#my insurance cutting me off… light work no reaction

[fushigurocest]

if you see me acting literally insane in the coming weeks, mind your business…

[slutouttanowhere]

Daddy’s Home

Paring: Randy Orton x Mavis Pete™️

Warning: Unprotected sex, squirting, oral sex, vulgar language, use of the phrases “Daddy,” and “Cunt.” Hand jobs, and public bus sex. Not edited, just hopped on my laptop and hit go.

a/n: I started this at 12am, there’s a part of this fic that is actually supposed to be cannon for an ongoing story, Million Dollar Baby(snippet). Though I haven’t quite gotten there yet, this scene kept nagging me so here I am being a “Spotlight Junkie.” Then somehow it magically turned into smut, and this is only the second time I wrote smut for this fandom ever. lol I personally don’t see much wrestling smut, so I have zero idea if y’all will care or like that part. Anywho, I hope y’all enjoy, and of course reblog, and follow me. Take a look at my pinned post for more.

Randy had been out of recovery for what felt like forever, I lost count after the second month in; at first we talked over the phone almost everyday while he was home. As time went on, I got more busy with my new story like with Rhea, and that’s what slowed our communication. At a certain point I just got used to not having Randy on the road with us, so when he popped back up during Monday Night Raw I was genuinely flabbergasted.

I was standing in the middle of the ring with Rhea, “you call yourself Thee Hottest WWE superstar walking—

“And is.” I said cutting her off, that got a reaction from the crowd, Rhea grimaced. The grin of my face grew as the crowd began to chant ‘LETS GO HOTTIE,’ Dominick stood by Rhea’s side insuring her that she’s the best.

“Last I recall, every time you and I are in the ring, I eat you up every single time. Just admit it, you can’t handle the heat, Mami.” She parted her lips to speak, but I didn’t give her the chance. I shoved her roughly causing her to stumble, then flexed my arms, and poked her tongue out at her. She stared at me in disbelief, Dom tried to hold her back as she took a step forward.

“Don’t start acting beside yourself now sweetheart, Randy’s not here!” She shouted, her eyelids wide open, and her lips pulled back into a grin, though she looked more like a beast showing me her teeth. Just then a song I didn’t expect to hear for another few months blasted through the arena. ‘I HEAR VOICES IN MY HEAD, THEY COUNCIL ME THEY UNDERSTAND, THEY TALK TO ME.’

There he was, in all his glory, slowly making his way down the ramp. My heart pounded in my chest, my hands shaky, this was the jumpscare of my life, and I’ve had some close calls. Rhea protectively pushed Dom behind her, and I couldn't help but let out a snort. The music stops, and the roar of the fans pour into my ears. Every single person in their arena was on their feet, he climbed between the ropes, and I bit my lip trying to contain myself till he was done with his bit. He climbed to the middle turnbuckle, we all watched in amazement as he raised up, and received the crowd. They went into a frenzy, my ears were ringing, and caused everything to sound high pitched.

When he finally turned to address us, I couldn’t hold myself back, I jumped into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his waist, I know it’s been a while since I held him, but he definitely felt bigger. “Whoa.” I pulled back, a large grin spread across his lips, his eyes already looking down at me. He wrapped an arm around my waist keeping me close, this is really the first time we’ve been seen together on tv in mounts, but he’s never touched me like that. Usually it’s a high-five or a fist bump, maybe a Pat on the head when he’s in a silly mood. There had been a lot of roomers we were together online, but Hunter advised that we reveal it when we felt comfortable. I guess Randy was choosing now.

“I’m sorry what was that you were saying Rhea?” Randy asked, he held his hand up to his ear as if that would help amplify the volume.

“No one is worried about you Randy, you’re light work for The Judgement Day.” She quipped, the crowd had a mixed reaction of booing and chanting, ‘MAMI,’ but the majority stood behind her.

“Light work? Surly not at two hundred and seventy five pounds.” He teased, some people from the crowd Woolf whistled, and cat called him, then he continued. “Ya know, I’ve been hearing a lot about you, I gotta say I’m not that impressed.” Randy shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, Rhea was fuming at his words, because how dare he insult her. Rhea Ripley, The Eradicator. Mami this, Mami that, well guess what? Daddy's back.” He grinned, his hand squeezed my side, my mind flashing back to a while ago when I let it slip one night that I called him that in my head.

“…You call me what?” He paused his movements, we were cuddled in bed one night, his lips pressing kisses from my cheek down my neck, and his hands squeezing my thighs.

“Don't make me repeat it.” I begged, my face heating up feeling bashful, I didn't think he had heard me, but I should have known better. He flipped us over so that I was underneath him, both my arms above my head, his hand held my wrist together, and my legs spread to make room for him.

“Say it, or I’ll just have to drag it out of you.” He warned, his lips caressing my ear, my breath hitched in my throat. I swallowed, the fluttering in the pit of my stomach, and down between my thighs causing my hips to buck.

“Daddy.” I whispered, in a small way I regretted it because I knew he’d never let it go.

The crowd began to chant, ‘WHOS YOUR DADDY!’ To which Randy thoroughly enjoyed, he peered down at me, but my eyes were on Rhea’s women's championship belt. The hunger I felt to be on top once again was insatiable, I wanted the spotlight, and then some. “Tell your boy Damian, that I’ve got my eyes on him, I think I owe him a few receipts.” Randy took me by the hand, and began to walk us out the ring.

“Look at you, backing out again like you always do when Randy is around.” Rhea teased, that struck a nerve, she knew how much the implications of me using randy as a shield got under my skin. I whipped back around, snatching the mic from his hands, my breathing heavy, and my lips turned downward into a deep frown.

“The one thing you need to be worrying about is from where youre gonna take this RKO. Anytime, anyplace, out of nowhere.” I growled, Rhea pushed Dom aside, he pleaded with her to not get egged into a fight with me right now, but I was hoping she wouldn't listen. She took a few steps forward so I met her half way, we almost met eye to eye, and she was so close our noses touched.

I could see Randy in my peripheral; he gently put an arm on my shoulder. At first I took a step back, but then she kissed at me. “Good girl.” She teased, then I shoved her roughly into the ropes, she bounced off them. I caught her by the head, and drove her head first into the mat. I sat up to see the wide eyed, opened mouth, look of shock on Randy’s face. I couldn't help but giggle, he had been teaching it to me a while ago, before his injury of course, but it wasn't till now that I was able to whip it out. I moved onto a sitting position on my knees, Randy’s hand placed on my head like a pet, the crowd loved it. Dom pulled Rhea out the ring, and as they descended I kissed back at Rhea mocking her. Slowly I rose back up to my feet, a rush of excitement hit me, I jumped up into Randy’s arms, and wrapped my legs around his waist. I kissed him on the cheek, before dropping back down to my feet. When we finally got to the back, we exchanged small talk with a few of the officials, and such. Randy and Hunter got into a bit of a conversation, so I excused myself to go change.

I had no idea where Randy could be, and I didnt wanna spend countless hours looking for me. I pulled my phone out calling him on the phone, as I made my way out the arena, after a few rings, he picked up. “Where are you?” He asked, there were some voices in his background, so maybe he was still in the building.

“Making my way out, I’m thinking about getting dinner.” I threw a smile to a few people that passed me by, I rounded a corner into an empty halfway so I could have some sort of privacy. I sat my bags down for a moment, then leaned my back against the brick wall.

“If you carpooled, we can just go out, I’d actually prefer that.” He chuckled lightly, it sounded as if he had just exited the arena by the way his atmosphere became quieter. My heart fluttered, it’s been a while since it was just me, and him. I was already texting Bianca letting her know that I would be hitching rides with Randy again.

“Of course, I still got the key.” I jiggle the second set of keys to his bus that he gave me when we first started dating. I got a flat tire once when I was on my way to the next town, lucky me it happens late at night, some guy had to help me, and Randy flipped. That was the last time I traveled solo.

“Well I’m already on the bus, so I’ll let you in.” He chuckled, I could hear the smile spreading across his lips, I picked up my bags, and headed towards the back doors. It’s been forever since I last saw him, and all I wanted was to eat, and cuddle afterwards.

“Kay, see ya in a bit.” I said, the smile on my face spreading wider, I hung up the phone, and pushed through the arena doors that lead to the back parking area which was reserved for talent. The sun was beginning to set causing the sky to have a pinkish hue, I rounded the corner to a sectioned off area for the bus’, and there Randy was. He was leaning against the door, his lips grew into a large grin as I came into sight, the sun glasses on his face hid his eyes, but I didn't care. Running up to him, I wrapped my arms around his neck, and our lips crashed together.

His hands immediately grabbed onto my hips, and pulled me in closer. I didn't hold back the moan that came from me, when we reluctantly separated, I quickly looked around to see if anyone would have caught us. I know everyone knows we’re together but I do try to be a little modest. “No ones been out here for a good while, don't worry, the only person that knows you’re a little slutty is me princess.” Randy joked, I slapped him across the chest, his laughter died down enough for me to speak.

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were returning tonight?” I slapped his chest again, but he grabbed me by my wrist, then brought them behind my back.

“And ruin the surprise? No, no.” He whispered, he took his sunglasses off to reveal his icy blue eyes, and for a second a second they softened as he took in my facial features up close. As if he was committing it to memory. He lowered his head to the crook of my neck, inhaled my scent, and placed a kiss there. “You smell good.” He moaned into my skin, he placed more kisses, but the sound of the arena doors opening made me jump. Randy chucked, but reluctantly pried himself off of me.

“Can we just go inside please.” I begged taking a step back before he got any more ideas, he held his hand out, and took my bags. He opened the door for me, letting me first, the following behind. He put my bag away, but wasted no time grabbing me up. His hands trailed down my back to my butt, his large hands gripped me tightly as if I’d get away. While his tongue explored, and caressed the inside of my mouth, I worked on his jeans; our breathing was heavy, we sounded like two starved animals. For a moment he stepped back to pull his shirt off, and though I am used to seeing him shirtless, this new build of his was massive.

He grinned when he caught me gawking, “Bigger in person huh?” I couldn't help but giggle, I rolled my eyes, but pressed my lips to his broad chest. He now stood with only his jeans hanging off his hips, his adonis belt more defined than I remembered. My hands follow behind where my lips were. I just wanted to worship his body like this all the time, he was so gorgeous, he didn't need any help, but the added weight does something to me. The pulsing between my thighs, and the slickness caused me to moan out. “Fuck you’re too fucking much sometimes you know that?” Randy mumbled, he pulled off my white t-shirt over my head, then tossed it.

I kicked my furry slides off, then shimmed out of my leggings, “I missed you.” I whispered in between kisses, I sucked on his lip, then bit it gently. Rand growled in response, his hand smacking my ass roughly.

“Show me, how much did you miss daddy?” He grabbed me by the chin and tiled my head up towards him, he leaned down to give me one last kiss before letting me go. I pushed him back so that he was leaning against the counter, I kneeled down on one knee, then tugged at his jeans pulling them all the way down. He stepped out of them then kicked them to the side, my hand ghost over his already erect penis over his briefs, then I looked up at him. My hand squeezed him firmly, he let out a heavy sigh, my fingers hooked around the hem of his briefs, and slowly pulled them down. I wrapped my hand around his shaft, gripping him firmly, “Spit on it baby.” Randy instructed from above me, his voice already strained despite me barely doing anything to him yet.

I do as told of course, a long drop of spit lands right on his tip, I wrap my lips around him and sucked him off. “Like that?” I moaned out, I could feel my clit throb with need, but I wanted to focus on him first. I knew my orgasm would come easy for me, but Randy took a little bit of work. My other hand cupped his balls in my hand, while the other simultaneously caressed him.

His groan of pleasure morphed into a deep growl, “You fucking know how I like it, just like that baby girl. Ugh, fuck yes. I missed those pretty pouty lips.” I took him in as far, and as deep into my mouth as I could, then pulled back to his tip sucking on it. My tongue swirled around his tip then down his shaft, and back up. He held me by the chin with one hand, and with the other he held onto the back of my head holding me in place.

“Just the tip baby —ah, fuck yes just like that. No hands, just your mouth.” Randy directed me, he adjusted his hips, and carefully thrusted his hips. My eyes stayed on his face, his head fell back, and his mouth opened. Just when I could feel his dick start to twitch a little, he pulled away, and held himself in his own hand. We both took a second to catch our breaths, before he pulled me up to him, and began unhooking my bra, and tossing it to the side. My heart pounded in excitement, his hands came around my waist, now Randy dropped to his knees before.

His mouth latched on to my nipple, sucking it deep into his mouth as if he was trying to taste my soul through my areolas, the intense suction caused a slight sting. “Ow, fuck.” The sensation bottled right to my pussy, causing it to throb once again with desire, I contemplated beating his ass for subjecting me to toys while he was away. As good as it was, nothing beat the real thing. He let my nipple go with a pop, then began working on the other one with the same amount of suckage. His hand slipped into my panties, and slid over my clit, I nearly jumped out of my skin from the sensation. “Oh —ah.” I cried out, my knees trimble causing me to reach out, and hold on to Randy’s large shoulders.

He chuckled deeply, then pressed a kiss between the valley of my breast, “I know sweetheart I know, that cunts have been waiting for me, and now that I’m here you just can't wait can you?” His finger teased me a little more, I would beg him to finish me if I had to, on hands, and knees if I had to. He pulled my painted down similarly to how I did his own underwear, “Oh my fucking goodness, you’re so fucking sexy, come over here. I wanna see that beautiful face when you come in my mouth.” He guided me over to the couch in front of us, I almost forgot he was completely naked in my haze, until he stood over me for a moment. I bit my lip just watching how his dick swings with his movements, it was mouth watering to say the least. He kneeled down on both knees before me, my legs spread wide for him, the of my labia parting could be heard crystal clear between the two of us. Randy looked hypnotized as he stared down at me, I was at a loss for words myself, he looked like he was going to devour me, and there wasn't absolutely nothing I could do about it.

“You like how pretty my pussy is Daddy?” I reached down, and spread myself wider so he could see the deepest part of me. He answered my question non verbally, his lips latched on to me sucking my swollen clit up into his mouth gently. He held onto my thighs with both his hands, his whole face stuffed between my thighs as he lapped up my wetness like a thirsty heathen. Waves of pleasure rippled through me, over, and over till my body decided I couldn't take it anymore. “Oh fuck, fuck, fuck. Right there, right there, please don't stop.” I begged, my hands held onto the back of his head keeping him in place as he continued to slurp me up. He slid a finger into me, then another, as if the constant clitoral stimulation wasn't enough to nearly kill me. He worked his fingers, in and out of me at a steady rhythm that my body just couldn't keep up with, soon my moans, and shouts over took the wet sloppy noises as I came undone in his hands, and mouth. My body tensed up as my thighs clenched around Randy’s head, but his grip was strong enough to pry them open again.

“I want you on top of me, right now, right fucking now.” He breathed out, he took me by the hips, and slightly readjusted me so that I was leaning on my side. I was in full display for him, spread wide open, with nowhere to hide, for his eyes to feast on as he took me in.

“Daddy please.” I begged, the ache was unbearable at this point, my body twisted, and my hips lifted trying to feel any kind of friction.

“I know baby, I missed being inside that pretty pussy so much. God your so fucking wet, look at how slippery you fucking are.” He slid the tip of himself over my needy cunt, and coated himself with my natural juices. Our moans mixed together, as he pushed into me achingly slowly, my breathing turned into panting.

“Randy —Ah! Oh fuck.” The pain of him stretching me to his size didn’t last long, and quickly turned into a pleasurable sensation.

“Fuck I’m never getting injured again.” He claimed, his strained moans mixed with forced laughter, but it quickly died down when I gripped my muscles around him. I was in no position to move, one leg he had pinned to the couch with his hand gripping my thigh, and the other leg was over his shoulder. It was the only thing between us; even though I’m not petite, Randy’s weight alone is enough to smother me.

His strokes were steady, yet impactful, each thrust brought me closer to the edge. His lips found their way to my ear, gently kissing me, and whispering naughty things to me. “That’s it, take this fucking cock princess, you’re not going anywhere till you come all over me isn’t that right?” He kissed me again then continued, “That tight cunt is all mine, my cute little pussy pocket. Hmm you liked being used by me don’t you?” The torque behind his thrust was unreal, I felt utterly breathless, I grabbed him by the back of his neck, and brought him in closer to me.

“This pussy is all yours, all yours, all yours.” I mumbled pathetically, our eyes locked in each other, but I could only hold my eyelids open for so long. My breath hitched in my throat when I felt his fingers press to my clit.

“That’s it right there, you’re so fucking close. Be a good girl, let it out baby, I wanna fucking hear you.” On his command I let out a cry that might have been heard across the arena if we weren’t parked so far away. My head fell back onto the couch, my eyes screwed shut, and Randy’s lips pressed to my neck. “Goddamn you feel so fucking good, fuck I love when you squeeze me just like that.” He panted, his own thrust becoming a bit sloppy, but the rhythm he used on my little bud didn’t change speed.

Even if I wanted to hold back, I couldn’t, a wave of heat ripped through me. I gripped his arms, my nails dug into his flesh, I wanted to rip something apart. “Oh god, Randy, I’m gonna—

I couldn’t even get the words out, before I knew it, I was squirting all over us, and his couch. “Ahh!” I shouted, he pulled away in enough time to let his own climax out as he hunched over me. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck me.” Very rarely do I hear him moan, and cry like that. His warm, sticky cum pooled on my stomach, and even as he was emptied there was still little droplets spilling out. He stroked himself for a moment longer trying desperately to catch his breath. I reached over to grab a tissue while his eyes were closed, quickly cleaned up the mess, and got into the floor where he sat on his knees. I replaced his hand with mine, then wrapped my lips around his tip, and proceeded to suck.

“Ugh, fuck, please.” He begged, and moaned softly. Rather it was for me to stop or keep going but I wasn’t sure. He didn’t push me away, so I continued my steady movements. He rested his hands on my head but didn’t guide me in any kind of way.

“I think you’ve got a little more in you, what do you think?” I asked with a lopsided grin, I lowered myself more, then sucked his balls into my mouth. My hand worked him in circular, up, and down motions.

Randy’s head was still back, eyes closed, and mouth hung open. “That feels so fucking good, just like that.” The sounds of slurping, and moaning filled the air. I squeezed him a bit tighter in my hand, his hips now rocking back and forth to match my rhythm. His breathing became heavier as his chest rises and falls, he’s gripping onto my hair which I hated. I regretted not putting my bonnet on beforehand.

I put my mouth over his tip just as he started to spill, I had no problem swallowing him down. “Oh fuck your so fucking good. Ohhhh, fuck!” His voice filled the room, my hands slid from his thighs up to his chest, I let go of his dick with a pop. My arms wrapped around his neck, he met me halfway in a deep slow kiss.

