#made myself gag a little at that (warning: immature)

[violent138]

Slightly enamoured by the idea that Bruce leaves Clark secret, romantic messages microscopically encoded in the punctuation of reports he gives him, under the pretense of Clark checking them over.

[helpihaveatype]

charming

♥ pairing: oikawa tooru x gn!reader

♥ wc: 1703

♥ summary: hoping to see you again, oikawa convinces you to tutor him.

♥ warnings: one bad word; kinda cheesy

♥ a/n: i’m still hyperfixating hard so now that tags are working again, here’s another one :P

Oikawa Tooru was charming, no doubt. You, however, refused to fall prey to his charisma, unlike some other people in your school. He had a whole fan club, really, and you found their squealing in the halls any time he passed more annoying than anything.

So why did you find yourself stopped in silent awe as you stared up into his warm, coffee colored eyes.

“Oops, didn’t see you there,” he chuckled, steadying you with a hand on your elbow. He removed it as soon as you were ok, before you could even think to jerk it away, fingers trailing down your arm as he took a step back. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s whatever,” you replied. “I wasn’t really looking where I was going.”

He was on the ground gathering your dropped books before you could, handing them back to you as he rose to his feet. You wondered if the way he brushed your hand was intentional. Probably not, and you cursed yourself for even thinking it might be. Almost wanting it to.

“Guess we both ought to pay more attention then, hm?”

“Guess so.”

“Well, at least allow me to introduce myself. I’m Oi-”

“Oikawa Tooru, the school’s golden boy?” you scoffed. “Believe me, I know.”

“Oh, a fan then, perhaps? I can sign an autograph for you.”

If you were any more immature, you just might have gagged at that. “I know your name because everyone else is obsessed, but that doesn’t mean I am.”

You were a third year, just like him, and after three years of such nonsense, you were definitely over it. Obviously you didn’t really know him, but it sure seemed like all the attention had gone to his head.

Well, you had to admit, there was one time it didn’t seem that way. Somewhat ironically, that was during the one match of his you’d seen. One of your friends had a crush on Matsukawa last year, and asked you to come to a game with them. They knew it wasn’t exactly your thing, but everyone else was busy. Really, they didn’t want to force you into anything, but they were too nervous to go alone. Of course, you acquiesced.

You’d been a bit irritated when you got there and found yourself sitting behind some of Oikawa’s fangirls (not to mention the aggravatingly cute smile and wave he’d sent them after they cheered his name when he walked onto the court). The rest of the match, though, you found him intently focused against the tough opponent. And, from what you could tell, he was actually skilled too. At least, he scored a lot of points. His teammates seemed to look up to him too.

All that is to say, he’d seemed more genuine during the game, but you wondered if it was a fluke. Anyway, at least his confidence wasn’t baseless; you’d give him that. Right now, though, you pushed that all out of your head.

“Sorry, sorry.” Oikawa raised his hands in surrender, smile just as enchanting as ever. “Would you believe I asked that just in the hopes of getting your name?”

“I’d probably just believe you were good at thinking on your feet.” You began to walk past him. “It just sounds like a clever line.”

“Well, I am a quick thinker,” he persisted, following you, “but that’s beside the point.”

“Then you could have just asked for my name.”

“Alright. What is it then?”

You think you may have to amend your earlier statement. He was definitely arrogant. That little smirk was rather infuriating, after all. Or, the way it made your heart beat faster was, at least. Regardless, you gave him your name.

“You’re in class 5, right?” he asked.

You had to admit, you were surprised he knew your name. Though, maybe Iwaizumi had mentioned you one of the few times you’d been paired for group projects.

“I am.”

“Then you’re the one who won the math competition last year, aren’t you?”

Oh, so that’s how he knew. “Mhm. What of it?”

“Well, we’re both in advanced classes, which means we’re both learning the same things, and you’re really good at math whereas I’m struggling.” He stopped walking, and begrudgingly, you did too. “Would you tutor me?”

“Iwaizumi’s in advanced classes too; can’t you ask him?”

“I have, but I don’t get the way he explains it,” Oikawa pouts. “I need to do well if I want to stay on the team. I’m not really in any danger of needing supplemental classes yet, but I am worried.”

“What makes you think I’d be an any better teacher?”

“You just seem like you would.” When it seems you won’t budge, he sighs. “I’ll pay you.”

Now you bit your lip, considering. A little pocket money never hurt, that’s for sure. And your parents were always on you about getting a job. While this wasn’t quite a job, it was something. Who knows, maybe you could even put up with his attitude for longer if he kept paying you.

“Ok, ok. Fine,” you finally agreed. “Deal.”

“Thank you! Tomorrow, 4 pm, my place,” he declared. Then, sheepishly, “If that works for you.”

“Yes. Two hours, ¥4000.”

“Perfect!” He quickly gave you his address and phone number. “I’ll see you then.”

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

Oikawa’s room was a lot neater than you expected. Or maybe he cared enough to appear that way to you, you thought, taking note of the things shoved under his bed.

You shifted somewhat nervously as you sat at the table in his room. Just so you’d have something to do with your hands, you took out your math books. With how oddly anxious you felt, it was hardly even surprising that you were relieved when he came back with the tea he’d gone to get.

“Here we go. Just be careful, it’s piping hot,” he warned, setting the tray down.

“Thanks.”

“But of course. It’s the least I could do for my tutor.”

“Well, you are paying me.”

“You still could have said no.”

You took a sip of your drink after blowing on it a bit. “Let’s get started then.”

Oikawa sat opposite you, setting his own books on the table. Absentmindedly, it seemed, he picked up a volleyball and began tossing it between his hands. You, on the other hand, set to explaining the first topic. He listened intently, asking questions here and there, answering the problems you put before him.

For the most part, you worked through the two hours. You took a small break when he said his contacts were bothering him, and came back with a pair of glasses on his face instead. You hadn’t even realized he needed them; you don’t think you’d ever seen him with glasses at school before. Now, though, he sat right next to you, giving you ample opportunity to observe. Honestly—and you’d rather die than tell anyone this—he looked really cute in them.

The tutoring session finished up just before the two hour mark. “Well, do you have any more questions?” you checked.

“No. My hunch was right; you are a good teacher.” Putting his arms on the table, he rested his head on them, but in a way so that he could look up at you. “Besides, if I do any more math, my head might explode.”

You chuckled despite yourself. “Are you sure? You’ve only got me for five more minutes.”

“If I’m allowed to take advantage of the full time, I’d rather we just talk,” he confessed.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. We just might end up hating each other.” For some reason, the thought made you frown. You began packing your things up to avoid looking at him. “I’d rather that not be the case. I wouldn’t mind if this became a regular thing.”

He perked up at that. “So you want to see me again?”

“I more meant I don’t mind being paid for the tutoring.”

He deflated. “Oh.”

“Shit, I’m sorry.” You smacked your forehead. “That was probably really insensitive.”

“It was,” he sulked. “But it’s alright. I guess I was kind of pushy about this.”

“Yeah. But…”

“But?” he parroted back. When you turned back to him, he was closer than expected, and your noses brushed. Neither of you shied away. “What is it? I promise I won’t tease. And that’s big, coming from me.”

You sighed, smiling a little. “I think I misjudged you. Don’t get me wrong, I still think you can be smarmy, but you’re not all bad.”

“All bad? All b-” he sputtered, then laughed. “And did you think I was? To think: All I wanted was to see you again.”

You felt your face heat up. Perhaps his charm was getting to you after all. Oikawa seemed even closer now. Though, you weren’t sure which of you bridged that distance. Maybe it was a mutual effort.

“Is that so?” you asked, almost teasing, eyebrow raised as you tried to keep your cool.

“Yup.” His lips were practically brushing yours. “Do you believe me this time?”

Panicked, and admittedly a bit thrilled, your eyes darted to the clock. “Well, would you look at that. Time’s up.”

He turned to look, too, and you stood, grabbing your bag. You were already walking toward the door when his lean frame arose from the floor and started to follow you.

“Wait! I haven’t paid you yet.”

“Keep your money. After all, you’re going to need it for when you take me on a date.”

He stopped in his tracks, smile growing on his face, almost boyish in nature. “Date?”

“Yes. Sunday, 7 pm, the cinema,” you couldn’t help but grin as you turned his words from yesterday back at him, fully mischievous. “If that works for you.”

“Of course.”

“Great!” You turned away from him so he couldn’t see how large your smile had gotten. Suddenly, he appeared behind you, opening the bedroom door and escorting you all the way to the sidewalk in front of his house, both of you grinning like idiots the whole time. With a final wave over your shoulder, you added, “Don’t be late.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

[80s4life]

Not What I Had Planned Pt.2

Word Count: 1,244

Status: Requested!

Ask: “Hi, I was wondering if you could do a part 2 from Kiefer Sutherland’s request? If your not too busy” + “Umm how about it’s first time changing his daughter diaper and he’s a little nervous about changing her?”

A/N: This was a request on my Wattpad account that I brought over here lol

Fandom: Stand By Me 1986

Relationship: Ace Merrill x GN!Reader (x baby girl)

Summary: Having a child is an all new adventure to every parent, especially when with your first child. There’s a first feeding, first word, first walk, run, bruise, cut, cry, kiss.... and even your first diaper. Follow Ace and Y/N through their highlights in the world of parenting!

Warnings: langauge, fluff, humor if I do say so myself

Masterlist Stand By Me Masterlist Part One

{Gif is not mine, credits to @mistress-gif​}

To say that parenting was easy would’ve easily given away a person who has no clue about kids in general. Unless they are some saint or angel, then any kid could be a goddamn monster. The only defense, they don’t act like this on purpose, it’s just in their nature. And, in order for them to be raised properly, certain points or changes in their lives must be tackled in different forms of parenting.

For instance, when the child is only an infant or toddler, crying, pain, and attention-cravings are just the few things that are typical. Infants are delicate, unable to properly explain or do anything themselves, crying and attention being essential. As toddlers, they start to learn things on their own, cry and attention still to be expected, as they now reach their clumsiness period, consistent falling, stumbling, and tripping now.

To say Ace was prepared for this was a full-proof lie, him not knowing or being understanding for shit. He didn’t know how to be a father, especially when the father figure he’s usual supposed to take notes and go by, was a complete ass that could’ve cared less of who he had fathered and unsupported.

Y/N, however, was the opposite of Ace. Having supportive, loving, close-knit bonds. That’s what had drawn Ace into their little circle, being complete opposites, yet undeniably attracted to one another. Y/N’s father was the father Ace never had, playing football, watching sports, talking politics, hell even cooking barbecue on a damn grill; was just a few of the things observed and learned.

Y/N’s mother also played an amazing role, prying her way into Ace’s life just as her child had. Delicate, kind and caring. Y/N’s mother taught Ace sympathy, more control on his emotions, how to love and be loved by family, and of course, their child, Y/N.

All of these things, that may tend to be simple knowledge, was introduced to Ace as if it were a whole new world, and, when the pair had introduced their new addition, he applied everything he could. He was as caring as he could manage, which although he thought otherwise, was the kindest he had ever been to any human being in the world (besides Y/N and their family of course).

Ace carried a camera always, worked some extra hours during the night just for extra cash in the future, carried his baby girl everywhere, and despite his hard feelings for his family, he had created the beautiful name of Christina Poppy Merrill. Since their first kid was a daughter, Christina came in the honor of his brother Chris Merrill, and her middle name had come from his father’s nickname, ‘Pop.’ 

Y/N, being their ever supporting self, quickly hopped on the bandwagon, loving the name completely, not completely caring as long as their baby carried their Ace’s last name, just as they always dreamed of in the future. Marriage was something Y/N nearly craved, but never brought it up to Ace, him still knowing secretly but haunted by yet another touchy topic on its own level.

They understood though, knowing now that that topic would have to wait, their new addition coming first. 

For a while, Chrissy had slept in their bed during the nights, while Y/N and Ace built the very room she would soon reside in for the many years to come. Y/N painted the walls pink and blue hues, mixing in some places to make them a slight purple, like a sunset. Ace busied himself by building a handmade bed, “Something sturdy so she doesn’t fall through the fucking floor,” is what he claimed, stealing giggles in answer to his ever-questionable train of thought.

Music blasting, people working, and a baby playing in the center of the room. Bliss. Everything Y/N wanted, especially when their beloved boyfriend made sure he checked on the baby girl every so often, sometimes taking a break to even play cars with her. They fell for Ace long ago, but moments like these strike right to the heart, knowing damn well that they somehow can fall even harder for him.

Even the dumb, giggly moments. 

Y/N had changed Chrissy for a while, eventually getting somewhat annoyed as they would get up throughout the night just to change the baby in question, Ace claiming innocence and, “I don’t know how to... baby.” 

Y/N didn’t even bother to question what the fuck he was trying to say, sleep creeping into his being, but not long enough as Y/N yanks his ass out of bed, pulling his hand along with theirs.

Entering the room, Y/N goes to the changing station and Ace grabs Chistina, giving a resting bitch face to Y/N for waking him up. They ignore him however, quite tired of his excuses and deciding to teach the man exactly what to do, so that he didn’t have any excuses to give.

Pointing things out every now and then, Ace takes the advice, doing what was instructed...hardly. He almost gagged as he took the spoiled diaper off his baby girl, the shit coating some of her back. Y/N had laughed at that, finding some satisfaction at the fact of him probably having the worst diaper yet as his first.

He does manage to clean her up though, Y/N had to admit, doing quite well for a man so out of his comfort zone. He was the ‘bad boy’ for Christ’s sake. It was towards the end though, when Ace fucked up royally. Going to grab the baby powder and lightly dab some on the baby’s diaper, but dumping a mountain of the stuff instead.

The couple stare for a moment, Christina even silencing questionably, looking at the mess of baby powder both coating Chrissy and Ace. Y/N, trying not to be the immature one in this situation, takes steps back, but loses it the second they get a good look at Ace’s face, shocked and confused as hell.

He turns towards them accusingly, but soon gives into the humorous situation too, chasing Y/N as he goes to coat them in baby powder as well. They squeal, racing around the house until Ace wraps his arms around their waist, dumping some of the powder on their head. 

Within seconds, they are a laughing mess, running back towards Chrissy, almost forgetting she was still sitting on the changing station. Y/N shows Ace how to change the baby properly now, doing the rest of the cleanup and changing themselves as Ace watches adoringly.

Placing the baby in the crib, Ace rids himself of his shirt, clad in his underwear only now, and continues down the hall back to the shared couple’s bedroom. Y/N follows closely behind, admiring his muscular back, as they really couldn’t help it in their case. 

The couple lays back down, content smiles on their features. Ace’s arms reach towards Y/N’s form, bringing their back against his chest, right arm cradling their head and the left delicately draped across their waist, his head placed in the crook of their neck. 

The utter comfort and love in the embrace quickly reassures Y/N, their joints finally loosening from the long day and events of the night. And, just as sleep comes to overtake them, they could just hear Ace below a whisper, “One day I’ll get ya’ your ring, and one day, you’ll steal my last name, just as you’ve stolen my heart.” 

[haikyuu-sickfics]

Akaashi sickfic where he’s rlly nauseous and there’s a lot of build up. He’s trying to keep it down as long as possibly but eventually loses its

> Maybe Akashi and Bokuto are at an amusement park and Keiji throws up there? You can choose why he does.

Glowing yellow reflected off the various metal surfaces at the amusement park, their bright shine blinding those without adequate eye protection. Keiji and Koutarou both fell into the unfortunate group with melting eyes, the former squinting while the latter looked ahead without twinge.

"What should we ride first?" Koutarou wondered outloud, his eyes shimmering with glee.

Keiji thought to himself for a moment, deciding which ride would be the best on his nervous stomach. A feeling akin to anxiety nestled deep into Keiji's core, it's root remained unknown. There were no triggers present, the crowd was light and and calm, the high tempo music providing the perfect upbeat atmosphere. Additonally, Keiji was not one to be afraid of roller coasters.

So why did his stomach flip every time he thought of riding one?

"Maybe the carousel," Keiji offered quietly, subconciously gravitating closer to Koutarou.

"Sounds good to me!" Koutarou grabbed Keiji's wrist and practically dragged him closer to their day of immature fun.

---

--

-

A cold breeze fluttered the area as the sun set over the horizon, gentle pink and orange hues blanketing the atmosphere of the park. Abandonded litter skittered the asphalt, the walkways significantly less crowded as guardians carried their sleeping kids out of the park. Keiji couldn't help but feel envious for those kids, their arms stretched lazily towards the grounds as they struggled to keep their eyes open.

Truth be told, Keiji felt drained. The awful feeling in his stomach had remained promiment, if not more so after a small greasy lunch. But he was almost done. He had made it through the day and Koutarou seemed to still be in high cheers.

"Akaashi!" Koutarou dragged out the 'a' in Keiji's surname, "can we please ride the ferris wheel?"

Keiji frowned, his right hand instinctively traveling towards his stomach.

"You said the last ride would be the last one. I'm tired and ready to go home."

"I only said that cause I wanted to get you to ride it! Plus," his voice got softer, "I really want to see the sunset from that high with you."

Closing his eyes and breathing deeply, Keiji turned towards the direction of the attraction. Koutarou's excitement was contagious, an aura of happiness radiated off his body as though he was the sun. Keiji liked being around him for this reason. Fueling the happiness was one of the most rewarding activities in the world-- and Keiji would do anything for the familiar splash of yellow to infect his grey world.

"Let's go," Keiji conceded softly, walking towards the queue enterance.

Koutarou smiled widely to himself before reclaiming his spot at Keiji's side. The latter bit back a frown. Anxiety gnawed away at their midsection, with more strength and warning than normal. Going on this last ride was a bad idea. But who could say no to the charming team captain?

Well, a lot of people- predominantly Keiji- but something about being away from their responsibilities made him want to shrug off his sensible side for a day. Take a walk on the wild side, so to speak.

Or maybe Koutarou's sheer volume of dumbass-ery was finally rubbing off on him.

No matter the cause, here the two sat. Across each other in a plastic car, still warm from the previous passengers, slowly rising into the daunting evening.

The movement, though far slower than the previous attractions, affected Keiji in an overpowering way. Perhaps it wasn't the movement at all. Maybe his luck had simply run out, leaving him white knuckling the edge of his seat and practically glaring ahead.

"Are you mad that I made you come on to this last ride?" Koutarou asked, guilt seeping into his tone.

Keiji shook his head.

"I don't..." Should Keiji be honest with his upperclassmen? Lying wouldn't get him far in this situation... But maybe he could will out for a few more minutes.

His stomach turned

Scratch that. There was no willing this out, "I haven't really been feeling that good today."

"Really? Why didn't you tell me? I mean- you did look kinda constipated all day but you usually have that stoic expression so I didn't think much of it. No offense. Well I just said that you look constipated all the time there's not really a way to not take offense to that but I didn't mean it in a bad way, you pull it off. Well that sounded weird, but I meant that in a totally normal way, in a 'you always look good' way not a 'I like it when you look constipated way'; because that would be weird wouldn't it? Or maybe I'm just overthinking it. Sometimes I surprise myself with how much I think. It's like. Woah. I've been holding this in my brain without even realizing it and boom it's all coming out at once. Did you know that competive art used to be in the olympics? What did they do? Isn't art relative based off perception? How could they judge what someone elses mind created? That's why I like volleyball. It's set in stone. I'm gonna be in the olympics, you know that? I dunno when but it will happen. And everyone will look on their screens and see how awesome I am and you'll be in the stands because you don't want to continue your carreer for SOME reason. But that's besides the point. Hey, are you listening?"

Keiji had his eyes closed. The nausea was becoming overwhelming. There was too much happening at once.

The smell of food, perfume and trash.

The jerking movement of the cart.

The incessant rambling of the person seated across from him.

Everything surrounding Keiji took on microscopic form and roiled ruthelessly inside his gut. His shoulders occasionally lurched with queasy hiccups- threatening to send everything overboard.

Why now?

Of all places why did Keiji's stomach chose to revolt at the very top of a ferris wheel, the setting sun casting a blindingly painful glare into his eyes.

Did he have a migraine? Maybe. He couldn't tell at this point. Keiji couldn't keep into account everything going wrong in his body at this point. The only thing he was concerned about was finding a way to leave this ride with as little mess as possible.

"Do you have a bag, Bokuto-san."

"A bug?"

"A bag."

"A rag?"

"A. Bag."

"A hag?"

Keiji muttered curses under his breath at the futility of trying to properly communicate with Koutarou.

"This is time sensitive," he took a deep breath, swallowing a bubble of air traveling up his throat, "I don't believe I'm going to make it off this ride without being sick. So I ask you once more. Do you have a B-A-G."

Koutarou's eyes widened as he began patting his shorts in search of a valid recepticle. There was a fish net (who knows why) but that wouldn't work for obvious reasons. The only other thing which came to mind to be of use was the suveneer sinsola hat he had purchased earlier in the day to protect his neck.

Hastily, he pulled the hat off his head- having a bit of struggle with the strings and his ears, but handing it to Keiji top-down in record time.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" Keji squinted his eyes at Koutarou.

"It's that or your lap."

"I'm not going to-"

Get sick in a hat- is what he was planning on saying. But the first gag took over his body before he had a chance to vocalize the rest of his sentence.

"Not going to... what?" Koutarou smirked, finding humor in the situation.

Keiji hiccuped over the hat, averting his eyes from Koutarou and clenching his jaw in embarrassment and annoyance.

Just as their cart jerked to a top at the peak of the ride, Keiji's stomach squeezed. It was a sensation stronger than the tugs he had felt throughout the day. This time, a hot sense of urgency burned the back of his mouth and gripped his esophogus.

Coughing, his body instinctually tried to dislodge the psycological ball in his throat. In response, his stomach contents finally pushed it's way up and out of his mouth in one large wave.

A strange sense of relief came with the awful act- as if the tension which had been slowly building up finally broke. He closed his eyes and allowed the conflicting feeling to overcome him.

Spitting residue acidic spit from his mouth, Keiji leaned back against the seat rest. Drying tears cooled around his eyes, which felt achingly tired. His thighs felt warm where he allowed hat to rest, lacking the energy to lift it fully up.

He barely registered the warm body sitting next to him, let alone the hand gently squeezing his shoulder.

"You okay now?" Koutarou asked gently, his breathy voice warming Keiji's ear.

"Mn-mn," Keiji slowly shook his head no, his eyes remaining shut and face tilted toward the sky.

"And you call ME reckless and stupid, how the turn tables twisted. Why didn't you say anything? Or like, I dunno, stayed home? I would've understood... Maybe."

"Please just be quiet," Keiji mumbled, "and keep rubbing my shoulder... It feels nice."

"I'll rub it until we get you in bed," Koutarou assured, adding his right hand to Keiji's right shoulder.

"Mm, thanks."

Keiji paused.

"And sorry about the hat."

[shewhowillnotbenamed1]

Beach House

An escape from the city for just one weekend.

The thought alone sent an eruption of butterflies bursting into Raven's stomach and a series of tingles down her spine.

It sounded like a dream.

The drive up the coast had been idyllic. Though, there was one thing Damian failed to mention until they made it past the hedge-lined walkway to the entrance of the mansion-size beach house. Their 'impromptu' visit fell on the annual Wayne family weekend. And it would also mark the first time they met Raven. He hadn't prefaced this trip with a warning, but any mixed feelings quickly melted away into amazement.

There was nothing that could have prepared her for the Wayne family weekend in the Hamptons.

Boats and brunches. Lobster bakes, crab cakes and country clubs - it was another world.

It was hardly Raven's usual scene, but it was his family's. So for the next few days, it would be hers. Even though Damian hadn't warned her, she wasn't worried. Raven knew he had a reason for springing this on her. Besides, if she had him by her side, she could handle one trip. Maybe even enjoy it, too.

And with the view from the top of the lighthouse on Montauk Point with Damian's heavenly arms surrounding her or skinny-dipping with him on a darkened corner of Cooper Beach, she was enjoying herself - a lot.

But, one of her favorite parts of being at the beach house surrounded by Damian's family was the new ways she got to see him flustered. Whether it was rolling his eyes at Tim's caffeine intake and Dick's immature eating habits. Or even elbowing Jason for the bad puns, then swiftly cutting off his father when he insisted on camaraderie.

She even heard him arguing that Cass had to be present for the entirety of the five courses and dessert, if he did. And of course, he spent a good deal of time slapping away any unsolicited hands (Steph) that tried to pinch and prod his nonexistent baby fat.

