stupor, I’ll have to figure out some other way to handle Doria. I can’t sing to them both.

He keeps his eyes on the floor as he says, “There is no negotiating with Montfort.”

“They’ve been in negotiations with the Lakelands for years now… with Norta, with Piedmont. They can be negotiated with!” I shout as I rise to my feet. Doria takes a step forward and I glare at her, and the song comes before I even mean to release it. “Leave.”

She freezes, her expression going slack as her eyes glaze over. Raising my chin, I sing to her again. “Leave us, he can handle—“

Proteus’s hand closes over my mouth, while his arm wraps around my middle. His fist presses into my diaphragm until the air leaves my body is a pathetic wheeze. Doria stumbles backwards, reaching up to grab her temple as Proteus throws me into the corner of the tent. My head hits the ground so hard my teeth rattle. I try to rise to my hands a knees in a daze, certain that this is now the only chance I will have to escape.

A wave of water hits me though, and I choke as it surrounds my head in a cocoon. I reach up with desperate hands, and try to claw at it. It simply rushes past my fingers though. Through the swirling froth, I can make out Proteus, who sweeps his hand in small circles, controlling the orb of water.

       He’s a nymph.

My vision begins to tunnel as I drop my hands. My lungs burn for air, and through the wisps of my hair ripped from their braid by the force of the water, I can see Doria urging Proteus on. Her eyes are murderous and I don’t need to guess why. I made her weak for a moment, and if Proteus doesn’t finish me here, she will do it.

I open my mouth when I can’t take it anymore. Water rushes in and I fall forward, my vision going dark. The cocoon collapses and I swallow gulps of air, coughing on the remnants of the water as I do so. Doria’s muffled cries of surprise and fury echo on the edge of my vision. When I crane my neck from the ground, I spot Proteus leaving the tent, his expression pale and his hands shaking. Doria chases after him, leaving me alone in a puddle of mud.

(///)

The blankets do little to warm me after my near brush with death. But Doria and Proteus do not come back. I’m sure they left a new guard outside my tent. I’m willing to risk it though. Scrambling to gather my food in a little makeshift bag I made from the blankets, I try to make a plan. I was never a strategist, but Tibe used to try to tell me about his battle plans when we were first married. I try to channel him in this moment, thinking about what he would think about.

I edge toward the tent flap and curling a finger around it, I lift it just enough to look out. There are no guards, only a few children playing with a ball outside. They giggle and shout as they chase after it, kicking up dirt as they do so.

My heart pounds in my chest and I step out into the sunlight. Already I can feel my hair drying under the burning sun. I waste no time scurrying past the children and toward the center of camp. Maybe that will surprise them. After all, who would be dumb enough to escape through the center of camp? I hope that I’m thinking this through correctly. I doubt it, but if this is my one shot at escaping, so be it.

My next step is to find Mare. The fact that no one has tried to stop me makes me bold, and I pause for longer periods of time to try and locate the Shed where they took her.

I’m listening in on two women washing sheets when a cold hand grabs my arm from behind.

“You do have a death wish.”

I try to throw a punch, but Proteus catches it easily. Spinning me so my back is to his chest, he pins my arms to my sides and says, “But you do have the makings of a decent spy.”

“Let me go!” I spit at him, trying to stamp my heel on his foot. He simply turns it out to side, avoiding easily. I throw my head back to catch his nose in response, but he tilts his head to the side, and ends up with his nose buried in my neck. I tense at the feeling as he breathes against my skin.

       “Not a chance. You and I have things to discuss.”

He drags me out of the camp then, passed the tents until we’re standing under the shade of a dying tree. He finally releases me so that I can spin away. Panting for breath, I stalk around him in a circle, trying to look imposing. He raises a brow at my posturing and then chuckles at it.

That makes me pause, and choke, “are you laughing at me?”


       “You’re worse than a child. Did no one teach you how to fight?” He laughs when my face falls slack, and steps forward to grab my wrist again. Pressing his thumb into the tiny bones of my wrist he drags me close to him so he can whisper to me. “You’re going to help me end this war with Montfort. Whether you like it or not.”

I struggle against his hold, fury boiling in my stomach. It’s iced over by fear though when he says, “Do as I say, or I’ll find a nice hole to bury Mare Barrow in.”

“Why not bury me and use her?” I spit. His brows draw together then, and his eyes look me over for a moment.

“The Premier of Montfort wants all the Living Dead she can get her hands on. Barrow may be important to a number of people, but she’s not important to that snake of a woman. You are.”

I strain against his hold, desperate to put some distance between the two of us. I had underestimated how handsome he was the first time I saw him. My traitorous eyes want to observe him, compare him to other men I remember. It doesn’t help that he smells like lavender and something else, something earthy and clean.

“Where is she?” I manage to get out when I stop pulling against him. He drops my wrist and I stumble backwards and land on my back in the dirt. He stands over me, blocking the sun for the most part. I glare until he huffs.

        “Will you stop struggling if I take you to her?”

I squint, wondering if I should even trust him. He did cut my bonds, and instead of killing me like Doria obviously wanted him to, he dragged me out here. I definitely don’t trust him as far as I can throw him, not that that would be very far. But do I have any other choice?

“Show me her.”

(/////)

The shed truly is a shed. It’s made of a few beaten up pieces of tin, and stands alone in a field. It’s a lonely, horrible place. And Mare is locked up inside. The heat is enough out here to make me sweat walking the few steps from the transport. I can’t imagine the temperatures inside that metal box.

    The guards standing outside it, straighten from their slumped positions as Proteus approaches. He waves away their respectful salutes. They share worried glances before one of them reports, “she’s been quiet all day. Not a peep from her.”

     “Good.” He says before steps up to the lock. The guard closest to the door waves a hand over it. It clicks and falls open with a rusted creak that I can feel in my bones. I wouldn’t have been able to get her out if even if I had escaped from the village. I didn’t have the strength to deal with the guards, and I would have needed a magnetron to open the door. I would have done all the work to get here, just to hit a road block at the finish line.

     As the door swings open, a wave of sweltering air washes over my face. It’s hot enough in there to cook an egg in the dirt. Ignoring it, I hurry past Proteus to do a quick sweep of the room. Are they giving her water? Has she already died of heat exhaustion? It's shadowy in here, but I can feel the heat pressing in on me from all sides. I imagine when the door closes it's very similar to suffocating.

     Mare’s huddled form in the corner draws me like a beacon. I drop to her side, cringing at the silent stone net before throwing it off. Proteus doesn’t bother to stop me as I roll Mare onto her back and whisper to her. “Mare? Mare are you awake?” She doesn't respond, and my heart beats faster in response. "Wake up Mare, show me you're alive."  

     Her skin is flushed like she has a horrible sun burn, and she’s soaked in sweat. A low groan escapes her, and I glare at Proteus over my shoulder even though relief washes over me. “Get her some water.”

    He shrugs at my demand. “Promise to help me end Montfort.”

     “Get her some water.” I grind the words out through my teeth. I’ve never been so furious in my life. Even in Norta we had never treated political prisoners like this. This was barbaric and inhuman. “Get her water and cool towel.”

Proteus doesn’t move. It’s a stalemate then. Hissing under my breath, I turn back to Mare. Gently pulling her hair back from her face, I start to tame it into a ponytail of sorts to get it off her neck. “It’s alright,” I coo to her as she groans again. Her skin boils under my hands. Not good. I know a dangerous fever when I see it.

     My robe is much thinner than the heavy duty clothes she is still wearing. I make up my mind quickly. Stripping her of her shirt I wring it out as best I can. Even though my entire body recoils at what I’m doing, I carefully exchange it for the top of my robe. The shirt immediately sticks to my skin, and I want to be sick.

     I swallow the bile, before going for her pants. We’re roughly the same size, but I’ll need a belt to keep the pants on. “Relax,” I whisper to her as I put myself between her and Proteus, trying to give her a sense of privacy. She probably couldn’t care less about it right now, but I won’t let that happen. Underneath my hands her skin feels slick like butter. I can barely get her clothes off. They stick to her like a second skin. She was in here for days. How is she not dead yet? I can't imagine being put through this.

    Once I’m wearing her clothes, and I’ve adjusted enough to the feeling of them on my skin, I slide my robe on her. “Everything’s going to be okay.” My words a pathetic and they probably dont come close to comforting. Does she know that I might have to leave her in here again?

     She groans again, and grabs my wrist in a grip that is so weak my stomach flutters. I shush her softly before looking at Proteus again. “Get her water and I’ll do what you need.”

     “Swear your loyalty to my cause.”

     “Are you really going to split hairs right now? She’s dying.”

     He shrugs. “It’s nothing she doesn’t deserve. She’s killed more of mine than her life could repay a hundred times over.”

“<em>Get her water now</em>.” I sing it this time. His eyes glaze over, and he snaps to attention to complete the order. But the song wears off quickly. I’m too close to the silent stone, and its effects are washing over me as they radiate out.

       He stumbles back and grabs at his temple. With a glower in my direction, he says, “Stop doing that.”         “<em>Get her water.</em>” I sing it again, determined to push beyond the nauseating effects of the silent stone. He turns his eyes away from me though and my words are just a pretty melody that bounces off him. The guards arrive at the entrance after hearing the commotion I'm causing.

      I throw myself to my feet and rush him, repeating the song over and over again. He catches me and pins me to the wall by my throat, making the tin rattle. I wheeze and claw at his wrist in response. I feel like a feral cat that has been caught. I'll gouge his eyes out if have to if it means I can get Mare out of this place.

    Grimacing at the headache I’ve probably given him by trying to hammer my will home over and over again, he catches my wrist with his other hand. “I’ll take her back to the camp if you swear your loyalty to me, right here, right now. Does that appease you?” He pants in my face. I can’t get a breath of air passed his fingers to reply with words. Can I agree to this? If I do, will I be betraying the people who took me in initially?

     But Mare is going to die in this horrid place if I leave her here. I won’t put her blood on my hands.

       Nodding, I crane my neck to gasp for air. “Get her out.”

       He drops me to the floor and turns to the guards with an order to bring Mare to the transport. They blanch at him, and try to argue but his next words are sharp and biting. They leap to action, rushing for Mare who has fallen silent again.

       On the ground, I massage my throat and try to get air to my aching lungs. I watch them pick Mare up though. Her eyes, which are finally open, fall to me. I can’t even muster a smile for her, or another reassuring word. I have a horrible feeling I’ve just tied myself to a group that will use me as a shield against the people I actually trust. Have I doomed her and me? Probably. But she's alive, and she's out of here. Maybe we can come up with a plan together now. Relief washes over me as they carry her out into the sunlight. Proteus looks down at me with a condescending eye as I glower up at him.

      "There may be a soldier in you yet." He breathes before grabbing my arm and dragging me to my feet. I have no idea what he's talking about, but I'm exhausted from using my ability so much in such a short time and I willingly let him drag me out to the transport too.