“I’m still hungry, but I don’t feel like going out.” I giggled, Randy stood to his feet, and brought me with him. He planted a soft kiss on my forehead, pulled on his briefs, and made his way over to the fridge.

“Lucky for you then, I’m always prepared.” He grinned, and pulled out two fruit salads and what looked to be meal prepped steak. Before I could dance my way over he stopped me holding out a hand. “Aht, shower first, then dinner.” He spoke sternly, my stomach grumbled, and I wanted to fight him on it. But the last hour flashed by my mind, I just rolled my eyes, “Fine.” Then I turned on my heels heading in the opposite direction.

“That’s a good girl, go on get ready, we’ll get moving in a little bit.” He called after me, I smiled to myself, contently, I was happy my baby was back on the road with me. I couldn’t wait to get back to work next week, but for now I’ll enjoy our alone time. I have a feeling we’re gonna spend the rest of the week wrapped up with each other.

[rmorde]

Trigun Manga Reaction

Now unto Volume 1 - Chapter 5-6. Doubling it today! I'll start cutting posts like this with "Keep Reading" so it won't be so long.

Awww. So they ARE still working at the cashier in the manga, and they STILL get to bully Vash. Lmao.

Oh... These poor ladies. So, they have to work on TWO jobs to earn their stay on the ship.

Let me just appreciate this hilarious drawing of Vash. He's so mad at how good Meryl and Milly are at their jobs that he looks constipated. ROFL.

This conversation is different from '98. Instead of foreshadowing something about Vash, the ominous line points more towards the Bad Lads Gang's arrival.

Sigh. Another one into the album of Pretzel Vash. Why must Vash be so extra? Why must Nightow always draw him extra. LOOK AT THOSE LEGS!!! Not to mention his crotch in full display.

There he is! Brilliant Dynamites Neon. IMHO, this double page spread it much more impressive and intimidating in the manga. The build up in '98 was good but I think the neon colors from the lights took away the impact of a reveal like this. The simple contrasts of the black, white, and gray looks better.

Oh my. This looks gorgeous. Wow.

Is it just me or does Nightow do a lot of double page art in one chapter? Maybe I'm just imagining it.

Oh yeah. I forgot about this! These poor ladies were sleeping the shelves. Good heavens!

Oh. This is different from '98. Very very different!

WTF?!

WTF?! WTF?! WTF?! WTF?! WTF?! WTF?!

I was about to say I like the aesthetic of this scene in '98, then these panels happened. Holy shit! I take it back! This is so much better! Felt like a jump scare while reading.

Then we suddenly have a goofy Vash! The whiplash in the manga is adapted well to '98. Tristamp is firmly on the dark angst train tho.

A very interesting composition here.

Instead of Brilliant Dynamites being drawn in full detail, only his head, fingers, and collar well. The speed lines expresses the motion of the ship really well WHILE SHOWING AT THE SAME TIME, how Brilliant Dynamites rose from the dark shadows and captured the ship at the palm of his hand. Nice.

Now, on to the next chapter!

It's a really tiny bit from this panel, but the manga Insurance Ladies always seems to "be ready for action" while their '98 counterparts are more of "think before leaping" with their characterizations.

This is just as awful as it was in '98. Ok... maybe not. The anime draws this out a lot more - the advantage of the medium in amping up the horror.

Same case here.

And here.

Gotta say. '98 was extremely faithful with these panels. No re-arrangement of the sequence or change of lines whatsoever. These panels were just that good especially the next one.

This is just as cool if not more - again because of the contrast.

Hmmm. I like how '98 took liberties here and have the kid mouthing off at Vash.

I LOVE MERYL AND MILLY SO MUCH!!!

Again with the whiplashes but on hindsight, this is just fucking painful. Poor Vash.

The way how it seems like Vash is talking to himself, but really it's just to distract and motivate the kid in to saving everyone on the ship.

Finally! I totally forgot his name. Kaite!

LMAO. Here is another whiplash. However, it's for the best. It's a good thing to acknowledge and regret a mistake. However, moving forward to overcome it is very important too - no matter how painful and awful it's going to be.

I love Vash so much.

...

...

...

WAIT A MOMENT! SO, THE EPISODE WITH THE LADY WHO WAS TRYING TO GET REVENGE ON VASH WAS AN ANIME ORIGINAL?!!! IT WAS FILLER?!

[bomberqueen17]

back to work

So I drove the new Subaru on its maiden thruway voyage yesterday. Dude had helped me turn off the Lane Excursion Warning or whatever, when it beeps at you for going out of what it thinks is a lane? I found it wildly distracting in Tonawanda with the gratuitous roundabouts whose markings confused the cameras, and it drove me nuts. I know where the edge of the road is! Please let me drive the car, if I am over there it is usually for a reason, and that reason means I probably would not like you to beep to distract me.

Anyway. That's off and I can see the indicator that it's off. Great! Also the one where it seizes control of the car if it thinks you're going to get into an accident, that's off. Because that would not have saved me any of the three? times in my life I've been in an accident, and it WILL cause me to get into an accident I super don't need to when it stops the car dead in a driving lane for some reason. (it is probably that "feature" in a car ahead of us in traffic that caused the chain reaction rear-ending that totaled the last Subaru, someone stopped TOTALLY DEAD in WILD overreaction at being cut off at 55 mph, and now I know, some cars will helpfully do that for you, and while it will keep you from rear-ending someone it will also ensure that you in turn get rear-ended, but because of insurance this is of course infinitely preferable. One would think no accident is preferable but that is not now insurance works.)

So anyway. More bells, whistles etc wittering behind the cut.

Dude's mazda has the kind of cruise control where it keeps you a safe following distance behind the car in front of you in preference to actually adhering to the speed you asked it to go, which means you have to be constantly vigilant so that you don't wind up going 40 in a 65 because it so nicely and gradually slowed you down to follow the boat in the slow lane when the passing lane was perfectly open. But I don't mind that so much now that I know to expect it, and I at least figured out how to shorten the following distance so that I was within reasonable passing range as I came up on very slow cars, to prevent my having to camp in the left lane the moment a truck appears on the horizon.

(Guess what people do, now. yeah they just pick a speed and camp in the left lane. fortunately traffic is usually light enough on the thruway that you can pass these idiots on the right. Yes I have a low opinion of most drivers but it is warranted.)

The feature I was not expecting to like so much was Lane Keep Assist. Yes, this is using the same features as the Distracting Lane Beep, but on the Thruway, which is flat and straight and unending, mostly the car can in fact find the lane edges, and it will then mostly steer itself to be between them. this is ENORMOUSLY helpful at avoiding shoulder strain, and at letting you take the cap off your water bottle whenever you like.

The thing that's annoying is that if you don't occasionally attempt to wrestle control gently back, it decides you don't have your hands on the wheel, and will abruptly turn itself off in a huff of beeping. The way my steering wheel is positioned, I can't actually see the bit of dashboard display where it first warns you, so I don't know it's starting to feel neglected until it turns itself off. For the record every time it did this I did in fact have my hands on the wheel, so I was easily able to correct it, but it was very annoying. I guess most people have the steering wheel up higher or lower, so they can see the part of the display where it tells you things, but that might as well be a blank screen for me.

Still, though, i much enjoyed having the car occasionally steer itself while I opened packages of crackers and such.

The downside is that I hydrated well in my delight at being able to open my water bottle whenever I wanted, and they still have fully 3/4 of the rest stops on the Thruway shut down, so I told myself at 9:30 that I'd stop to pee at the next rest stop, and it was 11:00 before I finally made it to the blessed land of Indian Castle Service Area which was actually open and was a fucking zoo because there's nowhere else for 150 miles to fucking pee. WTF.

Anyway. (The Thruway had rest stops every 40 miles or so for my entire lifetime, until the pandemic, during which they decided closing them was the thing to do, and then they decided to demolish and replace all of them with other different but similar buildings, and they decided instead of like, idk, working from one side to the other or something, they'd just close all of them at once so that the entire purpose of having rest stops became moot. It's now year 3 of this project and you can't fucking stop to pee anywhere but you think you're going to be able to so you don't get off the highway because now most gas stations have "out of order" signs permanently affixed to their bathrooms so they won't have to clean them, which is why the rest stops are so useful-- one certainly doesn't purchase fuel there, it's much more expensive than if you get off at an exit, and gas stations mostly don't turn their pumps off. Just their bathrooms. So the rest stops have one job, which they're not doing.)

I got used to several of the car's quirks. It has a weird little chime it does, which I eventually worked out was it letting me know it had acquired or lost a target in its following distance calculation. Ah this is how you're supposed to recognize that it might change your speed, or not. Now I know what the chime means it doesn't bother me.

It was a bit like having a cranky astromech.

So, I got over to my mother's house and we did autumn chores, mostly moving furniture and pots and washing windows and putting in storm windows. Farmsister and BIL spent a lot of time on ladders, fixing gutters, cleaning roofs, etc.; Farmsister even got to don her chainsaw chaps and take down / cut up a tree threatening the driveway, which was undoubtedly good enrichment for her.

I got back to my cabin after dark, and walked in the door and smelled... death or... something stale, idk. it wasn't nice. I checked the mousetraps and nothing was in them, but went out and looked and the bait block had been partly eaten. I think a mouse might have died in my roof. I checked my gas stove all over and decided the smell wasn't leaking gas, the pilot was still lit, so that was okay. So I lit some incense, and lit the stove, and it warmed up the house quite a bit. I was just settling in, the temperature at 61 beginning to approach that of a normal room, when the fire went whoomph and went out.

I decided the gas must be out, and indeed the cylinder felt light. It's a 100-lb cylinder, and when it was installed I could barely move it, but now I can rock it easily. Phooey. So I shut off the handle where it comes into the house, and lit a few candles.

The mice were undeterred by the smell of death and made a racket in the ceiling much of the night. i don't know how they can be so loud. I don't know. You'd think they'd eat the dead one. Maybe they have, the smell is faint.

Today I have a lot to do but maybe I can get my propane cylinder refilled, it's not going to be that cold this week but it's not going to be warm either.

It's 52 in the sleeping loft, which could be worse, but I'm nerving myself up to 1) go use the loo outside, and 2) get dressed downstairs where it'll be significantly colder than 52....

[baeddel]

because i'm playing Bloodborne i can't just write down my thoughts on my computer without getting up to change the HDMI cable around, so i've been taking notes on paper. like a neanderthal. so far my page goes like this:

Flaubert—St. Anthony—'who sees' cannot be St. Anthony in Neb.'s city—but Anthony is 'focalizing' still?

Bloodborne—Gilbert—we misremembered—thinks he can 'die human', already sick—seems important lost use of legs! the scourge!

Symbols—repeating in a bicameral way, w/out knowing their importance—of flowers, virgins cf. Uzumaki

to expand in order:

Gerard Genette proposes the concept of 'focalization' to deal with the fact that 'who speaks?' and 'who sees?' is often different, in a way that isn't captured by the term 'point of view.' basically, we can see through the eyes of a particular character within the story even when they aren't narrating in first person; we understand that the narrator is still conveying their interpretation.

well, throughout Flaubert's Temptation of St. Anthony we are obviously getting St. Anthony's interpretation. in fact, most of the time St. Anthony is also the one speaking. when he isn't speaking we get a lot of explicit descriptions of his reactions to the things just described.

Then many things appear which he has never seen before—black hashes, jellies, the color of gold, ragouts in which mushrooms float like nenuphars upon ponds, dishes of whipt cream light as clouds.

And the aroma of all this comes to him together with the salt smell of the ocean, the coolness of mountains, the great perfumes of the woods. He dilates his nostrils to their fullest extent; his mouth waters; he thinks to himself that he has enough before him for a year, for ten years, for his whole life!

this keeps going as he passed through temptations which strain ordinary perception:

He beholds at one glance, the two ports (the Great Port and the Eunostus), both round as circuses

later there is a long sequence where St. Anthony wanders through a enormous palace belonging to Nebuchadnezzar and encounters fabulously gory scenes:

On the pavement below crawl the captive kings whose hands and feet have been cut off; from time to time he flings them bones to gnaw. Further off sit his brothers, with bandages across their eyes, being all blind.

eventually this elevates to descriptions of the entire city, the entirety of which St. Anthony cannot possibly be the observer:

From the depths of the ergastula arise moans of ceaseless pain. Sweet slow sounds of a hydraulic organ alternate with choruses of song; and one feels that all about the palace without extends an immeasurable city—an ocean of human life whose waves break against the walls.

actually, it occurs to me that Flaubert—or is it Lafcadio Hearn, the translator?—does insure against this boiling over of the perspective, confining the description to what 'one feels' would be true about the entire palace, as though you could guess something like that. later on, the return to St. Anthony's person is called out to help us stick the landing:

Anthony, from afar off, reads all these thoughts upon his brow.

i have nothing to say about it really, just an interesting use of narration.

on the second point, a minor correction to my big post; the player is actually misled about what illness Gilbert has. Gilbert does have the beast plague—we know that because he turns into a beast later. but he explicitly says he doesn't have it: "I can even die human." he says this because he believes that "their [Yharnam's] blood bought me time." he obviously came to Yharnam to seek blood healing from the Healing Church for whatever illness he had, and he thinks it worked. it didn't work; it gave him the scourge and its about to kill him just like it did everyone else in Yharnam. on the second playthrough we can understand the tragic irony in this line of Gilbert's, which on the first playthrough is a red herring.

Gilbert is the only character with a cough that i can remember, so that's probably his original illness. tuberculosis, why not? his other symptoms are side effects of the Healing Church's blood ministration, i believe. he can no longer use his legs. he blames his TB for this, as if to say 'thats how bad it's gotten now', but this is a widespread problem in Yharnam and appears to be an iatrogenic effect of blood ministration.

Gilbert's misunderstanding of his own condition reminds me a lot of Terrare. when Terrare was dying he got in touch with his old doctor and confessed to him that once upon a time, a long time ago, he swallowed a little golden spoon, and he believed that it was now stuck in his intestine and was killing him. it only made sense to him that he would die because of something unusual he ate, since his unusual eating defined his life so much. when they performed an autopsy on him they did indeed find the little golden spoon he talked about. but that's not why he died—he died of TB, like everyone else.

on the last point, there are repeating motifs in Bloodborne. some of these are: small white flowers, blind or veiled female figures, the spade (as in playing cards), perforation. there are lots more than that. these reoccur all over the place: statues, gravestones, architecture, the design on the reverse side of a wheelchair, and so forth. they also have cosmological importance; kin grow out of small white flowers ('lumenflowers') and flowers also have some relationship with the Great One named Flora, blindness is generally important in Bloodborne, from scourge symptoms (bandaged eyes) to blindness or blindfolding promoting higher forms of knowledge (Byrgenworth & the Choir both use it), and women are obviously important to Great Ones for their fecundity. the Spade i don't totally understand, but it represents Communion in the Choir cosmology. finally, perforation is seen on the Amygdala head and on some important otherworldly objects.

regular Yharnamites producing secular textiles cannot possibly know all that stuff, since not even all factions within the Healing Church know about all of it. further, we encounter them with as much frequency in the Chalice Dungeons (ruins of 'classical' civilizations). the implication, to my mind, is that these symbols work a bit like Oedon, expressing themselves through the creative activities of mortals who are ignorant of their origin and significance. they repeat the lexemes of the cosmic language over and over, never learning their true meaning. that's why it reminded me of Uzumaki—people start to, for example, make spiral-patterned pottery, ignorant of their role in the cosmic drama of The Spiral and its will.

it occurs to me that this implies a concurrentist or at least occasionalist theory of causation. Mr. Saito makes spiral pottery because he liked them, but Mr. Saito was also wholly and entirely making spiral pottery because The Spiral willed it. this is how many medieval Christians understood the relationship between God and Nature. i wonder if it has a parallel in Japanese thought?

[selflessanatta]

Is Belief in Rebirth or Reincarnation Essential to Buddhist Practice?, https://selflessanatta.com/is-belief-in-rebirth-or-reincarnation-essential-to-buddhist-practice/

New Post has been published on https://selflessanatta.com/is-belief-in-rebirth-or-reincarnation-essential-to-buddhist-practice/

Is Belief in Rebirth or Reincarnation Essential to Buddhist Practice?

You don’t need to believe in magnetism to use a compass.

Reincarnation is Useful Bullshit

Do I actually believe, as ontological Body reality, that I have actually existed through endless lifetimes?

No. I don’t.

But I don’t need to.

I don’t need to believe in magnetism to use a compass.

Karma still works when I act as if I’ve lived an infinite number of lifetimes, and more importantly, I have a great many more lives yet to go.

Belief in rebirth is not essential to Buddhist practice; however, you need to think and act as if you will take a rebirth based on your actions in this life.

Is there a difference?

I believe so. I can suspend my disbelief and enjoy a movie or written fiction. Why should it be any more difficult to suspend disbelief in rebirth to obtain the benefits of spiritual practice?

What is the value of belief in rebirth? It opens the door to understanding and living my Karma.

Karma is the belief that our actions have consequences. Often the connection is apparent and obvious, but sometimes it’s not.

We don’t always recognize the connection when there is a delay between the action and the consequence.

When we employ selective memory or willful ignorance, we can pretend the connection doesn’t exist at all. This is particularly useful if we want to do something bad in hopes we can dodge the consequences.

And what about those circumstances when something bad happens that doesn’t appear to have any connection to past actions?

When something bad happens to me that doesn’t appear to be in any way connected to anything I’ve ever done in my life, my first reaction is, “Why me God?”

That question opens a doorway to suffering.

Enter Karma.

Karma

Whenever something happens I didn’t want or foresee, I still feel an initial burst of anger.

How dare Fate, Karma, God, (insert anyone other than me) make this awful thing happen?

Am I a victim?

After giggling at my foolishness momentarily, a nanosecond later, I cut it off by reminding myself that whatever occurs, it happens because of actions I took in the past, even if it was lifetimes ago.

Accepting that whatever happened was due to something I did wrong in a previous life has two positive effects.

First, it cuts off the “why me” victim nonsense that makes me feel terrible.

Second, it makes me even more confident that my actions have consequences, which is what I want.

Third, and most importantly, when I consider my future lives, I know that anything I do will return on me at some point, even if it takes thousands of lifetimes.

There is no escape from responsibility.

Moral Compass

People hurt each other for selfish reasons because they believe they can escape it.

If my actions have no consequences, I would pretty much do what I want.

Most religions and cultures invent a Hell as a catch-all insurance policy against getting-away-with-it while you are alive, hoping perhaps this will motivate a few people to “be good” to avoid eternal damnation.