Off to the side, watching push-up and handstand contests followed by Tim and Damian's stock talk with their father, Raven fought off smiles all night.

Damian seemed to be in a perpetual state of annoyance with his family and there were several times she found herself stifling laughter. This was another side of him she hadn't gotten to know yet - his sisters and brothers teasing him, treating him like the baby in the family and him refusing it at every turn. Raven liked to watch him like this, interacting with them. Even though this atmosphere was completely new to her, she felt at home. Because it was still him - it was exactly Damian.

But around her, he wasn't.

It was concerning when they arrived and Damian hadn't argued against Selina's offhanded mention of separate rooms. In fact, he encouraged it. And every time Raven turned the corner, he was shutting the door or closing drawers. Not only were they not spending their nights tangled up together, but Damian had morphed into a pod person when she needed him the most.

Raven couldn't believe her biggest worry when meeting Damian's family would turn out to be Damian.

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

He was pulling away from her.

Damian regretted bringing her here and introducing her to his family, so he was pulling away. No wonder he agreed to separate rooms, he had been skeptical from the start.

And by extension, his family wasn't sure about her. Or maybe it was the reverse. After all, Raven had spent far too much time reading on the beach, under an umbrella and a thick cover-up, or drinking tea on the back porch, or at the island in the kitchen conversing with Alfred.

She had a difficult enough time fitting in with people who weren't her boyfriend's family, let alone people who were so comfortable and at ease with each other they knew all of each other's ticks to a fault. Even their dog seemed to be privy to all the inside jokes and the gags.

The joking around and teasing, Raven had never had that. A family.

A real one.

It terrified her, but she was willing to try because Damian was the most important person in the world to her.

"Maybe Raven would like to join us for our tradition of game night...?" Bruce suggested at the breakfast table, before taking another long sip from his coffee cup. Unsurprisingly, Raven, Bruce, Dick, and Damian were the first ones up that morning. Raven, Bruce, and Dick by choice. Damian, of course, picked up the habit from her over time.

"Oh..." Raven glanced at Damian who peered sideways at her, a half quirk on his lips as he fiddled with his fork. He was still acting strangely. "I'm fond of games, Mr. Wayne... Chess, checkers, scrabble, backgammon, cards," She offered.

"Great, it's tonight at eight." Dick finished, before taking in a huge spoonful of Lucky Charms. "With your repertoire you can replace Damian on my team..." He coughed out something that sounded along the lines of losing streak. "We should talk strategy, Raven," he said out of the side of his mouth, while Damian shot him a glare so threatening, it could have boiled his milk.

"It'll be great to have you on the team." Bruce folded his newspaper neatly, about to take his leave. He stood, his stern stare softened for a split second. "And please I may be getting up there, but, you really should call me Bruce."

Raven felt her cheeks warm and mentally cursed herself for being overly formal. After a breath, she excused herself from breakfast as politely as she could. "Breakfast was lovely." Alfred nodded, as she rose up to place her teacup and saucer on the metal tray. "Thank you, Alfred."

As soon as she was out of sight, she headed in the direction of her room. Raven stood against the wall, resting her head against the cool plaster and stared up at the high beam ceilings.

All the names of Damian's family members and their friends, who was dating whom, and who was still speaking to whom swirled around in her head in an endless loop. Social engagements weren't terribly difficult and normally she could handle them. But with Damian acting strangely, suddenly it felt that much harder. There were times during the weekend that it felt as though Alfred was her only ally in a sea of chaos.

Not far behind, Damian had haphazardly refolded his napkin and excused himself from the breakfast table. Raven let out a startled yelp as he touched her arm. She hadn't heard him come in. "Damian - what are you doing in here?" He drew her back into his body's embrace - enveloping her with heat, the way he did to ensure she felt safe. From his parted lips to the curl of his fingertips, he vowed to wield her with wonderful wickedness. Raven felt her whole being blush, clearly there was much more than a casual caress on his mind.

"It's important." His mouth inched closer to her own. Those dark green were burning of dangerous promises, the growl under his tongue was audible. The surreptitious and svelte movements until she was backed into a corner were all reminiscent of a dangerous predator, a jungle cat. "This can't wait." Raven was almost sure he could hear her blood pounding in anticipation of whatever sinful act he planned to commit.

Her body's reaction could hardly be helped.

"What exactly can't wait?"

He pressed his lips to her neck. Nibbling and nipping with his hands disappearing under the sides of her shirt to massage her waist. Up and down, his fingers danced. And Raven could do little but whimper, feeling herself heat up faster than she had in the beach house's steam shower. And then, she melted. She was falling further into Damian's touch with her hands at last bringing themselves up to thread through his hair, as though to cement him even more tightly against her.

"My need for you... Something about you in the house I spent my summers in growing up..." Damian let out a ragged breath. "But not being able to touch you... I'm not going to make it..." He attacked her jawline, chin and cheeks with an onslaught of frantic, feverish kisses. "But, I promised myself I would wait..." Those green eyes singed her.

"Damian..." She gasped at his words, smoldering gaze, and his fingers sliding down the expanse of pale back before they ran across the dimples above her ass. Raven only managed to pull herself back a fraction of an inch. But he seized the change in perspective as an opportunity - to catch her earlobe between his teeth. "Damian, what if someone catches us?"

"Screw them... I need you." Damian murmured into her ear, clasping their palms together. "I wanted to do this right, but... I'm not used to you being so far from me." She hardly needed the reminder. The separate rooms. There was no cuddling, no spooning. No candles and late night kisses that turned into - this. "I'm suffering..."

So was she.

That was hardly fair.

Raven turned her face. "I'm a guest in this house. I'm your guest..." She angled her hip away from his, but he wrapped his fingers around it insistently. "It wouldn't exactly bode well for me if we hooked up here. Or now." Her argument dissolved away, diluted with his hands diving into divots and dips.

He grasped her chin. "Just one more kiss." Every letter pronounced like a purr brushing her mouth with their hot strokes. "I need another... That one wasn't long enough..."

"I can't - I shouldn't." Raven tried. Her hands were braced on his hard chest. The tautness of his muscles hardly helped. Every ab line and pec was heightened and heavy and wrought with tension under her touch. And it was all for her. But she couldn't. "It's your family, Damian... I want them to like me or at least tolerate me..."

She heard low grunts of frustration echo up his throat. "Raven, relax. Everything is fine... In fact, they could stand to like you less if you ask me," he said under his breath. "What does it really matter if we're caught?"

Raven felt herself recoil from him. No matter how much she didn't want to. "No, Damian. We can't." She turned her cheek. Pulling away and wiping her mouth. "And you can't just...kiss away the distance between us the last few days."

There was a tonal shift in the atmosphere. And his body went completely rigid and his expression went grave.

"Raven, what are you talking about?" Damian asked her, but he avoided her eyes for a second too long. It had to be true. He knew exactly what she was talking about. He flashed in palms in a wide armed surrender. "Look this weekend... It's not...what you think..."

"The separate rooms..." She said slowly. He wasn't looking at her. Raven's heart plummeted down to the soles of her feet. They weren't in lock-step. Things really had veered off course if they weren't in sync. "You do know what I think. You have for a while." Raven shook her head and turned on her heel.

This time, Damian didn't follow.

-----------

In the back of the Waynes's private beach, Raven sat alone facing the tides, her petite body elongated along the rail of the gazebo. She watched the waters wash away the sand, over and over, lapping at the shore.

Everything began to flow out of her.

There was a whole world Damian shared with his family that he had never shown her. She felt like she was getting to know him all over again. Normally she would have leapt at the chance to get to know her boyfriend even better.

But this was different.

What if the people who raised Damian decided they didn't like who he had become when he was with her?

Damian approached the small silhouette of a girl, her body overlaid on the rail of the gazebo, the connected arches carved in wood. He watched the way the wind whipped through her hair as she stared off into the sunset with the thick slip-covered book laying on her lap.

It was a framed photograph.

"You must be freezing." Raven turned to him when she felt a thick blanket drape across her shoulders. But, he sounded a bit worried and his brow creased with concern. "You missed dinner... When you weren't in your room. I thought... Part of me was afraid you..."

He stared at his feet in the sand. "You thought I left?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw him close his eyes, squeezing them shut. "I couldn't do that..." She tucked the blanket around herself. Suddenly Damian leapt up and grabbed her tight, holding her quietly. For several long moments, she felt the truth in each frantic pound of his heart. When it slowed at last, Damian exhaled and released her. Breathing heavily. "I missed a lot more than dinner... Didn't I?" Raven gave him a sad, knowing smile.

"What are you talking about?" Damian started. He stared oddly at her amethyst eyes. "Did someone say something to you? Was it Stephanie? Or Jason? Because I swear -"

"No - no." She said softly. Damian watched her, as the wind wildly swept strands of her black about her face. "I missed things... Like having a real family."

They were a part of him. They were a part of who he was before he met her. She knew she was the odd woman out, but being around them was nice.

Really nice.

"Oh..." Damian stared off at the water pensively. "No - if anything you lucked out..." He ran a hand through his hair. "They go overboard and they talk too much... They're annoying. They push your buttons and borrow your imported silk tie without asking -"

"You know that doesn't make them any less great..." Raven sighed. "In the back of my mind, I knew if I ever met them, they would be wonderful. They would have to be if they were your family. But... really they are..." Raven stared off at the fading red sphere on the waters, like a bright beacon. A guide... Or a warning. "And I'm not."

"What?" Damian spat harshly. Almost accusingly. "Raven, why would you say that?"

"Because... this is the Hamptons and this is your family..." She said quickly. "You're already notorious in Gotham, here you're practically royalty..." Raven fumbled. "I'm just an outsider."

It was hardly the Hamptons she cared about. Raven felt like the waters should rise up and take her away.

"No, that can't be it..." He shook his head. "You never cared about those things before." Damian's face bordered on anger. "What changed?"

Raven bit her lip, trying to contain it as she made sense of it in her own mind. "I met the most important people in your life and they're perfect." Raven confessed. "But your family probably wants you to date someone who's equally perfect. Someone who belongs with you..."

It would be far worse to lose Damian if they decided they didn't approve or didn't want her.

"You belong with me." Damian spoke as though she was delirious. He edged closer to her. "Everyone in my family has felt like an outsider at one point or another. Hell, we're not even all related. Most of us are adopted or step-somethings."

"You guys certainly fit together like you're related." Raven hadn't meant to sound accusing, but she couldn't help it. He had to realize that only served to make the family even more perfect - not less.

Just like Damian.

The pale girl shifted and dangled her legs off over the side of the gazebo as she faced him.

Those dazzlingly vert orbs were staring into hers, searching. "Are you regretting meeting my family?" He asked softly.

"No." Raven's pale feet kicked at the sand swept air absentmindedly, feeling childish as she did so. "I just wanted everything to go perfectly..." Then, even more so as she spoke the words aloud. "I wanted to make the best impression possible - I wasn't prepared and I didn't pack enough outfits or separates..." She dragged a hand down her face. "I didn't even know separates were their own clothing category until two days ago."

Damian fixed her a disbelieving stare. "Separates...?"

"I'll never fit in at a yacht club, I don't tan, and this is the one white dress I packed... " She gestured down to the loose linen mini dress. She was losing her nerve or her grip - she didn't know what, but she was losing it. "I hardly have enough white to make it through the rest of the trip -"

Her words died in her throat the second he placed those comforting hands onto her thighs. Holding her steady and supporting her with ease. "That's too bad." Raven froze and he smirked. "I'm sorry, but you have to stay for the whole weekend, my family already loves you... It's too late for you."

Her mouth opened and closed several times before she could finally bring herself to speak. "I made a horrible first impression..." Raven's lips parted. "And I was much too quiet... There's no way - they could...?" She couldn't bear to finish her words.

"I do... So why wouldn't they?" And Damian braced himself on the wood railing on either side of her hips and placed a long kiss to her forehead, trailing down to each of her cheeks and Raven promptly muffled her face into his chest.

She gasped. "Game night," Raven realized, wiping an escaped tear quickly. "Is it...too late for game night? Did I miss it?"

Damian traced her cheek with his fingers. "No, everyone waited for you. It's not a proper game night without you. You're one of us now." Damian smiled. For one long moment, his handsome face lit up, painted with vibrant reds, pinks, yellows, like the sunset. He looked ridiculously, genuinely happy in ways Raven had never seen before. And he captured her lips softly. Solidifying that fact. Driving it home over and over with his warm mouth caressing hers. She was one of them, she belonged.

"Okay... What about -" He kissed her again and pressed his forehead to hers.

"Don't worry. We'll get you more white -" Raven's entire being rose up with the tides at what he said next. "A dress..." It sounded like a promise of so much more. "The perfect white dress."

And true to Damian's words, Raven looked stunning in white.

Damian clasped her hand, stretching out their interlaced fingers between them, until only their pinkies remained linked before the colors of the sunset. And they walked with their bare feet kicking up the sand on the wind by the glistening water of the beach. Until they finally made their way to the back of the house where his family stood waiting.

They were silent - no chattering or arguing, but waiting patiently, tensely, or even eagerly.

With his other hand, Damian reached into his trouser pocket and dragged a finger once more over the black velvet box before squeezing it tight.

Yes.

He had known for a while.

That Raven belonged at his side, with his family all around them, wearing a white dress.

[svnarintaro]

crash the party

authors note: my last todoroki imagine did pretty good :') so i’m thankful for that so i'm honestly trying to practice writing for dabi so here is my take on it :) the imagine after this might be aizawa or kirishima,, also little reminder requests are open !!

synopsis: joining the league of villains is kind of difficult especially if you're getting teased by the most infuriating male you have ever come to cross with. so maybe get him a little jealous by going to a coffee shop with twice and let him crash the party

warnings: little bit of crack but pretty fluffy :)

word count 1.5k words

!jealous! dabi x !villain! reader

“he infuriates me toga, i just so happen to arrive a day before you two and he has the right to annoy the living day lights out of me and ruin my day?!” you buried your face into toga’s shoulder. the two of you were hanging out in the bar out of boredom. toga laughed at your reaction, “c’mon lighten up! maybe he’s using that kindergarten mentality to tease you, he might have a thing for you~” the blond wiggled her eyebrows. in truth dabi had a thing for you, let’s just say he wanted not only you to look at him at all times but also to annoy you and toga knew that so she just wanted to give the two of you a little push to glory. 

‘aw what to do to get the two of those oblivious dummies together’ toga tapped her chin repeatedly thinking something amusing to watch but at the same time helpful for the two of her friends. it wasn’t until shigaraki walked into the bar. “BIG BOI SHIGGY-” “toga don’t yell in my ear, shigaraki is right there and dont call him ‘shiggy’ it’s weird,” as shigaraki plopped on a bar stool and passing out in a flash, thats when toga got the brilliant idea all she needed was a certain someone to walk into a bar. ‘i just need to make dabi jealous of the others so he can snap and confess already’ toga thought ‘but i can’t count on biggy shiggy so what about someone else’

“well, well, well what do we have here.. a little pipsqueak that refuses to treat me like a superior,” dabi  took long strides towards you with a distinguishable smirk, “oh piss off makeshift e-boy,” you snap back obviously not taking any of his hints of teasing. “aww whats wrong babe? am i already riling you up already? how rash of you~” with every word you grit you teeth restraining yourself from attacking his perfectly pierced face. “yooo hooooo!! y/n!! i got the coffee that you wanted from the coffee shop and let me say it was great~~” you snapped your head towards the voice to see twice, you pushed past dabi and bumped into his shoulder to attempt to piss him off more. 

“how was it? was it as good as i told you? we should go together next time alright~” you and twice laughed and started to talk about the shop and arranging plans together. dabi scoffed at your childish antics that you shared with twice, ‘why the !@## is that pipsqueak ignoring me?! with twice too, what is so great about that airhead? look at me damnit’ toga’s smile was now so prominent it scared dabi, “you know um. dabi i heard that twice might ask her out, and word around the league she feels the same, don’t you think it would be cute?” dabi was calm on the outside but in his mind there were so many things that were going through his head, ‘did i just lose y/n to that imbecile? no he hasn’t asked her out yet’

“let’s go tomorrow since nothing is really happening right now, and besides i wanted to spend some time with you,” dabi cursed under his breath, why did twice choose to do this right here right now? he now had to stall to make sure you didn’t accept. “gross guys don’t do this right in front of my salad,” you rolled your eyes at dabi’s fake gag. “you know what? i’m going to accept just out of my spite for you,” you shot back, you honestly thought dabi was attractive but he really did make you mad all the time but other than that you would be all over him. ‘shoot well done dabi you lost the ideal person you wanted to get with.’ 

“awwww y/n is growing up” “zip it toga i’m the same age as you and that burnt chicken nugget”

the next day you had the feeling that you were being watched everywhere you went. it was weird cause you didn’t exactly tell anyone in particular when you and twice would meet but little did you know toga paid twice to tell her so she could tell dabi to take pictures the two of them for her since she was ‘busy’. dabi honestly was going to watch you regardless just to stop twice from ‘confessing his feelings’ for y/n “damn i never saw myself as a stalker but it is what it is,” he sat down on the roof of a building waiting for twice to meet up with you. 

sooner or later twice finally came, “so m’lady shall we get going?” twice bowed like a butler before you, “yes we shall,” you let out a giggle that made dabi’s heart melt at the sight of you giggling but it stung a little since he wanted to be the reason to your smiles, but he knew better than to be immature and selfish. "why do they have to move so fast, their little legs can't go that fast," dabi complained as he had to go on the ground to follow you two now.

meanwhile on the ground you were dragging twice as fast as you could, now you really felt paranoid that someone was following you. ever since joining the league of villains you never would want to burden the group you now saw as your family; they meant a lot to you, even dabi meant something to you. "jin do you feel like someone's watching us?" you let your thoughts out and looked at your companion. twice thought through his response, "y/n no matter what happens we ride together.." you perked up and finished his sentence, "we die together, i know but still, you're one of my best friends.. i would hate anyone in the league getting into trouble because of me and my failed attempt to shrug off spies."

dabi knee he was in a position where he was royally screwed. so he resorted to calling shigaraki but he needed an excuse for him to tell you the name of the coffee shop. dreading to talk to his boss he started to call shigaraki.

"hey boss"

"what do you want dabi"

"y/n forgot her wallet at the bar last night and i have it,"

"okay and?"

"they told you where they were going today right"

"dabi just stay you're going to stalk them already and i'll give you the name"

"ugh"

"finally we got here!" you cheered as you got to the front of the coffee shop, "i really want to get the white mocha it was really good~" twice squealed like a little school girl talking about their crush, you laughed at his antics and pushed the door to see the one face you wanted to avoid. "fancy seeing you pipsqueak, did you miss me?" the iconic smirk was plain on his face with his hood up to hide his face. "what are you doing here dabi," your thoughts were mixed up but damn did he look good even in public, you heart picked up its pace just by seeing him there in front of you.

"can't a man just get coffee around here in peace? it was just a pleasant surprise to see you here darling." you were weak in the knees at this point, it was like you fell into his trap, 'i don't know wether to curse his parents or thank them for making him looks this good.'

as you were staring twice felt the tension between the two of you, heck the entire shop did so twice got you a drink for you. "like the view sweetheart? here sit on my lap if you want an up close look~" dabi knee exactly what he was doing to you, he knew you couldn't insult him in front of other people cause you thought it would make you look rude. "i- i do not like how it looks thank you very much," you need to stand your ground here, he was not going to win this battle you looked away and stuck your nose up.

"hmm i think you're lying to yourself beautiful~" dabi stood up and towered over you, 'isn't this an adorable sight.' just as you were going to respond eith a witty comment you were dumbfounded by the ethereal sight and you started to speak without thinking, "wow.. your smile is so pretty.." and that's when dabi lost all self control and started to drag you out of the store.

your protests and tugging was to no avail. "what are you doing you idiot?! i can't leave twice in that store-"

"zip it precious i crashed the party and i'm taking you on a date now."

bonus

"i got the drinks y/n~" twice said with a closed eye smile. "y/n?" seeing you and dabi go away warmed his heart and made him start crying. "THAT IS SO CUTE!!!"

"sir you're scaring the customers-"

"LET ME WEEP IN PEACE"

[walkerwords]

“She Keeps Me Warm” F!Reader x Tara Chambler

Summary: You had lived in Alexandria for about six months when Rick’s group arrived. The first time you meet Tara, she is everything and more. When she offers to help you search for you father who had gone missing months before, you take her up on the offer, making some new friends along the way and maybe even finding your person in the new horrible world. 

Word Count: 6948

Warning: None

Song I Wrote To: “She Keeps Me Warm” by Mary Lambert

Note: I don’t know why I am suddenly awful at summaries, but there you go. Essentially, I just love Tara so much and wanted to write an imagine with her. I miss her so much! I am in the process of filling another request but I wanted to post this one first. Love ya. ALSO let me know if you want to be added to my main taglist for all my stories!

-----

It had been nearly a week since you had been home.

You knew it was reckless and selfish for you to be away for so long without checking in, but any time you thought about going home, your father’s face would flash in your mind and you would tell yourself just one more day. However, as per usual, the world caught up with you and after taking a rather nasty fall and twisting your ankle, you decided to head home to Alexandria. 

You could already imagine the look on both Aaron and Enid’s faces. It would most likely be a mixture of worry and disappointment. You weren’t sure how Enid was always able to say so much with just a single look. Perhaps it was all the time she spent on her own, just trying to survive. Whatever it was, you admired her even more because of it.

When you and your father had shown up at Alexandria with Aaron around six months before, you noticed that Enid was always alone. When you had asked Aaron about the teenager, he had explained that she had been alone when she came to the gates and that all she had said was that both of her parents had been killed by the Dead. You could empathize with her as you had lost your mother and brother at the start of it all. Then when your father disappeared, it had only tightened the bond between you and the girl. She was like the little sister you never had and you would die for each other. 

As the gates of your home came into view, you breathed a sigh of relief. While you wanted to keep searching for your father, your bed and a hot shower were calling your name. As you rolled to a stop outside the gates, you honked twice, leaning out the window. 

“Open the gate, morons!” you called. The disgruntled face of Nicholas appeared as he slid open the fence. You grinned at him and he rolled his eyes. The two of you had never gotten along and you really disliked the guy. He acted as if he was invincible to the new world, but you knew that if he was ever faced with a herd of the Dead, he’d turn tail and run. Pulling your car into Alexandria, you shut off the engine and climbed out. Nicholas closed the gate behind, latching it shut. “What’s new, Nick?” you asked, leaning against the back of the car. 

“Aaron brought new people in,” he grumbled. 

“And let me guess, ya don’t like them?” you said, already knowing the answer. Nicholas was never happy when people “invaded” his home. It was most definitely the reason he didn’t like you.

“They’re arrogant and proud and the leader is some kind of psychopath,” he spat. You considered his words, trying to imagine his face as this new group strutted through the streets of ASZ. 

“They sound like my kind of people,” you grinned and he huffed, storming past you. Your eyes followed him, trying not to laugh at his immature nature when you spotted someone running towards you. You smiled even wider as Enid came jogging down the street. Her boots pounded against the pavement, her hair flew back behind her. Reaching you, she tossed her arms around you and you held her close, trying not to fall over. “Woah, easy there En, I’m operating on half a leg,” you joked.

Enid pulled back immediately, scanning you for your injury. “What’s wrong?” she asked, worried. You gripped her shoulder reassuringly. 

“Just a twisted ankle. I’m all good. Few days of rest and I’ll be back one hundred percent,” you promised. Enid gave you a small smile as she relaxed. “Grab that other bag in the back, will you?” Enid nodded and went to fetch the backpack you had loaded up with some new clothes for the both of you. You weren’t looking for supplies, but when you came across an abandoned boutique, you couldn’t help but pick up some jeans, socks, etc for your communal closet back at home. 

You hiked your own bag up onto your shoulder and then Enid was there, offering her arm as support. You gratefully slung your arm around her shoulders as you limped up the street. Enid looked at your shirt that was splashed with dark blood and wrinkled her nose. “Rough couple of days?” she asked. 

“No more than usual,” you said, shrugging off your appearance. “I heard about the new people. Anyone interesting?” 

“Haven’t really paid them any attention,” Enid said, looking at the ground. 

“Meaning you’ve observed them from afar and you don’t trust them,” you said, easily seeing through her facade. 