[shinsorokiri]

UA Idol | Chapter Three

Hitoshi Shinsou x Reader

Word Count: 2,204

Warnings: Language, big anxiety

A/N: Chapter Three is up because my dumbass forgot to upload last week! So here’s some more. The “original song” is “Pantaloon” by Twenty One Pilots, so if you would like to listen to it, go ahead! I hope you enjoy and I promise I’ll stop forgetting to upload lmao.

UA Idol Masterlist

───────────────────────────────────

You two are pulled aside and interviewed, in which Mina gives a short little excited burst of personality, and you’re there to make sure she doesn’t start shrieking again. It’s pretty endearing, it’s very obvious you two are best friends. After all of that is over with, the two of you are able to wander around, so Mina obviously drags you over to where Denki and purple boy were. They’re still there, and Mina makes it a point to shake the ticket in front of her friend’s face.

“No fucking way! You did it!” he yells, engulfing her in a hug. You don’t realize, but you and lilac man both cringe at their volume, but nevertheless you smile for your best friend. After all, this is a dream come true for her. You’re still in shock from your audition, so all you can think about is the pride and happiness you have for Mina in this moment. “Oh! My best friend and roomie made it to!” Mina squeals, grabbing your wrist and shaking your hand that’s holding the ticket for you. “Denki Kaminari, (Y/f/n), (Y/f/n), Denki Kaminari,” she says, motioning from him to you then you to him. “Hi there, cutie,” he says with a slight smirk and you raise an eyebrow at him. “Call me that again and it’ll be the last word you ever speak,” you say, and to your surprise, he laughs. “Damn, Mina, it’s like I’m looking at another Shinsou,” he says, and that’s when the lavender dude sighs. Ah. So, he’s-

“Mina Ashido, Hitoshi Shinsou. Hitoshi Shinsou, Mina Ashido. (Y/f/n), Hitoshi Shinsou, Hitoshi-”

“I got it,” you and Shinsou say simultaneously, with the same inflection in your voice and deadpan facial expression. That’s when you look at each other. And by that, I mean really look at each other, not just look at the other person when their eyes are focused on something else. And that’s when everything just kinda… stops for a few seconds. The only thing you can even focus on is him, and you can’t tear your eyes away from his, no matter how much you want to. Do you even want to? You don’t even know the man, and yet butterflies are erupting in your stomach and all feelings of unease leave your body. Of course, Mina and Denki don’t notice the cease in time or the feelings exploding in your body. You’re only forced back into reality when your best friend’s voice interrupts you. “Holy shit, they’re like clones of each other,” Mina mumbles, staring back and forth between you two. “The only difference is-”

“Contestants 14799 and 14800? Follow me, you’re on deck,” the same producer who grabbed you two away from them earlier comes and snatches them away from you. “Don’t go anywhere, Mina. If you’re cool with it, I kind of want to go to dinner to catch up after this, it’s been too long,” Denki says, and Shinsou raises his eyebrow at him. “What about me and (Y/n)? Are we supposed to tag along on your date?”

“Oh, honey, I’m gay as fuck. But Denki, I’m so down to catch up! I can’t believe we went a whole month without linking up. And I’m sure (Y/n) would be happy to come with. Especially if we go to her favorite restaurant which I just so happen to have a coupon for because I was gonna take her there to celebrate or mourn after the audition.”

“Awesome! You two stay right here, we’ll be back out!” Denki screams over his shoulder as Shinsou drags him away. “Seriously, Denki?”

“What? I want to talk to Mina again! She and I were literally the best pranksters of our little group in high school and it’s been like a month since we last caught up with each other,” Denki whines and Hitoshi sighs. “But why did you need to drag me into it?” he groans, and Denki smirks at him. “Oh please. Don’t pretend like I didn’t notice you eyeing up Mina’s friend.” “Choose your next words wisely.”

“Shin. Come on. You at least think she’s pretty since your eyes literally didn’t leave her the entire time she was by us. Give her a chance at least, maybe she’s the one,” Denki says, his joking demeanor gone away. Shinsou hesitates before speaking again, saying the thing he’s said to his overexcited blonde friend multiple times before. But this time, he doesn’t believe it as much. “I don’t have time for love, Denki. It’s time consuming and I need to spend my time on more important matters.”

“But she was really cute, right?”

“If you call her cute again, I will beat you up.”

“Why?”

“Because she was cute. And I don’t need you to make me think about it every five seconds because my brain is already doing that on its own,” Hitoshi mumbles, looking away from his friend who has a smug grin on his face. You were cute, so what? You were so cute that the world around him stopped functioning for a bit when you two made eye contact and all he could focus on was your eyes and how you made him feel like he was okay despite the fact that his anxiety was through the roof right now because of the situation he is in and all the people surrounding him at all sides because that’s normal. That’s normal, right? Please, assure him that it’s normal. “Hm. Have you thought about buying her dinner? That’ll send off the right message.”

“Shut. Up.”

“What’s up guys!” Shinsou and Denki’s conversation was cut short by Present Mic literally screaming at them. “Just getting pumped to do this!” Denki responds immediately, hopping up and down in place. “Alright! That’s what I like to hear! Now, who are you guys?”

“I’m Denki Kaminari and this beautiful bastard next to me is Hitoshi Shinsou,” Denki responds, finger-gunning over to Shinsou. Shinsou sighs but gives a genuine smile to Present Mic as he waves. “COOL! So, are you guys a duo?”

“No, we’re just here to support the other! My family doesn’t live around here and Shin’s… couldn’t make it!” Kaminari covers up for Shinsou, knowing that he just told the entire story of why his family couldn’t support him right now to the producers maybe thirty minutes ago. Shinsou silently thanks him for that, knowing he’d probably have to tell at least some of it again to the actual judges. “I love seeing y’all supporting each other like this! Makes me think of when I supported Aizawa the first time he ever actually performed instead of just sat on the sidelines watching someone else sing his song! Kaminari, you’re first, you ready?” “I was born ready.”

“HELL YEAH! Go on in!”

Hitoshi watches his best friend enter the room, his own nerves starting to kick in. Regardless of how he’s feeling, he listens as Denki belts out Kiwi. For someone who has the personality of a corroded triple AAA battery, his voice is really pleasing to the ear. Especially when he lays on the distortion but still somehow manages to hit high notes in his belting range. Honestly if anyone was born to be a rockstar, it was Denki Kaminari. Unsurprisingly, he comes out with a ticket, waving it around like the excited Pikachu he is. “I did it, I did it, I did it, I did it, I did it, I did it-”

“Okay I get it! You did it!” Hitoshi says, waving his fists in a little celebratory motion. He is genuinely smiling though. He’s happy for Denki. And then he realizes it’s his turn. “You got this, man! If I can do it, you definitely can!” Hitoshi gives him a small smile of appreciation before walking through the doors himself. This was... a lot. It was a lot. He stopped in the middle of the performing area and looked at the judges. “Hello, handsome.”

“Midnight. Please.”

“Never, Aizawa.”

“I’m sorry for her lack of professionalism. Hello, what’s your name, where are you from, and why are you here?” Aizawa completely ignores Midnight and Hitoshi clears his throat. “Hi, I’m Hitoshi Shinsou, I’m 22 years old, and I’m from Tokyo. I’m here because my roommate convinced me to audition with him, but I also just really love music and it would be pretty nice to have my mom see me performing.”

“Aw, a family man. How sweet,” Midnight says and Hitoshi shrugs. “It would just be nice for her to see it before she... you know.”

“Is she sick?” Hawks asks, a small frown on his face. Hitoshi nods. “Yeah, she is,” he says, and there’s a sympathetic look on all the judge’s faces. Goddamn empaths. “Well, hopefully she gets to see this! I’m sure you’ll do great,” Toshinori says, giving him a reassuring smile and thumbs up. “What will you be singing today?”

“Um, I was actually planning on singing an original? If that’s okay?”

“That’s more than okay! Go for it,” Midnight says, and Hitoshi makes his way over to the piano. “If you wouldn’t mind, could you tell us what it’s called?” Aizawa asks. “It’s called The Pantaloon,” Shinsou responds, placing his hands on the keys. He starts playing away, hoping that what he sings for them is good enough. He had to shorten the song a bit, but it’s still pretty wordy, so he’s worried they won’t like it that much. He also knows that his style and voice in general is a little different, so he hopes they don’t hate it.

“Your grandpa died when you were nine. They said he had lost his mind. You have learned way too soon You should never trust the pantaloon.

Now it's your turn to be alone. Find a wife and build yourself a home. You have learned way too soon That your dad is now the pantaloon.

You are tired, you are hurt. A moth ate through your favorite shirt. And all your friends fertilize The ground you walk, Lose your mind.

You like to sleep alone, It's colder than you know, 'Cause your skin is so Used to colder bones. It's warmer in the morning, Than what it is at night. Your bones are held together by your nightmare and your frights.

You are tired, you are hurt. A moth ate through your favorite shirt. And all your friends, they fertilize The ground you walk. So lose your mind.

You are tired, you are hurt. A moth ate through your favorite shirt. And all your friends, they fertilize The ground you walk. Lose your mind.”

It’s funny how when you do something well, you forget how it went. Hitoshi finishes out the song, playing the last chord, hoping it went well but not really knowing since he kinda... blacked out...? Not really, but he doesn’t remember how it all went, so he hopes it went well. “Wow,” Midnight’s voice pulls him out of his head, and he looks over at the judges. “Literally what the hell, he’s the second person who auditioned who is better than me!” Hawks basically yells, throwing his hands up, the pen he had resting in them flying up and then coming back down to hit him on the head. Hitoshi can’t even pay attention to the fact that Hawks just assaulted himself because I’m sorry, did he say better than him?? He has 10 Grammy’s what the fuck does he mean better than him??

“What are the odds two kids like them would audition not just in the same season but on the same day not even forty minutes after each other?” Toshinori says, awe evident on his face. “It’s certainly rare, I can tell you that. Especially when it comes to actual songwriting ability, which it’s evident they have,” Aizawa says, and Shinsou’s breathing literally stops. Aizawa Shouta is his literal idol. And he just complimented his songwriting skills? What? “Well, Shinsou. I think I can say with confidence this isn’t the last time your mom is going to see you perform,” Midnight says, and Shinsou smiles. This is crazy. “You’ve got a future in the business kid, even if you don’t win, I see you in the top two with the other singer-songwriter we saw today. Easily,” Aizawa says, and Shinsou literally cannot believe what he is hearing. “Really?” he asks, disbelief in his voice. “Yes! Of course, after a performance like that in a room like this with a song like that, of course you’ll make it far in the competition! I’d bet you even make it to the top two with it!” Toshinori basically yells, and Shinsou scratches the back of his neck, letting out a flattered chuckle. “Thanks… thank you,” he says, and Aizawa picks up one of the tickets. “I’m just going to give this to you. I think we all agree that you’re a yes.”

