#like YA can in fact be good (though it's still directed at teens)

[starstuffandalotofcoffee]

this was a good read

[dracothedeatheatingcupcake-ao3]

Chapter 3 The Ultimate (Fake) Boyfriend

Hi guys!! Ahhh, my assessment of "I will post one chapter a day!!!" really went out the window, didn't it???? I'm sorry! I actually was editing this chapter and the next, and they, uh... needed quite a bit. Next chapter mostly. I was hoping that my edits would get me over my writer's block so I could at least finish chapter 4, but, uh... seems unlikely, oof. I've just not been in a writing mood recently, and while I still really like Danganronpa, I've been more into Danganronpa 2, ha. But I figured that since I wasn't posting for TPWM today, I might as well post the third chapter of this for those who were interested. ^-^

This chapter introduces more OC's, which I apologize for. That was one of my biggest challenges with this fic: so many different OC's. And I don't mind writing OC characters, but with so many, it gets a bit confusing as to who is who. If I were to ever finish and publish this story, I would post my list with everyone's names and info separately, so people could refer back to it from time to time if they got confused, especially in later chapters. I think it should be fine here, since not everyone is around.

Anyway! I hope y'all like this chapter. I had to edit it a lot from the original draft, and it is part of the reason I stopped writing this fic, but I've edited it enough that I'm happy with it now, I think. ^-^

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

By the time the car turns into a long driveway— the hour-long drive finally over— Mondo has managed to mostly stuff all of the roiling emotions down. They kept trying to crop up, over and over, but each time Mondo determinedly beat them back until they stayed nice and neat inside his little box. In fact, as they roll to a stop before the largest fucking house Mondo has ever seen, he’s actually feeling pretty good. Yeah, he’s gonna be a goddamn fish outta water, so painfully outta place it ain’t fucking funny, but hey. At least he has Taka. And as long as he has Taka, Mondo’s pretty sure he could walk through Hell and back and be perfectly fine. 

“Alright, boys, we’re here! Taka, if you wouldn’t mind, would you please go help your father get our things out of the trunk? Don’t bring them up to our usual room just yet, though. Auntie Hana decided to change up our typical bedroom arrangements yet again, so she’ll be directing us once we get inside. Mondo-san, as our guest you don’t need to do anything, but if you’d like you can help Taka and my husband with the bags,” Kiyoshi says brightly, shooting them a smile through the rearview mirror. Mondo carefully looks away from her overly fond look, not wanting to deal with that bullshit again, and shrugs casually. 

“Sure, I don’t mind helping. Come on, Taka. Let’s get going,” Mondo states, shooting Taka a lazy grin, honestly glad to be done with the fucking car ride. Don’t get him wrong, he doesn’t hate cars, it’s just… hogs are so much better it’s not even a contest. Why waste time in a cramped, enclosed space when you can be flying free down the road, wind in your goddamn hair? Mondo doesn’t know, truly. 

As he looks over at Taka, however, he feels a spike of concern hit him, causing all other thoughts to vanish. Taking in the familiar face, he can see that Taka looks too fucking pale, his skin almost ashen, and his eyes are wide and full of anxiety. His breath is also shallow, and the grip the teen has on his hand is so fucking tight, now that Mondo thinks about it. It makes his chest hurt to see it, and he can’t stop the way he shifts closer to Taka in the back seat, ignoring the adults who are talking to each other while getting out. They don’t fucking matter, not right now. 

“Hey, Kiyo. You… y-ya doin’ okay, man?” he mutters softly, his words meant for Taka and Taka alone. He sees the hall monitor bite his lip, his eyes darting briefly to his parents before darting back. 

“I… a-ah. D-do not worry about me, k-kareshi. I will be fine. Just… n-nervous. I’ve never had a guest over for the family gathering before and I just… I fear that something will go wrong. Terribly wrong,” Taka replies back after a moment, voice soft and unhappy. Mondo’s heart clenches, hating seeing Taka like this. Humming softly, he squeezes the teen’s hand tightly, hoping he can provide even a little comfort. 

“Yeah, I uh… I get what ya mean, Kiyo. But like I keep tellin’ ya, y’ain’t gotta worry man. ‘Course, I can’t guarantee that things won’t go wrong. I can’t exactly see the future, ya know. But the one thing I do know, without a shadow of a fu- uh. Fricken doubt is that no matter what happens, we’ll always have each other. Ain’t nothin’ gonna change that, Kiyo. Absolutely nothin’. So… uh. Yeah. There’s that.” 

Taka’s eyes begin to water again at his statement, the hall monitor sniffling as he gives him a shaky— and yet still extremely grateful— smile. 

“I… y-yes. Y-yes you… you’re right! We… w-we will always have one another! N-no matter what!” Taka does his best to exclaim, though Mondo can hear how his voice wavers. But that’s okay. Baby steps. 

“Hell yeah, that’s the spirit, ky-kareshi! Now, c’mon man. Let’s go get the bags now, okay? We, uh… we can talk more later,” he mutters with a significant look. Taka nods slowly, and Mondo thinks the teen understands his meaning that they can talk about this fucking con job when they’re alone later. If they get a chance to be alone later. Which he so fucking hopes they do, god fucking damn…

He gets pulled from his musing when he feels Taka pull on his hand, causing him to instinctively tighten the hold. Taka laughs weakly when Mondo tilts his head in confusion at him, the teen looking at their hands pointedly. 

“Ah, kareshi. I cannot exactly get out of the car to help father with our bags if you do not let go of my hand,” Taka says with a small smile, his eyes softer than they had been. And while Mondo feels a little (okay, a lot) embarrassed that he’s still fucking holding Taka’s hand, he can’t find it in him to mind too much. Not when Taka finally looks at least somewhat closer to normal. Whatever ‘normal’ is for the uptight and high strung hall monitor. 

With a muffled curse, Mondo lets go of the pleasantly warm and surprisingly soft hand, smiling sheepishly. Taka must moisturize, Mondo thinks absently as he watches the teen give him one final bright smile, before finally exiting the car. Mondo then promptly shakes the thought out of his head, knowing how fucking stupid it is, and quickly follows after his kyoudai. 

Outside the car, Mondo can’t help but let his eyes slide over to the old and almost overwhelmingly large house before them, a small frown forming on his lips. He slides his eyes all around it, sizing it up to try and form an opinion on it. It’s… well, it’s nice he guesses, if a little run down. It’s a traditional Japanese style house, with wide windows, cream colored walls, and dark brown wooden accents. The roof is sloping dark tile, with little ornaments scattered around. Mondo can see some signs of wear, like stains and some moss growing on the walls, but overall he must admit it’s very beautiful. And very large. Taka told him earlier this week that it’s been in his family for generations, each generation adding onto the house until it became a large, sprawling masterpiece. Mondo knows that Taka is awfully fond of it, telling many happy memories of his times here as a child, so he’s honestly quite intrigued by this place. 

The thing Mondo is most interested in, however, is the small forest he can see peeking out from behind the house. Taka has only told him a little about it, since apparently the teen never spent much time in it as he was always afraid of it as a child, but Mondo is almost itching to head in and explore. A little known fact about him is that he’s always had a fondness for nature and trees, mostly due to the fact that Dai used to take him to a forest near their old apartment whenever their old man was a bit too violent and they needed an escape. They’d spend hours in that forest, walking the trails, exploring the lakes and ponds. They stopped doing that kind of shit once they started their gang, since they never had the time, but Mondo has never forgotten how much he used to love doing that shit with his brother. And hey. Maybe he can somehow convince Taka to brave his fears to head in there with him sometime… shit, wouldn’t that be nice… 

Mondo is brought back to the present when he hears the trunk of the car unlatching, his head turning instinctively to face that direction. He watches for a moment as Taka and Takaaki begin removing the various bags and suitcases, before ambling over. Might as well help out, he figures, since it’s not like he has anything better to do. 

As he walks up he can see that Taka is struggling to remove his own bag, though the teen takes a quick break to look up at him and smile. 

“Ah, hello kareshi! You can feel free to look around if you’d like! Father and I can handle this!” Taka declares, before promptly turning back to continue trying (and failing) to wrestle the unwieldy suitcase out of the pitifully small trunk. With a smirk, Mondo reaches around his friend and grabs the suitcase with one hand, privately relishing in Taka’s squawk of indignation. He has to fight to keep his smirk on his face when he goes to lift the suitcase and almost throws out his shoulder, it’s so fucking heavy. Not too heavy for him, of course, he can lift upwards of 100 kilos without breaking a sweat thanks to Nidai’s training, but fuck was he not expecting the bag to weigh a goddamn ton. 

“Jesus Christ, dude, the hell did you put in this thing?” Mondo grunts as he bends his knees to lift the bag, getting it out and on the pavement with only a little struggle. Taka pouts at him for the comment, crossing his arms with a humph. Heh. Adorable.

“I could have handled that perfectly fine on my own, Mondo!” Taka huffs, glaring when Mondo lets out a bark of laughter. Oh, he has no doubt that the teen is correct, since Taka is surprisingly ripped for a nerd, but something about Taka’s indignation just tickles him. It always does. “What?! It’s true! And to answer your question, kareshi, I have all of my essential items! My uniforms, my personal hygiene items, my summer work… and, of course, all of our school textbooks for this year, as well as our textbooks from last year, just in case they are needed for any of the summer problems! And some books I checked out from the library to cross reference if needed! Like I said, the essentials!” 

Mondo laughs loudly at the earnest declaration, knowing that Taka is being one hundred percent serious right now. The teen’s pout grows deeper, and a spark of actual hurt begins to rise in Taka’s eyes, so Mondo lets his eyes soften and his smile turn gentle. He ignores any possible discomfort at allowing his affection to be visibly seen, focusing on making Taka realize he’s not making fun of him. Not at all. Not ever. 

“Only you, Kiyo. Only you,” he mutters fondly, looking Taka deep in the eyes. The look lingers for a long moment, Taka’s face going slack and his eyes going wide with shock, and fuck does Mondo like it. So fucking much…

He eventually looks away when the moment stretches on a bit too long for his liking, grabbing his duffel from the trunk as casually as he can manage. He then promptly stiffens when he sees Takaaki standing beside the car, once again looking like he’d just been force-fed a lemon. As soon as the man notices his gaze, however, his face smooths into an expressionless mask, leaving Mondo to wonder which is worse, exactly…

“If you two are done, we should head into the house now. Bring your bags with you,” Takaaki says shortly, words clipped. He then turns on his heel and stiffly marches to the house without a word more, his own bag over his shoulder. Mondo darts a glance to Taka, who’s face is light pink with embarrassment. Mondo doesn’t blame him, since he doubts his face is much different. 

“A-ah, I… forgot he was there,” Taka mumbles awkwardly, shooting him a glance. Mondo grimaces in return, raising his hand to rub his neck. Yeah, he, uh… he did too, honestly. He opens his mouth to say this but before he can reply, Taka snaps out of his embarrassment and looks towards the house, grabbing the handle of his suitcase in his hand. “Well! Regardless, we should do as he said! It wouldn’t do to keep everyone waiting needlessly!” 

Seeing as he has no objection to that, Mondo nods and follows after the hall monitor, giving Kiyoshi a slightly awkward smile as they approach the woman, who is standing at the foot of the house. She smiles back, though she doesn’t say anything in return and instead just begins heading up the front steps with Takaaki beside her. Mondo allows himself one second to breathe deeply and stuff back down the anxiety that keeps trying to crop up, before he follows Taka up the stairs. 

He then smirks as he sees the hall monitor struggle getting his suitcase over the first step, snickering as he leans down to pick up the heavy ass thing to carry it up the stairs for the teen. He can see Taka glaring at him from the corner of his eye, but he doesn’t really care. Taka can pout all he wants; Mondo will always help the dude out when it’s easily in his ability to do such a thing. That’s just what a good bro does. 

By the time Mondo has managed to get the heavy ass suitcase to the main deck, Kiyoshi has already knocked on the heavy wood door, her smile bright as she holds her husband’s arm, looking like a kid on fucking Christmas. He can feel his anxiety try to crop back up, his heart beginning to race with it, and he promptly shoves it back the fuck down. Again. Stupid ass anxiety. He doesn’t fucking need to deal with that shit on top of everything, thanks. 

Unfortunately, he can’t quite make it go away fully, though fuck does he try. To his displeasure, it just gets worse a moment later when he hears the latch of the lock click, his throat running dry as he realizes that this is fucking it. He knows that not everyone will be there immediately, since the arrivals will be scattered throughout this day and the next, but still. He’s gonna at least be meeting his kyoudai’s fucking grandma and great aunt, two people he knows are so fucking important to his kyoudai. If they don’t like him, then… then… s-shit…

It’s as the door is opening slowly— so slow that Mondo wonders if the world has been put into slow motion, Jesus— that he feels a now familiar warmth brush his. He doesn’t even think as he grabs the hand with his own, twining their fingers immediately. He can feel Taka squeeze his hand comfortingly, and to his surprise it… it fucking helps. A lot. He can feel his anxiety fade, and while he’s still a little nervous, it ain’t as bad. Not when he’s reminded that no matter what, he still has Taka. That— luck permitting— he’ll always have Taka. And that? Is all that fucking matters.

And so, even when the door finally opens fully and he can see a lined, elderly face jutting out, familiar red eyes sharp and shrewd as they stare out at them, Mondo can’t quite feel the anxiety that tries to take hold inside him. Yes, he knows it’s still there, but it’s not quite as bad. Especially not when he feels Taka squeeze his hand again, as tight as humanly possible. It honestly kind of hurts, but Mondo doesn’t care. He just… he doesn’t care. 

“Mama!” Kiyoshi cries suddenly, her voice bright and happy. She then flings herself forward, her arms wrapping around the elderly lady standing in the doorway, warm and loving. 

Ah, Mondo thinks, looking between the two ladies. So, that’s Taka’s grandma, huh? He honestly doesn’t know how to feel about that. From what Taka has told him, his grandma is warm and loving to her family, but can be overly harsh to those she does not approve of. She’s apparently never been particularly fond of Takaaki, doubly so after the scandal, which has added a lot of tension in the family. If he doesn’t earn her approval… well. Shit. While he may not actually be dating Taka, part of him does kinda hope that his family will still like him. After all, he does really wanna be in Taka’s life for the rest of his, even if it’s just in a platonic light. It would be awkward as fuck if his family hated him all that time. 

“Kiyoshi, my daughter… it is so, so good to see you. It has been far too long,” Taka’s grandma, Kichi, says, her voice stronger than Mondo would have expected. She looks like a typical Japanese grandmother; her hair is pure white, her face is full of lines and age spots, and Mondo can see a cane held in her right hand even as she holds her daughter. But her voice is strong and sturdy, belying her age. 

“I know, mama. I wish I could visit more often. I’ve missed you,” Kiyoshi mumbles into her ma’s shoulder, and Mondo shuffles, feeling a bit awkward watching the scene. He always feels awkward when around loving families, since he never knows what the fuck to do. It also hurts, but that goes without fucking saying. 

Thankfully, the embrace ends soon enough, Kichi pulling back from the hug and giving her daughter a small but happy smile. Her eyes dart away from her daughter then, her face hardening as they land on something. To Mondo’s surprise, it’s not him she’s looking at with such distaste like he would have thought. Huh. 

“Yes, well. That’s not exactly your fault, now is it Kiyo?” Kichi intones, her lips turned downward in a slight sneer as she looks at Takaaki, the man looking the most uncomfortable Mondo has ever seen him. And honestly, Mondo doesn’t blame the man. He’s only been around her for less than a minute and he can already tell that Kichi is not the kind of lady you want to be on the bad side of. 

“Yes. It’s good to see you too, mother,” Takaaki replies stiffly, bowing lowly in respect. If he was hoping to get the lady to soften her death glare, he fails miserably, as her look gets somehow even more pinched. Well. This ain’t at all awkward…

“Mama. We’ve talked about this. Please don’t bring this up yet again. This is a time for family, not arguments. And besides. We have a guest today,” Kiyoshi stresses, darting her eyes over to Mondo conspicuously. Oh, fuck, why the hell did she have to go and do that for… oh, shit, now Kichi is looking over at him too, her eyes narrowing even more as she looks him up and down, her lips pulling down in a harsh frown, and Mondo has no hope that whatever she sees in him she likes. He can feel his heart rise to his throat and not even Taka’s reassuring squeeze to his hand can force it back down. Sh… shit. God fucking dammit… 

Trying desperately to remember all of the shit Daiya taught him about being ‘polite’ when he was younger (that he never bothers to fucking use, because who the fuck expects a goddamn biker to be fucking polite), Mondo bows lowly like he saw Takaaki do. Forcing his voice to go as ‘polite’ and ‘respectable’ as possible, he tries to give a greeting that won’t fuck him over before he even has a chance to really begin. 

“Hello, Gushiken-san. My name is Mondo Owada. It is very nice to meet you. I have heard many good things about you and it honors me greatly to meet you at last,” Mondo says as clearly and articulately as is physically possible. He’s been practicing all week for this and his heart is pounding as his mouth shuts with a silent click, his body still bent nearly in half in his bow. He has no idea when he should stop bowing or if he’s bending too much or too little or… s-shit, he’s fucking this up ain’t he, he’s already ruined everything, oh god, oh fuck, shit-

“Are you going to remain bent over all day or are you planning on straightening your back at some point?” he hears that deceptively strong voice call, the tone clipped and extremely short. Mondo straightens up immediately, his cheeks pink while embarrassment rises within him. With it he can feel the all too familiar anger, but he stuffs that right the fuck down before it can even rear its ugly head. He ain’t doing that shit, dear fucking god. Talk about ruining shit…

As his eyes land on the lady, his palms begin to sweat, heart pounding at the critical look upon her face as she looks him up and down, up and down. Mondo is still holding Taka’s hand and he can see how Kichi’s eyes linger upon the clasped appendages, her frown deepening. Shit…

“So. You are my Taka’s boyfriend, hm? I see…” Kichi muses, continuing her appraisal seemingly without rush. Mondo fights hard to not fidget or even really move at all as she looks her fill. This isn’t nearly the first time he’s been judged and found lacking, but it is prolly the first time that he wasn’t able to immediately rectify the situation, either by punching whatever fuckers would dare insult him, or else by barking insults at them and storming away without a single glance back. He can’t do either here and the unease inside him grows larger and larger with each second that passes. Shit… he’s always fucking hated being judged by people… like, he knows, he knows, he’s a goddamn piece of shit who ain’t gonna do shit with his life. He gets it. He knows. He doesn’t need fucking judgmental people telling him that… 

“Mama,” Kiyoshi interrupts sternly after about five seconds of this, sounding more annoyed than Mondo has ever heard her, “that’s enough. Like I said, Mondo-san is here as a guest, and we should treat him as such. I really do not want any more arguments this year. Please, Mama.” 

Kichi gets a pinched look on her face then, giving Mondo one final piercing look, before nodding sharply once and stepping back into the house. 

“Fine. Come in, then. Hana will inform you of the infernal changes she has made to the living arrangements. Against my wishes, mind you,” Kichi grumbles, taking her cane and slowly making her way into the body of the house. 

Once Kichi is out of their line of sight, Kiyoshi turns to face him, a small, sad smile on her lips. 

“Are you alright, Mondo-san? I understand that my mother can be a bit… intense at times. More so now after papa sadly passed a few years ago. If she ever says anything harsh to you, please let me know and I will have a talk with her. You are our guest and— more importantly— you are Taka’s love. I wish for you to feel welcome here.” 

The lump reforms in his throat, and he harshly pushes it down as he smiles and shrugs as casually as he can. 

“Oh, uh… don’t worry about me, uh… Kiyoshi-san. I can handle things like that. Not like it’s the first time,” Mondo mumbles, his cheeks turning pink. He forces himself to not look at the ground, knowing that would show weakness that he absolutely cannot afford. Unfortunately, looking at Kiyoshi allows him to see the sympathetic look that forms on the lady’s face, which is almost worse. 

“Ah, Mondo-san… well, you should not have to worry about such a thing here, and if you ever feel unwelcome for any reason, please come to me and I will handle it promptly. You are family, Mondo-san. And you are a good person. The things you may or may not have done in the past do not matter in the face of that,” she says softly, earnestly, so much like Taka it’s not funny. His chest aches so fucking bad in that moment, his hand clutching Taka’s tighter than he knows he should, but the hall monitor doesn’t complain. He just holds tightly back, looking at him in a way Mondo both dislikes and likes for vastly different reasons. 

Fortunately, he’s not expected to respond, since Kiyoshi turns back to the door and begins entering the house after a moment. “Anyway, we should head inside now. Come when you both are ready.” 

She and Takaaki enter the house then, though Takaaki looks just about as uncomfortable as Mondo feels. And Mondo definitely doesn’t blame the dude. Taka’s grandma sure is… shit. Daiya always told him not to speak bad about little old ladies, but man… 

“Are you doing alright, Mondo? I- I know you just answered that, but I… I just wanted to make sure,” Taka murmurs to him as soon as his parents are out of sight, his thumb rubbing a soothing circle on the back of his hand. Mondo gives the teen a tight smile, shrugging yet again. 

“Shit, man, I… I dunno. Ain’t exactly like I’m used ta shit like this. Give me a fuckin’ all out brawl an’ I’ll be just fine. Little ol’ ladies who hate me based on looks alone? Shit… but whatever, man. Already promised ya I’d do this shit, an’ I ain’t backin’ out now. I’ll handle it. An’ ya know, ya don’t hafta keep askin’ if I’m okay. Shit’s gonna get old fast. I… shit. How ‘bout this. I promise that if I ever am not doin’ okay, I’ll tell ya as soon as fuckin’ possible. Okay?” Mondo mumbles in reply, eyes intent on his kyoudai. Taka stares back for a handful of moments, before looking away with a firm nod. 

“I… of course, kyoudai. I would hate to bother you, so if you do not want me asking, I promise I will not! And I will trust that you will tell me if it ever becomes too much! And I… I promise I will do the same! Just… know that I am here for you, my friend. And that I personally think you are amazing. Very much so!” 

Mondo lets out a small laugh at Taka’s enthusiastic words, his smile turning genuine at the teen’s seemingly endless passion. He gives Taka one last squeeze of the hand before letting go, feeling a touch reluctant, but he knows he has to. Hoisting his duffel up his shoulder, he nods to Taka to indicate that the hall monitor should go ahead of him. Taka nods back enthusiastically and takes the handle of his suitcase, pulling it along behind him as they enter the house together. Mondo can still feel the unease inside of him, but it’s not that hard to push it down. 

Mondo follows Taka through the large and spacious entrance hall, taking his shoes off and placing them in the wooden box by the door like Taka does. It takes Taka a lot longer than Mondo, considering the teen wears the most ridiculously complicated boots Mondo has ever seen, but he doesn’t mind. Taka always takes stupidly long to do shit and Mondo has learned how to be patient for that kinda shit by now. It used to annoy him to no end, but now he finds it almost comforting. It just shows that Taka will always, inevitably, be Taka. And there’s no one in this world that Mondo would ever want his kyoudai to be. 

After Taka is finally done, Mondo follows the hall monitor down a few spacious hallways— passed some rooms that Mondo looks into curiously but doesn’t focus on too much— until they reach a doorway to a room that has the sound of many voices echoing out. Mondo pauses briefly when he sees Taka slip inside, heart skipping a beat despite himself, but he mentally slaps himself and forces himself onward. Daiya didn’t raise no little bitch, he tells himself harshly. He can handle this shit. It’s fucking fine. 

He firmly ignores the pounding of his heart as he walks into the room, which he is somewhat relieved to find is not as full as he would have expected, only maybe seven or eight people— including Taka’s parents and grandma— either standing or sitting around. But he knows for a fact that this ain’t everyone and sooner or later, he’ll have to deal with the entire brood. Fuck…

“Taka! Oh my god, it’s so good to see you again little Cuz!” a random, feminine sounding voice bursts out, breaking the momentary silence that had descended around the room. Mondo then watches as a chick— prolly in her early twenties, he guesses, based on the brief glimpse he gets of her face— throws herself at his kyoudai, her arms wrapping around him immediately. Mondo smirks when he sees Taka’s eyes widen, his hands hovering awkwardly before they hesitantly pat the chick’s back. Ha. Taka’s always been so fucking awkward with hugs. It’s so fucking cute. It took Mondo months to get Taka use to the occasional hug from him, and fuck, is he proud that Taka is comfortable being hugged and touched by him now.

“A-ah! H-hello, Yoshi! It’s good to see you too, cousin!” Taka stammers out awkwardly, though his voice sounds genuine. And with the name, Mondo is able to realize who this chick is. One of Taka’s second cousins, the one who has the new baby. Taka had mentioned that they are fairly close, which Mondo supposes explains the hug.

Yoshi pulls back from the hug pretty quick, though her smile is wide as she looks up at Taka, seeming to be genuinely happy to see his kyoudai. And Taka looks at her similarly, which makes Mondo smile too. Fuck, but he likes seeing Taka happy… the dude’s not happy often enough, in Mondo’s mind. 

“You’ve grown so much, Cuz! Ugh, you’re making me feel so old! I still remember holding you as a little baby, you screaming your little head off as soon as Auntie Kiyo let you go. Now look at us. You’re a big shot Ultimate Moral Compass at Hope’s freaking Peak, and I have two little kids, a husband, and a gosh darn career. When did we get so old, Cuz?” Yoshi bemoans, shaking her head sadly as she pouts at Taka. In return, Taka lets out a peal of laughter, his eyes crinkling like they always do when he laughs. It makes Mondo’s smile widen, adoring the laugh like he always does. What, it’s not weird, alright?! A dude can like his bro’s laugh! Nothing strange about it… 

“Ah! I would assume sometime between the last seventeen and twenty-five years!” Taka exclaims, his eyes lighting up as he says his little ‘joke,’ darting a glance at Mondo. Who, of course, immediately snorts with laughter, his eyes soft as he grins back at Taka, the hall monitor looking so fucking proud of himself. Mondo notices that no one else laughs, Yoshi even looking a little confused, but he doesn’t care. Taka’s fucking hysterical when he jokes around, as earnest and enthusiastic as he always is, even if the joke itself doesn’t make much sense. The fact that no one else thinks so is what baffles Mondo. 

“Nice one, man,” Mondo can’t help but say, heart light as Taka grins at him, looking so utterly adorable, good god. To his displeasure, Mondo gets distracted from tracing Taka’s features when he hears someone gasp loudly, before footsteps sound. Footsteps that appear to be approaching him, shit. 

Immediately on alert, Mondo turns to face the noise, back stiff and straight, only to blink in confusion when he sees a wide eyed chick staring straight at him. Blinking, he lets his eyes trace her features, frowning slightly. Her face is small and rounded, her nose and lips equally small, but her eyes— which are a deep, mahogany brown— are large as they stare at him unblinking. It’s… actually kinda creepy, honestly… uh…

“Okay, as touching as this little reunion is— and as happy as I am to see you little cousin— I am afraid that this fine specimen has yet to be introduced. Who are you and where exactly have you been all my life???” the chick exclaims, fluttering her eyelashes at him in a way he thinks is supposed to be alluring, but just looks kind of silly to him.

“Uh…” Mondo says intelligently, blinking in shock at the forwardness of the chick. He doesn’t get a chance to say anything more before the chick is ‘causally’ leaning forward, her hand ‘accidentally’ brushing his bicep and squeezing. Okay, ya know what… 

“My name is Miki Sano, but you can call me the girl of your dreams if you’d like,” the chick continues, her smile decidedly flirty. Mondo distantly recognizes the name as one Taka had told him, realizing that this chick is the perpetually single younger sister of Yoshi, but that doesn’t help him at all. He still feels absolutely floored, having no idea what the fuck to do. This isn’t exactly a situation he’s ever found himself in, really. And it’s not like he’s never been hit on before, right? He has once or twice. It’s just that usually the chicks aren’t this forward, since most chicks are scared off by his typical get up, and the ones who approach tend to be put off by his blunt demeanor. He guesses it’s a little flattering, but mostly it’s just awkward…

Thankfully, before he has to try and think of something intelligible to say, Taka is there, frowning as he stares at the hand still clinging to Mondo’s bicep. Oh, thank fuck… 

“A-ah, Miki! I, er… I- I ask you to please refrain from doing that!” Taka exclaims, though his voice is a bit too hesitant to have any real effect. Case in point, Miki just raises an eyebrow at him, head tilted curiously. Her hand is still clutching his arm, though, and Mondo has to fight not to shake her off, not comfortable with the touch at all. He’s never liked people touching him without permission and this is no exception. Shit, but if he weren’t trying to impress Taka’s family…

“Oh? And why not, little cousin? I don’t see why I shouldn’t. Unless… oh, wait… he isn’t taken is he?” 

Taka bites his lip harshly at the somewhat downtrodden question, eyes darting between him and Miki. After a second, Taka nods, though he doesn’t look very certain. Ah… shit… he truly hopes Taka isn’t about to blow their cover before they even really begin, goddamn…

“Ah, well… w-well… y-yes! He- he is, um, taken, so to speak! F-for you see, he is, um… I mean, that is to say, he is my… m-my- um… uh…”

“I’m Taka’s boyfriend,” Mondo interrupts when it becomes clear that Taka cannot continue, the teen’s face bright red and looking painfully uncertain and uncomfortable. He shoots Taka a glance that he intends to mean ‘calm the fuck down, dude, just act natural,’ but he doesn’t know how well Taka understands it. If anything, Taka looks more freaked out now, not less. Aw, shit…

The effect of his words on the room is instantaneous though, as a collective gasp is heard all around. He knows that everyone in Taka’s family knows he’s gay after he came out during winter, the word spreading quickly between those who had not been around during his initial announcement. He guesses based on this reaction that only a select few were told that Taka would be bringing his ‘boyfriend’ with him for the gathering. Well, shit. That’s fucking awkward. 

“You’re what?!” Miki bursts out after a moment of shocked silence, sounding absolutely floored. “I’m sorry, are you telling me that Taka— nerdy, dorky little Taka— somehow managed to score a hunk like you?! And I can’t even manage to score a fricken date with anyone?! What the hell!” 

Offense rises within Mondo at the words, his eyes narrowing as he glares at the chick. Because… okay, what the fuck is that supposed to mean, huh?!

“Hey! The hell ya mean by that?!” Mondo growls lowly, unable to keep it in. He watches as Miki’s eyes widen, the chick finally letting go of his arm to take a step back. While part of him feels a bit bad for scaring the chick, most of him feels fucking relieved that at least he doesn’t have to put up with that bullshit anymore. 

“N-nothing!” Miki stammers, eyes darting between him and Taka. “Just… it’s Taka… you know? Mom told us he came out over winter— which I fully support by the way! Go gay rights!!— but, uh… I mean, I never would have thought he’d, you know… actually get a boyfriend… I mean, mostly because he always said he wasn’t interested in dating, so… y-yeah.” 

Mondo’s shoulders relax a little at the comment, realizing that she’s kind of right, even if he still doesn’t quite like the way she said that shit. But honestly… he can kinda get it. He would also be shocked if he heard Taka got a boyfriend after all the insisting he’s done about how he’s uninterested in things like that. Not that it’d surprise him that someone would fall for his highly lovable and endearing kyoudai, definitely not! He’d be more surprised if anyone didn’t immediately fall for the dude, to tell the truth. Just… it’s more that he wouldn’t think Taka would want that sort of thing. Which the dude clearly doesn’t. Which is why he’s fucking here in the first place. Not that anyone else knows that, but still… 

“As fascinating as this interaction is, I believe we have more important things to deal with at the moment. Such as, perhaps, introductions,” a wry, aged voice calls out suddenly, cutting through the somewhat tense silence that has arisen in the room. Mondo’s head instinctively turns to face the foreign voice, his back stiffening immediately. Because standing by the entrance of the room, at least a good forty centimeters shorter than himself, stands someone who Mondo can only assume is Taka’s infamous Great Aunt Hana, her eyes shrewd as they stare at him. She looks similar to her sister, with piercing red eyes that seem to stare deep into his soul, though she seems less disapproving and more… curious. Maybe. Or maybe he’s just seeing what he wants to see, really… 

“I think Auntie Hana is right,” Yoshi calls, looking sternly at her younger sister, “introductions are what are more important right now. But, for the record, I have no problem believing that little Taka has a boyfriend. He’s a wonderful person and anyone who can’t see that must be blind.”