As a concept, it’s become so burdened by legalese, pointless debates on dogma, and philosophical mental masturbation that it no longer has enough emotional impact to scare people straight, assuming it ever did.

Karma is the shackle of personal responsibility every ego wants to avoid.

Yet, it must be chosen.

People have been imposing their Gods on each other since antiquity, forcing them to see the Light by using Dark, usually extinguishing the flames of heathens and heretics if they refused to accept someone else’s Salvation.

It was never about them, the people supposedly being Saved.

Earning Heaven: Parallels Between Pure Land Buddhism and Evangelical Christianity

Buddhism is different: It’s a path of choice.

You either choose to feel Karma’s navigating field or you don’t.

Here’s how it works.

If I truly believed my actions were absolutely going to come back to me in some form or fashion, and there was no escape, none, no dodging responsibility — when I felt that hit my heart — I didn’t want to inflict my selfish desires on anyone.

The Power of Karma is its ability to prevent me from hurting others.

I use it as a mind hack.

A useful tool to drive my motivation toward virtue.

When you learn to navigate by it Karma is an excellent moral compass, a needle aligning your heart True North, pointing you down the Proper Path.

100% Responsible

Once I started navigating by Karma, I took 100% responsibility for everything that occurred to me.

Why? Because if I act unwisely, hurt people, or do bad things, it will return to hurt me.

I don’t want that.

There is no pleading for mercy. Directing consequence to another. I offered rationalizations and hoped the verdict would go my way.

Potential outcomes down the dark path are unpredictable and undesirable.

Perhaps a rival takes revenge. Perhaps a fraud perpetrated years ago is uncovered. Secrets haunt you at night, disturbing your mind.

Emotionally, you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I don’t want that.

Regret: What Responsibility Feels Like

Live-with-no-regrets is the anthem of Desire. It’s not wise spiritual advice.

A life without regrets represents a failure to learn from mistakes.

For many years, I continually inflicted subtle emotional pain on my life partner.

I didn’t feel that pain because I didn’t consider her experience, and I likely would have convinced myself I wasn’t responsible for her reaction.

I felt no regret.

When I looked honestly at the behavior, an unpleasant feeling of revulsion arose.

The deeper I dug, the more intense I felt that pain.

Most people recoil when they feel the unpleasant feelings of remorse.

I use it as a warning sign.

It’s telling me that I am considering a behavior that has caused others pain in the past.

If I continue down this path, I am likely to do something that will make me feel that pain with more intensity.

Don’t do it.

Just say no.

~~wink~~

Anatta

[thechroniclesofahotgirl]

Venus Retrograde

I had just gotten home and threw my stuff down at the table by the door as quickly as I could. My group and I were riding together to the concert and I was the last one to get off work. I knew we were going to be in the grass and I had debated wearing jeans or not all day. I am allergic to grass, so it's always a gamble when I go to the amp. Sweat my ass off, or have an allergic reaction to grass!

I opted for the sweat.

I was going to be sweaty no matter what. Might as well not double down with allergic reactions. I still looked good. I also just realized at this point I had not eaten all day.

I remember being nervous to go to this concert. I was on my second day of work at a new job. An office job where I told them straight up, I need the health insurance and I have about 5 brain cells to rub together - which is still more than the average.

I had waited months for this concert, and I barely remember it.

By the time we were walking out of the door I had landed on light green botched tye-dye cropped tank. I was having a good boob day, and I'll be damn If I would miss a chance to enjoy a low-cut shirt.

Plus my hair was already so dirty, and I did that thing where I gave myself mermaid waves. That is always such a 50/50 shot because sometimes my bangs just aren’t long enough for that, so now I needed the distraction from my forehead.

We were literally in a swamp in central Florida in late July just at sunset. Walking out of the AC felt like stepping through a portal that instantly made your skin wet. I didn’t realize it at the moment, but it reminded me a lot of when we went to our first concert together.

I say that like we went to some fantastic amount of concerts. We went to 2.

Still, I was anxious, hopped up on like 6 cups of coffee, and feeling about as confident as I could. I had also just gotten home from a pretty insane road trip, but I’ll tell that story another time.

Everyone was sweaty by the time we gotten to the secirty check point. I knew this was going to be the kind of show I wouldn't even need to pee because the beer was going to seep through our skin. As if the air wasn’t dense with moister enough already. We climbed across the top of the lawn at the back. There was so little room it kind of worked out that we didnt have a blanekt.

My eyes scoured for a spot like 2 little lasers scaring for an opening in the grass for me to enjoy my glizzy. I thought it was best to at least attempt to not pass the fuck out. I fucking destroyed that thing too. Ended up taking all my lipstick off with it.

The grass, like everything and everyone else was damp. Another perk to wearing dark jeans. It was no joke that 100% humidity was an over 100 degree ft real feel.

I swear even the pavent was sweating.

The crowd around us was already robust and electric. Or maybe it felt that way because Fall Out Boy who (we were seeing) just had a song with Taylor Swift come out that was literally called Electric Touch.

I remember it was not too long before my bra ended up in my purse. Small tits are really the tits sometimes.

For fucks sake though there must have been a homing pigeon chip in your dick.

We could not have been further away from the entrance. You actually did not see us at first. It was not until my friends unsuspecting and forgetful called out your name as you turned away from the bar cart behind us.

I dropped so fucking fast I really don’t think you saw me.

There was a brief moment in time when I just needed to emotionally prepare for the night I was about to have.

Then you and the girl you were with walked over.

I knew I didn’t have to do anything at all though. I could feel your eyes on me like they were inflated cartoon eyeballs popping out of your head and practically knocking me over. I couldn’t blame you. With this kind of heat and with you standing even remotely near me I was feeling it too. Putting us together in an enclosed space eventually would make even the most conditioned air room feel exactly like the swamp creatures we were about to be at that moment.

Everyone made each other acquaintances. At which point my two lovely friends were off to meet up with more of our friends and bring them to our little spot. Leaving me alone with D and his nice coworker. It wasn’t until we were standing there awkwardly that it even hit me that you and I were matching. To my large splotchy light green crop top was your same shade of green light Hawaiian floral shirt. Both are in black jeans with no holes and black and silver belts. I sent a video to M because I knew she would understand both the irony and what was to come.

A night of my least favorite cat and mouse game. You were like a mouse that wanted the attention of a cat that wanted nothing to do with you.

Someone really fucked you over. You loved nothing more than when I wanted nothing to do with you. Which is insane when you consider I was so willing to love you. You have to be deeply, deeply hurt to only feel deserving of attention when it’s negative.

You were the one who wanted to end things, so it's not really like I could have chosen to run up to you, wrap my legs around you as you hugged me, and pick me up off the ground.

So I sat still like a flower while a bee came for nectar and pollen. Or at least I didn’t go out of my way to talk to you or be next to you.

One thing I would give you is that being around you made me feel like a kid. I loved getting to think about nothing but music and who Taylor Swift was singing about while going song for song with a cute boy.

Your coworker seemed to get upset a few times which was confusing since you were single since the last I had seen you a few weeks prior. She would pull you away and I would be enjoying myself and the next thing I’d know is you were next to me, then in front of me, asking me if I wanted a beer. We sang together and you told me fun facts about how the song were we singing by Bring Me the Horizon was structurally similar to a Taylor Swift song.

I thought you were fucking with me until you started singing the Taylor Swift song over the one we were currently singing.

A bit after that I was on my knees facing my friend and looking up at you as you asked if I wanted another. I knew chugging a beer and letting a little drip down my chin was something you thought was hot. I did a little swing and said sure.

Then the Florida heat took over my whole entity.

I added, “Don't you miss when I used to look up to you from this angle?”

You weren’t even taken aback. It was like I had waved the green flag.

I don’t remember exactly how the rest of the night went, but I did remember you got down on your knees, placed your hand on my collarbone, and kissed me.

[vintagemulti]

rainfall

pairings: bradley “rooster” bradshaw x pilot!reader

desc: you’ve always had a thing for your best friend. this mission didn’t help.

warnings: this is quite long😵‍💫, swearing, sex references and innuendos, alcohol and drunkness, death and family member loss, dissociation mentions, i know NOTHING about pilots/flying sorry, this WILL be a series !!!

a/n: someone tell me to stop making series. i beg. this is my little writer brain not being able to watch anything without making a character WHOOPS. anyways, i’ve not seen the first top gun. so. cannon? who? we don’t know her. also i hate called bradley rooster i can’t work out why but i’ll only refer to him as it when flying. soz.

series masterlist

masterlist

you had been in bali when you got the call. you and bradley, in bali, relaxing. but who ever said naval pilots get to relax?

it was something you had gotten far too used to, having to pack up your things and get the first flight back to the states. sure, you had been the one to chose this career and the disruptions you faced were consequences of your own actions, but you had really - really, really - hoped that you didn’t get called up when you did.

two weeks in bali with bradley bradshaw, the highlight of your year. it had been planned for almost a year, which was saying something. normally you and bradley would say you’d do something, and it would never actually end up happening. but no - this vacation had went ahead, and you’d had six days of utter bliss before the dreaded number showed up on your phone.

bradley had been phoned right after you, his reaction being about the same. annoyed, upset but somewhat excited. what the fuck was all this about? both you and him being on the same mission?

and so you had packed all your stuff and made your way back to california, dropped your bags off at your separate apartments and rushed to put together an emergency bag, with your uniforms and workout clothes inside.

that took you up to now, sat in the passenger side of bradley’s new range rover, forty minutes into the drive back to the naval base on lake tahoe. it wasn’t far away now - only ten or so minutes, but the sun was beginning to slowly dip it’s head, ever so slightly.

you were still dressed in your summer clothes, a tight, black dress with white lining and held up by a strap around your neck. it was low cut, a little lower than you’d like for the first time meeting your other teammates, but there wasn’t any time to get changed.

bradley was dressed in the same way, tight white tank top covered in a hawaiian shirt, nude-coloured cargos covering his thighs. and, of course, his aviator glasses. was it really bradley without them?

he turned into one of the roads leading to the hard deck - a bar frequented by everyone within a mile vicinity - and you turned to look at him, right as the sunlight hit him. golden rays washed over his skin, his collarbones shining and under his sunglasses you could see his brown eyes - turned like honey in the light.

you thought he looked beautiful, but you’d never tell him.

“this better be good,” he spoke, breaking the moment of silence. “that hotel cost a fuckin’ fortune.”

rolling your eyes, you nodded. “you’re lucky i remembered we get travel insurance. who was it that was determined we didn’t, again?”

“oh, shut up,” bradley said, but you could see the outline of a smirk on his mouth. “no one ever told me we get that.”

“lies!” you laughed. “they put it in the ads, that if you get called up while away, they pay you back whatever you lost.”

it was bradley’s turn to roll his eyes. “alright, miss ‘i always read the fine print’.”

“at least i can read,” you joked back.

electing to ignore the snide comment he made back, you reached into the passenger side compartment, searching for your own sunglasses - feeling nothing. you looked around the car, sighing in defeat as you realised you must have left your pair at home.

spotting another pair of aviators on the dashboard, you picked them up. “can i borrow these?”

bradley looked at what you were referring to, almost laughing when he saw his spare glasses in your hand.

“go ahead, sugar, i won’t need ‘em.”

putting the sunglasses on, you pushed down the butterflies in your stomach that flew around with the pet name.

the hard deck came into view, looking busy already. it was so loud - you could practically hear the music playing from the jukebox all the way out here.

“takes you back, huh?” you asked.

“that it does,” bradley pulled into a parking spot. “feels like yesterday we were here last.”

“wrong,” you undid your seatbelt. “yesterday we were in a five star villa in bali.”

opening the car door, you stepped onto the concrete, your heels clicking against the ground. why did you wear these again? good god, it would be a long night. bradley joined you, walking towards the front door of the bar. it was so loud now - it was like you were already inside.

he pulled the door open, letting you in first. fireworks exploded all over your body as his hand moved around your waist, letting him manoeuvre himself to be standing next to you. you let him take the lead to where the rest of your team appeared to be, and you watched him walk - his swagger that was just so fucking hot almost making you forget you were stood completely still.

most of the faces you recognised - actually, you recognised all of them. pheonix, hangman, fanboy and payback we’re speaking to bradley, and someone you had recently been introduced to was the first person to notice you.

“rainfall! hey, how’s it going?” bob smiled at you, the other people snapping their heads to look at you as well.

“yeah, alright, how’re you?” you answered, him nodding a reply.

“wow,” hangman spoke first. “both rooster and rainfall arrive late, not in uniform? been busy, you two?”

“about as busy as your mum, hangman.” you retorted, those around you letting out a surprised laugh.

“that’s not the most important question,” pheonix tilted her head. “what the hell is this? what can they possibly be trying do here?”

you furrowed your eyebrows, prompting her to go on; “well, we’re the best there is. who the hell can teach us?”

the question took you by surprise - but it wasn’t irrelevant. the only briefing you had was this was a training program for an intense mission, and only those who had came top of the top gun class would be accepted, so, pheonix was thinking right. who could possible teach the best pilots out there?

a bell rang throughout the bar, interrupting your thoughts. everyone cheered, knowing exactly what the bell meant.

“poor guy,” rooster mumbled. “i’m going to the restroom, get me a drink?”

you nodded, walking over to the bar.

he wasn’t recognisable at first - he looked so different. but it was the eyes that gave it away, he was still young behind the eyes.

“it’s you, then.” you mumbled, taking the empty spot next to him at the bar.

maverick looked at you, realisation hitting when he clocked who you were. “nice to meet you, rainfall. i’ve heard lost about you.”

“so have i.” looking at him, he wasn’t the man you had built up in your head. he looked nicer.

sighing, maverick nodded slowly. “i thought that’s who you came in with.”

“he won’t want you to teach him, you know that, right? you… you ruined his life, maverick. his mum’s, too.” you said, although you knew it wasn’t anything he hadn’t heard a million times already.

“yep,” maverick clicked his tongue. “i thought that would be an issue.”

“he hates you.”

“i know.”

bradley might have hated maverick, but you didn’t. sure, he was an arrogant ass from what you had heard and he destroyed your best friends family, but you personally had nothing against him.

penny walked over to you, interrupting your conversation with her greetings.

“wow, y/n, you’re here too? damn, what a mission.”

“hey, pen,” you smiled. “i know, i know.”

she raised her eyebrows. “must be serious, huh?”

you raised your hands in defence. “i have absolutely no idea what this mission’s about, swear.”

humming in response, she changed the subject; “what’re you for?”

“uhh, a blue WKD for me and the house beer for brad.”

she nodded, looking at the man next to you. “he’s paying, by the way.”

you almost laughed, turning to maverick. “unlucky son of a bitch. you better take a loan out, maverick.”

“how was i meant to know the rules, huh? i’ve not been here in god knows how long.” he grumbled.

both you and penny chuckled as she served your drinks, taking one in each hand and moving away from the bar, you turned to look at maverick again.

“mav,” you called, and he looked around. “good luck.”

he smiled, nodding. you would admit it would be hard work for him, and it must be difficult to teach the boy who’s father you watched die. but then again, he could have declined the job.

spotting bradley, you walked over to him and handed him the glass of beer. he thanked you, face contorting in disgust as you noticed what you were drinking.

“i don’t know how you stomach that stuff, sugar, it’s all sweetener.”

“says the man who threw up after three of them. they’re only like, three percent as well.”

bradley narrowed his eyes. “all sweetener.”

laughing, you walked with him to join the rest of the group. your feet already began to ache with every step you took, straps digging into your ankle. god - it would be a long night.

-

if you were counting how many drinks deep you were, you’d have used up all your fingers. you’d been here for a few hours, at least, the sun was almost setting now.

you could see it from the small window in the bathroom, the blur effect on the window turning the sunset into just colour. you didn’t need to pee or anything, just a minute. it was a fair assumption to say you were an extrovert, and loved to be around people, but the noise of the crowd in the bar had become slightly too loud, especially as maverick had just been thrown overboard.

the sound of a piano playing came muffled through the door, followed by a familiar singing voice. it made you smile; hearing bradley drunkenly scream out ‘great balls of fire’.

washing your hands and quickly drying them, you walked back out of the bathroom and into the crowd, thanking the girl who had been holding your drink for you. you walked towards the piano, seeing bradley completely in his element.

“kiss me baby, ooh! that feels good, good!” he sang, everyone joining in.

leaning against the piano, you joined in, the lyrics coming as a second language, this song was practically indented into your brain.

as you sang, you watched bradley’s hands hit every note perfectly, his fingers tracing the keys with a gentle-harshness, something that just about set you off. a man who was good with his fingers? lord have mercy.

he looked at you, as if on cue, smiling as you sang out the words. bradley took a spilt second to remove his hands from the keys, gesturing to his lap.

you tilted your head. he can’t be serious, can he?

“sit!” he called, hands going back to playing the instrumental section.

maybe it was the drinks you’d had, influencing your system. but it took you the whole of two seconds to decide to follow his order, slipping under his arm and placing yourself down on his lap. people around you whooped, especially the ones in your team. had this happened before? you couldn’t remember through the tipsy-horny-lovesick haze that had clouded your vision.

bradley’s leg bounced, making you laughing against his chest. when he started singing, you joined in with him, your voice coming out as more of a tuned shout compared to bradley’s angelic singing voice.

“kiss me baby,” you looked up at him. that second you made eye contact - that whole second - felt like an eternity. it felt like no one was watching, thay for once the love that remained behind your eyes finally appeared behind his, too.

or maybe that was the vodka shots talking.

“ooh! that feels good, good,” he sang.

you looked away, staring at his hands once again while you sang the words. if you had kept staring, you would have seen the way he looked at you while he sang; “i’ma tell the world that you’re mine, mine, mine, mine!”

if you had seen that, you probably would have melted on the spot.

the song came to an end, everyone cheering for bradley’s fantastic piano performance, yourself included. you fell against his chest, laughing like a schoolgirl. he laughed too, taking his hands off of the keys to embrace you.

was this normal for best friends, you wondered? did everyone do this when they were drunk? the answer: wait and find out.

“i’m gonna get a drink,” you smiled at him, finally standing up.

“alright, darlin’, get me a beer?”

“god,” you feigned annoyance. “one day you’ll pay for your own beers, bradley bradshaw.”

you walked away before you heard his mumbled comeback; “yeah, our wedding day.” but, even if you hadn’t walked away, what would you have done?

walking to the bar, you leaned against it, ordering with penny for the god-knows-how-many-th time that night.

“thanks,” you smiled.

“is that a tan line i see?” penny asked, pouring out a beer.

“yep,” you popped the ‘p’. “i was in bali with brad, was supposed to be there until next week.”