Hitoshi goes and takes the ticket, thanking them again and again before walking back out the doors. He shows Kaminari the ticket, and Kaminari literally screams in his face. Full on shouts. “I FUCKING KNEW YOU COULD DO IT BRO!”

“Could you please be quiet? For once in your life? Just shh?”

[pitterpatterpot]

Lion’s Pride: Chapter Twenty-Seven

I figured I’d do something a little different as a treat, (don’t worry I haven’t forgotten about all the other requests, I just wanted to give this a go as a change of pace.)

——

Chapter 27

Modern au

It’s a groggy glue that sticks Aedion’s tongue to his mouth. It feels thick and sluggish, yet downright pleasant compared to the trial of peeling his eyes open to answer his ringing phone. Lysandra’s annoyed kick at his shin and huff helps speed up the process. Especially when she tugs at the doona and cocoons herself at his cold expense.

Propping himself up, Aedion brings his phone to his ear, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“Hello?” Aedion mutters.

“Boyo-“

“Fenrys, it’s three in the morning,” Aedion groans. “Whatever this is-“

“Gavriel was in a collision,” the older male cuts in, his voice solemn and serious in a way it rarely is. “They have him in intensive care and started working on him as soon as he came in.”

Something lodges in Aedion’s throat. “What hospital?”

He can feel Lysandra come to attention, already swinging her legs off the side of the bed to slip on her Ugg boots, grabbing a jacket to throw over her winter sleepwear.

Winter. Where the roads are slick.

Aedion notes the address Fenrys gives him, barely remembering to hang up before he’s haphazardly throwing on his own clothes. Lysandra slides into the drivers seat, sending him a look that silences his protests before they even come. But it’s almost worse sitting there in the passenger seat with nothing to do but stare persistently at his phone screen. Lysandra’s white knuckles stay stark against the steering wheel, her fingers cinched around the sturdy material.

When they enter the waiting room Fenrys is easy to spot collapsed in a chair, Vaughan surprisingly arguing with a nurse behind the reception.

“Aedion!” Vaughan stands straight, turning away from the glaring receptionist. “They’ll only tell family or emergency contacts what’s going on.”

The receptionist perks, turning to Aedion. ��You’re family?”

Blinking, Aedion swallows. “His son.”

Gods above. Saying that out loud.

“What exactly happened?” Aedion grounds out, voice haggard even to his own ears. “Where is he?”

“Your father was in a car accident with these two men,” the receptionist waves a hand towards Fenrys and Vaughan. “They we’re both seated on the left side of the car and suffered minor bruising and concussions. Another vehicle ran a red light and slammed into your fathers side. He sustained lacerations to the chest and neck. They’re working on him now to stop the blood flow and give him a transfusion, as well as stitching up any damage done and checking for spinal injuries. We’re unsure of how long it will take at this time until we see how extensive the damage is.”

It’s Lysandra’s hand on Aedion’s shoulder that holds him up. She leads him over to the waiting area, guiding him down into a chair before returning to the desk to talk in hushed whispers to the nurse. Fenrys comes to sit next to him, an arm shifting to lay across Aedion’s shoulders, Vaughan boxing him in from the other side. It’s strangely comforting to have his fathers friends on either side, a solid support.

“What happened?” Aedion croaks.

“We needed a lift,” Vaughan gently fits in. “He offered to pick us up, he got back in the neighbourhood early.”

Fenrys sends Vaughan an alarmed look, the other male squinting his eyes in clear confusion. Aedion’s hitched inhale of breath draws their attention, the younger male pressing his face further in his hands.

“I turned him away,” Aedion’s voice comes out weak, bordering on brittle. “He was supposed to come to dinner but I called him last minute.”

Fenrys hesitates. “Boyo-“

“Why did you cancel?” Vaughan pushes in, voice firm and steady.

“Vaughan!” Fenrys hisses, tanned face creasing in rage. “Shut up.”

The hollow taps of Lysandra’s Ugg boots against the impeccable flooring fills the silence. Fenrys dutifully hops over a seat so Lysandra can sit next to Aedion, her piercing green eyes prompting his sudden movement, never mind the small wince that follows. She immediately huddles into Aedion’s side, his arm wrapping around her warmly.

“I talked to an administrator,” Lysandra informs them. “He came out of surgery twenty minutes ago, they didn’t find any spinal damage, so that’s a major relief. The upside is that he has a torn neck muscle, along with several cuts and a large one running down his shoulder. Physical-therapy should help with that.”

“That’s fantastic,” Fenrys breathes out a sigh of relief.

Lysandra hesitates. “That was the upside. The downside is the impact his head took. It doesn’t look like there was any internal bleeding, but they’re going to keep monitoring him to make sure it goes down.”

“If it doesn’t?” Aedion asks.

“Then they’ll need to take a closer look and there’s a higher chance of long-term damage,” Lysandra purses her lips. “Aedion, there’s-“

“Mr Ashryver?”

Blinking, they all look up at the approaching doctor.

“Are you two family?” She points to the two of them.

Mouth dry, Aedion nods, words stuck in his throat. Fenrys stands up, quickly approaching the doctor to speak in hushed tones. It’s the way his face falls that causes Aedion’s heart to freeze.

“What?”Aedion asks. “What is it?”

“He’s alright,” Fenrys raises his hands in a calming gesture. “He seems fine. They just have some questions they need to know.”

“Right,” the doctor nods. “I can completely assure you that for now your father is in stable condition. I just need you to give me a bit of information since these two couldn’t. Did your father have any previous medical conditions or concerns?”

“I don’t know,” Aedion stares blankly, hands gripping at his hair. “He was in the military, he may have old injuries from that.”

“Was he a heavy drinker?”

“He never seemed like it?”

“Prescribed medication?”

“I don’t know,” Aedion rasps.

“Insurance?”

“I don’t know!” Aedion throws his hands up. “I- can he use mine?”

Fenrys nods at that and Vaughan quietly shakes his head, mouthing ‘no’ to his partner, who quickly deflates.

“I don’t know how insurance works,” Fenrys mutters.

“It’s alright,” Vaughan mutters, patting his back. “No one does. You just lose money.”

“Your father can’t use your insurance,” the doctor blows out a breath. “Does he have any other close family?”

“Two brothers,” Vaughan supplies at Aedion’s panicked look. “They both live overseas.”

“Right, and are you his only child or are there any others we would need to contact?” Scribbling on her clipboard, she turns back to Aedion.

“No, I-“ Aedion blinks, as if in surprise. “Only me. He only has me.”

As if sensing the change in atmosphere and attitude, the doctor softens slightly. “Well, he’s set up comfortably right now if you would like to sit in with him. Family only at the time, unfortunately.”

Swallowing, Aedion stands, his knees creaking underneath him. “Can my wife come?”

“She can,” the doctor nods. “He’s in a share room at the moment until we can work out his insurance coverage.”

“Is there any way to get him his own room based off mine?” Aedion nearly begs. “Or a way to pay for it up front?”

“I’m afraid not,” the doctor shakes her head, wincing a little herself. “As soon as we pull up his records we should be able to get it all sorted. Would you like to see him?”

Aedion’s voice lurches to a stop. Lysandra’s hand tightens on his arm, Vaughan and Fenrys respectfully keeping their distance. The walk to the room feels nonexistent, all attention diverted thanks to the people rushing past and the usual need to step around a cart. The first person they see when the doctor opens the door to the room is an old lady laying back with an IV in her arm, skin grey and wrinkled like mesh paper folded in on itself. Bile rises in the back of Aedion’s throat at the empty bed across from her.

“He’s in the corner,” Lysandra whispers, nodding towards a section with closed off curtains. “He’s here.”

Aedion breathes out a breath. It’s sucked back in once the curtains are opened, his dinner lurching up to his throat once again. His next sight is the bottom of a bucket in a seperate room, Lysandra shaking herself and rubbing at his back.

“I’m sorry,” the doctor frets, moving around the office for tissues. “I didn’t think it’d be such a shock, he’s cleaned and no major outer damages showing-“

“I’m fine,” Aedion wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, voice thick. “I was in the military as well. Just, seeing him like that-“

The doctor pauses. There’s no need for either him or Lysandra to look up to know the expression on her face.

“I see,” the tissues are gently placed next to him. “You’re more than welcome to wait out in here until you feel up to visiting him, or would rather stay close by for information.”

“Thank you,” Aedion takes the tissues.

The doctor leaves the room and Lysandra presses firmly against his side.

“His neck and shoulder-“

“They stitched him up,” Lysandra cuts in, voice firm despite the cold paleness of her face. “They got to him before the blood loss was fatal.”

“His head,” Aedion runs his hands through his hair. “Through all the gauze and bandages, Lysandra his head-“

“He’s alright for now,” Lysandra reaffirms, squeezing his arm. “We just need to wait and see. Do you want to go back in?”

Aedion rubs at his face. “We should go back to Fenrys and Vaughan.”

It’s a surprise to have something collide against his side the moment he exits the elevator, his arms full of expensive sleepwear and mused blonde hair. It doesn’t stop his eyes from watering once again, burying his nose in that hair to breath in the similar scent of lavender and wild grass.”

“Hi,” Aelin rasps against his shoulder.

Aedion closes his eyes, jaw trembling. Rowan’s hand lands on his shoulder, a warm and solid presence that guides him back to the waiting area. Lorcan raises a hand in a weary wave, his own stoic face unusually rattled, Connall in a similar state where he checks over Fenrys’s minor injuries before turning to give Aedion a strained smile. Elide joins Aelin in his arms, worming in for room and slinging a slender arm around his waist.

“Fenrys filled is in on everything,” Elide gently supplies. “We got hot coffee and sandwiches to eat while we wait.”

Aedion blinks, eyes stickier than he’d like to admit. “You’re all staying?”