“They have a baby,” she said, looking back up at you, “and some of them seem nice, but I don’t know.”

“Well, Nicholas looked less than thrilled.”

“Not really surprising,” Enid scoffed. She hated Nicholas as much as you did, but she wasn’t as vocal about it as you. The two of you headed up the road, passing a few of the neighbors here and there. Since arriving, they hadn’t completely warmed up to you, but you weren’t a neighborly person before the Apocalypse and you weren’t going to start now. As you and Enid slowly made your way towards the center of town, you could see some of the new people. There were about seven of them milling around the gazebo talking to the Monroes. Deanna was explaining something to who you figured was the leader based on his stance and the way he stood at the head of his group. Aidan was by his mother’s side and Spencer looked as if he was trying to get the attention of one of the women, a pretty brunette who looked as if she’d rather lay in a pile of Dead than speak to him. 

As soon as you were in his sights, however, Spencer pushed away from the woman and walked toward you, his arms spread wide. “Well be still my heart, (Y/N) (Y/L/N) has returned to us!” he bellowed, strutting towards you. 

“Gross,” Enid muttered under her breath and you had to bite your cheeks to keep from laughing. Spencer stopped in front of you and beamed down at you. 

“Spencer,” you greeted. 

“What’s wrong, you hurt?” he asked, his brow furrowed. 

“I’m fine, Monroe. Enid makes a pretty great crutch,” you joked. Spencer laughed, earning a glare from the teenager at your side. He coughed awkwardly. 

“If you need help, I could give you a lift home,” he said wagging his brows. Enid gagged and then started to pull you away from him. 

“I think we got it from here!” You called over your shoulder at him. This time you did laugh, unable to keep a straight face anymore. “That is why we don’t have friends,” you whispered to Enid. 

“We have Aaron,” she pointed out. 

“This is true,” you agreed, pulling her tighter against you. As you passed Deanna, you gave her a salute. She then ushered you towards her and you begrudgingly nudged Enid over to your leader. 

“(Y/N)!” Deanna greeted, “I’m glad you’re home.” 

“Me too,” you said as you tried to keep the weight off your bad ankle. Enid stood next to you quiet as a mouse and you squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, knowing how uncomfortable she was in social situations. 

“This is Rick Grimes,” Deanna continued, gesturing to the man in front of her. “He and his family came here a couple of days ago. They’re actually staying in the house across from yours.” She then turned to Rick, “(Y/N) is one of our best fighters and helps keep this place safe.” Rick reached out to take your hand and you met him halfway. When you let go, you glanced down at your red smeared palm. 

“Sorry about that,” you said sheepishly as you wiped the dried blood on your jeans, “I think that was from either an accountant or a really bad dressed lawyer.” A laugh came from behind Rick at your joke and you saw a very pretty brunette woman. Her dark eyes met yours and she awkwardly smiled at you. 

“Sorry,” she said to Rick, “it was funny.” Rick shook his head at his friend, clearly amused. “I’m Tara,” she said with a small wave. 

“Hey,” you greeted with a smile of your own. Turning your attention back to Rick, you grabbed your backpack strap tightly. “I’d love to talk more, but if I don’t get off this ankle soon, I’m going down and taking Enid here with me.” 

“It was nice to meet you,” Rick said and you nodded to him. Enid, gripped you tight and started to pull you towards home. 

“Bye!” Tara said as you walked away. You shot her another smile over your shoulder before disappearing around the corner. 

“I like that one,” you said to Enid who just rolled her eyes. 

------

As Rick and the others watched you and Enid leave, Aaron jogged up to the group. 

“I just made a complete fool of myself, didn’t I?” Tara asked Abraham who clapped her on the shoulder. 

“Seems that way, sugar plum!” Abraham said. Tara hid her face in her hands while Glenn patted her back in solidarity. 

“Was that (Y/N)?” Aaron asked, looking up the street. 

“She just got back,” Aidan told him. 

“How long has she been here?” Michonne asked Deanna. 

“What would you say, Aaron? Six months or so?” Deanna asked, turning to Aaron who turned his attention back to the people before him. 

“Yeah, I brought her and her father here after that big wind storm,” Aaron said, nodding. 

“Her father is here too?” Tara asked and then the Monroes and Aaron got quiet. “What?”

“He’s missing,” Aaron explained. “He went outside the walls about a month after they got here and then just never came back. That’s why (Y/N) goes out there so much. She’s looking for him.”

“He was a cop,” Spencer added, leaning against a lamppost. “She found his shield not that long ago, but that’s all the evidence we’ve seen.” 

“Didn’t nobody help her look?” Daryl asked, sizing up the older Monroe brother. 

“We did,” Spencer shot back. “But we can’t chase ghosts forever.” Aaron then shot an annoyed look at Spencer and Rick caught it immediately. 

“(Y/N) has been nothing but an asset to Alexandria since she got here,” Aaron defended. “She has saved your life twice, Spencer, not to mention how she puts everyone else before her, especially Enid.”

“Enid’s the girl?” Michonne asked, remembering Carl mentioning her at some point. Aaron nodded. 

“Enid wouldn’t talk to anyone after she got here. The girl had just lost her parents and it was hard even getting her to eat some days. Then (Y/N) had shown up and those two bonded immediately. They’re like sisters now.” 

“Aaron,” Deanna interjected, “nobody is saying she isn’t important, but you know we all worry about her.” 

“And you also know that until she finds him or a body, she’s not going to stop,” Aaron said before turning away and walking up the street towards your house. 

“Aaron is very protective of them both,” Aidan explained. Rick nodded, understanding immediately. You and Enid were his family.

—���—

By the time the sun set, you couldn’t take being on the couch anymore. 

Enid had gone off to do whatever she did when she disappeared either between the houses or beyond the walls. You had been worried about her at first, but soon learned to trust her to keep herself safe. You figured if she had survived all that time alone without any issues, she could handle it just fine in the surrounding woods. The only rule you had was that she had to tell you she was leaving and then get within your sights when she came back so you knew not to go trekking through the woods to find her.

Looking around the living room, you began to get annoyed with the vacant walls and pushed yourself to your feet. Shoving your feet back into your boots, you headed to the garage. You could already hear Enid’s chastising voice in your head as you ignored her earlier command of staying off your feet for the rest of the day. 

However, boredom was not something you coped with well. Pulling up the large garage door, you clicked on the light switch and began sorting through all of your supplies. Anytime you came home with food, medicine, or essentials, you always put it in the communal storage, but anything else you found that wasn’t necessarily vital to the survival of Alexandria, you kept it in the garage. 

It was mostly things you found on your way out of a place. Old records, obsolete technology, books, or even parts for cars, bikes, etc. It was like having your own thrift shop in your house and the miscellaneous items always gave you a bit of comfort. You figured it was because they all reminded you of how things used to be.

You were sorting through an old box of punk albums when you heard a knock against the side of the garage door. You turned to see Tara standing there, a small smile on her face. 

“Hi,” you greeted, setting down the record in your hands. Tara clasped her hands together, gently rocking back on her heels. 

“Hi, back,” she said and then cringed at her own words causing you to laugh. 

“I’d offer you a beer but I think all we have is half-empty water bottles,” you said, leaning against the workbench. Tara chuckled and then began walking around the garage, looking at everything you had collected. 

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Tara said, gesturing to your task. You waved her off. 

“Ah, I was just trying to keep my hands busy,” you said, “Couldn’t take any more of my walls staring back at me as I did nothing.” 

“How’s your foot?” Tara asked, gesturing to the bandage peeking out the top of your boot. Enid had expertly wrapped it for you when you had gotten home. 

“Bit sore, but I’ve had worse, you know?” She nodded. “And what about you?”

“Me? My foot’s fine,” Tara said, confused. You laughed again and she blushed slightly. You couldn’t help the thrill that went through you at the thought that you made this beautiful woman blush. 

“I meant, how are you doing here?” You clarified, gesturing around. “How are you settling in?”

“Oh!” Tara exclaimed, “Yeah, it’s a bit of an adjustment. We were on the road for so long and I don’t know, this is all very alien. Though, it is nice not to be looking over your shoulder every few seconds to make sure there aren’t any Walkers nearby.”

“Walkers? Is that what you call them?” You asked, intrigued. 

“Yeah, well, that’s what the others called them when I met them and it just sort of stuck.” 

“I suppose it’s a lot easier than saying Dead people or those things,” you said with a chuckle. “Walkers. I like it.” You both were quiet after that and then you coughed awkwardly as she stared at you. “Uh, Enid, she said you had a baby with you guys, how’s she or he doing?” Tara brightened at the mention of the child. 

“She’s great! Healthy as ever,” Tara said. “Her name is Judith, she’s Rick’s kid, well his other kid. There’s Carl too.”

“Two kids?” 

“Technically three with Noah, but he’s not a Grimes. He’s just a teenager we met in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago.”

“Sounds like you’ve had quite a couple of weeks,” you said, hopping up onto the table, crossing your ankles. Tara sighed as she walked over and leaned against the table next to you. 

“You have no idea…” she said, her eyes a bit far away. “Any advice for livin’ here?” Tara asked, returning her attention to you. 

“Stay away from Spencer?” You offered, causing her to laugh. 

“Oh, don’t worry, he’s not my type,” said Tara. 

“Good to know,” you said, staring down at your boots with a small smile.

-----

Once the two of you had gotten over the initial awkwardness, you found that you loved talking to Tara. She was kind, funny, and she always said what was on her mind. She had tried to walk back on some of the things she had said, but you encouraged her to never apologize for speaking her mind. 

Along with Tara, you had begun speaking with the other members of her group. Glenn was the first person to reach out and start a conversation. You had been hanging out on your front steps when he had come out of the house across the street with his wife, Maggie, and introduced himself. Maggie was kind, but you had to admit that she intimidated you. 

Then there was Michonne who had approached you about security measures. Deanna had made her and Rick constables for Alexandria. You weren’t sure why ASZ needed cops. It wasn’t as if any of the residents actually understood how the new world worked. You had explained that to Michonne, telling her that if the community was going to survive, then it’s original members needed to learn how it worked outside of the gates as well as in and breaking up petty fights and disagreements, wasn’t going to help their survival skills. She said she would take your advice to Rick and that was that. 

The only other member of Grimes’ group you had somewhat of a conversation with was the hunter, Daryl. You hadn’t meant to talk to him, but Aaron and Eric had invited him over to their house to work on the motorcycle that had sat undisturbed since before the Turn. You had tried to figure out a way to fix the damn thing, but mechanics weren’t your thing. However, Daryl Dixon was all over it. He looked at the bike like it was the Holy Grail. 

You had gone over to Aaron’s place in search of liquor when you found the redneck in the garage crouched down by the bike. “Finally,” you said, walking down the steps, getting his attention, “I was wonderin’ when someone was going to give that thing some love.” Daryl looked at you confused. “I’m (Y/N),” you said. 

“I know,” he responded. “Aaron’s friend.” 

“Is that what people call me?” you laughed making your way over to the cabinet at the other end of the garage.

“I don’t think it was meant as an insult,” Daryl said, getting to his feet.

“Never said it was,” you said, throwing him a wink over your shoulder. You opened the cabinet and pulled out a tucked away bottle of whiskey. Aaron and you had stashed them throughout both of your houses in places that both Enid and Eric wouldn’t be able to find. It had sort of become your inside joke, but you were pretty sure Enid knew about your hiding spots.

Cracking the top, you took a long pull. You then offered the bottle to Daryl. He hesitated for a second before shrugging and taking the bottle from you. He took a single sip and then handed it back. Daryl went back to the bike and you hung out for a bit longer. 

It took you a bit to get him to start talking, but when he did, he wanted to know about ASZ and if it was what it seemed. You explained that it was safe and as organized as it could be, but you made sure to tell him not to drop his guard. “Nothing lasts forever and nothing is perfect,” you said to him. He said he'd pass along the message to Rick and the others and then you left, leaving him to his bike, figuring you had bothered him enough. 

———

The next time you got Tara alone, she was sitting on the steps of Rick’s house. You were coming back from the armory when you noticed her. Her focus was on her feet as she played with a stray piece of grass. She looked up when your boots entered her line of sight. 

“Someone is thinking hard,” you said, crossing your arms. 

“Not really,” she said, smiling at you. 

“Want some company?” You asked and she slid over, offering you space next to her. “But really, what is going on in that head of yours?”

“Glenn got into with Aidan today,” she said and you nodded. You had heard the commotion earlier, but you figured you should stay out of it and went to help Jessie fix lunch for Sam. You weren’t really surprised though, Aidan was a hothead. 

“What was the fight about?” You asked. 

“Aidan is an idiot and Glenn called him out on it,” she said, looking towards the setting sun. 

“Yeah, that sounds about right. Let me guess, Aidan and Nicholas were playin’ with Walkers again.” Tara smiled at your use of the word “Walker” and then nodded. 

“So, that wasn’t the first time?”

“Nah,” you shook your head, “Found those two idiots doing it a few months ago. Playing with it like it was some kind of animal. I shot it in the head before they could screw with it any further.” Your firsts curled in your lap as you remembered. “They’re not just some thing, you know? They used to be people and the best mercy we can give them is to put them down.” 

“Your dad?” Tara asked, guessing where you head is at. 

“He was a cop, you know? A detective.”

“Yeah, I heard that,” Tara whispered. “Rick was a cop too.” That made you laugh. 

“I can see that,” you said, playing with your fingers. “I’m not delusional,” you told her, looking into her dark eyes, near pleading. 

“I know,” she said. 

“I know he’s probably dead, but I just want to find him if I can. I owe him that much. I just want you to know that I’m not holding out hope that he’s still alive out there.” 

“Would that be such a bad thing?” Tara asked. You gave her a small smile and reached over and squeezed her arm. 

“No, I guess not,” you whispered. 

“Well, next time you go out to look for him, come knock on my door,” Tara said, placing her hand over yours. 

“You don’t have to do that,” you said. 

“I lost my dad too,” Tara explained, “and my sister and my niece. I know what it’s like to lose people, but I know what happened to them. You don’t know and you deserve answers.”

“Thank you, Tara,” you said and you couldn’t ignore the fluttering in your chest as she smiled at you. Her dark hair blew in the slight breeze and with the sun slowly setting over the trees, she looked incredible. At that moment there was really only one thing you wanted to do, but of course, the universe had other plans. 

Enid came jogging down the street and the look on her face was enough for you to pull your hand away from Tara. “En?” You called. She looked at you and the stress on her face had you turning to Tara. 

“Go,” she simply said with a wink. You placed your hand on her shoulder quickly before crossing the street to Enid. You approached her and it looked as if she wanted to either punch something or lay in bed for a week. 

“Let me guess,” you said, “Ron?” Enid just nodded and you took her by the arm and led her inside, ready to listen to her teenage drama and if needed, tear a strip off a teenage boy. 

———

It was a couple of weeks before you took Tara up on her offer to accompany you outside the walls. 

Enid was going with you this time as well. She had been trying to convince you to take her on your searches for months now. It was only after she made her case that she would just follow you anyways that you decided to let her tag along. When you two went to meet Tara, she wasn’t alone at the gate. Daryl, Glenn, and Michonne were all geared up as well. 

“Are we havin’ a party?” you asked, approaching Tara. She smiled sheepishly. 

“They wanted to help and I figured more sets of eyes are better than just three,” Tara said. “You don’t mind, do you?” Tara was looking at you with worry, afraid she had overstepped, but you were touched by the sentiment. Leaning forward, you kissed her on the cheek quickly. 

“Not at all,” you said with a grin and moved past her to go open the gate. Glenn bit his lip to stop himself from laughing at the pure shock that had taken over Tara’s face. As Daryl went to get on his bike, the rest of you headed for one of the larger cars. You were going out a bit further this time. Closer to where your father had first disappeared.

You had been staying closer to ASZ in your search. If something had happened to him, you figured it was on the way back home and that you’d come across him, but so far there hadn’t been a sighting. “There’s a shopping complex about an hour North,” you said to Daryl who was going to lead on his bike. “It’s a straight shot up the freeway and turn off on exit 7B. The sign should still be there.” 

“Alright, just hit the horn if ya need somethin’,” Daryl said as he straddled the motorcycle. He offered his fist and you tapped yours to it. 

“Let’s get going before Spencer decides to show up,” you said, ushering everyone into the car. Daryl revved his bike and rolled out of Alexandria. You started the engine and the rest of you followed, waving to Eugene who was waiting to shut the gate behind you. 

The ride was silent at first. Enid sat next to you in the passenger seat, reading one of her comics. Tara sat in the back between Glenn and Michonne, kicking her feet up on the center console. It was like a really weird scene out of a road trip movie. After a few more miles, Glenn started to ask questions. 

“So what is up with that Spencer guy?” he asked, leaning forward.

“He’s annoying,” Enid commented. 

“True,” you said, agreeing. “I don’t know, Glenn, he’s just the kind of guy that is used to getting everything? I guess the end of the world just made that impossible. Typical trust fund boy unable to be better than everyone else.” 

“If he’s anything like his brother then he’s not going to last long,” Glenn said. 

“At least Aidan is man enough to leave Alexandria. Spencer rarely leaves and when he does, I don’t think he’s ever fired his weapon, let alone killed Walkers,” you explained. 

“He afraid?” Michonne asked. 

“Maybe,” you said with a shrug. “Though, to be honest, I don’t know him all that well.”

“(Y/N) mostly avoids him,” added Enid. You nodded in agreement. 

“Also true.” 

“And Deanna has been in charge the whole time?” Tara asked. 

“Yeah as far as I know,” you nodded to her in the rearview mirror. “I think people just like to feel some sense of normalcy, you know?”

“Nothin’ normal about the world now,” Tara said. 

“Don’t I know it,” you said, bumping her foot with your elbow playfully. 

“Where were you before Alexandria?” Glenn asked. 

“Here and there,” you said, “We moved around a lot. Never trusted people and it was always our luck that Walkers felt the need to herd up near us. I think the longest place we stayed in was an old movie theater just outside of Augusta. We were with a small group of people for a bit before we had to move on.” You could remember the look on your dad’s face when you had found that particular safe haven. He had thought it was a sign because of all the times you two had enjoyed going to the movies together. It was one of the last places you felt safe before Alexandria. 

“Didn’t you sleep in the Aquarium?” Enid asked and you started laughing. 

“That I did, En,” you said, remembering that particular night. “Word of advice my new friends, when the world goes to shit nobody is there to feed the animals and the tanks smell worse than an entire herd of Walkers.” Glenn howled in laughter at that while Michonne looked a little sick. 

The rest of the ride to the shopping center was surprisingly pleasant. Even Enid was joining in on the random chatter that was going on in the car. As you drove, you kept your eye on Daryl ahead of you, easily maneuvering the broken up roads. You couldn’t believe that a bunch of strangers were willing to help you look for your father. It had been months of searching and you weren’t even sure if he was out there walking around. He could have easily fallen victim to the Walkers themselves. The thought that you were only going to find pieces of him made you feel sick. 

Gripping the wheel tighter, you focused on the tail light of the motorcycle and just kept going. 

------

Arriving at the shopping mall, Daryl suggested you all stay together. 

Considering you didn’t want to be alone in the first place, you easily agreed. Walking through the many stores, you all took out Walkers that stumbled towards you. It was becoming routine to kill the monsters and it was as if your group was running on autopilot. Daryl always kept his bow loaded and Michonne kept her hand on her sword at all times. 

You made sure to keep Enid close to you and if it bothered her, she didn’t say anything. If anything were to happen to her, you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself. She was the only family you had right now and you were determined to keep her alive at any cost.

About halfway through the mall, you were getting more frustrated. Blood was splashed over everything and you knew that something horrible had happened in the mall at the beginning of the Turn. You could easily imagine the screams and all of the people running as Walkers converged on the building. It must have been something akin to a horror film, you figured. 

Leaning against the railing of the second floor, you looked down towards an old sporting goods shop. With the smashed windows and blood trails, you knew it was probably one of the first places hit. Hell, even you and your dad had raided multiple shops on your way through Georgia. That thought alone made you straighten up. 

Pulling your gun from your holster, you headed for the escalator. “(Y/N)?” Enid called, but you ignored her, nearly jogging towards the metal staircase. You could hear the others following you, but you kept moving. Slipping over fresh blood and the occasional body part lodged in the mechanisms, you flew down the escalator.

Approaching the sporting goods shop, you froze, staring at the entrance. Someone had barricaded the main doors with displays and random pieces of furniture. The way the chairs were stacked and how the tables were resting so the legs were faced outwards told you everything.

Your dad had been the one to set this up. 

Emotions overtook you as you rushed forward, pulling at the barricade, your hands manic, and your breathing hard. More sets of hands joined you in dismantling the barrier. You kicked out at the different supports and finally made a hole big enough to fit through. You wasted no time in squeezing through and raising your weapon. Enid followed you with the others right behind. Walking through the aisles, you kept your gun handy, ready to fire on anything that came at you. 

You could hear Daryl knocking his knife against the wall trying to draw any Walkers out, but all remained silent. That is until you reached the back of the store. It was quiet at first. It almost sounded like it was farther away, but as you moved closer, the groaning noise increased. A part of you wanted to turn and run and not look at whatever was behind the fishing rod display. However, you knew that if you didn’t look, you would never get the sound of the groaning out of your head.

You slowly handed your pistol to Enid and unsheathed your blade. It felt as if your feet were made of lead as you crept towards the noise. Keeping your breathing steady, you stepped around the broken display. 

Your heart dropped out of your chest and your knees buckled at the sight. “No…” you gasped as your knees hit the floor. Sitting before you, half chained to multiple chairs with clouded eyes and a snapping jaw was your father. A sob escaped your throat as he struggled against his restraints. Based on how he was chained, you knew he had done it himself. Looking closer you could just make out a deep bite mark on the side of his neck. “Dad…” you whispered, reaching for him.

“Careful, (Y/N),” Glenn whispered behind you. You pulled your hand away and then dug into the pocket of your jacket, producing a detective’s shield on a chain. 

“I’m so sorry, Dad,” you said, letting the tears flow more. You moved closer to him, keeping an eye on his gnarled fingers that pawed at your clothing. You raised your knife and tried to see any of the colors in his long-dead eyes, but all that stared back at you were two empty white irises. He reached for you again and you shoved him back, trying not to think about his crumbling skin under your hands. “I’m okay, Dad,” you told him. “I have a new family now and remember Enid? She’s my person now, you know? We’re looking out for each other. I promise.” Your tears dripped onto his body as you held him back. “You can go be with Mom now and Tyler, they need you more. I love you so much.”

Lifting the knife above your head, you let yourself look at him once more before plunging it down into his brain. He went limp immediately in your arms. Removing the blade, you then took the shield and looped it around his neck. “I’m gonna be okay,” you whispered and then fell forward, sobbing. Enid was there in a second, wrapping her arms around your back and holding tight. All you could hear was your own crying and Enid’s soothing voice. 

You stayed like that for many moments, trying to grasp what was happening. You finally looked up as Daryl came toward you with a tarp in his hands. “We can bring him back,” Daryl said, kneeling down to your level. “Bury him properly.” You nodded, unable to speak. Daryl then gestured to the others and Tara was at your side helping Enid get you to your feet as Glenn, Michonne, and Daryl unchained your father’s body and wrapped him in the makeshift shroud. 

You watched as Daryl and Glenn lifted your father’s body from the ground and carried him from the store. Michonne followed, carrying the crossbow and her sword. Enid and Tara never let you go as you followed them. You didn’t even remember getting back to the car. You could hear Daryl starting his bike as the body was loaded into the trunk. You sat between Enid and Tara in the backseat while Glenn drove with Michonne in the passenger seat. Enid held your hand all the way home, but you could feel Tara leaning into you as well. Halfway home, your other hand found hers and she gripped yours tight. You were right, you had found your new family.

-----

When you returned to Alexandria, your mood was soured further as Spencer was the one to open the gate.

“You need to tell people when you leave, (Y/N),” he said as you followed Enid out of the car. 

“Back off, Monroe,” Glenn said, pushing past him towards the back of the car. Spencer then noticed how you looked nearly dead on your feet. 

“What happened?” he asked, but became completely silent as he watched Daryl and Glenn haul the body from the trunk. “Oh.” 

“Where’s Aaron?’ you whispered, keeping your eyes lowered. 