Mondo grins at the words, nodding his head firmly in agreement. Hell yeah, that’s right! That’s the kinda shit he’d been saying for months! Damn, he thinks he and this Yoshi chick are gonna get alone just fine, heh… he can see Taka’s bright red face when he turns to look at the dude and while he had intended on looking only briefly, he can’t quite seem to tear his eyes away… 

“Anyway! My name is Yoshi Winters, I am one of Taka’s many cousins. It is a pleasure to meet you, Taka’s boyfriend,” Yoshi continues after a second, her eyes shining mischievously as they look at him. Mondo’s face heats up when he catches the look after finally tearing his eyes away from his kyoudai, feeling oddly nervous about something. Whatever, it don’t matter… “My husband, Alex, is currently upstairs with our two children, who are sleeping after the long car ride. I’m sure they’ll be up soon enough, eager to meet new people. Just a warning; my eldest— Samantha— is very much a talker and if she gets you in her sights, you will be subjected to an hour long rambling conversation about subjects only she understands.” 

“Sounds like a conversation with Taka,” Mondo mumbles under his breath, smirking as he looks up at the teen next to him. He makes sure to keep his eyes and smirk soft to ensure the dude doesn’t think he’s making fun of him, since he most definitely isn’t. At all. He can see Taka’s pout and glare, but he can also see a softness in return in his eyes, so he thinks Taka understands that he doesn’t mean it in a bad way. Not at all. 

Yoshi must have heard his comment since she’s smirking as well, her eyes lit up with that mischievous light again. She doesn’t comment on it and instead just continues to look at him, her head tilted pointedly in his direction. Ah… fuck. It’s his turn to introduce himself, ain’t it…? Fuck. 

Straightening his back as much as he can, he looks around the room and smiles as nicely as is possible. Which he knows isn’t that great, his smile has always looked a bit awkward, but whatever, he can’t fix that shit now. 

“It’s nice to meet you, Yoshi, and I am honored to have been invited to this family gathering,” Mondo says the practiced words carefully, forcing his voice to be as strong and assured as possible. He knows he could do better, though, shit… “My name is… uh. My name is Mondo Owada. Taka and I go to school together. It’s good to meet you all.” 

As soon as his name has left his lips, he can see the effect it has on both Miki and Yoshi. While before they’d been looking at him curiously (and a little sullenly, in Miki’s case), after he says his name, he can see their eyes widen, both chicks gasping softly and taking half a step back. It’s so fucking clear they recognize his name and are now fucking afraid of him, like everyone fucking is. He can feel their eyes as they dart back and forth between him and Taka, and it makes him feel like utter shit. 

He does all he can to shove it down, not wanting to ruin shit anymore, but he can’t help the discontent that rises inside of him at the fearful glances. It just gets worse when he hears Taka’s aunt let out a soft hum, the lady looking him up and down curiously, though she doesn’t seem disapproving. Though, again… maybe that’s just wishful fucking thinking… 

“Mondo Owada, hm? An interesting name,” Hana muses, causing Mondo’s stomach to clench uneasily. Shit… Hana pauses for a second, letting the moment sit, before continuing, voice a bit brighter than before. Maybe. 

“You are well met. My name is Hana Masuda, though you may call me Auntie Hana if you would like. Most people do. This is my husband, Akiro Masuda,” Hana gestures to a silent man Mondo hadn’t noticed before, who is standing to her right. The man bows slightly in greeting, Mondo bowing equally in return. It makes Hana smile, small as it is, and Mondo can only hope he didn’t mess this entire thing up. “So, you are Taka’s boyfriend, then? You are not what I imagined you to be.” 

The words cause Mondo to wince despite himself, shoulders bunching up with tension. Because… shit. Yeah, he’s not what he’d imagine Taka’s boyfriend to be like either… heh. 

And then…

“Hmph. I’ll say. He looks like a thug.” 

Mondo can feel his body tense more than it has all day, his heart beating quick at the all too familiar insult. His wide eyes dart over to the source of the words, his hands clenching when he sees Taka’s grandmother giving him a shrewd, clearly disapproving look. Well. If he was at all wondering whether she actually approved of him or not…

Chest tight and throat thick, Mondo watches dully as Kiyoshi rounds on her mother, eyes full of a silent fury he’s only ever seen his kyoudai have, the glare as impressive as Taka’s always has been. It honestly makes Mondo feel worse. Oh, fuck… 

“Mama! How on earth could you say such a thing?! That is not at all true and it is very disrespectful to say something so hurtful towards a guest!” Kiyoshi cries, tone very unhappy. Mondo clenches his hands as tight as he dares, his chest aching like a bitch, though he forces himself not to focus on it. He knew this was going to happen. He knew Taka’s family would never accept him, knew they’d see him as nothing more than a no good, criminal thug. Taka’s old man does, so why wouldn’t the rest of them? It’s not a surprise. It really isn’t. 

He wishes it didn’t hurt quite so badly, though…

“Oh? And why exactly shouldn’t I say that daughter? It’s not like what I said is untrue. We all know full well who he is, so why pretend otherwise?” 

Taka stiffens up next to him, the dude clearly feeling indignant on Mondo’s behalf, and Mondo wishes he could tell him not to bother. That it’s okay. That Mondo… that Mondo gets it. Yeah, it sucks balls, and he wishes shit was different, but the fact remains that he’s a goddamn piece of shit who’s done some horrible things in his life. It’s not other people’s fault when they see that and judge him accordingly. Why Taka sees anything in him at all, Mondo has no clue. He doesn’t deserve it. Christ knows he doesn’t deserve it. 

He’s never deserved Taka. Never. 

Shit like this is why he never thought of having anything more than this with Taka, though. More than… than what they have. It’s already more than he deserves. Anything more than that, and… shit. Shit. He can’t be thinking this shit.

“Kichi, that is enough. This is not the time for arguments, little sister. It does not do to judge a person on looks alone, as you well know. A person’s character requires more time to be determined,” Hana interjects before anything else can be said, her voice hard and unyielding. Mondo doesn’t even know what to think of it, as twisted as his insides feel. “Now, it has been a long day for all of us. I believe it would be good to allow our guests to retreat to their rooms and freshen up before dinner in an hour. Is that understood?” 

Despite himself, Mondo finds his eyes darting up when a thick silence descends around the room, feeling somewhat anxious as he looks over at Hana. He watches as the lady stares steadily at her sister, who is glaring steadily back. After a moment of this staring contest, Kichi grimaces and looks away, annoyance plain on her face. 

“Very well, ane. If that is what you think to be best,” Kichi grumbles, every inch the disgruntled granny she is. Mondo would find it amusing that even old ladies bow down to the demands of older siblings, but he’s not really in the mood to find anything amusing, really… 

He jolts a second later when he feels a gentle hand touch his shoulder, eyes wide as he looks up into soft, concerned scarlet. They are watery and are bleeding their emotions like always, and it takes Mondo’s breath away, his heart clenching pathetically. He can see a small, shaky smile rise on pale lips in his lower periphery, the eyes he’s still staring into speaking volumes that he can barely understand. He tries his hardest to smile back, but he can feel how shaky and unstable it is. His weakness shames him and he thinks that Taka would be so much better off without him. 

But Taka… Taka doesn’t seem to care. Taka just beams at him, his eyes lighting up like a goddamn Christmas tree, and it makes his heart hurt even worse. But it also… it also helps. Seeing Taka smile at him, having him so close, so near… it reminds him once more that no one else fucking matters. That it doesn’t matter if the whole world hates him, just as long as Taka doesn’t. As long as he has Taka… that’s all that fucking matters. He just has to hope that he never angers Taka enough to make the hall monitor hate him again… he honestly doesn’t know if he could handle that. He truly doesn’t. 

“Very well then. I shall explain the changes I have made,” Hana asserts after a moment of silence, her sharp eyes darting over to him and Taka briefly, head tilted curiously. Mondo doesn’t really notice it, though. He’s too busy looking at Taka, who looks steadily back. “Kiyoshi, you and your husband will be in your old room like usual. However, I felt that Taka and his boyfriend may wish to have more privacy than sleeping on your bedroom floor, so I cleared out an old closet that I believe should be big enough for them to share if they want it.” 

Hana pauses, before addressing him and Taka directly, eyes sharp on them again.

“It’s not much, but it’s the best I have to offer if you two wish for privacy. It’s up to you both if you wish to sleep there or sleep on the floor of your parent’s room.”

Taka looks away from him then— to Mondo’s private displeasure— and gives his aunt a wide-eyed look. 

“A-ah! I am certain the closet will be fine, Great Aunt Hana! You have my humblest thanks!” Taka exclaims, bowing slightly. It makes Mondo smile, his shoulders relaxing again as he looks at his kyoudai. He can still feel eyes on him, judging him, but he forces himself not to focus on it. He’s just here to pretend to be Taka’s boyfriend. It doesn’t matter if his family doesn’t like him, it’s not like they’re actually dating. Shit, if anything it’s better if they don’t like him. It means they’ll all prolly be glad when they ‘break up,’ and maybe that relief will make them feel more charitable towards him when they ‘go back’ to being just friends. Silver fucking linings and all that. 

Mondo watches dully as Hana smiles at Taka, her eyes soft and fond as she looks at the teen. She nods her head once and begins moving towards the doorway, clearly expecting them to follow her, her gait steady and even.

“Come along, then. I will show you where your living space will be.” 

Mondo shares a look with Taka, before shrugging and following after the lady, who he notices doesn’t use a cane like her sister does. As he exits the room, he doesn’t look at anyone and just keeps his eyes firmly ahead of himself, not wavering a centimeter. He knows it’s fucking rude, but at this moment he just doesn’t care. He’s so fucking tired and it’s not even night time yet. He just needs to remove himself from this situation before he quite literally explodes. 

Once out of the room, Mondo is able to relax only slightly, glad to no longer be stared at. He knows that he’s not in the clear yet, though, so he doesn’t let himself pause to catch his breath and just continues to follow Hana. They eventually reach a flight of stairs that Hana wordlessly climbs, not even looking back to see if they’re still following. Without a word, Mondo bends down and grabs Taka’s monstrosity of a bag as he begins to climb after the lady, the burn of the weight honestly soothing. He can feel Taka’s eyes on him as they follow, but it’s easier to handle just Taka than everyone else. It always has been. 

It’s not long after they reach the top of the staircase that Hana stops outside a plain sliding door, turning to face them at last with a piercing look. 

“Here we are, boys. Like I said, it’s not very large but I believe you both will have enough space to at least lie down and sleep, should you chose to stay in here. You can either keep your things on the shelves, or else you can keep them in your parent’s room, Taka,” Hana says, looking steadily at them both. She opens the closet and gestures for them to look inside, which they do after a moment’s pause. 

It’s… well, small would be an understatement. He can tell it was originally meant as a fairly large walk in closet, perhaps for storing cleaning supplies. He thinks that it’s roughly a meter long and a little under two meters wide, making it a decently sized closet, but a small ass room. And honestly, Mondo doesn’t know if he’ll even fit inside while lying down, since he’s roughly 187 cm and he can’t imagine the room being much wider than that. If he does fit, he can already tell it will be a tight squeeze, especially with Taka added into the mix. He does notice that there is a sleeping mat placed on the floor that takes up almost the entirety of the space, which he guesses will make sleeping on the ground somewhat softer, but prolly not by much. All in all, it leaves a lot to be desired as sleeping spaces go.

But honestly… it sure as hell ain’t the worst place he’s slept. After their ma died when he was eight, he and Daiya were kinda homeless for a year and had to sleep in some… interesting places while Dai worked on figuring out how to gain custody of him so he wouldn’t be shipped off back to their piece of shit old man. He had never minded, though. Not even when they had to sleep under an overpass in the dead of winter, huddling together for warmth. It wasn’t that bad as long as he had Daiya there with him. And just like then, he thinks that he can handle sleeping on a thin mat in this small ass closet just as long as he can have Taka beside him. 

He looks over at Taka and finds that the teen is already looking at him, his lips pulled down in a frown as he cocks his head in silent question. Mondo shrugs in reply, nodding to show that he doesn’t mind sleeping here. Especially if it means they don’t have to sleep on the floor of Taka’s parent’s room, which he shudders to think of. Talk about fucking awkward as shit… Taka lets out a little hum, turning to his aunt with a wide smile and another shallow bow. 

“I believe that this will work, Great Aunt Hana! Thank you very much!”

Hana smiles softly back at him, her eyes softening from the intense stare she had been giving them before. She then reaches out and gently pats Taka’s cheek, humming under her breath. 

“Good. I am glad. But, before I leave, I must say that it really is good to see you again, my nephew. Words cannot express how much it gladdens me to see that you have finally taken an interest in dating. Seeing you happy, my child, is what I have always wanted the most. If he makes you happy, then that is all that matters in my mind,” Hana murmurs to Taka, eyes on him alone. It makes Mondo a little uncomfortable to see such a private and tender scene, especially one that is kinda about him. Neither participant seems to mind his presence, though, so he just stands there, feeling awkward as fuck…

“A-ah… t-thank you, Great Aunt Hana… that- that means quite a lot to me… a-and yes. He… he does make me happy. Very much so,” Taka replies quietly after a moment, his eyes shiny and his lips pulled up into a gentle smile. Taka looks over at him then, causing Mondo’s heart to begin racing stupidly, mouth going dry. He ignores it like always and just smiles gently back.

“That is wonderful to hear, dear Taka. Now, I shall leave you two alone to get settled in your room. If you find that you dislike it, I’m afraid that the only other available space we have is, as I’ve said, with your parents. You are welcome to sleep there instead, if you prefer. Either way, I shall let you both rest and will see the two of you in an hour for dinner. Farewell.” 

With that, Hana retreats down the hall, away from them both. Mondo watches after her for a minute, until he is certain she is out of view. The second he determines that she is, he allows himself to fully let out the breath he’d been holding and relaxes against the wall, his exhaustion hitting him like a ton of bricks. 

Fuck, was that tense as shit. Don’t get him wrong, Mondo has faced a shit ton of tense and awkward situations in his life. But that had to be one of the worst, more so considering he was unable to escape it like he usually would. And he just… he hates being forced into awkward, tense situations without knowing what the fuck to do. He always has. It’s one of the reasons why he created his ‘tough guy biker’ persona, honestly. Tough guy bikers don’t have to worry about being judged. Tough guy bikers just beat the shit out of anyone who dares to fucking judge them. In many ways, it’s easier to just be a tough guy biker who doesn’t give a shit about what other people think. 

As Mondo relaxes against the wall, he can see Taka staring at him anxiously, the teen shifting awkwardly like he wants to say something. Mondo knows exactly what he wants to say— of course he does, Taka is the easiest book to read on the shelf— and he can feel his shoulders start to bunch up again in anticipation at the stupid as fuck question he knows the teen wants to ask. And when Taka finally opens his mouth…

“Mondo… I was wondering-“

“I’m fuckin’ fine, Taka, god fuckin’ dammit,” Mondo growls, eyes narrowing with annoyance. Shit. He adores his kyoudai, but fuck can he be a broken record at times. He’d hoped his promise would make this shit stop, but apparently not…

He feels even more like shit when Taka reels back, his eyes widening for a second, before narrowing with hurt. It pains Mondo to see his friend look so upset, especially knowing it was his fucking fault, but he just… shit. Maybe he ain’t doing that great with all of this… he wants to be, wants to be able to do this shit no problem, but… fuck…

“I… I- I know that, my kyoudai. That wasn’t what I was going to ask. I remember your promise, after all, and I know you would not go back on that,” Taka mutters, eyes falling to the ground as he fiddles with the hem of his jacket. All of which makes Mondo feel even worse, god fucking dammit… Taka continues before Mondo can try to apologize, the teen looking uncomfortable and unhappy, which guts Mondo completely. “I… I was going to ask if you’d like to get some rest. I don’t know about you, but I am feeling… very tired. And I would like to rest before the rest of my family arrives. If you would rather not, then I can always give you a tour of the house I suppose, once we get our things settled. O-or I- I could show you the forest… I- I know how much you enjoy things like that, kyoudai, so if it will make you happy I will be more than willing to take you and explore the place together, though it truly isn’t that big, I don’t even know if it technically qualifies as a forest, really, and-“

“I think some rest would be fine, man,” Mondo interrupts as gently as he can, knowing that if he doesn’t then Taka will just keep on going for the next hour. Taka jerks his head up to look at him, eyes wide and tight, though they soften when they see that Mondo means what he says. It helps him relax again to see Taka relax, the tension flowing right on out. 

With that decided, Mondo moves to close the door carefully, the room a lot more claustrophobic with it shut, but he honestly prefers that to the paranoid idea that Taka’s family is watching him. Moving in sync like they usually do, he and Taka begin putting their things away, no more words needed as a comfortable silence rises between them. Since the space is so small, they don’t have much room for storage, but there are several shelves and drawers that have been cleared for them to put their things in. Mondo keeps his shit in his duffel for efficiency’s sake, while Taka removes his uniforms and begins hanging them up along the back wall where a pole resides. It will end up giving them even less space, but Mondo doesn’t complain, knowing how important his uniforms are to Taka. He just feels glad he was able to convince the dude that he doesn’t need to wear his arm band during the break. Small fucking victory, really. 

Once everything is set up to Taka’s liking, Mondo watches as the teen gingerly kneels on the floor, grabbing the blankets they’d found on one of the numerous shelves. Taka then lies on the thin mat, shifting to get comfortable. Mondo blinks in surprise when he sees Taka hesitantly open his arms while looking up at him so fucking shyly, which Mondo knows from experience means that the dude wants to hold Mondo, for once. They don’t do shit like that often, since it embarrasses the hell out of Mondo, but he’s feeling just shitty enough to oblige his kyoudai. 

He quickly removes his stupid ass ‘respectable’ get up and changes into something more appropriate for sleeping, which is hard considering how cramped it is. He’s proud to say he only hits his head three times, letting out muffled curses for each. Once that is done, Mondo awkwardly lies down beside Taka, the mat as uncomfortable as he imagined. 

There’s a split second of awkwardness now that they’re laying down together, but Mondo quickly moves passed it as he shifts to do what Taka had wordlessly requested. It’s hard considering he barely fits in the space in the first place, but after some careful shifting and maneuvering, Mondo is able to rest his head gently atop Taka’s surprisingly comfortable chest, back to the wall, listening to the teen’s steadily beating heart. He can hear the beat speed up, which in turn causes his own to follow suit, but it’s not bad. He even kind of likes it, even if he has to awkwardly bend his legs to not bump them into the wall. 

As he curls his right hand lightly into Taka’s undershirt, he feels Taka hesitantly wrap his arms around him, pulling him slightly closer. Mondo goes easily, burying his face into Taka’s neck and breathing deep. As he’d said, they don’t do shit like this often, have maybe done it a total of three times including now, but… but Mondo kind of likes it. Being the one who is held for once. Don’t get him wrong, it makes him feels weak as shit, but as long as he doesn’t focus on that, it’s… it’s not that bad. In fact, it’s really, really fucking nice. So… so fucking nice…

“I know that what happened earlier was not… ideal, kyoudai. And I cannot say if it will get any better or not. All I can say is that I am so very glad you are here with me, my dearest friend. And that I am more grateful than words can say to have you,” Taka whispers into his hair, arms tightening until all Mondo can feel is Taka. Still, Mondo tries to press closer, his leg hesitantly moving between Taka’s so they can get even closer. He can hear Taka’s breath hitch— which makes him doubt himself greatly— but he feels so much like shit right now, and being close to Taka like this just… it makes him feel better, alright? So, he pushes aside the doubt and snuggles close, turning his mind the fuck off for once. 

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever man. Ya know I’d do fuckin’ anythin’ fer you. Just… go the fuck ta sleep, Taka. We can figure the rest a’ this shit out later. Okay?” 

Taka hums softly at the order, nodding against the top of Mondo’s head. He doesn’t reply back and just squeezes him tightly once, before relaxing against the mat. A few minutes later, Taka is fast asleep, the hall monitor clearly exhausted if he willingly would fall asleep during the middle of the day. But Mondo doesn’t mind. While he doesn’t think he’ll be able to get any actual sleep, it’s good enough for him to lie here with Taka and just… exist, he guesses. Be with his kyoudai, one of the most important people in his life. Not worry about how unworthy he is, or how he doesn’t deserve this at all. It’s fine. He… he’s fine. 

He’ll have to be. 

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

Ha, I hope y'all liked the OC's. I kind of based Yoshi's interaction with Taka on how I interact with my own younger cousins. They were born when I was 7 (they're twins, one boy and one girl) and I remember holding one of them when they were only a few months old. The other didn't let me since he was a bit crankier than his sister. And now they're graduating from high school next year and I'm in graduate school. Oof. I don't get to see them often since they live across the country, but whenever I do I always have that whole "why are you getting so old!!!! Stop!!! Aging!!!!!" thing. I'm the baby of my family, with only one older brother, so seeing younger family members age is distressing, ha.

[the-insomniac-emporium]

Serenade (Daniela Dimitrescu/Reader) Pt. 1

Fandom: Resident Evil: Village Pairing: Daniela Dimitrescu/Reader Rating: T for teen for mild language. Later entries in the series will be more mature though, just a heads up Warnings: None this chapter. There will probably be canon typical violence/blood mentioned or referenced in future chapters though, cuz, ya know, vampire ladies? Notes: No beta reader, we die like Ethan Winters’ hands (repeatedly, and with odd frequency)

Chapter 1: Nocturne

     Of all the tasks assigned to you, none were as bittersweet as that of dusting Lady Dimitrescu’s piano. Years ago, before you had been shuffled off to a remote European village, before you had been roughly snatched from your home, before… this, you had been taught to play music. From a young age it brought you comfort, entertained you on quiet days, and even made you your fair share of friends. Though you had experimented with a handful of instruments, none felt more natural than piano. Leaving your family’s heirloom piano behind was one of the hardest things you had ever had to do. 

     Until you arrived at Castle Dimitrescu, at least. Sweat often dropped off your brow as you spent endless hours scrubbing floors, carrying baskets of clothes or mysterious parcels of meat up and down flights of stairs, rushing to and fro rooms across the estate. Physical labor was no stranger to you, but no employer had ever been as demanding as those you now served. Hence part of why you always breathed a sigh of relief when you were chosen to dust the piano. It was hardly a demanding task, even when you had to take care not to accidentally let the keys make any noise. No one was allowed to play it without permission (and that was never given).

     Which brought you an aching sensation at the core of your chest, balled up alongside past regrets, a hundred million thoughts of alternative realities where you didn’t hurt so much. There was no point in imagining what choices might have saved you from your fate… and yet you did so anyway. Sometimes you thought about barricading yourself in the room, just so you could play a couple songs, even if it would guarantee you a painful death. But you could never bring yourself to willingly disobey Lady Dimitrescu; not when you had heard the wails and screams of Maidens a few floors below.

     Yes, you would never willingly, knowingly do such. That wasn’t to say you were incapable of mistakes. No, you weren’t that fortunate. It was such a simple error, really, just a misjudgment of the cloth held between your fingers. Your hand slipped. That was all. But that slip led to an accidental press of a key- f#, if you heard right- that sounded throughout the room with damning clarity. Just like that, you felt the pitiful thing you called life shatter to pieces on the floor. Inside your chest your heart started to pound, a metronome speeding this performance along to its end.

     Had you not been paralyzed with dread, you might have accepted your fate with enough grace to sit down, play those last few tunes like you had daydreamed about so many times. But you didn’t, couldn’t. All you felt you could do was strain your ears and listen for the impending sounds of angry footsteps.

     Instead your concentration was interrupted by a door flying open, hitting the wall with a slam you knew would leave a dent, as a swarm of insects burst in. Nearly jumping out of your skin you put a hand to your chest, half expecting not to feel a heartbeat anymore. The rhythm was off, for sure, and it skipped a beat when the swarm surged together to form a somewhat familiar figure: Daniela Dimitrescu. Leaning against the piano, one hand bracing against it, the woman pretended to examine her sickle, idly twisting it back and forth in her hand. When she spoke, she didn’t even bother to glance in your direction.

     “I never understood why mother dedicated a whole room to this,” she muses, casually inclining her head towards the piano. “It’s not like any of our instructors lasted very long. Why not let this gather dust with the rest of the useless junk somewhere upstairs?” There’s a pause, and for a moment you mentally debate whether or not you’re supposed to respond. Apparently not, as Daniela soon turns to you and speaks more directly, which is grand, really, as your tongue felt as if it was glued to the roof of your mouth. “Maybe she knew someday someone would come along to serenade us. And you clearly know how to play, otherwise you wouldn’t have dared to make a sound.”

     Stepping forward, she extends a gloved hand, cupping your chin so gently that you almost couldn’t feel her touch. Her gaze, however, was dangerously intense, unblinking, and filled with far less joy than her grin would suggest. The touch lasts only a few seconds. Just long enough to leave you shaking with anticipation. Daniela’s toothy smile only widens as she backs up, keeping her eyes on you even as she reclines into a chair in the corner of the room. You almost wished she would just get it over with and kill you. Whatever she had in mind would be worse in the end, yes? 

     “Well? Aren’t you going to play for me? Show me how much you love me? I don’t have all night,” Daniela says expectantly. She’s relaxed fully, sitting with one leg crossed over the other, spine pressed up against the back of the chair, but she hasn’t set her sickle down. There’s a clear threat in the way she holds it, grip tight enough to let you know that she’s still ready (and itching) to use it.

     You couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be acting differently if she knew that you did, in fact, know how to play. Was this just a teasing start to your punishment? Or was there a part of her genuinely interested in hearing music? Obviously you hoped for the latter. Hell, you practically prayed for it as you slowly pulled out the piano bench, awkwardly sat down, and urged your body to remember a song. What genre would a vampire from the 1950’s even enjoy? All you knew were bits and pieces of a few classics, a couple chord progressions from early 2000’s hits, and a handful of songs you had written yourself.

     There wasn’t much time to ponder, not with Daniela’s gaze burning a whole in the side of your head. So you simply pressed your fingers to the keys, took a deep breath, and let muscle memory take over. Your eyes became half lidded as you started to play, hardly paying attention to what you were doing. It felt like a single glance at your captor would result in the worst case of stage fright known to mankind. Instead you focused on the piano’s wooden frame, and the many grain marks twisting within.

     All the while your fingers glided over the keys, delicately pressing here and there, starting with something simple. Little more than a chord on your left hand, followed with a few short notes on your right, repeating in different places up and down the scale. It was almost a test, a gentle showing to see what Daniela would do. You still refused to look at her, even when you heard what sounded like a bored sigh. A knot tied itself in your stomach, and you gulped, before you shifted mental gears. Evidently “soft and simple” wasn’t going to cut it. Hopefully you could please one Lady without earning the ire of any of the others.

     So you paused, letting the notes suspend in the air for a moment, and came back swinging. The kiddy gloves were off, abandoned on the floor with your sense of caution. Grander things came back to mind as your fingers danced atop the keys, stretching chords and melodies alongside each other, the best of what you recalled pouring out of you without a sign of stopping. Out of the corner of your eyes you saw Daniela sit up, paying more attention then she had at the start. Confidence found itself growing at the center of your chest, and it managed to turn your lips up into a smile. How long had it been since you had been able to perform like this? Years? A decade, even? You didn’t know. It didn’t matter.

     Minutes passed by like this, with your hands moving constantly, even as your gaze never shifted. It was heaven channeled on Earth. Whatever was to come after, death or dismemberment, you couldn’t care less. Let them take your blood, your life. They could never take this music from your mind, from your memories, or the joy it inspired in you. If you were to die soon, at least you had been given one last soliloquy.

     Eventually the song had to end. It was a bitter moment, one you dreaded for its followup, but otherwise would have found pride in. After all, you were evidently the first maiden to give a performance (at least of this variety) to one of the Dimitrescu sisters! Certainly that was an accomplishment? Maybe your brain would let you celebrate later… assuming you survived. Daniela had stayed quiet since her earlier sigh, letting you play on without interruption thus far. Now that the song was over you didn’t know what to expect. Knowing Daniela, or at least knowing the rumors surrounding you, it was hard to imagine that anything you could expect would be accurate.

     “How long have you been hiding this little talent of yours?” She coos, clapping her hands together with a short giggle. So far so good, you thought, clinging desperately to hope. Once more she rose to her feet, moving so smoothly she might as well have been gliding, and ended up by your side. This time her hand rested on your shoulder, putting enough pressure to keep you from moving. “Don’t tell me you’re shy, that would simply be too… precious.” With that said her hand trails along your shoulder, across your collarbone, up your neck, then rests for a moment on your cheek. The touch sends a shiver down your spine, which only encourages Daniela, and she tucks a strand of your hair behind her ear.

     Before she can say more, or you could even attempt to form words, there’s the faint sound of someone yelling in the distance. A name, you think, although it’s not loud enough for you to make out who’s being called. The answer becomes evident soon enough, however, as Daniela pulls back from you suddenly, smile trading out for a scowl. Some part of you instantly misses her touch, leaving the rest of you confused more than anything.

     “Get back to your work, then,” Daniela says, roughly, the playfulness in her voice now entirely absent. It was such a sudden change in demeanor that you didn’t know how to react. Thankfully her eyes were no longer on you, and she was already moving towards the door. Had you really managed to play your way out of a punishment? You knew for a fact that at least one other maiden had lost her life for making the same mistake you did, yet now Daniela looks ready to leave without so much as a slap on the wrist. But she does pause in the doorway, as if reading your thoughts, and throws you a look over her shoulder. Her eyes narrow for a split second before she gives you one last wicked grin. “Don’t worry, sweet thing, I won’t forget you anytime soon.”

     Just like that she was gone, into a cloud of insects, out the door and into the corridor beyond. The tension in the room had left, you could finally breathe easy… and yet still your mind was racing. Those words she had left you with- were they a threat? Or a promise of something softer? Only time would tell.

[takaraphoenix]

Ship game!! What about Nico and Will?? It’s pretty popular, but I don’t think I’ve seen you write much of it…

That's an interesting one in that I have vocalized my reasons for disliking it way back when it first became popular but instead of just linking that, it has been years so I think it's time for an updated version.

Firstly: This post is gonna be properly tagged and not crosstagged so if any shipper comes across it and feels the need to bitch about it, just don't; your lack of curating your own tumblr experience is not my problem! ;D

Now, there are three key factors that play into my dislike of this ship: How it was written, what it represents, how the fandom around it acts.

1. It’s rushed and uncomfortable

In BoO, it was incredibly rushed. They had literally five sentences of interactions before they walked into the literal sunset together. Five. It was just entirely born from Riordan's Noah's Ark Complex, where he just can't let people be single. The series was ending and he needed Nico to have an endgame so he rushed into some random romance with zero build-up.

The way their interactions went down was also severely uncomfortable for me. Will was acting so offended by Nico not wanting to go to camp and be friends in an entitled way that he had no right to be, he downright guilt-tripped Nico about how he had wanted to be friends. Nico has been just so severely traumatized at such a young age and his coping mechanism, as unhealthy as it was, was to run away and hide. Will acted like Nico not wanting to form attachments to people who could potentially leave him again was somehow just an Edgy Emo Decision and not a direct reaction to his trauma. His entire approach to Nico was basically all these hippie posts of "Don't have depression!! Just go out into the sun and stop being depressed!", which is already a bad take with non-medical people but he's supposed to be a doctor (and let's not get into the shadiness of him technically being Nico's doctor).

There is also an inherent "I can fix him" angle to this ship and to me, only few ship dynamics are more uncomfortable than that. If you want to fundamentally change a person's behavior and personality, you... don't actually want to be with this person.

Now, here's where my points overlap, because the following parts of their writing that bothers me also stand for what this ship fundamentally represents.

2. Solangelo is a queer ship written by and for straights

I'm a queer woman and as a queer woman, I want queer wish-fulfillment, not what straights want out of queerness. I'm kind of tired of that, I've been sitting through it for enough decades now. That's, of course, not to say that no straight writer can give proper queer representation, but far too often do straight writers - even the most well-meaning ones - project straight desires of queerness into their queer representation.