“Of course,” Aelin pushes back, eyes fierce. “Until we know for sure that he’s alright.”

~~~

“Mr. Ashryver?”

Jerking, Aedion inhales sharply and groans at the pain in his back. Lysandra mumbles in disagreement from where she leans against him, her torso twisted over the arm of her own plastic chair to reach him. Everyone else is likewise sprawled out across the waiting room, various limbs draped over chairs and couples pressed together.

“Your father is awake,” the doctor says in a hushed tone, leaning in close. “He’s in stable condition and it looks like there’s no visible side effects of his head injury, the swelling has already reduced greatly over the past eight hours since the crash. He’s a fighter.”

Something plucks in Aedion’s chest. “He is.”

“Would you like to see him?”

Gently tipping Lysandra to the side, Aedion stands and follows the doctor. Seeing his father lying there, on the bed with his eyes open and searching, is nothing like seeing him unconscious and shattered. Those golden, tawny eyes land on Aedion before he even has a chance to fully pull aside the curtain, recognition flaring like a heat signal.

“Aedion,” Gavriel rasps.

The younger male stops. Gavriel shifts where he lies, as though trying to prop himself back up again. He grimaced at the flare of pain shooting through the right side of his neck and right shoulder.

“Shit, don’t-“ Aedion grits his teeth, reaching forward to reposition the pillows himself, hands shaking. “You tore your damn neck muscles and have a cut the size of her forearm spanning across the area. If you pop those stitches they won’t redo them.”

Gavriel huffs, the sound jagged and dry. “I’m sure they would if I asked nicely.”

Aedion pauses, eyes flicking to his father. “Don’t finally start making fucking jokes when you’ve nearly been killed by a car.”

Gavriel rests his head back in surprise. “Aedion-“

“Don’t,” Aedion demands, sinking into the seat next to the bed and covering his face with his hands, shoulders trembling. “Just-“

“Aedion,” Gavriel says softly, watching his son shake. “I’m here. Everything is going to be alright, I’m here.”

A sob tears out of Aedion’s throat, more tears following. Gavriel winces, trying to shift closer.

“Come here,” Gavriel pleads, his own voice trembling. “Please, come here.”

Inhaling, Aedion kneels by the side of the bed, next to Gavriel’s left side. The one unharmed arm rises up to rest on Aedion’s head, carding through his hair and down to his cheek. Aedion closes his eyes at the contact.

“I’m sorry,” Aedion whispers.

“Don’t apologies for the actions of someone else,” Gavriel commands, his own voice becoming that of a general. “You didn’t drive the car that hit me.”

Aedion’s breath hitches on a sob, his eyes squeezing shut. “A car hit you-“

“I’m alright, Aedion,” Gavriel promises again, his own eyes misting over. “I’m here. I promise you, I’m here.”

The monitor fills the silence between them, a rhythmic reprieve from where Aedion follows the pulse from Gavriel’s wrist, his father’s hand clasped tightly in his own.

——

Authors note: did you think I would just give you fluff WITHOUT the angst. *EVIL CACKLE* also I’ve stumbled across the Fenrys/Vaughan ship and might do a seperate one shot for that later on.

[goosewhisker]

dog days

read on fanfiction.net || read on ao3

happy birthday @xbloodywhalex

hawkleaf is great & makes much more sense in canon than leafcrow fight me

It starts like this:

Hawkfrost fights with Mothwing.

This is not something unusual. As siblings, they disagree all the time, particularly when Mothwing is irritated by one of Hawkfrost's more... ambitious ideas. This time, though, is more vicious. Probably it's the stress; after all, everyone's on edge with all four clans huddled together in one camp, having left behind friends and family and loved ones and the only home they've ever known to be ravaged by Twolegs beyond all recognition. The leaders are fighting constantly and no one's quite sure where they're headed or whether or not they'll even get there.

So yeah, it's been stressful. Which is why, this time, instead of the normal petty squabbles, it got more personal. Hawkfrost can't even remember what it was about - something stupid, probably - and then he'd said something about her healing skills, and she'd made a snide comment about his chances of becoming deputy, and he'd insinuated that he'd given her her position and could just as easily take it away, and she'd pointed out that he'd bring himself down with her and get them both kicked out and maybe this kind of bullcrap was why Mom had taken off without a backwards look, and-

-well. At that point, he'd stormed off to... recalibrate himself (he was not sulking, no matter what Mothwing said) and, after a few hours of self-reflection, figured that he might have been slightly inflammatory. Not that he'd said anything wrong, just that there were better ways to say it.

Which is why he's out here, wandering around on the fringes of the woods they're currently camping in, looking for a squirrel big enough to make a suitable apology gift.

He's finally found an acceptable squirrel - large, healthy-looking, and plump - when the silence is shattered by a dog's bark.

Hawkfrost goes completely still, cursing furiously, but it's too late; the squirrel has already taken fright and scurried up the nearest tree.

Hawkfrost wants to strangle someone. Preferably this stupid dog.

The dog barks again, and Hawkfrost remembers Riverclan, huddled together helpless and vulnerable not so far away. He should probably go let the leaders know to be watchful... or he could go take care of it himself.

Hawkfrost hasn't had a good fight in ages. The decision is an easy one.

He follows the sound - and it's turned mean and vicious, the sound of a predator closing in on its prey - over two hills and across a small brook. His bloodlust is ramping up the longer he goes without flesh between his claws; he's practically frothing at the mouth with impatience when he emerges into an open clearing and it's there.

Hawkfrost takes in the scene at a glance. The dog is massive, about four times Hawkfrost's height. Its jaw - currently with all its teeth on display as it snarls at whatever prey it's cornered - is big enough to snap him in half if he's caught.

The key word is if.

Warrior life had been hard for Hawkfrost from the start. He doesn't have the social skills to deal with unruly apprentices, the commanding presence to lead his clanmates, the patience to become a great hunter. All that his father had left him was his battle skills, and it's the one area Hawkfrost can indulge the side of him that longs for blood without repercussions. So where another cat might have run for backup, Hawkfrost doesn't think twice about attacking first.

The dog, distracted by its prey, doesn't even notice him until he's already on top of it. Its size works against it here; it bucks wildly, unable to twist around to grab him, as Hawkfrost sinks his teeth into its neck and digs in with his claws.

"Hey!" someone yells, but Hawkfrost is past caring. The dog crashes to the ground, flipping onto its back in an attempt to dislodge him. Hawkfrost springs clear before darting back in again, raking its soft belly with his claws.

Snarling, the dog kicks out with all its feet. One catches Hawkfrost in the stomach, sending him flying into a tree. He's stunned for a heartbeat, which the dog uses to clamber back onto its paws.

With the element of surprise gone, Hawkfrost needs a height advantage. He scrambles clumsily up the tree, hauling himself out of range of the dog's snapping jaws just in time as it stands up on its back legs. He's wondering just how to advance now - those massive teeth make any attack from above an uninviting prospect - when a small brown figure launches itself at the dog's heels.

The dog makes a short, confused noise and looks down, and that's all the opening Hawkfrost needs. Snarling, he drops out of the tree and aims right for the eyes.

The dog fairly screams, jerking away from him, and then screams again when it loses its balance. The brown cat on the ground shoves its paws out from underneath it, and Hawkfrost and the dog together crash to the ground.

Hawkfrost hits the ground hard and something in his stomach tears. Pain shoots through his body and his vision briefly goes black. For a moment, he can't move.

Then a scent like lavender fills his nose, and someone crouches beside him.

"Are you awake?" a voice asks. It's brisk and business-like, with no trace of panic or uncertainty. "If you can, please open your eyes."

Hawkfrost can hardly imagine opening his eyes right now - just lying here sounds like a much better idea - but he manages to squint one open to peer up at this stranger.

It's a golden-eyed she-cat about his age or younger, a brown tabby who looks vaguely familiar. "Good job," she says, smiling kindly. For some reason, she actually sounds like she means it. The thought strikes Hawkfrost as funny. "What're you smiling about?" she asks, but moves on without waiting for an answer. "Do you know who I am?"

After a moment, the name filters into his mind - Leafpaw. Thunderclan medicine cat. Firestar's brat. Mothwing's friend. The one cat who never seems to remember that borders apply to her. "Nn," Hawkfrost says.

The medicine cat hums, leaning forward to peer into his eye. "Could you open the other one, please?" she says. Hawkfrost does. "Concussion. Not good, but it'll have to wait until we get back to camp. Quickly, get on your feet. We need to hurry before it wakes up again."

Somehow, with the medicine cat's help, Hawkfrost struggles onto his paws. Once he's off the ground, his head is still spinning, but he feels a little better.

The medicine cat is pushing him towards the edge of the clearing, in the camp's direction, when he hears a faint snuffling noise. Hawkfrost looks back to see the dog, sprawled out on the ground and clearly starting to wake up. Even through the spinning, he knows what needs to be done. He's already changed direction to go finish it off permanently when the medicine cat rams her head into his collarbone.

"What are you doing," she whisper-shrieks. "It's waking up, we need to get back to camp!"

Hawkfrost doesn't get a chance to respond before she resumes pushing and somehow, he can't stop her. Maybe he's in shock that someone actually talked back to him like that. Or maybe he's delirious from blood loss and the concussion. Whatever.

Either way, they're already out of the clearing and halfway up the next hill when the dizziness clears enough that he remembers what he was going to do. "Hey, wait a minute, we need to go back!"

The medicine cat stares at him. "I'm sorry, what?"

"You stopped me from killing that dog," Hawkfrost snaps. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wonders why he's bothering to explain at all. "I need to go back and kill it before it follows us to the clans."

The medicine cat actually rolls her eyes. Hawkfrost gasps, offended. "We barely winded that thing; if we'd stayed any longer it would've killed us. I -" she stops abruptly. "Quick. Back here."

Before he can react, she shoves him into a shallow hollow beneath a rocky outcropping and then follows herself. It's dark, and cramped, and then the medicine cat squeezes in beside him and the contact makes Hawkfrost go rigid with embarrassment.

Outside, a snuffling noise echoes against the rocks. The dog has recovered, then, and is looking for them. They can't go back to camp now without it following them. Hawkfrost thinks of the animal loose amongst the vulnerable elders and kits and winces.

And then he's distracted, because the medicine cat flinches and squeezes in further against Hawkfrost. Her soft warm side presses up against his, and it's been a long time since he's really touched someone other than Mothwing so the sensation is sending him haywire and wow, actually she smells really nice -

Hawkfrost's brain short-circuits.

When it reboots, they're so close together that his face is practically buried in her scruff, and all he can hear is the quiet thumping of her heartbeat and the snuffling of the dog outside. Hawkfrost closes his eyes and tries not to breathe too deep.

The scent of lavender is almost overwhelming.

After a few, breathless moments, the sniffing fades as the dog's path turns away. The medicine cat relaxes and pulls away, leaving Hawkfrost's pelt feeling cold and staticky where her warm fur had touched it.

"I think the dog's gone," she says, peering outside.

"Hnn," Hawkfrost manages. He is not thinking about the dog.