“oh,” she sat down one of the glasses. “but you got called up?”

nodded, you took a drink of bradley’s beer, instantly regretting it. “fuckin’ hate the navy sometimes.”

penny stopped in her tracks. “oh, y/n, did i just hear what i think i did?”

your eyes widened. “no, penny, please, i’m seriously broke right now, i’m begging-”

the bell ringing cut you off. hanging your head, you felt multiple people clap your back.

“oh, no, what do we have here?” bradley appeared at your side, laughing.

“this one,” penny giggled. “was insulting the navy.”

bradley exaggerated a gasp, putting his hands over his mouth. “no!”

“yep!”

“tut, tut, tut, lieutenant l/n!” he joked.

you raised your middle finger in response.

“honestly, rooster,” penny was half way away, walking to serve another customer. “get your girlfriend under control!”

the heat rose to your cheeks, head snapping up. luckily for you, you were ninety-nine percent sure that bradley didn’t hear her, but when you were sober, you’d have to tell her off about almost spilling your decade long secret.

“my god, brad,” you walked away from the bar. “i’m gonna be so broke tomorrow.”

he giggled, a sound your drunk mind would have registered as the trumpets of heaven, the best music in the world - every lovely sound put together. god, how in love were you?

“come on, rainfall,” bradley led you to the table the group were all sat at. “the night is young!”

-

there’s a saying, if you had a dollar for every time this happened, you’d be rich. well, if you had a dollar for every time you’d gotten blackout drunk the day before the first day of training and had to get up at the crack of dawn, you’d have slightly too many dollars. every time, every single time.

as you sat, shoulders straight and hair tied ever so slightly too tight, the commander speaking about something you weren’t properly listening to - the thought of about seventy aspirin was popping into your mind, almost soothing your headache with the sheer thought of it.

footsteps came from behind you, but you didn’t turn around. you knew who it was. instead, you looked at bradley, who was sat in the chair next to you.

as his eyes fell on maverick, you noticed the way his whole smug demeanour fell - for just a moment. you then noticed how he put those walls straight back up, clenching his jaw and shifting in his seat. he cleared his throat, making eye contact with you and raising his eyebrows.

looking away, maverick started speaking.

you must have been truly hungover, because from the second maverick opened his mouth to right now felt like it went by in a blink - you couldn’t tell if you had dissociated the entire time or if you weren’t interested enough to actually pay attention.

zipping up your flight suit, you smiled to yourself. this was your first training exercise for what seemed to be an impossible mission. getting in and out of a thin passage within a minute and a half seemed unrealistic, but compared with the insanely low hard deck and the pull up? you’d be lucky if you made it out alive.

a few planes were already in the air as you stepped onto the tarmac, helmet in hand. looking to your right, you saw two planes, to your left; pheonix and bob doing push-ups.

the exercise was simple; don’t get caught. if you do, you have to do two hundred press ups.

you had almost laughed when maverick set the exercise, how insanely easy it sounded. unfortunately for maverick, he had never flown with you before - he hadn’t quite learnt the meaning of your call sign.

radio chatter sounded from your headset as you climbed into your plane, spotting bradley on the tarmac as well. everyone had insisted you two went last - the top two of the class. even hangman bit back his ego for two seconds to admit that you had finished top of the class, so you should go last.

that’s right, you came top of your class. one of the best pilots of the last decade, apparently. it had earned you quite a reputation, pilots almost always recognising you wherever you went. you were some kind of a legend.

buckling yourself in and triple checking your belts were secure, you pulled your helmet over your head, and your ears were filled with radio chatter. bradley got into the plane next to you, doing the same thing.

“when are we ready to take off, mav?” you asked, closing the top of your plane.

“any time now, rainfall.” he replied.

it was a feeling you always craved, taking off. as a little girl, you used to love going on holiday, just because when the plane would take off and your stomach would turn, it made you smile. from that moment, and from the moment you saw the pilots in all the different documentaries, you knew you wanted to fly planes.

just in a little more extreme way. a way, way more extreme way.

gaining speed, you clicked the needed buttons and flipped the right switches in order to take off, and the tarmac got smaller and smaller as you flew higher into the sky. hearing bradley take off a few moments later, you knew the game was about to begin.

you knew this would be personal for bradley - getting beaten by maverick. anything maverick did to him, it would be personal. you prayed he would be able to separate the pilot from the person, just for a minute.

“good morning aviators,” maverick spoke. “ready to play?”

“oh you are on,” you smiled, still gaining height. “old man.”

bradley laughed over the radio, making you smile even wider.

“for everyone listening over the radio,” you spoke. “get ready to listen to the best flight of your life.”

down on the ground, the rest of the team laughed.

“ready?” maverick asked. “three, two, one… the game has begun.”

you understood the purpose of this exercise - dogfighting. to watch out for yourself while attacking at the same time. playing both offence and defence.

seeing bradley slip into your peripheral, you looked around for the other plane. still gaining height, you hoped to god that your technique would stay reliable.

everything felt like a blur - you were flying so fast, so high, nothing felt real. keeping your eye out for maverick, you swerved through the clouds.

“all alright, rooster?” you hated calling him by his call sign. if felt so… impersonal, weird.

“all good here, rainfall. you?”

you nodded, even though he wouldn’t see it. “no sign of him.”

looking down, you could see bradley underneath you and to the right. he wouldn’t even notice you, if he hadn’t learnt to always look up.

“oh hello, you,” he said, the smugness seeping through the radio.

“hello, rooster.” you smiled.

as you stared down at him, a second plane came into view, far enough away that bradley wouldn’t notice him.

“rooster, on your left!” you called, swerving away as soon as you said it.

“shit,” he mumbled, and you could see him fly away.

“language, folks, come on.” maverick laughed.

“alright grandpa.” you joked back.

looking below you, you could barely see the two planes dogfighting, but from the small glimpse you got, it wasn’t looking great for bradley. maverick was too fast.

“hurry up, rooster,” you spoke your mind. “he’s faster than you.”

“yeah, thanks for that observation.” he grumbled back.

“cheeky.”

from your point of view, the dogfighting was getting even more intense, bradley constantly being tailed by maverick. you hoped once again, that bradley didn’t take this too seriously.

a dial tone broke your thought.

“and rooster, you are out.” maverick spoke over the radio, making you sigh.

“fuck you.”

and there it was; all of your proof that bradley had taken it personally. fuck, this would be a hard one to calm him down from.

“ready to fight, rainfall?” maverick said, and you could almost see his smirk.

pushing everything else in your mind to the side, you let the calm, slightly arrogant side of you take control.

“do you know why my call sign is rainfall?” you asked, already spotting maverick below you.

“i suppose you’re going to enlighten me?”

you let a beat of silence pass, making sure you were in the right position. it was obvious maverick was looking for you, but you were at least fifty feet above him, slightly in front of him. why did no one ever look up?

“or not?” maverick added.

“because,” you paused, gripping your gearstick a little tighter. “rain always comes from above, and you don’t see it until it’s on you.”

with those words, you descended with absolutely no warning. as you came closer to maverick, he seemed obviously surprised, fumbling for a moment to move out of the way so you didn’t fall straight into him.

“jesus, kid,” he mumbled.

“did you know that i came top of my class?” you pulled back up without hesitation, g-force pushing you back ever so slightly.

“yeah, i read it somewhere,” maverick was flying parallel to you. “i wasn’t too of my class.”

“oh, i know,” you somehow managed to keep your tone casual. “iceman, right?”

maverick hummed over the radio, obviously too focused on getting you out.

but your technique was working perfectly. descend on them, climb up, and when the least expect it….

pulling away, you circled around maverick, seeing the outline of a target appear in your helmet. he hadn’t even realised what you had done.

a dial tone sounded through the radio silence, everyone on land holding their breath - even bradley.

“you,” a voice cut through the radio. “are out. good game, maverick.”

the people on ground cheered almost loud enough for you to hear all the way up in the air.

“what the hell?” maverick was in disbelief. “what?”

“i’ll see you on ground, mav.”

-

the sun was already setting by the time maverick had finished his press ups. he must not have taken in personally, offering to buy you a drink for how well you had flown.

but you didn’t want a drink, you were too concerned with other things. it had been hours since the training had ended, and bradley was still outside, doing press ups.

you walked onto the tarmac, out of your flight suit and in casual clothes, the figure of bradley noticeable - everything still apart from him.

he was shaking, sweating, almost sunburnt. the most noticeable thing was his red eyes, they were so red you thought he must have burst a blood vessel.

“bradley?” you called, getting closer to him. he didn’t answer.

walking right next to where he was, you sat down. sat, right on the hot tarmac - it heated up your legs. “bradley, please,” you called again.

this wasn’t new - for him to do exercise until he just about burst. some people punch walls, some people drink - bradley worked out. maybe it was just as unhealthy as every other coping mechanism.

his arms were so shaky, he almost couldn’t even keep himself up right. you wanted right then and there to take him into your arms, let him cry his heart out and tell him that one day - one day in the future - it will get easier.

as if he could hear your thoughts, he stopped. collapsed onto the ground, arms finally giving in. you could hear him, choking out sobs between breaths - it just about broke your heart.

“come here,” your fingers brushed his arm, and it was like he just needed the instruction to do so, because he moved into your arms and clung onto your shirt, just like a baby.

you didn’t care where you were. no one was looking, anyway. everyone went home or went elsewhere hours ago, you and bradley were most likely the only two people left there.

“what is it?” you cooed, gently running a hand through his hair.

“he- my dad, he- maverick-” and that was all he had to stutter out for you to understand.

“i know, i know,” you bent over him, almost encasing him in your body. kissing his head, you repeated the phrase over and over again.

it was in that moment that for the second time in twenty four hours you thought to yourself - is this normal for best friends to do? it is, right? like, you would do it for any of your other friends?or maybe that’s what you liked to tell yoursef to deny the simple fact;

you were in love with bradley bradshaw, your best friend.

[darkmulti]

hi, can you write yandere! bts reaction to you slapping them in an argument please?

⚠️: Yandere!BTS, slapping, implied smut, manipulation

-> sorry for any mistakes

»»———————————- ♔ -———————————««

Jin

Jin was once again, being narrow minded. “It was for work, Jin! I wasn’t working with him for fun, it’s our job. I can’t believe you punched him in the face. You embarrassed me in front of everyone!”

“Great! If you’re embarrassed, quit your job! So you never have to see them again!

“I’m not quitting! You can get that out of your head! I would leave you before quitting-” a hard slap cut you off. You instinctively covered your stinging cheek and took a step back. You were in a state of shock. Yes, you and Jin had petty arguments here and there but they never got physical. By the end of the day, you guys worked it out. However, after he laid his hand on you, you knew it was over. You looked up at him and slapped him right back. “Fuck you! We’re over.”

You turned around and ran upstairs to your shared bedroom. This house was under Jin’s name so it was you who has to go. You grabbed your suitcase and started packing all your clothes. Jin rushed into the shared room and pulled your suitcase away. He dumped all the clothes on the ground and threw the suitcase across the room.

“You’re not fucking leaving! Hang up all these clothes. Stop overreacting like a pathetic little bitch.”

You scoff and get off the floor. “I’m a ‘pathetic little bitch’?! Says my insecure husband.”

“You won’t be able to survive without me. No other man would be able to spoil you like I do. I’ve given you the high life, now obey me in return.”

“I’m not your slave, I don’t have to fucking listen to you.”

“Do you pay the bills in this house?! Do you buy the groceries?! Do you pay for insurance?! No? Then, shut up. You wouldn’t have anything if it weren’t for me. You’d probably be living on the streets if I didn’t take you in. I was the one who made sure you got that job because I knew it would make you happy. If it weren’t for me, those guys would’ve laughed in your face, Y/N. All you do is go to work, flirt with your co-workers and act all big shot around me. The least you could do is respect me and our relationship.” With that, he slammed the door shut, leaving you alone while you questioned your worth.

Yoongi

It started off as a calm and quiet evening but as soon as your phone vibrated, it quickly changed.

You began working for a new company and your new boss has been up your ass. He treats you like a personal assistant and it was pissing you off. You noticed that you were the only one who was being treated like this and it angered you. Once you’re clocked out, you don’t like to be disturbed unless it’s urgent. But your boss doesn’t seem to understand that and asks you to do work while your clocked out. You obviously refuse because why should you do work if you’re not getting paid?

Anyways, he’s always texting you about how to do different kinds of paper work, who’s working, who’s not working, how to hire people, ect — he should know how to do all of it because he’s the boss. When your off work, he’s texting you ever 10-15 minutes, asking for help. You’re tired of it, but can’t really do anything about it. You can’t quit just yet because you’re trying to prove to your boyfriend that you don’t need him to survive.

Yoongi has always underestimated you. Man literally thinks that you’re dumb. One night, you both got into a heated argument and he told you that you wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for him. The very next day, you went to a bunch of job interviews and got hired on that same day.

It’s been two weeks at your new job and ever since, your phone is always blowing up thanks to your boss. Even at 10pm, your boss is texting you about work. Yoongi became annoyed because you were always on your phone. You guys got into another argument about this so now, you hide your phone from him so he can’t see the notifications.

Ever since then, things have been a little better. Tonight was movie night and you foolishly had your phone in your hand. Throughout the movie, your phone was lighting up and vibrating multiple times and a Yoongi was tired of it.

“Who the hell are you texting now?!” He snatched your phone out of your hands and when he saw that it was your boss, he threw your phone against the wall. “I told you to block that man! Yet, you go against me and continue to text him! Are you sleeping with him? Are you cheating on me with him?!” He screamed, making your heart leap out of your chest.

You didn’t say anything. Instead you ran to the door. You didn’t want to deal with him anymore. You deserved better. You tried to leave but he slammed the door on your fingers and pulled you back inside. You slapped his face and tried leaving again but he grabbed your hair and pulled you down to the basement.

“You made me do this to you. I warned you plenty of times to stay off your phone but do you listen to me? No. I’ve given you too much freedom and now you don’t know how to behave. That stops now.”

Hoseok

“Get up. Boss wants to see you.” The guards said, pulling you up by your arms and dragging you out of the cell. “Boss my asshole. Who does he think he is? Kidnapping me for no good reason. I just wanted coffee and now I’m god knows where!” The guard chuckles at your bratty behaviour. “Just a little advice, don’t talk to boss like that. He’ll blow your brains out.”

“Shut up, muscle head. Don’t tell me what to do.” The guard stops and aims a gun at your head. “Do it muscle head. Your boss will be so proud of you.” You said sarcastically. “Shut your mouth and keep walking. I may not be allowed to kill you but I can still still hurt you — really badly.”

“Are you threatening me muscle head?” You turn around, ready to scrap with the guard. He may be a lot bigger than you, but you’re a lot smarter and clever.

“Hey, hey, do we have a problem here?” A familiar voice interrupted. You turn around and your heart drops when you see his face. “No, boss. She’s just refusing to-”

“Hoseok?” You cut the guard off and step back. “Oh, so you still remember me?” He smirks and walks towards you but you keep walking back. “What do you want from me?”

“Isn’t the answer obvious? I want you back.”

“No! I broke up with you because you’re crazy. Leave me alone now. I’m a different person. I’m not the same Y/N that you manipulated and controlled. I left her behind. Now let me go!”

Hoseok cornered you. There was no where to run. “Are you sure that you left her behind? You’re claiming that you changed but you’re still very naive, darling.”

His words made your blood boil. Hoseok mentally and emotionally abused you. With the help of therapy, you were able to pick up and put your broken self together. You thought that you’ve become a stronger person, but as soon as you saw his face, your confidence was washed away.

“I- I told you, I’m different now!” You tried to sound brave, but your facial expression sold you out. Hoseok wasn’t dumb; he knew you were scared shitless. “So, show me that your a different person. How will you escape me this time, darling?” He traps you in between his arms and leans in close to your face. In a panic, you slapped him across the face and made a run for it.

You somehow managed to get out of his large mansion, but Hoseok was running after you the whole time. You tried losing him at sharp turns and big crowds, but he was right on your ass. You saw a security guard and bolted towards him. “Sir, sir! There’s a- a man...” you said, to catch your breath, “a man chasing me. He kidnapped me. Please, I need your help.”

“That’s enough darling.” Hoseok caught up to you and without a second thought, you hid behind the security guard. “Sir, please! Arrest this man! He kidnapped me!”

The security guard was ready to take action until he saw the man’s face. “M-mr. Jung?! Sir, I had no idea that she was running from you! Sir, I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!” The guard grabbed your arm and pushed you to Hoseok.

The commotion had everyone watching. The security guard was on his knees with his hands interlocked together. “Please spare my family and I. Mr. Jung it was an honest mistake.”

“What the hell?” You quietly muttered. “You see that, darling. Everyone is afraid of me. So you can run all you want, but you can never ever hide from me.”

Namjoon

After a long week of work, your husband wanted to treat you to dinner. You’ve both been extremely busy due to your hectic schedule and it’s caused you both to drift apart. The only time you see Namjoon is in the morning and before going to bed.

It was Friday evening and you were getting ready for date night. You wore a gorgeous dress that was somewhat revealing but you were fine with it. You just wanted to look good for your husband.

You both agreed to meet at the restaurant and when Namjoon saw you, his jaw dropped. He possessively wrapped his arm around your waist and guided you to your private table. It was outside on a balcony. You guys had an ocean view, the weather was perfect and the stars were out. It was super romantic.

The date was perfect until the waiter started checking you out. Namjoon was visibly annoyed by the waiter but kept it to himself until he left. “Why did you have to wear that dress? Are you doing this on purpose? So other guys can check you out?” You were taken back by his questions. “No, I wore this dress for you, not for some random men.”

Namjoon scoffed and bit the inside of his cheek. “When will you stop lying?” He mumbled, but you were able to pick it up. “I’m not lying, Joon. And quite frankly, I’m hurt that you think I’m doing this for other men. You’re making me feel bad about myself.”

You got up and left but he followed behind. You walked out of the restaurant and got into your car. You drove back home without giving Namjoon a second glance. Once you arrived home, Namjoon pulled up next to your car. You both entered the house in silence.

Namjoon’s phone began ringing so, he went upstairs to answer it. After tidying the house, you went upstairs and overheard his conversation. “We could’ve had a wonderful night, but my wife doesn’t know how to dress.”

Now, he’s pissed you off. You slam open the room door, grab his phone and hang up. “Do you enjoy putting your own wife down?! Do you enjoy humiliating her?! I wore this dress for you! I wanted to look good for you! I wanted you to complement me and tell me I look pretty but instead you slut shame me!”

Out of anger, you slap him across the face. “I want a divorce. I’m not staying with someone who made me feel like complete shit. You can keep this house, I don’t want anything from you.”