Let me explain that closer through this ship.

Nico's been in love with Percy for years and I'm going to do my best to not hijack this post with some Percico agenda; that's not what this his about, this isn't some "my ship is better than your ship" ship-war nonsense. It's simply a canonical fact that Nico has had romantic feelings for another character for years.

A character who, in this medium, is heterosexual. And if you're queer, you've been there. In love with your straight best friend. It's a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason.

We have also all been well-meaningly rejected by said straight friend.

And here's the straight desires for you: The queer person who was in love with a straight person just immediately stops having those feelings and will then as quickly as possible fall in love with the next queer person they meet to be happy and no longer uncomfortably in love with a straight person, because that thought makes the straights uncomfortable.

Queer wish-fulfillment would be for Percy to return those feelings, for the queer character to get his first love, to not be rejected. That thing queer teens always dreamed about for themselves.

Aside from the wish-fulfillment angle, the pacing is another problem. Let me repeat, Nico was in love for years. But a five sentence conversation with Will once causes a crush on Will and we see him physically turn away from Percy and toward Will just immediately to rebound and actually fall out of love with Percy and in love with Will. Anyone who's ever been unlucky in love will attest to just how unrealistic and ridiculous the pacing here is.

It's also straight queerness in another respect; Nico has been the first ever queer character we meet in that world. He loves a straight guy - and to get over that, we introduce the second queer character. Because heaven forbid there are multiple queers to pick from. No, in straight-written queer romances, there is always that one main queer and then they introduce a second one and the two just immediately hit it off and develop a romance like all a queer person needs to form attraction to someone is the confirmation that the other person shares your sexuality.

Also the notable gay guy on gay guy ship here, whereas the more queer-wish-fulfillment option would have also included more nuance to the queer experience, because Percy doesn't have to be heterosexual just because he has only been with girls so far. It's a very old-fashioned - think 90s and early 2000s - kind of straight-written queerness that there are only exactly two homosexuals and that those two homosexuals then pair up.

And, listen, I'm not immune to these outdated straight-written queers entirely, I have many such ships that I grew up with that I am still fond of because they were groundbreaking at that time and they weren't outdated yet back when they happened in said 90s and early 2000s. I am however a grown woman now and just like I have grown, so has queer rep so I am not as easily baited into falling onto my knees in gratitude for canon rep. You have to go with the times. And this ship, by all that is given to us, is just entirely outdated straight-written rep.

Which, I mention earlier that even straight-written rep can be good. If the author tries. Riordan doesn't really try though; he does the bare minimum when he writes any of his rep - and there have been many, many more qualified voices being very vocal about his depiction of people of color and, as a woman, I've been vocal about his depiction of women. I don't want to derail this post with all of that, but I do think that it bears mentioning that Riordan doing rep but only doing a bare minimum and not putting in the necessary work to deepen the representation he wants to give is a repeating pattern that has been pointed out many times by now.

(I’d also like to point out that no, it is not just the ship and not just the listed instances that make it straight-written rep for straights. It’s Nico’s entire queer arc, starting with his forced coming out. A severely traumatizing event that is completely brushed over because the straight author doesn’t understand the impact this has on queer people. Not to mention the framework; Nico’s coming out isn’t Nico’s story, it happens in Jason’s POV, it is given to us through the POV of the straight bystander who gets to be Best Ally by assuring Nico that being gay is okay. This kind of coming out is not a queer wish-fulfillment, it’s a straight wish-fulfillment of getting to be the straight savior, the ally to show the gay the light of acceptance. And, additional to the ridiculous pacing of how fast Nico gets over his love for Percy, Nico also gets over years of internalized homophobia just because of, I don’t know, Jason’s few encouraging words and the fact that Will paid attention to him? For a gay kid who was in the closet all his life, the nonchalant way in which he publicly confessed his crush to Percy at the end made absolutely no sense and was written as basically a joke, finished off with Nico literally high-fiving Percy’s girlfriend despite those two never having seen eye to eye before but this is straight wish-fulfillment so all straights are Super Allies, because that’s the way straights want to see themselves, even though Annabeth has shown before just how jealous she can be and she most definitely wouldn’t go around high-fiving people who confess to her boyfriend. Nothing about Nico’s queer arc in HoO felt natural or queer or satisfying.)

Sure, Solangelo on a surface level is big because it's a canon queer couple in a YA book-series and kudos for that and yay for the kids who get to grow up seeing queers in YA books, but I actually do think that kids growing up with books written in the 2010s shouldn't grow up with 1990s levels of representation, because the 2010s overall are actually at a far more nuanced and better level of representation when it comes to queerness. And I do reserve the right to quit on too straight-written and too outdated queer rep in a landscape where I can get more satisfying representation elsewhere; we don’t live in times anymore where you necessarily have to love every bit of rep because it’s the only one you get.

Now that we've gone through my first two gripes, let's wrap this up with the final point, because it also directly ties into this.

3. The new wave of antis hiding behind this ship

A huge part of the fandom is so busy kissing Riordan's ass solely for giving them queer rep at all they think that both the author and the ship are beyond flawless and that kind of attitude is not good. Just because an author includes rep doesn't make either perfect. Absolutely no one is beyond critique - especially not when said critique comes from the very people the author is representing. And even beyond any "valid" critique on the ship, quite frankly, someone should also be allowed to just not like it, without any reasons given at all.

But there is a certain... protective obsessiveness about this ship that doesn't allow a not liking. Very similar to how PJO bore this mindset around Perc/abeth already. It's okay to have OTPs, even OTPs that you have a blindspot for and just don't want to see any flaws in. It is however not okay to then go around attacking people who don't like the thing and mind their own business.

Solangelo's bred a new generation of antis in this fandom. And, particularly with the fact that this post too receives an "anti" tag, I feel like there needs to be a clarification (because tumblr likes to forget what actually makes an anti). Not liking something doesn't make you an anti, venting in properly tagged posts doesn't either; it's the people who harass others, who seek out the content they dislike to then complain that it even exists and who actively try to make others stop creating for it - those are antis.

And with Solangelo's popularity, there was a high rise in Percico antis, who sought it out, were unnecessarily nasty about it, harrassed creators and tried to enforce some kind of "Solangelo supremacy" that won't allow other ships for the characters.

I've been in fandom long enough to be perfectly aware that not all Solangelo shippers count into this category and that there are completely normal and nice Solangelo shippers, but this is a Venn diagram where the overlap between Solangelo shippers and antis is too large to not widely associate the nasty people with the ship itself. (I've been there myself, shipping the very ship behind which a fandom's antis all hid. The second-hand embarrassment of having these people give the ship a bad name is horrendous and I do feel bad for all the normal Solangelo shippers.)

The more often I encountered these people, who made Percico bad (sometimes in wildly ridiculous manners that bent and deliberately misinterpreted canon) and who in the same breath praised Solangelo high, the more tired I grew of that ship. It's a simple game of association, really. You see that linked to the gross and nasty behavior and you start associating the ship itself with that gross and nasty behavior - and with all the things I said before that already weighed into my dislike of the ship, this just was the final tipping point, really.

And that's it. That sums up why I dislike Solangelo. It was hastily rushed, uncomfortable in its execution, it is outdated rep that very much feels as straight-written as it factually is and it does not feel aimed at me as a queer person but rather at the straight audience and it has gathered a cult following of quite uncomfortable people who on their own would be reason enough to avoid it so you can avoid them.

Send me a ship and I will explain why I do or don't ship it

[imkylotrash]

What Goes Around

Pairing: Hardin Scott x reader

Request: Could I please request an imagine/fic with Hardin Scott x Reader and basically Hardin of course has his bad boy reputation but this intrigues the reader. She is his complete opposite and finds his rudeness quite funny. Hardin is a little too mean to her one time and makes her cry. It doesn’t occur to Hardin that she likes him and by that point he feels like he has lost his chance to get to know her because of his.. ‘wicked’ charm? You can choose the ending. Anonymous

Tagging: @bitchwhytho​ @music-of-melody​​

He’s watching you give your coffee order and it makes you smile. Everywhere you go, you seem to run into each other. At first, you’d just steal glances then go your separate ways but then it turned into “hello”. He made the first move and asked if you should have your coffee together one day. Ever since than you’d made polite conversation when you ran into each other and you had to admit that something intrigued you about the tattooed boy who refused to care about anyone other than himself. You couldn’t exactly relate to his perspective on life but you wanted to know more, to understand the boy who considered the world a cruel place rather than an opportunity to happy days. 

“This seat taken?” you ask standing with a hot cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other. The “Red Queen” series have become something of an obsession for you after finishing the first book. You never thought you’d stray from the classics but lately, YA books had been catching your eye. 

“I see you’re still on the third book,” he smiles and in the same moment letting you know how he feels about YA books. You don’t take it too hard considering he’s not even willing to admit his love for books for anyone other than you. 

“I’m taking my time and enjoying the words.” You have a tendency to get too invested and rush through a book to get to the ending meaning you miss a lot of the little Easter eggs along the way. You’re trying to change that. 

“Hey, no judgement from me.” He’s lying but it’s a cute lie so you’ll allow it. Once you’ve finished your coffee, you stand up grabbing your things. You have exactly ten minutes before your class start but you like to get there early in case you need to do some last-minute preparations. Hardin remains seated and you remain neutral in regards to his lack of motivation when it comes to college. 

I’ll be going classes now. Want to come?” Okay, maybe not that neutral. He shakes his head smiling and you know what that means. It takes three days before you run into him again. This time at the library where you reach for the same book which sounds completely absurd and something that would only happen in one of your books. It’s a cute moment though. 

“I guess great minds think alike,” you say and he scoffs.

“Please. You wish you were as clever as me.” He offers you the book about to sit down when he spots some of his friends outside. You know he’s been a little vague about who you are considering just how different you are to them and frankly, you don’t mind. Hardin is an interesting character because there’s more to him than just the casual alcoholic teen while the people he surrounds himself with at those frat parties really don’t have much else going on for them. You went one time and you’d never been more bored in your life. 

“I should go,” he says Within minutes he’s out the door walking in the direction away from his “friends”. After that you don’t spot him for a while or maybe he’s avoiding you to avoid the questions his friends will inevitable have. Either way, you find yourself missing his sarcastic comments. You hadn’t realised just how much of an impression he’d made on you until he wasn’t around. But he comes back to you eventually. 

“Hey,” he says when he spots you at the coffee house. 

“I thought you’d moved city,” you tease pushing out the chair across from you with your foot. He sits down sliding a book across the table. 

“As an apology,” he grins. You turn the book over to see the cover and you can’t help but smile. 

“You remembered.” One of the first conversations between you and Hardin had been about ecocriticism and a book called “The Road” that you’d borrowed from the library more times than you could count. You’d discussed the topic in class where your professor had recommended this book and now Hardin had gotten it for you. 

“You wouldn’t shut up about the book for at least five hours. How could I not?” He shrugs it off like it’s no big deal but it still means a lot to you. Now you could read the book whenever you felt like it. And he’d gotten the original cover rather than the movie cover. It would’ve been the perfect gift if his friends hadn’t shown up and ruined everything. You see the change in him the second they enter the coffee house. 

“Hardin, who’s this?” Jace asks with hungry eyes making you feel incredibly uncomfortable. 

“Just a friend,” Hardin offers not wanting to give any information to these people. 

“Sure, friend. Do you feel the same way, honey?” Jace asks making the rest of the guys snicker. Before you have a chance to answer, Hardin opens his mouth and ruins everything. 

“Yes, friend. I mean look at her. Not exactly my type, is it? I mean, could it get anymore vanilla?” This earns him a high five from one of the guys but it cracks your heart. You’ve never thought much about your close or the way you looked because you thought the inside counted a hell of a lot more than the outside. But hearing that the idea of being with you seemed so ludicrous hurt more than you liked to admit. 

“I should get going.” You don’t look at Hardin when you leave and you don’t bring the book with you. If this is how he thinks of you then you don’t want anything from him. And it’s not even the fact that he considers you a friend. If that’s all it was, you’d be fine. It’s how easy it was for him to degrade you that really hurt. You tell yourself you won’t cry but it’s a lost battle as you head home. Unfortunately, you don’t reach home before he catches up to you.

“Leave me alone, Hardin,” you say picking up the pace. You’re determined to reach your apartment without stopping but of course, you can’t help yourself when it’s Hardin.

“Are you mad at me?” 

“Mad at you? Of course, I’m mad at you!” you yell not caring who hears you at this point.

“You of all people should realise what it’s like to be judged on the way you look. I like the way I look and I absolutely refuse to let you make me feel bad about it!” You don’t care if he said it because of his friends or not, it’s the fact that it came to him so easily. That means he’s thought it before regardless of the situation at the coffee house. 

“It was a joke!” he yells back opting for defensive rather than just apologise. You’re not doing this. You turn around and this time he doesn’t follow you. It’s weeks before you dare return to the coffee house. You don’t want to meet him again. Instead you dive head first into the universe of Jane Austen thinking he could’ve been your Mr. Darcy with his sour attitude and soft spot for you but it didn’t turn out that way. But your need for good coffee eventually win over your fear of seeing him again. The plan is in, order, pay and leave. It’s just not that simple once you’re inside. 

“You forgot this.” He places “The Road” in front of you as you’re waiting for your coffee. You can’t believe he’s held onto to it since that day. You figured he would’ve just chucked it in the bin. 

“I’m really sorry for what I said. It was rude and thoughtless. You deserve better.” It’s a good apology but you can’t help but think what the insult will be the next time his friends catch you together. 

“You’re right. I deserve better.” You get your coffee and head outside. 

“Throw me a bone here. I said I was sorry.” Of course, Hardin follows you outside refusing to let this go. 

“Hardin, you’re only sorry because I called you out on it. You don’t actually care that it hurt me.” He’s not the first guy who thought he could walk all over you and he won’t be the last but you refuse to accept that treatment. You deserve a lot better than that. 

“I’m sorry because it hurt you. I didn’t think you’d read so much into it,” he defends himself making it clear to you that it’s a pointless discussion. He’s not going to understand why what he said was hurtful despite his own appearance and the comments he’s received. 

“How could I not? I’m sitting there thinking we might have a shot and then you pull the rug out from under me. I’m not playing these games with you.” 

“What?” You don’t bother repeating yourself instead using this moment of shock to hurry away. You manage to avoid him for another week before he corners you on campus. 

“You can’t just throw something like that out in the world and then leave. It’s been going round and round in my head.” He has a hand on each side of you leaning against the wall. It’s effective for keeping you in place and distracting you from why you’re actually upset with him. 

“I never thought you’d like me like that. Shit, I would’ve done things very differently if I ever thought I had a chance.” This time you’re the one in shock. You didn’t think he’d put so much thought into what you said last time. 

“What would you have done differently?” Despite vowing to yourself that you’re done with Hardin, you find yourself curious once again. This bad boy persona with a loving man hidden inside seems like an impossible paradox.

“I would’ve kept you well clear of those idiots from the frat house. Bought you flowers maybe. Taken you to dinner. Bought you a hell of lot more books.” You don’t want to forgive him but it’s hard to think when he’s this close to you. 

“I can start now if you’d like.” He places a hand on your cheek and his touch gives you chills. You inhale sharply telling yourself not to give into him but your body has already thrown in the white towel. He leans down stopping inches from your lips. 

“I really am sorry. It won’t happen again.” Instead of answering, you lean up closing the gap between you. It’s the first kiss but definitely not the last. 

[ymiwritesstuff]

Dare

So I wanted to write this quick Josuke scenario, whose plot was actually made by a friend of mine some time ago. I loved the idea so much that I decided to finally write it! After this I promise to empty my inbox, my last exam is on Monday and then I’m finally free! Thank you for your patience and I hope this Josuke scenario is to your liking. (PS. I may or may not start officially writing for him in the future...)

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable

Josuke Higashikata x Reader

Summary: A simple game turns into one of the most stressful things Josuke has ever had to do. Things seem to get even more difficult when he runs into you.

Notes: Slightly suggestive language and themes

“Alright, Josuke! It’s your turn!”

Okuyasu turned towards his friend who straightened his posture and prepared for the question with a wide grin on his face. “Truth or dare?” The pompadour-haired teen thought of his response for a few seconds before confidently replying. 

“Dare! Better make it a good one!” Josuke laughed and widened his grin at Okuyasu’s reaction. There was an obvious glint of mischievousness in his eyes as he thought of a dare for his friend. “Nothing illegal, okay?” Koichi reminded, knowing just how unpredictable Okuyasu’s mind could be. Josuke looked at him in anticipation, anxiously waiting for the response that could be absolutely anything. The tiniest part of him was already regretting his decision.

“Ya see that store over there?” He finally asked, pointing at a small store just across the street. Josuke and Koichi both looked at it over their shoulders, raising a brow in confusion before turning back to Okuyasu. “What about it?” Josuke asked, dreading what lied in his friend’s mind. Okuyasu smirked and let out a high-pitched, impish chuckle. 

“You better have some money on ya! Because you’re gonna go in there and buy a magazine!” He chirped, which caused the two other boys to be even more confused. But before either of them had a chance to voice a question, Okuyasu threw his arm over the blue-eyed teen’s shoulder and lowered his otherwise loud voice.

“The dirty kind.”

Josuke’s face turned a bright shade of red upon hearing his words while Koichi was quick to protest.

“Okuyasu!” The silver-haired boy yelled, his cheeks quickly being dusted with crimson as well. “You can’t make him do that! He’s not even 18! There’s no way he can just buy something like that!” 

“Oh come on, Koichi!” Okuyasu exclaimed, rolling his eyes. “Ya really think Josuke here ain’t gonna pass for a grown-up?” He inquired, pointing at Josuke who was still processing the dare given to him internally. “Besides, he’s gotta do it. I don’t make the rules.” There was yet another smirk on his face, as he looked over at Josuke. “Or are ya gonna chicken out?”

The dark-haired teen was quick to regain his posture and looked at his friend confidently. “Hell no! It’s no big deal,” Josuke stated as he stood up, checking his pockets for change. “It’s like you said, I’m pretty sure I look like an adult anyway.” His lips were stretched by a fearless grin as he looked at the store, but internally, he was more than nervous. “Get goin’ then,” he heard Okuyasu say behind him as he turned towards the small boutique.

On his way there he could feel his friends’ eyes boring into him as well as the imaginary judgmental stares that he thought the bystanders gave him. His heart was beating faster than it should have and he tried to convince himself that this wasn’t a big deal. However, the fear of embarrassment and awkwardness made him more anxious than necessary.

Once he entered the store the clerk’s greeting almost made him jump. It was a small store, with little to no shelves to hide behind and the more Josuke looked around, the more he began to regret accepting the dare. There were no other customers and it made his stomach churn. His eyes spotted the section that held the lewd magazines and his eyes immediately glanced at the clerk, who fortunately had his attention elsewhere. He exhaled sharply. He could do this. All he had to do was to get over there, pick up a random magazine and pay for it. Simple as that. No biggie.

With careful steps, he neared the shelf that held the current bane of his existence. Josuke was so focused on his ridiculously stupid quest that he didn’t register the door of the shop opening and closing, indicating that someone else had entered. His lightly trembling hand reached for the corner of a magazine, trying not to pay attention to the cover of it as the steps of another person next to him went unheard by him until a voice brought him out of his thoughts.

“Josuke?”

His blue eyes immediately shot up and looked to the side where he saw you standing, wearing a pleasant smile on your face. He was quick to stand up properly and tried to use himself as a shield to hide the magazine collection he was just looking at. There was no way he could let you see what he was thinking of purchasing. Trying to appear as normal as possible and conceal his embarrassment, he returned your smile but internally cursed at his bad luck.

“A-ah, (Name)! What’s up? A-are you here to… uh… Buy something?” He stammered, unable to keep the redness on his face from forming. You giggled at his silly response.

“No, not really. Just checking. What about you? You seemed to be pretty intrigued by the-” When you tried to get a better look at what was behind him, Josuke suddenly took a step forward, fortunately moving your attention away from the shelves. He figured you hadn’t seen his previous source of interest properly when you stumbled upon him. Thank goodness.

“Well I- I’m just checking as well! Weird huh?” He chuckled sheepishly and mentally punched himself using Crazy Diamond because of how utterly awkward he sounded. You raised your eyebrow in puzzlement at his strange demeanor. “Sure, I guess… Uh… Josuke are you feeling well? You’re acting a bit strange-” When your eyes moved towards the forbidden shelf Josuke quickly grabbed your shoulders and made you face him, making your eyes look into his instead.

“Actually! I- Um…” Josuke quickly tried to come up with something to say to take your attention away from the sinful magazines. You looked at him questioningly, the close proximity making your face heat up somewhat. 

“I was wondering if… If you wanted to grab lunch with me!” He quickly said, which made you look at him with wide eyes.

“You mean… Like a date? You asked, raising your eyebrow at him rather suggestively. You’d be lying if you said that you didn’t want to go out with Josuke, in fact, you had been thinking about asking him yourself.

“Yeah, exactly! How about later today? I’ll come pick you up!” He asked, voice filled with genuine excitement, though he hadn’t forgotten about his dare. 

“Oh, so soon?” You stared at him. “I’ll have to go get ready!” You exclaimed and looked at the front door of the store before turning your gaze back to him.

“So it’s a date?” He asked, a pleasant smile spread across his lips, rid of any signs of nervousness. You nodded in response.

“It’s a date.” You confirmed, smiling as you did. “See you later,” you said before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek and heading towards the entrance. Josuke watched you go, the place on his cheek that your lips touched tingling pleasantly. When he couldn’t see your form anymore, he remembered the reason for his trip to the store and quickly turned towards the shelf with a sigh.

“What’s taking him so long?” Koichi wondered, nervously moving his gaze between the store and Okuyasu. “Do you think he got caught? I told you this wasn’t a good idea!” The dark-haired teen merely leaned back on the bench.

“Relax, he’s probably just tryna pick one with nice lookin’ chicks,” He stated with a smug smirk. “Ain’t no way they’d think he’s underage. Have you seen how tall he is?” Koichi sighed and rolled his eyes at his friend’s remark.

“It’s not about height, Okuyasu.” He once again glanced in the direction of the store. “He looks young. And it’s been a while. And I’m definitely blaming you if we get in trouble for this!”

“Hey! It ain’t my fault if he- Hey there he is!” Okuyasu glued his eyes on Josuke who walked towards them, magazine in hand. Koichi’s eyes filled with disbelief and Okuyasu began laughing hysterically. 

“You actually did it, you bastard!” He yelled as Josuke approached them, a pompous smirk decorating his face. He tossed the magazine into Okuyasu’s lap. “There’s your jerk off material.” Josuke watched as his friend let out an excited howl and began skimming through the pages.

“We’ll have to continue this game some other day,” Josuke said to Koichi, who raised a questioning eyebrow at him. He noticed the faint shade of pink dusting his cheeks. “What do you mean?”

Josuke smiled at him suggestively before letting out an excited giggle.

“Well, I can say that at least something good came out of this stupid dare.” Koichi raised a confused eyebrow at his friend.

“I have a date tonight.”

[blondiexe]

About “I’m Not Starfire”…

So I’ve been following the drama with this knew YA graphic novel coming out called “I’m Not Starfire”.  This graphic novel has been the subject of debate for a bit because of it’s premise and use of characters (designs and use).

The premise of the novel is about a girl named Mandy who struggles with her sexuality, looks, and other superficial stuff.  Now, I say superficial because her mother’s motherfucking Starfire.  As in Teen Titans Starfire.  As in the bubbly alien girl that has to deal with learning about new cultures and is fiercely protective and supportive of her friends despite their origins.

From what we’ve seen so far, Starfire is depicted as a model-like social figure that doesn’t really care for her daughter and only wants to control her future.  She wears a courtesan-like outfit in one of her shown appearances and in another dresses like a model on the cover of a magazine with Mandy.  Those who know Starfire’s character know that she would be the BEST mother EVER, spoiling her child with affection and providing them with the same fierce protection and support that she gives her friends.  She also already has a daughter with Dick Grayson aka Robin named Mar’i (Mari? Idk) Grayson aka Nightfire in a short spinoff series.  I think she also has a son or two but I don’t really know.  What’s important is that Starfire already has a daughter.

Now let’s talk about the main character, Mandy.  She’s overweight, “goth”, emo in a way, hates the world, and thinks that everyone’s out to get her.  Now, I know someone that acts just like this, and I cut her out of my life because of the vibe arsenic that she leached into the air like spores whenever she disagreed with someone.  Mandy is NOT Mar’i, obviously, and is an obvious self-insert of the author.  Mar’i looks more like her parents than Mandy looks like her own mother.  She’s meant to appeal to someone, but fortunately only appeals to the author that made her.  Her personality mainly consists of “lesbian” and “it’s not a phase, mom”.

Now, the story.  She skips her S.A.T.s and wants to run away to Paris with her crush (which atm is basically a cardboard cutout but the outline of one).  Starfire, in what we’ve seen, is exactly how we’d think she’d be as a mom with this demon kid.  In one of the shown scenes that we’ve been shown, she buys a shitton of Chinese takeout and tries to help her daughter decide on which college she wants to go to.  Mandy completely ignores her, storming off to her room claiming that she “doesn’t understand” her.  I’m trying to figure out college right now, and I would be extremely happy to have help from my mom.  Starfire didn’t do ANYTHING to “pry into her life”.  She’s doing what any mother  of a hormonal teenage daughter would have done: understand her or reach an understand her.

So, obviously, this book sucks so far.  The story came right out of Hallmark or Lifetime’s corporate dumpster, the character should have the superhero name of Dumpsterfire because of her personality and design (I mean that outfit’s ATROCIOUS honey what were you thinking), and there’s nothing fantastical about this fantasy story besides Starfire herself and I think Blackfire?

Now we talk about how to fix this.

1. Fix the story.  Firstly, make the superhero part of the superhero aspect actually a thing.  Give “Mandy” a watered-down version of her mother’s powers to actually make her appear to actually be Starfire’s daughter.  She’s an alien for Christ’s sake, her daughter’s bound to have her genetics.  Have the main conflict be about how Starfire’s been protecting her from being a hero and how she’s been trying to push her to have a normal life.  But she can’t, because she looks half-alien and has powers regardless of how her mother and father have been pushing her in other directions.  Oh yeah, and add in Dick.  He’s her father and Starfire’s one true love, for the love of Pete!  You can make “Mandy” struggle with having to balance her life with her abilities and family history as well as the pressure of living up to her parents and extended family (the collective Waynes). This also adds in Blackfire as the villain, trying to fuck with her sister’s life because she’s bored or some shit.

2. Fix the main character.  “Mandy” should be more goth than emo. Goth is all about the style and mindset, which is more along the lines of seeing the beautiful in the macabre and morbid.  Think Addams Family.  Make her happy with life, but anxious because of life stuff.  That way, most teens can actually relate to her.  She should also have a different design. Make her more fit due to her parents’ lifestyle and that fact that her mom might not be able to gain weight (might just be speculation I might need to find a source for this).  Give her slightly darker skin because her mom’s FUCKING ORANGE.  Also, Nightfire’s RIGHT THERE.  Take elements from her design, like her naturally dark hair.  She can still be gay because the youths can relate and also with the fixed character this can be good representation. Because right now it sure isn’t. Also, give her a hobby.  Goth and gay isn’t a personality.  Make her an artist of sort.  “Artist” can mean anything, from painting to theatre.  Make us care about her and her struggles.  Also, that outfit can be fixed.  Like what is that on the top half of her body like wtf.  She should also have a personality quirk like a social thing because of how she’s treated by those around her.  If my parents were famous I’d feel like no one paid attention to me besides my accomplishments, making me really quiet and a doormat.  The main character is the main focus of the book, so making them appealing is the most important thing here besides a compelling story.

3. Make other characters three-dimensional.  This should be self-explanatory.  Make the side characters fit the story and have their own personality.  What makes the love interest so great? What’s her deal?  Make them almost if not as appealing as the main character.  Basic stuff.

So there you go.  Oh, before I go, here’s what I liked:

Starfire’s design besides her clothes and the art style, even though it fits better on WEBTOON than as an official DC graphic novel. 

[suddenlysackler]

Limelight

Adam Sackler x Reader

TW: N/A (maybe a lil smidge of angst but nothing major)

A/N: This has been on the back burner for quite a bit and it’s a tad messy but I wanted to put it out for you all because I miss you and I miss my goblin bf and, ya know, Cannes 2021. Thank you for reading, I’m hopeful that I’ll be back more frequently in the coming weeks!

...

Adam Sackler had ascertained very quickly that he did not care for red carpets in the slightest. 

Given what he had found himself struggling through his late teens and seemingly all of his twenties, the relief of finally, finally, finally achieving some sort of steady stream of work and establishing himself as a serious actor provided relief that he could not be more grateful for. 

He liked being able to turn down the $800 a month from his grandmother and moving out of his apartment for good this time, trading up for some swanky new town house in upper Manhattan. He liked being able to afford to be choosy about what jobs he took and he liked that he was able to split his time between stage and screen. Hell, he’d even tried his hand at directing some dumb indie film that landed him right smack dab in the middle of Sundance.

Which is when he found out he hated red carpets.

He absolutely hated the insincerity of all of it — the rushed interviews, the posing for what seemed like hours on end for photographs that he’d probably never even see and he wasn’t allowed to smile for exactly like he’d want to. He hated answering the same questions over and over again and rubbing elbows with reporters from tabloids asking about off screen romances and making it blatantly clear to him that they weren’t interested in the art he had just helped create.

Along the way, maybe five red carpet events into his career, he met you. To his surprise, he didn’t meet you through a mutual friend or at a party or by yelling at you to stop taking food from open containers in the store he was working in. He met you because he accidentally took your coffee on a Wednesday morning before you could grab it and you promptly chased him down 45th street and cussed him out by using every single insult you could manage.

And that’s when things just clicked for him.

Everything fell into place after you came into his life and suddenly he felt even more fulfilled than he originally figured was even possible. He liked coming home to you after long days on set or at the theater. He liked bringing you to see different projects he was working on during production or bringing you to advanced screenings or dress rehearsals. Whenever he got a script, you were the first one he talked to about whether or not to even try for the role. He never wanted to object you to the horror that was a red carpet.

Not until now, anyway.

It was the first time that you had happened to be available for one and, yeah, he had invited you to all of the ones he had been to since you had been together but he didn’t necessarily want to take you. Of all of the things in his world that he wanted to show you, premiere events were the one thing he wanted to shelter you from. You knew about the drinking, the philandering of his early to mid twenties, the string of psycho ex girlfriends who he swore might show up at your shared doorstep at any given time to rip him a new one. Despite all of that shit, you’d some how managed to still like him, love him even. He didn’t want to chase you away with the bullshit that came with his career.

Maybe this would be the straw that broke the camel’s back?

You’d said yes without hesitation and his stomach dropped. He knew you never turned down an excuse to dress up, to impress him and make him feel proud of the fact that you were his girl, just his. So, on the night of the Tony Awards, he sat in the hotel room his manager had reserved for the two of you to get ready with the help of a team of aestheticians and hair dressers and tailors watching you twirl in what was probably the most expensive ball gown you would ever wear in childlike delight. Music of your choice played softly on someone’s phone and you could hardly stay still enough for the finishing touches that were being pushed into your face. You looked and felt like a million bucks and Adam knew that, but how was he supposed to enjoy it? He was too preoccupied with figuring out what he would do if you freaked out on him, threatened to leave him or some shit, after the circus act you were about to parade through in order to get to your final destination of the night.

“You look handsome.” You called from the chair you had been forced into, eyes opened wide for quick swipes of mascara.

Adam was so far gone, lost in his thoughts and strapped with worry. He didn’t hear you compliment him. He didn’t see you get up and he felt as though the force of you slotting yourself between his slightly parted legs was a ghost of a touch. “Hey, doll.” He mumbled when he finally did notice you.

One of your eyebrows quirked up. “You good, Adam?” 

He sensed some wavering in your voices, maybe some concern. Maybe some doubt? “I’m okay, just hate this shit.”