“Home, I think,” Spencer said. You nodded and moved past him. When Enid tried to follow you, you put out your hand. 

“I just need to see him alone, okay,” you said and she nodded, stepping back. You didn’t say anything further as you headed towards Aaron’s house. On the walk over, you couldn’t shake the images out of your head. Walkers were not a rare thing. You saw them every time you left Alexandria, but you had never seen someone you knew turn. At least not anybody close. The fact that he chained himself up to keep from hurting people hurt even worse. Even in death, your father was trying to be a hero. 

Arriving at Aaron’s, you climbed the steps and didn’t bother knocking. You moved through the house, finding him sitting on the couch in the living room. Eric was nowhere to be found. “Hey, you,” Aaron greeted, looking up from his book. He then saw the tears on your face and tossed the book aside. “What happened?”

“He’s gone,” you choked out and then fell into the spot next to him on the couch. 

“Oh, honey,” Aaron whispered as you lay down, your head resting in his lap. You cried as he smoothed his hands over your hair. 

“We brought him home,” you whispered. Aaron, gripped you tight as he mourned the man as well. He had immediately liked your father and the two of them had instantly fallen into comfortable conversations when Aaron had brought you back all those months ago. “We’re gonna bury him inside the walls.” 

“I think that will be nice,” Aaron said. “Maybe we can ask Father Gabriel to say something. You mentioned your dad was really religious, right?” you nodded. “And I can as Rick to help with a small funeral.” 

“Rick?” you asked, confused. 

“Well, he was a cop so he knows how funerals for law enforcement work,” Aaron explained. 

“Dad wasn’t really a detective anymore,” you whispered. 

“Still, he deserves to have a funeral. You do so much for this place, (Y/N), let us do this for you. For both of you.” You nodded and then held him closer as the emotional fatigue finally took you over. It wasn’t long before you slipped into the darkness and fell asleep, dreaming of the good days with your dad.

----

It was night by the time you woke up. 

Eric had lightly shaken you awake, mentioning Enid had been looking for you. He had kissed your cheek and told you he’d look after Aaron as always and then offered you his condolences. You hugged him and then headed home. After sleeping and your talk with Aaron, you were feeling a bit better, but you knew it was going to take some time. However, you were grateful that you had finally found him and gotten the answers you craved so much. 

If there was anything good to come out of all this, it was the knowledge that he was finally at rest and you didn’t need to worry anymore. That thought alone made you take a deep breath and tilt your head to the sky, feeling the cool air. It smelled like it was going to rain soon. 

As you approached your home, someone was waiting for you on the porch. More tension exited your body as you saw that it was Tara. “Hi,” she said softly. You joined her on the steps and smiled to yourself as this began to be a regular thing. “How are you doing? Or is that a stupid question?”

“I’m...managing,” you said. “I guess all the emotions took me by surprise. Maybe because I never expected to actually find him.”

“I’m sorry you had to find him like that,” Tara said. 

“New normal, right?” you asked, wiping at your tears that never seemed to stop. 

“I wish it didn’t have to be,” said Tara. You turned to look at her and in the moonlight, she looked...ethereal. Reaching up, you tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, letting your fingers linger on her skin. 

“Thank you for being with me today. Meant a lot,” you said. Tara reached up and took your hand in hers, folding it between both of hers. She then raised your hand to her lips and kissed the back of it. You sighed at the contact. 

“You’re gonna be okay,” she whispered, looking into your (Y/E/C) eyes, and then she seemed timid. 

“You are really something else, Tara Chambler,” you said, leaning in towards her. Tara met you halfway and as you pressed your lips to hers, warmth spread from your head to your toes. The kiss was quick, but it felt right. Pulling back you smiled at her softly. Tara wrapped her arm around your shoulder and you fell into her embrace. Tara ran her hand over your arm as she held you. 

At that moment as you mourned your father, you found something full of light to hold onto amidst all of the darkness and she was so beautiful.

TAGS: @thanossexual​ 

[vacation-grif]

What kinda feelings?

A LOT, ACTUALLY. Like I said before, the RTNY group was telling me to skip it because it wasn’t a good season, and I want to express how much I wanted to just form my own opinion, only to end up agreeing with them in the end. Let me break this down as best as I can now that I am on my PC. I mean no disrespect to the director and writer, as well as the cast and crew. Honestly, I’m worried that my opinion makes me feel like a boomer at this point.

First off, if anyone was going to tell me that I’m going to have headaches over bright flashing lights and colors over a Red vs Blue series, I wouldn’t have believed you. As I said before, they should’ve just called this “Red vs Blue: Epilepsy Warning THE M0VIE”. I understand that they are using the Unreal Engine, because my god the graphics on this is INSANE. But everything is...too bright. TOO. BRIGHT. Everything has a lens flare no matter where the camera turns, and with the high paced action, all the lights and colors, it HURTS.

-

Next, this is a fully CG-animated season. We haven’t had one like that in SUCH a long time, and this is the first in the 20-ish years of Red vs BLue. When I was a kid who didn’t have a cellphone, I could only imagine what Red vs Blue was like when my best friend would play it over our landline on a weeknight before we would go to school the next day. And I would come over and be like, HOLY SHIT. IS THIS FUCKING HALO?! So imagine my excitement when after 8 years of Red vs Blue using Halo 1 to Halo 3 assets, you see a Warthog just crash through the walls of Valhalla, something you’d never see in a Halo game. A fully animated scene of Grif running over Washington (hell yeah), and an angry Washington outside of his game model just climbing onto the hood of the car and shooting at Grif through the windshield at pointblank range. Then cut to episode 10 of the same season, Tex makes her triumphant return, fully animated instead of her Halo 3 game model. And in the last two episodes of the season, you get OUR VERY FIRST FREELANCER VS FREELANCER FIGHT. You find out this was the work of the late Monty Oum (rest in peace), and until Season 10, Red vs Blue was THE HIGHEST POINT OF YOUR FUCKING LIFE.

Then we go to Season 12 where the animation post Oum (he was working on RWBY at this point but iirc this was just before he died) was choppy at best and didn’t feel right until Season 13, where within the one year the animation team REALLY stepped up. And this actually carries over into Season 17, Singularity, where it became more animation and less game effects, or rather it was balanced. It wasn’t extravegant like Oum’s works, but given that these are the Simtroopers, some Freelancers, some Mercs, and time gods, it felt par for the course. It felt right.

We cut now to these upgraded graphics, which felt like when you were playing on your Xbox 360 and you jsut FUCKING SHOT into the Xbox One. It was, as you would say, unreal (lol). But it felt...off. The first two episodes, the entire action didn’t feel like what you spent 16 seasons watching. It felt like a whole another beast entirely. With the use of super powers, you would think oh the Freelancers had that! Yes, but those were all suit enhancements. These...didn’t feel like it. Zero’s and Phase’s teleportation didn’t feel like something that Fragmented AI can control. Shatter Squad’s at least felt more at home. 

The models themselves were a bit off too. Choppy at best, but understandable given that they were using the Unreal Engine. But you notice that they do a lot of hand on hip pushed out to the side type of thing a lot? Everyone does it. Except Raymond, West, and the big dude. Like the SASSY STANCE. Also, there was way too much power stance. Where if your feet were shoulder width apart, it was a bit wider, and also the pelvis was out a little more. A bit weird. Finally, everyone has an ass. Everyone. Even West. West has an ass, it was like, everyone was dummy thicc and the clap of their ass cheeks was alerting Viper.

-

Next, voice acting. I...absoultely could not stand the voice acting. It was completely over the top, overdramatic, over exaggerated. Granted, I’m a singer, a perform, but I’m not exactly a good actor myself in the few shows I’ve actually done. It felt like watching an anime. When you wtach something with dialogue of your own language, you can tell when you feel something is to over the top. If you watch something of a language you don’t speak, it’ll go over your head, unless you start to speak that language, and you speak to people who speak that language, then you start to pick up what is regular speaking and what is acting. When an anime gets dubbed, most times, the voice actors tend to over dramatacize in the same way the Japanese due, and some times it works, most times it doesn’t. This is because the Japanese way of acting comes from kabuki theater. When English dubbers do that with this weird over emphasized emotions, it is extremely offputting.

In some places, the voice acting is poorly done. Jen Brown’s performance from just getting out of a hospital to giving an expositional lecture about the new cast in literally 5 seconds of time was...off. Carolina should’ve had more time to recover, especailly after losing Washington, one of her closest surrogate family, she felt...a little too calm and normal. Not like the Carolina who was hesitant but trying her best to be a whole better person (see the Paradox Arc, S15-17). It was jsut quick shift, and now she’s making snarky remarks in that Jen Brown voice she does (my god step on me please) and also being a mother hen. Also, she really calls Washington David way more this season than she ever did before that.

Fiona’s performance was shaky at best in my opinion, I don’t know her very well outside of what everyone says. All I know is that sometimes, the way she emphasizes some of her lines don’t fit the situation very well. I think East/Phase was a lot better done than One imo. But she was mostly angry and competitive.

Raymond is the textbook definition of what I hate about taking a character’s role and making it their entire personality. Think of it like watching Power Rangers, and all of their roles is just defined by the shit they say. Jason is the jock, Kimberly is the pretty girl, Trini is......I’m not gonna lie, I don’t...know what to classify Trini, Zack was the cool guy, and Billy was the nerd (Tommy was Jock II also the rebel/loner). Raymond reminded me a lot like Billy, where Billy was defined by being so smart, half of his dialogue was just look at me, i’m fucking smart, let me use all of these big words. Half of Raymond’s dialogue was, look at me, i’m the tech guy, I’m nerdy and loveable, it felt like it was too over the top of trying to stand out. By the end of the season, after East’s big reveal, I started to like him a lot more because he knew what was more at stake. I want to say that my initial impression of him was immature at best.

West was too stiff. Just.. Too stiff. I get he’s old. But show some emotion, please.

Why am I emphasizing on this more? When you listen to the dialogue of RvB, and then you listen at this, even with the return cast of Carolina, Washington, and Tucker, the direction was different. I think it’s because of the new medium with Zero being all super animated like an action, where RvB was just a bunch of net videos that you’re gonna laugh at with well timed jokes. It was super casual, but also super real. Geoff and Gus and everyone else aren’t big actors or anything, but that’s what made it feel real. That’s what made RvB feel like its own thing.

-

In terms of writing, I get that this is RvB meets FnF (Fast and Furious). But I honestly feel that it doens’t belong. The story of Shatter Squad vs Viper would have been a lot better if it didn’t have the RvB name tacked on. It’s such a cool concept, but given what RvB was before, the tonal shift is jsut too great, especially when you only have 3 of the previous cast returning.

Speaking of, what happened to Tucker?! What happened to the guy who became a leader? Responsible? Not as arrogant? Maybe playfully arrogant at best, but not stroking his ego? What happened to HIS SWORD? Did they forget how Tucker’s sword works? That it only works IF HE DIES? Tucker didn’t die, and yet Phase was able to use his sword (which by the way is now hers). One of the earliest stories/gags of RvB and they just...retconned it and threw it away! Also, Tucker’s voice acting did NOT match the scene at all. It’s like watching a video game that was localized from Japanese, and the dubbers spoke too fast before the character could finish. Tucker moves outside of his dialogue and there is this weird seconds of silence. That...that was just a BAD return for him.

-

My final thought is that, if RvB Zero is not...the RvB I grew up with. Maybe the jokes are dated, but the memories of what RvB was is still real. This just...doesn’t feel like RvB anymore. This should have just been it’s own show, it’s own story, replace Wash and Carolina and Tucker with new characters, it just wasn’t their place to be in this.

The only thing I liked about this? I’m glad Danielle (I’m assuming this is how you would spell her name) didn’t go AWOL and returned to the team. I actually really liked her the most next to Axel. She was done dirty, but she still held on to that one bond she had as East that Zero didn’t give her as Phase.

-

I know this is probably not a great opinion, and I really hope that Rooster Teeth finds the ground they want this series to go in. Sometimes, you have to try new things, or else staying stagnant will make it go stale. It’s all about trial and error. I don’t know how everyone else feels about Zero, how the new audience and the old audience feels. RvB as a whole wasn’t perfect. They had their down moments. But when you feel that way for an entire season...it’s a problem.

[notfckincool]

DIRTY GIRL

Don't Call Me Princess

Negan x Ana (OC)

A collection of short smutty stories. Strong sexual content.

Ana embarks on a casual, and obviously filthy affair with Negan, accidentally falling for him, knowing he will never love her. Angst and Kinky fuckery.

WARNINGS : It's Negan so expect swearing, violence and sexual content throughout.

DON'T CALL ME PRINCESS

Negan x Ana (OC)

Ana adjusts to life as a Savior after refusing to be one of Negan's wives

WARNINGS: sexual content, swearing, dirty talk, oral sex

I sit cross legged on the bed, thumbing through an old magazine, a pile of books on the bedside table. Life is actually pretty good at The Sanctuary. My room is comfortable, I have clean water and decent food, and sandwiches, God, I didn't realize how much I'd missed sandwhiches. There's also a book and a music library, I really feel like I'm living a life of luxury, just like he promised. No, I don't regret my decision to stay and fight for the Saviors.

I love going on runs and missions. I don't have a problem helping keep the communities in line. Mostly things run pretty smoothly.  Occasionally, Negan and Lucille have to make an example, but for the most part he has everything under control.

Negan.

The man is an enigma. Behind the immature humour and permanent smirk, there's a quick calculative mind. Never lets anyone get too close. Never gives anything away. Never spoke to me again after I turned down the offer of being his wife.

It's a purely sexual attraction of course. The guy's a deluded sociopath, incapable of love and empathy, but still. I sigh heavily. Life as a wife in here would have felt like a prison sentence, I'd made that clear to him from the start, but I'd had a taste and I wanted more.

I'm jolted from my thoughts when there's a knock at the door.

"Yeah"

Lily opens the door and peeps in.

"Time to go hun."

"Yeah, I'm coming"

Tossing the magazine aside, I jump off the bed and follow Lily and the others down the corridors. Out in the yard people are noisily loading up trucks and checking weapons as a convoy gets ready to head out. I love the buzz of activity as the Saviors prepare for a mission. I look up at the walkway, where I know Negan will be stood, Lucille perched on his shoulder, proudly surveying his loyal army. I watch him as I get into my truck, but he never even notices me.

I sit quietly on the journey, looking out the passenger window, lost in my thoughts. I'm just too stubborn, won't give up the little bit of freedom I fought so hard for, but I hate that he ignores me. I want him so bad and he knows very well what he does to me, but I guess this is my punishment. We arrive and I get out of the truck. I watch Negan and Simon deep in conversation. Suddenly he raises his eyes to look directly at me, I turn away but can't resist glancing back. He's still looking. He pats Simon on the back and saunters over to me.

"A word" he puts his hand on my shoulder pulling me aside

"Simon tells me you're doing a great fucking job with the Saviors."

His hand slides up a little, his fingers grazing my neck. He smirks down at me, his tongue escaping over his bottom lip, drawing his thumb lightly over my skin. I visibly shudder. I don't get a chance to reply

"I knew I was fucking right about you." he squeezes gently and starts to move away "Keep up the good work" he bends down to my ear "I'll be keeping my eye on you". He chuckles to himself as he swaggers away

Well that was unexpected. Throughout the day I feel him watching me, observing as I go about my business, loading up, making the odd threat, the usual stuff. A few times our eyes meet, he smirks, bites his lip, or let's his eyes wander over me. I decide to give him something to look at with lots of unnecessary bending over. As I stand guard while the trucks are loaded, I hear his voice behind me.

"Come with me, Ana"

I turn to see him beckoning me with his finger as he walks behind a truck. I follow eagerly. He pulls me towards him, out of view of the Saviors, and leans me against the truck. Moving in close, his hand under my chin, he lifts my face until my eyes meet his.

"You thought any more about my offer?"

"I thought about it a lot" I confess.

His eyes travel over my features as he presses himself towards me. My lips curve into a smirk and I can't resist placing a hand to his thigh, moving slowly, deliberately. His eyes settle on my lips.

"but, I like being out here with the Saviors, with you," my hand slides further up his thigh "I enjoy my work" I give his thigh a squeeze "What if we could make a different arrangement?"

"That's not how this works, princess"

"I'm sure we could work something out" I smile and tilt my head, trailing my lips softly across the skin of his neck, up towards his ear, my hand still wandering firmly upwards.

"You're the boss after all" I cup him, massaging gently "You make the rules"

He doesn't move, allowing me to tease him through the fabric of his jeans, groaning as my fingers move upwards, stroking over his length. I feel him twitch under my hand and grind towards him.

"Don't play fucking games with me princess"

One hand strokes as he grows and swells beneath me, the other moves to his stomach. I smile onto his skin kissing at his neck as my fingers caress above his waistband.

"It's up to you of course though boss, just tell me what you want" my hand lingers at his belt.

He pulls away. Opening the back of the truck he gets inside pulling me with him. Gripping me lightly around the throat with his gloved hand, I quiver as he looks down at me, his eyes darkening.

"What I want is you on your knees with your eyes looking up at mine while I fuck your pretty mouth"

I bite hard on my lip and smirk up at him "I can do that." I pull at his belt, slowly unfastening.

"... and what I want, is for you to stop asking me to be your wife.." I add, sliding my hand inside his boxers, wrapping around his rock hard shaft.

".. and don't call me princess, or doll, or babygirl. My name is Ana, and that's what I want to hear you call when you cum down the back of my throat"

He groans loudly letting go of my neck, and hastily finishes unfastening his belt

"Get on your fucking knees"

I obediently drop to the floor as he takes his massive length in his hand, slowly pumping.

"Now open that fucking dirty mouth nice and wide"

I smirk up at him and do as he commands, sticking out my tongue as he teases me with the tip. My tongue laps around him, curling up under the ridge, along the slit, sliding down the thick throbbing vein as he pumps his hand at the base, and back up to envelope him in my eager mouth. He guides himself in, watching his cock slowly disappear, before letting go to entangle his fingers in my hair.

"look at me, Ana"

He grips my hair tightly and I look up to meet his eyes as I let him set the pace, guiding my head, slowly fucking my mouth. Gradually he builds speed, pushing deeper, my hands go to his hips to steady myself. I listen to his groans as he watches himself moving in and out of my mouth, gagging a little as he hits my throat

"That's it, I want to see you choke on my big cock"

.. And I do. He thrusts a few more times before withdrawing, releasing my hair. He watches me. Licking at the base, cupping him, traveling down, licking and sucking and squeezing gently until he grabs back at my hair bringing my head back up. My tongue lapping hungrily at the glistening head

"Give me it all"

I look up with lust filled eyes as he pushes deep inside, groaning loudly. I moan onto him and he thrusts into me again and again until his head tips back.

"fuck, Ana,.. I'm coming"

He twitches and spasms

"Ana.. Fuck"

His release pours into my throat, I suck and swallow greedily until it subsides and his body stills. Slowly I withdraw, cleaning him, before wiping my mouth.

He looks down, watching me a while, tucking himself away before holding his hand out to help me up

"Goddamn Ana" he closes his eyes and tips head back a little, inhaling deeply before looking back at me.

"Fucks sake. There are only 3 fucking doors to choose from. Rules are fucking rules. What the fuck am I gonna do with you?"

"Whatever you want" I smirk and step out of the truck

He follows close behind. Shaking his head at me he makes his way back over to the Saviors, fastening up his belt.

"Attention fuckers." he announces, as he fastens up his belt. "I am in a great fucking mood. Today, has been a productive damn day. So let's get this shit loaded up and hit the fuckin road, cos I am in need of a sandwich... Where the fuck did Simon get to? "

As he wanders away I chuckle to myself. I wonder if anyone has noticed my swollen bruised lips, and a decidedly less stressed Negan tucking himself away as he walks passed. Not that I care anyway.

Win / win for everyone I'd say.

DIRTY GIRL MASTERLIST

[howrry]

forbidden fruit: pt.3

a/n: the final installment of this series, HIGHLY requested! nice and simple but i just wanted to tie up the loose ends of this saga. back to writing random one-shots with no plot!!!!

w/c: 2.5k

warning: my first piece that’s smut-free whaaaat? it’s got some implied stuff and swearing tho lol. if you want smut go check out everything else on my masterlist hahaha

***

If there's one thing Y/N knew would piss Harry (or any pain-in-the-ass guy for that matter) off, it was disappear.

See, she'd been given an opportunity to switch into another Calculus class, which took place during her homeroom class with Harry. She got out of seeing him in the morning and got college credit for that dreaded math class. Win-win.

Harry found this childish. Sure, he'd been a bit of a jackass pulling her around like that, but hiding from him? And even worse, shoving her new exclusive relationship with that fuckin' athlete in his face? Totally immature.

She twirled her hair in her pretty fingers as she flirted with Luke in the morning before class. He looked like such a try-hard leaning casually on the lockers, and Harry wanted to gag. Y/N would hold Luke's hand during lunch under the table and he would grin like a moron. Did they have to be so corny?

Plus any interaction Harry tried to have with her was thwarted in some way. Either she'd see him coming and dart out of his way to avoid talking to him, or he'd surprise her and someone else would grab her attention. He even swallowed his pride and texted her, to no response.

Then, H almost started to get worried when it seemed she wasn't even at school. He never saw her at her locker, nor in any of the halls, not even at lunch practically in Luke's lap. On the third day of Y/N's disappearance, Harry had to get answers. He charmed one of the class gossips at the beginning of the lunch period.

"Hey, do you know where Y/N is? I need to get trig answers off of her," he lied smoothly and the girl raised an eyebrow.

She pulled a red lollipop out of her mouth, clacking it against her teeth. "She's been eating lunch in Coach Thomas's classroom while he goes off campus to eat."

He nodded, muttered a thank you to the girl, and dove around her before she could acknowledge him. Harry darted past people littering the hallways to get to the coach's classroom and barged in, spooking Y/N eating inside.

"Christ, H, you scared the f--" she started, but of course was cut off by him.

"So, you've been skippin' out on lunch. What's up w'that?" he asked, stuffing his hands in his trouser pockets and taking steps towards the desk she sat in.

"Since when do I have to line my lunch plans up with yours?" she bit, followed by a huffed "freak".

He snorted. "You're avoiding me," he pointed out.

"Yeah, and why wouldn't I? You bother the fuck out of me every day for no reason! Have you ever thought about that? You just piss me off and I've never done anything to you!" Y/N was mad now, slamming her hands on the desk.

Harry stumbled over words at first. He never expected to put him in his place like that. "Y'just annoy me, okay!" he blurted. "Yeh know the answer to every question in class, your hair always looks perfect, everybody likes you, and yet you still get on my nerves!"

Y/N's lips parted and she sucked in air. "Oh my God!"

"What?!" Harry reared back, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You like me!" Y/N squealed. She hopped up from her chair and ran around the desk. "That's why you've been a total weirdo recently. All jealous and pulling me away from Luke. Trying to find to where I went during lunch." She poked a manicured finger into his chest. "You act like a dick to hide it, but you like me!" It was like he couldn't slap the smug look off her face.

He snorted, leaning back until the back of his thighs hit a desk. "You wish, princess. Just because I said everyone likes you doesn't mean I include myself in that demographic."

Y/N took one step back from him, eyeing his face up and down, trying to read deeper. He was made suddenly very uncomfortable but kept up a solid facade. She pursed her soft lips together and shrugged. "You seem quite sure of that." Harry was too frozen to respond. "If that's how you feel, then I guess this conversation is over." Y/N whirled around on the heel of her foot and packed her belongings. "See you... whenever I see you, Styles," she concluded on her way out.

And "whenever she saw him" turned out to be way sooner than she thought. She supposed his ego would take at least a few days to recover before he'd approach again.

It was after school that day, when she was getting into her car to go home. As she buckled herself in, her passenger door opening suddenly (which totally scared the hell out of her, by the way). Harry casually slid into the car and the scent of his cologne followed him. God, did he just put it on? she thought.

"Harry?!" she blurted. "What the fuck are you doing?"

He pulled the rearview mirror to face himself, checking his hair and not putting it back. "One of m'mates is throwing a party tonight, and you're gonna come." He kept eye contact during this entire statement with zero inflection.

"You think I wanna go to a party... with you?" she asked, completely baffled.

He popped his knuckles, almost self-consciously. "Tha's what I said. It'll be fun."