Namjoon looked down and started to laugh. His laugh gradually got louder and it started to creep you out. You took a couple steps away from him but he noticed and grabbed your wrist. “You want a divorce? So you can go back to that restaurant and gets that waiters number? Over my dead body. You’re never leaving me. If I have to hurt you, I will.”

Jimin

“Jimin! Stop it! You’re overreacting!”

Jimin dragged you out of his friends house and pushed you into the car, creating a scene. Everyone was watching him degrade you for not wearing your wedding ring.

“You forgot?! What kind of wife do I have?! Are you dumb?! How could you forgot to wear your wedding ring?! That ring shows everyone that you’re mine!”

Jimin was full on screaming in your face and you couldn’t handle it. You broke down crying into your hands. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you! It truly wasn’t my intention.” You were beyond terrified. You didn’t want to go home because you knew he would punish you. Even though he humiliated in front of everyone, you’d rather stay around people than go home and be alone with him.

You were about to go down on your knees until he slapped you and dragged you along. You tried getting out of his grip and in the process you accidentally slapped him. It wasn’t a hard slap or anything, you were just trying to get away. But of course, Jimin made it a big deal.

“First, you forgot your wedding ring; second, you flirted with all my friends and now, you slapped me?! Why don’t you want to leave, huh?! Who are you sleeping with?! Who are you trying to replace me with?!”

“No one! I didn’t mean to slap you! I’m sorry!” You were crying your eyes out. You’ve never seen Jimin this aggravated. You were afraid of what he might do to you so, you gave in because you didn’t want to worsen your punishment. He pushed you into the car and slammed the door shut. Throughout the car ride, his hand squeezed your thigh.

“You don’t even know what’s coming your way. Just wait till we get home” He muttered, causing your heart to drop into your stomach.

Taehyung

“Taehyung! Let me go! People are going to notice that I’m missing! You can’t keep me here forever!” You yelled, banging on the metal door.

It was your foolish mistake; trying to break up with him at his house. The moment you told him you want to part ways, he grabbed you and pushed you into the basement. Of course you fought back, but miserably lost against him. Now it was a game of waiting. Waiting for someone to notice your presence missing.

- 3 days later -

It been a couple days and you’re still locked in the basement. There was no clock or a window so you couldn’t keep track of time. Taehyung hadn’t come downstairs to check on you either. You were starving and living off the bathroom tap water. You were lying on the ground, looking lifeless when the heavy metal doors opened.

“Are you done playing your childish games?” Taehyung asked, crossing his arms. “You should be asking yourself that question, Taehyung. I’m not playing any games. I’m serious when I say I want out of this relationship.”

Taehyung closed the doors and walked towards you. He grabbed your shirt and pulled you close to his face. “All the years we spent together, you wanna throw it all away, angel?”

You turn your head away from him, avoiding his dark orbs. Taehyung noticed you avoiding his eyes so he pushed you against the wall and leaned in close to your face. “Look at me when I talk to you, angel. Or are you scared?” You were on the verge of tears but you didn’t want to appear weak in front of him. You looked him straight in the eyes and muttered, “get away from me.”

“You don’t tell me what to do, angel...” he grabbed your ear and tugged on it, “I’m your master. You listen to me.” His deep voice sent chills down your spine. You were close to dropping on your knees and submitting to him out of fear. But you didn’t. You couldn’t show him that you’re weak. “Taehyung, I’m serious! Get away from me!”

Taehyung frowned. You were really getting on his nerve. Was he not a good boyfriend? He spoiled you with gifts, spent all his time with you and he never cheated on you. What was he doing wrong? He thought to himself. “Why is my perfect, little, angel acting out? Look at me, angel. Tell me what I did wrong? Did you fall out of love? Did you find someone new?”

You look at him, dumbfounded. “Taehyung, you’re trying to control me! You’re making my decisions for me. I can’t go out alone, and if I do, you stalk me! Then you get possessive for no reason! You almost killed my bestfriend because he gave me a hug! You take things too far and you don’t trust me even after being together for years! You just want to control my life and feel like I’m suffocating when I’m with you.”

You could see fire in Taehyung’s eyes. He raised his hand, ready to slap you but before he could, you slapped him and ran for your life. You were light headed and weak, however if Taehyung finds you, you’ll face severe consequences.

Jungkook

Jungkook was going on and on about you going out with your male bestfriend.

You texted Jungkook last minute because you knew if you had told him earlier, he wouldn’t allow you to go. You simply messaged him, “I’m going out with Namjoon, I’ll be home by 6pm.”

Jungkook was livid. He called you multiple times but you were too scared to pick up. Finally, his 7th attempt was when you decided to pick up.

“Where the fuck are you?! I’m coming to pick you up right now.”

“Jungkook we just came to the restaurant, I’m not leaving.”

“Do you think it’s appropriate to go to a restaurant with another man?! What if people think you guys are dating, huh? You’re a fucking cheater. Tell me your location, now!”

“For the love of god, I’m not cheating on you! Namjoon and I have known each other since middle school. I’ve known him longer than I’ve known you. We are nothing but friends.”

Jungkook was pissed. He hung up the phone and went home. He poured himself a glass of whiskey before sitting down on the couch. He was waiting for your arrival. It was 5:54pm when the front door opened. You were right on time.

“See, I told you I’d be back by 6pm. I don’t know why you have to make everything such a big deal.”

“While I’m working my ass off, you’re out with another man.” He said, putting the glass of whiskey down.

“I work too, Jungkook. And I’m a full time student. If you want to get even with me, go out with your female friends. I wouldn’t mind at all. As long as they remain friends.”

Jungkook stood up and starting walking towards you. “So, you can cheat, but I can’t?” A taunting smile took over his face.

“Again, Jungkook? I am not cheating on you! Namjoon is just my close friend. That’s all. Nothing more or less.” You said, crossing your arms and unconsciously stepping back.

“Stop lying. Just tell me now and maybe I’ll forgive you.” You scoff and roll your eyes. “I don’t have time to deal with you, Jungkook. I’m tired.”

“Yeah, because you were fucking around with Namjoon, right?”

You couldn’t take it anymore. You turned around to leave but Jungkook pulled you back, harshly. Instinctively, your hand landed a heavy slap on his face. Unexpectedly, Jungkook slapped you right back — but a lot harder.

You winced as you held your warm cheek. Hot tears gliding down your face. Without thinking twice, you made a run for the door but Jungkook tackled you to the floor.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?!”

You can make your own ending:)

[rafescoke]

hi ! i'm obsessed with your work ! <333 can i request a rafe cameron x reader

the reader is always there for rafe when he's sick or in trouble but rafe doesn't really show any reaction or gratitude from the reader's affection - but when reader goes sick (or nosebleed) he immediately begins to worry/make sure reader is okay. basically fluff !

August ; Cupcake! Rafe Cameron

masterlist

Read Cupcake if you haven't before you start this fic!

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x reader

Summary: In which Rafe cares more for the girl he likes rather than himself.

Warnings: Extreme fluff! Mentions of alcohols and drugs, Rafe Cameron being a complete sweetheart

A/N: After a week full of nothing but angst I've decided to give y'all what y'all have been screaming for; fluff. Thank you for all the love over my stories, I love you more than anything else in the world <3

p.s, I'm so sorry @blank-velvet if this isn't what you had in mind :(

"Hello, beautiful."

(Y/N) rolls her eyes, giving him a side smile as she locks her front door. "You're late today."

Rafe pouts, pulling her into a hug as he breathes into her scent. She doesn't smell like cupcakes anymore, thank god, because he can't take another few hours of flashbacks of him whisking the batter.

Turns out, the children's home becomes a fortnight habit for the both of them. They would bring so many cupcakes for the kids and spend the new 2 hours chatting and playing games.

Rafe hates to admit this, having to show the soft side of his, but he likes it. Every single bit of it; children telling him he's the best person in the world and how they like his frosting over (Y/N)'s because his were more 'unique'.

"Are you thinking of another girl?" (Y/N) teases, poking him by his side. Rafe looks down to her height with a shocked expression and shakes his head.

"Never."

"Yuck," she replies, but she's smiling. She keeps her hands in his, loving the way his fingers are wrapped around hers. His metal rings knock against hers, and she can feel the slight tightening every time the light turns red.

She wishes she can assure him that she'll never leave his side, no matter what happens. She knows how hard his life is for him, dealing with his family and his addiction, and she swears to be in his life until he's okay.

"I don't want you to leave once I'm okay."

"I don't mean it that way, Rafe. I'm just saying that if you decide to find anyone else after this whole bullshit ends, I'll be fine."

Rafe shook his head, "I don't want anyone else, (Y/N)."

"Now you're thinking of a guy," Rafe rolls his eyes playfully, turning into a corner before stopping directly before a fancy restaurant (Y/N) can't roll her tongue to call it. He steps out, helping her to her feet, and proceeds to give his car keys to the butler.

"You don't have to pay 30 dollars for valet parking," (Y/N) rolls her eyes. "I'm perfectly fine with walking a long distance, you know."

"Not in that heels," Rafe answers, pointing to her pink mules. "You'll get your dress dirty too."

Rafe escorts her to their table by the beach with her arms in his, and the couple never looked so beautiful. Rafe's hair is left messy today, since (Y/N) likes it that way, and anything that (Y/N) likes, Rafe will try to obey.

"We can eat at Fraiser's and I'll be happy, Rafe. This is too much."

Fraiser's is Obx's famous burger shop located in The Cut, and sometimes even the kooks would come down to the other side of the island to enjoy the food.

(Y/N) stares at the beach, hearing its calming waves and turns to Rafe. He's still admiring the view, his lips pulled into a charming smile, and (Y/N) has the urge to kiss him.

"I want to," he says. "I'm glad we met."

The candle burns brightly by the side of their table as he gazes into her eyes, feeling himself getting lost in them. Her (E/C) eyes are mesmerizing, and it had struck him.

"Stop. You're getting all mushy mushy."

The dinner is perfect. To (Y/N)'s surprise, Rafe had requested her favorite song to be played by the band earlier. When the starting melody to August by Taylor Swift starts playing, she's basically gaping at Rafe.

"Shut up! You did not!" she hits him on his arms as he laughs.

"I thought you'd like it," he shrugs, stuffing his mouth with the garlic bread. "Do you like it?"

"Are you crazy? I love it, Rafe!"

Before Rafe can process his mind to what she just said, she pulls him into a hug from the other side of the table, and the other diners glance at the sudden sound of a chair scraping against the wooden floor and clanking of cutleries.

Rafe relaxes, "You're embarrassing us."

She pulls away, her face red, but Rafe holds her tightly.

"It's okay. I like it. Embarrass us even more, please."

(Y/N) feels like she's in heaven, soaring high above the clouds with Rafe by her side. Her life can't be more perfect; being in a close relationship with the boy he likes, doing so many things together she feels like they were married already.

Keyword: close relationship. He never proposes her to be his girlfriend, and she's too afraid to bring it up.

But whatever they're having now; she loves it. More than anything else in the world.

"Let's go to the beach."

"Okay," she giggles, gathering her clutch and her forgotten shoes somewhere under the table. She feels like leaving them, but the heels were one of the many presents from Rafe a few weeks ago, and she intends to keep them until the day she dies.

She stops, placing the clutch against his chest. "Have you paid?"

Rafe looks up to her, "Nah."

"Go pay."

"No."

"Rafe!" she widens her eyes, closing her mouth with her hands. "They'll catch us!"

"Not if we act like we've paid. Come on, they know me. They wouldn't suspect me of fleeing before paying."

She bites her lips nervously, but her heart is thumping wildly against her chest. Fleeing away from paying is never on her bucket list, but she always likes watching these kinds of scenes on the big screen.

"Okay. Fine."

"Okay, sweet. Come on."

He pulls her hands in his as he walks towards the exit. The waiter close to them bows, giving them his thank you, and when (Y/N) feels like they're safe, a loud voice from behind them shouts.

"Sir! Madam! Have you paid?"

(Y/N)'s grip around Rafe's hands tighten, but Rafe is a natural at lying. She wonders if he ever lied to her before.

"We have, a few minutes ago. This is a very bad moment for me and my wife, we are catching a flight back to Paris in an hour and you're wasting our time."

(Y/N) looks at him, gawking. His wife?

(Y/N) isn't sure if his lie would get them out of this situation, because his fake British accent does not sound anywhere near British and no English couple would spend their summer in a place like Obx.

The manager, (Y/N) assumes takes a step back, bowing down to them. When he looks up at them, he still has the curious glint in his eyes.

"Can I get your name?"

There's a long silence between them, and (Y/N)'s getting more and more nervous. "Coke." she blurts before she can stop herself.

"Coke?"

"That's her nickname, right, my love? It's not coke, my dear, it's Cookie," Rafe sighs and turns back to the manager. "I'm sorry. She had had a few drinks tonight."

"Sir," the same waiter that had muttered his thanks to them says, standing beside the stern manager. "They haven't paid."

"Run!" Rafe exclaims, running towards the exit with (Y/N) in his trail. There are shouts behind them, but they don't stop, running for dear life until the music from the band playing sounds a distance away.

Eventually, the gravel turns into sand, and they stop running. (Y/N) is the first one to laugh, throwing her head back and pulling him into a hug.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you, Rafe, that's the best thing that has ever happened in my life!" she exclaims, placing her arms around his neck. The adrenaline from before is still flowing at a fast pace, and she never felt more alive.

Rafe smiles, catching his breath. He let her in his arms, smoothing her locks and lifting her slightly from the ground.

"Let's go in the water!" she says excitedly, pulling him towards the waves.

The cold saltwater pools around their ankles as they stand in the water, intertwining their fingers. (Y/N) looks up at him, watching as he stares at the darkness ahead.

She looks in the direction he's gawking at and sees the silhouette of a huge boat somewhere in the distance.

"What's wrong?" she asks, tugging at his hands.

"Someday, (Y/N), I'll bring you around the world."

She smiles. Always the charmer, that one.

"Rafe!" She suddenly shouts, bending down and letting the water soak her dress. "Something bit me!"

Rafe snaps back to reality, holding her in place and trying to find the mysterious creature in the water. Can a piranha get this far?

"I don't see-"

(Y/N) cuts him off by splashing the water at him, and he steps back with a shock.

"You'll regret doing that."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"I'm not feeling anything."

"Get ready."

"For what?"

Rafe splashes her with a larger amount of water and uses the stalling time as she gasps and tries to get away from him by pulling her down into the water.

"This," he laughs, watching as she screams playfully. She's between his legs now as they sit peacefully, letting the water soak their expensive clothes.

"I'm sorry I'm ruining the dress you bought for me."

"It's okay. It's just Dior. Besides, I'll probably ruin it by-"

"Later," she cuts him off, placing her pointer on his lips to silence him. "Let's just watch the ocean."

And Rafe obliges.

A walk back to your home doesn't take long when you're in love. (Y/N) has Rafe's hands in hers, swaying them back and forth as they skip back to her apartment.

"I'm not going to be responsible for your car if it goes missing, Rafe."

He smiles, "It's okay. I have insurance."

She's on cloud nine; singing along to August and letting Rafe twirl her around under the night sky full of twinkling stars.

"I love this," she whispers, stopping midway. "Thank you, Rafe."

"For what?"

"Being the best."

He kisses her cheeks in response, "Always."

Just before they can continue their walk back to her apartment, a familiar blue mustang pulls up beside her, and Rafe pulls her to his other side in reflex.

He waits until the car window pulls down, revealing a half-drunk boy with his black hair messily slicked back.

(Y/N)'s breath hitches, and she pulls Rafe closer to her.

"What do you want?" Rafe sighs. "Can't you leave her alone?"

"Rafe," she whispers, pulling him in alarm. Out of all the time in the world, her ex-boyfriend decides to surprise them after a good night full of good memories.

Jack ignores Rafe and stares at (Y/N), smiling in a taunting way. "Hey, (Y/N), why are you all wet?"

"Rafe," she pulls him again.

"Come on, I'm just asking," he laughs. "I thought you liked getting wet."

"Fuck off," Rafe says, gritting his teeth. His chest heaves with every breath he takes, and he longs for the moment to connect his fist with his smug face.

"Aw, come on Rafe, you used to be so fun," Jack fakes pout, sighing. "Now you're all up in her ass. Does she feed you bone?"

Rafe steps forward, but (Y/N) quickly pulls him back.

"Does she beg you to go to the some children's shit too?"

Rafe stalks forward again before (Y/N) can help it, and launches Jack's car door open. He topples over from leaning over and not wearing the seatbelt, and Rafe uses the chance to throw him on the road.

"Wanna talk shit again, asshole?" Rafe yells, pushing him as he staggers backward. Jack clutches onto his chest, holding a hand up and moving backward.

(Y/N) cries, waiting for Rafe to come back. As Rafe turns away to go with her, Jack takes the free time to bring him down to the road again and throws a punch against his face.

"Jack! Let him go, please!"

Rafe groans, feeling his bones cracking, but he's too fueled by the snickering Jack had made toward (Y/N). He turns him over and continues his punches against the thrashing boy.

(Y/N) pulls Rafe's arms, not wanting him to get hurt, but the pull is so strong that when he finally lets go of Jack, she topples backward and falls straight on her bottom.

He gushes out beside her, "You're okay? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push you!"

Jack scatters into his car again, muttering a curse word under his breath and saying something along the lines of 'I'll get back at you, Cameron' before speeding off into the night.

(Y/N) groans, rubbing her legs and turns to Rafe. She gasps, holding his face in her hands. "Oh my god! Your nose, Rafe!"

Rafe grunts, pushing her hands away. "I'm fine. It's just a nosebleed. You scraped your thighs!"

"Just the side of them," she mumbles, glancing at the ripped part of her used-to-be beautiful midnight blue dress. "Let me see your nose."

"No."

"Please."

He sighs and lets her examine his broken nose. His eyes are red, and (Y/N)'s sure there's some kind of a broken blood vessel in there, and there are bruises starting to form under his eyes.

To compare with her pain, Rafe is a hundred times worse.

"Jesus Christ, we have to get you to the hospital."

"No!" Rafe exclaims, pulling her hands away from his place. "No, please. I hate hospitals, you know I do. Let's just get home."

(Y/N) sighs, knowing there's no way she can win this fight against Rafe and helps him to his feet. She staggers backward, feeling the sudden pain coursing through her from the gash on her side.

"Oh god, you're losing so much blood."

"No, I'm not. I'm perfectly fine. It's just a scratch," she bites her lips.

"Let me carry you." he stops her.

"No! You're an idiot. If anything, I'm the one who's supposed to carry you," she rolls her eyes and turns to look at him again. "Rafe, you're crying blood. Let's get to the hospital."