The other eyebrow followed the first. “What do you mean you hate this shit?” You ask as his publicist swept into the room and began to shoo the two of you out the door and down to stand for pictures and questions. 

He held your hand tightly as you weaved down the hall and into the elevator. “I just don’t like this part.” He shrugged and you squeeze his hand as you listen. “Worried it’ll bug you as much as it bugs me.”

“I mean, I’d walk over hot coals to see you in a tux.” You teased, eyes bright. When he doesn’t shoot back with a response characteristic of his normally playful bravado, some of that brightness leaves your expression. “You know I’m just happy to be with you, right? I’m proud of you.”

Adam hummed in response and squeezed your hand back. “I know.”

You weren’t having his clipped answers. “I don’t care that there are going to be pictures or tons of people watching. You know that shit won’t make me think differently of you.”

He remained quiet after giving you another shrug, still completely scared out of his mind that your words were just that, words. That you’d hit the ground running and never look back as soon as you realized just what supporting him at these things entailed.

The silence lasted for the rest of the elevator ride, through the lobby, and in the limousine and in the little holding room they put you in that is riddled with all of the snacks he would tease you for indulging in had the circumstances been different. He was tense, his muscles tight, tight, tight from his jaw to his calves, knee bouncing and free hand clenching and unclenching right until the moment his name was called. 

The moment wasn’t awful to begin with. It’s mostly pausing and stopping a lot of times for Adam to take pictures while you watch from the sidelines and, every so often, he pulls you in for a few. He doesn’t tell you that, in the moments he doesn’t have his arm around you, that isn’t kissing your cheek chastely and holding your hand, that he feels like he’s drowning. 

It didn’t phase you as you listened to reporters hound him about his female costar and whether or not they were seeing each other. It really didn’t even phase you when one man asked you to “step aside” and referred to you as Adam’s friend, despite his tight grip on your waist and the tender glances his stole every twenty seconds or so. And honestly, you didn’t really care that you might have gotten jostled up a little bit by photographers and other reporters as you stepped aside, more than happy to speed up the process for Adam.

But Adam would not have that, not at all.

“We’re fuckin’ done.” Adam growled, his eyes locking on your face as soon as he noticed you stumble a bit. He left without another word to any of the reporters and looked for his publicist, who was beyond livid at the fact that Adam was blowing off his responsibilities without much of an explanation. Before he went up to him, he grabbed your hand and dragged you along with him, not saying another word.

After a hushed but tense back and forth between the two men, the three of you stepped out of the view of the public and quickly found one of the many green rooms for invited guests to cool down and touch up hair and make up before heading into the venue. 

He paced and paced and paced for a long moment, leaving you to sit on the couch and watch with bated breath, praying that his older destructive tendencies didn’t suddenly find their way back to the surface of his psyche. 

After a long while, you finally spoke. “Can you come here?” You whispered, eyes round and, to be frank, a bit desperate. 

Adam came to you without a moment’s hesitation and knelt in front of you, placing his head in your lap and putting your hands in his hair. “Are you going to leave me tonight?” He mumbled into the tulle of your dress.

A soft smile crossed your lips and you shook your head, then moved to cup his cheeks and lift his face up to look at your own. “Now why would I even consider doing that?” You hummed. 

“After that shit show? Any sane person would leave.”

“Whoever said I was sane? Isn’t that why you like me?” 

He chuckled at that and nodded, biting back a comment about how anyone would have to be insane to want to stay with him for as long as you had. “That was just some totally bullshit and you know it, doll.”

You shrugged and shook your head once more. “Nothing I can’t handle, I’ve had my fair share of total bullshit with old haunts showing up on our doorstep, huh?” You made sure to keep your tone teasing, not wanting him to feel as though he needed to shoulder any of the blame for the situation.

Adam laughed again and relaxed visibly for the first time all night. “Do you want to even stay?” He asked, his own voice a bit more reassured. 

“Of course I want to stay, you’re up for an award, dummy.” You giggle, letting your head fall back as he moved up to pepper your exposed neck with kisses and playful bites. “And there’s the after party — I heard there’s going to be some damn good desserts and music.”

He flashed you a smirk when he pulled back and stood, then offered his hand to you. “What is it you always say when I ask to eat out on the way home from shit?” He proposed.

You stood and took his hand, intertwining your fingers and squeezing before walking toward the door. “What do you mean?” You asked, eyebrows furrowed.

Adam’s smirk only widened as he held the door open for you and smacked your ass before letting you go. “We have dessert at home.”

[alicemitch09writes]

lame

10.

you’re both so lame

Bakugou Katsuki was roughly 16 when he realized the stakes to be the best, the top, the number one hero. It was more than having a strong quirk, physical strength, keen observational skills, smarts, or being brave – it was all these things he realized that he lacked something more. He realized that you had to have heart, compassion, something he sorely lacked.

After all, what good is a hero working for himself and not for others?

Failing his Provisional License Exam made him realize that, putting up with shitty Half-and-Half.

He could be the hero he wanted to be, but that'd put him in leagues of Endeavor, and there was no way he wanted to wind up as shitty as that old fart.

He was lacking, but he just didn't know where. No, he knew where he lacked but just didn't know how to consider them.

He wanted to be more, bigger - become a better version of himself.

Considering his shitty self, however, that seemed like a laughable and farfetched idea.

“Are you stupid or something?”

He looked up at the figure who stopped in front of him under the pouring rain, meeting your gaze - surprised, annoyed, angry, and worried, all at once. Too lost in his thoughts, he hadn’t realized that it had rained and that he was soaking.

Grabbing his hand, you forced him to his feet. “Come on, get under here.” Once under the umbrella, you practically shove it in his hand, letting him hold because he was taller. Slipping your bag in front of you, you rummaged through your things for a handkerchief. Once finding it, you wiped his wet face, grumbling under your breath. “Seriously, if you want to be number one, we can’t have you getting sick on me.”

At the sound of your voice, your mothering, he slowly came to. “Sorry,” was the most intelligent thing he could think of saying to you. Going back on your words, he found his voice again. "you remembered."

Rolling your eyes, you poked between his brows. "How could I not? It was all you could talk about." Shaking your head, now that his face was dry, you began to walk, he followed. “So, where’re ya headed?”

“Home.”

“Really? School break?”

It still surprises him at how easy it is to speak to you now, even after everything. And he means everything. It amazes him how natural it was to talk to you, how at ease he feels.

“Something like that.”

Humming, the two of you make your way through the wet road, waiting by the crosswalk as cars pass by, the light overhead blaring red. “Well, you’re lucky I’m heading home. I’ll just drop you off first, okay?”

Once the light blinks green, the two of you began to walk with the crowd.

Shrugging, he adjusts his hold on the umbrella, slipping his free hand into his pocket. “Yeah, alright.”

You said nothing else, and walked on, the falling rain filling in the noise.

In turn, Bakugou had little else to say with his mind riddled with his thoughts filled with insecurities and fears regarding the path he wants for himself.

At 16, he realized now how quirks were nothing more than an added bonus, they could either make or break you, depending on its usage. Like you said in middle school, there’ll always be other quirks better than yours, and nobody would give a damn about how you well you did in junior high when you get to the real world. UA was such an eye-opener. That, and you and Deku.

Now, as he turned to you, watching you hum a tune under your breath as you skipped happily on the wet ground, carmine eyes softened as he realized just how much he wanted to be someone’s hero.

“For what it’s worth…I’m working my way to the top.”

Blinking, you turned to face him, the corners of your lips lifting. “Yeah?”

Nodding, he regarded you in kind regards, feeling the darkness seep away just by the curve of your lips, the warmth in your eyes. “Had a few speed bumps to get through, first.”

“And how’s that working out for you?”

Exhaling, sharply, he tilts a bit, careful to not bring the umbrella with him lest he gets you wet. “…exhausting, but no way am I fucking giving in that easy.”

“Glad to hear that then.”

At 16, he remembered that one thing he wished for the moment he got his quirk, the one person who mattered the most to him, the other person who helped propel him to the top, he finally remembered what he had to do.

Finally smiling, the best he could do anyway, you rolled your eyes at him, playfully punching his chest. “There’s the fucker, I know.”

Being friends with someone like Midoriya Izuku is both a blessing and a curse – one, you have this sweet cinnamon roll, whose life goal was to be the best hero at his own pace whilst ensuring that people are safe and sound; then, there’s the fact that he’s disturbingly perceptive and dangerously analytical. For short, he can read you like a book.

Since you were younger, Izuku knew of your crush on Bakugou.

He was actually rooting for both of you to end up together, which was only solidified during the ‘proposal’. Dear God, that was so long ago!

Even when the blond boy turned out to be a shithead, lording over with his overgrown pride, Izuku was there to assure you that your crush is valid and that there's almost something good underneath Kacchan's pride. 

One Valentine’s day, sophomore year of middle school to be exact, with some push from your green-haired best friend, you were planning on giving Bakugou Katsuki Valentine’s chocolates. The idea intimidated you to no end, but it was a step. Your mother had helped you make them, all while teasing you throughout the process. Your dad had cried the whole time, whilst your grandparents drank tea to the tune of his wails.

You had given some pieces to Izuku, who enjoyed them much to your relief. So now, the only problem was actually giving them to the blond boy.

“B-Bakugou-kun!” a girly voiced called out, startled, you hid, back against the wall. “I-I made you chocolates! T-These are for you!”

It didn't help that you were not the only one who harbored a crush on him, in fact, half the population liked him, you had a lot of competition. Izuku would say that you had a leg against the rest, just because you were childhood friends. (To which you'd roll your eyes on because it was so fucking cliche)

"HAH?"

"Um, um...I was hoping to give them to you! A-Also, I-I...like you! Please go out with me-"

"Like I'd go out with an extra like you," he cuts her off harshly, sadistically. "none of you are fit for someone like me." There was a whimper, followed by a dark chuckle. "And you have the gall to actually hand me these? You must be outta your mind. Double, if you think I'd ever want to be found dating an extra like you."

Though they weren't directed at you, every word said sent a painful jab to your heart, loosening the grip on your chocolates.

You should have known better that Bakugou wasn’t one for Valentine's Day, he’d either snub the gifts, burst them to bits, or pass them to his ‘friends’. Today was no different. Braving a look, you saw as he harshly took the chocolate off the girl's hands and blew them to bits, his 'friends' laughing behind him while the girl stared in horror before running off crying.

Had that been you, it could've been worst.

Bakugou Katsuki could care less about feelings or liking someone, he cared for nothing but himself.

So, instead, you gave them to Izuku, meaning he got two chocolates for Valentine’s Day.

"EH!? (Nickname), what happened!?" seeing the look in your eyes, Izuku was by your side.

“Sorry, Izuku, I couldn’t do it.” you murmur, defeatedly.

“Couldn’t or wouldn’t?”

You could only exhale, limply leaning against him. Still worried, he wraps an around your shoulders, squeezing comfortably. Seeing the chocolate in your best friend's hands, you felt the burn in your eyes, the squeeze in your chest, remembering all that time you spent working on it only to go to waste. In a way, it was metaphorically like dealing with your feelings, this stupid one-sided crush.

“Honestly? I’m tired of this stupid crush.”

Numbness washed over you, crawling over your nerves.

Seeing the weariness in your eyes, Izuku relents his words and works on a smile. “I-I’ll give you double for White Day!”

Smiling weakly, you replied. “Thanks, Izuku, I look forward to it.”

(Unbeknownst to the both of you, a blond teen listened in, hands balled into fists, sparks going off, before stomping away angrily.)

“Um, Aizawa-sensei, is there a reason why we’re doing night classes?”

Lazily glancing at Jirou, seeing her in gear like the rest of her classmates, who seemed tired and confused for being in the gym at 09:06 in the evening.

“Since you’ll be heroes soon, you have to keep in mind that you work around the clock. Meaning, there’s a chance that you’re more likely to work day shifts or night shifts.” His students shifted, reacting to his words.

“Well, that’s true.” Satou nods, arms crossed against his massive chest.

“Well, I work better at night, since I love to sleep in~” Kaminari says, grinning ear to ear.

“Tokoyami-chan, wouldn't you be better suited for the night?” Asui asked Tokoyami, who nodded once.

“Yes, as Dark Shadow and I have been making progress.”

“That being said, we’re only doing these night classes at random, to properly prepare yourselves. With that in mind, I’ve called for help with these classes.”

The class gasped in unison, half were excited, half were in awe. After all, it’s not every day you get outside help. Who knows who they'll meet?

As if being summoned, two figures appeared from the shadows, both sporting ninja-like costumes and donning masks - a sly kitsune on the small female, and a stoic angry-looking fox on the tall male. Together, the two bowed - holding their fists in their palms - at Aizawa, then at the class.

Standing straight, they began to take off their masks, lowering their hoods.

Midoriya and Bakugou gasped, immediately recognizing the two whose eyes glinting a dangerous yellow.

“They are from the Yoruichi dojo, they’re trained and proficient in combat, especially at night. We'll be under their care.”

“E-EH?”

"Hold up!"

“Isn’t that Midoriya and Bakugou’s childhood friend?”

You waved a two-fingered salute, rather nonchalantly. “Yo!”

“(Nickname)!” Izuku called to you, excitedly, his shock wearing off.

“What are you doing here?” Bakugou shouted, still in shock.

Tutting you folded your arms against your chest, fixing a dull look towards your childhood friends. “Weren’t you listening? Or were your explosions too loud that you’ve gone deaf?” those words were specifically directed towards Bakugou, who yelled incoherent words at you. Turning your head away, avoiding his yells, you stuck your tongue out childishly.

Beside you, your grandfather stoically took in the group before him, before his eyes fell on green and blond. “So, this is the two of you donning your heroics? Not too shabby.” Says your grandfather, the two boys stood straighter, much to the shock of their classmates, especially for Bakugou.

“Shihan!” Bakugou and Midoriya say in unison.

“Ah, the two of them straightened up!”

“Even Bakugou!”

“Just who is this old man?”

"He's the head of the Yuroichi clan," Aizawa said, hands still in his pocket. "a retired underground hero who's trained countless heroes, mastered the art of stealth and even earned the respect of several Yakuza clans for his many feats. He is simply called Shihan." Scratching at his cheek, he added. "Even I trained under him."

"That's an impressive track record," remarked Yaoyorozu, Todoroki nods beside her. "Countless heroes have been under his wing, he must be that impressive."

"Y-Yakuza clans!?" shrieked Urakaka.

"An experienced underground hero to help us further enhance our skills, as expected of UA!" Iida praised, hands moving animatedly, his classmates were careful not to get hit by them.

"He even trained Aizawa-sensei, that's so cool!" Kirishima comments, fists bumping producing a satisfying 'clack' sound.

“But, 'Shihan'? Isn’t that just a title?” Mashirao asked, confused. Beside him, Mezuo shrugged.

“Well, you get to know his name only if you’ve rightfully earned it.” You tell them, dangling against the banister, legs swinging.

...

...

...

“What the hell?”

“When did she get there!?”

Giggling, you drop to the ground soundlessly, landing next to Izuku to hug his arm. Shooting the blond a look, you playfully kicked his boots.

"(N-Nickname)!"

“Granddaughter,” called your old man, arms folded behind his back. “get over here.”

“Yes~” taking a step back from your friends, you flipped backward to your grandfather, landing easily into a seating pose, yellow eyes alight with mischief.

“W-Wait, sensei, you said that we’d have to train against them right?”

“Correct. The Yuroichi clan is the best martial artist you’ll find, but you won’t hear squat of them in the real world because of how good they keep their façade.” At that, you winked at your (still) gaping best friends. “That being said, within this class, you’ll see exactly how you’ll fare in the real world especially at night.”

Impassively staring out, your grandfather continued to stare down at the students of Class 2-A, his yellow eyes gleaning on each one of them whilst you rocked in place beside him.

“You may have had your work studies, internship, and last year's fiasco cut out for you, but that's still a fraction of what's to be expected of you as heroes." Some of the group fell silent at the mention of their freshmen year, a lot of things happened to them that forced them all to grow up too fast.

"Yuroichi,” Aizawa turns to you - cutting everyone's thought process, bringing them to now, you blink. “you can start out by picking the person you’d like to go against.”

Humming, you gave the class a good look, yellow eyes dancing from person to person. Izuku's detailed analysis flowed in your head, regarding each of his classmates.

Eventually, you chose Ochako, because you had been told that she’s one of the best combatants in class. Also, she had a rather interesting quirk you'd like to see with up close.

"I won't go easy on you, (Name)-chan!" the brunette says to you, fists clenched against her chest.

Nodding, the two of you walk forward to the mat, Class 2-A stood in line to watch from the side.

“Good luck, Ochako-chan! Gero~”

"Ochako-chan, let's go!!!"

“Go kick some butt, Uraraka!”

“This’ll be good! Some girl on girl action!” someone said, which was met with an angry bark and explosion soon after.

“Take your position,” says Aizawa. “everyone, keep your eyes on the two.” Lifting his hands in the air, readying. “Begin.”

Just as his hands slapped against each other, the slap resounding throughout the gym, you had Ochako pinned down to the ground, both her palms open and outstretched away from each other.

“What!?”

“What the hell?”

“She’s too fast!”

From his spot, your grandfather scoffed angrily, unimpressed. "Granddaughter, don't show off."

Smiling cheekily, you released the brunette and walked back to your position. "Yes, yes. Sorry~" came your breezy reply, to which he rolled his eyes at. Turning to Ochako, you offered a peace sign in apology. Rolling her shoulders, her eyes remained wide in confusion at how fast it all went down.

Aizawa, unfazed by how fast things were going, stood idle. "Alright, we'll try again. This time, play fair." He says to you, mostly. Eyes flashing red in warning, causing chills to run down your spine, your expression sours a bit.

This time though, as you both circled the training mat and settled into positions, you took a deep inhale, eyes closing. As you exhaled, your eyes slowly peeled open and revealed (e/c), much to the confusion of many - save for your grandfather, Aizawa, and your best friends.

"Begin."

Ochako struck first, coming at you with her hands open to take you down, but you managed to dodge easily in time, rolling on her back to land on your feet. Striking for her head, she easily deflected your attack and grabbed your arm. Anticipating this, you twisted your whole body, causing her to lose balance and trip. 

"Uwa!"

"That was so cool!"

"GO KICK HER ASS, URARAKA!"

While the class cheered, as the fight went on, two boys were especially keyed on the fight between the two females, taking note of your eyes.

Surging towards you, trying to get at you again, you stood your ground and waited. When she was within reach, you easily slipped your arm in hers and twirled around, as though you were doing the rodeo, and tossed her. Disoriented, she quickly got back to her wits, throwing punches your way, which you parried off quickly. And with your attacks, she easily dispatched your chances.

It was a rather even match.

"Wow, they're amazing..." commented Sato under his breath.

"I keep forgetting how good Uraraka is in terms of close combat." Sero seconds, just as Ochako aptly deflects your kicks.

"Yeah, but have you seen Yuroichi?" Throughout the fight, you ensured to knock away Ochako's hands - removing all chances of her using her quirk, cutting all her openings, and slipping through her defenses. "Damn, since's good."

Ochako grabbed hold of your arm, and you let her. Feeling weightless a playful smile plasters on your lips, much to her confusion, before you grabbed at her arms, throwing yourself back and using gravity to your advantage, maneuvering with her weight until you kicked her by the backs of her knees. Once again, the brunette found herself pinned to the ground. "And, dead."

"Alright, Yoruichi wins."

A series of cheers echoed behind you.

Grinning, you got off Ochako - who immediately released her quirk, and helped her up. "Thanks for the fight, Ochako~"

Despite being bruised all over, she mirrors your grin. "My pleasure, (Name)-chan! You're so cool!"

"Not as cool as you were!" you swayed a little, finding your footing. "Man, your quirk is no joke."

"Now, can anyone tell me what happened?" Aizawa turned to the class expectantly.

For a moment, there was silence, before Sero spoke up.

"Um, Yuroichi moved too fast?"

"And?"

"She...well, she shifted her fighting style time to time." Mashirao added, his tail noticeable shaking excitedly.

"Oh yeah! That!" Kirishima blinked, like he had a light bulb moment, hammering a fist into his open palm. "It's like one of those characters in those fighting games!" Ashido, Sero, and Kaminari nodding in agreement.

"And because of Uraraka's fighting style, she had to be the antithesis of her to catch her off-guard." Todoroki supplemented.

Aizawa nodded - save for Kirishima's comment, at every comment. "Anything else to add?"

"She was studying Uraraka," muttered Katsuki, arms crossed against his chest. "from the moment she chose her to the moment she stepped in the mat."

"Also, with her quirk allowed her to predict exactly how she'll attack." Izuku seconds in, remembering your eyes flashing quickly from (e/c) to yellow. "However, she only used it when it suited her."

Narrowing your eyes at your childhood friends, you called out. "Hey, that's cheating! The two of you know too much!"

"No, that's true." Aizawa pointedly ignores your complaints, nodding at the two.

Grumbling under your breath, Ochako could only give you a laugh before handing you a towel. Nodding in thanks, you dropped to the ground, sitting.

"Alright, so now, you've just paid witness to what you're up against. Next, we're going to test the rest of you. Shihan," Aizawa turned to your grandfather "I believe you've made a decision?"

Your grandfather grunted. "Yes." he nods, turning to the shorter man, shoulders relaxing. "Standard Rabbit Hole exercise."

Pursuing your lips at your grandfather's words, eyes widening slightly, you hummed afterward. "Heh, okay~"

"What does that mean?" a confused Asui asked, poking at her cheek. "Gero?"

"I believe it's an exercise where a whole group is to capture one chosen person. It's a common stealth exercise that the military uses." Yaoyoruzu explained kindly.

"You heard him, your objective is to capture Yuroichi."

Half the class blinked in disbelief, eyes wide like saucers.

"Wait, all of us?"

"All of you." Shihan confirmed with a small smirk, one that sent chills down the students' spines. Aizawa mirrors his mentor's smirk, albeit it was a smaller and softer-looking one.

"The person to catch her gets a free lunch stub for a week."

Mirroring your grandfather's smirk, you hopped to your feet. "Well, this'll be fun."

When you were younger and when your quirk first started to appear, it was rather unpleasant. Because first of all, you had your first period. You honestly thought you were going to die then and there had your mom and grandmother not been there to guide you. Second, straight after your period, you were overwhelmed by senses you started feeling - smell, sight, hearing, taste. It was all too much that you puked, nearly passing out on the spot.

It took you a while to get used to it, scared shitless at how much you could feel and sense things, and especially how more alert you these were happening at night.

At the time, Izuku was wildly concerned about how you've been losing sleep. You didn't have the heart to tell him about your quirk just yet, fearful of the power you had and how alienated Izuku would feel.

You were ever grateful to have such an amazing family to walk you through your quirk, the family's secretive history, and being a hero in your own way.

Since you were younger, you had joked that your family might have been descendants to ninjas, something your grandfather had yet to confirm or not. (Judging his dealings with Yakuza, you'd bet it was true)

Training hadn't been easy over the years since you were expected to master a great deal of martial arts. Some years later, you were forced to go through rigorous training to heighten your senses, learning when to turn them on or off. From your grandmother, you had learned to preserve energy and make use of them any time during day time, just remembering its drawback.

Quirks were always an added bonus, something that just made you special than the average man. Yet, quirks don't make you.

You learned that from your two best friends - Izuku, quirkless at birth, but proved that even without a quirk, you could still be a hero; and then Bakugou, though was gifted with an amazing quirk, if you had a shitty attitude, you were basically nothing without it.

Yellow eyes gleamed under the light, a glint of mischief playing through that mirrored the mask in your hand.

At the age of 14, you finally mastered your senses, allowing them to come on its full potential once it was dusk. Per family tradition, you were given a mask - one that helped protect you and leave enemies unaware of you using your quirk.

Now, at 17, you were seeing your quirk - quirks, as a whole - with a new set of eyes.

Donning the mask on, a loud blaring alarm rang out, signifying the start of the exercise.

The fox was ready to play.

20 against 1 should be an intimidating feat, but you, it felt strangely exciting. That, or maybe it was the warrior in you. These kinds of things were exciting in a way. This play of cat and mouse - well, rabbit, the thrill of the chase, stealth, saboteur, ambush - you could feel your blood tingle in glee.

The object was simple: one of the twenty students had to find and capture you. Should be easy, considering they had really strong quirks and experience you sorely lacked.

But as a Yuroichi, you were always taught never to underestimate your enemy and to always make use of your environment as much as you should use your quirk, they always helped to your advantage.

5 minutes in and you were caught in what seemed to be a crossfire of students, all deadset on capturing you - for their grade or that week's worth of free lunch. Frankly, having everyone come at you all at once was adorable, yet, it was rather fool-hardy.

It made them all the more reckless.

Grunting, you felt the echolocation sound back to you, giving you an idea of the area around you and the number of students in the way. Mapping your way, you avoided grabbing hands (appendages, tapes, and acid, oh my), hopping from one's shoulder to one's head, until your foot met the wall. Kicking yourself off, you were sent back, hands grabbing a ledge before using your weight to drop the ladder a few inches.

Hanging upside down, you lazily eyed the two heroes before you who individually kinda reminded you of grapes and banana.

"We got her!"

"That lunch is mine!"

Carefully coursing through the two, whisking through the grape boy’s balls, until you were in front of them, hands moved at lightning speed striking their abdomen, sides, and inner biceps, leaving them paralyzed and down.

"I-I can't move...?" Satou flexed his fingers but to no avail.

"GAH! Bested!" Mineta's balls fall to the ground, no longer sticking and rolling off like a ball.

Sensing someone behind you, you threw yourself forward, ice barely kissing the tips of your sandaled feet, barreling on the ground before crouching.

"Mineta, Satou! Are you okay?"

"How and why are you down?"

"S-She did something to us...!"

Mismatched eyes watched you coolly, you didn't let up, stance readying. 

You felt a rush of lighting behind you, followed by iron-clad soles hopping wall to wall. Seeing the mismatched teen's shifted posture, you smirked beneath your mask. Just as hands touched your head, you grabbed hold of his wrist, striking your knuckled index finger on his arms, before tossing him to the mismatched teen, his eyes widening at the incoming body.

"(NAME)!" an explosion sounded off.

As smoke filled the area, you stilled a moment, grunting lowly before turning on your heel and rushing the opposite direction. Hopping off the ground, you leaped building to building, not stopping once even as heroes followed after your trail.

Turning on your heel, eyeing the remaining heroes, you gave a two-fingered salute before falling backward. In midair, you twirled around, dodging an incoming combo move by Ochako and Sero, using the latter's body to cushion your fall, Ochako knocked out next to him.

Suddenly, you found yourself in some open area, with the remaining class surrounding you. Beneath the mask, you were smiling - almost madly, like the fox.

Easing into a stance, you all but raised a hand, flexing your index forward as if to say, 'come at me'.

And then it all came in a blur.

Attacks came left and right, but you were in tune with your senses enough to avoid each hit that came. You moved like water, fluidly, unyielding, splashing coolly on to the other even though the hit wasn't yours.

With your whimsical and unpredictable fighting style, it made it difficult for the class to know how you'd approach each of them, using their confusion to your advantage. Moves quick as lightning struck through through the bodies, but not enough to kill just enough to bruise and leave a mark. Adrenaline spiked through your veins, making you feel alive as your body danced with quick, harried moves. Not a single wasted hit. Carefully dodged attacks. Perfectly executed moves.

You were listening. Listening to everything, commanded only by your drive to fight. It was in the family and your blood was singing with every move. Hearing. Reacting. As your grandfather had said, you had to be one with the creatures and dance the night away.

Despite being unable to use his other arm, Izuku readily deflected your attacks with Black Whip working on trying to catch you off your feet. What he forgot was how much you knew him, how much you had helped him with his Shoot Style, and just how much you had predicted his actions. Letting Black Whip capture you, you allowed yourself to be swung around. Reaching Izuku, you took advantage of the proximity and wrapped your legs around his torso, thumb, and index finger pressed together jabbed at his elbows. For extra measure, you pressed at his inner arms.

Swinging your form back, yellow eyes fell on mint and blond who were fast approaching, hopping off your now paralyzed best friend.

A great leap over, you appeared between the two powerhouses. Grabbing their wrists, you forcefully tugged, switching sides and throwing them off, before kicking down to their ankles up to their torsos. Angered, Katsuki lifted a hand, to blast you away. Apparently, Todoroki thought of the same thing. Thankfully you ducked in time, but not enough time for the boys to realize their actions, and a loud explosion sounded off. The two were incapacitated from the blast meter...and anyone caught near it.

You landed soundlessly in front of them all, a few scratches on your costume but your fox mask still smiling.

Thirty minutes later, twenty students were down, half were paralyzed, unable to move their limbs, and had to be helped up by a fellow classmate, and half had bruises on their bodies.  A smirking Shihan greeted them, next to an impassive Aizawa, eyes glinting with a strange glee. 

"All twenty of you failed to capture Yuroichi," it was a simple statement, but man did it hurt their ego. First day of sophomore year and already they failed. "I'm not going to mince on you one by one, we can do that tomorrow. For now, tell me where you went wrong."

Grunting, the group looked at each other before it was Jiro who spoke first. "W-We were caught off guard...?"

"Correct."

"Yuroichi was too skilled." Mezo added, holding on to one of his arms.

"That's debatable, as you all should be, too, considering what you've been through in your first year. Anything else?"

Whilst the class were discussing amongst themselves, you walked towards your grandfather, his eyes regarding you with a soft, praising mien. He didn't say it, but the look in his eyes was the highest form of praise you'll get from him. Also, he handed you a bottle of water. Gleefully, you took off your mask, grinning toothily to your old man. Rolling his eyes, he ruffled at your sweaty hair.

"She fought dirty," came Katsuki's loud statement, glaring daggers at your smiling form, a bottle of water halfway through your mouth. You offered a peace sign, chugging at your drink greedily. "she's well-adept in close-ranged combat, especially because she knows all forms of martial arts and used it to her advantage and throw the lot of us off."

Izuku turned to his friend, eyes shining, as though he took his analysis right off his head.

"Furthermore, she used the situation to her advantage." Tokoyami's voice was loud and clear, Dark Shadow - a little worst for wear, nodded beside him. 

"Explain."

"She's well acquainted with the night, similar to my quirk, to which she uses her full potential and take us out whilst we are unaware of her capabilities as a fighter."

"A bit of stretch, but more or less right on the money." says your grandfather, nodding at Tokoyami. "Though, a few of you did give her a run for her money."

About to protest, you recalled Todoroki's ice, Katsuki's forwardness, Izuku's many quirks with One for All, and even Hagakure and Uraraka's teamwork, shoulders shrugging as you nodded once.

"It just goes to show that some of you may have underestimated Yoruichi for the mere fact that she has a latent quirk, too bad. Lest you all forget what happened when you all dealt with Togata Mirio last year?"

Your ears perked at that, remembering Izuku talking a mile about this amazing senior of his.

"Just because someone lacks in one aspect, doesn't mean they can't compensate elsewhere. Today's exercise shows that some of you are still leagues away from fully realizing that, and some of you are yet to be a testament of being more than your quirks. You all failed today. But make no mistake, there'll be brighter days to come. Or evening."

Aizawa's roundabout way of comfort did its job, easing the moods of his students. It was easy to find how he's such an amazing father figure to the class and yourself.

"Yuroichi-san, you were so cool!"

"Ne, ne, can you tell us more of your quirk?"

“More importantly, what the hell did you do?”

"You're seriously like that one character in those video games!"

"Can you do other stuff, too?"

Suddenly, the class was on you, questions were thrown left and right - it was making you a bit dizzy. Despite their injuries, they never looked so alive. You take a cautionary step back.

“Yes, please! (Nickname), please tell us!” Izuku asked eyes lit with life, his fingers making writing gestures.

“Yeah, Mineta and Satou were fine moments ago, then they’re not!”

"Hey, don't forget about Aoyama and Kaminari!"

"Tokoyami, too! I thought they'd be toe-to-toe at least."

"Oi, give her some fucking room to breath, stupid extras!" yelled Bakugou, hands sparking in warning.