She clutched the steering wheel, in awe of his audacity. "I can't stand you. You're delusional if you think I'd go." Y/N grabbed the rear view mirror and adjusted it back, annoyed.

Harry reached over and playfully shoved her shoulder. "That's just it, pet. I'm completely delusional. My car'll be outside yours at 11:30." He grinned like a maniac before leaving her car and slamming the door behind him.

Well.

Don't think for a second that Y/N didn't hate herself when she found herself climbing into H's car that night, because she absolutely did. However, regardless of how she felt about herself, she loved a party.

Harry was delighted when she joined him in his car. Not so much at her presence, but at her bending to his will. Almost made his dick twitch a little in his pants.

Y/N got a little antsy when, as the drive progressed, she realized this party was near Luke's neighborhood. She considered for a moment that this was a trick pulled by Harry, but when he whipped into a bumping house's driveway a few blocks away from Luke, she relaxed. She didn't even have to worry about Luke potentially being here; he'd never party with any of Harry's people.

Once arriving after a painfully quiet car ride, Harry lost Y/N almost immediately. He swears he had her once he opened the front door, but as soon as she ducked inside, she was nowhere to be found. Sure, there were a lot of people in attendance, but it was ridiculous trying to find her.

Meanwhile, Y/N had one thing on her agenda: getting fucked up. She pulled out all her stops-- asking the basketball guys for hits of their Juuls, slapping the bags that the preps held, partnering with any and everyone in beer pong and taking more drinks than the opposing team landed one.

It wasn't until she was on her winning streak at the table until H finally found her again. His jaw immediately clenched when his eyes landed on her partner. The guy was tall and broad, and the two of them seemed to have great chemistry. In any other circumstance, he'd grab her and pull her into the nearest locked room, but the game was a perfect way for Y/N to have fun without Harry making a scene.

Finally, they stopped doing so well, and H at first thought this was gonna be a good thing. If they lost, they'd have to be replaced with another couple and the confusion of the team-switching would be a great time to grab her.

But he forgot one key problem-- losing meant drinking. And for the remaining 7 cups the other team scored, Y/N and the mystery beer pong player invented new toasts to their losses. By the last cup being made, the two of them interlocked their arms and drank like that. No one had been watching since everyone was celebrating the winning team on their shot, except for Harry, of course.

His original plan was back on track, and he slithered through the party-goers to Y/N. He reached out for her arm, and when she realized who was grabbing at her, her face brightened a little. Drunk, clearly.

"Come with me, please," he asked, trying to keep his tone as innocent as possible.

"Hey, what's going on here?" the mystery beer pong partner interjected, noticing Harry trying to steal her. "I thought we could try to play agai--"

"It's urgent, actually," he hissed, patience wearing thin. He gave up on being innocuous and lightly tugged Y/N his direction towards the stairs.

"It's fiiiine!" Y/N chirped behind her, leaving her parter confused.

Harry guided her upstairs and pushed the first door he found open, and it was empty. When they were both inside he lazily swung it shut and leaned against the wall.

"Harry, you can't keep doing this!"

"Doing what?" he quipped. "I'm just taking you out of a social setting while you're drunk so you don't do anything stupid."

She scoffed. "Is that your new tactic? Acting like you want what's best for me. You hate me, but at the same time you like me. You're the psycho here."

"At least I know what I want," he purred, peering down at her.

Y/N's glassy eyes widened. "Oh no," she said, backing up a bit. "No no no no no. I'm a loyal girlfriend," she stated indignantly.

He snorted. "Yeah, loyal girlfriends hang all over any lad who gives them attention at a party."

She crossed her arms, smirking a little. "There's that jealousy again. I was just having a good time on my own at a party you invited me to. I didn't say I'd be your date."

Harry stared at her for a good half-minute. His eyes pored over her whole face, and she almost got a bit insecure but held her composition. He sucked in air sharply through his nose. "Tell me you really like Luke. Tell me you're not just acting like this to spite me."

Her jaw dropped open to answer him, but nothing came out. It frustrated her-- she wanted to say those things and she knew it would get rid of him once and for all... but they stopped right at her tongue.

Harry's gaze did not weaken. "Silence isn't an answer, darling," he growled.

Time to play another card. "Maybe Luke is just really convenient, but I still don't want you," she spat at him. Y/N pushed past him and swung open the door, to find none other than her ever-so-convenient boyfriend, Luke. And by the look of his face, he'd heard it all.

"Luke!" she blurted, totally in shock. "What are-- I was, uh-- what're you doing here?"

"You played beer pong with my friend Ashton, and when you disappeared upstairs with some guy, he called me," he explained, voice low. "So, convenient, huh?"

Y/N immediately clambered for something to say to explain herself, not having time to get angry with Harry snickering behind her. "Luke, you don't understand, he's been a huge pain in the ass and won't leave me alone. I didn't mean what I said-- it's the context."

Luke's angry eyes flickered from her to the shrugging guy in the room. "Yeah, I think I get the context. You've been fucking my girlfriend."

"Actually, for most of it, she wasn't your girlfriend, but--" Harry started, but a harsh glare from Y/N shut him up.

Luke exhaled through his nose. "I expected this shit from Styles, but I never thought you were a slut," he seethed, sending a sharp pain through her stomach.

"Now fucking watch it," Harry warned, stepping up behind her. "Go write a fuckin' song about it, but have some goddamn dignity."

Luke's jaw dropped to retaliate, but upon making eye contact with H's fiery eyes, he stormed off in a huff. She turned back to Harry with tears in her eyes. He fully expected her to scream at him, push at him, and run away, but she did the one thing he never expected her to do. She lunged forward, dug her head in his chest, and sobbed quietly.

He truly had no idea what to do. He wrapped his arms around her and let her cry it out, rubbing her back and stroking her soft hair until she finally stopped. When she pulled back, her eyes were bloodshot and her cheeks were pink.

"C-can you take me home?" she whispered, and he nodded. He even took off his own jacket to give to her, and helped her conspicuously leave the party.

When he rolled up to her house, she took off her seatbelt almost immediately. "Walk me inside," she demanded softly.

"What about your parents--"

"Out of town," was all she replied, and left the car before he even turned the car off. So much for walking her in.

Y/N left her front door open behind her as Harry scrambled to shut off his car and follow her inside. She went straight to the couch in her living room and bundled herself up in a fleece throw.

Harry stepped into the living room, boots creaking on the wooden floor. "Y/N... I'm sorry about Lu--"

"Don't," she snapped, breathing heavily. "You're not sorry. That couldn't have been a better outcome for you."

"Are y'kidding?" he blurted. "I never meant to hurt you, Y/N. I tried to get you to stop dating a guy you and I both know you didn't care about. And don't give me any shit about you really being into him-- we all heard what you said back at the party."

She went quiet. Her eyes trailed along his torso as he got closer and plopped down on the couch a few feet from her. Finally, three soft words slipped from her mouth and Harry was almost positive he'd imagined them. "I want you."

"Come again?" he perked up a little.

"I want you," she said again, stronger this time. "I want you, and I want you to not make me think that's a mistake. Tell me these games are over, or get the fuck out of my life forever."

He couldn't believe his ears. Harry's arms reached out for her and pulled her onto his lap. "Pet, I want you so much. I thought the only way I could talk to you was to get on your nerves but I'm so sorry."

Y/N smirked, tossing her arms around his neck. "Are you messing with me? Is this a really extended, fucked-up prank?"

He pressed his lips against her jaw gently. "I'll never act like that again, darling."

Y/N giggled and leaned down to take a soft bite out of Harry's neck. As he picked her up and carried her to her room, she was finally glad to get a true taste of her once-forbidden fruit.

[fallen029]

Crush.4

Previous Chapter

.

"Ever get tired of me, kid?"

"Apparently not, since, you know, we're dating and all."

Lisanna said this with evident malice and Bickslow didn't hold it against her none, that the statement in itself wasn't very heavy, because, well, he figured she wasn't too used to being that way. No, the nice, simple Strausses just didn't have it in them to trade barbs with a pro like him.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Lisanna," he remarked simply as he allowed her entrance to his apartment. "You gotta wine me and dine me a little, yeah? Before we get too hot and heavy. Or, well, actually, no, I'm up for it, I guess."

She just stared at him, Lisanna did, with this dark gaze that, if he were a lesser man, or even one who wasn't sued to giving out pretty dark gazes of his own, might have brought the seith some shivers. But as it stood, he was the darkest of dark knights, with the darkest of dark gazes, and he stared her down from behind his visor.

Only a few hours had passed since Mirajane had her entire week made and would no doubt be gushing to anyone and everyone right about then, back at the bar, all about Lisanna's new boyfriend. Which meant that the bar was the exactly last place that Lisanna wanted to brave, finding it much better to eventually make her way over to the seith's apartment, so that she could unleash her anger on him.

And plan, for the upcoming date.

But mostly unleash.

Bickslow was right though. Lisanna wasn't too versed in anger and it all kind of deflated as the man snickered along with his floating about babies at his own joke before going to face plant into his couch.

"So," was what she thought he said, maybe, against the fabric of the furniture, "what now? We fuck?"

Lisanna gagged at first, then remembered the power she held in this situation. Sort of. They were partners, at least, in their misdeeds and misdirection, and while she typically found herself the reserved, go along with anything girl down at the hall, that stopped now. Exactly now, too, because even she could admit that she'd more than let Bickslow run the whole show (while also accusing her of being the one to sabotage it), but that was coming to an end.

It had to.

Prior to the park, she and Bickslow could have shook hands and gone there separate ways without anyone even knowing they were spending time together (except for maybe Freed). Now though, Mirajane thought that the two of them were, ugh, whatever she thought and that meant that if it was revealed to all be some elaborate ruse then...then…

Wasn't that what she wanted from the beginning though? The end result of that? For Mirajane to be embarrassed?

But she felt like admitting to pretending to lower her standards enough to find Bickslow even remotely attractive only for the big reveal of, ha ha, aren't you the immature one, big sis, really wouldn't yield the results Lisanna was looking for.

"Wow," Bickslow remarked as he lifted her head after she relayed this. "So you can say hurtful things. I do have feelings, by the way."

And Lisanna broke, maybe, just slightly, as she considered that she had just insulted the man deeply and that wasn't right. But as she started to backtrack, he only shifted to sit up, looking towards the ceiling thoughtfully.

"Although, a dark knight such as myself, I suppose it would make sense that you would think that my cold as steel armor would be impenetrable. But oh, how wrong you would be, Lisanna. I am a mere man, in a suit of armor, attempting to portray myself as merely the latter. And yet-"

"You make it so hard," she told him with a frown, "to feel bad for you."

"Another one of my many faults, sure."

"My point," she went on then as it was rather clear, hurt or not, Bickslow would always manage to bounce back effectively, "is that I'm in control now. Alright? We're going to plan each and every single thing that we say and get Mirajane and Laxus to...date or whatever it is that you want. And then, after showing her up over it, you and me are going to have a very public breakup and we can go back to just being guild mates. Understand?"

"Mostly," he agreed with a nod of his head. "By which I mean that, yeah, this bossy shit? Who wouldn't wanna break up with ya?"

Undeterred, Lisanna only held her head higher as she added, "Glad we're on the same page."

For once.

And after over an hour of tortuous planning and plotting, Bickslow was more than happy to see the woman on her way. Once he was alone in his apartment once more, he only fell into the couch with a smoke, hoping to decompress a bit.

Tricking the boss and pretending to bone Mirajane's little sister took a lot out of a guy. But what a pay off it would be. Getting the boss all happy and shit, with the she-devil, and then awaiting the inevitable demise of the relationship so that he could then get with the…

Wait a minute.

Now that Mirajane thought that he and Lisanna…

Shit.

He puffed angrily now at his smoke, realizing that in his joyful decimation of Lisanna's own reward in the whole ordeal, he'd made sure to sour his own as well.

So no, Bickslow wasn't in a great mood not soon after, where Freed strolled into their shared apartment. In fact, the seith eyed him heavily as the rune mage returned it and Bickslow was prepared for it. The gripes about his cigarette. But no more! Bickslow didn't care about yellowing photographs or contributing to his friend's possible health deterioration; he needed to smoke.

In their shared apartment.

And nothing could stop him!

Well, Freed might have been able to, maybe, but he didn't seem to be concerned with that as he instead only came to stand before his roommate, arms folded across his chest, as he remarked, "I wish for a full explanation, Bickslow, of your dealings with the youngest Strauss sibling."

He stared rather blankly at the other man, Bickslow did, smoke dangling from his lips. It was rare, honestly, for him to lack any semblance of expression, but for some reason, he felt tapped that day. If anything, after the dressing down Lisanna had given him (and it wasn't even the good kind), as well as the hammering in of the need for a true, honest plan, well, Bickslow was on flying on conservation.

The next day would require a lot of cutting remarks and quips and, well, he couldn't just burn through them right now, on Freed.

"Ain't ya heard?" Bickslow gave a bit of a shrug. "We're in love."

"Oh, shut up."

"Serious, deep love. Ask anyone." Then he paused. "Ask Mirajane."

"I plan to," Freed warned. "I plan to speak to her on many things. As well as Laxus. You are not allowed to go around, corrupting others in the hall, Bickslow. It goes against everything we stand for!"

"You do stand for a lotta things, I'll give ya that," he agreed with a nod. "But I dunno if I have anything. At all. I'm pretty unscrupulous."

Narrowing his eyes further, Freed remarked simply, "Dark knights have morals. They just question them. So I suppose that means you're not a-"

"What a low blow, man!" Bickslow couldn't help it that time. He loudly griped and even removed the cigarette from his mouth so his tongue could flap freely. "Fine. I got some scruples. Don't mean I gotta tell ya shit though."

But Freed had more resolve and reserve. Always. Still, keeping the other man's gaze, he threatened, "If you are doing currently what I fear you are-"

"Do you think that I'm tryin' to get the boss to fuck the older Strauss sister so I can fuck her, in doing that, I made it to where I might have to fuck the other?"

Freed had no reply as, honestly, he imagined this to be some sort out outrageous lie, as Bickslow was prone to these sorts of things, and only huffed as he walked by then. Over his shoulder though, he did say, "I would find it best, Bickslow, for you to terminate your friendship with Lisanna. It is not good for either of you, as it would seem."

"You got no idea," he muttered into his cigarette as he pulled it back up to his face.

That would only last another minute before, through his daze of concern, the scent of it would waft it's way tot he rune mage, who would make a big stink over it, but for just that minute, Bickslow was able to sulk, on his own couch, the way that he truly desired.

He'd feel much better in the morning, anyways, as he knew he would, when all the self-loathing faded and his overriding need for near constant pleasure and entertainment won out. Yes, he was still pissy that Lisanna thought she could just tell him off like that. And yeah, sure, he wasn't feeling all that great about the fact he almost certainly wasn't going to get anything out of all his very hard work he'd put into all this, the past few days, other than, hopefully, the boss getting laid and then perhaps even the hatred of two of the Strauss siblings, once he pretended to breakup with the youngest. But at the same time, he was going to make the boss so fucking happy. And even if he didn't, regardless of Lisanna's commandeering of the plan, it was still a scheme and man, Bickslow loved scheming.

So he donned his best the next afternoon (which, actually was just what he usually wore, but whatever) and set out to meet his supposed girlfriend to continue their trickery.

But Freed on to them. Somewhat. Maybe. And he was certain that it was far more inline with treachery. And he was not going to allow the innocent Strausses to be brought down by Bickslow's typical antics.

Mirajane didn't feel as if there were anything odd going on, however, when she and her sister met up with the seith at the restaurant. Lisanna eyed Bickslow wearily, but Mirajane only bounded over to him with a bounce and cheerful greeting.

"Well, you look nice," she remarked with a giggle, eyes bright as her grin. "Bickslow."

"Dapper is the word you're struggling with," he corrected her as he pushed up his visor to wink at the woman and Mirajane giggled and Lisanna wasn't quite sure why she was needed in this dumb excursion at all.

"Lisanna looks nice too," Mira remarked, glancing over at her sister with a glint in her eyes. "Wouldn't you say so, Bickslow?"

"Lissy?" He whistled, Bickslow did then, lowly, and it caused his dolls to flutter about in excitement. "It's hard to not just pull her off to behind the building right now and-"

"Where," Lisanna cut him off because she seemed pretty done with him, still, and Bickslow only frowned, "is Laxus?"

"Oh, who needs Laxus?" Mirajane certainly didn't. Having a date of her own was nice; getting her sister and her new boyfriend all alone to question and torment was nicer. "Just the three of us-"

"I'd like for the boss to be here, actually," Bickslow assured the woman as he came to toss an arm around Lisanna who only eyed him wearily. "It's not often that I get to show him what an upstanding member of society I really am."

"How are you showing him that right now though?" Mira asked softly because, apparently, she wasn't able not to play into every single one of his stupid gimmicks. Lisanna, who was resound not to fall into any of them that day, tried hard not to blame her sister of her naivety.

"A guy like me, a typically hopeless dark knight," Bickslow began and Lisanna tried hard not to groan, "doesn't often find themselves paired up with a pillar of their community, like Lissy here. What a doll she is. What a babe. Whaddaguy."

"What?" Lisanna questioned with a frown up at him, but Bickslow only beamed, showing all his teeth and his waggly tongue, while Mirajane only clapped her hands in excitement.

Oh, it would be a lengthy lunch.

Laxus arrived soon enough, still the same mess and bundle of nerves he'd been since the whole scheme was formed. At the sight of Bickslow all snuggled up to Lisanna, he groaned some, but just as quickly was confronted with Mirajane grabbing his arm.

"You clean up well," she offered with a grin at the man, "for a lunch date."

And gah! Laxus looked off uncomfortably, grumbling to her to cut it out. Mirajane was rarely someone that he had trouble hanging around, much less handling a conversation with, but recently…well…

"Look at us, boss, huh?" Bickslow did that whistle thing again, when they were inside of the restaurant, being seated. "Me and you. Both on a date. With the two Strauss women. What a life, huh?"

Mira made some sort of noise of approval at this, beaming over at her sister and the seith as she and Laxus took their seats across from them. Lisanna returned it, but Bickslow only had eyes for Laxus then as the man was glaring at him, while pulling Mirajane's chair out for her.

"Lucky me, I guess," the seith went on, staring over at his idol as his tongue tumbled from his mouth once more and ugh, Laxus wanted to cut it right off. "I get my Strauss until our love runs dry. Which will be never." Then he paused. "Unless, for some unforeseeable and completely unplanned event happens in, oh, a few days that devastates us both to our core and we're forced to separ- Ak!"

Lisanna stomped on his foot, hard, beneath the table and Bickslow almost did it for Laxus, biting right through his tongue. Just about. When he looked down to glare at the youngest Strauss though, she was glaring right back up at him and Laxus knew, oh, he knew, that something was going on, but Mirajane only clapped with her oblivious glee.

There was some uncomfortable moments following that for everyone other than the head barmaid though as they all glanced over their menus and there was very little natural conversation. Bickslow had warned Lisanna of this; natural was the way to go!

Except, you know, the other two times they'd tried this whole getting Mirajane and Laxus together plan.

Third times the charm?

"So," Mirajane began as she sat to attention the second the waitress had their orders and left the four of them alone at the table. "The whole reason we came here was for the two of you to tell me how you fell in love."

"Love," Lisanna started then with some hesitance, "is a strong word."

"And yet," Bickslow declared as Laxus rubbed a palm into his forehead, "not strong enough."

"I always thought that I would be the one, you know, Lisanna," Mira remarked to her younger ister then, "to have to sit you and Elf down and tell you that I was so truly, deeply in love. But you've really outdone yourself."

"You got the boss right here," Bickslow countered as Lisanna decided not to mention to her sister that, actually, she had set both her and Elfman down, many times, and expressed her deep love for some guy though it would always eventually dissolve, usually not soon after that fact. The seith though only flashed his idol a bright smile. "Maybe the two of you are meant to be together for ever and always. Ya think of that, Mirajane?"

"I don't think about most things," she remarked thoughtfully and yeah, they all could see that, but still, the woman only giggled as she said, "But Laxus and I are just friends."

"Ooh. Friends, boss, eh?" Bickslow whistled lowly that time and his babies, who'd mostly entertained themselves by floating annoyingly around Lisanna's head, let out a cry in a similar pitch. It was enough to get a few glances from tables around them. "Been there. But look at me now! You keep at it and you too could land a great woman like Lissy here. Or Lissy herself, should this all soon go to- Stop stompin' on my foot, kid!"

"Then stop talking so much, you stu- Bickslow." Lisanna turned from glaring at the man to grin at her sister. To Mira, she said, "We just...spend so much time together, sometimes we get a little agitated-"

"A sign of a good, healthy relationship," Mira deemed and Laxus only lifted his head, just a bit, to stare over at the two of them. Lisanna and Bickslow. Yeah fucking right.

Taking in a deep breath, Laxus managed to grumble, "I don't want your stupid little girlfriend, Bickslow. You freak."

"Ah, boss." Just like that, the joy was stolen from the seith. "You know how I feel about that word."

"I do," Laxus agreed with a glare. "It's why I used it."

"Anyways," Lisanna began then in something close to a commanding tone, maybe (she wasn't too used to steering a conversation in such mixed company). "Don't you wanna hear all about how we got together, Mirajane?"

"It's literally the only thing that I've ever cared about, ever, at all, in my entire life," Mira said all in one exhale and that time, when Bickslow whistled, it was because he was impressed.

"Well," her sister answered, "it's probably not all that interesting. Bickslow and I just both always saw one another, hanging around, and you can only spend so much time around someone, you know, before you just..."

"Have to be with them," Bickslow finished for her with a nod as his babies snickered in the air. "There Lissy was, serving me, you know, up at the bar? Like a good, non-interrupting waitress. Clearly, Mira, this is why you missed the mark with me. You just pop up at the most inopportune times. I'm a poet, you know? With my words? You get me all tangled up and I lose my train of thought."

Mira's grin was slowly falling then as Lisanna elbowed him that time, but Laxus had taking to sigh, down at his lap, and was hardly listening. Which was no good. He had to listen, so he'd be unknowingly convinced into realizing it was okay, you know, that he had the hots for Mirajane. Lots of people were into her. Or Lisanna. Or anybody. Who happened to be a waitress.

And sometimes, it was okay to hit on them.

Usually not. It was extremely frowned upon and super toxic, but Bickslow figured the boss wouldn't mind risking some dignity and respect to get with the she-devil. Well, he wouldn't once he saw how great it worked out for the seith.

And it had worked out great.

Supposedly.

"Why," Laxus complained as he happened to glance up at that moment, "are you winking at me? Bickslow?"

"Eh?" Subconsciously, he shoved up his visor and done just htat, over at the boss, and onw he was just blinking dumbly over at the man. "What are you talkin' about, boss?"

"You just fucking winked at me. You freak."

"I put up with it, once, boss, but at this point, I'm starting to wonder if you just don't care about my feelings."

"Stop wondering," Laxus ordered. "I don't."

"Bickslow just meant," Lisanna took over easily, "that sometimes, a person is right there, for a long time, but you just don't think about them in that way. Until it just hits you."

"And when it hits you," Bickslow began. But that was it. The full statement. And there was an awkward beat that passed as all the others looked at him, awaiting more. But no.

"How did the two of you approach it though?" Mira questioned, more to her sister as, though she was still enthralled by Bickslow, his antics were proving to be...kind of annoying. But still great boyfriend material for her little sister. Exactly her type. You know, breathing and stuff. Part of the guild. Easy for Mirajane to get all the gossip on. Gave him little places to run if he broke Lisanna's heart. At the moment though, she was letting the joy take her over once more as she asked, "Who made the first move?"

"Definitely Lissy," Bickslow assured the woman's sister, per the prearrange story the youngest Strauss had forced him to go along with. "All over me."

"It was all your pushing, I think, Mira," Lisanna took over then, giving her sister a very pointed look. "Insisting that I start dating. That I was really missing out on my second chance at life."

"You drove her right into the arms of me," Bickslow cackled along with his floating dolls. "Gotta thank you for that."

"W-Well," Mira started then, hesitant, "I wouldn't say-"

"I would," Lisanna agreed with the seith. "If it wasn't for your pushing, I would have never gotten with Bickslow."

There was some unease then as Mirajane considered her choices and Bickslow and Lisanna both had some sort of air about them that Laxus couldn't place, but he only kept tapping his foot, glancing around uncomfortably.