"I'm not, I just drink too much red wine."

"It doesn't work that way. Please, Rafe? I'll be there with you the whole time."

Rafe sighs, and after a long time of thinking and weighing his options, he nods.

"If they start telling me to open my clothes, I'll head out. I will only remove my clothes from you tonight."

He can still joke around at a time like this?

(Y/N) bites her lips, "You will do exactly what the doctor says."

"You're my doctor," he shrugs. "Be my doctor?"

(Y/N) decides, with Rafe limping beside her, walking towards the hospital will be the stupidest idea ever. She orders an Uber, and before the driver can ask why they're booking to go to the hospital at 11p.m. on a Friday, he speeds away when he sees the sight of Rafe.

"It's not too late to just go home," Rafe mumbles against her neck. Her hair tickles his nose, but he likes it like that.

He feels safe. Protected.

"We're not sleeping in my apartment tonight."

"Can I still make love to you in the hospital?"

"We'll think about it."

(Y/N) pays the driver, muttering her thanks, and attends to a groaning Rafe again. One of his eyes is shut, and the other is fighting its best to stay awake.

The EMTs grab a wheelchair for Rafe as soon as she pulls him in through the automatic door, and when (Y/N) finally lets go of him, he shouts over the loud orders of the workers.

"She needs to stay with me or I'll die!"

One of the technicians looks at (Y/N), and she sighs. "I'm sorry. We got into a fight, and I think he's just not thinking straight right now."

She nods and asks (Y/N) to wait for him in the waiting room.

Half an hour later, with a coffee from the 24 hours cafeteria near the emergency room in her hands, the doctor finally calls for her attention. She stands up, her dress sticking to her bloody wound, and she winces from the pain.

"Why didn't you tell us!" the doctor sighs, pulling her into the same room he brought Rafe in. Rafe isn't in there, and (Y/N) can't help but search around.

"He's okay. He's sleeping. He's suffering from subconjunctival hemorrhage. It's nothing serious, really, but we decided to keep him under our watch for one day."

(Y/N) nods, slightly relieved, and let the doctor removes her skirt so he can take a better look at her wound.

He clicks his tongue, "What's your name?"

"(Y/N)."

"Okay, (Y/N), we called for your boyfriend's parents and they'll be here in an hour. Do you have any parents I can contact?"

"I'm okay. I'm not suffering from any hemorrhage."

The doctor sighs, "I know. But you just confessed to being in a fight, so I have to get the parents involved. It's protocol."

Fuck.

(Y/N) mumbles out her brother's phone number, and she hopes against hope he's out with his friends and getting drunk so that she wouldn't have to face her family.

"Okay. Do you want to see your boyfriend?"

"He's not my boyfriend. But yes, I want to see Rafe."

(Y/N) holds out his hands as she sits beside his sleeping form. She smiles, grazing her fingers across his soft skin as he breathes peacefully.

"I'm awake now."

She pulls her hands away, gasping slightly at his tired voice.

"Come on, hold me again."

She rolls her eyes, but her fingers are around his again. "We look so corny."

"I know. Wanna know something cornier?"

"What?"

"Take that thing out of my pocket. No, not that, that's my dick, (Y/N), my pocket, yes, yes, take that box out."

(Y/N) holds out the small box in her hands, letting the white light from above illuminate the box. Her face is still red at the mention of accidentally touching his private part, but she's more intrigued by the box now.

"Open it," he says softly.

(Y/N) hesitates, and pops the box open. She gasps, having a small diamond glinting back at her.

"Do you like it?"

"You did not, Rafe, oh my god."

"Wear it. Wait, fuck, I messed it up. Wait, wait, let me just-" he sighs, trying to sit up, but (Y/N) stops him midway. "Would you like to be my girlfriend, (Y/N)?"

She looks up at him, her eyes teary now, because God, no one has ever done this to her.

"Would you?"

"Of course, asshole, even when you're asking me in the middle of your deathbed."

He smiles, "Okay. Now you can put the ring on."

She slides the ring on her ring finger, holding her hand up and admiring the way the ring compliments her hands.

She loves it. More than anything.

"Oh, and they called Ward and Rose. I'm sorry it's going to be your first time being my girlfriend and meeting them."

She laughs, leaning over him and placing a longing kiss on his lips. He kisses her back, feeling so much better now he can walk out of this hospital.

"You're like a princess. Nursing me back to health. None of these Harvard graduate doctors can compare to you."

"Urgh, shut up," she rolls her eyes. "Now you're pushing it."

-

@okayshoto @joselyn001 @onceuponateenagetrash @dyingsleeping @iwannabeapogue @meaganjm @rafesobxs @flossy2929 @unfortunatekiwitrash @scottybitch @asimpwriter @amaya124 @tommy-tommo @thatshithurted8 @fallincindy @marvelwhor3 @rafeswh0ree @kookap @supernaturallydc-blog @blank-velvet @alaniskauany @kiiim8 @witchywrter @kaitlyn2907 @heyimflo @overcookedpastasause @tsukkiswifeey @spidey-d00d @anonymousobxfan @gotmeinloveagain @chicagoblackhawkslover96 @lexi-writes @classydragonthingknight @belongtoyou-u @badbussylol @savannah-elliott @angelreyesgirl100 @haterpenny @beehappyyy @alwaysclassyeagle @maybankslut @kayleea122 @clearbolts @lovelyxtom @christianaevans @jemimah-b99 @opierdalacz @dangerdolns @wildflowerliv @classygirlything21 @pogueslandia @alwaysclassyeagle @rottenstyx @wxn-drlst

[plus-ultra-oof]

Pretty | SakuAtsu | Haikyuu!! | Tickle Fic

A/N: Ok hi so I wrote this a little while ago bc my SakuAtsu brainrot never stops and I figured I might as well share it. This is my first time posting a T-fic so please be kind lol. Also, sorry if the formatting is a mess I am on my phone.

Disclaimer: This takes place post timeskip so minor spoilers for Haikyuu! It’s nothing to major other than some vague things mentioned in passing. Also includes swearing and centers around tickling within a romantic setting (all sfw).

Summary: Sakusa’s stubborn as hell, but Atsumu is more than willing to get his boyfriend to go to sleep by whatever means necessary. Especially if that means he gets to see that pretty smile of his.

——————————————————

“Ya know, yer hair is really soft Omi,” Atsumu said, breaking the calm silence that had settled over the room. It was actually Kiyoomi’s room in his apartment this time. Atsumu was lying on his bed, running his hands through Kiyoomi’s dark curls as the other man laid across the bed, head placed conveniently in the setter’s lap as he attempted to read a book. He was far too tired to do so, in Atsumu’s professional opinion. The way his eyes kept falling shut for longer between blinks and how his grip on the hardcover kept shifting until he was barely holding it open where it lay against his propped up legs supported it too.

“You already- said that,” he replied, trying for flat and uninterested but the cute yawn that interrupted his sentence completely contradicted his unbothered persona.

It’d been a long practice for everyone, but especially the spikers. Both Bokuto and Sakusa had to run an insane amount of cut shot drills on top of their usual work. Just watching it had made Atsumu tired, so he could only imagine how Omi was feeling. The man had been practically dead on his feet when they’d gotten back to their complex, so the way he had melted into their bed upon finally brushing his teeth was unsurprising. His attempts at staying up were though. Atsumu blamed that on his insistence on keeping his routine no matter what.

The stubborn bastard could barely keep his eyes open, but sure, making it through a whole chapter of that thick ass book was totally plausible.

“It’s true though,” Atsumu was quiet for a moment and then, when he got no response he added on, “and it’s so pretty too,” For that he received a half hearted glare that was dampened by the way he could feel the man leaning into his touch as his fingertips scratched lightly again his scalp. The twin smiled, his boyfriend really lost his filter when he was this tired.

Gone were the biting remarks and cold expressions, leaving him far more pliant than he would ever admit to. Hell, here he was, letting Atsumu play with his hair and letting out little sighs of contentment. His eyes were even gradually falling closed as he relaxed into his boyfriend’s touch.

The harsh lines of his face were softened by the low light in the bed room, and with his brows uncreased by any worries and his hair pooled around his head like a dark halo, he looked almost angelic. Like something out of one of those fancy paintings.

“Yer so pretty Omi,” Atsumu murmured absently, the words falling from his lips easily. It was a statement to him. A simple truth of life.

The sky was blue, volleyball was the best, and Atsumu’s boyfriend was a damn masterpiece.

This was only proved further when his cheeks began to warm, the pink flush only complimenting smooth skin and pouty lips, twitching down into a petulant frown despite his flustered state.

“Shut it,” he mumbled in reply, unable to come up with a proper comeback in his half asleep state. Atsumu smirked. Another thing he loved about sleepy Omi was his inability to disguise any of his reactions. It always made messing him even more fun.

“Omiiii, Yer so cute m’gonna dieeeeee,” he teased, leaning down to admire his expression more closely. The new angle let him see the minuscule twitch of the corner of his lips, a sign that his adorable boyfriend wasn’t really as grumpy as he was trying to appear, “Aw is that a smile I see?” Said boyfriend had abandoned all hopes of reading his book in favor of moving off of Atsumu’s lap and onto his side of the bed, laying back and closing his eyes.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Atsumu,” he stated, his voice still managing to stay level and unaffected, a true testament to Sakusa’s insane amount of self control, “Now its late, let’s go to sleep,” Too bad Atsumu was too much of an asshole to let him be. And, he knew him well enough to chip away at that carefully crafted mask until his boyfriend was puddy in his hands.

Miya pouted and moved closer, letting his right hand come back up to rest in his curls again and the other land at his back, rubbing slow circles into it the way he knew Sakusa liked.

“Oh c’mon baby don’t be like that, I just want ta see that gorgeous smile of yers,” he let his chin rest on Kiyoomi’s shoulder, pressing close to his back as his arm trailed down to wrap around his waist. He placed a light kiss against his boyfriend’s temple. The first in a trail that led down his cheek to his jaw and then took a detour down and up his neck to reach his ear again, earning soft sighs and hums as he went. Atsumu smiled, his Omi really was sweet like this: All peaceful and relaxed and unassuming, “Do me a favor and lemme see it?”

He shifted from kissing at his neck to mouthing lightly and letting his lips graze the expanse of soft pale skin at his disposal and the reaction was immediate, even if Sakusa tried to hide it. Sure, he stayed quiet, but Atsumu could feel the shivers that ran through him when he started and how his shoulders began to shake the longer he went on. He felt him jump when he let the fingers at his waist trace lazy shape into his toned stomach.

“Atsumu-“ His name was rushed out in a breathy way that only Atsumu got to hear.

“Yes Omi?” He purred, directly into his boyfriends ear, savoring the little squeak that came from the man shaking in his arms.

“N-no,” he whined, actually whined, shaking his head in an attempt to rid himself of the tingly sensations that were quickly perforating his sleep addled mind and making him want to give into the bouncy feeling rising in his chest.

“Why not Omi? M’just tryin ta kiss ya?” He followed his movements easily, continuing the playful torment of his boyfriend.

“You- you know exActly whehy not!” The squeak was louder this time and Kiyoomi even let a few titters loose as Atsumu started using his other hand to lightly scribble at the other side of his neck while simultaneously blowing into his ear.

“Ooh was that a giggle there Omi? What’s happenin’ baby? Somethin’ funny?” Atsumu knew that if he could, Sakusa would be griping about the teasing and how this whole thing was immature and unfair. For now though, he was too busy trying (and failing) not to devolve into a ticklish mess, so Miya was content.

“Nahaha stahahap yohuhu bahahastard!” He forced out through his giggles. The sound was light and filled with gasping breathes and squeals. Kiyoomi hated it, but it was one of Atsumu’s favorite sounds. Especially when he knew he was the cause of it.

Whether it came from unraveling him like this or timing a sarcastic joke just right, he savored it each time he got to hear it, so he didn’t appreciate it when both ungloved hands flew up to muffle it.

“Hey what’dya do that for?” He asked, his own pout forming on his lips as he leaned up to see his boyfriend’s face. His eyes were squeezed shut again and the flush was even brighter now. What was really captivating though, was the way his whole face seemed to brighten, even with his open mouth smile covered up.

Atsumu couldn’t help but stop and stare for a few seconds before remembering the task at hand. To see that pretty smile for real.

“C’mon Omi, just pull yer hands away or m’gonna haveta resort to extreme measures,” Atsumu increased his effort at leaving barely there kisses along Kiyoomi’s neck, feeling his heart race against his lips when he reached the pulse point. This got a cacophony of muffled squeaks and giggles before he finally gave into instinct and moved one of his hands away to push at his face.

As soon as it came up, Atsumu saw his chance and took it.

The hand that was drawing shivery patterns over sharp hip bones immediately skittered up Sakusa’s side to find its mark just above his ribs, sending the arm crashing right back down with a muffled shriek.

“Pffft phmp uff,” Came the dampened response as the other hand stayed stubborn in its quest to deprive Atsumu of his happiness. He decided to take it up another notch, because despite his tiredness, his Omi-Omi was still able to put up a good fight. He wouldn’t have him any other way: As headstrong as he was talented.

“Fine, don’t say I didn’t warn ya,” Atsumu leaned back just enough to leave some space between himself and Kiyoomi’s back. For insurance and safety purposes, he threw a leg over his waist to make sure he would fall off the bed.

Then all bets were off.

He started actually scratching at his armpits in tandem with leaving sloppy kisses along his spine and shoulder blades and any other part of his back he could reach at the moment, and the reaction was instantaneous and oh so satisfying.

“Mmmmphhhuhuhuck AtsuhuHU! NaHAHA STAHAP!”

“What babe? Somethin’ wrong?” He made sure to speak against the skin of his back, his words sending ticklish tremors through Kiyoomi as his worst spot was attacked.

“NOHOHOT THEHERE AHATSUHU!” Something seemed to switch off in his brain as his arms finally fell limp at his sides and he threw his head back against the pillows, laughing fully now. When they did, Atsumu immediately toned it down, abandoning his underarm in favor of leaving feather light scratches down the sides of his boyfriend’s back, making him shiver and keeping him caught up in his giggles without torturing him too bad.

Omi could never say that he was anything but nice about this....Well at least at this particular moment. Sakusa definitely kept a dated list of the times that his boyfriend had ruthlessly abused this specific weakness, but that was besides the point.

“Ahatsuhuhu,” Atsumu looked up at the sound of his name falling from upturned lips and found himself mesmerized by the sight.

Now that Kiyoomi had given up on stopping him he’d shifted to flop down on his stomach, bracing his head on his arms as he tried to contain the shaky laughter still spilling easily from his mouth. His hair was tousled from the struggle and his eyes were teary from laughing so hard and he was in an eternal state of flushed and fuck he was beautiful.

Too pretty for his own good. And Atsumu’s. At this rate, he was gonna die before he got to the Olympics.

He could just see it now: Miya Atsumu, beloved son, brother, boyfriend, and teammate. Cause of death: Seeing his godlike boyfriend laugh his heart out.

Shit, ‘Samu was right, he was whipped.

“Tsuhuhuhumuuu, m’tired,” Whiny giggles followed by a familiar yawn brought him out of his thoughts and he let his fingers slow to a stop, moving up in the bed to be beside his still giggling boyfriend. He turned him over onto his back before placing his book onto the nights stand and turning out the light.

“A-asshole,” Sakusa groaned, through breathy pants, giving him a half-hearted shove as he turned to face the blonde.

“But ya love me,” he teased moving in closer to lay his head on the dark haired man’s chest, listening patiently as his heartbeat finally started to slow down.

“You suck,” he murmured in response, his tone empty of any real malice. Plus, the way he was snuggling closer and lacing their hands together across Atsumu’s waist contradicted his words anyway.

Atsumu smiled and took a final look at his boyfriend before closing his eyes to follow him into sleep. And as a man of a limited vocabulary when it came to most things other than volleyball, his last thoughts prior to drifting off were as simple as they were true: Omi’s so pretty.

[mylifeisactuallyamess]

In the Heat of the Fire....

Fireman!Poe Dameron x Female Reader

Warnings: description of fire, brief mention of hospitals, mention of depressive feelings, angst, fluff mention of smut and mention of pregnancy. NSFW 18+

Word count: 2585

Summary: Your flat catches fire and you’re saved by a dashing young Fireman who then takes you under his wing when you have nothing left.

You coughed, your eyes still shut as you rolled over in bed. You frowned, unable to take a deep breath you coughed again, this time it wracked your body violently and you finally opened your eyes. At first you couldn't see anything as it was dark, but as your eyes adjusted and you woke up you could see and smell the smoke. You blinked rapidly as your eyes began to water, you got out of bed, finally seeing the orange glow under your bedroom door, you grabbed a top and held it over your mouth before opening the door. You cried out as pain flared from your palm, the door handle was so hot it made your skin blister but you didn’t have time to even register it as the fire surged towards you, licking into your bedroom like it had been starved of air.

Panic began to bubble up inside you as you backed away in horror from the roaring inferno. You opened your window coughing and spluttering the more intense smoke, you could see the blue lights below you from the fire engines and the group of people from your building. You tried to call out but your throat was so sore you could barely form words let alone shout over the noise. You saw someone break away from the crowd and grabbed a firefighter, they pointed at you vigorously as you slid down the wall and out of sight. Your chest was tight, you could feel yourself becoming light headed and the smell assaulting your nostrils was making you feel sick. The fire was making its way round your bedroom and tears began to track their way down your face as you shook with fear. You thought of your parents, your friends even your work colleagues as you felt the heat roil around you.

Is this what the desert feels like? You felt a giggle try to erupt from you but all you could was cough, each time you did your head swam and your body ached as you slouched even more. The fire was close now, the blistering heat making your turn away as it consumed your bed, billowing more smoke into the room obscuring everything from sight.

You tried to gasp as hands reached out of the smoke and grabbed you, placing a mask hurriedly over your face. You gripped onto the rough coat of the firefighter as he lifted you up in his arms.

‘Cover your face.’ You pulled the top you had completely over your face tucking yourself as close to him as you could. ‘I’ve got you.’ Pain blossomed from your burnt hand but you tried to ignore it knowing you didn’t want your grip to fail. You tensed as the heat increased, surrounding you with a blazing intensity as he carried you bravely through your burning flat. You could feel him heading down the stairs and finally the cool air of the night kissed your skin. More hands grabbed you putting you on a stretcher, asking you questions, shining lights in your sore eyes but you didn’t let go of the firefighter who had pulled you from the building. Your vision swam as he took his mask off, he was talking to someone and then suddenly he was getting in the ambulance with you. Your body started tensing all over as you convulsed on the stretcher and the last thing you heard was a paramedic shouting.