"C'mon, let's hurry. We need to warn the leaders."

Hawkfrost stumbles after her, head spinning. The side she'd touched prickles like wildfire, stinging and cooling his skin at turns. How can a few moments of contact have shaken him this badly? Father would be mortified if he knew.

Father. The reminder, at least, snaps him back into rationality. Tigerstar would be so mortified if he could see his son now. Hawkfrost stops and shakes his head wildly to clear it. Focus on the dog. Right. When he looks up again, the medicine cat is watching him. "What is it?" he asks, torn between irritation and embarrassment.

"Oh." The medicine cat looks away quickly. "It's nothing, just - your ears were red."

Hawkfrost stares at her and feels the tips of his ears rush with heat. Ducking his head, he mumbles "oh," and hurries after her.

At the very least, the medicine cat seems just as embarrassed as he is, because she keeps up a steady stream of nervous chatter the whole way.

Most of her jabber washes right over him, blending into a pleasant, even current of sound. She has a nice voice, one that trips pleasingly over the words and makes even the simplest language sound beautiful on her tongue. His eyes are half closed, just listening to the rising and falling of her voice when he realizes that she's looking at him expectantly. "What," he says belatedly.

"My name's Leafpaw," she says, in a tone that implies she's said this once or twice already. "I don't think I ever told you."

"Oh." It takes him a moment to realize what she's waiting for. "I'm Hawkfrost." He's pretty sure she already knows this, but whatever.

Her beaming smile tells him he's guessed right. "Thank you for saving me from that dog, Hawkfrost," she says. "I was collecting herbs and it came out of nowhere. It cornered me before you showed up."

Hawkfrost hadn't been thinking about saving her - hadn't even noticed she was there, really. But the praise makes his pelt prickle in a nice way, so he ducks his head and tries to ignore the way his ears burn. "It's nothing, I- you're welcome," he says. It feels terribly inadequate.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, a voice is asking him she's Firestar's daughter, an enemy, why do you care if it's inadequate? Hawkfrost pushes it aside. He doesn't really, he's just being polite, okay?

Leafpaw beams and trots nearer to walk beside him, nudging his shoulder with her nose. "I think we made a pretty good team out there," she says. "Wouldn't you-" she stops abruptly, nose twitching. "Oh!"

Hawkfrost watches, bemused, as she drops low to the ground to peer at his stomach. "You're bleeding!" she cries.

"It kicked me," he points out.

"I didn't realize!" She looks stricken, and something in his heart clenches.

"It doesn't hurt that much," he assures her before remembering that he's not supposed to be worried about her feelings. "I mean, it didn't- you're-" he fumbles his sentences, the words slipping away. Luckily, Leafpaw doesn't seem to notice.

"My supplies are all at camp, so I can't do much here, but we can at least keep it from getting infected," she says, and then she leans forward and-

For the second time today, Hawkfrost's brain short-circuits.

"What are you doing," he yelps (definitely not a shriek), springing back.

Leafpaw looks up at him, confused, with her tongue still poking out. "I'm cleaning it," she points out, but Hawkfrost isn't really listening.

"You licked me," he says, uncomprehending.

Leafpaw stares at him with wide eyes before blushing bright red. "Don't- don't make this weird!" she stammers. "It's a perfectly normal medicine cat thing to do!"

"You licked me," he repeats. Hawkfrost's brain is trapped en loop, cycling back again and again to the point where he'd felt her tongue on his skin.

"For medical reasons!" Leafpaw's entire face is completely red. From the way his own face is burning, Hawkfrost is sure he matches. "I'm disinfecting your wound! I'm a medicine cat! I'm not- I can't just- oh, just get over here and let me treat you."

"Just... disinfecting," Hawkfrost repeats. Stars, he sounds like a broken record. Leafpaw nods, still blushing to the tips of her ears. "Ah. Right. I... I knew that." He sits down and lets Leafpaw get to work, and they both pretend they aren't as flustered as they feel. Hawkfrost shivers when she touches his skin and Leafpaw makes a high-pitched noise that could be termed a squeak. After that, though, her licks are careful but clinical and when she finally pulls away they can't meet each other's eyes.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Hawkfrost coughs. "Maybe we should hurry back to camp," he mutters.

"Um! Right!" Leafpaw very carefully does not look at him and instead launches into a fresh stream of inane babble to distract them both as they walk. It doesn't quite take away the tinge of pink on her ears.

The arrival at camp is somehow both a relief and a disappointment at the same time. Leopardstar takes one look at the two of them and immediately calls Mothwing over, status reports be damned, and Leafpaw is dragged off by her father to do... whatever it is Thunderclanners do. He doesn't even get a chance to say goodbye (not that he'd want to, obviously. He's just pointing it out).

Hawkfrost watches her go, with her father's tail draped over her shoulders, and feels a sting of jealousy somewhere deep inside.

He's not sure which one of them he envies more.

"Must be nice, huh?"

Hawkfrost almost jumps out of his skin and whips around, claws unsheathed, to see his sister gazing after Leafpaw wistfully.

"To have parents that actually care about you," she adds, as though he hadn't figured that out already.

Hawkfrost scowls and wills his heart to stop pounding so hard. "First of all, don't sneak up on me like that. And second, Father does care about us. You'd know that if you agreed to meet with him," he says quietly.

Mothwing looks at him with an odd expression that he can't quite decipher before she says, "Whatever you say, Hawkfrost. Show me where it hurts."

Under normal circumstances, he'd bristle with rage at the dismissal and insist they finish the conversation now, regardless of eavesdropping onlookers or his already-tenuous place in the clan. But today, he's so off-kilter that he lets his sister get on with it without a fuss. As further proof of his encroaching insanity, he even apologizes.

"Sorry about what I said earlier," he mutters. "It was... out of line. I shouldn't have said it."

Mothwing actually drops her cobwebs and steps back to look at him, probably wondering if he's lost his mind, which is not entirely unlikely at this point. After a moment, though, her expression breaks into a sad little half-smile that does something weird to his heart. Almost like it's not supposed to be there, or like he should make it better.

I really am going insane, he thinks in horror. That frog-brained medicine cat apprentice did something to my head.

"Thank you," his sister says. "I shouldn't- I'm sorry for what I said about Mom. You know she didn't leave because of you, right?"

His mouth goes dry and for a moment, he forgets how to talk. "Yeah," he says belatedly, because Mothwing's staring at him now and her eyes are doing the dumb worried thing. He's a full-grown warrior; he doesn't need to be worried about, darnit, and especially not for something pathetic like this.

He's still thinking about it in the makeshift medicine cat den later that night. It's not that he thinks it's his fault, specifically, that Sasha had dumped them both off. Father's already told him everything - she was a cold-hearted rogue who used cats up and ditched them when she was done. So Sasha was a terrible cat to begin with.

But... she'd been pretty blasé about ditching her kits the first chance she'd gotten, and from what he's observed, mothers are supposed to be more attached to their children than that.

So it's definitely a problem with her, but that doesn't rule out the possibility of a problem with them, and given the way Mothwing seems to collect friends like fleas, it doesn't seem to be a them problem anyway.

As always, it comes down to Hawkfrost in the end.

People have always seemed more inclined to leave him behind, no matter what he does - he's either too weak or too strong, too soft or too cold. Too little Clan blood or too much. Mothwing's been able to carve something of a place for herself, here, but Hawkfrost's has always been fragile. He's heard the things people say about him, seen the way they stare. Too much of his father in him- as though his father isn't the only one who's ever bothered to see his potential. Everyone else is too busy leaving him behind.

Just look at the way the medicine cat had fled, once she'd gotten the chance.

Hawkfrost buries his face underneath his paws and tries to will the medicine cat to leave his mind, with middling success.

He's halfway through mentally reciting the different breeds of fish that live in the river when he hears something move outside the den.

In a heartbeat, he's on his paws, hunched over in a battle crouch. His wound protests painfully, but he pushes the pain aside. For a blind, panicked moment, he thinks the dog has come back, and is waiting just outside.

Then he smells lavender, and his hackles go down of their own accord.

A moment later, Leafpaw steals into the den, glancing furtively over her shoulder. "Don't freak out, it's me. I brought- oh, Hawkfrost!" Her brow furrows when she catches sight of the fresh stains seeping onto his bandages, and Hawkfrost's heart skips a beat.

"It's fine," he says quickly.

Leafpaw doesn't bother dignifying that with a reply. He can almost hear her fuming as she strips, cleans, and re-binds the wound (so, so gently - her paws feel like dandelion fluff). "Don't say it's fine when you're clearly bleeding all over the place, mousebrain," she says.

Hawkfrost tries not to fidget as she pulls the cobwebs tighter. "Mothwing fixed it already... I opened it when you came back," he explains. The thought strikes him abruptly - she'd gone, yes, but she hadn't left him. "You came back," he says again, wonderingly.

"Of course I did!" Leafpaw blinks, golden eyes wide with shock. "You saved me, I'm not going to just forget that. Even if we haven't gotten along so well in the past. And on that note, um..." she trails off, eyes skating to the side and teeth nibbling her bottom lip.

Nervous. Hawkfrost identifies the reaction automatically, but for the life of him can't imagine what it's for.

"I... think I may have misjudged you," she says at last in a soft voice. She looks back to him with a sheepish smile and, tentatively, holds out a paw. "Can we start over? I'd like to be friends."

Friends.

She wants to be friends.

Hawkfrost stares down at the outstretched paw and, not for the first time today, finds himself completely at a loss for what to do.

What is it with this strange medicine cat? She knows his parentage, knows that by birthright, he and she are sworn enemies. She's never trusted him - their few run-ins before today have made that clear. It's obvious from the hatred in her sister's eyes that she fully expects him to follow in his father's footsteps (and oh, she has no idea just how right she is-) and he would've expected Leafpaw to share that.

But she's standing before him now, reaching out to him with that painfully naive, painfully kind smile and waiting for him to answer.

The decision, as always, is obvious.

Hawkfrost slowly, gently places his paw on top of her own. "I'd like that," he says quietly.

Leafpaw's answering smile is like the sun. He can hardly stand to look at it. "I need to go now," she says. "Dad wants me to sleep with the clan. But I'll come see you again tomorrow before we leave," she adds fiercely, daring him to defy her.

Hawkfrost blinks and tries to force away the warmth welling up inside his chest. "I'll- I'll see you then," he manages to say.

Leafpaw hesitates, looking like she's wavering on the edge of something. Before Hawkfrost can ask what it is, she abruptly leans forward, swipes a tongue across his ear, and flees from the den without waiting for a response.

... she licked me, is the first, stupid thought his flustered mind can form. And this time, it wasn't for medical purposes.

Hawkfrost whimpers.

He's an idiot. This is a perfect opportunity - the chance to get in close with Firestar's daughter, to gain her trust before he ultimately betrays her and claims his birthright. This is everything his father would want him to take advantage of and more. It's the reason he accepted her stupid request to be friends in the first place - and who even just asks to be friends like that, anyway?