Finishing your drink, you smiled at your explosive friend in thanks. "Well, my quirk's called 'The Night One', which means that I have the senses and abilities of nocturnal animals." Some nod at that, some try to digest the information. Giggling, you continue. "It basically means that I can see like an owl, hear like a bat, move like a cat, smell like a raccoon, and the like. It's major drawback though is that I get really sleepy in the morning and dehydrated."

"Why dehydrated?"

"Well, nocturnal animals are known to move better because there's no sun and it's easier for water balance to keep the body going. In the morning, all my water reserve's used up and I constantly have to keep myself hydrated to move."

"That makes sense," comments Mezuo, Koda nodding next to him.

Somewhere, Kaminari's and Ashido's head were spinning from the mini-Biology session.

“And as for what I did to some of you lot, it’s called ‘Chi-blocking’,” you explained simply, earning mix reactions – some were intrigued, some were confused, and some seemed perplexed. “In simpler terms, hitting your pressure points." Bringing your hand up, balling them into fists but curling index finger inward exposing the second joint, your thumb then locked in behind it to support the new position. You strike at nothing, just showing how you did what you did. "Which means that by blocking these areas, I’m also blocking out your quirks. After all, my quirk’s not that great, so I’d have to compensate greatly in martial arts.”

“That was a mouthful, foolish girl.”

Rolling your eyes at your grandfather, you flipped back to return to his side.

"She's practically a ninja at this point," nods Mashirao.

"Right, right, right!?" Hagakure says excitedly, jumping up and down.

"Eh, maybe. But again, my quirk's not that impressive."

"Nonsense, your quirk's plenty amazing, (Nickname)!" says your best friend, ever so ready to assure you, eyes bright. "It's perfect for any stealth mission!"

Katsuki nods, shooting you a look. "What Deku said. Don't sell yourself short, (Name)."

Your best friends' words made you smile the most, you duck your head into your scarf-hood to hide a dopey grin. "Dorks."

"Alright, that concludes tonight's lesson. Your classes have been adjusted. Get some rest."

"Ah, geez! Would you look at the time!"

Time check: It was now 02:32 am. To you, that's practically noontime.

“Oh," you say mostly to yourself, catching the attention of your two best friends, who turned to you. "and this might be probably too late to tell you guys now, but I’ve been transferred to UA, specifically in the Heroics Department…specifically in 2-A. Your class.”

Your parents were pro-heroes alright but were good at keeping a low profile and keeping a front. Many of their friends - the Bakugous and Midoriyas, especially, were led to believe that your father worked as an IT specialist while your mother was a customer support supervisor. It was a good alibi, especially considering that they were night shift jobs.

You could understand why your grandfather, parents, and Aizawa-san, chose to remain under the spotlight to save lives. You realize that it was rather half-assed of you to throw away their legacy, despite the fact that they were okay with whatever you wanted to do with your life so long as you were happy.

But you wanted to do more. You wanted to make them proud.

"This was more or less a formal introduction."

Their eyes bulged as your words began to sink in.

"I'll be in your care now~"

“…WHAT!?”

Name: (Name) Yuroichi

Quirk: The Night One | A quirk that grants the user the abilities and skills of every nocturnal creature, heightening their senses, abilities, and more but only at night. Because of its nocturnal nature, the user is rather restless and dehydrated during day time.

Power: 4/5

Speed: 5/5

Technique: 5/5

Intelligence: 4/5

Martial Arts: 10/5

Life at UA was…interesting. Much more interesting than how Izuku put it.

As much as you hated to leave your old school, your club, and your grandfather, you knew that it wouldn’t be fair to just hide away forever. You wanted to make something of yourself, regardless if it meant a shitload of challenges.

Thankfully, you had your best friends to keep you on your toes, making your transition to UA quite smooth.

Oh, and there was also the class, who readily took you in.

You found yourself getting along with Tokoyami, because like you, he worked well at night, and Ojiro, because he was a martial artist like you. Shoji was also an interesting character, as was Todoroki. Koda was someone you adored because he could get all the animals - especially the nocturnal ones you've been so fond of. Mostly, you hung with the boys, never really getting over your boyishness. But, you did enjoy Ochako’s company. And then there was Jirou, whom you shared a similar interest in a certain music genre. Momo made you feel like a cheap peasant, undeserving of her presence and grace. The rest of the girls were too girly for your taste but were nice enough.

Hitoshi - who had been placed in Class 2-B, was someone you'd considered a good friend. After all, you did help train him. He seemed to see you in the same regard. At times, when both of you were free or there'd be joint classes, he'd spar with you.

The struggle though was keeping up, now that you’ve mastered the way to balance out your energy. With enough water intake, you were up and about, allowing you some rest at night. Still, it was difficult to stay awake during classes. Thankfully, your teachers understood and allowed you to sleep in, your classmates – Izuku, mostly – had notes ready for you when you woke up.

After years of public school, you felt rather out of place in a prestigious school such as UA. It had a sort of elitist feel to it, especially since practically everyone was working their way to be a hero. Or a side-kick. Or a something. But, then again, it was just like every high school. You were going to make the most out of it.

“Why’re you still working, anyway? Isn’t your family loaded or something?”  Katsuki asked with a frown, fingers wrapped around his drink.

(E/c) eyes narrowed down at the blond.

“What, so I’ll mooch off them like you? Fat chance.”

Summer break finally came, you miraculously survived a semester at UA and were allowed to go home for your short vacation.

But first, you had a shift to cover.

Your two friends decided to tag along since all three of you were going to spend your breaks at Mustafu anyway.

“But didn’t your parents leave you money?” Izuku's bright green eyes turned to you, head tilted slightly.

True. A fat sum of money was left under your name when your parents died, waiting for your perusal.

“Yeah. But I just want to work, yanno?”

Truth was, working was supposed to be a distraction to help you cope with your parents’ death. After all, you had lost your closest confidant - Izuku, busy with One for All, and Bakugou had been a dead fuck at the time, they were all you had. You may have your grandparents, but it was just different when it was your parents who knew you best and all. When they died, a part of you died as well. You were left hollow, numb.

But now, things were...things were great.

"And besides, I donated some cash to my old school, specifically my old club." It kinda hurt to mention your old club, because you really enjoyed your time there and everyone was welcoming and warm (even though some gave you the stink eye because you were your grandfather's granddaughter). "They need it more than I do. I just had to make it Anonymous though."

"I'm sorry you had to leave your old club, (Nickname)."

Waving it off, you replied. "Nah, they'll be fine. Besides, they've always been plenty strong on their own." Humming in though, you shrugged then. "It does suck that it means I won't have to spar much though."

"You spar plenty in UA anyway," Katsuki scoffed, running a hand through his hair. Izuku nods furiously at this.

"You'll give Gunhead a run for this money at this rate!"

Since your transfer you were fast becoming the top (female) combatant in the class - maybe even your whole year! It also included the fact that you've had martial arts awards under your name and a family name as a sort of branding.

"Well, yeah. That, and I don't have to pretend I'm quirkless anymore." 

Both your friends reacted to that, mulling at your words. The word 'quirkless' cutting deep for both of them - all three of you, but you're all way past it now considering the path you've all decided to walk on.

"But it is nice to know that I'm free to exercise what I can do to the best of my abilities." You flex out your hands, turn them up, and gazing at your open palm, closing them to a fist.

"That's the spirit, (Nickname)!"

"Just don't let it go to your head."

"What, like you?"

"At least I'm strong."

"Fuck you, I'm plenty strong on my own, too." Turning on your heel, intent on returning to the counter. "Don't forget who beat your ass without having to use their quirk, asshole."

Katsuki sputtered on his drink, its contents flying everything much to your chagrin and joy. You couldn't help snickering.

Izuku could only laugh at you both, hashing out words at each other - words that weren't full of venom of hate, all in good fun, and just full of youthful energy. Somewhere, your manager eyed the two of you worryingly, especially at the language spewing out of your mouths.

The two stayed until the end of your shift, the three of you walking home comfortably under the night sky. Just like old times.

When you participated in your first Sports Festival, it was during a high time when you had mastered using half the energy reserve for the daytime. Coursing through so many obstacles was not an easy feat, especially when it was a hot morning and you were losing water in your system fast. Conserving energy for a nocturnal quirk user was not easy, after all.

Countless water bottles were finished in record time, boosting your system for the remaining games.

It was only during the semi-finals (yes, for some reason you made it that far) that your body finally gave out.

Slowly blinking your eyes open, only for them to snap shut at the bright fluorescent light above you, you groaned weakly. Fabric conditioner, soft pillows, fresh-smelling sheets, - you were at the clinic. The smell was almost too much. There was an aftertaste at the back of your mouth, but couldn't put a name on what it was exactly.

"Did I lose...?" you slurred, body heavy, your mind in a haze.

Trying to recall your fight, a slight frown fixed itself on your face. Everything that happened came out blank, your mind seemingly wanting you to shut down. Then, something soft nudged between your brows, as though to smooth it out. Blinking, you realized that it was someone's thumb. Once the frown eased off, the hand hung there, unsure what to do with it, before tucking strands of wayward hair away from your face.

Slowly, everything came into focus. "Katsuki..."

"That was quite the fight you had there," he comments, voice tight. You hum, things slowly returning to mind.

"He overloaded my senses," you remember, shuddering at the memory. You had been up against a Tech Support student, who was armed with all sorts of knick-knacks. "it was horrible."

"Yeah, it was." He grumbled in response.

The student you were up against armed himself with all sorts of knick-knacks to disarm anyone, and since your quirk gave you finely tuned senses, he thought you were the perfect candidate to test out his latest works. When it happened, small sparks were dangerously coming out of Katsuki's hands. He half-tempted to jump in then and there, but couldn't out of respect for you. Izuku had to hold him back, but even he was frustrated at how one-sided the fight had seemed. The memory of you falling on your knees, senses overstimulated by the Tech student who proudly advertised his knick-knacks to spectating companies, much like Hatsume Mei's a year back, sent him roiling. But then, you had used a tactic he and Izuku never saw you do before, you took off your jacket - to which, Mineta and Kaminari excitedly watched - and wrapped it around your head, leaving you blind. The Tech Support had tried to overstimulate your senses again, but with scaringly fast reflexes, you got to him, beat him to a pulp, and knocked him out for good. "But I'm proud of you for winning that bout."

Turning to your side, you worked on a smile. "Thanks," but did you really win? You did pass out after all. Maybe it ended in a draw? "where's Izuku?" you asked instead, in the end caring very little about your match.

"Probably preparing for his match," he replied, relaxing in his seat. "He's up against Monoma."

Ah, him.

"That would've been interesting to see."

"Like Deku would lose."

"Exactly."

Yawning, you rubbed at your eyes, realizing just how heavy your body feels, how you felt tingly all over.

"How are you feeling?" the concern was thick in his voice.

"Heavy." You reply, nosing your pillow. "Tired. Weak. Irritable? Hungry."

Unable to help himself, he laughs. 

At the sound of his laugh, a sleepy smile broke into your face. Reaching out a hand, you took his hand in yours, giving it a small squeeze. 

Unsurprisingly, his hand was much larger than yours but ever so gentle and warm to the touch. Much to your surprise, however, his hand was actually softer than it looked - despite having to blow up every goddamn time. Also, it had a sweet scent coming off of it, like burnt sugar. Nitroglycerin sweat.

"'anks for checkin' up on me, for being here..."

As much as he can, Bakugou tried not to implode then and there. His chest though? It was pounding, madly.

So instead, he held your hand tighter.

The next few minutes were filled with a gentle rumble coming from the ongoing fight, both of you were wondering how it went because it's your broccoli boy, some yelling from outside (to which he had half a mind to yell to keep their voices down), their voices softly discussing each other's earlier matches, some pointers, and Bakugou's upcoming fight.

"...Do you know who you're up against?"

"Dunno, don't care."

"Liarrrrrrrrrrrr." you dug your thumb nail into his skin, teasingly.

He barely flinched, face smug. "So what? I'll win either way."

"You are so full of shit, you know that?" Gone was the animosity and venom in those words, enough to crack a grin on the blond's face.

"At least I didn't puke all over the stadium."

"Exaggerating my case makes you look bad, just so you know." With your free hand, you weakly punched him. He caught your hand and tucked it back to your side.

His other hand holding yours the whole time.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, the door creaked open to reveal your green-haired best friend, tired-looking yet standing tall. Victorious.

"Hey, 'zuku..." you called out weakly. "Congrats."

The green-haired teen offered a small smile in return. "Hey, (Nickname), how are you feeling?"

"Better now that my boys are here," you chuckle, feeling tiredness creeping. "didja win?"

Nodding, your friend turned to the blond. "Kacchan, it's time for you to prepare."

Bakugou blinked, eyes dropping. Smiling sleepily, you tug your joined hands, carmine meeting (e/c), a happy sigh leaving your lips. "Go win some...Katsuki...'kay?"

Exhaling softly, eyelids falling close with lashes kissing the tops of your cheeks, your hold loosening in his, carmine eyes took in your sleeping frame. He stayed a few minutes, just watching you sleep. Just as he stood, he remembered your joined hands.

Unable to help himself, he raised them to his lips, kissing the back of your hand, your knuckles, and fingers.

The door shut behind him as he walked on, his best friend walking behind him. If Izuku made mention of the fact that both of you held hands, realizing that it had been like that long before he came to fetch his best friend, or that he purposedly walked out when you fell into a slumber, he made no mention of it.

In February, you got word of your grandmother had finally come home. Excitedly, as you were granted a leave, you merrily walked on the snowy streets, practically skipping out of UA.

"Where has she been all this time?" Katsuki asked next to you, hands in his pocket. He was insistent on walking you to the station. Izuku had "other things to do", the little sneaky shit.

"Things." You reply, cryptically.

"Things." He repeated, dumbly.

"Like I'd tell you, dork." you roll your eyes at him, the snow falling all around. "And don't worry, even Izuku has no idea where my granny's been."

Rolling his eyes good-naturedly, his eyes settled on you, his jacket - that he lent you a few days back, because you're so reckless under the snow and 'how could an idiot forget their own fucking jacket?' - dwarfing your frame. 

The relationship between the two of you was a hot topic amongst students in UA. Everyone knew that you were childhood friends who had a rift and rocky relationship growing up, but now, everyone saw that something had changed. Mostly, people noted how Bakugou was especially towards you.

There was no name, no label, no nothing yet - Izuku sometimes felt like knocking both your heads together in frustration - it felt rather nice to just be in his presence and bask in this wonderful feeling. And whenever he can, he'd purposedly leave you two when you were lounging, studying, or keep people away from intervening between your supposed moment.

"How long you gonna be out?"

"Hm, two days tops. Granny brought some treats with her and I've been meaning to spar with her." you continue trekking, humming happily under your breath.

"How come I've never seen her?"

"Oh, you have. Both of you. It's just that she likes to be in the background."

He tries to think back to his childhood, trying to remember the times he spent at your place, trying to remember, but the longer he tried to ransack his memory, the more he was left with nothing. And that led him to a snowball pelted to his face.

"OI!" your laugh resounds as his rage fuels up to melt the snow.

"Bet you were trying to nail down, weren't you?"

"I can't help it! I don't remember her!"

Scoffing, you throw another snowball, which he melts easily with his quirk. "It's okay. I mean, what's to remember about you anyway? You were loud, so full of shit, a tiny, whiny, demon. The complete opposite of sweet little Izuku- hey!"

Out of nowhere, snow pelts you in the head. Katsuki smirks at you, happy to get back at you.

"Katsuki, you fucking ass!"

He sneered, bending over to build snowball and throws them. With your quirk, you easily dodge. "Fucking cheat!"

"Don't be a sore loser, Katsuki!"

Squeals and laughter fill the sidewalk, passersby avoiding the mini-snowball war between two teens lest. 

"Alright, alright, I jest! Come on!"

Catching his breath, the blond wipes his mouth with the back of his gloves. "You fucking started it."

"Don't act like you didn't have fun, Katsuki."

He liked the way his name came out of your mouth. There was just something about it that made it more special, and really acknowledge that it was his name. It was different when his parents say it.

His name means ‘victory’ and it might as well be one whenever you say his name.

"By the way," you call, cutting him off his reverie. "don't forget to ring your parents time to time, yeah?"

"Where is this coming from?"

You shrug easily adjusting your backpack strap and shaking the snow off your hair, leaving it frazzled. "All this talk about my granny made me think of families, mine, Izuku, yours." Hastily, you run a hand through it.

"My folks are fine."

"True," the train station came to view, snow continuing to fall down the sleepy city "but that doesn't mean you should stop checking up on them."

His nose scrunches, uncomfortable with the topic of coddling. "Do you talk to them?"

"Duh, what do you think?" you gave him a look, almost offended. "I talk to Auntie Inko, too. Not just my grandpa, you know."

The fact that you take the time to talk to Izuku's mom and his parents spoke plenty, seeing how fond the adults were of you. He could imagine just how close the lot of you were, remembering the many dinners you three have had and the holiday visits. Also, there was the fact that you were an orphan. 

As much as he hated his old hag nagging at him, his father's needless coddling - he was lucky to have parents like them. You didn't have that anymore.

Grumbling, he complies. "Fucking fine."

Reaching a crosswalk, the two of you stop at red, cars whisking through. Despite being damp from the top up, his quirk helped warm him just a bit. He'd have to hurry back to the dorms lest he catches a cold. The fact that he was with you, however, that made him warm - fuzzy, annoyingly warm that he could feel from his head to his toes. When the light flashed green, the two of you walk.

"You've changed." you say, he turns to find you staring at him in awe, surprise, pride in your eyes. “What are you up to?”

He feels his blood rushing to his cheeks, feels something catch in his throat, feels a flutter in his belly.

“Small things. Little things. Anything for a chance at redemption.”

“…a chance at redemption.” you repeat, testing the words.

He sighed, eyes forward. “For you, Deku, and myself.”

Bakugou Katsuki truly has grown so much since you last saw him. It made you proud, so fucking proud.

Weirded out by your silence, he turns to you, about to berate, only to freeze at the way you were glowing at him, for him.

It was reminiscent of the one he remembered from his childhood. That silly girl with dirt on her hands and fingers, leaves on her (h/c) hair, holding his hand with a flower ring she made for him. It was the one smile he could never forget, treasured, and one he'd never thought to be at the receiving end ever again.

“You’re so lame, you know that?” Sputtering, you didn’t give him a chance to explain himself before tossing him something. “Here,”

Although caught off-guard, he catches it easily. Way too easily.

Asshole.

He didn’t have to ask to know what it was, cheeks warming and reddening.

“Happy Valentine’s Katsuki~” giving him a two-fingered salute, you walked into the train station, smiling silly to yourself.

“O-Oi!”

Looking over your shoulder, (e/c) eyes blinking curiously at him, he could very well see your cheeks were just as red.

“…expect double- no, triple on White Day!”

Snorting, the silly smile returned, only, it was aimed at him. Surprised, but honored.

“Lame ass.”

Izuku was in the common area, furiously checking up new hero updates on his phone, a bag of chocolates shaped like All Might you had given earlier half-finished, a cup of hot cocoa sitting next to it when the front door slammed open.

“Oi, Deku!”

“Ah? Kacchan?”

The blond teen walked towards him, noticeably wet and red in the face.

Once he stood in front of him, he seemed to deflate. Scratching the back of his neck, chin tucked in, his actions very uncharacteristic of the loudmouth he’s used to making the green-haired teen worry.

"Kacchan?"

“…w-what does (Name) like?”

"Eh?"

His eyes caught on something on Kacchan's pocket, chocolates. Not just any chocolates, those were your chocolates!

Unable to help himself, Izuku combusted then and there – finally, his ship was coming to life!

[end]

masterlist

[dancingthesambaa]

The Smell of Plum Blossom Tea Ch 17

Summary: Just like a butterfly wing, a single act of kindness can change the course of the future, it certainly did for MK as a black furred monkey put out a hand towards him.

Rating: Teen and up

Chapter 17: Can You Feel The Love Tonight~

“Pass some of that Okra.”

“Here you go.”

“Why is this so spicy?!”

“Well it is the spicy plate, if you can’t handle the heat then you should have gotten the other plate.”

“No, just this one specifically is damn spicy!”

“Red made some of them.”

“It’s not my fault that your taste isn’t refined enough.”

“Come over here and say that!”

“No fighting at the table,” Macaque said as he watched Bohai try to stand up from his seat, while Red was smirking at him.

“Won’t be much of a fight,” the demon prince mocked.

“You little-” his mouth was then stuffed with green beans.

“Just eat some veggies and calm yourself,” Sheng cracked a grin as they put some green beans in their mouth.

The jellyfish demon moodily just chewed on his food in silence.

“Children, all of them,” Mei said as she set down the bowl of Okra Ahmed passed her.

“So have you heard about the rumors about Yakimoto,” Yanyu leaned into MK.

“Yakimoto? The head of the Neurology department?”

“That’s the one.”

“What about her?”

“Well recently I have heard from a friend of mine, who heard from the janitor, who had heard from a physician of that department, that he had heard that she had been having little outings with her lovely secretary of hers,” she whispered loudly.

“Wait, doesn't she have a husband?” His eyes widened.

“Yes she does, but she’s always complaining about the whole ordeal being set up as an arranged marriage by both of their parents-”

“That’s still a thing?”

“Apparently, the two see each other as siblings.”

“Really?!”

“Totally, in fact, there have been whispers that her husband also has a special man as well.”

“Shut up, tell me more,” he stuffed the Tofu in his mouth as Yanyu began to talk all about the man at the flower shop a couple of blocks down from Pigsy noodles.

“Is it always this loud,” Wukong smiled as he watched the table filled with little chaos.

“Like you wouldn’t believe it,” he said as he ate. “Just be glad this isn’t a holiday dinner then it really would be chaotic. Especially with everyone else that would join in,” he remembered last new year when they finally dragged Pigsy to close down the shop for one night to enjoy the holiday. It was a mad scene of chaos and energy as all of them were raving like mad lunatics even before the food came out, Ahmed and Sandy were barely able to stop Sheng, Daiyu, Tang, and Mei from setting off fireworks right next to some containers of peanut oil. And that was after MK and Mei had already demolished the kitchen with Yanyu siblings looking for the moon cakes.

“Everyone else?” He questioned as he noticed the slight smile on his friend's face.

“Oh don’t worry, stick around long enough and you’ll meet them face to face rather than watching them creepily from the distance” he shook himself out of memories.

The Monkey Sage paused, then he smiled widely, “I can’t wait then.”

“Okay, now can we learn how the hell you met Shun!” Mei exclaimed as everyone settled down in the living room. “Cause, I’m surprised you didn’t smell the crazy off of him at first sight.”

“It’s always the quiet ones that get you,” Daiyu muttered. “He seemed alright, but he was just hiding his batshit craziness.

“Right, I mean that just goes to show doc always had terrible taste in partners,” Yanyu nodded.

“Partners” Monkey King emphasized, “as in more than one.”

“Oh yeah, he has quite the number of people after his plump ass,” Minsheng smirked as they tried to smack Mac on the ass when he passed by him, but he winced when a black tail wrapped around his hand and flipped him over.

“No,” the simian deadpanned and was about to sit down next to Ahmed when Wukong pulled him over and sat him down beside him.

“Seems like you're quite popular then,” he joked and wrapped his arm around him.

“Not really popularity wise, but more of him simply having bad taste,” Sheng teased.

“I mean you're not wrong,” he shrugged as he sank into Wukong’s side.

“But how?!” Mei whined once more.

“Tell us!” MK soon joined her as he laid on Red lap.

“I’m quite interested to hear this as well,” the prince asked as well.

“Pleasseee,” Wukong batted his eyes

“Fine, fine, I’ll bite,” he rolled his eyes. “It’s not that interesting how we met, in fact, it was pretty normal.”

“What was it?”

“Amid a territory brawl over a section of land out in the Azurite Forest.”

“…okay I think we have two very different definitions

of normal,” Mei deadpanned.

“Probably, anyways I was sitting high in the tree watching these assholes argue-”

“I told you that past the Vivion Treeline was our territory and yet you dare go past that line and defy us!”

“Well, maybe you should have thought of that before you send your minions down and scavenge in our territory first!”

“You have no proof of any trespassing that happened!”

“Are you saying my own lies to my face?! HA! Now that’s a laugh to even think about, no I trust them long before I will even think about breathing in your direction!”

“I suppose it’s best you lay down and suffocate cause there is no way in hell that my boys lied to me!”

“Now ain’t that a lie!”

“That’s rich coming from you!”

“Sheesh, of course I would happen to stumble upon this right when I have to get some Fuchsia berries,” Macaque grumbled as he watched the argument from above. “Damn idiots.”

“I happen to agree,” Mac barely flinched when a calm voice called out and saw from the tree to the right of him was a gray lemur with a black and white striped tail. “I too have some important items that I need to procure, but these heathens happen to be in my way.”

“Only found in this forest,” the simian said.

“Unfortunately yes the Inada spiritual root is only grown here, if it was elsewhere I would have already turned back and away from this nonsense,” he scrunched his nose in distaste.

“I feel ya on that, the berries that I need happen to be for an elixir for the spiritual development of the 8th degree. One of my clients needs it after her body is close to breaking down due to her organs inability to support her fire breath,” he sighed as he looked down at the argument once more and noted that it would soon turn into an all out brawl.

“You're talking about the Firaga Restoration Elixir,” the lemur had a glint in his eyes. “Not many physicians know of that and even less have the ability to make it.”

“Made it a few times before…how about we help each other out?” He tapped his chin as an idea came to him.

“Go on.”

“Our items are pretty much in the same area, if we can sneak around and past the tree line then it would be homestretch from then on cause I am quickly picking up that most of the demons from each tribe are here.”

“Hmm, sounds adequate though do you believe to be capable enough to pass them undetected,” he turned to look at the monkey only to blink when he saw he wasn’t there anymore.

“Now where did he-”

“Is this good enough for you,” the lemur’s tail quickly shot towards the voice, but it was stopped by a hand. “Sorry, did I scare ya,” Macaque grinned as he held onto the furry tail.

The lemur blinked a few times before a smile grew, “It would appear that you have.”

“Well let’s get moving and the name is Macaque,” he let go of the tail, but the tail didn’t let go as it instead kept almost a loose grip around Mac's hand.

“I’m Shun,” the lemur purred as he stepped forward until their bodies were pressed together and he leaned down until they were nose to nose. “It will be a pleasure working with you.” And like he wasn’t even there, he quickly stepped back and began to move above the treetops of where the fight had commenced.

Macaque stood still for a brief moment before a fierce blush took over his face and he silently followed Shun. If both tree climbers happened to take glances at one another throughout the trip, no one would affirm anything.

“Like I said, horrible taste in partners,” Yanyu stated once more.

“Yeah, like you let him all up in your space and didn’t say a word, clearly bad,” Mei nodded.

“Like seriously, who would just go up and invade someone's personal bubble like that, totally rude,” MK joined in.

“You should have kicked his ass when he did that Mango, you have done it before,” Wukong said as he nonchalantly dragged him to his lap and rested his chin on Mac’s shoulder. “Don’t let anyone near you unless you want to.”

Everyone, barring Macaque and Wukong were either subtly or straight out eyeing Wukong, who was still cuddled up next to the black simian. They can practically taste the hypocrisy going on here.

“Okay I get it,” he put his hands up in mock surrender. “Don’t need to gang up on me like that.”

“So what happened after that?” MK asked.

“Well the rest is history, he began to hang around my place a lot more and next thing I knew we were going on dates with each other,” he shrugged his shoulders.

“Here’s what I don’t get,” Daiyu perked up, “did he ever ask you out?”

“Of cou-…” he stopped mid sentence as he thought it over then he furrowed his brow, “actually, now that I think about it, no. He never did. We were just eating out one day at a restaurant and proclaimed it to be a date.”

“Pops/Doc/Mango/Dude really,” Mei, Yanyu, Wukong, and Minsheng all groaned as the rabbit demon continued, “you really should have known something was up after that.”

“I really didn’t,” he rubbed the back of his head as he remembered he was taken aback by his statement but went with it as he did have a small crush on him back then.

“Just be glad you weren’t around to see Hui,” Ahmed said, receiving a wounded look from Macaque.

“Kitty, I thought you were on my side!”

“I am…just not when it comes to your choice of partners.”

“Even Mufasa here knows that she was batshit insane,” Bohai deadpanned, “nice and hilarious, but holy shit was she insane.”

“She wasn’t that-”

“Did you forget that she was a raging alcoholic scorpion that had the desire to go up to not only to the Celestial Realm and raid their alcohol supply, but to go down under all the way to Yama realm and claim the title of all the ten kings and live in luxury,” Minsheng bluntly stated.

“Just not Yama crown, because she stated that she didn’t want to do all of that work, not because it was suicidal to try to fight him,” Daiyu continued. She loves to fight as much as her siblings, but even she knew better than to pick a fight with one of the big boys on top, or in this case, down below.

“And I’m not even gonna mention that when she was in her drunken rage, she had the tendency to poison others with her tails when they stood opposed or even just breathed near her,” Bohai finished.

“…” Macaque said nothing as he just leaned closer to the other monkey, who happily complied with his actions as he further tightened his arm around him and silently rubbed his thumb on his shoulder.

“So much bad taste in partners, so much,” the bluenette put her head in her hands.

“I’m starting to see your point,” the pigtailed adult agreed as she glanced at the scene with a curious look.

“At least we don’t have to worry about that anymore, what I’m a bit curious about is how all of you guys met MK here,” Wukong tried to subtly move on from the conversation of Macaque’s romantic relationship. If he had to hear about yet another demon he dated, he might actually lose his mind.

“Oh let me!” MK eagerly began, “well I remember that I was sleeping when I heard Daiyu yell out.”

“Because of course it was her,” the bluenette said.

“And I walk into the room and-” as MK enthusiastically told the story, Wukong had quietly taken out the red rubber band holding his hair in a ponytail and gazed at the silky black fur cascaded down his back. And before he knew it, his fingers were entangled in Mac’s fluffy fur as the other simian sighed at the soft touches.

“Been a long time since you did this,” Mac purred as he relaxed into the grooming.

“Well it’s about time we pick it back up, besides no one is better at grooming than a monkey,” he purred, but he paused as he quietly had thought and delicately asked, “speaking of monkeys, do you want to visit the ones back at Flower Fruit?”

Mac's eyes widened as he almost instantly turned his head, but was stopped by hands, “Are you serious?”

“I mean they have missed you a whole lot,” he tried to nonchalantly say, “especially since they smelt you on the kid and was practically begging me to bring your ass over.”

“They are still demanding little shits huh,” he gave a small huff.

“The one thing that hasn’t changed.”

“…yeah I would like that,” he smiled up at him.

“Cool, cool,” he couldn’t stop his tail from excitedly wagging behind him, but he instead tried to stall it by looking at the fluffy fur once more as another purr came through. It’s not his fault he couldn’t stop it from emerging from his long time crush response and his fascination with his long fur.

“You really do have such a long fur, why’d you grow it out anyways, not that I’m complaining.”

“I dunno, I just forgot to cut it short and when I finally noticed I decided to just keep it,” he shrugged.

“Well I’m glad you did, it looks amazing on you,” Wukong said as he looked down to meet Macaque’s eyes and promptly realizing what he said, he quickly averted his gaze and nervously laughed, “Or you know, it looks good.”

“Ah, umm thanks,” the doctor said as he felt the faint blush on his cheeks.

The sage monkey was about to say something else when he noticed that a few eyes were on him and he quickly went back to his grooming session. While making completely sure that his eyes didn’t even go towards anywhere in their direction.

The traffic light trio saw the scene and they all shared a glance at one another, but opted to say nothing as the story continued and the two monkeys, in everyone's eyes, began to cuddle up together.

“Where is he?” Red huffed as he sat on the opposite side of Mei at one of the arcade booths. “Usually he’s the first one here.”

“I know he was helping Pigsy out with a large Party order, but that should have been done by now,” Mei shrugged as she took another sip of her drink.

“Well he should hurry it up else I will-”

“What’s up, party dudes!” An energetic voice cried out that instantly made Mei spit out her drink.

“Oh hell no!” She stood up as she grabbed her dagger and was inwardly cursing herself about leaving her sword at home, “I’m not about to deal with you a second time! Not today Satan!”