"Where's our food?" he griped finally, breaking the silence. "I don't got all day to be here."

"But don't ya, when you think about it, boss?" Bickslow had dropped his visor once more, but Laxus was certain he was wagging his damn eyebrows beneath it. "All you've wanted for days now is to be alone with Mirajane. Just admit it."

"Bickslow," Lisanna complained as Mirajane finally gave the slayer a real glance. But oh, he was gripping his fists then, tightly, as he bore holes right through the damn bars of that visor. As always, however, Bickslow felt protected by them.

"Aw, Laxus," Mira beamed over at him. "If you ever wanna hangout, you can just say so. You don't have to crash me, Bickslow, and Lisanna's date."

"Our what?" her younger sister balked, but Laxus only seethed in his usual silence as Bickslow slowly surrendered in their impromptu glaring match, instead taking to a loud remark instead.

"Where's our food?" he complained as Lisanna rolled her eyes. "I do wanna be with the two of you all day, you know, Mira and Lisanna, but boss here-"

"I mean, he is right, I guess," Lisanna ventured herself then. Working with Bickslow was either a mad dash towards a definite crash or a painstaking stroll through unnecessary attempts at humor. If she could cut right to the source, what brought them together, finally get Laxus to just freaking admit he was attracted to her sister (and then, of course, throw it back in Mira's face and prove that it wasn't so nice, to be pressured into unwelcome situations and all that, obviously) so they could just all move on with their lives. The past few days felt extremely and needlessly drawn out...probably like any amount of time with the seith appeared. "Laxus. Is there...something that you've been wanting to say to Mirajane? Because you can just say it. Or ask it. No pressure, but-"

"This," Bickslow declared with a nod of his head, "is a safespace, boss. We can admit anything to each other here, now that me and Lissy are, you know, unioned and all that."

"Unioned?" she griped at the word, but Bickslow only kept right up.

"I think the word's unionized," Mira offered, trying to be helpful. "Master says the bar staff can't have one."

"Right, sure," Bickslow agreed with a nod. "Boss, now that we've unionized, we're a family. Me and Lisanna have joined our houses. Her, the Strausses, Me, the Thunder Legion and their super cool, awesome, fearless, amazing idol. A family. And you know what? A family is honest with one another. Here. I'll start. I once ate two whole cakes, back to back. Just bought 'em and ate them. No shame. Not around you guys. My family. See, boss? Open." When he still on continued to get the glares of the man across from him, Bickslow decided to continue. "Sometimes I go without changing socks for weeks. Weeks, boss. I like to swallow the mouthwash after swishing it about in my mouth. I pee in the shower. A lot. Once, when I was a kid, I started a fire that nearly burned down an entire-"

"Okay, maybe we don't have to confess all our crimes to one another," Lisanna cut him off with a glance. To Laxus though, she said, "But if you did wanna tell something to Mirajane...I'm sure we'd all love to hear it."

It was with a deep, heavy breath then that Laxus looked off for a long moment before slowly remarking, "Fine. Fucking fine. Mirajane, I have to tell you that-"

"Oh, I get it!" But as she'd been since the start of their 'date' Mira was wholly uninterested in the slayer. She'd sat up straight suddenly, clapping her hands together as she said, "Bickslow and Lisanna are… You said that we're all a big family now and I just… Are you getting married?"

"What?" was the joined exclamation between the two of them, drowning out whatever Laxus was about to get out, but that was where their similarities ended.

"Absolutely not," Lisanna told her with a frown. "Mira, how could you even think that? Much less be excited about-"

"You caught us. Mira." Bickslow, per the plan, had been told to go along with any and everything Mira said. Though he knew in his heart of hearts that this clearly didn't fall under that jurisdiction, he also found that it was infinitely more fun, making Lisanna miserable, than any other event that had gone on that evening. "We're getting hitched."

Mira seemed confused then and, though they assumed it was due to their vastly different responses, she eventually asked, "Hitched to what?" and man, oh damn, did Bickslow need a laugh that deep.

As Lisanna glared over at him though, now joining Laxus in this (he'd resumed upon the interruption), Bickslow only felt his smile slowly dwindled. Not from any of the actions of those at the table. Nope. Rather, he spotted someone headed for their table.

Unfortunately, it wasn't their waitress.

He'dda just nicked her in the eye with a coin and commented on her horrible timing if it was.

No, what was coming for them was much worse and definitely a mood ruiner if he'd ever seen one.

"Bickslow," Freed remarked in that tone and ugh, he was in for a lecture. Gross. Everyone else glanced up at the sound of the rune mage's voice, shocked to find him there. Well, Lisanna and Mira were. Laxus had taken to glaring down at his lap once more and seemed unbothered by Freed.

It was quite typical for the two of them.

"Freed?" Mirajane frowned before smiling just as brightly as she said, "Oh, you're here for the hitching?"

"That hitch- So you are selling women? Is that what this is?" Freed scoffed as he came to a stop at their table, hands in that posture and oh, it was going to be a big once, this lecture. Bickslow could just feel it.

And not even for the right reason this time!

"I assumed," Freed griped harshly at his teammate, nearly choking on his next words, "that it was some sort of...sexual thing, but to go as far and make it some sort of...wedding, marriage scam? Is that it? You take the poor innocent Strausses, fill their feeble minds with luxurious male companions and then sell them off to men on other continents? Or, no, worse, Laxus are you… I am appalled, to see you involved in this misdeed, but if I am to find you are partaking in it-"

"You," Lisanna told him simply, "are making massive leaps in logic. And reality."

But after spending the week with Bickslow and prior ones hanging around her brother when he was with Evergreen, who was prone to fantastical accusation leveled at Elfman's head, she was starting to see how the three of them got along so well. When no one lived in reality, you never had to face the harshness of it.

Mirajane though was now totally lost and, glancing about the table, felt her joy being stolen from her. "I'm sorry, guys, what's going on? Exactly? I… Are you not getting married? Lisanna?"

"No," she told her sister with a glare. "I-"

"I will not allow it," Freed assured Mirajane. "Whatever lies Bickslow has told you, I will disprove them right now."

"Go ahead." Sour now, mostly cause, wow, he never thought about a sexual side of things existing prior to the boss getting his, but man, wouldn't his schemes have a much better pay off without it, Bickslow only gave his teammate the stink eye. "Everything I said was the truth. I did burn down a village once, as a kid. Killed some farm animals in the ensuing chaos. And yeah, fine, maybe they are the souls that I carry around now, in my little wooden baby bodies, to atone for the sins that I carry. What of it?"

"Bickslow, what are you talking about?" Lisanna complained as Freed only blinked.

"I'm so confused," Mira remarked which, yeah, that wasn't too out of line for her usual disposition either. Glancing up at Freed, she asked, "How did you know we were here if you didn't just come to be a part of Bickslow and Lisanna's engagement reveal?"

"Their what?" Freed felt like he was going to be sick. "Bickslow, not only am I disappointed in your business operation as a whole, but also your practices within it. To partake in your own stock-"

"And maybe sometimes I do think about it," the seith was going on then, to himself, not looking at the others. "Freein' 'em. My souls. To pass on. I only ever did it to repay my sin, but what if I'm only compoundin' it, you know? By forcing them to carry on through this meanin'less life."

Mirajane looked at Lisanna then, clearly wanting answers, but Lisanna was busy sinking into her chair, hoping to just melt away. For a long time, growing up, she'd always kind of looked up to the Thunder Legion. Even when they were doing the guild and its members dirty, they always looked so strong and powerful while doing it. The more into their circle she found herself, however, the more she was coming to realize not only did they suffer from the same insane plights as the other members of Fairy Tail; they seemed to be magnified to the extreme.

But there was someone else at the table who could no longer just stew in silence. Instead, suddenly, Laxus stood to his feet and Lisanna was sure he was going to rebuke them, all of them, and then disappear for months, hoping to escape the madness that was his family guild. Instead though, he took in a deep breath and, when he released it, she really wished she and Bickslow hadn't pushed him so hard the past few days to do so.

"Mirajane," he began in that heavy tone of his, "there's something that I have to tell you and… Look, I'm super sorry, but… It's not my fucking fault, okay? Really? When you think about it. And I have. A lot. These past few weeks. I… I didn't even know it was your dog. Stray. Whatever. Until I overheard you talking about it up at the hall one day. That you were missing it."

"Uh, boss?" Apparently, Bickslow wasn't too far gone into his own perceived dark knight backstory to key in on this unraveling of the slayer. "What are you gettin' at? You're kinda just supposed to tell Mirajane you wanna bone her."

But Freed and Lisanna both fell silent as the former stared in curiosity as his idol and the latter in a slowly recognized horror.

"You know what Alexandria is?" Mira asked, slightly hopeful then, looking to Laxus. Alexandria, the stray dog she enjoyed feeding and caring for, hadn't been by her home in weeks for a meal and she'd begun to get worried, honestly. But only slightly. He was a roamer. Free range. He'd make his way home again soon. She was sure of it.

Laxus, however, wasn't nearly.

"I was riding my bike. Motorcycle. And I… I get motion sick, okay? Real bad, sometimes, but I still love it and I just… I was feeling ill and...he just...came running out of an alleyway and I just-"

"Dude," Bickslow whistled, that time quite lowly. "Did you fucking kill her pet?"

"No!" Laxus barked that at, to be honest, probably his least favorite follower. Considering Freed was such a strong candidate, this wasn't too shocking, until you got to know Evergreen and then, well, it really painted Bickslow in a bad light. Looking to Mirajane, her flesh turning about as white as her hair, the slayer insisted, "He's been in the dog hospital. What's that called? A vet. I took him there. He's been in there for weeks. Recovering and all. I just...didn't know how to tell you because I'm not too sure if he'll make it and I really can't do- Don't cry. Mirajane-"

"Laxus, how could you?" she sobbed openly as Lisanna rose to her feet as well, rushing to comfort her sister.

"I didn't do anything!" he complained right back.

"Other," Bickslow remarked slowly, "than hit her dog with your motorcycle."

"Which you have kind of just admitted to being improperly able to handle." Freed coughed after this, into his palm. "To clarify."

"This hasn't been easy for me either, okay?" the slayer complained. "I've been trying to do the right thing."

"By not telling her?" Lisanna piled right on as her sister finally was able to gather herself enough to rush from the restaurant. After her shake of her head a the man, she quickly headed after her sister, calling over her shoulder, "Ass."

And then it was just the three guys, all in varying states of process just what had gone down. Slowly, Laxus fell back into his seat and Freed cautiously claimed the one beside him, gently patting at the man's shoulder.

Bickslow, who'd taken to leaning back in his chair, slammed down suddenly, to sit up right and give his two friends a wry smile.

"Women," he snickered, hoping to ease the tension. "Am I right?"

He was not.

And just as the other patrons though they could settle back down after the outburst from the table only moments prior, Laxus lunched across the table about the same time the waitress was arriving with their plates. As he choked (the debatablely) poor Bickslow and Freed tried rather unsuccessfully to separate them, they were all three well aware they were probably not going to be invited back to that establishment any time soon.

Although, Bickslow would be sure to point out, once all the dust settled, considering this had all gone down while following Lisanna's plan of action, clearly, all these failures rested securely on her shoulders.

Fuckin' kid.

[bulletproofice]

Party Poison - Bulletproof Heart

(Y/N) - Your name (Y/EC) - Your eye colour

• Reader: Gender not mentioned, but I've used my Killjoy name (Solemn Sunflower) The killjoy's real name will be left up to the reader. •Warnings: Swearing, guns, general violence, mention of blood, death? •Word Count: 1687

Party's POV

I laughed at a joke Jet had made as we raced through Zone 6, not bothering to keep on the lookout for Crows. It had been a week since we had last run into them in this particular zone. I ran a hand through my hair as I looked over to Sunflower, their smile causing me to reciprocate the action. I took in all of their appearance, not being able to believe that somebody as attractive as them existed, let alone loved me as much as I loved them. Their Y/EC eyes sparkled in the afternoon sun, shining brighter than their happy smile. Their lips looked chapped but I didn't care, every inch of their face was perfect t no matter what the state. The sunflower tattoo on their neck was barely visible from the jacket they were wearing, but the bright flower only made the day better. They turned to me and smiled, leaning into my chest as we both turned back to Jet as he drove the car and shouted about nothing. The sun beat down on us and I appreciated it. As lively as we currently were, I was as peace here.

I gently kissed Sunflower's head and watched the familiar pink blush dust their cheeks. I smirked knowing that after all the time we'd been together I still had the ability to get such an adorable reaction.

It was then that I saw Ghoul making a gagging face at our little moment. I kicked him harshly in the leg as I rolled my eyes playfully, resulting in a muffled "ow". Kobra turned around in his seat but immediately turned back as he scoffed at Ghoul's immature behaviour. Honestly, I couldn't care less about the reactions of my friends, I was still focussing too much on my favourite Killjoy who was dosing off on my shoulder.

___

We only stayed out in the sun for another half hour before returning to the diner, watching the sun melting into a red line on the horizon. However barren the land was, it never failed to astonish me how beautiful the world could really be. As we sat down in our regular booth, Jet tuned into Dr Death Defy's channel as he picked up a couple of cans of power pup and some dusty sodas. One of my arms draped lazily around Sunflower's as they animatedly described a dream they had the previous night. Their eyes lit up as every detail of their wacky adventure unfolded, hands flew everywhere and their volume increased rapidly.

"And then just before they gave the glowing thing to me - I woke up!" They finished irritatedly before huffing jokingly and leaning back into my side. Everyone at the table smiled amusedly as a more interesting subject topic was introduced. I zoned out for a while, choosing instead to look out the window. I wasn't hopeless, everything I needed was in this diner with me, as far as the apocalypse went, this wasn't that bad. My arm hugged their waist as I pulled them closer towards me, still staring out of the window.

I felt a pair of soft lips grazing the skin on my neck and I closed my eyes from the feeling. Y/N kissed up and down my neck gently, sending shivers down my spine. Yes. This was all I really needed.

___

I woke up the following morning to a strangely empty bed. I could tell that Sunflower had slept beside me as usual but it was cold, meaning that they'd been up for a while. Groggily, I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and pulled myself out of bed. I got dressed quickly into some clothes that weren't quite as filthy and ambled to the main section of the diner. From there, I could see Jet and Kobra drinking quietly in a booth. Ghoul and Sunflower were sat on top of the car's bonnet and were deep in conversation. They were both laughing and shouting, with the occasional insult being thrown at the other but they looked like they were having a good time.

I headed out towards them in hopes to wake myself up as well as wanting to see the face I had the misfortune of not waking up to.

"You're up late Party!" Sunflower yelled at me as I opened the diner's doors. I could only smile and nod, knowing that I had slept in a lot longer than I usually did. Ghoul met my eyes and shook his head in mock disappointment, like I'd let the whole group down by waking up last eleven.

Sunflower walked up to me and smiled cockily. "I found something cute today that I thought you could have." They handed me a small scrap of metal with the words photograph dream engraved on it. Although it was a sweet phrase I wondered what it meant. The thing was indeed cute but before I could properly examine the object I heard shouts coming from indoors. I instinctively grabbed Sunflower's hand and pulled them towards me protectively incase of danger. Ghoul ran inside first to see what was going on and we followed shortly after, I tucked the piece of metal in my breast pocket for safe keeping.

Inside, Jet and Kobra were looking out one of the back windows and cursing violently. "That's crows and dracs out there. Shit... fuck... shit. Guys grab your guns, they're getting closer."

I looked down to my partner and they looked up at me, clearly surprised that after all our time not bumping into any enemies, they were all flocking to us now. We both grabbed our guns and stood by the windows that faced the crows and dracs. If they drew closer then we'd be able to shoot a few before they reached the diner.

It didn't take long for them to draw close and then we only had a short window of time to kill as many of them as possible. We got a couple each but now they knew that we were prepared. About 15 of them emerged from the three cars and ran towards the entrance. We knew the drill. We each ducked behind our respective barricades/booths and readied ourselves for an ambush. Three came in to begin with and they were shot easily, they were clearly unprepared for any threat we might have posed. Five more then came through and only two were shot, falling to the floor ungracefully and resulting in blood splattering across the nice leather seats on the diner. Jet leaped up and blasted one more whilst Sunflower took the others.

The other seven came through and shot rapidly in every direction. A couple of shots narrowly missing Ghoul and a shot barely whizzing past Kobra. The three of us who weren't yet standing stood up and shot wildly too, they outnumbered us but I trusted our aim more than I trusted our numbers. One was shot by Jet again and I got rid of another, leaving five to go. I was happy to say that we weren't doing too badly overall.

I heard a cry of pain and turned around just in time to shoot a drac in the back of the head. They crumpled to the floor, revealing Ghoul holding his foot and wincing, I pushed him into a corner of the diner and returned to the fight at hand, growing more confident by the second. True, Ghoul has been shut in the foot, but it was a long time overdue.

Only four were left now. I watched a crow fall to the floor as their rapid fire grew slowly more desperate. Another crow fell down but before we had the chance to take out another for myself I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I remember falling backwards and feeling a sharp pain in the back of my head before entering an abyss of darkness.

___

I woke up to a bright light above me, I instantly gasped for air and shielded my face from the intensity of it. I felt hot and my head hurt, I was confused.

"Am I dead?" I asked as I saw the outline of the one person I loved most appear in front of me. If this was what heaven was, it wouldn't be so bad. It was attractive at least. I was brought out of my thoughts by a couple of sniggers and a deep sigh.

"You're always so over dramatic Party. It's been about ten minutes and you're staring into the sun. I get you're confused but please stop blinding yourself." I heard the voice of Y/N say quietly. I propped myself up and saw that I was indeed still alive.

"But I was shot! In the chest!" I insisted, my eyes finally adjusting to my surroundings. I was outside the diner and all my friends plus Y/N were crowded around me. I was happy to still be alive but I was also confused.

"You can't have been Party, you just hit your head on the floor too hard." They smiled at me kindly, sweeping the hair out of my face and kissing my cheek lovingly.

I put my hand over where I had been shot and felt my hand press against something solid. I fished into my pocket and found the scrap piece of metal Sunflower had given me earlier. Except now that I looked at it it was more in the shape of a heart and had a singe mark on the front where the ray gun had shot at it. Sunflower smiled at it curiously as I smiled at the gist they had given me. How lucky I had been to have recurved the gift just moments before the attack.

"Hmm." I mused, "I guess you could say I've got a bulletproof heart."

[magioftheseas]

A Meal With Chestnuts

written for @yuzuria​ because it’s her biiiiiirf

Summary: In which Hinata adopts a cat that's a whirlwind of fluff and trouble. His brother sometimes helps.

Rating: G

Warnings: Ehhhhh? There are some tribulations related to caring for a pet but that’s it.

Notes: Because I love Mewshi (cat!servant) I decided I’d whip up a quick fic with him and Hinata. Yep. Yeah. Look at this angel. Precious.

***Alternate Ao3 Link***

Commission? Donate?

“I... Izuru... Hey...”

“Hajime.” His brother doesn’t miss a beat. “It is strange for you to call me out of the blue like this.”

“Y-Yeah. Um. I... I called because... I need, urgh, I-I need help.”

“Did something happen? Are you at the hospital?”

It doesn’t surprise him that’s the first conclusion Izuru jumps to. Honestly, if he were Izuru, knowing himself the way he does, that’s the first conclusion he’d jump to, too.

“I’m fine,” he says, almost snaps really. “But I...” He pinches his nose, swallows, and struggles. “I-I... I need money...”

“...”

“A-And I know!” he exclaimed. “I know I said I’d rather fucking die on the streets than borrow money from you when you offered—t-that was stupid...and immature... I’m sorry. I...”

“...”

“I... I...”

Can I really do this?

Just as he’s this close to hanging up, he glances over and ends up meeting the wide, gray-green eyes of a scraggly, tangled mess of fluff. Said fluff gives a weak chirp in acknowledgement.

How can I even ask myself that?

“I found a cat,” he said, sighing. “It’s in really, really bad shape. Like, its back legs are badly broken, one of its front paws is mangled, it has worms, and it... He smells awful, Izuru. And I don’t have enough to pay for the medical bills.”

“Understood.” The response was immediate. “Which vet?”

“Uh... The one on...” He rattles off the address. “So, uh, does this mean...?”

“I will be there right away.”

“Right away?”

“Right. Away.”

Just like that, Izuru hangs up. Hinata blinks at his phone before pocketing it. With a sigh, he reaches out to stroke the cat’s head, mindful of the plastic cone. He earns a purr for his troubles, and he can’t help but smile in spite of his grimace.

“You made me broke one of my oaths to never ask my successful, genius brother for help,” he said. “Fifteen years I kept that oath. And now it’s broken. Because of you.”

The cat nuzzled his hand.

“...I hope you’re happy. You’re really lucky, too. Izuru loves cats, and he barely loves anything. I’m still doubtful that he loves me, y’know.”

Another chirp.

“You’re...you’re in good hands. Definitely.”

--

Hinata Hajime was, putting it lightly, not the happiest he could be with his life.

Law school had been stressful enough, but actually trying to make it as a lawyer could be a nightmare with the weirdos he had to put up with and the cases he had to swallow his pride and do his damndest to defend when they actually made it to court. Even so, he wasn’t very successful.

Not like Izuru, never like Izuru.

Still, he had a stable life, if anything A good apartment, an alright car, a good neighborhood, a social life that sure existed even when he didn’t have the energy for it. He was doing well for himself. Not great, but well. Well, well, welly well, well.

Izuru called him boring for good reason.

He resented Izuru, of course, but he was hard-pressed to argue with him over anything. Izuru was right. Even Hinata’s own friends agree that he was the kind of guy who seriously needed to go out more. Relax more. Get laid.

Especially since his crush of seven years hadn’t picked up on any of Hinata’s painfully obvious hints. Better yet, said crush tended to fawn over his doctor. They weren’t in a relationship for that reason, but... But... Still. It was pretty damn hopeless.

Too fucking bad Hinata didn’t have the itch nor confidence to just find someone, anyone to put up with his boring, mundane, sometimes miserable ass in bed.

So Hinata was at a loss over what the hell he was supposed to do to find some level of actual contentment with his life. Or at least something if not someone to distract him from the void.

And then a flurry of wild, filthy white fluff rushed out in front of his car while he was driving and he almost wrecked then and there. Breaking the law, he ended up pulling over and investigating only to find out it was just some cat. Some cat that just chirped at him before returning to gnaw at the remains of some roadkill.

It looked like a possessed mop. Hinata took it home for the night. And then he went to the vet and called Izuru for help. Something he swore up and down for fifteen years that he would never, ever do.

Izuru didn’t hesitate at all. If anything, Izuru was immediately enamored with it. Hell, Izuru already ordered several cat toys and high-end cat food to be delivered to Hinata’s apartment around the time that the cat was expected to recover enough to go home with him.

He should feel pretty stupid right now, and he certainly felt awkward watching Izuru stare at the sleeping bundle of white.

“Does he have a name?”

“Uh... Huh?”

“A name. Did you name him?” Izuru frowned at him. “Were you planning on keeping him?”

“I...” He knows he should say no. That if anyone’s equipped to take in a cat, it’d be his crush. Komaeda already had a cat, he’d probably love another one and Izuru couldn’t have pets in his building, but... Hinata’s own apartment doesn’t have any pet policy. And it’s as alright a place as it is an empty one. And maybe, just maybe, he had fallen in love with the stupid thing overnight after making it a makeshift bed of towels, pillows, and blankets. “I wanted to, yeah.”

Izuru nods. “What’s his name?”

“His name, uh...”

And it just kind of comes naturally. The cat has long, white hair that’s fine and reminds Hinata of grain, and... Said cat had also pooped in his rice bag. Hinata still wasn’t sure how it got in there.

“Meshi,” he said, shrugging. “Is that an alright name?”

Izuru blinked at him, but glanced over at Meshi, still caught in a peaceful slumber.

“Meshi is a fine name,” he said. “After he gets cleaned up, I do predict that his fur will be as white as rice.”

“Yeah...?”

“Yes.”

Hinata could only nod along.

“Take good care of him, Hajime,” Izuru said sharply. “Or else I will not forgive you.”

“O-Of course I will!” he exclaimed, gawking. “I... I... Yeah, I will!”

He just hoped he was prepared for what he was getting into.

(He wasn’t. He had no idea.)