Ridiculous. He's just using her.

So why can't he forget the feeling of her fur against his own, or the kindness in her eyes when she'd wrapped his wound?

Briefly, Hawkfrost considers the merit of beating his head against the floor until he passes out. But then he'd just have to get it fixed again, and Mothwing would scold him or wasting her time, and Leopardstar would shake her head in disappointment, and Leafpaw would look at him with those sad eyes-

Wait, no. Not that last one.

Frog dung.

Hawkfrost squeezes his eyes shut and forcibly ejects all thoughts of the stars-damned medicine cat apprentice. Tonight, he'll see his father again, and maybe by tomorrow, the strange warmth in his chest whenever he thinks of her will be gone.

Definitely.

That night, instead of his father, Hawkfrost dreams of soft paws, the scent of lavender, and gentle, golden eyes.

THEIR SONG IS FOOLS BY LAUREN AQUILINA AND NO IM NOT TAKING CRITICISM ON THIS

also before someone gets on my case for this: no, hawkfrost's thoughts on mothwing/sasha/his clanmates are not accurate. he's being groomed & manipulated by tigerstar to believe that everyone hates him except for his dad.

^ for more thoughts on that send me an ask because i originally typed up an authors note explaining his motivations/tigerstar's influence and it totalled at like 500 words so i couldn't put it here but i have been DYING to talk abt this

[reidingandwriting]

It’s Okay to Cry

Word Count: ~1400 words

Ship: Bucky Barnes x Reader, Tony Stark x Reader, Peter Parker x Reader

Warnings: Brief mention of a minor character dying, a bit of language

A/N: I hate how short Bucky’s is, but I thought it was still cute 🥺

✨ Masterlist ✨

Bucky Barnes

You slid down the wall, sitting beside Bucky. He rested his head on your shoulder, and your arm wrapped around his waist. You leaned your head against his, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. Your bodies molded together perfectly, like they always did. “You know, it’s okay to cry. The world will keep turning, no one will think any less of you if you do.” You turned to face him and his blue eyes stayed focused on the floor, but you could see the tears in them. “You’re always so strong for me. For all of us. You seem to forget you have emotions, too.” You rubbed your hand up and down his back as you continued to speak. “Your feelings are valid, and you aren’t weak because you have them. And there is especially nothing wrong with expressing them. We’re family, Buck. You’re always here for us, let me be here for you. Please.”

“C-Can you hold me? Please?” His voice came out in a shaky whisper, strained from his refusal to cry in front of you. You gave him a sad smile and shifted the two of you, enveloping him in your arms. His body was small as it tucked into your arms, face buried in your neck.

“I’ve got you, Buck. I always do.” You let your hand move up, combing your fingers through his hair. “Now, how about we move to bed so I can cuddle you properly?” Bucky mumbled under his breath, too soft for you to hear. “What was that?”

“Can you keep playing with my hair?” He asked sheepishly, and you bit back a fond smile.

“Of course, lover. Whatever you need.” You carefully untangled yourself from Bucky before standing up, offering your hand to help him up. You got into bed with Bucky and pulled him close. You wrapped your arm around his waist, him facing you. You draped your leg over his and your other hand moved to his hair, continuing to play with his hair.

“Thank you, angel. For everything.” Bucky whispered, hands resting on yours. You hummed in response, letting the steady drumming of rain against your window lull you both to sleep.

Tony Stark

“Y/N?” Tony knocked on the bedroom door with no answer. “Y/N, darling, can I come in?” Silence. “FRI, how is she?”

“Ms. Y/N has not had proper hydration or nutrition for the last seventy-two hours. She’s slept about four of those hours, on and off. She’s rivaling you in your self destructive habits.” There was a hint of amusement in the AI’s voice, as if trying to make light of the situation. “Ms. Y/N has instructed me not to open the door for anyone, but I believe it’s in her best interest to have contact with you, sir. Shall I open the door?”

“Please, FRIDAY. Thank you.” There was a click and Tony knocked softly once more before opening the door. “Y/N?” Tony peeked his head in and scanned the room for you. He almost didn’t see your body buried in the pile of blankets on your bed. “I’m coming in now, okay?” Tony shut the door behind him as he walked in and slowly made his way to your bed.

“Can you lay with me?” Your voice was muffled as you looked at Tony, and Tony wanted to frown at the sight of you. But he sent you a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes before nodding and getting into bed with you. You held the covers up lazily for him and immediately pulled him close to you once he was in bed. As Tony held you, he racked his brain trying to figure out what could have caused the fiery woman he loved dearly to turn into a hollow form of who he knew.

“Is there anything I can do?” Tony’s hand rubbed up and down your back, slightly calloused fingertips leaving a trail of goosebumps on the exposed parts of your shoulders. “I can cook you something, or I can order takeout. Maybe get you a drink?“ You shook your head, your bottom lip quivering. Shit. Tony may be a self proclaimed genius, but when it came to emotions? That’s one field Tony hasn’t quite mastered yet.

“It’s the sixth.” You whispered and a lightbulb went off in Tony’s head. It was the sixth of March, the day your sister had passed away years ago. You two had been inseparable and even though Tony only met her a handful of times, he considered her a friend.

“Oh, Y/N...” A tear slid down your cheek, which you quickly wiped away. “I know I’m in no position to say this, but you know, it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be mad, to be sad, to scream, or to not have the words to say for a while. It’s okay to want to be alone to cope your own way.” Tony paused, brushing your tears away with his own thumb now. “But you don’t have to do this alone. Even if all I can do is hold you and tell you that one day it gets easier, I’m more than happy to do it.” A fresh round of tears slid down your cheeks, but you smiled small up at Tony.

“I love you. So much.” Tony returned a smile and kissed your forehead.

“And I love you. Now, how about I run you a bath and order takeout for when you’re done? Can’t have my best girl ignoring her basic needs, that’s my job in this relationship.” You let go of Tony and let him go to the bathroom.

“Lavender bubble bath, please!” You called out as Tony disappeared. You rubbed at your eyes and couldn’t help but smile as you heard the running bath water. You really had the best man.

Peter Parker

You sat beside Peter on the couch of the Avengers compound. You had a blanket draped over both pairs your legs, a now empty bowl of popcorn settled in between you two. Peter turned away from you and the corners of your lips curved into a smirk.

“Peter Parker, are you seriously crying?”

“What?” Peter’s voice went up an octave as he blinked repeatedly. “Of course not. Damn it.” Peter added after his voice cracked.

“Aww, Pete. You know, it’s okay to cry. Marley and Me is a very sad movie.” Peter shot you a glare and you snorted before doubling over in laughter. “I’m sorry! I don’t mean to laugh, you just- you look like an angry kitten.” Peter shoved your shoulder, and you yelped as you fell off the couch. It was silent for a moment before you laughed again.

“Oh, shut up.” Peter huffed as you climbed back onto the couch.

“It’s not even at the sad part yet! That’s what’s funny.” You buried yourself into Peter’s side, your head rested on his chest.

“You make fun of me, then you cuddle me. Make it make sense.”

~~

“You know, it’s okay to cry.” Peter’s voice was teasing by the end of the movie. Your face was buried into his side, your tears wetting his shirt.

“Shut the hell up, Parker.” You choked out, arms wrapped around his torso. “At least it was the sad part when I cried.”

“Do I need to get you some tissues?” Peter laughed and you shoved him. “I’ve been hit! Spidey down, spidey down!” Peter rolled off the couch, dragging you with him.

“Why are you so weird?” You let out a tearful laugh, laying on the floor beside Peter.

“I think it’s safe to say you’re both weird.” Tony’s voice sounded through the room, and you looked up, seeing him stand in the doorway.

“‘Sup, Papa Stark?” You spoke, sending you and Peter into another fit of laughter. Tony pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closing.

“I never wanted kids. Now I have two of them. Two complete idiots for kids.” You flicked Tony off as Peter grinned.

“Aww, Mr. Stark! It’s okay to cry.” Peter drew out the last syllable, being cut off as your hand covered his mouth.

“FRIDAY, remind me to return the kids tomorrow. I think they’re broken.”

“Sorry, boss. I believe their warranties are over.”

“You know what, Peter? I just might cry.”

Taglist: @daughter-of-stark @agent-barnes40 @spideygirl2003 @missmulti @5aftermidnight @ditttiii ❤️ Taglist is OPEN and so are requests!

[captain-mcdavid]

word count: 2.6k

smut: yes | no

warnings: swearing, angst, mentions of a break in (tw)

It’s early morning when you finally drag yourself off the couch and to the bathroom. Your apartment is pitch black around you, and the clock on your counter reads 3:48. You peal off the outfit you wore to the bar, tossing the garments carelessly on the floor while you reach for the robe on the back of the door. The silk feels out of place on your sticky skin, but you tie it on anyway, eyes drifting up to your reflection for the first time since you stepped into the bathroom.

You look like a wreck. The mascara and eye shadow you put on earlier was not in it’s correct place, tears washing it to the tops of your cheeks. Hair a complete mess of tangles falling past your shoulders. It’s pathetic really, how upset you are, and how much it shows.

You should have seen it coming.

Slowly the makeup comes off, and the tangles come out, and the more normal you look, the more normal you feel. You finish off with some lavender lotion on your arms and neck, hoping the scent will make you tired, because at this point, you’re not sure if you’ll sleep at all.

You’re just about to head to the kitchen to make some tea when you hear the sound of your front door closing. You freeze in your place, stomach dropping to the floor. You can almost feel the color drain from your face, shaky hand reaching up to cover your mouth.

There’s a bang that follows, and an audible grunt while footsteps thud towards the living room.

You look around for something, anything that will help you in this situation, but there’s nothing, your phone is back in the living room, and there’s nothing that resembles a weapon anywhere.

Leaning out the doorway of the bathroom, you can’t see anyone down the hall, and the footsteps have stopped. Your eyes catch on the vase that sits on the side table in the hallway, and with a surge of confidence, you toe as quietly as you can out of the bathroom, clutching onto the vase like your life depends on it.

Your heart actually feels cold when you think about whoever the hell is in here with you having a weapon. If they have a knife, or heaven forbid a gun, the vase you’re holding isn’t gonna be near enough to stop them.

You near the end of the hallway, and your heart is pounding so fast and loud that you’re sure the intruder can probably hear it too. The foot steps start again, and as they get closer and closer you clutch the vase harder, tears spilling over your cheeks again while you listen carefully for the movements of the person.

They take one another step, and they’re so close now, so you listen for one more before turning the corner, clenching your eyes shut while you swing the vase blindly at whoever is there.

Your makeshift weapon doesn’t make contact with anything, it’s pulled from your hand while the intruder shouts, “What the fuck?”

You open your eyes as soon as you hear his voice, because you’d recognize it anywhere. He stares at you with wide eyes for a second, and you have to take him in slowly before you can let out the breathe you were holding, slumping exasperatedly with a choked noise as Josh shoves the vase onto the counter, lurching forward to crowd you into his chest. “Hey, hey- it’s just me!” He says, and you relax against him, letting out  a sob while you wait for the adrenaline to leave your system. “It’s just me, Y/N! I’m here, you’re safe,” He whispers, but you don’t quite believe it yet. “You’re safe,” He repeats, like he can sense your doubt.