“Should I be concerned?” Red raised an eyebrow as he looked at MK, who was for some reason wearing a pink visor, blue headphones and an atrocious cheetah print outfit. “Cause this whole look right here is very concerning.”

“No need to worry hot stuff,” MK said as he wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “Not here to do any lasting damage, unless you're into that,” he winked.

“W-w-what?!” A small burst of flame erupted from his head.

“I don’t trust that for a second,” the Dragon successor hissed as she still held her dagger up.

“I swearsies doll.”

“Wha-no stay focused,” she faltered but shook it off, “That is rich coming from the disembodied attachment of my friend who can just poof in and out without consequences of your actions.”

“Disembodied?” Red, still under the clone arm, confusedly said.

“Touché,” he pointed a finger, “but for real, I’m just here to deliver a message from the big boss himself.”

“Talk,” she demanded as she slightly lowered her weapon at that.

“BB will be late due to a crazy ass bitch on the block doin her usual bitch in and be all complainin about her food order being all wrong and demanding that they hand it over for free.”

“Oh,” Mei's eyebrow raised. “Bet that didn’t go over well.”

“No it did not my lovely Empress, cause next thing they knew the bitch was calling up the rest of her posse upon BB and Big Bad Boss and now she is yellin her ass about about some scam they be tryin to pull on them all.”

“I’m starting to see where this is head,” she sheathed her blade when she said that, though she did have a light blush of confusion over the nickname.

“Your thoughts be right as the next thing anyone knows, everyone is brawling with each other so hard that even some of the people on the street just up and joined in.”

“So MK got mixed up in that, but why didn’t he just text us that,” the Bull successor asked as he finally recognized that this was a clone and not the real MK.

“Cause Triple B ordered Double B to not get the food ruined under any circumstances my sweet King so now BB is hauling ass all around the town as the Karen Gang chase after his ass,” Portay MK smirked as he saw the prince blush.

“Karen Gang,” she snorted at the nickname, “Does he need any help, cause I will be more than happy to bust a few heads for him.”

“I as well.”

“Aww ain’t the both of you just a bundle of sweetness, makes me want to give you both a big ol kiss,” he flirted once more.

“Just show us!” At this point both teenagers had either a small or large flush on their faces.

“Alright Alright, I’ll show ya,” he said as he quickly made his way out of the arcade and to the streets with them both following. “But I won’t stop~ Someone got to help Double B get the ball rollin and I guess it will have to be me. This will be so much fun,” he muttered.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing my Sugar hearts!” He smiled at their groans of embarrassment.

“Is he always like this?!”

“I met him once and that was when he had me tied up during a never ending party, which I still can’t fully remember due to all the sugar and caffeine I inhaled.”

“The WHAT?!”

“Oh yeah, that was a ride.”

“Man, it’s been a long time since I’ve been here, huh,” Macaque mused as he and MK climbed up the mountain.

“Right, you lived here before,” MK said as they climbed up the steps. “What was it like back then?”

“Honestly, at first it looks and feels the same, every time that I breathe I can still smell the crisp pine air and the heavy mineral undertones that I still smell on Monkey King,” he took a deep breath. “This place really brings back some memories.”

“Good ones?” The doctor to be said with a bit of hope as they finally reached the top.

“Yeah, good ones,” he stopped as his ears pricked up at an incoming sound. “That screech,” he whispered.

“Huh?” MK looked to his Dad, only to be bombarded with the most ear piercing noise.

SCREEEEEECCCCCCHHHHHH

Then, almost out of nowhere, a hoard of monkeys all popped out and practically flew towards the black simian.

“What the-!” MK was startled by the sudden attack and was about to step forward to his Dad only to pause at the sight of multiple monkeys, all of them screeching in delight, clinging onto him as the demon joyfully nuzzled them back.

“I missed you guys too,” he purred as he felt many cuddles underneath his chin, on his back, upon his arms, even on top of his head. He really missed these idiots.

“Awwww,” the adult cooed at the adorable sight.

“Man, that was faster than I was expecting,” the student turned and saw his mentor standing right behind him. “One moment they were playing and the next thing I know they all began to run off. I swear their smell has gotten better over these years.”

“So that’s why they could smell Dad on me that time.”

“You got it,” he finger gunned him as he walked up to the pile of monkeys. “So it seems this is one-”

“HISSSSSSS!” All the monkeys clinging onto Macaque hissed at their idiotic king.

“Yeah, I deserved that,” he deadpanned as he plopped himself onto the pile, with MK following suit. “But I promise we won’t be so stupid again.”

“Ooo oo,” a female monkey crossed her arms as she sat on the monkey doctor's head.

“King honor,” he raised his hand.

“Ooo,” she nodded and gave him a flick on the nose before snuggling back on top of the head.

“She really hasn't changed one bit,” Mac snorted at her antics.

“Nope, but she is still as bossy as ever,” he smiled and gave her a scratch on her head.

“Especially when she forced me to drink water,” MK piped up, “she literally forced it down my throat after one of the sessions. I didn’t think you could drown via water bottle, but when there's a monkey there's a way.”

“Yeah, sounds like her,” both monkeys said.

The sun was beginning to set as MK and the rest of the tribe were all playing out in the mountains in an extreme game of hide and seek. Extreme as in they all will literally yeet themself off the tallest rock just so they won’t get found, the first couple of times MK played this he had to stop his heart from trying to run out of his chest, but he slowly found himself enjoying throwing himself off like a rabid maniac. Is there something wrong with all of them? Maybe, but no one can deny that it is really fun.

“I swear, their IQ always seems to decrease when they play these games,” Mac muttered as he watched his child vault himself off of a rock just so the seeker wouldn’t catch him.

“Didn’t you think of this?” Wukong hummed as he smirked when he saw his student delicately land on one of the boulders below.

“Yep and I still don’t know if I regret it.”

“I mean you did worse,” he coyly smirked.

“You don’t want to talk about dumbass ideas with me Mr. ‘Let’s just ambush the trailing cart of a tired ass deity that would happily shank up on our sleep.’” He snarked back.

“Says the one who thought it would be a good idea to toss me in the water, forgetting that my stone ass can’t swim!” He shot back, they were playing around and Macaque had the jump of him and tossed him in the river. The black simian paused at what he just did and immediately panicked and dived down after him.

“You should really think about losing a few pounds, you were heavy,” he mocked and then got promptly tackled by the other monkey.

“I’ll show you heavy, how’d you like that mushroom brain,” he teased as he began to wrestle him.

“Says you rock for brains,” he shot back as he tried to get the upper hand. This went on for a few minutes as both monkeys playfully began to wrestle each other on the ground. It ended when Wukong managed to pin him down while holding his hands above his head and wrapping his tail firmly around the others.

“HA! I win!”

“Yeah, yeah,” he huffed after he tried to get out after a few attempts. “Don’t get such a big head about it.”

“Aww, but you know it only does good things to my ego~,” he teased as he leaned down.

“No it doesn’t, simply it’s truly terrible.”

“It does!”

“Does not!”

“Does!”

“Does not!

“Does!”

“Does not!”

“Does!”

“Does!”

“Does not! Damnit!” He cursed at the trickery.

“How do you fall for it every single time,” he openly laughed.

Wukong was about to refute when he saw just how close to each other they were and sucked in a breath. He can feel his chest against his own with each breath of air, he can see the faintest shimmer of violet deep within his golden eyes, he can feel his nose touching the soft button nose of his partner.

Macaque obviously heard the intake of breath, no super hearing necessary, and was about to ask when he too stopped short. It could be from the fact that their noses were so close to each other that he could feel his warm breath, the way he could feel the muscle very clearly against his own fur, or even how his golden eyes seem to be extra bright today that he can’t. Stop. Looking.

Neither pair noticed a pair of human eyes locking onto them with a curious expression on his face as he slowly backed up.

Either way, all of those reasons are very much valid in both of their minds as a familiar silence filled the air and it felt oh so good as they just almost blend together as one. This wasn’t the usual safe cuddles that both were adjusted to, no this was something long in the making, that this was something that was more than the friend standpoint that they anchored themselves down on and refuse to step off. This was something even more than love, but the word itself is the only thing that fits what they feel for the other, and they instinctively knew that there is something more between them, something devastatingly eternal.

There can be more if they just make that step off the cliff and into the unknown air.

But not today, no not today.

Instead, Macaque put his foot back down to that safe cliff and latched on tightly as cleared his throat. “You want to get off me anytime, I kinda want to feel my bones sometime,” he managed to say. He can’t take that step, he knows he’s a coward when it comes to admitting that he actually loves Wukong, but they just became friends once more after their stupid separation and he refuses to do anything that jeopardizes it.

“Right, my bad,” he said with a fake smile plastered on as he got off him and sat beside him. He can see the air and he can feel his feet wanting to make that leap into the foggy air and see how far the two can go, but he will push down that impulse. He wants this so badly, for centuries (no matter how hard he tries to deny it) he wants to admit that he loves Macaque, but he will keep his mouth shut. His impulsiveness has already done enough damage as it is, no need to add the emotional turmoil on top of all the other shit he did to his friend.

The two of them sat in silence once more as they sat side by side to each other, totally ignoring the small moment between.

“So…what are you doing for the Lunar New Year?” Wukong asked in an effort to get rid of the silence.

“Well this year, we’re gonna spend it in the city with the others this time around. Everyone brings some food, usually, I bring the moon cakes as I have the extra hands and you can never have too many.” Ever since he had met Yanyu, who had dragged him to his first Lunar year with her family in the city, it had become somewhat of a tradition to go to the city every two years and spend time together. “What are you doing?”

“Oh you know, just gonna chill on the mountain with good food and watch the fireworks,” he nonchalantly said.

“Just by yourself,” he questioningly asked. If there was one of the many things he knew about Wukong, it was that he hated being alone on any occasion. He knew it stemmed from his own weird beginnings and his unawareness of the societal norms at the start, but it all went downhill after he was trapped in the mountain with only the bitch ass spirits keeping guard, he could only sneak in so many times before one of the guards noticed something amiss, unfortunately. (Though he quite happily stopped by when Wukong was finally free and he had quite the playtime with them, he still can’t help but grin at the sound of their screams. It was truly music to his ears.)

“Yeah,” he shrugged. It wasn’t anything new, ever since his friends have…gone, he couldn’t quite bring himself to spend the holiday with anyone other than the tribe from time to time. It just doesn’t feel right anymore…it doesn’t feel like he has the right anymore.

“Yeah, no. Your ass is coming with me to the festival,” Mac deadpanned.

“What?!” He turned his head so hard that he could almost hear his neck snap.

“You. Are. Spending. The. Festival. With. Us.” He slowly emphasized each word as if he couldn’t understand it. “Got it.”

“But-but-”

“We’re not talking about your ass here, but you are coming.”

“I don’t want to intrude, it will probably be really weird,” he tried to rebuttal.

“The group has almost twenty people and then those people will sometimes bring their friends along, the more the merrier.”

“What about how I look, cause no offense, but I don’t want to be mowed down in a frenzy to get an autograph or a picture or something!”

“We both know you have a human disguise, hell I sometimes use my own from time to time.”

“But-”

“Wukong,” he grabbed his shoulders. “You are going to come to the Lunar Festival with us.”

The monkey opened his mouth once more, but sighed and sagged his shoulder. “When have you become so demanding.”

“I learned that from you,” he smirked.

“Pfft, nahh you have always been a demanding shit even before me,” he chuckled as he laid his head on Mac's shoulder. “Yeah, I’ll join you guys.”

“Great, but if it does get too much just come grab me and we can bail to one of the rooftops,” he shifted and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

He smiled into his shoulder, “I wouldn’t mind that buttt I wouldn’t mind trying one of the moon cakes, especially if you make some with peaches in them.”

The doctor fondly rolled his eyes, “I’ll make some peach candy mooncakes for you dumbass.”

“Yes!”

[soymilka8]

americano - hwang hyunjin

pairing: hwang hyunjin x female reader !

word count: 1.5k words

genre: fluff.

warnings: none

synopsis: hyunjin loves his americano, you were simply the one who made it.

master-list.

i miss hyunjin so very much AHHH.

she was a barista, he loved coffee.

can anybody make it anymore obvious? coffees are meant to be enjoyed whenever. cold may the sky be, or warmness may the gods bring, the only point here is that you could never go wrong with coffee. after all, there were tons of ways to enjoy them and decorate as you please!

they've always been therapeutic for the young woman— the coffees she'd make were her pride enjoy. a little too proud she was, always keeping coffee beans close to her, even in her own bag. if a zombie apocalypse ever were to come, the first thing that'd popped into her mind would be none other than coffee.

how she'd bring a stash near her basement for easy access, or how she'd save up money for an espresso machine all for the sake having coffee during the terrible reigns of walkers; all those were common thoughts inside her brain.

though some might say she was a bit too attached to her coffee beans and machines, nobody was fronting enough to say anything about it. after all, the young woman made peoples’ coffees taste like magic! complain as they might like about her rooted passion for the drink but whenever they get a sip of their order, mouths would be quickly shut by the drink alone.

her eyes were like hawk as they swiftly worked their way around the station. hands followed her every movement as jittering and clattering could be heard throughout the small café she worked at.

a small café it was, with minimal decorations and very few people crowding the building. no wonder. the café was pretty well hidden after all, far away from the noisy parts of the city. the only noises that occured day to day were her voice, a few chatters of the people, (an old couple being her favourite) and the slight vibration of their every action.

it had always been like this, really. she'd serve a couple of familiar faces their coffee, well acquainted with them as they frequented the building, and a couple of newcomers whom have yet to see the place would also drop by and order their own. she always treated them the same, serving them their drinks and specialties sometimes even with a little twist of her own to spice things up. nothing a little surprise couldn't handle.

although she wasn't quite certain why she paused her actions upon seeing a certain someone.

she totally wasn't guarding the door from time to time, afraid that a sudden bandit may come because of her intense overthinking skills— no. it wasn't any of that, rather, she just happened to have glanced a quick moment at the door and she saw a man.

a man, people might say. a normal, human being.

but her eyes sparkled upon seeing him enter. he was just so majestic. the way he carried himself inside the small café made it feel like he was the star of the show, and that the café was the background. it didn't help that the outfit he was wearing caught her eyes, too.

boots, pants, black turtleneck, long brown coat— with the captivating face being the cherry on top. he was attractive, there was no denying that. maybe if she were to ask his number, something might blossom—

no, of course not.

she couldn't bother. the woman idly rolled her eyes at herself for being so idiotic, now halting her attention away from the man who caught her attention, and continued on working on a teenage girl's latte. it was stupid, to even think of the fact of asking his number.

for one, she'd never reckon herself to want to grab anyone's attention right from the get-go. she never believed in love in first sight and she most likely would have never if not for the man who just entered so gracefully. two, she was a barista. it would have seemed weird if she was to ask his number upon entering, or worse, she might make him uncomfortable.

and she wasn't up for any of that.

now fighting the urge to glance at the man's visual once more, she bid a small thank you to the teenage teen and coughed abruptly, mentally preparing herself for what's about to come. act normal, act normal, act normal.

“hi, what can i get for ya?”

not bad.

“good afternoon,” the man smiled ever so softly, “can i please get um... an iced americano?”

boom. okay maybe acting normal wasn't such a good idea after all. not when his smile is so angelic it would send you to the gates of heaven! the small tug of his lips in an upward motion, the formation of crescents on his eyes as he smiled so delicately; it surely was hard for the woman not to woo.

“sure, anything else?”

“hmm... can i maybe get a hazelnut croissant?”

she nodded, “and one hazelnut croissant, that's it?” and looked up. the man reciprocated her actions, and she told him of the price. “um... can i please get your name?”

“hwang—” he smiled again, “hwang hyunjin.” she tried nodding albeit hesitantly as she twisted her heels in slight terror. her back faced him, he didn't know she was quite literally squealing inwardly and maybe even outwardly, who knows.

or maybe he did.

she faced him once again after pretending to have been doing something, mindlessly working through the cashier's register. she tried her best not to pay as much attention to him, though of course, it was hard not to when the beautiful man was staring her down.

“here,” she handed him his change at the small placement box beside her. it was rather frustrating her boss had to add the box for she was not even given a chance to accidentally hold his hand. the man named hyunjin nodded, walking away and sitting himself down onto one of the chairs as he minded his own business.

yeah, she hoped she'd be able to make his coffee properly.

the first few seconds were fine— weird even for the young woman as she made the man's americano. she'd have never thought she wouldn't be as distracted as she thought she'd be, even focusing more than normal at the task at hand.

that was until when she briefly glanced at him, he was already staring at her.

she flinched slightly, trying her best to work on the beans and not paying her any attention. she was sure it wasn't her imagination, he'd really been staring, pretty intently as well. like he was watching her every move with slight... interest. like he was fascinated with the idea of coffee— or maybe just his americano alone. nevertheless, it was enough to make her fuzz with timidness.

“one iced americano and hazelnut croissant for hwang hyunjin?” his name rolled of her tongue so smoothly. the man rose from his seat, strutting his way towards her with the same smile he had given earlier only this time, it was directed at his americano. she could tell how much he loved his americano,

“here you go,” she handed him her drink, he took it, and for the first time, their hands brushed against each other. it was only a brief contact, but the sparks it had initiated were intense. maybe she was just being dramatic. “thank you.” he had said, about to take a sip of his americano when he'd caught on to the writing on the back.

his name was written on there, sure, but there was another thing hyunjin never would've thought he'd seen on the plastic. it was numbers. and if he was to guess, it would more or less be yours.

surprised, hyunjin took a look at you. your face was that of a grin as you handed him a call sign, indicating him to call you if ever. it was bizarre how your hands just had a mind of their own, recklessly adding your number in as you wrote hyunjin's name earlier. you've told yourself countless times it would be impossible.

though it wouldn't hurt to try.

“i make good coffee.” you said sheepishly, scratching the back of your head. hyunjin was slightly appalled but even so, he smiled in the most heart-warming way ever as he nodded at you. the silence remained for a few seconds until you looked at hyunjin, only to see him once again staring back at you with eyes that held such interest.

his smile had widened, the moon on his eyes bending even more as his face scrunched up. he looked so adorable.

and without a second word, he walked away towards the door about to head out. you'd have thought he rejected you if not for the promising smile he held on his face just a few seconds back.

but as the night came and the café went to a close, he messaged you that night, the words still stuck to your brain:

“make me coffee some other time, princess ;))”

[zigtheeortega]

For the past six months, @pixeljazzy​ and I have been working on a playlist we felt could top last year’s, which was so well received! 

We’ve broken it up into sections by individual love interests, multiple love interests, main character, and miscellaneous, which includes side characters, general vibes, etc. Underneath each song are lyrics we believed stood out to us along with explanations as to why we chose it. Like last year, the [p] is for PJ and [j] is for Jade.

Here’s the link to the playlist on Spotify, but we’ve individually linked the songs with each explanation as well!

We sincerely hope you enjoy our 2021 RODAW Playlist! 

The Bay, Soft Glas. ft. Mulherin [j]

Leaving you alone is too hard (hard, hard) / I just never know where to start (with you)

I'm not used to leaving someone broken hearted / That might be what really makes this hard (It's hard) / I've never been with anyone this long / If I did it, I really miss you

The softness and apologetic tone of the song reminds me of Logan through and through. He’s so regretful for what he put MC through, both at the beginning when he was lying to her, and by the end when he thinks he’s ruined her life by simply being a criminal and dating her. And by leaving her he’s leaving the one person who’s loved him unconditionally and stuck with him through it all.

Call Me, Nav [j]

They taught me, "Don't forget where you came from" / I regret what I came from

Do you know how it feel to feel alone? / Bought myself a house, to feel like I ain't home / Driving by myself, ain't got nowhere to go / Are you really here for me, I don't know

I hope you mean everything that you told me / I'll try to come back to you, girl, I'm sorry / If you miss me, just call me

This song honestly reminded me of Logan’s backstory that we don’t know much of, besides the fact that he was thrust into a life of crime as a teen and as an adult he hates it. The other lyrics I added are kind of a glimpse into the future I think – wherever Logan is, whatever he’s doing, if he’s not with MC, the woman he loves, everything he accomplishes is gonna feel hollow. And despite him saying that he was leaving to protect her, I know in his heart he’d want her to find her way back to him.

Cold Case Love, Rihanna [p]

I’m torn apart and you know / What you did to me was a crime

We opened up a cold case love / And it got the best of us / And now prints, pictures, and white outlines / Are all that’s left at the scene of a crime / Of a cold case love

The first line reminded me of how MC probably felt after being betrayed by Logan, the one that was arguably supposed to be the closest to them, and then the second lyric is because at the time, MC left and that was the last Logan knew of them with nothing to stand for what they used to have until they eventually came back to help save the crew.

Compass, The Neighbourhood [j]

If I don't have you with me, I'm alone / You know I never know which way to go / I think I need you with me for all-time / When I need new direction for my mind

I've got something to confess / I keep you in my pocket to use / You're my only compass / I might get lost without you / (Could you tell me where to go?)

You're always there to help me when I'm down / I'm lucky you've been keeping me around / You're the star I look for every night / When it's dark, you'll stick right by my side

Like a magnet / Hard to imagine ever changing / Can't help that I'm attracted to you, I am / Could you keep on guiding me? Please

This is a quintessential Logan song – reading these lyrics, it’s like Logan spoke them himself to MC, and that’s why I included so much of the song. All of these remind me of him and his hopeless romanticism, but specifically the line about her being the star he looks for every night? Absolutely perfect. This entire song is like a love letter from Logan to MC.

Don’t Leave Me, Blackstreet [p]

I’m searching for the words to make you realize / That I really, really want you to stay

Don’t leave, don’t leave me girl

This song was giving me Logan vibes from the diamond scene where he’s like “I can’t believe I love someone” and MC is like “you don’t get to say that to me” or some shit like that because he’s trying soo so hard to explain himself to her and to make her not hate him.

Imma Dog, Ugly God ft. PnB Rock [j]

You say you love me, shawty, tell me why / 'Cause I'm a dog and I'ma probably be this way until I die / You say you always gon' be by my side / You say you trust me with your heart and I swear, I just wonder why

Okay, hear me out, I forreal have reasons for this to be tied to Logan. The only verse in this song that’s a non chorus one is related to cheating, but I’m choosing to ignore that for the sake of the chorus. I heard the chorus for the first time and it made me think of one specific moment and point in time in Ride or Die. These lyrics remind me of Logan’s attitude when he was being mean and pretending to be annoyed by MC to get her off of him – despite the facade he’s still in awe of the way she trusts him and cares about him even when he’s treating her like garbage.

Life’s a Mess, Juice WRLD ft. Halsey [p]

Uh, sometimes life’s a mess

Lookin’ for somethin’ real, then I found it

I’m too flawed to hold you down, but / Don’t wanna be here alone

Logan knows all too well how much of a mess life really is (first lyric), and the second lyric is basically what I think he feels about MC. He told MC in the beginning that he doesn’t really stay with crews or trust anyone but himself, but MC was that exception before the rest of the crew became that exception too. And then the third lyric is because Logan looks at himself as someone who probably doesn’t deserve MC, Vaughn even said he was morally obligated to tell MC that she’s too good for his cousin (yes it was a joke (was it) but it fits), but he still wants her anyway (“Look at you...then look at me. You’re going to be valedictorian. I never even went to high school...I don’t have anything, and I wasn’t anybody, and I knew that. I always knew that….Some part of me really wants you to mess things up for me.” - Logan, Ch. 3).

Unfair, 6lack [p]

Hope my mistakes don’t make me less of a man / ‘cause lately it feel like them shits really can / I’m prayin’ I don’t wake up all alone

But know I’m stuck between / What I love and who I love and / I know it’s unfair

The first lyric I feel like is pretty self-explanatory as Logan expresses remorse for his actions (him acting weird and tryna tell MC about his dishonesty in the club, him making the effort to apologize or explain in the diamond scene after the reveal) and it especially hits if your MC is romancing Logan because he doesn’t want to lose them. As for the second lyric, I was thinking about how he was probably stuck between doing what’s best for the crew and doing right by MC

While We’re Young, Jhene Aiko [j]

Baby while we're young / I think we should do something crazy / Like say, "Fuck everyone" / And just run away from the daily routine

I'm tellin' everybody you're mine and I like it / And I really hope you don't mind, I can't fight it

'Cause it's been another perfect day with ya / Wanna lay with ya / Spend the night with ya / Then spend my life with ya, alright

I'll go everywhere you go / You know I'll go, I'll go / Everywhere you go

I'm giving you my heart, please don't break it / Take it and lock it up and put me in your pocket, love

This reminds me of Logan and MC’s brand of romance that’s sweet and clumsy and a little bit reckless when it really gets going. They’re both cautious but they fantasize about throwing caution to the wind even more than they already have.

Angel With A Shotgun, The Cab [p]

I don’t care if heaven won’t take me back / I’ll throw away my faith, babe, just to keep you safe

Sometimes to win, you have to sin

And I want to live, not just survive

Lemme explain because I feel like people may think this song is really really out there for Colt but I was listening to this song one day and thought of him, esp the last two lines I chose: I think of how Colt came up with the kidnapping plan and how it was so crazy because it was like wow he really was ready for murder if it came down to it, but Colt was basically like we need to do something big to outsmart them or else we’ll just be doing shit for them forever (‘sometimes to win, you have to sin’).

Born 2 Be Great, Lil Tjay [p]

I was born to be great / And I won’t let nobody tell me I ain’t / And I can’t stop, won’t stop

Growin’ up, I’m gettin’ old, start settin’ goals / Tryna make more money off my business and shows / And everybody gon’ hate, I’m great, I know / Everybody can hate, I’m great, I know

These lyrics just scream COLT to me all the way. He knows and believes he’s destined for greatness no matter what path he chooses because no matter what he does, he’s gonna succeed in the end. “I can’t stop, won’t stop” reminds me of how Kaneko wanted Colt to choose for himself what he wanted to do, and even though Kaneko tried to shield Colt away from the family business, that’s where Colt wanted to be. The second lyric is essentially Colt just knowing he’s gonna make money and that he won’t be liked (hated by other crews, police, etc.), but that won’t matter because he’s great nevertheless.

Chandelier, B.o.B ft. Lauriana Mae [p]

They say life’s about choices / In the face of defeat I declined / Put your soul into everything, never back down / That’s how you leave a legacy behind

Let my blood keep pumping, my heart keep beating / Shining like a chandelier

Making something out of absolutely nothing / That’s the definition of a survivor

Colt definitely felt ‘put your soul into everything, never back down / that’s how you leave a legacy behind’ because of how much he focuses on carrying on what his family has built, and taking all the risks necessary to keep that legacy alive and make a name for himself. I put ‘shining like a chandelier’ because that’s how bright Colt shines, as I believe he’s destined for greatness and wouldn’t allow himself to achieve anything but.

Down Bad, Real Recognize Rio [j]

I've been out of my head for a couple minutes, for a couple miles / Made the hair stand up on my neck / On a knife edge, comin' at me for my crimes / Got a mind that can leave you locked inside

'Cause you got me down bad, down bad, your deep desire / Carve my name on your soul, then I walk through the fire / Your voice so clear, like you say my name / You got mе runnin' for my life like this shit was a game / Got mе down bad, down bad to feel your touch

This song reminds me of Colt specifically during the gambling scene when he got shot and the last car chase scene, because MC is put in serious danger but it does nothing to shake her love for Colt. She’s scared for her life and her future but she’s still willing to put everything on the line for him and MPC.

Forever Ever, Trippie Redd ft. Young Thug [p]

You gon’ really have to hold me fuckin’ down, babe / ‘Cause I ain’t with the fuckery, that playing ‘round, babe

We Bonnie and Clyde but except the shots

He don’t love you like he should, I can love you better

First and second lyric are because they’re a team, and Colt sees MC as his right hand. In the life he lives, the people on his team gotta be down fr because there’s always a lot at stake. The last lyric is more conditional, as I feel like this could be him if MC was also romancing Logan because in the reveal, Colt’s like you deserved to know and in the car in the chapter afterwards that’s when he’s like bro we could run this whole shit etc. etc.

Impala, O2worldwide [j]

I been watching you from a distance / Sitting back and acknowledging your existence / I made a couple songs but you'll probably never listen / Shooting my shot but i'm always fucking missing / Setting my ego aside / Me and you can go together just like Bonnie and Clyde / I've been tripping over you just like my shoes is untied / And I tried to hit you up its like my confidence died but

I see you everyday but don't past corners of eyes / I'm just gonna act like I didn't see you close to that guy / Not gonna lie you got me head over ears / I'm tryna find love because I don't know just how it feels

Anyone listening to this and reading the lyrics is going to hate me because… is this the perfect “Colt pining for MC because she’s getting close to Logan” Love Triangle song, or what? I listen to this song so casually most of the time that I forget how sad the lyrics actually are. The first couple verses (not the third verse) fit the narrative so well. A lot of my favorite “Colt” songs aren’t ones where they’re outwardly admitting any kind of affection for MC – they’re the ones where it reads as Colt struggling with their feelings for MC and how to express them.

PTSD, G Herbo ft. Juice WRLD, Lil Uzi Vert, and Chance the Rapper [p]

I don’t belong, I see my past everywhere

I got a war zone on inside of my head

A million dollars ahead, I’m still angry and seeing red

I’m too paranoid, I make sure all my opps, they bled

This song always guts me because G Herbo is talking about all the people he’s lost, and for Colt, I imagined this was probably him after losing his father. Reminded of his past when he saw the remains of the shop, reminded of his past every time after that probably when he was rebuilding the shop. As for the million dollars, it’s like he could pull off as many heists as he could but he would never be satisfied until Brotherhood paid, hence the last lyric because honestly I don’t think it’s over until Shaw is dead (ik there’s a line in ROD where he’s like if we were even, he’d be dead, I just know it).

Sun God, Trippie Redd [j]

Went out my way just to love you / Right at the top, no above you / Right off the top, know I trust you / Ready or not, here I come, boo / And baby, you're hot, like the sun, too / Not too hot for me, no I'm sun-proof / Follow your lead, I'ma come through / Just you and me, baby, one-two

I think this is Colt way farther down the line if MC had the chance to really fall in love with him. He’s the type to value trust and loyalty in a bond more than anything else because he doesn’t do either of those easily at all. And I think that the line about being sun-proof is a cute callback to a lot of the fandom comparisons of Colt and Icarus – the title too and the lyrics just scream Colt to me.

Where Does The Love Go?, Maria Isabel [j]

Nightly negotiations with the moon, whoever's listening / All the miles between us got me messed up, got me trippin'

They say lovin' is easy / But not when one of us is leaving

Back on a plane / Two different coasts / When we're alone / Where does the love go? / What if you go / Forget the way home? / Running in circles but never together / So where does the love go?

The more I listen to this song the more I think this song is about Colt and MC. Colt’s not a clingy type in the slightest, but there’s no doubt in my mind that deeper into the relationship, both Colt and MC would have some doubts – the reason I say this is because I’m viewing the lyrics through the lens of Colt and MC doing long distance while MC is in college on the East Coast. This whole song is long distance relationship anxiety summed up perfectly and it’s so Colt.

Yellow Lights, 24kGoldn [p]

Don’t want no yellow light / don’t want no mixed message

For the crown, ‘cause we could achieve it

Love you now, but don’t you deceive me

Second lyric resonated with me esp because of that line in the book where he’s like “But the two of us? We put our brains together, you and me could run this whole town” so he knows he could achieve an empire with MC by his side. Last lyric is because Colt definitely doesn’t trust those around him and for those that he does trust, that trust doesn’t come easy. So MC, who managed to get past that, is loved, but would automatically lose a lot if she deceived him (now imagine….snitch MC? This line would hit a lot more because she ends up deceiving him so like he had a right to be wary of her holding his heart (like if we’re looking at the pov of him saying this lyric)).

Can’t Love, Trippie Redd [p]

She say she love me, I think she love me not / She say she love me, I know she love me not

How could you do this to me? / Yeah, yeah, I thought you, I thought you loved

Another Mona and her ex song teehee but I’m imagining this from Mona’s pov while she’s in jail like wow that girl never loved me like she said she loved me (first lyric) and how could she betray me like this (second lyric).