The beeping noise was annoying. It cut through your grogginess waking you up with a start as the sounds of flames roaring echoed in your mind.

‘Hey, it’s ok.’ You turned to the voice beside you as saw a guy, he had a firefighters coat on and his helmet was sat on the table next to you, his face was still dirty with soot and all you could smell was smoke. You tried to speak but you ended up coughing into your mask, you winced at the ache from your chest and you settled back down against the pillows. He cast a look over the screens around you before resting his deep brown eyes on you again. ‘The doctors will be round to talk to you soon, they’re pleased with how well you’re doing considering the amount of smoke exposure you had.’ You found yourself relaxing at the sound of his voice as you gazed at him, this was the man who saved you. You owed him your life. The door opened to your room and some doctors came in, the nurse took some blood and they spouted some information at you but you couldn’t really take it in as you searched for the firefighters for reassurance. He smiled a lopsided smile and nodded slightly letting you know he was still there and you smiled slightly back, hoping he wouldn’t leave anytime soon.

After a few days the hospital released you, the fireman, who’s name you learnt was Poe, he visited as often as he could and now he was picking you up and taking you back to the flat to see if you could salvage anything. He had warned you it wasn’t pretty and he was right. You stood outside the building, your bandaged hand aching just at the sight of the block, black soot was smeared on the brickwork from all the windows and you could see your bedroom window. Poe put a hand on your back as he surveyed the damaged building with you.

‘You don’t have to go in.’ You lent into his touch slightly as you looked at his handsome face. You’d only known him a few days but he had saved your life and was offering emotional support so you weren’t on your own. You didn’t have anyone else really, your parents lived far away, your friends were great but you mostly kept to yourself immersing yourself in work all the time.

‘I need to.’ You walked towards the door, ignoring the panic crawling over your skin making you want to run in the opposite direction. You finally made it to your flat, the smell burnt your nose as you walked around. Smoke, melted plastic and dampness all mingled into a hideous musty aroma that made you feel slightly ill. One look around told you nothing could be saved, your kitchen cupboards hung off the wall in a haphazard way, everything was burnt or smeared with soot and you knew the smell would never come out of whatever you took away. You stopped at the doorway of your bedroom, your bed was just a mass of twisted blackness and you could see the path the flames had taken. The echo of flames made you tense but suddenly Poe was there, his comforting presence washing over you as he closely watched your reaction.

‘Do you have somewhere to stay?’ He asked softly.

‘Er, no. I haven’t really thought about it. I could ask a friend I guess.’ Tears threatened to well up in your eyes and you blinked them away, not wanting to fall apart right now.

‘You’re not going to find anything here, why don’t you come back to my place? I’ve got to go to work soon so you can have the run of my flat.’

‘I barely know you.’ You said and he smiled.

‘True, but I did save your life. The least you could do is cook a meal for me,’ he said with amusement in his tone.

‘Are you being serious? Right now?’

‘Yes, perfectly serious.’ You looked at him as you stood in the ruined tatters of your life and you felt a rush of gratefulness that however roughly he’d been shoved into your life, he’d still been shoved into your life for a reason.

‘Sure. Ok. I need to go shopping though, I need clothes.’

‘Come on,’ he put an arm around your shoulders as he led you out of the burnt flat. ‘I’ll take you shopping.’

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

And so the days turned into weeks and Poe had given you his spare room, you had gone back to work as you waited for the insurance money to come in and he had long shifts at the station so you didn’t see each other very often but when you did you’d watch a film and have a home cooked meal. The longer you stayed with him you could feel your affection grown for him, he was good looking, funny, cocky but kind as well. Being with him made you realise how lonely you actually were.

You were standing in the kitchen frying some chicken and peppers, the wraps warming in the oven as you grated the cheese, tonight was fajita night. The door slammed shut announcing his arrival but he didn’t stop and greet you like he usually did. He walked past you without a word and you instantly knew something was wrong, you cleaned your hands off before approaching his bedroom door.

‘Poe?’ You knocked gently but you got no response. ‘Poe? What happened?’ You steeled yourself, feeling bold you opened his door to find him kneeling on the floor, his arms wrapped around him as he tried to keep his emotions in check. He looked up at you a desperate look on his face and you knew today had been a bad day. Without thinking you got down on the floor with him, wrapping your arms around him tightly as he embraced you just as roughly. His entire body shook and the words started tumbling out of him, his voice wavering as still he tried not to cry.

‘I tried, I couldn’t get to her. The fire was too much. I could hear her screaming for me and I couldn’t get to her, I couldn’t get to her,’ a sob finally choked its way out of him and you could feel wetness on your neck as his soft curls brushed against your face.

‘It’s not your fault,’ you whispered as you held him. You looked back at the door painfully aware the frying pan was on. ‘Come into the kitchen with me or dinner will be burnt.’ He got up with you and you noticed as you finished cooking he tried to stay as close to you as possible, a dark haunted look in his eyes as he watched you prepare the food. You led him to the sofa as he looked at the food on the plate but he didn’t pick it up. ‘Poe,’ he looked up at you worrying his bottom lip.

‘Can we, can you….would you sleep with me tonight?’ His eyes widened as he realised what it sounded like and he began to try and stammer his way out of it. ‘I mean...I just… comfort….just hugs….’

‘Poe. Yes I will.’ He sighed with relief and finally he started eating.

You cleared up not letting him help and he stood by the hallway as he waited for you, once you’d turned the dishwasher on he reached for you. His touch tentative as your fingertips brushed his, you studied his face and gently brushed his curls off his forehead.

‘You ready?’ He nodded and tugged you with him leading you to his bedroom. He pulled his top off but left his joggers on as he slipped into bed, you were already in loungewear so you slipped in next to him. Without hesitating he grabbed you, pulling you flush against him as his warm breath fanned over the skin of your neck. You buried your hands in his curls as you sighed softly enjoying the feel of being close to someone. You thought he was asleep at one point until his hand moved lightly down your back and causing you to arch against him. His face pulled away from you and you saw the dark look in his eyes in the dim light, your heart hammered inside your chest as you traced the lines of his face. His hand slid up your arm and traced the line of your neck burying his fingers on your hair. Your body reacted instantly, desire racing through you as the heat of his body melded with yours. His lips pressed gently against you and you couldn’t help but groan into him. The desperate need for comfort took you both over as you striped quickly, coming together in a clash of limbs, unspoken words and heated craving. You took what you needed from each other hard and fast, just lost in the feel of one another until you were both spent finally drifting off into a dreamless sleep.

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

And so your relationship blossomed, some days it was amazing, until the arguments started. His job took a lot out of him, having lost his own mother in a fire he seemed to have this need to save everyone he came across, more than his colleagues. He would take unnecessary risks, putting his own life on the line more than anyone else everyday. You began to fear you were losing him, and even though you respected what he did and understood why he did it you couldn’t accept the risks he was taking. You had a massive row the worst you’d ever had leaving you crying on the floor as he left for work not coming back until the next day. You stayed up all night going over the argument thinking what you could have said instead, wondering if you were being unreasonable or if he was just a reckless person with no regard for himself. The sun rose warming your legs as you sat rigid on the sofa when the front door opened. He closed it quietly and you turned to see him in his uniform.

‘I couldn’t leave it like that. I’m sorry.’ You nodded and got off the sofa, his eyes watched you wearily as you approached him.

‘I’m sorry too.’ He pulled you into a tight embrace, crushing his lips to you trying to get across how sorry he really was when a radio crackled.

‘Dameron get down here we’ve had a call.’

‘Go, just be careful.’ He smiled at you, that devilish lip sided smile you’d grown to love so much.

‘I promise I’ll be careful because now I have something to live for.’ The door shut behind him, his words still lingering in the air around you.

‘I love you,’ you whispered to the empty room.

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

Rain beat down on your umbrella as you stared down at the ground, the echo of your memories tormenting you everyday. You placed a hand on your swollen belly feeling the life stirring inside you as you read the words on the stone before you, your eyes tracing them like they had a million times before. Grief gripped you tightly as tears threatened to fall, it had been 8 months without him by your side. 8 months of coming home to an empty flat. 8 months of crying yourself to sleep as you hugged his favourite clothes. And now a whole new chapter of your life yawned before you with promises of life and giggles, tiny hands and feet gripping your clothes and a little person loving you with their whole heart. But you had to do it alone.

‘I miss you Poe,’ your voice cracked as you put a hand on the headstone wishing with all your might he was still here at your side. You hated leaving him alone in the cold ground and you swore your child would know what a brave man her father was.

He’d never be forgotten.

[petri808]

We’ll Take Back Heaven a Nalu Yakuza Au

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

“Ms. Heartfilia,” the man nodded at the blonde.

“Mr. Katsunuma.” Lucy bowed in response. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“Of course,” the older male smiled. “Your assistance has led to this celebration after all.”

It was an extravagant party being held in a large room of Katsunuma Industries corporate headquarters. The tech giant was celebrating the acquisition of their rival in the industry… thanks in part to Lucy’s untraceable services. A few bits of intelligence on the rival company coupled by the money laundering Lucy provided allowed Katsunuma to fuel the merger and overtake them. The rival had no choice but to sign the contract because if they didn’t, they would have been put out of business. Part of the deal insured the employees would be kept which had been the rivals concern, but those employees are in large part Katsunuma’s desire to take the business. Their current patents and information aside, those employees were the heart of creating more. It was a genius move.

“Mmm, I do what I can,” Lucy smiled sweetly and held up her glass. “A toast to a successful relationship.”

The man clinked his glass against hers. “For many more years to come. Enjoy the party, Ms. Heartfilia.”

“I will,” Lucy responded with another smile.

As she made her way back towards the temporary bar set up, Lucy chatted with people along the way. Some she knew, others she didn’t, but her stunning looks always turned heads everywhere she went. She wasn’t the typical Asian beauty found around those parts. Her mother was a Caucasian American and her father a Japanese businessman, so the hapa mix created a buxom blonde with almond eyes and legs for days, fluent in both English and Japanese as well as Korean. Gorgeous and intelligent. Men desired her, and women either hated her or wanted to be her. Luckily for the other women, Lucy had no interest in these stuffy, boring business types, except in taking their money because she knew all they wanted were docile arm candies and that wasn’t for her at all.

The only reason she attended these events were to show her loyalties and drum up new business considering she operated at word of mouth. But anyone too eager to do business with her immediately sent up a cautionary flag. No one survives in the dark world by being naive, the biggest lesson her cut-throat businessman of a father ever taught her. Lucy had to get to know the person, feel them out, and background check them inside and out, and even after all that she wouldn’t immediately jump into an arrangement. She made sure that any business wanting to employ her laundering services would lose big time if they ever considered turning on her. ‘Stupid men,’ she mused to herself. Greed was the easiest way to keep them in line, because the green-eyed monster was just too enticing. Another lesson her father taught her the hard way when bankrupted his company on a bad venture.

Lucy placed her empty glass onto the bar top and rested an arm on it. She smiled at the orange-haired bartender. Handsome in a playboy kind of way, even the glasses added to the charm. “A Cosmopolitan, please.”

“Coming right up cutie,” the man winked at her.

She wanted to roll her eyes but played it cool. “Loke, is it,” Lucy read off the name tag on his vest. “Unusual name. Bet you flirt with all the girls, huh?”

“Only the pretty ones,” he grinned back. “And you are the finest example here tonight.”

“Aww, how sweet,” Lucy clicked her tongue with a shrug. “Too bad lines don’t work on me.”

“Doesn’t surprise me,” Loke smiled back undeterred. “You’re definitely a higher caliber than the rest.”

‘Oh, Kami,’ Lucy droned internally. This guy probably had a ton of cheeky comebacks in his repertoire. Was he fuckable in her view? Toned body but not too muscular, nimble fingers… maybe fit for a one-night affair. It has been awhile since she’d had some action, so maybe he could be fun to end this celebration with. She leaned in closer letting her breasts press up against the counter. “You know this might—”

“Careful dude, this ones got claws you don’t wanna mess with.”

Lucy’s body stiffened in annoyance at the new voice so close to her ear. “Ugh, Natsu.” Not the intrusion she wanted right now!

“My apologies,” Loke immediately put her finished drink down, then his hands up as he took a step back. “You have a good evening ma’am.”

But the bartender’s body language spoke volumes as well. Loke wasn’t reacting solely to the comment, because he was staring straight at Natsu as he spoke. She could imagine that while Natsu’s tone was light, he was probably giving the bartender a menacing glare. Ugh!

Annoyed at Natsu’s interjection, Lucy grabbed her drink in a huff and started to walk away without looking behind her. “I don’t need a knight,” she huffed. But undeterred, Natsu immediately stepped in and tried to weave an arm around her waist. “Don’t get familiar,” she seethed in a hushed tone as she stepped out of his embrace. She didn’t want to cause a scene either, so she pulled him away from the crowd near the bar area to a quieter section. “What do you want Dragneel?”

“It’s improper for a woman like you to be without an escort at these events.”

Lucy placed a hand on her cocked hip in irritation. So, what if that were true, those traditions made her skin crawl. She normally would have brought one, but her go-to guy wasn’t available and since most of the guests knew who she was, Lucy figured they wouldn’t care. Why would a bunch of old guys not want a gorgeous blonde to look at? “I’m perfectly fine by myself considering I’m an invited guest. What are you doing here, this isn’t your playground.” She knew the world of corporate Tokyo and business stiffs were not the type he’d associate with. Though she had to unconsciously admit Natsu looked good in a three-piece suit.

“Be nice kitten, I was invited too.”

“Oh yeah, by who? I know Katsunuma’s not involved with the Yakuza.”

“Not senior, the son. Boy’s got a bit of a habit along with his friends.”

“Ah, let me guess, you’re the supplier.”

“You guessed right, kitten.”

“Stop calling me kitten!”

The irritation in her voice only succeeded in pulling a smirk from Natsu. He was obviously enjoying this dance, which fueled Lucy’s determination to not be swayed by it. She took a sip of her drink in annoyance. “Shouldn’t you check on your client then?”

“What for? Those rich brats partying on daddy’s dime make for disinteresting conversation. I’d much rather talk to you.”

“Lucky me,” Lucy rolled her eyes. “Well, I’d rather schmooze with my clientele. They serve a purpose, you do not.”

Natsu reached out and ran a finger along Lucy’s arm. “So harsh, kitten. We both know you’re enjoying this too.”

The ripple he triggered along her skin and increase in temperature had Lucy internally reeling, though the dead stare she wore on her face showed the opposite reaction. She wasn’t about to admit to a damn thing! “Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that Dragneel. Perhaps one day your dreams will come true.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“Ugh!” Lucy pushed him away in annoyance. “You’re too much! I’m leaving.” She turned her back.

“Oi,” Natsu grabbed her arm forcefully and spun her back around. “I mean it!” he growled in a lowered voice. “You may be damn good at what you do, but you still got a thing or two to learn about a man’s world.”

“What the fuck are you talking about,” Lucy spat back in a hushed tone. “These guys don’t care!”

“You think they’d say it to your face, kitten? I’d overheard more than one of your so-called prospects here gossiping about your shameful behavior and you’ve only been here fifteen minutes.”

“You’re lying.”

His eyes narrowed and brows furrowed. “I’m a lot of things, but you know I wouldn’t lie to you.”

Okay, so that was true. Lucy’s known Natsu long enough to know when and if he’d ever lie to her. Still, “fine!” She seethed. “I won’t plan on staying much longer if I’m stuck with you.”

“Aww,” he defiantly tipped her chin up. “But I’ll take such good care of you.”

“Pfft,” she glared back with a twisted smile and voice dripping with sarcastic disdain. “As if. You couldn’t satisfy me then, so… what makes you think you could now?”

“Wow…” Natsu placed a hand over his heart feigning pains and groaning for effect. “Hitting me where it hurts, Luce.” He then grinned and suddenly pulled her flush against his solid body, arm wrapped around her waist, while the other gripped tightly to her hip so she couldn’t move. He leaned in, his face lowered and hovering over her ear. “If only it were true. All those nights… I lost track of how many times you called my name to the heavens.”

Between the sensually deep tone of Natsu’s voice and warm breath fanning over her skin, Lucy couldn’t hide her physiological reactions if she’d tried. Her body stiffened up, fighting a hormonal urge to give in with a sheer determination not to play his game. There was a damn good reason they’d broken up, and until he admitted to what went wrong, there was no way in hell Lucy would go back to him.

“It’s not just about sex,” she gritted out.

“I know…” Natsu let his lips brush against her ear, pulling a shiver from her body. He smirked. “It’s about love.”

Love?! How dare he! Whatever spell he was close to casting instantly dissolved on Lucy and her anger boiled to the surface. She pushed with all of her might, forcing them apart. Oh, she was furious! “And that’s something you know nothing about!” Lucy’s hand flew up faster than even she knew it was happening, landing a loud slap across Natsu’s face. “You made your choice long ago, and love never factored in,” she seethed then stomped away leaving the man alone and speechless amongst whispering bystanders.

So much for celebrating, not after Natsu’s intrusion into the affair. Lucy thanked Katsunuma again for inviting her and left the party. She couldn’t be around Natsu for another second or she just might hit him again. Ugh! He made her so angry! Love… seriously?! He had no right to pull that on her, not when it was his decision that lead to their split. In a way she should thank him for opening her eyes, because that’s what lead to creating her own organization. Lucy wanted to show that women could do just fine in the underworld with the right people and the right plans in place. And she hadn’t been the only one to feel that way. This was the modern era and all the bullshit, patriarchy rules that held them back needed to die with the twentieth century. The saddest part… Lucy didn’t even know if Natsu realized how much he’d hurt her all those years ago.

“Ma’am,” the valet snapped Lucy out of her thoughts. “Your car has arrived.”

“Thank you.” Lucy stepped closer to the curb as the vehicle pulled up alongside her. The valet opened the door for her, but just as she was about to step in, she heard her name called from behind her.

“Natsu, can’t you take a hint!” She turned and snapped while still keeping a hand on the vehicle.

“Luce, I was just playing with you upstairs. I didn’t mean to make you so angry.”

“Well, you did.”

“I don’t understand why!”

“And that’s your problem.”

“But I don’t want you to hate me, and you seem to hate me.”

Lucy sighed from the sheer emotional exhaustion. “I don’t hate you, Natsu. But until you can figure out why I left you, we don’t have anything more to talk about. Now. Good night.” She got into the vehicle, and they drove away.