“Fuck, I can feel your heart pounding,” He pulls you into him tighter, and you close your eyes, trying to slow your breathing, sucking in air until your shoulders rise. Josh rubs your back soothingly, and finally you feel your body start to relax. “You’re okay, you’re okay,”

His hand wanders up, smoothing your hair while he rests his cheek on the top on your head, and that’s when you finally have the mind to ask questions. You push him away forcefully while you look him up and down just to be sure, “What the hell are you doing, Josh? I thought I was about to fucking die,” You cry, and he takes another step forward, reaching out for you but you mimic him, stepping back just as quickly.

His shoulders fall the slightest bit, and he looks at his feet with a clenched jaw before speaking, “You could have, you left your door open. You need to be more careful,”

You scoff, pulling your robe tighter around yourself while you roll your eyes. “Quit mansplaining, that doesn’t give you the right to just walk in,”

“I knocked,” He fires back, and you just shake your head, “It was quiet, but I knocked.”

“Why are you here?”

“Cause I want to explain,” He says, and before you can jump in, he’s starting again, “Since this whole thing started neither one of us have stopped being angry long enough to let the other talk, and I think if we just listen to each other-,”

That’s where you cut him off. “I don’t want to talk. You’ve made it more than clear how you feel about me, I don’t need any explanations, I just want to move on,”

“Y/N. please, let’s just-,”

“No,” You cut him off for the second time and his fists ball up at his sides. “Seriously Josh, this is toxic. I’m mad at you, you’re mad at me, it’s never ending, and I can’t do it anymore,”

He mumbles something under his breath and you raise your eyebrows in question, wondering if you heard him right, “What did you say?”

This time he speaks louder, looking you dead in the eye. “It’s not you that I’m mad at.”

This pushes you over the edge, and he’s looking at you like you’re psycho because this sends you into full blown laughter. “Well, you could have fooled me! It sure seemed like you were mad when you fled the country after I went to Seth’s, and then yelled at me over the phone when I tried to tell you what happened,” Josh rolls his eyes and it fuels you to keep going, voice thick with sarcasm, “It also seemed like you were pretty mad when I left the bar with Seth too-,”

“Okay!” Josh finalizes, “Look, I didn’t come here to fight, honestly. I just wanna explain.”

You give him a weary look, and as much as you want to be strong and kick him out after all the shit he’s pulled, you find yourself wanting to give in. After all you’ve done some bad stuff too and you would have loved the opportunity to explain.

“I know you think I don’t care, but would I be standing here if I didn’t?”

After thinking carefully, you finally nod, and he sighs.

You end up on the couch, Josh extending his arm over the back while he takes a deep breathe, “So I guess I’ll just start from the beginning?” You nod, and he directs his eyes somewhere else while he clears his throat. “So Lindsay and I met like, I don’t know- two years ago maybe? It was like two or three months before I met you.” He says her name and all you can do is cringe, but you listen none the less, “We slept together a few times, but we were never together, I was seeing other people and I assumed she was too, but I don’t know she got a little crazy so I just stopped talking to her.”

That sounded familiar. Did you get a little crazy too? Is that what turned him off?

“Few months later I met you, and yeah, we had a good time, then we stopped talking, and the next time I saw the both of you was at the bar,”

It’s honestly comedic how he’s managing to make it sound like things ended seamlessly with the two of you. We stopped talking? You think to yourself. Nope, that was just you.

“To be honest that night I barely even paid attention to Lindsay, I knew she was there but I didn’t care, all I saw was you.”

You want to scoff at how cheesy that is, but you force yourself to stay silent, eyes falling to your lap as you try to process what he’s saying. “You’ve kind of always had that effect on me, honestly.” He says it bashfully, like he’s not comfortable with the words coming out of his mouth. “I know you’re not gonna believe me when I say this, but after we started up again I wasn’t seeing anyone else. And then that month came where you were gone, and it had been like three weeks since I’d seen you when Lindsay called. I shouldn’t have answered but I was feeling like shit, I thought you were done with me so I picked up, and she came over.”

You bite your lip, trying to blink away the images that are flashing through your head.

“I swear to god, the moment I hung up the phone, I knew I fucked up. I knew she was your friend and that it was wrong, and I was ready to tell her go home as soon as I opened the door, but she didn’t really take no for an answer. She said all sorts of things, she said you weren’t friends anymore and that you hadn’t talked in like weeks. She said she’d heard you’d moved on and were with some other guy, I don’t know all this shit, and the more she kept on going the more I felt like a total loser, and we ended up making out a little bit, and it almost went further, but I stopped it.”

Your eyes snap up at this, because you weren’t expecting that, the words falling out of your mouth in disbelief, “Wait, you didn’t sleep with her?”

He shakes his head, and you feel like a weight should be lifted of your shoulders, but there’s nothing.

“I told her to leave, and she was pissed but she went home. And that’s when she left her jacket. And then you came over like a week later, and we started hanging out again and it was the same as before, I was just focused on you. I had completely forgotten about Lindsay. And then came Boone’s party, and I saw the two of you come in together, with your other friend and I kind of panicked. I avoided you almost the entire night because I didn’t want to see Lindsay. So then when we went up into Boone’s room I followed, and I let you lie because I didn’t want you to know that I had seen you earlier. I was watching you talk to Seth, and you were laughing, and I don’t know, fuck, it made me so nervous because you ghosted me for like a month, and seeing you with Seth just made me insecure, I don’t know. So I lied, cause of that, and cause I was so terrified that you were gonna find out about Lindsay.”

His face turns read, and he rubs uncomfortably at the back of his neck, and you can see how nervous he is, but he continues anyway. “Then when we clinched a playoff spot, and had that party at Ryan’s, and you were hanging out with Seth, and it just kinda drove me off the edge. You came to the party with me, but you weren’t actually mine, and thinking about you with someone else- fuck, I hated it. I was so pissed that night,”

It was the same night that he let it slip that he saw you and Seth at Boone’s, it was when things started to unravel.

“Then we beat Tampa and yeah, fuck- I just, I saw that text from Lindsay on your phone,” He actually looks pained talking about it, and you feel guilty all over again.

“I don’t know, I don’t know how to say this.” He starts, running his hand through his hair repeatedly, eyes darting around the room. “I just-,” He starts again, but stops, and you wait patiently, stomach erupting with nerves while you listen. “I felt like shit, cause I actually liked you. Like you were the first girl in forever that I actually had feelings for, and then to find out that it was fake? I don’t know I lost it,”

You try not to let your head spin at his confession, because you’ve been waiting for him to say that for so long, but there’s still so much more you need to know, so you continue to listen.

“I was so pissed, but I had to focus on the playoffs, so I just ignored you, which wasn’t right, but I didn’t know how else to handle it. And then we lost game six and I got hurt and you came over, and to be honest, I hadn’t even thought about Lindsay for weeks, and then you found that fucking jacket, and I could literally see everything going up in flames around me, and I didn’t deal with it well, I was an asshole, but you were so mad, and I knew what I did was worse, but I was still so hurt I couldn’t just let it go. I had no fucking idea what I was feeling so I kept texting you, and you wouldn’t answer, so I went to go talk to Seth, and then I saw your purse on the table,”

He pauses for a second after that, and you bite the insides of your cheeks, hearing all this makes you realize just how bad you fucked up.

“That just kind of confirmed what I was thinking, that text from Lindsay and you seeing Seth, I was so sure that you were just playing me, and I was pissed, so I left. And I shouldn’t have done it, I shouldn’t have hit Seth either, but I don’t know, I was feeling so much shit, and I was being impulsive. I don’t know, it was just hard. That’s when we talked on the phone, and I said a lot of shit I shouldn’t have said. We went the whole summer without talking, and I barely talked to Seth either. So when I got back into town, I just wanted things to be okay with me and him so I asked him to pick me up from the airport so we could talk. He explained what happened that night, told me everything, and then when we got back to my place, I played the answering machine, and that’s when we heard your message,” He chuckles a little bit as he says it, and even though your ears burn with embarrassment, you can’t help but smile a little bit.

“I went over to your place right after that,” Your eyes widen when you hear him say that cause you don’t remember seeing him until your run in at the thai place. What was he talking about?

“I don’t know what I was expecting but it sure as hell wasn’t what I got. I was ready to forget everything honestly, and then he opened the door, and-.”

“Wait what?” You stop him, speaking for the first time since you sat down, “You came to my house? Who opened the door?”

Josh looks confused, “Yeah? I came the day I got back, but that guy Blake opened the door.”

Oh my god. That day that Blake was at your place, when he was acting all weird after he answered the door. It was because it wasn’t Mr. Danby at the door...

It was Josh.

[artificialqueens]

Baby We Made It (Jankie) - Katy

A/N: please forgive me, anon, whose bodiposi! Jan prompt I took from here and made it sad. I promise the last paragraph at least is happy. Also smut writers, please forgive me. I kept it short because I can’t write write anything other than mental breakdowns and sad people for the life of me. Let me know if you enjoyed! X

Jan absentmindedly stood in front of the full-length antique mirror in her and Jackie’s bedroom, fingers running over the dips of her stomach, the stark contrast between the softness of her skin and the slight itchiness of the lace trim on her panties bringing her back to the present.

She’d seen comments, again. Not about how she was robbed of the Rusical win, or how she owns the colour purple, Shuga Cain be screwed.

But about the way her thighs now meet in the middle. How her stomach isn’t perfectly flat, her ass a little rounder, her arms a little bigger. The pressure she felt before going to Drag Race was off, and now, with Jackie making love and Iranian dishes she remembers from her childhood, she was happy.

She knew the fans would notice, their eagle eyes catching every little detail, from when Jackie leant Gigi her earrings on the show, to the way someone had spotted her heels in the back of Jackie’s Instagram Live. It unsettled her at the best of times, so after perhaps the seventh time Jan had struggled to get into her jeans that month, she dreaded checking her social media.

Her fans were good, kind to her and to each other, bringing her bath bombs and fanart on tour. She knew they meant no harm. She knew that they’d be horrified to think they ever upset her. She knew that they had no idea that she burst into tears every time one of them asked her to wear one of her outfits from the show, thinking she’d bust the seams open and only be able to get it past her shoulders before she couldn’t tug it down any further.