--

Meshi, as it turned out, was exceptionally fluffy, even more than Hinata already thought. In fact, Meshi likely doubled in volume entirely due to fluff.

Meshi had needed his front paw amputated but Izuru paid for a prosthetic. Of course he had.

Izuru also needed to leave for work but he had left several files on how to take care of Meshi and administer medication if need be. Izuru even set up an account with money for future medical bills. Just. In case.

And then Meshi bit Izuru when he tried to pet him. And Hinata hurriedly pulled him away. Meshi had chirped but nuzzled against him, and it was the first time Izuru had ever looked at him with such envy.

He...had felt a little satisfied. But only a little.

“I... Don’t worry, Izuru,” he said. “I promise, I’ll take good care of him.”

“Or else,” Izuru muttered. Hinata nodded again.

“...yeah. Or else.”

--

So...now he has a cat. And his apartment has gone from empty and clean to a mess of cat hair everywhere.

And there are child safety locks on his cabinets because otherwise Meshi would spill rice everywhere.

And the trashcan has to be facing the wall otherwise Meshi gets stuck in it. Meshi, Hinata learns, has a weird affinity for trash.

“Komaeda’s cat isn’t this high maintenance,” he grumbled while scrubbing Meshi’s fur clean for the umpteenth time today. “He’s lazy and always sleeping. Why do you have to be completely different, Meshi?”

Meshi meowed at him happily as he rinsed him off.

“A-And what kind of cat enjoys baths, anyway?!”

Another happy meow. And then Meshi gagged from trying to nibble at his soapy fingers. And then Meshi started to hack. Hinata panicked.

“Wait, no, don’t throw up!”

Hinata had to wash the tub as well that day.

--

Every ounce of his space is now Meshi’s space. Even when it’s late, rather than use the plush bed that Izuru bought, Meshi sleeps on his face and nearly suffocates him overnight.

He drags the cat bed onto his bed and tries to force Meshi to sleep there. It doesn’t work out.

He wakes up coughing up cat hair while Meshi innocently groomed himself.

“You,” he grumbles after washing out his mouth. “You’re impossible.”

Meshi chirps at him.

--

You would think that with one prosthetic and weakened hind legs that a cat like Meshi would have difficulty getting around.

Not so.

“Meshi! Meshi!”

Meshi kept on crying.

“How did you even get up there?!”

You would also think that with as much fluff that Meshi had, that it’d be difficult for Meshi to squeeze into all the weird places that cats liked to explore.

Also not so.

“Meshi? Meshi?!”

Hinata would’ve had a heart attack over his missing cat if not for noticing that the drawer was open. And, unsurprisingly, Meshi mewled at him when he peered inside.

“Don’t scare me like that!”

He ends up tying a bell around Meshi’s neck. It’s easier to keep track of him and... Maybe, just maybe, it suited him.

--

Meshi doesn’t play with cat toys. Meshi plays with his ties. And string. Meshi seems to really enjoy string.

“Luxuries are wasted on you,” Hinata grumbles. “Poor Izuru.”

Meshi attacks his antenna. He ends up with a shiner thanks to the prosthetic.

It’s very awkward trying to explain it to his coworkers and clients that no, he didn’t get into a fight, yes, it was just because of his new cat.

“Your cat seems to be quite the handful,” Kirigiri had murmured. “Be more careful, Hinata-kun.”

“R-Right...”

Meshi afterwards still had the gall to show him his fluffy belly and look like an angel while doing so.

Hinata knits him a mitten for his prosthetic. It takes a while because Meshi keeps gnawing at the yarn, but eventually Hinata manages.

“There we are.” He pulls back to inspect his handiwork and sticks his hand out to take Meshi’s newly knitted paw. “It’s not as soft nor as nice but... You’ll cause less damage like this.”

Meshi chirps almost cheerily and nuzzles him. In particular, the bruised side of his face. It irritates his injured eye. Hinata almost cries, but he valiantly holds back.

He forgives Meshi quickly even as the bruise lasts a while.

--

His life has gone from unbearably dull to dreadfully unpredictable, thanks to Meshi.

It also changed in several other significant ways. If Hinata laid on the ground, Meshi tended to trample him without missing a beat. Cooking was now a serious hazard with how curious Meshi could be in the kitchen, especially near the stove and with fluff like that—Hinata couldn’t cook until he was sure that Meshi was safely kept far, far away.

Because it’s a cat, I’m the one that has to be completely and utterly accommodating.

Sometimes he took Meshi outside and just...watched Meshi sniff around the grass and area. And afterwards, he’d have to give Meshi another bath due to Meshi rolling around in the dirt.

Because it’s a cat, it’s just going to do whatever it wants regardless about how I feel about it.

He always needed to keep a close eye on Meshi. Because, otherwise—

“Meshi, no! Out of the trash! Get out of the trash!”

Why am I willingly subjecting myself to this again?

The answer was obvious even without Meshi purring after being pulled out of the trash.

“I was already pretty busy,” he grumbled as he once more scrubbed Meshi clean. “You’re making this almost impossible.”

Meshi chirped.

“But...it’s not like you have anyone else, huh? I’m the one who took you in.” He rinses him off and wraps him up in towels to blow-dry his fur. “That makes you mine. Izuru probably could’ve found a way to make you his but—but you’re mine and that’s that.”

Meshi purrs against him as he brushes his fur afterwards.

“Mine,” Hinata murmurs. “You’re mine, Meshi.”

Meshi meows, and Hinata likes to think it’s a sound of agreement.

--

When Komaeda visits, bright-eyed and carrying a cat carrier, Hinata’s sure that his heart leapt up into his throat at the sight.

“I heard about your new cat!” Komaeda practically beams. “I brought Izumi with me for a cat playdate.”

There’s a low mreow from the carrier. Just a sound to acknowledge his name being said. Nothing else.

“Oh... Huh...”

He swallows as Komaeda brushes past. Komaeda sets down the carrier. And with the tinkling of a bell and the padding of feet, Meshi practically rushed up to him.

“Hi there,” Komaeda coos, reaching out to run his fingers through those long white strands. “Ooh, Kamukura-kun was right, you are a beauty. No wonder he was utterly enamored with you. Hinata-kun, you’ve been taking pictures and showing them to Kamukura-kun, right?”

“Uh, yeah, a few...” But whenever I bring out the camera while Meshi’s doing something cute, Meshi immediately stops doing the thing. “Are you sure it’s alright for you to be out and about, Komaeda?”

“Yep! Matsuda-kun even says I’ll be well enough to start working! Though he also says someone as rich as me doesn’t need to worry about that, haha...” He opens the carrier, humming. “Come out, Izumi. Come say hi! Oh.” Meshi rushed into the carrier, which Hinata more or less expected even as he worried. “H-Hey, Izumi won’t attack him right?” “Of course not! My Izumi would never...!” Komaeda stared helplessly at the fluffy tail flickering in the air sticking out of his carrier. “Meshi... Izumi can’t leave like this.” “Meshi doesn’t believe in personal space,” Hinata said. A pause. “Unless it’s with Izuru. So... I guess he’s warmed up to Izumi, at least.”

All the same, he swooped down and pulled Meshi out of the carrier. Drearily as ever, Izumi stepped out, sniffing as he did and elegant black tail flickering with those piercing red eyes.

It still weirds me out that Izumi is a lot like Izuru but... Come to think of it, Meshi looks a little like...

Meshi blinks those pretty gray-greens at him. Hinata flusters when Komaeda glances at him with eyes a similar shade and hurriedly looks away.

“Uh... Here you go, Meshi,” he mumbled awkwardly, setting Meshi back down so that he and Izumi could familiarize themselves with each other. Or at least so that Meshi could, seeing as Izumi just flopped onto the ground.

Yeah, that’s what I expected.

And Komaeda softly squealed, pulling out his phone to take pictures. Probably getting the most flattering ones, too.

“Kamukura-kun will love seeing these,” he hummed. “And Matsuda-kun will, too.”

Hinata deflated, nodding.

“I... Yeah... Anyway, can I get you anything to eat, Komaeda? I have some leftovers I can heat up if you want.”

“So kind, Hinata-kun!”

“Not...really. It’s just a courtesy.”

He still couldn’t meet Komaeda’s sparkling gaze directly and Meshi, at the very least, proved to be a very suitable distraction. Especially with Meshi crawling over Izumi like that, pawing at him curiously.

Cute... Shockingly cute...

With Komaeda bouncing after him, Hinata couldn’t help but wonder if he’d really be able to handle both of them at the same time in his tiny, tiny apartment.

God give me strength.

--

After they ate, Komaeda was almost as eager to look around as Meshi.

“Aha, there’s a lot of toys! Did Kamukura-kun buy these?”

“N-Not...all of them... But a lot of them...” Hinata rubs at the back of his neck. “That said, Meshi largely prefers the toy box to any of them. And sometimes he steals my ties regardless of what drawer I put them in. He’s...a weirdly intelligent cat when he wants to be.”

Even though I’ve had to keep him from literally dumpster diving more times than I had to count.

“I see, I see...” Komaeda claps. “Your apartment is still so clean, Hinata-kun, all the cat hair aside. You completely gave up on that, huh?”

“Sure did.” Hinata doesn’t even miss a beat. “Meshi gets around a lot. He’s the complete opposite of Izumi.”

Komaeda glanced towards Izumi, who still hadn’t moved from his spot, even though Meshi was kneading him. Chuckling lowly, he went over to scoop Izumi up and placed him atop the cat tower. Meshi immediately darted after him, squeezing right back into his space. Izumi didn’t seem to mind.

“I guess opposites attract,” Komaeda hummed. “That’s really nice. I’m glad. A lot of cats aren’t very sociable but Meshi seems really friendly!”

“...Yeah...”

I’m still on edge. Komaeda’s cat can be weird, but—at the very least he doesn’t look like he’ll snap at Meshi.

“Uh...” He shakes his head. “So how have things been? You’re getting better, right? That’s... That’s good...”

“All because of Matsuda-kun!” Komaeda chirped and then paused. “And Izumi, actually.”

Hinata blinked.

“I really appreciate Matsuda-kun,” Komaeda went on, blushing a bit. “But truth be told, it’s really Izumi who keeps me going. Matsuda-kun can’t always be there, of course not, he has other patients, so I used to be really lonely when he wasn’t around... Everyone’s always so busy, living their lives, I really envy them...being stuck at home by yourself and not really having anything to do, anywhere to go... It’s such a boring, empty life.”

Hinata frowned but couldn’t bring himself to comment.

“But after I got Izumi, that completely changed,” Komaeda said, lighting up. “Izumi isn’t the most energetic cat, obviously, but he’s still someone I have to watch over and take care of and... Honestly I’m never bored with him. He’s got his own little quirks that are fun to discover. For example, he does have bouts of curiosity with the strangest things. One time I accidentally left a coat hanger on the bed and he cried because of it. Another time he was absolutely fascinated with this documentary on boats so I bought him a rubber toy. After I set it in a small tub of water, he made such a mess! Haha!”

Hinata looks towards Izumi, unaffected by everything including Meshi draped over him like a big fluffy blanket.

That’s...really hard to imagine.

“...it’s the same for you, isn’t it, Hinata-kun?”

Hinata flinched at that.

“A-Ah, huh...?”

He flustered more at Komaeda’s widening smile.

“It’s the same for you, right?” he asked cheerily. “Having a cat around—it really livens up the place, doesn’t it? I was pretty worried actually about getting a pet. After my dog died, I didn’t think I would ever be ready for it, but... I’m really glad I picked Izumi up. He was so listless at the shelter and even though he’s still pretty lazy, he’s has moments of such brightness!”

“I...” Komaeda looks pretty bright, too. “I see...”

Suddenly Meshi hopped up to them, pawing at Komaeda’s side. He headbutted him, and Komaeda could only laugh, patting his lap. Meshi pounced before curling up as Komaeda stroked his fur. And then Izumi, too, lazily walked up and pressed up against Komaeda’s knee.

...I want to take a picture, but...

“You are right,” Hinata said, reaching out and pulling Izumi towards him. It still mildly unsettled him how Izumi reminded him of Izuru, but all the same Hinata petted him, and a smile pulled at his lips as Izumi pressed back against his hand. “They really do liven things up.”

And then Meshi leapt out of Komaeda’s lap and barreled into Hinata’s stomach so hard that he nearly choked.

“H-Hck...!”

“H-Hinata-kun?!”

Hinata quickly recovered, taking in deep breaths as Meshi whined at him.

“I-I... I... Huh...” He blinked at Meshi and then scooped him up, cradling him. “You’re possessive, too, huh?”

Maybe...we’re made for each other or something...

Komaeda still looked rather worried but after a while he snorted and picked up an ever-stoic Izumi.

“I’ve never seen you smile like that,” he remarked. “You’re actually really handsome, Hinata-kun.”

“H-Huh...?!”

Meshi smacked his face after he snapped up to regain his attention. At the very least the mitten did in fact keep the prosthetic from hurting.

Komaeda just laughs.

“It looks like you’re trapped,” he said. “Well, there are worse ways. Like with rubble!”

“I... Uh...” Hinata averted his gaze, nuzzling Meshi to keep him happy. “Yeah... Yeah...”

Komaeda’s laughter was carefree and calm. Even though, his heartbeat stuttered over it, but...

Meshi whapped him again and kept him in line.

In a weird way, he kind of appreciated that.

“It probably would be nice for Meshi to spend more time with Izumi since they seem comfortable with each other.” If Izumi even cares. Hard to tell. “I can’t always play with Meshi, so it’d be nice if he had someone else...y’know?”

“I do,” Komaeda agrees. “Cats usually rely solely on us for stimulation and they can get lonely while we’re busy. So it’s better to have friends, I think. So maybe you can visit sometime and bring Meshi?”

“I-I...” Another whap. He got right back on track. “Y-Yeah! Yeah... That... That’d be nice...”

“It’s a date theeeen!” Komaeda sing songs and claps with Izumi’s paws. “Yay, yay! Izumi, isn’t that wonderful?”

Izumi just yawned. Hinata snorted as Meshi meowed.

“I think they’ll be fine,” he said. “Thanks, Komaeda, for visiting.”

“Ehehehe! It’s nothing, it’s nothing! I’m glad I did!”

Maybe...just being like this...won’t be so bad.

Yeah. He was almost sure of it.

--

It didn’t surprise him that despite cuddling up against him all that time, Meshi kept his distance at bedtime, grooming himself as Hinata could only lie down and watch.

“You know,” he found himself saying. “I’ve liked Komaeda...for a really long time. Long enough that I honestly should’ve give up by now, but...”

He shrugs.

“I still...like him a lot...”

Meshi didn’t say anything. Of course not. He was too focused on licking his paw.

“I think even if he never understands, I’ll be fine,” he murmured. “Seeing him again... I’m just happy that he can smile like that. And according to him...”

I smile like that, too. That’s really embarrassing to think. Why? Just because of Meshi who causes so much trouble and yet...

Meshi crawls over to him and curls around him. Just when Hinata perked up, Meshi starts trying to groom him. And he can only sigh.

I’m going to have to shower in the morning. As usual.

“It’s hard to dwell in self-loathing when I have you to keep an eye on.”

Meshi is definitely frustrating...but it’s hard to resent him for that. If anything, I might just be grateful, black eyes and scratches aside.

“...Izuru loves cats,” he said, humming and turning towards Meshi’s fluff. “I guess... I can sorta understand why.”

Meshi bit his ear afterwards. It really hurt.

But it didn’t really change anything.

--

It didn’t change anything. He certainly wouldn’t regret taking Meshi in for the world. But. But.

“H-How did this happen?! Did Komaeda’s cat impregnate him?!”

“Hajime, that’s impossible.”

Hinata still screamed into his hands, meanwhile, Izuru observed more closely. As close as Meshi would allow anyway, with Meshi hissing if he so much approached within a certain number of centimeters. Izuru respected that, but he still blinked down at the small ball of tea green fluff nestled into Meshi’s fur.

“Tea...” Izuru mused. “Monaka would be a cute name for her, don’t you think?”

“I still don’t understand,” Hinata rambled on. “I just, I just left Meshi alone for two minutes outside and he darts inside the house with this...this...!”

“Kitten,” Izuru finished for him. “You now have a new kitten. Congratulations. She’s very, very cute.”

“She’s a demon, actually,” Hinata retorted, pointing to the scratch marks all over his face. “She’s only cute right now because she’s sleeping. But the second she saw me, she attacked my face. Meshi had to pull her off.”

Izuru frowned.

“I think you just startled her.”

“I was as careful as could be...!”

Suddenly, the kitten stirred awake. Yelping, Hinata quickly hid behind his brother but all she did was crawl up to Izuru and mew at him, blinking wide green eyes at him.

Hinata’s useless brother melted in a heartbeat, picking the kitten up and doting on her, listening to her purr.

“She’s an angel, Hajime, you must have been mistaken.” Izuru gave him a pointed look as she batted at his hair. “Or, as I said, you startled her. It was likely your pointy antenna.”

“Hey leave my hair out of this!” Hinata exclaimed heatedly. “Meshi doesn’t mind my hair!”

“Well Monaka is clearly different,” Izuru huffed.

“Where did that name even come from?!”

Izuru ignored him, humming softly as he stoked Monaka’s neck. Hinata groaned, rolling his eyes, but there wasn’t exactly much he could say.

Izuru only paused when Meshi bit his ankle, puffing up angrily at him. Blinking, Izuru reluctantly set Monaka down so that Meshi could drag her away.

“...you really are lucky, Hajime,” Izuru sighed, looking at him enviously once more. Somehow, the novelty had worn off.

He looked at Monaka. Monaka looked back and hissed.

“...I think...it all balances out,” Hinata said, sighing. “I wonder how Komaeda’s going to react...”

“I want pictures,” Izuru said.

“...don’t worry; he’ll definitely take pictures.”

It’s alright being like this...is what I thought.

Monaka doesn’t seem terribly content with Meshi fussing over her. Somehow, Hinata just knew she’d find a way to cause enough trouble to give his Meshi a run for his money.

Things are about to get wild. That’s just the feeling I’m getting right now.

He might have to ask Izuru to come over more often. They might just be closer in the future than they ever were for fifteen years.

Man.

That’s a thought.

[luciisthebest]

A Bottle of Whiskey

Pairing: Sam x Reader

Summary: A bottle whiskey and a moment of clumsiness leads to the reader blurting out her feelings. When the next morning come where will her and Sam’s relationship stand?

Warnings: The excessive consumption of alcohol, language, a little angst, fluff.

Word Count: 2,173

A/N: So I'll be honest this sounds a lot like me when I'm drunk. Immature, always poking people etc. So there you go a little insight into me. Anyways I hope you guys like it and feedback is always welcomed and appreciated.

“Poke. Poke. Poke.”

“Okay maybe this wasn't such a good idea.” Dean grabbed your finger as you reached to poke him again.

“This is the best idea you've had in a long time.” You slurred, falling back onto one of the motel beds.

“I doubt that.” He looked at you in amusement.

“Hey don't be a party pooper.” You giggled. “Party pooper. Pooper of parties.”

“Are you really sitting over there talking about poop?” Dean’s lips twitched.

“Nooooooo. Yes. Maybe.” You rolled over again only to find the bed had run out and you instead went crashing to the floor. “This floor is hard.” Your voice was muffled. Dean’s roar of laughter reached your ears alerting you to the fact he would be of no help. Sam chuckled as he leafed through one of his books drawing your attention to him.

“Join us Sam.” You stumbled to your feet. “Have a little fun for once.”

“I have fun. And what you're doing doesn't look to fun.” He glanced up from his book.

“How could you?” You attempted to fold your arms only to get them all tangled up. “I find this to be very…” You paused stumbling over your words trying to find the right word. “to be very invigorating.” You spit out feeling proud of yourself.

Dean snorted. “Look at you using grown up words.”

You spun around to glare at him but stumbled in the process. “Pass the damn bottle.” You figured you were already facing Dean may as well get something for all your troubles.

“I think you've had enough for tonight.”

“I think not.” Your tone was indignant. You were perfectly fine, you knew exactly when you needed to stop and now was not that time. “Give me the bottle or I shall challenge you to a duel.”

“Now this I have to see.” Sam put his book down.

“A duel? I think you've been watching a little too much Game of Thrones.” Amusement sparkled in Dean’s eyes.

“Oh come on Dean. Please?” You tried to give him puppy dog eyes, but instead went cross eyed making Dean laugh.

“You might want to take some lessons from Sam.” Dean continued to laugh as he reached for the bottle of whiskey. “Don't say I didn't warn you.” He handed you the bottle.

Snatching it out of hands, you unscrewed the lid and took a swig straight from the bottle. “Holy shit!” You coughed. “That stuff burns.”

“You're not supposed to chug it you idiot.” Dean took the bottle from your hands.

“I know you are but what am I?” You taunted him.

“You're an actual eight year old I swear.” Sam snorted behind you making Dean glare at him. “You're not much help either.”

“Shhhhhh stop making so much noise.” You stood up your head spinning. “Woah everything is so wobbly.” You tried walking but the floor before you kept tilting and twisting.

“Are you sure this isn't your first time being drunk?” Dean came up behind you and tried to pick you up.

“No it's not. And I'm not drunk.” You slapped his hands away.

“You're right. You're not drunk, you're shitfaced.” He continued to try and pick you up.

“No touchie! I can walk you idiot.” You jumped away from him. At first you thought your escape was succefully but that was only until you realized you would have to land on both feet. Much to your disgrace and embarrassment you instead faceplanted right into Sam’s lap. “Poke.” You poked him in the stomach as you looked up at him.

“Why do you always have to say poke when you poke someone?” You heard Dean ask but you ignored him.

Sam smiled down at you, his eyes sparkled with laughter. He had such nice eyes, not to mention a nice hard stomach.

“Why do you have to be so hot?” You blurted out.

“Oh boy.” Dean muttered.

“Honestly it's not even fair how hot you are. You have a perfect body and your eyes and smile are just so-so perfect.”

“I'm still here you know.” Dean made a gagging noise.

You turned and stuck your tongue out at him.”Shut up I'm busy.” You turned back Sam, still practically laying in his lap. “You're so untouchable and it's not fair.” You sighed as you leaned away from Sam. “And what's even more unfair is that not only are you hot, but your just perfect. You're kind and caring yet still a badass. You've never looked at me like I'm something less, and you don't see the good man you really are. You don't see how amazing you truely are. You always take care of others especially family before yourself and I have always loved you for that alone.” You couldn't seem to keep your mouth such. “But like I said you're untouchable. You're the one person in this world I can't have and you're the only one I want.” You crawled away from him suddenly feeling sad. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

“Y/N.” Sam said your name quietly.

“No. Stop.” You threw your hand up. “You don't have to… you don't need to say anything. I don't need you to make me feel better.” The sadness in your heart only grew. And even as your head spun and your words began to slur even more, you realized that all you just said had irreparably damaged your relationship with Sam.

“Y/N that's not…”

“No.” You murmured as your head slumped forward.

“Ok time for bed.” Dean swooped down and pulled you into his arms.

“Dean bean no bed.” You whined, slurring your words.

“No bread?” Dean laughed as he set you on the bed.

“No! I said…” Even to you your words made no sense. Each word came out sounding slurred and distorted. “Never mind.”

“I'm going to guess you said never mind.” Dean pulled some blankets up around you. “I don't envy you the headache you'll have in the morning.” He shook his head as he walked away. You could see Sam watching you pensively from where he sat but you couldn't bare to look at him. Closing your eyes quickly you drifted off to sleep.

“Wakey wakey.” A voice grated against your ears making your head throb. “Come on sleeping beauty. It's past noon and your prince awaits.”

“Go away Dean.” You grumbled diving deeper into the pillows.

“Oh somebody's grumpy.” He seemed to wait for your response. “Fine grumpy I'll be out in the car if you need me.”

“Mhmmmm just stop talking.” You heard Dean’s soft chuckle as he left the room. Your head felt like someone had taken a baseball bat to it. “God I'm swearing off whiskey.” Unburying yourself from the pillows you squinted in pain as the light from the window hit your eyes. Rolling over your eyes landed on the glass of water siting in the nightstand. Next to the glass sat two aspirin with a small note saying “take these” next to it. Sitting up you quickly placed the two aspirin on your tongue swallowing then quickly with a drink of water. As you were setting your glass down Sam came walking out of the bathroom. You wished you couldn't remember what you had said last night but unfortunately for you, each and every word you said was burned into your memory. Sam’s turned turned his head to look at you when he heard the sound of your clattering glass. As soon as his eyes met yours, you glanced away. You could already feel the heat of a blush gracing your cheeks. Looking down at the ugly comforter you waited for Sam to leave. You needed a little more time before you truly faced him.