Favorite Mistake, Giveon [p]

Is my secret safe? / Safe with just you and me / We can’t leave a trace / This is my favorite mistake

Look in my eyes / Do you mind the lies? Do you feel alive?

Even when you’re gone / The feeling just grow stronger / Should leave it alone / But you’re getting closer

So I finally did a Mona route and GOD yes this song is about cheating (Mona and Hieron can’t relate) but we gon ignore that and just focus on these lyrics specifically because wow they really hit me like Mona for one was in denial of her feelings for MC from the jump and at some point she’s like god this is so ridiculous I can’t believe I’m feeling this way again so ofc she doesn’t want people to know she’s in love (like that time Toby is like man she is NOT happy about liking you! in the club scene) hence the beginning of the first lyric but at the same time….. she’s in love… so “this is my favorite mistake.” As for the second and third, the lies are that “I don’t like you” ra ra ra she’s only fooling herself and then it’s like yeah she knows her feelings are dumb but she can’t help but fall for MC anyway <3

Gonna Love Me, Teyana Taylor [p]

Sometimes we say things that we really don’t mean / We do things in between the lines

Please wait up for me ‘til whenever I get home / I know that you’re all alone / Thinking ‘bout what you’re gon’ do / I hope that you see it through, ooh, ooh

Why is it so hard to keep in touch

For the first lyric, I was thinking of the time MC says “Being with you makes a difference to me. It feels safer” and Mona replies that “It’s just an illusion. A blanket. And I’ve told you before not to count on me.” Yeah she said that wit her chest but ik she knows it’s more than that for the both of them. The second and third lyric both have to do with her being in jail by the end of the book (making it literally hard to keep in touch), and even though she tells MC not to wait up, a part of me thinks the vulnerable part of Mona would’ve hoped at least a smidge that MC would, and the last bit ‘thinking ‘bout what you’re gon’ do / I hope that you see it through’ reminds me of the advice in the diamond scene of driving Mona to the hospital that she gave MC which was that to move on, you just gotta keep your foot on the gas and look forward and that eventually, she’ll be somewhere better than she’s ever been.

Love or Lust, 24kGoldn [p]

It’s love or it’s lust, we just need to be clear / ‘Cause if you’re in love, then I shouldn’t be here

Would you walk eight thousand miles just to make me smile on a rainy Wednesday? / If so, then you gots to go, it ain’t mutual and I’m not pretending

Basically in the beginning stages of MC falling for Mona, Mona’s like oh hell nah (“I shouldn’t be here”) and she recognizes that MC likes her a lotttt (MC would definitely walk eight thousand miles to make her smile on a rainy Wednesday) and so she’s like fuck

PLW, Leon Thomas [j]

Left my fear right at the door (ooh) / She's an animal hunting in the wild, yeah (in the wild) / Doesn't move around or groove / But she come from the depth / That's why she's down to earth / An instrument of war

Baby ain't no beginner / I got love for my little winner / Flashing or finessing / That's why I mess with her, yeah

And you don't have to worry, yeah / 'Cause I know what's she worth / No, you don't have to save me / From my pretty little weapon

Ooh my baby smart, and she sharp, and she sharp, yeah / Pretty little weapon

I’ll never ever get over how this song fell into my lap and is absolutely perfect for Mona. This is for an MC who acknowledges that Mona’s a badass and that she loves her because of her strong personality and unwavering confidence because she knows she’s good at her job. The first verse is the best approach an MC could take – leaving her fear at the door because she knows someone like Mona could sniff it out. The line “No, you don’t have to save me / From my pretty little weapon” kills me, because it’s accurate – on Mona’s route, despite any betrayal, the MC is still in love with her and knows that Mona would never actually hurt her.

Sleeping With the Enemy, BbyMutha & Kindora [j]

Creeping around corners / I don't feel like myself / Studying your movements / It's a carousel / And I can't confirm that you / Mean what you say / And I'm pretty sure / That it's / Better that way

Why can't I trust in you / Am I slipping up / Over you / If it really turned to be the way / That I think / How bad could it be?

And I know that we could go for / Round and round like 123 / And I gotta question myself / Is it coming? / Possibly / And I gotta wonder / Am I sleeping with the enemy?

I'm watching my back / Like I got nothing left / I give you all I got / Wish I knew what was next

The first time I heard this song it was a toss up between whether or not it was a Colt and Mona song (or both) but I settled on Mona pretty quickly after a re-listen. Not only is the internal conflict in the lyrics a perfect description of Mona’s own battle, but it could be easily viewed from MC’s perspective as well. The idea of knowing it’s “wrong”, and mistrusting them but pursuing it anyways is quintessential early Mona route.

The World is a Marble Heart, AJR [p]

We could have been, we should have been / What your heart couldn’t handle

Run away, girl, ‘cause I let you / Now you found some other man, you see / I’m better off without you, ‘cause the man ain’t me!

I’m going right now / To the beginning / What you denied from the start / And now you can’t go breaking my heart

The world is a marble heart / It’s bullshit and we know it

I think the first lyric is definitely MC to Mona because Mona was afraid to allow herself to be in love, and then evidently their relationship couldn’t blossom because Mona ends up arrested (“we could have been, we should have been”). This song called out to me because Mona always comments on how MC’s heart got them into the Brotherhood mess, how MC always think the crew is something they’re not, so MC’s heart is the marble heart and the last lyric (“it’s bullshit and we know it”) is essentially Mona being like girl you know we are not what you think we are. The second lyric is because in a scene after the reveal, Mona drives MC to Riya’s house and MC goes I wish we could run off together and Mona is like just say the word and MC is like I can’t :/// and then Mona is like the only one stopping you is you, and then “I’m better off without you” is Mona being don’t call don’t write don’t text

Would You, Pink Sweat$ [p]

Would you die for me? I would die for you / Would you shoot for me? I would kill for you / Would you run up the bag if I needed you to? / Girl, all the things that I’d do for you / Would you do for me too?

I wanna know when it pops off that you gon’ be right next to me

This was giving Mona and her ex from that scene where MC got a glimpse into Mona’s past. Essentially, Mona’s ex and her were thick as thieves, and when they got arrested, Mona didn’t say anything and her ex did, so Mona was always ten toes down but her ex never had her (Mona) like she (Mona) thought she (her ex) had her (Mona)

Both of Us, YFN Lucci [j]

Stay with me when there's no one else to call / If you got me then I'm in it for the both of us

Look, ayy, do you love me like you say you love me? / Ay, do you vow to keep it cute when everythin' get ugly? / Ay, if I ever leave, girl would you come lookin' for me?

I think that this song and these lyrics fit into the title of the book and how “ride or die” each of the love interests are for MC and vice versa. I think the softer parts of this song are MC for sure, and Logan at times, and the second bullet point is Colt and Mona. For them, it’s more of a promise of loyalty rather than love like the earlier lyric is (which is why I think that’s a bit more hopeless romantic like Logan).

C U Girl, Steve Lacy [j]

I haven't seen you in a while, you know I miss you babe / When you hear this song, feel flattered, it's about your face / And how I miss it and I wish that I could see it more / But you're in college now and I'm about to go on tour

I love this song because it makes me think of the possibility of MC and the LI having a “song” – one where any time they hear it they think of each other. And that when they hear it it makes them happy but at the same time they’re forced do think about the distance between them and how much they miss each other.

Collide, Tiana Major9 and Earthgang [j]

Everybody's got opinions on our thing / Say we're flying down a path with no ending / And if I die before I wake / Ooh, don't let me wake up from this dream / When we collide / When we collide, it's a beautiful disaster / When I crash into you, you, you

And I don't care about the future or the past / Riding slow, 'cause you know the world's moving too fast

Without you, I'm just a fraction / Closing in on my demise / And I love you religiously / With everything inside of me / As long as I'm alive

So I think it fits for all three because the relationship is taboo since they’re criminals and she’s a valedictorian getting ready for college. Their relationship is sloppy and dangerous and comes to an inevitable end, and they both know that, so this song for sure encapsulates how little both the LI and MC care about that. They don’t that it’s a trainwreck, because colliding is all that matters :)

Heaven, Clairo [j]

Alone, for the last time / You're just a loner / Give it a try / And you're hard on yourself / And your laugh, it just melts in my hands / Lonesome in the streets

I'll get by with you on my mind / I'll get by with you on my side

I love the idea of this song being viewed as MC’s perspective of her LI, because I’m sure the other LI’s haven’t been appreciated in the way that she appreciates them. For example, the line about the laugh melting in her hands makes me think about how they’d react to her saying that to them. None of the LI’s probably have never been told their laugh is cute, and I’m sure they’d be confused about it at first, so this whole song gives me a cute late night summer drive vibe. Like the MC is in the passenger seat of Mona or Logan’s car or draped around Colt and she’s just appreciating the things she loves about them.

Heaven Ain’t Hard 2 Find, Tupac [j]

Simply because you nervous, let me start off with my conversation / Hoping my information, elevates the hesitation / I can see it clearly now / Catch you smiling through your frown / I'm askin' Baby Boo are you down?

Heaven ain't hard to find / In fact you can have it just have faith / Just like a little kid, still believing in magic / It takes a lot of sacrifice / With all the lonely nights on tour / I need somebody I can trust in my life

Oh god help me identify me truest thoughts / Your hidden motives full of passion who would of thought / Come holla at me baby, love me for my thug nature / Far from a player hater, label me a money maker / Straight heart breaker

I originally added this song because it’s canon that Colt loves old West Coast Rap, so that makes me think he’s a huge Tupac fan. I can see him listening to this in his car driving down a California highway at like 2 a.m. On the other hand, though, the beginning of the song reminds me of the first meeting with Logan at the party, or the second meeting when they go to the car show – young love jitters and all that.

Keep Me Up, Charlotte Lawrence [j]

My heart starts beating and my hands start sweating / My chest starts sinking and sometimes will even start shaking / It's physical and emotional

And I don't want you all inside my head / And I can feel you running through my veins

When I say, and I say, and I say / That I want you in my life / But you stay, and you stay, and you stay / And you never leave my side / And you take, and you take, and you take / And you say you feel so nice, boy / And you keep me up all night

I think this fits with all the LI’s and MC and how they cope after the LI’s had to leave. Read it from both perspectives and it honestly fits so well for both of them – like the first couple months of restlessness staring at their ceiling while reflecting on how much they miss each other.

Kitchen, Kid Cudi [j]

Hmm, you wanna find somebody you trust and lay low / But it seems they all on the same mission / You wanna find somebody you trust and lay low / But can't stand the heat of my love, then stay out the kitchen

Oh baby here we are, I made a wish on shootin' stars / I ain't even mad at it, we made it this far

The attitude of this song reminds me of both Mona and Colt’s feelings about relationships – they both know they’re intense people and that they don’t trust or love easily, and that whoever’s interested in them needs to know that. They’re not going to apologize for it, but they appreciate anyone who sticks around and loves them despite that.

Meet Me Halfway, The Black Eyed Peas [j]

Can you meet me halfway, right at the borderline / Is where I'm gonna wait, for you / I'll be looking out, night n' day / Took my heart to the limit, and this is where I stay / I can't go any further than this / I want you so bad it's my only wish

I think of all three LI’s when I listen to this, because it fits into the idea of them struggling to maintain both of their lifestyles and have them mesh together. And it plays into the distance when MPC has to scatter.

Moonlight, Trippie Redd [j]

I can still be your man / I was tryna see your plans / 'Cause I was tryna have this dance tonight / Your body, girl, I'm a real big fan / And I cannot lose this chance / So, baby girl, grab my hand / This moment I'm waiting for, I fantasize / I just wanna be with you, I just wanna be with you tonight / Under the moonlight

This reminded me of the prom scene and how despite the chaos, all three love interests took the time to appreciate MC and soak up their last “date”.

out for the night, 21 Savage [j]

Five foot five (Five), she my ride or die (Die) / Never tell a lie (Lie), we like Bonnie and Clyde (Clyde) / Lookin' at her thigh (Thigh), like, "Do it come with rice?" (Rice) / She don't like FaceTime, she would rather Skype / But I'm out for the night (Straight up) / Out for the night (Straight up)

When I heard this song I could definitely see Colt listening to it, but I think the flirtiness of the song fits for all three love interests! Also, I mean… “she my ride or die” and “we like Bonnie and Clyde”? Self explanatory.

Part of Me, Teo [j]

I believe there's no one in your place / So much lovely / You can cure my mistakes / You reside in me no room for escape

You're my darling / You're my love / You're rocking all of your diamonds / All dressed up / And girl I lost my mind, no, I messed up / So now I'm knocking at your doors with my chest up

You're part of me / Come again and see / Diamonds make you sparkle

This reminds me of the prom scene from the LI’s perspective. And even more so than that, it reminds me of post prom/car chase where they have to say goodbye to each other the last time. It’s like a bittersweet tribute to MC about how much they mean to them and how much they’ll think about them when they’re apart.

Special, 21 Savage [j]

We got something special / I was finna text you / But I don't wanna pest you / Even if we ain't together (no matter we're forever) / I'm still coming to your rescue

Ride with me (ride with me) / Tell the truth and don't you lie to me (lie to me) / You know I need you on my side with me (side with me) / Tell the truth and don't you lie to me (lie to me) / Baby, roll with me (roll with me)

I'mma hold you down forever / You my round forever / They just want to use you, but I'm tryna help you

I think of Colt mostly with this song, but it definitely fits with all of the li’s in my opinion! Logan, Colt, and Mona would all approach their relationship with MC this way – constantly affirming that they’re there for MC no matter what, even if things go South with them, they’re always one call away. And especially the last line “they just wanna use you, but I’m tryna help you” that’s for sure an overprotective LI about the Jason Shaw situation and generally people taking advantage of MC’s kindness.

Drunk on Love, Rihanna [p]

Take me away / I wear my heart on my sleeve / Always let love take the lead / I may be a little naive, yeah

I feel like I’ve heard MC being described as naive, and even in the book Mona is like man it’s your damn heart that got us into this mess because you thought we were more than who we are, so yeah this song reminded me of MC.

Final Goodbye, Rihanna [p]

Thought that you would stay forever with me / But the time has come to leave

Promise you our love will carry on

Final goodbye, MC saying goodbye to their LI, you catch my drift.

The Good, the Bad, and the Dirty, Panic! at the Disco [p]

If you wanna start a fight / You better throw the first punch / Make it a good one

I feel like this lyric specifically is saying that if you’re gonna stand for something, you better give it your all, and it reminded me of how MC came up with the plan to defeat the Brotherhood in the last few chapters of ROD, and to get out of it, they really had to go all out (AKA MC telling the police everything, meaning the gang had to go on the run). Also, MC just nose-dived into this life and I feel like this lyric is like ‘well sis if you gon be a criminal you might as well do your best’ (and she did when she bodied her first heist I know that’s right, my driver forever <3).

Harder We Fall, Jessie J [p]

So, whatever path we choose to take / There will be highs and there will be lows, the same / Oh, we’ll never run from our mistakes / The harder we fall the harder we try again

I just feel like this is a good song for MC to listen to in the car on her way to Langston yk crying but the windows are down and the wind is wiping your tears so you just keep it pushing because you’ll live and you’re stronger than your lows.

House of Memories, Panic! at the Disco [p]

If you’re a lover, you should know / The lonely moments just get lonelier / The longer you’re in love than if you are alone / Memories turn into daydreams, become a taboo

I think of you from time to time more than I thought I would

I just feel like this is a perfect song for MC going through the motions of leaving their lover behind and thinking about the times they shared because her life with the crew will always be so drastically different than the life she was went to have (going to Langston, being the ‘goody two shoes’, etc.).

Let It Out, Trippie Redd ft. Myiah Lynnae [p]

I need to know, before I tell you, can I trust you?

Idk man this song really just spoke to me.

Saw You in a Dream, The Japanese House [j]

I saw you in a dream / You had stayed the same / You were beckoning me / Said that I had changed / Tried to keep my eyes closed / I want you so bad / Then I awoke and it was so sad

Haven't talked to you in months / And I thought that I might cry / But I'm not that kind of girl

All good things come to an end / But I thought that this might last / But you came and left so fast

I wonder if you'll come visit me again / You're taking your time to reappear / I'm starting to believe that when I call your name / You just don't hear me anymore / And I know that I shouldn't even try / It's a waste of time

I don’t think I need to go super in depth as to why this reminded me of MC, but I do see this as MC’s defeated approach to it in the months/years after meeting the MPC.

Silent Nite, Tink [p]

I put your joy and your feelings ‘fore mine / These days I’m angry, angry inside / No words to say (oh) / One thing to do / Move on and fall back from you / It’s gonna be a silent night / No one here to hold me tight / It’s gonna be a silent night / No one here to hold me, oh, oh I’m lonely / Lost for words (lost for words)

It’s a short song so I just put the whole lyrics in here LMFAO but I feel like this could be MC during her first few nights at Langston. For Hieron at least, I know she went through a range of emotions processing this new chapter without the people she holds dear, angry at the way this is how things had to play out, but all that’s left for her to do is get over it, move on, and get used to not having that support anymore (i.e. like if MC is used to cuddling with [insert LI], they deadass gotta sleep alone now f in the chat).

Smile, Juice WRLD ft. The Weeknd [p]

I’d do anything in my power to see you just smile / I want you to prosper and come proper / Even if that means I ain’t by your side

I spent every day right beside you (‘side you), ‘side you (‘side you) / A hundred pics of me on your phone / Now you’re someone that I used to know

OKAY so I’m absolutely obsessed with this song and the first lyric was definitely giving me Logan x MC because I feel like this is something he could’ve said during his goodbye, like saying something that vulnerable and heartwrenchingly sweet is def on-brand for him, but the second lyric I feel like fits all the LIs. Like because they were part of the crew, they spent so much time with MC, and now that they’re gone, MC has all those pictures and memories that they  want to hold on to them so badly even though they can never be together again (‘now you’re someone that I used to know’)

Stuck With Me, The Neighbourhood [j]

Now I'm feeling guilty for it / Didn't wanna leave / Realized I'm less important / Than I thought I'd be, yeah / I'm not tellin' you for any certain reasons but / I just want your empathy

Our lives keep on gettin' shorter / Losin' opportunity / There might be some other ways of looking at it but / That's just what I see / I been gettin' over myself / Thinkin' about what you need / Then I realised that neither of us matter

You always end up stickin' to me / Somehow, somehow / You are stuck with me / So I guess I'll be sticking with / You are stuck with me / So I guess I'll be sticking with

So I think this song covers a lot of topics for MC. I think the vibe of the lyrics suit MC when she’s dealing with her relationship with her father, being pressured by Jason Shaw, and grappling with whether or not she’s making the right decision despite it all – homegirl was falling in love throughout all of it, too. Reading the lyrics with that lens made me think of each of the lines as a different conversation. The first part sounds like a tidbit of a conversation she could’ve had with her dad or about her dad. The next one is like a realization that despite how careful she is with her choices, nothing matters anyways, if the MC takes a nihilistic approach to it. And the last lyric is her conclusion with the LI that despite everything, she’s happy that she’s with her LI and she’s grateful for their loyalty.

worst behavior, Ariana Grande [j]

I been on my worst behavior / But, baby, I don't need no savior / I'm way outta line / But I kind of like the way I / Feel when I just don't give a fuck

This ain't no game, won't play with you / This time I know I'll stay with you / Just promise you won't say nothin' / Don't you be actin' like that, don't you be actin' like that, babe

Said baby it's just in my nature / To be a little troublemaker

Know you really like the way I / Taste when we kiss, you reminisce / But this ain't the last time / Just stay by my side

This song reminds me of rebellious MC before the gravity of the situation really hits her – the short span of time where she’s not worrying about being Valedictorian or college or her dad’s approval. She’s just living and falling in love for the first time. This could probably work for all LI’s but the specific “troublemaker” line makes me think of an MC who is trying to reassure Logan that she can make her own decisions.

1Day, PnB Rock ft. Ugly God [j]

Momma told me that I wouldn't be shit / Told her one day / I'ma be rich (huh)

One day, I'ma buy a big ass crib  / One day, I'ma buy a big ass mansion / One day, all my fucking diamonds gon' be dancing / One day, I'ma fuck a bitch in the Hamptons / One day, I'ma eat the sushi with the salmon

Dropped out of college, everybody said I'm tripping / Told them be patient, but they ass wouldn't listen / Made it big time, now they fucking with the vision / Now I'm really rich, and my diamonds really glistening

The lyrics kind of remind me of the lifestyle that they live – whether or not they fell for the MC in the process, they all kind of have the motive of money and being successful in their own way. Even though the li’s and MC have their own shortcomings and wants and needs outside of MPC, I like to think of this song as an ego booster and probably representative of their attitudes when they joined MPC at the beginning. Reminds me of Logan especially since he joined the life so early and probably romanticized it for the longest time before it really went to shit. And to add to that, the last lyric is Colt all the way.

92 Explorer, Post Malone [p]

Ooh, baby, I see these muhfuckas’ glancin’ / When my whip stop, then my wheels keep spinnin’

Made a lot of M’s, made a lot of moves

This song is literally all about Post Malone’s precious car so I was like LMFAO why not because everyone in ROD loves their cars and then the last lyric is because they be making a lot of money with their transactions/steals.

Best Friend, Saweetie ft. Doja Cat [p]

Beep beep, is that my bessie in a Tessie?

Listen... I feel like we were robbed of the peak best friend dynamic that could’ve existed between Riya and MC so this whole song is for them (also c’mon MC could’ve snatched a Tesla if she reeaaally wanted too so yup that’s Riya’s bessie in a Tessie).

Lost It, Rich The Kid ft. Quavo and Offset [p]

The Bentley don’t cost shit / I walk out the bank rich

Okay, drank sippin’, lane switchin’ / I done brought my gang with me

Ooh, I might snatch the coupe

First one because they really could get any car they wanted, second lyric because gang always together yk, and last one because they really be stealing cars out here LMFAO.

Royal Rumble, Lil Tecca [p]

My life is a movie, you not ready for that clip

It’s a Royal Rumble

ROD really is a wild ride (‘my life is a movie’) and the ‘it’s a Royal Rumble’ just reminded me of the fact that it’s basically a showdown between two crews where one wins in the end but at what cost.

Runnin’, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin [p]

Runnin’, runnin’, runnin’, runnin’

We run the motherfuckin’ city

Fuck your crew, [redacted], we’ll kill your crew

First lyric is because literally everyone has to scatter by the end of the book, and the second lyric just gave me their vibes, whether or not they truly ran the city. The last lyric makes me laugh because Colt really was about to kill the other crew, the ‘we’ is a lilll bit loose in that sense though LMFAO because I know damn well Toby was not ready to go down like that.

Stuntin’ Like My Daddy, Birdman ft. Lil Wayne [j]

What we doing? Getting money / What they doing? Hating on us, but they never cross / Cash money still a company, and, bitch, I'm the boss / And I be stuntin' like my daddy, stuntin' like my daddy

Colt and Teppei don’t get along, but I like to think that Colt not only bumps this song in his car, but secretly imagines that him and Teppei run L.A. – either together or with Colt taking the reins.

Takin’ Shots, Post Malone [p]

Drinkin’ all night, but we ain’t done yet / Waitin’ on the plug, but he ain’t come yet

Already losin’ control, this is the life that we chose

The first lyric and this song overall just give me club vibes, like the underground one they went to where MC wears that neon fit. The part in the second line that always gets me is ‘this is the life that we chose’ because being a part of this crew was a choice for most, and they knew what comes with this lifestyle.

Trouble on Central, Buddy [j]

So the entire song is pretty much the idea  “I wish life were better and I’m daydreaming about how good things could be for me”. And to be honest, I think that the vibes of that fit Logan when he was young and broke, but at the same time, I could see Colt bumping this song in a convertible.

VEGAS, ABRA [j]

The whole song reminds me of the gambling scene and the high stakes of it. It kind of reads like the MC trying to fit in with dangerous criminals while she’s there despite the MPC thinking she’s not ready for it

[jennrypan]

I rewrote the part where Scourge and Sonic have that "Just like me convo" so it can fit my au of them.

____________________

Fiona cheating on him with his anti didnt make Sonic angry..

Fiona actively lying to him didnt piss him off, maybe annoyed him..but it didnt piss him off.

What did piss him off however was how she antagonized Amy and Tails, and how she seemed to preen at the slightest attention Scourge gave her..because she wanted someone to protect her..someone to care about her, he didnt know..and what set him off was how she slapped Tails away, mocked him for crying and all to impress his anti! 

"What the hell Fiona!?" 

Sonic snapped, though this just caused the vixen to roll her eyes before she looked at him..god her attitude was grating his nerves,

"What?" She mused as if she didnt just slap his best friend for no reason,

That ..that made him scowl, and without warning he moved- he wanted to actually..throw her, her attitude annoyed him, her disregard for his friends pissed him off- he hadnt accounted for Scourge actually protecting her, as when he moved..so did the green hedgehog and before he could touch Fiona a fist crushed into his cheek causing him to let out a sharp grunt and lose his footing for a brief minute, instantly turning his attention towards Scourge..he still had that same sleazy smile..taunting. 

"Bad move, blue." 

Scourge drawled out, and Sonic just clicked his tongue watching as Scourge slowly paced around him..hes been itching to fight him for who knows how long..that much Sonic knew, but Sonic just hummed,

"Oh so you can help other people besides yourself, I was beginning to worry you had no redeeming qualities!" He stated sounding visibly amused, 

Scourge just scoffed lowly, "Please, thats not a redeemin quality, raise your standards." He sneered, and without warning he ran forward..and the fight began.

Amy had since charged at Fiona but Sonic could barely focus on that as Scourge kept matching him blow for blow..only thing was Scourge was a lot more violent..a lot more aggressive.

It wasnt everyday Sonic worked up a sweat fighting an opponent as not many people matched his speed..Shadow and Metal were the only ones..now Scourge had been added to that list of people that seem to want to kill him for no reason.

"Jeez its hard to believe someone so bitter could be me, like damn dude, did your favorite jacket get discontinued?" 

Even during this fight Sonic didnt stop being taunting, as he landed on top of a rock- narrowly avoiding being kicked into a tree, watching as Scourge turned towards him, his eyes were surprisingly still shielded by his shades but Sonic could still feel him glaring at him, 

Scourge moved again and this time he successfully swiped Sonics legs from underneath him and when Sonic fell the blue hedgehog instinctively moved to the side as Scourges fist came crashing into the floor were his head had previously been,

"Lets see you keep makin jokes when I break your fuckin legs." Scourge hissed- despite his words he sounded delighted by the thought, pleased with the thought of hurting him and hes use to this from Shadow and Metal, they were both assholes who worked with Eggman on their worst days and they just genuinely didnt like him that much but Scourge? Theyve only met three times before this and he didnt remember antagonizing the male enough to make him want to hurt him that much-

Scourge charged forward once more and Sonic quickly moved to the side, arm pulling back before he crashed his fist into the side of Scourges face as he had done to him earlier..knocking the shades from his face which caused his anti to pause briefly, glancing down at the shades for a millisecond as they landed on the floor, cracked and lopsided.

That millisecond was soon forgotten as Scourge retaliated..his body moved lower and his leg rose before he kicked Sonic straight in the chest causing the male to grunt, stumbling back at the force but the kick wasnt enough as Scourge had soon punched him in the stomach,

"God- I still got a few more jokes- first, those shades were lame anyways- not a joke but a fact!" 

Sonic stated quickly, jumping out of the way from Scourge once more as the male just growled,

"Im not takin shit from someone who thinks 'Way past cool' is a thing people actually say!" Scourge retorted, 

"Hey people said it before!" 

"No ones ever said that shit before!" 

It went on like this for what seemed like a few minutes with both of them arguing with each other, Sonic just wanted to see exactly why Scourge was going out of his way to hurt him- even trying to actually break his leg if he was given the chance..the rage was so weird..he knew antis were different but he didnt expect his anti to be so..angry,  so violent- his anti seemed more like a very verbal Shadow with the way he kept attacking him, 

"Ya know being an asshole isnt as rewarding as ya think it is right?" 

Sonic questioned- grunting when he got into a tree, thankfully avoiding Amy as she chased Fiona around still, she had tried to help but Fiona kept distracting her.

"Pfft, its more rewardin than wastin my time saving a buncha useless dicks who dont deserve it!" Scourge replied, sounding amused by the sheer thought of saving someone else...Sonic couldnt imagine not wanting to save people..yeah sometimes he thought some people didnt deserve it but still, 

"Youre still a Sonic! Still me- you should want to at least try and help people!"

"Why? Cuz thats what you do?" 

Scourge just laughed and without warning he moved forward..punched him in the stomach, then his chest- he didnt wait for a retaliation as he kicked him into a tree, he found with the purpose to bruise and scar while Sonic fought to distance and distract-

His head spun for a split moment, the wind knocked out of him, 

"You dont get it! Rulin people with fear and hate, is soo much better than tryna be some glorified saint!" 

Scourge stated, his eyes were blazing..the rage was back..he looked nothing like him right now..something was off, Sonic didn't like how unhinged he was,  how cruel- 

"That isnt true, and it never will be."

Sonic declared and Scourge just sneered at him, laughing, fist pulling back as Sonic quickly moved from his spot, his knuckles slammed into bark instead of Sonics nose,

"When you finally realize not everyone deserves to be saved, when you see how much more freein it is to be above people than to depend on them- you'll be like me, all it takes is one bad day, one bad situation and you'll see that." Scourge hummed out, side stepping as Sonic went to kick him, only to have his leg grabbed and he was forcefully thrown down, causing him to grunt lowly, and without warning Scourge stepped on his chest, Sonic could only stare at him for a brief moment before he just grinned- 

"Thats where your wrong dude, a bad day doesnt just make someone a villain..but a good day? A good day could change a lot, all it takes is someone showing you an ounce of kindness, someone showin you the love you never got and you'll be like me, a good person..maybe even a hero." He stated, grinning.

He expected another mocking laugh instantly, expecting Scourges foot to press down but for a brief minute..the green hedgehog paused, eyes widening ever so slightly, and for that minute Sonic was sure he got to him..he knew deep down Scourge wasnt evil, he could just show him he didnt have to be like this, he could help him..he didnt know anything about his anti besides the fact something was severely wrong with his mental state and he took too much enjoyment in hurting him but he knew he wasnt evil.

Then.. the green hedgehog just smiled, his expression hardening as if it hadnt changed in the first place, 

"How naive." 

He sneered and that slowly shattered Sonics hopes of getting through to him..he just dismissed his words-

"Not naive..hopeful." Sonic retorted, moving his arm to grab his ankle but his foot had moved towards his neck and Sonic jolted- the malice in his eyes was so..floundering..he could never imagine that look on his own face.

"Same thing." Scourge stated dismissively, and Sonic didnt get the chance to reply as a blur of yellow and brown crashed into Scourge, pushing the older teen to the ground successfully allowing Sonic to sit up instantly,

"Get away from him you bully!" Tails screamed, Sonic heard Scourge cursing and soon Tails was thrown back, causing Sonic to quickly move to catch him.

"Thanks bud." Sonic murmured, staring at Scourge who just fixed his jacket- appearing inconvenienced as Fiona neatly landing besides him as Amy ran up next to Sonic, "Stop running you coward!" The pink hedgehog hissed, Scourge just plucked out a warp ring from his jacket, just smiling at Sonic.. His smile was so..mean looking, it was too sharp..too fake,

"Til next time blue."  

Was all Scourge said in a sing song like voice as he let Fiona into the portal first and he followed quickly after just as Amy chucked her hammer in their direction, who she was aiming at specifically he had no clue.

"Dammit! Stupid! Assholes, ugh!" Amy screamed, storming over to snatch her hammer up,

"Theyre such bullies! Why did I even like her!" Tails exclaimed, Sonic just frowned before he sighed quietly, glancing from Amy to Tails. 

"Lets just go, theyre gone now, might as well enjoy the peace." He stated with a simple shrug, giving them a small smile, the smile made Amy visibly melt while it comforted Tails slightly, the young pink hedgehog was at his side instantly, clutching his arm- which he allowed for the time being while Tails was a little slower to approach him, still dejected.