She was more worried about the ones she couldn’t call fans. The ones who send anonymous confessions to those stupid Instagram pages that come up on her explore feed, those who hide behind private pages calling her a cry baby, questioning why she got on the show, and why she’d gotten so fat since drag race.

She’s not fat.

She’s not fat.

Tears begin to well in Jan’s eyes as she stares at herself with a critical glare. With trembling hands, she prods and pokes her body like she’s nothing but their words. She squeezes her arms, watches the way the skin tightens and releases, puts her hands on her waist and pushes her stomach as far inwards as possible. The faces of the haters have stick and poke tattooed themselves between her thighs, disfigured but still distinguishable, unprofessional yet very much permanent. Jackie will never look down there the same again.

Shit. Had Jackie noticed? Was she heavier when she sat on Jackie’s face in bed or her lap on the couch? Jackie wouldn’t want a fat girlfriend. Jackie deserved the world, as far as Jan was concerned. Love, cuddles, lavender oil scented baths, the left side of the bed.

Jan is so lost in her own mind that she’s completely oblivious to Jackie arriving home from the store, carrying shopping bags and a smile down the hallway, into the bedroom to find her girlfriend.

Jackie stops when she reaches the door, peeking her head in to check Jan wasn’t asleep before she barged in, knowing how Jan gets when she’s woken up from a nap. Her heart plummeted to the bottom of her feet when she saw Jan, and before her body could catch up to her mind, she was pushing the door open heavily and dropping her bags in sheer shock.

Stop.

Jackie stood in the doorframe, eyebrows knitted together with concern for her girlfriend, who was currently standing semi-naked, crying in front of the mirror. Jan’s feet were turning 180, forcing her to walk away, to get away from her reflection like it was flammable and her face was a open fucking flame.

Jackie.

She runs to Jackie, lets her lower her to the ground because she’s not convinced Jan’s legs are going to hold her upright much longer, lets Jackie pull her onto her lap, sees the absolute heartbreak in her eyes when she tries to scramble off because she’s ‘too heavy to hold’. Heat’s radiating off of Jan and Jackie almost wonders whether Jan’s in some sort of fever-induced delirium because there’s no way in hell she’s just heard Jan call herself heavy. Her tears won’t stop and she won’t let Jackie hold her and it’s breaking her heart. Jan’s face is buried in her hands, tears leaking out from between her fingers, and Jackie takes her chance. She stands, tiptoes over to behind Jan, and scoops her up into her arms in one fluid motion, holding her to her chest. Jan’s shaking and swatting and screaming for Jackie to put her down and Jackie’s internally doing all of the same actions out of fear and desperation. She’d never seen Jan like this, the younger girl being an effervescent light of energy and excitement. Jackie knew she had to start calming Jan down, whatever it took, before she ended up with an unconscious girlfriend and a broken heart.

Jackie supports Jan in one arm, wraps it securely around Jan’s waist and stars rifling through her shopping bags to find what she’d been so excited to come home and show her. The bag’s inside of another bag in typical organised Jackie style, and when she pulls it out, the receipt flies out over their heads and she thinks Jan may have stifled a giggle into her shoulder. Jackie’s bouncing Jan on her hip in such a child-like fashion, that when she takes out the delicately tissue paper-wrapped item, she presses it into Jan’s hands like a game of pass the parcel.

Jan snorts inelegantly, wipes her nose with the back of her hand and shifts in Jackie’s grasp until she’s facing her girlfriend. Jackie motions for Jan to open the gift, nudging her shoulder with a gentle hand. Jan’s acrylics rip the tissue paper, and she’s left staring at lingerie. Delicate lilac, adorned with lace and crystals and everything sparkly. The bralette is sheer and lacy, diamonds decorating the straps and clearly so very overpriced, but she can’t bring herself to care when Jackie’s lifting her chin with a careful finger, and they lock eyes for the first time since Jackie arrived home.

The tears come back thick and fast, wetting the lace with something other than pleasure, Jackie’s smile turns to a grimace as Jan begins mumbling how sorry and she is.

‘Baby’, Jackie starts, sitting them down on the bed. ‘What’s going on?’

‘I’m so sorry’ Jan hiccupped, her breath getting caught in her throat. ‘You’re so good, too good and I don’t deser-’

‘Stop’.

Jackie’s grip on her waist gets stronger and Jan tenses in fear, relaxing only when Jackie starts wiping Jan’s tears with the pad of her thumb. ‘Take a breath. You’ve got to start breathing properly before you talk, baby.’

They sit in silence for moments, minutes with Jan’s shaky breaths and Jackie’s slow counting the only noises.

‘I was reading Instagram comments and they were so fucking mean Jacks’.

Jackie’s eyes turn dark and her hands subconsciously squeeze Jan’s waist tighter and tighter until she has to unpeel Jackie’s fingers from around her, feeling an organ rupture or permanent crescent shaped nail indentations weren’t far off if she kept her grip up.

Jackie looks at Jan with an unreadable expression, before she’s pressing their foreheads together and locking her fingers at the base of Jan’s head, Jan seated in her lap. The tears still run freely from Jan’s eyes and in turn, they spill onto Jackie’s cheeks, sharing her pain.

‘What were they saying, baby?’

Jackie wasn’t stupid, by any means. She’d seen the comments on Jan’s Instagram, and after one mid-afternoon shower turned into Jackie’s fists repeatedly hitting the tiles like a makeshift punch bag, she vowed to herself she wouldn’t bring it up to Jan, her own futile effort to protect her girlfriend from the cruel world of fandoms and stans and biggest fans.

Sure, she’d noticed Jan’s stomach was a little squishier, her tits more rounded, but Jackie still, always, though she was perfect, no matter what.

Jan gasps in a huge breath, holds the air in her lungs before her mouth is running like a runaway train. She tells Jackie everything. How the sight of her stomach makes her want to cry, how the way her thighs press together makes her feel like she’s suffocating, how Jackie makes her believe she’s beautiful but she can’t help but listen more to the guy on social media with 14 followers and a car that’s definitely not his as his profile picture, telling her that she needs to go on a diet.

Jackie’s in shock. Her whole body goes rigid, stiff to the touch and she hears nothing but Jan’s sobs vibrating through her ears. She’s so completely overwhelmed that it isn’t until Jan starts hiccupping, the lack of steady breathing but the steady fall of tears catching up to her, that Jackie zones back in and internally curses herself for not being in the moment.

Jan’s next coherent thought is that she’s being moved, lying down under the covers with Jackie pulling her head down to lay on Jackie’s now topless chest. The skin on skin contact is too much in her current state of sensitivity, and she whines, moving to instead lie next to Jackie.

Jackie knows she needs to give Jan a minute, but every second she’s not holding her whilst she’s this upset is torturous, and eventually when Jan’s hand starts seeking Jackie’s under the blankets, she pulls Jan into her arms and kisses her softly.

‘Jackie?’

‘What is it, baby?’

‘I’m so sorry.’

Jackie’s lips smash themselves into Jan’s, not wanting to hear anymore of Jan’s needless apologies. She curls an arm around Jan’s waist, pulling her closer until they’re pressed flush together, Jan laying on top of Jackie.

Jackie’s hand moves down Jan’s body until she reaches her bra, gently tugging on the strap to ask permission.

Jan’s brain goes into overdrive, and the desire to put a huge hoodie on to cover her body is insane, but then she remembers. This is Jackie. Her Jackie. Her Jackie doesn’t care about being able to fit two fingers around Jan’s wrist, how big her tits are, what dress size she wears. Her Jackie loves her, no matter what.

Jan nods and tries unsuccessfully to help Jackie remove her bra, as she grabs both of Jan’s wrists in her hand, and tells her ‘No, baby. Relax. Let me make you feel beautiful.’

Jackie rids herself of her jeans and flips them over, Jan now lying on a sea of pillows as she presses their chests together, intertwining their arms and legs, with just the lace of their panties separating their bodies. She cups Jan’s jaw, smiles at her with childlike innocence, yet X rated lust filters through her eyes as she wedges her thigh between Jan’s legs.

Jan lets out a breathy moan at the unexpected action, and attempts to grind down to gain friction. Jackie lets herself be used, reminds herself that this is all about Jan.

‘Let me tell you something, baby’ Jackie whispers as she moves up to hold Jan’s face.

‘You may not agree with me right now, but I want you to know how perfect you are, to me. From the top of your head to the soles of your feet. I need you to understand that you are beautiful, and nobody can tell you otherwise.’

There’s a stray tear leaking out of Jan’s left eye, and Jackie quickly swipes it before it can fall, and then she’s moving down Jan’s body to play with her quickly hardening nipples.

‘These tits, baby? Are so fucking sexy’ Jackie emphasises, swirling her tongue around Jan’s right nipple, taking it into her mouth and sucking to hear Jan let out a series of exquisite, high-pitched moans. ‘They look so good when you wear those dresses with the low neckline, but they look especially good like this.’ Jackie pinches Jan’s nipples, hard, and she almost screams in pleasure, but before she can plead with Jackie to do it again again again, Jackie’s lips are travelling down towards her stomach, pressing kisses into the soft skin. Her hands trace the lines of her curves, and Jan almost starts crying again at the tenderness and care of Jackie’s movements. This was probably Jan’s most hated area of her body, and she conveyed that to Jackie through her eyes falling closed, not wanting to look. ‘Do you know how comfy your stomach is to lay on, honey? So damn comfy. I swear you have the softest skin in the whole world,’ Jackie starts, punctuating each sentence with hundreds of little kisses to the area. Jan’s body jolts, and Jackie immediately stops, moving back up and cradling Jan’s head.

‘Baby, your jean size doesn’t define you.’

The tears return and Jackie holds her through it, stroking her hair soothingly and whispering comforting words of reassurance. Once she’s sure Jan is okay, she starts moving back down, towards Jan’s thighs, and looks up, mouthing an ‘Okay?’ to Jan, before she spreads her legs.

Jackie peppers kisses to the inside of Jan’s thighs, and much to the amusement of the girl above her, tells Jan that her favourite thing about her thighs is the way they bracket around her head. Jan laughs at that, but before too long, Jackie’s hand is inching towards the waistband of her knickers, and the huge, breathy moan that escapes Jan’s mouth when Jackie dips her fingers under it lets her know what she needs now.

‘Jan, you’re so gorgeous baby. Especially here.’

Her panties were on the floor, and so was her jaw. Jackie’s tongue circled her clit whilst two long fingers entered her and began scissoring her opening. The vibrations of Jackie humming around her clit made her moan brokenly, and she pushed down onto Jackie’s fingers, desperate to be filled. Jackie crooked a third into her and Jan was gone, back arching, hips bucking, hands shaking. Jackie licked her through it, her hands on Jan’s hips to ground her, an attempt to stop the girl from falling off the bed in her relentless pleasure.

Once Jan was settled, a dreamy smile and wide eyes, Jackie crawled up to Jan and wrapped her in her arms. ‘How you feeling, baby?’ Jackie questioned.

‘Beautiful.’

Jan wore crop tops and mini skirts for the next two weeks, figure hugging bodycon dresses and jeans her new go-to. She’d broken the antique mirror that night, and they replaced it with a new one that her and Jackie spent all afternoon gluing post-it notes to, little notes of encouragement. Jackie told her she was beautiful, every morning and night, even on harder days when despite her team working hard to filter through Jan’s comments, she’d see something and get upset.

It got better. Jan learned to love the body she was in.

It’s different now cause I love the mirror every time.