“Good morning.”

You cringed inwardly at Sam’s greeting. “Morning.” You mumbled.

“Are you going to look at me?” Sam's voice was soft.

“Hadn't planned on it.” You quickly slipped out of bed still avoiding his gaze.

“You can't avoid me forever.”

“I can try.” You darted to the bathroom quickly shutting the door behind you. You were acting immature perhaps but you just needed a moment to gather your thoughts. Not to mention your mouth felt and tasted disgusting no doubt from all that whiskey you had ingested. Quickly brushing your teeth, you relished the feeling of once again having a clean mouth. But that satisfaction only lasted a moment, you still had to face Sam. Taking a deep breath, you opened the door. A shriek escaped you when you found Sam on the other side. “Sam you scared the shit out of me.”

“Well I thought I was going to have to go in there and drag you out myself.” He placed his hands on the frame effectively blocking you in.

Your hands became cold and clammy as you looked up at him. You didn't really know what to say but you had to say something. “Look I know what I said last night and well I'm sure it made you very uncomfortable and all of this is very awkward.” You were rambling but you had no idea what to say. “Look what I'm trying to say is…” You didn't know what you were trying to say. You had meant what you had said the night before. Sure it hadn't come out exactly the way you would have liked but it was all true. “I'm trying to say that I hope this doesn't mess up our friendship and that I-that I.” You started to stuttered. It felt like a small piece of your heart was breaking. By doing this you were guaranteeing that there would never be anything between you and Sam. Unable to hold Sam’s intense gaze any longer you looked down at the floor. “Ok I don't really know what I'm saying. All I know is that I'm embarrassed and I know I messed things up and now things are going to be awkward and it's all my fault.” Your voice quivered at the end. Sam didn't say anything and you couldn't bare to look up and see the look in his eyes. “I really should see if Dean needs anything.” You moved to push past Sam.

Instead of moving like you expected, Sam pulled you into his arms. “Just stop talking.” He gently tilted your chin and brought his lips to yours.

You stood there stunned for a moment. Sam Winchester was kissing you. It was as if your brain had completely been fried and before you knew it you were kissing him back. It was hard to say how long you stood there kissing but when Sam pulled away you were both breathing heavily.

“You don't know how happy it made me to hear those words.” He rested his forehead against yours.

“Even slurred and all out of order?” You again felt the rush of embarrassment.

“Even slurred and out of order.” He chuckled.

“Oh and you forgot to mention the part where I totally objectified you.”

“Oh I didn't forget.” His eyes darkened. “I only wish you had told me everything sooner. I had always viewed you as untouchable. You were the most important thing in my life and it scared me. It had always been Dean and I and then one day you came crashing in and become the single most important thing in my life.”

Your breath caught. You had spent so much time pining away for Sam and he had always been yours. “We're a bunch of idiots.” You laughed.

Sam's deep laugh joined yours. “I can't disagree. I guess I have Dean to thank for his brilliant plan. If I remember correctly you said that getting drunk was one Dean’s best ideas.” Sam teased.

“I owe him a punch in the face for letting me get so drunk.” You tried to cover how flustered you were.

“I think a thank you is in order not a punch.” You heard Dean’s voice from the other end of the room.

A deep chuckle rumbled from Sam’s chest. “He's not wrong.” He whispered in your ear.

“Fine.” You grumbled. “Thank you Dean.” You peaked around Sam. “But if you ever suggest we drink whiskey again I will punch you.”

“This is the thanks I get for bringing you two together. Some thanks.”

“Get out before I come over there.” You teasingly threatened.

“All right all right. I'll let you two lovebirds have your fun.” Dean wrinkled his nose in disgust before he turned and left the room once again.

“Now where were we.” Sam reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

“If I remember correctly we were doing the kissing thing.” You smiled sweetly.

“Ah yes,” Sam smiled, “that I can do.” He leaned down and once again captured your lips. And in the moment that wasn't the only thing he captured. Sam Winchester not only owned your heart but also your soul. All it took was a bottle of whiskey and a fateful stumble for you to admit it.

Tags:

@mogaruke @msimpala67 @percussiongirl2017 @tomorraw @meganwinchester1999 @ria132love @lucifer-in-leather @impala-dreamer @idreamofhazel @helvonasche @quiverhope @distinguishedqueenofbooks @faith-in-dean @docharleythegeekqueen @nanie5 @amotleyworld @abbessolute @mrsbatesmotel53 @bobbysingerismybaby @chaosinacoffeecup @saoirsewhittle

[gottalovetheletos]

Love without shame. Jared Series. Ch 2.

Authors note:  Don’t judge me for this lol. This is my first ‘kink’ kind of writing I hope it’s sufficient. 

Warnings: Smut, kink, swears. 

Word Count: 1,958

Love without shame. Chapter 2.

If you haven’t read it here’s : CHAPTER 1 

It had been a whole working week since Jared and I had spent a whole day together. I spent one night as his house in the middle of the week and we just had a lovely quiet evening watching Netflix. I was once again back at my apartment after work. Exhausted as usual. I cooked some pasta with sauce and sat down. My phone buzzed, it was Jared. ‘We need to talk soon! x x x’ I read the text and began to worry. ‘Oh my god he’s breaking up with me this is the end. Right before he goes on tour too. Wow, how selfish’ I thought. I could feel the hot tears fall down my face. ‘I was starting to fall for him too’ . I texted him back after my little freak out. “Okay. I hope everything’s okay?! x x x”  I started pacing around my little apartment. ‘I’ll be over tomorrow at 5 pm, we can talk then  x x’. Great so tomorrow I get to find out I’ve been dumped, at least its my day off and I’ve got the day after to get over it before work again. ‘Maybe it’s not that’ I thought, ‘maybe he’s seeing other people’ I couldn’t keep these bad thoughts out of my head. I mean just recently he’s stopped seeing other people, he said he wanted to see how this relationship would work out and I only agreed to that if the others were dropped. I decided to have an early night, if I was unconscious then I wont have to think about it.  

*The Next Day*

8 am ugh. Well i might as well go out. I can’t stay here cooped up all day. I messaged my best friend to see if she was available to go shopping and for a coffee. Thankfully she was. I got dressed at met her at the mall. 

“Hey babe, cute outfit” she gave me a hug. “Ha, thanks, honestly just thew it on” I replied. We began shopping. Retail therapy always helps. I needed some new  clothes anyway. “So, have you got yourself a boyfriend?” She snapped me out of my daydreaming. “Uh.... maybe” she raised one eyebrow at me looking confused. “Maybe?” she questioned. “Well I’ve been seeing someone for a couple of months but he said we need to talk, and not that I’m that experienced in dating but that’s never a good sign. Trust me I’ve seen the movies” she giggled. “You know... you’re probably overthinking this whole thing, surely if you’ve only been dating a couple of months he would do it over the phone” “Thanks for that” I said sarcastically. “You know what I mean” She put her hand over my shoulder. “Well honestly he wouldn’t do that. We’re so close and he is’t an immature little boy. He’s.. erm.. slightly older than me” my best friends head quickly turned to face me.

 “How much older?”

 “Err like a few years” I glanced at the floor.

 “ A few years as in 3,4,5?” 

 “A few more”

 “Bit more” I spoke. 

“10?” she started to look a little horrified. 

“Not exactly, double that and add 3″

“23 years between you? Is he hot?” she was intrigued. 

“Yes and yes” I got out my phone to show her a picture. 

“Erm, Y/N? Is that Jared....oh whats his last name?” 

“Leto? yes, but you need to keep it quiet.” 

We carried on talking and shopping and after found a little coffee place. 

It was around 2 pm and I needed to get home, we said goodbye and I quickly went to get some groceries so I could make us dinner. Maybe for the last time. 

Once I was home I started on dinner. I began with the vegan rosemary and sea salt focaccia bread then Tofu stir fry on a bed of rice and roasted vegetable couscous. for the side. As I  was plating everything up Jared came in “5 o’clock on the dot, hello handsome” I said without looking round. I peered down where some hands were caressing my hips then wrapped out me. “I missed you” he spoke. “can you go and wait on the balcony, I’ll bring dinner out” I  asked. He did. I took the plates outside and sat with Jared on the outside sofa I had. 

Jared watched me intensely. I joined him on the sofa, he looked at me “What?” I wanted to know why. “Nothing you’re just beautiful”.

Half way through dinner I remembered Jared texted me saying we need to talk. I had fought with myself for a while about whether to bring it up of not. “”Hey babe” I looked at him. “Mmm?” his mouth full of food. “You sent me a text yesterday, what do we need to talk about? Are you breaking up with me?” he laughed at my question. “No princess I’m not breaking up with you. I have something and I thought you should know before we go on tour” “Right, what’s that?” I was relieved. “Well. I’m just gonna come straight out with it. I have a kink or fetish... if you will” I giggled “We all do inside” I said. “Yeah... mine is a daddy, kitten kink” I was a bit shocked. Totally not expecting it. “I understand if you don’t...” I cut him off. “Can I be your kitten daddy?” I asked. “Yes you can princess”. He smiled. Truth is I’ve never done this before. But I’m willing to try. I’ve only been with very ‘vanilla’ type guys. This relationship was exciting. We’d finished dinner and Jared washed the dishes while I sat on the couch in the living room with a glass of wine. Once he’d finished he sat on the couch and turned the volume of the TV down. “kitten, we need to talk about the rules of our relationship” I nodded as he carried on talking. “We agreed we will not see other people, but I want total obedience from my kitten do you understand?” “Yes Jared” I answered. “Na-ah-uh try again princess” “Yes daddy” “That’s better” He stroked my hair. “Second, when we are in public I shall be your King and you my Queen. We save daddy and kitten talk for when were at home” “Yes daddy” “You’re so good” he sounded like the Joker when he said that, it kind of turned me on a little. “Jared, I just want you to know, I’ve never actually ever done anything like this before” “I’ll ease you in baby girl, don’t worry”. I starred at him. “Daddy?” “Yes princess?” “I wanna play”. “I think we need to take you to the bedroom then” He picked me up and walked me into the bedroom kissing my neck. He laid me down and undressed me. I sat leaning on the pillows by the head of the bed. “Play with yourself kitten” he instructed. I started to play with myself “Spread those lips baby” I once again did as I was told. He sat on the chair opposite the bed and began palming himself through his trousers. 

Once he could see I had gotten myself very wet he told me “lay on daddy’s lap so I can spank you for ever thinking I was going to leave you”.  “Yes” I replied, “Yes What doll?” he asked firmly “Yes daddy”. “Good girl” I laid across his lap and and caressed my butt cheek, slowly raised his had and a slap boomed around my apartment. “uh” I screamed out in pain. He repeated that action again and again. Tears forming in my eyes “Be brave for daddy, baby girl”. I nodded my head. He once again caressed my butt cheek but there was a new sensation, a tingling sensation. I didn’t even realize but it had turned me on so much more that it was actually dripping down my legs. Jared slid his hands in between my drenched folds starting from my clit and made his way back towards my entrance. “Fuck me, you’re in a bit of a mess there baby, let me help you clean it up” He flipped me on my back and his mouth hovered above my pussy. His long tongue lay flat and swiped up. My body shivered under his touch. His hands exploring every part of my chest. While he lapped up all of me, my god he drove me crazy. Slowly he entered a finger, closely followed by another. Stroking in and out with straight fingers, then I feel him curl them upwards so they’re hitting the top wall. His mouth still on me. The combination just made me crave him even more. I could feel the knot in my stomach form. Moaning continually... He stopped. “On your knees” he said. I sat next to him on the bed. “No, make me cum first then I will” all of a sudden i feel a hand wrapped tightly around my jaw. “Listen here princess, I am your daddy, if you do not listen I will punish you” he kissed my lips. I was on my knees when he pulled out his throbbing cock. I’ve seen it quite a few times since we’ve been together but today it looked bigger and he looked hungrier for this. Maybe because he had to hide the fact he had this kink. But now it’s been unleashed. I put his cock straight in my mouth and he thrusted forwards. I put my hands up to assist because it was just too big. “Hands behind your back little one” Jared said assertively. When we first started having sex he wasn’t too dominant, I think he was just testing the waters. To be honest, I quite like him like this. He grabbed a fistful of my hair and thrusted him self all the way down my throat over and over making me gag. I could feel myself getting wetter again. He pulled out so I could have a moment to breathe. All too quickly he resumed. I had spit running down my chin and he was enjoying the view.

 “Such a fucking good girl” He pulled me up and ever so softly kissed my forehead, nose then lips. Jared picked me up and put me on the bed. Without warning his cock is now in me “Uhh” I didn’t have time to adjust as he was pounding me. One hand holding both of mine above my head and his other ferociously rubbing my clit. He bent down to whisper in my ear “Next time we’ll be using toys”. He quickened the pace and everything got too much for me. My body erupting from the pure satisfaction he was giving me. Soon after he joined me as our hot sweaty bodies were riding together. He rolled onto the bed next to me and I turned to face him, still trying to catch my breath. “That is the best sex I’ve ever had” I got up to use the toilet and empty myself. Thank god for the pill is all I can say. As I walked towards the bathroom he giggled. I span round on my heels “What?” I wondered what there was to laugh at. “Your ass is still red and there’s a hand print still there. I’ll kiss it better” He giggled at his own sentence. “No that’s okay it’s still sore” I scuttled off to the bathroom. When I came back Jared was falling asleep, I could see he was tying to stay awake. “Time for bed daddy” I kissed him on the cheek and unpeeled the bed sheets to make myself the little spoon. “I love you” he said for the first time. I span round “I love you too” and kissed him on the nose then a sleepy kiss on the lips. 

CHAPTER 3 

________________________________________________________________

Tags: @dance4angels

[asynca]

Respect Your Leader - Mercy (POV) x the whole team - SFW

Mercy is sick of her team bickering, and decides to assume control of them. Crack humour, with implied F/F/F/F/F.

Speed prompt, written in 120 minutes.

[AO3] | [Fanfiction.net]

I’d hardly collected all my medical supplies and disembarked from the ship, and already I could hear that my ‘team’ were at it. Not this again, I thought, sighing at length. I’d just about had it with all their senseless bickering.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Tracer didn’t sound at all happy about discovering who else had been assigned to our mission. “I thought spiders preferred dark and damp environments. You know, like toilets.”

Widowmaker—who was actually keeping mostly to herself today, I thought—looked equally as unimpressed to be grouped up with Tracer. “I wouldn’t expect you to know anything about ‘damp’,” she fired right back, “You haven’t been near anything wet in your entire life.”

A third voice—Pharah, thankfully, she was mostly far less petty than those two—interrupted their little tiff. “Can we please focus?” she asked. “Save the childish bickering for after we’ve completed the objective.”

Widowmaker did not take well to that wording. “Sorry, ‘childish’?” Her voice was dry as a bone. “Me, or the person who spent the entire last objective throwing a tantrum and refusing to use comms because her mother politely suggested she should wait for the rest of the team before drawing fire?”

Pharah stiffened. “She wasn’t there, she didn’t know what I was planning. Her advice was just distracting me, that’s all.”

Widow was unmoved. “The highlight was when your voice cracked as you said, ‘You never trust me with anything, Mother,’ before switching off your headset.”

The vein in Pharah’s forehead popped out. “It was a strictly business decision. I was trying to concentrate.”

Widowmaker scoffed. “Will you make a business decision to throw a tantrum and switch off comms if someone tells you to stop running a one man team on this mission, too?” she asked. “Perhaps it’s too much of an adjustment to go back to taking orders when you were giving them for so long, Amari? Is that it?”

Pharah looked dangerously close to just flat out decking Widowmaker. “Well, it’s a moot point, Lacroix, because I’m leading this mission, so everyone will be following my orders. Including you.”

“Well, you’re not going to get very far if you don’t listen to the advice of your sniper this time,” Widowmaker told her, taking a casual, inflammatory step towards Pharah. “Just saying.”

“Actually,” that was Tracer’s primmest voice, and she took the opportunity to blink in between Widowmaker and Pharah and jab Widowmaker’s chest with the point of a finger, “I’m the scout, and we’ve run loads of successful missions before without a sniper. We don’t need one, and if you’re going to be such a twat about everything, you can just stay on the damn ship.”

Widowmaker acted as if Tracer hadn’t even spoken, her eyes still on Pharah. “Are you going to switch of comms in this mission, too, Amari?” She paused theatrically and feigned concern. “Wait a minute, should I not call you that? ‘Amari’? I don’t want people confused that I’m talking about the actual Captain Amari. You know, the Amari who won all the medals and saved so many lives…” Another pause. “Not the Amari who is essentially just an over-militarised mall security guard who actually thinks she can run a one-man strike team and bursts into tears when mummy says she can’t.”

Beside me on the bridge, Zarya made a gruff noise. “Some team,” she commented in her charming accent, and then looked down at me, jerking her thumb behind us with her eyes twinkling. “You know, it’s not too late to just get back on the ship and go home.”

I laughed. I’d forgotten how much I liked her. “I don’t really think that’s an option,” I admitted, “although it’s tempting, given this lot.” I looked down by the hanger door; the three of them were about a moment away from tearing each other to pieces.

Oh, dear. Well, I couldn’t just let them murder each other before the mission had even started, could I? My Caduceus staff was nearly at 0%. Someone needed to take charge of this lot. I sighed; I supposed that would have to be me. Why was it always me?

“I’m going to need your help,” I told Zarya over my shoulder as I left the bridge to approach my ‘team’.

She chuckled, hoisting her absolutely enormous gun over one shoulder like it weighed nothing at all. “Understood.”

I don’t know what the rest of them were bickering about, but whatever it was, I called cheerfully over it, “Alright, that’s quite enough of that!”

They all paused for a second, looked at each other, and then all at once began to try and tell me what was wrong with each other. I wasn’t going to have it, so I held up a hand. “No, I don’t care,” I told them as pleasantly as I could. “I don’t care who did what. We’re a team, we’re going to act like one. And, if none of the actual soldiers is able to get along for five seconds and actually lead the mission, I’m going to.” I looked back over my shoulder. “That’s alright with you, Zarya, isn’t it?”

Leaning casually on her upright gun, Zarya chuckled and saluted me.

That’s what I liked to see! “Excellent,” I told her with a smile, and then turned back to the others.

Widowmaker looked even more unimpressed than she had when she and Tracer were at it. “What make you think you have the skill or the knowledge to—”

I talked over her. “That’s quite enough.”

Looking disgusted, tried again anyway. “What does a doctor think she’s doing by—”

I wasn’t going to argue with her. I put one gloved finger firmly over those bee-stung lips of hers. “I said that’s enough, Amélie,” I told her, and left my hand there for just a moment. “We’re a team. I’m leading the team. You won’t talk over me.”

Pharah, proving that despite the best training she sometimes could be baited to be a little immature, said dryly beside me, “What’s the matter, Widowmaker? Having trouble taking orders from someone?”

Privately, I actually found Pharah turning Widowmaker’s words back on her to be rather well-placed and I’d probably laugh about it with her later; now, though, I couldn’t. Everyone on the team needed to get the same treatment from me; favouritism wouldn’t do at all. “You too, Pharah,” I said pleasantly. “Keep your mouth shut unless it’s to do with the mission.”

I don’t think she’d expected that—we were friends, after all. She looked at me with genuine surprise for a moment but then, understanding my methods, stood to attention, saluted, and looked straight past me with military-level discipline.

Huh. I always did like it when she was like this. Especially when she was wearing uniform; very appealing.

Tracer, looking between Widowmaker and Pharah, made a decision to copy Pharah and stood to attention too, her chest all puffed out. It was perhaps the most adorable thing I’d ever seen, and it was nice to be able to give orders to someone who’d immediately take them. “Good girl,” I told her. She beamed.

Widowmaker practically gagged at it. “’Good girl’?” she repeated, sounding ill. “’Good girl?’ What are you running her, Doctor, is it a strike team, or is a pre-school for wayward—?”

Beside me, there was a heavy thump. We all jumped. Zarya had let her weapon fall to the ground and was approaching Widowmaker with long, heavy strides and a glum expression. “That’s enough from you,” she told Widowmaker. “I don’t know about France, but in Russia, we don’t play games. We respect our leader.” She only stopped when she was toe-to-toe with Widowmaker, looming over her and peering down at her. “So, show her some respect.”

Well, this was certainly an interesting turn of events. I decided not to interfere.

Widowmaker looked straight back up at her. “Or what? You’ll ‘crush me like big Siberian bear’?” she asked, rather rudely imitating Zarya’s accent.

Zarya wasn’t baited at all. “Or I’ll do whatever Mercy tells me to do to you,” she said calmly. “Because she’s the leader. Now,” she said, putting two huge hands on either one of Widowmaker’s shoulders. “Kneel. Show some respect to your leader.”

Widowmaker’s arrogant veneer faded somewhat. “W-What?”

Beside them, Pharah and Tracer glanced at each other, wide-eyed and tittering, and then smothered their amusement and hopped back to attention when I gave them a chastising look.

Zarya’s booming voice made us all jump. “I said kneel!” she said, and then forced Widowmaker to her knees.

Honestly, I think Widowmaker was too surprised to retaliate, because I can’t imagine she’d ordinarily allow herself to be treated like that. It was so ridiculously over the top—were they really like that in Russia?

“That’s better,” Zarya said far more moderately once Widowmaker was actually on her knees, “and if you get up, I will be the one to tell Talon that you are why we failed our mission, because you were unable to swallow your pride and engage in proper, efficient teamwork.”

With that, she gave Widowmaker one more look of warning, and then turned to walk past me to where she’d left her gun.

“Are this really how you do it in Russia?” I whispered to her on the way past.

She chuckled; a low and rich sound. “No,” she said simply, and then flashed me a white-teethed grin. “At least, not on the battlefield.”

My eyebrows shot up; oh, my. I wasn’t able to stop myself from laughing at little.  

It didn’t take long for Widowmaker’s transparent surprise to morph into deep displeasure. “This is ridiculous,” she hissed. “Is humiliating your teammates on the Overwatch charter? No wonder it was decommissioned. Talon never forces its agents to submit to tactics like this.”

Tracer was busy scoffing behind her. “They wouldn’t need to force you, I bet you happily kneel in front of loads of random people all the time,” she said, and then began to giggle at her own joke.

She stopped immediately when we all looked at her, though, panicking. “Oh, um, ‘silence’. Got it, Doc! Sorry!” she said, and then immediately knelt, too.

Since they were both kneeling, and since this was all far more interesting that I’d thought it would be, I looked up at the last soldier standing, so to speak: Pharah.

She looked down at me, confused. There were beads of sweat on her forehead.

I cleared my throat, and then smiled pointedly at her.

She finally realised what I meant. “Oh! Oh.” She knelt, too.

And, just like that, I had three previously very troublesome teammates silent, compliant, and kneeling in front of me.

Well, this had all turned out rather nicely! I almost wanted to take a seat here, sip tea, and admire my handiwork. Perhaps I should try my hand at leading more often?

There weren’t any seats, however, so I just walked a slow, leisurely circle around the three of them, appreciating the peaceful (alright, extremely tense) silence. It was nice to be able to hear myself think for once, and—if I’ll admit it—it was rather nice having such attractive teammates all doing exactly as I told them, even if it would be very unprofessional of me to say it aloud.

Unfortunately for me and my private enjoyment, Athena started a count-down, which meant my fun was over.

“Well, let’s get ready then, shall we?” I asked, motioning for them to stand.

“Oh, I’m allowed to stand up now?” Widowmaker asked me, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but she dropped the snark immediately when Zarya casually slammed the base of her weapon on the ground next to her and made her jump.

I smiled at Zarya. “After you,” I offered her as the door opened.

“No, no,” she said easily, insisting I exit before her, “after you, Leader.”

I laughed. Wasn’t she obliging! “Very well!” I told her, accepting her invitation. “I suppose if I draw fire, that just helps things for you, doesn’t it?”

With that, I led possibly the most subdued and compliant team I’d ever been in out on the battlefield and to a rather easy victory, and—not that I’d say so aloud!—I took some rather pleasant mental images back to my quarters that night.