He knew his anti despised him but he'll never get the reason why, and unfortunately..Scourge was too far gone to talk down from whatever path he was taking..the friendly route was no longer an option.

[monst]

Meatiness (Spice things up)

All characters 18+

Bakugou Katsuki x Reader x Meatball! Kirishima!

Warnings: Meatball Smut… Dub/Con? Meatball lore…. It’s kinda messed up in the sense that it has slightly dark undertones….. Bittersweet? 

Either way this was voted on in the dungeon and everyone who voted said you’d like this one better. ^.^ Happy late Birthday you big goof! When the meatball pillows are back in stock I’ll totally buy you one you lovable weirdo <3 @lady-bakuhoe     Tagging the rest of the meatball brigade @secondhand-trash   @redbeanteax

                  Life hadn’t been the kindest as of late... Heroes tried their hardest in trying to make people feel safe again but with a hero going missing every other day it was getting exceedingly difficult. No one knew where they went, there were no leads, no witnesses, no evidence. Nothing. Nothing but 24 open missing hero cases. 

Despite the chaos going around in the world there were positives. One of which came in the form of union. Never in the history of Japan had heroes come together in such a way. Not when the threat of stain loomed over them, nor when AFO’s protegee threatened to shake the foundations of the hero society. In fact agencies grew so close that there were new bonds created, new friendships and in your case a chance at love in the midst of the grey. 

You had been a former acquaintance of the Pro-Hero Bakugou Katsuki, having met him during your days in U.A. As a student in class 1b you weren’t close to him but you did get along with his friends. In specific a cheerful red-head who loved to tag along with you and your good friend Tetsutetsu. You remember chatting with the bright teen for hours. 

A nostalgic smile tugged at your lips as you thought of the man. But you were brought out of your reminiscing by the man who cradled your heart. His rough fingers caressed your cheek and like a tilting tower you leaned into the affection. The pressure of his plush lips pressing against yours eased the ache. It eased the ache for both of you. 

“Wanna go grab something to eat before we head home?” Bakugou asked. 

“Sure.” You smiled, linking your fingers with his slightly sweaty ones. Your smile was soft as you recalled how hesitant he was to hold your hand at the beginning of your courtship. But, there was no other clammy hand you’d ever want to hold.

 “Can we get pizza?” You mused, squeezing said clammy hand. 

“I guess we can.” He hummed, and as if it were wired into him he changed the direction of his strut to head into the familiar direction of your favorite pizzeria. 

“So, how was your patrol?” You asked, hearing the faint chime of the bell as you entered the shop. 

“Shitty.” He grumbled. “Some dumbass thought that it was okay to rob a corner store while I was right outside.” 

You thought of Bakugou standing outside of the store with his arms crossed. You snickered at the imagery. 

“Laugh it up.” He scoffed, strutting up to the counter. “What’d you do?”

“I got stuck inside.” You sighed. “Had to fill out paperwork from the incident yesterday.”

“The villain that got stuck in the swing?” He asked.

“Yeah.” You huffed. “I still don’t know what the fuck made him get in there.” 

“Don’t complain babe at least ya caught the guy.” He ‘scolded’ sliding over his debit card. 

You couldn’t help but raise a skeptical brow. Bakugou telling you not to complain. That was rich. Before you could call him out on his bull your order was placed in front of you. Your brows furrowed in confusion. You didn’t remember ordering.

“Here you go, the usual. Right?” The man grinned. “Eh? Where’s the Red one? I put extra sausage on his slice.”

You squeezed Bakugou’s hand when you felt him tense. “Come to think of it I haven’t seen you guys for about a month now. You guys usually come twice a week.” The man mused. 

“Lot’s of work recently!” You answered curtly. 

“I guess so.” He paused. “Well you heroes stay safe!”

“You too sir.” You smiled grabbing the pie as Bakugou slid his card back into his wallet. 

.

.

.

“Eww you're so gross” You laughed at the exaggerated belch that came from the blonde. With your meals warming up your bellies the both of you sat leaning against each other on the couch. A squeal slipped past your lips when Bakugou rolled over on top of you. “Get off” You laughed. 

His strong arms only tightened around your frame. “Katsukiiiii” You whined. “You're heavy.”

“I know.” He murmured into your neck. Your hands came up to his head and you began to thread your fingers into the soft blond locks. A soft sigh escaped you when you felt his lips press against the sensitive skin of your neck. You hummed at the pleasant feeling of his hands massaging the flesh of your sides softly. And when he leaned back up his lips met yours in such a gentle caress that you had to pull back to see if you were indeed kissing Bakugou Katsuki. 

“I wanna try something new tonight.” He flushed. 

“Is this because of what Kaminari said?” You asked. His silence spoke volumes. “Babe Denki doesn’t know shit about what I like and trust me I’ll never grow tired of having sex with you, besides I love it when you fuck me into mush.” You grinned. 

“You sure?” He asked, his vermillion eyes vulnerable, searching for your validation that he would be enough. 

“Yeah.” You reassured. “But I’m still curious about what this ‘something new’ is. I mean we have done a lot so far.”

It was then that Bakugou’s face split into a familiar expression. His smug expression twisted your gut in feelings of nervousness and excitement. And you sat up on the couch when his body heat left yours as he stood and walked off into the bathroom. 

You made an inhuman sound when he came back with… a blob. You looked up into his excited eyes with unabashed confusion. 

“I thought we could use this to spice things up.” He offered, handing you the soft glob. 

You scrunched your nose at it. “Katsuki… What the fuck is this?”

“Haven’t you heard?” He scoffed. “It’s all the ‘rave’ some freaky asshole created these new toys. And, everyone is giving them good ratings.”

“...I dunno babe it looks kinda freaky.” You mused, squishing the ilable flesh of the creature? “Is it alive?”

“Yeah. They come with a rule book.” He replied, maroon eyes flipping the pages of the booklet. 

“Wait, you mean it’s seriously alive?!” You gasped, looking down to see it’s red eyes gazing back at you. “We can’t just-”

“Relax, it's their natural function. Apparently they die if they are not used like this. Something about the enzymes in arousal fluid is enough to give them nutrients to keep them alive. Huh weird.”

“That’s weird?!” You bristled holding up the strangely happy sack of meat. 

“No, not that, apparently you can’t finish inside of them.” You narrowed your eyes at your lover. You felt as if though he was trying to prank you. 

“....” You looked back down at the meat while the blonde flipped through the book. It was soft and smooth to touch. ‘It kinda feels like mochi….’ In a way it was kinda cute? Well it’s happy expression was what distracted you from thinking about the perplexity of the pulpy mass. Your fingers stroked the small patches of black hair? And a small smile slipped onto your face as it cooed and purred cheerfully. You then hugged the squishy thing to your chest. It reminded you of those stuffed toys called Squooshems. 

“What are you doing?” Bakugou smirked.

“S-shut up it’s cute.” You pouted. 

“It’s a sex ‘fiend’.” He replied, You deadpanned. “Don’t look at me like that it’s in the book.” He flushed shoving the book into your face. ‘Sex fiend..... Well then….’

You looked down at the thing in your arms doubtfully. You couldn’t believe something this cute was so lewd. You were brought out of your pondering when Bakugou plucked the floofy thing from your arms. He motioned for you to follow him as he disappeared into the bedroom…. You were curious. 

The bed dipped under your weight and it made you press right up against Bakugou who was sitting atop the mattress turning the creature over.  The meaty sack seemed to be excited as it began to salivate when Bakugou’s thick fingers pressed into its mouth. You felt your face heat up at the slurping sounds coming from the exchange. Your gaze was fixated on the way it’s tongue rolled over Bakugou’s fingers. 

When Bakugou removed his fingers from its mouth, wet, his fingers glistened in the light of the room and when he spread them the strings of saliva also caught the light. You watched in fascination as the creature wriggled in need. It was when Bakugou’s fingers reached its other end that it made a higher pitched sound. 

“It just moaned.” You flushed. 

“Holy shit.” Bakugou gasped, pressing one of his fingers into the plump flesh’s hole. “It’s so fucking tight.”

You gave your lover a side-eyed grin. “Someone’s excited.” You teased. 

“Shut the fuck up (Name).” He grumbled, wedging another digit into the creature's body. The blob keened in pleasure what you assumed was it’s face reddened in a blush. You pressed your thighs together in questionable arousal. You didn’t have time to question your arousal as you noticed Bakugou’s cock straining against the fabric of his trousers. 

“Fuck.” Bakugou hissed when your hand brushed against his growing need. His lips met yours roughly as you palmed his hardened length. He kept fingering the blob as you undid the buttons of his pants. 

He pulled his fingers out of the whining ball of flesh with a slick pop. He disregarded the creatures whines of protest and swatted your hands away. 

“Nu uh princess this is about you.” He grinned, while placing the soft creature to the side. 

“Katsuki!” you yelped, when he pushed you backwards onto the mattress being mindful of the other occupant. His fingers made quick work of your clothes and they lay tousled wherever they landed. Just as his fingers were about to reach around to unclasp your bra you stopped him. Your fingers digging into the hem of his shirt to pull it off of his body. 

You swore that no matter how many times you’ve seen the blonde bare before you it never failed to leave you in awe. His dedication to his job was defined by all the rippling muscles that covered his strong form. Every dip, curve and scar that littered his body made up the masterpiece that was Bakugou Katsuki. To you he was the paragon of men. 

“Keep starin’ princess.” His cocky tease was met with a roll of your eyes. You didn’t have time to retort as he leaned over you his teeth grazing the skin of your neck with every blistering kiss he left down its wake. His calloused hand gripped your breast firmly, thumbs brushing over your pebbling nipples while his other hand trailed down your body. 

When he met the band of your panties he pulled the elastic back and let it slap against your skin. His name left your lips in an annoyed tone. He chuckled at the chide and slid his fingers underneath the flimsy material. Your fingers found refuge buried in his thick tresses when his fingers swiped over your trembling cunt. 

“Looks like I was the only one who was excited.” He sneered. 

“Shut up and touch me” You gasped. You were dripping, Bakugou didn’t even need to part your folds to collect the slick that had been seeping out of your pussy. 

“I don’t think so sweetheart.” He mocked pulling his fingers out of your damp panties. You gawked at him in disbelief. But, he disregarded your expression and tugged off your panties. You snorted when he sling shot them across the room. 

“You're such a dork.” You laughed, arching off the bed to unclasp your bra. He leaned over you and palmed your supple breasts. He squeezed the pulpy flesh and pushed his nose against yours. 

“Imma cuff you up now alright?” He asked. You nodded watching as the muscles in his torso flexed when he reached over to grab the fuzzy handcuffs from the drawer. He spun them around on his finger and you whined in impatience. 

Once they were closed around your wrist and attached to the bed frame you looked up at him curiously. “Only one?”

“Remember we're tryin somethin new” He replied, turning his head to motion the discarded blob. “This way you can stop whenever it gets to be too much.”  You nodded in understanding. His heated palms trailed down your body and stopped at the top of your thighs. 

“Ready?” He asked. When he received your nod he parted your thighs and reached over to grab the soft glob. 

You bit your lip as the creature was pressed closer to your drooling lips. The cool flesh of it felt good against your heat and when it’s tongue flicked out of its mouth to lap at your folds you sighed. Bakugou made sure to press the thing snug against your cunt and he leaned back to discard his pants and boxes in order to watch it work. 

“Hnnng” You mewled as its tongue swirled around your sensitive clit. It licked you feverishly and you couldn’t help the moans that tumbled from your parted lips. 

“K-katsuki!” You gasped. “Hmmm It feels so good.”

Bakugou’s vermillion eyes looked down at you in fascination. You looked delicious. Your eyes were screwed shut as you panted in pleasure. Your body was already glowing with a light sheen of sweat and your pussy? You were gushing, your stingy slick was slipping down your spread thighs and dripping onto the sheets. When the creature pressed it’s tongue inside of your needy hole Bakugou groaned. 

You made out the sound of him spitting onto his cock and ground your hips against the creature eating you out expertly. Hell, it was as if the meaty sack knew exactly where to touch you as it immediately found the zone in your cunt that brought you the most pleasure. 

“Such a dirty bitch.” Bakugou hissed, dragging his hand up and down his length as he watched the thing get you off. “Tell me (Name) how's it feel?”

“Gud~” You babbled incoherently. There was only one person who could eat you out this well and have you seeing stars and the thought of it had your free hand gripping the ‘sex fiend’ closer to your cunt. “It’s so good. Fuck Katsuki! Thank you~ Thank you, Thank you.”  

Bakugou flushed at the sight of you coming undone. “Please hnn Kattssuu please fuck it too. I-I want you to feel gud too~” 

Bakugou removed your hand from the blob and linked his fingers with yours. He guided the head of his cock to the meaty creature's hole. Your teary eyes caught how sexy Bekugou looked letting his drool seep down onto his throbbing length and you almost came. 

“You better not fucking cum.” He hissed pressing into the tight hole. 

“I wanna cum~” You whined. 

“H-hold it.” He gasped, watching as his thick length disappeared into the creature inch by inch. Bakugou was panting. “So fucking tight.” He pulled out only to slam back in a slick ‘slosh’ accompanying the entrance. You moaned loudly at the movement. Everytime Bakugou slammed into the sack of meat it pressed harder upon your needy cunt. 

“More~ Ah! Fuck harder.” You drooled. “Katsuki harder p-please.” You whined. 

“Slutty ass bitch” He grunted watching as your tongue slipped out of your mouth to lick at your lips. 

“Fuck I’m gonna cum” You whimpered. 

“D-don’t  you fucking dare its-” Bakugou couldn’t finsih his sentence. You had clenched around the tongue thrusting into your pussy and like a wave washing over the shore, your orgasm washed over you. You squirmed as it continued to lap at your folds it’s hands holding onto your thighs firmly to keep you from moving away. 

Bakugou’s jaw dropped when he felt himself get pushed back from you. He blinked in disbelief as he realized that he was balls deep in someone's ass. His bottom lip trembled when he saw the man pull up from in between your legs. 

“Katsuki don’t stop.” He panted. 

Kirishima felt Bakugou’s tears hit him back and pushed his ass against the thick cock that had been still inside of him. 

“E-Eijirou” He stuttered. 

Your eyes snapped open at the name. Familiar red eyes gazed back at you lovingly. And you couldn’t stop the ugly sob that tore itself from your throat. Your hand went up to warm around his strong shoulder as you sobbed against his lips that pressed against your. Bakugou’s grip on his ass tightened as he slammed back into the man. Kirishima groaned into your mouth, his fingers diving back down your body to press into your pulsing cunt. 

Both you and Bakugou had questions. So many fucking questions. But for now you would indulge in the fact that for unknown reasons your lover was gifted back to the both of you. 

.

.

.

Kirishima laid in between the two of you as you both hugged his sides. Neither of you planned on letting him go. Not now or ever. And in a mess of love proclamation and tears Kirishima explained what had happened. 

“So all the missing heroes....” You sniffled. 

“Yes….”

“Damn, it’s so fucking infuriating.” Bakugou seethed. 

“Hey, at least now we know where they’re going and we can put a stop to it.” Kirishima’s smile trembled. “...I was so scared.”

“You’re safe now.” You whispered hugging his arm to your chest. 

“Life was so fucking hard without you Ei.” Bakugou confessed. 

“We missed you so damn much.” You added. 

“I missed you guys so fucking much too.” He whimpered, and a pregnant silence filled the room as you all tried to process what was going on. 

“W-we got your favorite pizza.” You smiled breaking the silence while trying to lighten the mood. 

“Yeah, have something to eat and we’ll figure out what to do next.” Bakugou agreed. 

“I love you both so much.” He cried, shrinking into both yours and Bakugou’s embrace. 

[ymiwritesstuff]

Hi! I saw your requests are open and I could definitely use some Kakyoin lovin, so could I slide ya a lil idea? What about Kakyoin saves reader from an attack and she gives him a heat of the moment kiss as a thanks. And then gets all embarrassed cuz it was super impulsive and she just kissed her crush and then comes clean about it? 🥺

Awww this is ADORABLE!! I had so much fun with this, I hope it came out the way you were hoping, Anon. Thanks for the request and please enjoy!

Action of Gratitude

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders

Noriaki Kakyoin x Fem!Reader

Summary: A seemingly normal stroll around the foreign city quickly turns dangerous with no hope in sight.

Notes: Minor swearing

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” The red-haired teen asked, tiny specks of worry glimmering in his lavender eyes. You smile at him, finding his concern rather adorable as he was always looking out for everyone in the group.

“Don’t worry, Nori. I just have to go grab a few things from the shop. I’m sure it won’t take long,” you replied, his gaze immediately easing a bit as your words reached his ears, a pleasant smile appearing on his lips. “Besides, I’m not like certain someone who always gets in trouble with the enemy when he wanders around a foreign city on his own.” Your eyes immediately glance at the silver-haired Frenchman who you had been referring to and judging by his and everyone else’s expression, they had understood what your slightly sarcastic but playful sentence meant. Polnareff was quick to defend himself.

“Hey! It’s not my fault I get attacked all the time!” A small laugh escapes your lips at his words as you turn to momentarily leave the group to do your shopping. “I’ll be back in a bit, don't you dare leave without me.” The tone in your voice is playful and it gets a few laughs and eye rolls as a response as you begin your little adventure.

The shop wasn’t far away, but you had to be careful as the attacks from the enemy had increased in numbers lately. What you said about Polnareff was merely a joke, but at the same time, it reminded everyone about the risks involved. No one knew what kind of a stand would try to deter you next, and the thought admittedly scared you. The last thing you wanted was to see someone get badly injured. Especially Kakyoin.

Something about him was pulling you in like a magnet. Perhaps it was his calm and collected demeanor or his unrelenting desire to help in any way he could, you weren’t sure, but there was definitely something in him that made your heart race and stomach twist. In addition, his good looks definitely amplified the feelings of affection.

You had held onto these feelings for quite some time. They developed gradually as you witnessed his personality and skills in battle, which gave you a better understanding of who he really was. He was a diligent young man who put others before himself, a trait which you respected greatly. He had gone through a lot, with the vicious flesh bud and all, which made you feel bad for him. And yet, he bounced back and became a valuable member of the team. Perhaps that’s what caused your attraction. He had a strong spirit that refused to give up and fought valiantly when danger appeared.

However, there was a cloud of uncertainty and despair above your head, as you weren’t at all certain if he held the same kind of feelings towards you. You tried not to give yourself too much hope, but as the journey progressed, you found yourself more and more attached to him. It frustrated you to an extent and a part of you just wanted to come clean to him even if it meant you might look like an utter fool.

Suddenly, in the midst of walking through an empty alley that was shielded from the bright sunshine, something shot at you from the shadows at a high speed. Your eyes quickly locked onto the blurry speck that traveled towards you and you tried to dodge, but whatever was flying towards you managed to hit your wrist and pulled it to the hard ground. That’s when you felt the sticky substance on your wrist that mercilessly held you on the ground with no signs of letting you go. This was bad.

You immediately summon your stand and try to pry your hand free, which quickly proves to be a terrible decision as soon as your free hand goes to touch the substance. A small gasp leaves your mouth as both of your hands are now stuck. No matter how hard you pull or move you aren’t able to break free which quickly increases your panic. “Shit, shit shit!” Your knees on the ground you try to look for the culprit as you are more than certain this is another enemy stand attack.

“Man I thought this would be at least a bit more difficult,” said an unknown male voice. Your eyes immediately shot at the direction of the voice, your heart beginning to race slightly as the enemy emerged from the shadows. He had a confident smirk as he watched your predicament you tried so hard to ease. Your efforts were in vain as the spiderweb-like restrains showed no signs of loosening. A chuckle that left the enemy stand user’s mouth only increased your panic.

“Don’t even try it, missy,” he said and pulled something from his pocket; A knife. Your (E/C) eyes widened at this and despite his words, you continued your fruitless struggle. He noticed this. “Damn you really are persistent. Don’t you get it? There’s nothing you can do.” Despite the annoyingly mocking tone in his voice, he was right. Summoning your stand in this situation was impossible due to the fact that you were completely immobile, your hands glued to the ground.

“Let me go you asshole!” He took a few steps closer, still holding the sharp knife in his hand as he let out another derisive laugh. “And let you attack me with that stand of yours? I think not.” Your heart pounded in your chest as he knelt down in front of you, holding the blade dangerously close to your face. Still, you kept your eyes on him. “You see, my stand isn’t exactly suited for combat. The only thing it can do is shoot that glue-like substance that sticks to everything. It works well as a trap but it won’t do any physical damage.” You glared at the enemy despite the obvious panic raging inside you. The situation was dire, but you weren’t ready to lose. Still, the knife in his hand shook your entire being.

“That’s why I carry this little thing around.” His eyes glanced at the blade and he brought it even closer, to which you responded by quickly spitting at him making him quickly tumble backward, a groan escaping his mouth. What an idiot. A small smirk makes its way on your face but it quickly disappears as your quick action proves alarming as he recovers quickly, his eyes burning with anger.

“You little bitch!” He quickly lunges at you, knife in hand, aiming to strike you down. That previous panic amplifies and you try to break free once again, despite it being utterly useless. You breathe heavily as the rapid footsteps of the enemy get closer and closer, your struggles getting more and more desperate as the fear of death quickly consumes you. The situation had gotten extremely dangerous and you quickly closed your eyes, unwilling to see the knife stab you.

But the sharp pain never came and instead, you heard a loud thud mere inches away from you and upon opening your eyes, the enemy, was on the ground, completely knocked out. You were so shocked and confused you didn’t even realize your hands becoming free again. Only when a familiar voice called out to you did you finally come to your senses.

“(Name)!” Kakyoin quickly rushed to your side and helped you up, worry shining in his eyes. “(Name)? Are you okay? Did the enemy hurt you?” As you looked at him, something inside you exploded and before you knew it, you crashed your lips into his, catching him completely off guard. Your lips tingled pleasantly as they touched his, the fact that he had come to your rescue doing something inside you that caused you to kiss him in the heat of the moment.

However you quickly realize what you had done and as you glance at him and notice his wide lavender eyes and a faint blush you pull away, internally cursing at yourself for doing something this reckless. “N-Nori I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!” The embarrassment makes itself known on your face as you quickly try to somehow explain yourself and try not to make yourself look like a fool. Though, it’s probably too late.

“I-I just... I thought because you saved me, a-and- I’ve liked you for some time- I mean! I-I was so afraid, I didn’t know what I was doing I-” Your quite pathetic rambling gets interrupted by a warm chuckle that leaves the teen’s mouth. Before you have time to process his reaction, the feeling of his soft lips against yours returns as he captures them in a pleasant kiss you had been secretly waiting for.

Your hands find their way around his neck while his are tenderly on your waist. Your heart flutters, the red shade never fading from your cheeks as the kiss from the person you had been attracted to for so long completely takes over and all doubt about his feelings towards you fades away as you lovingly embrace your red-haired savior.

[bunnys-beetlejuice-blog]

some kind of attention grabbing noise to clue you into the fact that its FIC TIME, BABES! again, mentions of self harm in this chapter, be cautious and take care of yourselves lost? confused? frightened? worry not. start here, for delicious tasty context

His home is broken. When he’d arrived at the Tudor, floating up the steps, he’d almost felt a sense of relief. No matter how bad everything is, at least he can see his dad and sister now. Even if they can’t see him, he can find a way to make them say his name, and maybe his presence will only be a band aid on a mortal wound, but they’ll at least all be bleeding out together.

But he doesn’t recognize the people in this house. They call themselves Lydia and Charles, and their voices sound the same, and they mostly look the same, but these can’t be his breathers, his family, because they hardly seem to count as one. Lydia’s only sixteen, but she looks older, sadder, the dark makeup and short dark hair a shock, when he’s only known her as fresh faced and long haired and blonde. And his Lydia used to smile, she used to tell jokes, she used to have life behind her eyes. This Lydia is functionally dead. She walks around, eyes half hidden behind hair and eyeliner, and sits quietly, hardly eats, picks at her food like she’s already accepted starvation as a viable escape method. Charles is just as bad. His father reeks of alcohol, a scent BJ can’t stand, and the gray at his temples is more pronounced than he remembers.

But worst of all, is how neither of them talk about anything that matters. He sits in his chair, at dinner, listens to Charles berate Lydia over some stupid school thing. “Mom always said high school was temporary. Ya know, unimportant,” he grates out, like he’s a part of the conversation, but no one turns to look at him. Lydia pushes her food around her plate, hardly reacts to the scolding, and that’s dinner. Two dead people, playing at being alive, neither doing an especially good job.

He goes before them, up the stairs, leaving a cold air behind himself, and he finds that he’s able to manipulate his bedroom door, though not by much, and it’s exhausting to do so. It opens only a fraction, but that must be enough to get Lydia’s attention, because she enters, pokes around, and even asks Charles about it. But he can see from the look in both their eyes, that this evidence of his existence isn’t enough. Lydia lays on his bed, in the dark, and cries for their mother, and he would give anything to cry with her. As it is, he hugs his knees to his chest, in the dark, and sits there, shaking and overwhelmed, as he listens to his baby sister softly sob herself to sleep.

He becomes well acquainted with their new bad habits fairly quickly. Charles is drinking himself into a stupor, every night, falling asleep at his desk, barely making it to work in the mornings, sometimes not changing out of his suit for a number of days, only applying cologne as needed, too busy in the bottle to take care of himself properly. That’s bad enough, but the first time he sees what Lydia does, now, it scares him so badly it’s hard to even think. She digs a shard of glass into her forearm, and it at least seems she’s not cutting to kill, but both siblings watch the red prick along the new wound in silence, until he speaks. “Mom wouldn’t like that,” he tells her, not that it matters. “You shouldn’t be doin’ that, Lyds. What if it gets infected? What if you get seriously hurt? Th’ blood’s supposed to be on th’ inside, kiddo,” he babbles, pointlessly, as she cuts deeper, sinks that glass further into her skin, and sits there, watching it, passively. Like it’s not happening to her. Like she’s watching something on a screen. Like she couldn’t care less that she’s hurting herself. “Dead Mom,” she addresses her empty room, as she often does. “If you can see this, you’re probably freaking out. This is coping. I’m coping.” She lies to the air in front of her. “You’re not,” he croaks out. “This isn’t healthy, Lyds, please..”

It’s a nightly ritual for her, at this point. She listens to music, looks through photos, and maims herself, and all he can do is watch her, trying to make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid, or stupider. A week into silently stalking his own family, and he’s still not any closer to being seen, or figuring out how to make them say his name. It’s torture. He follows the two of them around the house, plays at being their shadows, and trails them places, work, school, the grocery store, wherever. It doesn’t matter. He might as well not exist.

Actually, not existing is already starting to sound pretty good.

Lydia stands up from her bed, still bleeding, and the motion of that breaks his thoughts. She crouches low, retrieves a photo album from under her bed that he didn’t know had been there. She flips through it, and has to sit down, after only a second.

“That th’ blood loss catchin’ up to you?” he snarks, before glancing over at her, and his eyes widen. She’s staring at a photo of him. Several photos of him, actually, and she flips through the album, pages and pages of him. He studies her expression, as she lands on a picture that he recognizes. The two of them, coming back from that disastrous visit to the Smallpox Hospital, on the lift, over the water. She’s nine, and adorable, and he’s sixteen and grubby, but infatuated with the two who had been sitting across from them. Adam had taken Lydia’s instamatic, and snapped the picture of the siblings, making faces, the skyline behind them.

“You remember that day, Lyds?” he tries, as he watches her brow furrow. She sighs, like she’s disappointed in herself, and closes the album, and it’s deposited back under her bed. “Mama, some of these pictures, they make my head hurt, more than my heart,” she says, softly, which he understands. She can’t remember him, all the memories she has of him are locked behind whatever mental wall this curse has created, and trying does nothing but confuse her. Maybe she can’t even see his face, in the pictures. Maybe it’s a blur, out of focus, like the moment you wake up, and have yet to rub the sleep from your eyes. That’s all he is, now, just a dream she can’t remember upon her return to the waking world.

He can open and close doors, but only barely, and it takes the energy out of him. He finds that any fire he lights still affects the world of the living, but when he tries to spell his name out in flames on the walls, all he manages to do is scare Charles into calling an electrician, about a possible electrical issue causing fires. He hadn’t even been able to spell out a “B” because somehow, this stupid curse can tell his intentions, and he hadn’t been able to physically move his arm, to form the letters he needed.

A month into living in hell, he’s finding himself feeling more and more like he’s losing his mind. He knows humans can be driven mad by isolation, but he’d never thought of what the effects on himself would be, especially since it’s not true isolation. He can go into a crowd, surround himself with people. It just doesn't matter, which is what’s making him feel so unhinged, and more than once, he throws himself into a crowd of people, and screams and kicks and thrashes, begging them to see him. All he succeeds in doing is giving a group of New Yorkers a slight chill.

But the thing that makes him the angriest is the day he finds a red headed stranger in their house. He and Lydia come in together, her just returning from a day at school, and him returning from a day of tagging along behind her, and the siblings both stop, and cock their heads at the same time, the same direction, at the sight of the strange woman standing in the foyer. Her red hair is piled in sort of a silly looking bun on top of her head, and she’s got some very intense bangs, hiding her forehead. She’s also wearing almost exclusively purple. She's scrunching her nose, examining one of Emily’s framed prints, the one of Saturn Devouring His Son, looking a bit disgusted.

“Who th’ hell is that?” he asks Lydia, and Lydia addresses the woman. “Who the hell are you?”

The woman turns to face them, and then smiles. “Oh, hello there!” she says, like they're strangers, and she’s welcoming them into her home. She lifts her hands, and rings a triangle Betelgeuse hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “You’re bringing a very interesting energy into this house, Lydia,” the stranger smiles, like that’s the only facial expression she’s got. “You don’t say. I’m about to bring the energy of a bunch of cops here, too,” the teen threatens, staring at the woman, who places a hand over her chest. “My name is Delia,” she says, finally. “Your dad has hired me to be your life coach! He says you’ve been feeling down in the dumps, lately,” she gives an over exaggerated sad face. “But I know with a little positive thinking, me and you can turn that sad aura into a bubbling rainbow one!”

“Oh my god, you should bite her,” Betelgeuse says, instantly. “You up to date on your rabies shot?” Lydia asks. “Positivity makes me foam at the mouth. I wouldn’t get too close.”

Delia cocks an eyebrow, but does move, and allows the teen to move past her, up the stairs. “I’m just here to help you gain a new perspective, Lydia~!” she calls from behind her, as Lydia storms up to her room, and she slams the door behind herself. “Unbelievable,” she growls, throwing her bag on her bed, and he echoes her. “Un-fuckin'-believable!” he agrees, pacing around her room. “What th’ hell is a life coach, even?”

Lydia kicks at her wall, her big black combat boot leaving a mark on the red paint. “I’m the one who needs help? He can’t even say her name, and I’m the one who needs the hippie to come in, and try and change my perspective? A change of perspective doesn’t bring MOM BACK!” She ends her sentence in a scream, her face going red, and then she picks up her bag, and throws it at her bedroom door. The bang it makes isn’t satisfying enough, and she whirls around her room, looking for anything else she can throw around, and destroy. He settles on her bed, and watches, forced to be passive by the curse, as Lydia storms around her room, until finally, Charles throws open her bedroom door.

“You are being ridiculous,” he hisses at her, his grip on her door knob white knuckled.

“Get out! Get the hell out and leave me alone, and take that bitch downstairs with you!” Lydia screams, a hair’s breadth away from throwing a potted plant at him. “Scream and throw fits all you want, little girl. You can’t temper tantrum your way out of Delia being here. She’s going to help you.” She lobs the plant at him, and it barely goes sailing by their father’s head. Betelgeuse watches go over the railing, and then there’s the sound of it shattering on the entrance floor, followed by Delia’s surprised, “Oh!” Charles’ expression is deadly. “You can stay in here until you’ve calmed down,” is all he says, before slamming her door, and Lydia stands there, breathing heavily. “You learned how to throw those epic tantrums from me,” Betelgeuse tells her, as she flops on her bed, and screams into a pillow. read the rest right over HERE