Once they were out of sight, Lucy slumped down into the seat holding back the cloud of tears building in her eyes. She’d meant what she said, all of it including not hating him. Frankly, she didn’t know if she could. Anger, yes, but hatred no. They’d been young but even she recognized the connection she had to Natsu wasn’t something she could easily walk away from, and she also knew he wasn’t lying when he’d brought up love. The man’s reaction to seeing her flirt with the bartender was a reminder of his feelings for her. But it wasn’t enough. Lucy didn’t want to feel like an unequal partner in the relationship and that’s exactly what the Yakuza world Natsu chose expected.

“Home, miss?”

“Yes, please take me home.”

[buckybeardreams]

Unwanted

Chapters: 9/11

Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark

Characters: Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson (Marvel), Brock Rumlow, James "Bucky" Barnes, Clint Barton, Harley Keener

Additional Tags: Non-Traditional Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha/Omega, Alpha Steve Rogers, Omega Tony Stark, Service Top, Dominant Bottom, Post-Serum Steve Rogers, Virgin Steve Rogers, Brock Rumlow is a Good Bro, Sam Wilson Is a Good Bro, Romantic Soulmates, First Meetings, Angst with a Happy Ending, Sappy, Romantic Fluff, Awkwardness, Drinking to Cope, Self-Worth Issues, Insecure Tony Stark, Insecure Steve Rogers, Age Difference, Harley Keener is Tony Stark's Biological Child, Bonding, Claiming Bites, Claiming, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Mpreg, Non-Explicit Sex, Light Dom/sub, Mutual Masturbation, Coming Untouched, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Wordcount: 10.000-30.000, Knotting

Series: Part 1 of Second Chances

Summary:

Steve is a soft Alpha and Tony is an in charge kind of Omega with no desire to find a mate. He doesn't want to find his soulmate and when he does meet Steve he's determined to stay away from him. 

That is until he realizes just how right they are for each other.

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11

Can also be read here

Words: 1,612

"You're not unhappy that we bonded, right?"

Tony rolled his eyes.

"If I was I wouldn't be curled up in bed right now after letting you fuck my brains out."

Steve smirked.

"I think you were the one doing the fucking. I just laid there while you rode me."

"Yeah, but next time I'm gonna make you do all the work and I'm just gonna lay there and be the pillow princess. Let my Alpha take care of me," Tony said, his fingers trailing down Steve's chest and a sultry pout on his lips. "You'd do that for me, wouldn't you, Alpha?"

"You know I'd do anything to please you, baby."

"I know, because you're such a good boy," Tony murmured, kissing him. "Mm, as much as I'd love to stick around and let you fuck me on every surface in your apartment, I really have to get going or I'm gonna be late."

"I'll drive you," Steve offered.

"You're sweet, but no, I'm good. If I take you with me I'm just gonna end up fucking you in the break room and then the manager is gonna be an asshole about it."

Steve growled.

"I hate that guy more every time you talk about him."

Tony hummed, kissing him again.

"Yeah, well, I think most bosses disapprove of fucking in the employee's room. Even the not asshole ones.

"No, I don't mean that. We definitely can't do that, no matter how much I like the idea of you bossing me around at your work. I just think this Obie guy sounds like the worst and every time I've run into him just confirms that."

Tony didn't even try to disagree with that assessment.

"Like last week when he gave you shit for having to leave early because of your heat. There are laws in place to protect Omegas from being forced to work while in heat, but you practically had to beg him for the days off and then apologize for not being able to work and he still gave you shit about it. Then he had the audacity to act like he had done you some great favor and made you work extra shifts to make up for it. He didn't even pay you overtime, even though he made you work like sixty hours."

"Hey, hey, calm down. You're getting yourself all worked up about it and I don't want that. I appreciate your concern, I really do, and I love that you're so protective. Which is honestly something I never thought I'd say, but you need to take a deep breath. I've got it all under control."

Steve tried to take a deep breath, tried to calm down like his Omega told him to, but it didn't do much to alleviate his anger.

"I know, I'm sorry. I just wish you didn't have to deal with him."

"Well, I won't have to for much longer."

Steve frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Tony shifted on his lap, looking down at his lap nervously.

"Well, I was actually gonna tell you about this, but we've just been so caught up in our own little bubble and I didn't want to burst it by bringing up legal stuff. Besides, I almost forgot about it with all the newly mated hormones rushing through me," Tony rambled.

"Tony, love, just tell me."

"We tried to get Obie fired, but the owner, Alexander Pierce, was backing him, so we're taking him to court. They've been doing a whole bunch of shady stuff that's totally illegal, from paying people off to pass inspections and dealing drugs out back in the alley, to denying us health insurance, making us work overtime but not paying us overtime, and usually they make the Omegas work during heat. I think Obie only gave in this time, because he thought you might beat his ass if he called me in for work."

There was an amused smile on Tony's face, but he was looking at Steve, worried about his reaction. Steve was furious, but not at Tony. He knew that Obie was an asshole, but he had no idea just how bad it really was.

"Baby, I'm so sorry. I had no idea. I shouldn't have let you work for a guy like that. I'm your Alpha. I should have protected you, provided for you so you didn't have to work-"

"Hey, no, stop," Tony told him. "I love you so much, Alpha, but I don't want that. This was my battle to fight and I wasn't about to let you take that away from me. I've been dealing with this bullshit for years and now I'm finally changing things. You have to let me do this."

Steve felt awed by his little Omega. So much strength wrapped up in such a small little package it was unbelievable, and to think he was all Steve's. Steve kissed him, hard and lingering.

"I would never take that away from you, Tony. I wouldn't dream of doing something like that, pretty Omega."

A shy smile crept onto Tony's face and his cheeks turned pink.

"Thank you, Alpha. That means a lot, and I mean, there's no guarantee that the next person who buys the place will be any better than Pierce, or that they will hire us all on again. There's really no guarantee anybody will buy the place anytime soon. Realistically, it'll probably be bulldozed and turned into a parking lot for the diner next door or something like that. We all know that we're probably gonna lose our jobs, but it's worth it to do the right thing and put Pierce behind bars."

Steve nodded, licking his lips and considering how to say what he wanted to say in a way that wouldn't offend Tony.

"You know that I think you're so strong and I'm so proud of you for doing this, right?"

Tony bit his lip, nodding uncertainly.

He wasn't sure where Steve was going with this.

"I think it's amazing that you're gonna do this and that you want to do this and I'll support you in this in any way that I can," Steve told him earnestly. "I know that this is your fight, Tony, and I would never take that away from you, but if you'll let me, I'd love to fight alongside you."

Tony broke out in a grin, wrapping his arms around Steve's neck.

"Yes! Oh my God, yes!" Tony squealed. "Fuck, you scared me there. I thought you were gonna say something awful, but I should have known you'd just say something charming and perfect."

Steve blushed, but he was grinning too.

"Right, well, you see, the thing is Tony that I have a lot of money-"

Tony pulled back, raising a brow at him.

" You have a lot of money. You , the eighteen year old artist and former virgin until I seduced your ass Alpha, has a lot of money?" Tony asked him, clearly amused and not believing him one bit. "Tell me, pretty boy, what do you consider a lot of money? The twenty dollar allowance your mommy gives every Saturday?"

Steve glared at him, but there wasn't any heat in it. If anything he was just really embarrassed and really turned on.

"Sam helped me out a lot when I was a kid. He helped me turn my life around and he helped get my art into some galleries. He's got this friend, an ex of his, Pepper Potts. She's like a brilliant business woman and she runs her own company, but she also has a few major art galleries where she displays art from some of the most prominent artists in the states. I'm talking big shots, well known artists that make hundreds of thousands of dollars selling one painting."

Tony was just staring at him, like he was having a hard time figuring out if this was just some elaborate joke or not.

"Steve... what are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying that she saw some of my work, loved it, and put it up in her galleries. I've only sold a handful, but I've made a lot of money. Your bar is not that great, no offense, and I don't really spend much of my money other than for, like, rent and groceries, so there's a lot of it just sitting around. We could probably just buy the bar. That is if you want to be an owner of a bar."

Steve swallowed hard and fidgeted nervously with the bottom of Tony's shirt when he didn't respond. Tony was just shocked and pretty sure he was dreaming.

"I'm sorry, what? You're joking, right?" Tony said in disbelief. "Are you telling me that you have hundreds of thousands of dollars just lying around?"

Steve squirmed under Tony.

"I mean, not literally. It's all in the bank. Most of it's in my savings account since it earns more interest that way-"

"Shut up, I don't care about that," Tony said, cutting off his nervous rambling. "Are you for real? You have that kind of money and you'd be willing to let me buy a bar with it?"

Steve bit his lip.

"Yeah, I mean, Tony, I'd do anything for you. So if you want a bar then I'll buy you a bar. It's no big deal."

"No big deal? It's a huge deal!"

Steve wasn't sure if he was upset or excited, but then Tony was wrapping his arms around his neck and kissing him.

"Fuck, I love you so much. You know that, right?" Tony groaned against his lips.

Steve nodded, whimpering into his mouth when Tony kissed him again.

[mismaeve]

♕ Burning Lights ♕

Chapter 8 of the Burning Lights series Pairing: Katherine Pierce x Elijah Mikaelson Warnings: None POV: Katherine _________________________________________________

Katherine opened the door to their suit, her eyes instantly noticing a man’s frame near the window. She couldn’t tell straight away seeing how the room was dark but she assumed it was Elijah. 

ㅤ “You’re back,” she heard his voice, it was soft, but it also seemed somewhat tired.  “Did you think I was going to bail?” she asked him, deciding to tease him a little. She tossed her purse onto the couch before taking off her jacket. From the corner of her eye she saw him move away from the window. “That’s just it, I can never know with you,” he replied somewhat absentmindedly.  “I actually pride myself for that,” she chuckled lightly as she reached for the light switch, flicking it on before glancing back to where Elijah was standing, “maybe I like keeping you on your toes,” she shrugged innocently, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. She saw a shadow of a smile briefly touch his features. "Shall we sort out dinner for you?" he asked. "No, I already ate," she answered with her finger pointing towards the door, meaning she had had dinner downstairs at the restaurant. Elijah nodded. Katherine crossed her arms, her eyebrow slightly pointing upwards, something was different. Awkward even..she shook her head slightly as if to shake off the weird vibe currently residing in their suite. "Listen, I have a favour to ask you," she started cautiously, knowing how Elijah might react to her asking him for his blood. "Alright..," he nodded, indicating that she should go on. "I need to try something and I need your blood in order to do it," she told him, watching him, waiting for him to erupt into one of his sermons about how precious being a human was. She saw him open his mouth, so she added quickly, "but before you start with your humanity gospel, it's not what it sounds like," she finished quickly. Elijah raised his eyebrow, "Then what is it?" he asked looking genuinely curious. "I want to-," she stopped wanting to rephrase that, "I need to know if the cure has any side effects that I should know about," she started, "I guess I need to know if vampire blood could heal me if I got hurt," she explained, dropping her gaze to her shoes before meeting his eyes again, "it's important to me that I know," she finished quietly. Elijah watched her for a moment before nodding, "And how do you propose we do that?" he asked matter-of-factly. "Well, it doesn't have to be anything serious, I was thinking I could cut my finger, then have your blood and see if it would heal me," she explained, finding herself a little surprised at his reaction, or lack there of. She had been prepared to have to reason with him, maybe even beg. Yet so far, nothing indicated that she would have to. Elijah looked to be considering this, "Very well, I don't see any harm in learning more about this mysterious cure and it's effects," he agreed, "Would my barber's knife do or shall we see if we can find something else?" he asked her. Katherine nodded, "It should be fine as long as it's sharp," she shrugged.

ㅤ

As Katherine made herself comfortable on the couch, Elijah had disappeared to his room to fetch his razor. He was back almost instantly, tilting the blade slightly examining it's edge before handing it to her. Katherine took the blade, suddenly feeling unsure. She hated not knowing but she wasn't sure if she was prepared for it not to work. She took a settling breath, no, she had to do this. She needed to know. "Nervous?" Elijah asked her, his tone soft and gentle. Katherine nodded, looking at the sharp blade in her hand. "We don't have to do this, you know," he said quietly, to which Katherine shook her head. "I need to know," she said quietly, almost whispering. Before she could change her mind, she quickly pressed the cold blade against her finger. A tiny red dot appeared and began to swell as she drew the blade down her fingertip causing her to wince slightly at the pain. Deeming the cut big enough to see if it would heal, she set the razor on the coffee table. Elijah took that as his cue to provide her with his blood. In an instant he was over by the liquor stand, retrieving a clean glass before biting down into his wrist. Katherine watched as his blood dripped into the glass he was holding underneath his bleeding wrist. She felt herself getting anxious, this was it.

Elijah sat the glass containing his blood on the coffee table before taking a step back. "Whenever you are ready," he whispered. Katherine looked at him and saw that he looked a little nervous himself. She took a deep breath and nodded, her eyes falling to the glass. She took the glass and held it in her hand. Here was the answer to her question, the answer a part of her dreaded. "Bottoms up," she joked meekly before lifting the glass to her lips and throwing it back in one go.

ㅤ

Before she had even managed to swallow it properly, she felt a violent wave shoot through her body. She bent over as she began to cough up the blood she had just ingested. Blood spattered over the coffee table and her lap as she continued to violently cough it up. Elijah was suddenly next to her, his arm around her as he was pulling her hair away from her face. A short moment later, her coughing had stopped. She didn't have to look at her finger to know the cut was still there. She stared blankly, feeling blood dripping off her chin, her heart pounding in her ears. "What happened?" Elijah asked, the concern in his voice evident. His hand was still on her back. "I think I just rejected your blood," she replied quietly not wanting to look at him just yet. This was it, this was the answer to her question. There will be no shortcuts, no cheating. She was going to have to heal the regular way. Katherine sighed quietly, still not daring to look at Elijah. Odds were if vampire blood couldn't heal her, it wouldn't turn her either. "That settles it then," she finally spoke up, turning her head to glance at Elijah who was still sitting next to her. She tried to sound casual, as if this wasn't an epic disappointment to her. Elijah was watching her, his face not giving away any thoughts he might have on this matter. He dropped his hand from her back as he got up and made his way over to where his suit jacket was, retrieving a handkerchief from it's pocket. He stopped in front of her, handing her his handkerchief. Katherine glanced up at him and nodded, taking the handkerchief from his hand before wiping her mouth with it.

ㅤ

"I imagine you were expecting different results, no?" he asked her quietly as he took his seat next to her. "Doesn't matter now," Katherine shrugged, wanting to contain her disappointment. "I believe this means you can never be turned back either," he mused quietly. "Nope," Katherine replied, popping the p. "I can only assume the disappointment you must be feeling," he said quietly, glancing over at her. Katherine cocked up her eyebrow. Heaven help him if he decided to start another human appreciation rant, she might just actually try and kill him. But he remained silent, his eyes watching her in silence. "I wanted this to work," she said after a while, dropping her gaze to her hands, "at least I would have had some insurance, you know?" she shrugged. "That's understandable," he said quietly. Katherine looked up at him, trying to understand why she wasn't hearing another one of his sermons. In stead, he seemed almost sympathetic. "What? No lecture this time?" she asked with a raised eyebrow and a sly smile. "It's not my place," he said before averting his eyes, "it's not my right to tell you how to feel," Elijah said quietly. "That didn't stop you before," Katherine pointed out matter of factly. "It's why I've come to realise that I owe you an apology," he said before his eyes found hers again, "I had no right to push you the way I had, I had no right to force you to see things the way I did," he let out a somber sigh. "I'm ashamed of what I did," he whispered before dropping his gaze yet again. Katherine was watching him, not quite believing what she was hearing. She had a feeling it wasn't easy for him, to admit he was wrong. "I won't lie, you were acting like a royal douchebag," she stated before getting up to go make herself a drink. "Yes, you've stated so before, using some rather," he paused, looking up, "colourful language," he breathed out. "If the shoe fits...," Katherine shrugged as she poured two drinks. "Can you forgive me?" he asked quietly, his eyes locking with hers once again. Katherine stood where she was, watching him intently. There was no point in lying, she knew how difficult this was for him. But not as difficult as it had been for her, to struggle as she did, only to have Elijah do the complete opposite of helping her, or even reassuring her. "I don't know," she said after a while.

_________________________________________________

[feverwritingandtextposts]

Misunderstanding (Giyuu X Reader)

Im back with a new kny fic... finally... This is for everyone who requested Giyuu!!! Sorry but I altered the request a bit, I hope you dont mind!

If you like my work, please support me on ko-fi!

As usual you can read it here on AO3 if you’d like! https://archiveofourown.org/works/24164389

You didn't like Tomioka Giyuu. He only speaks to nag at you, to point out your mistakes.

"Are you listening to me?" Tomioka asks, in that soft, velvet smooth voice of his. A long finger taps a point on the page sharply. "You’ve filled this report wrongly. Please redo it." Ice blue eyes bore into yours as he peers down his elegant nose at you.

You glance at the report you’d only just submitted in his hand. He was so nosy. It wasn't even his business to check your reports, he just started doing it out of the blue. He cited something about it being a senior teacher's job to review a new hire's work before it reaches the principal.

In your opinion, he takes it way too far. He even leans over your shoulder to point out things on your computer screen, icy blues flickering to you whenever he speaks, as if checking if you're truly listening. Give me some space!

Tomioka Giyuu only ever speaks about work. He never goes to lunch with anyone, never makes small talk, never misses a work submission. He never tones down his 'upstanding teacher' persona.

You have long wondered. Is he like that even on weekends? So cold, so restrained, so.. Tomioka Giyuu?

You see him once for yourself, on a Saturday run to a convenience store.

He's crouched near a gutter dressed in a ratty old tshirt that looks barely any more presentable than his tracksuit. He's wildly flailing a soggy piece of canned anchovy at an obviously disdainful tabby cat.

Perhaps its the need to annoy him, perhaps its just morbid curiosity, but you wander over.

"It doesn't seem to like you," you comment idly. He looks up, and his eyes are clear as the blue skies. He says nothing.

You crouch down beside him, beckoning over the stray cat.

"It does," Tomioka says, out of the blue. "I've fed it before."

You snorted, not quite believing him. You manage to pat a little of the cat's fur after scooting closer. The creature hisses, clearly offended.

It extends its small paw, ready to scratch and punish you for your hubris. Tomioka moves faster.

Catching your wrist he tugs you none too gently out of harms way. His hand is large and impossibly warm. His eyes are blue as ice.

"You'll get hurt," he says, like its a fact. Unintentionally you bristle, flushing in annoyance.

You pull your arm out of his grip, and without another word, you continue your walk to the store.

Cold blue eyes watch you go.

…

Tomioka Giyuu eats his lunches alone. But today, so do you. Your only other friends in the staff room were off campus for a course, leaving you to pick at your cafeteria ramen alone.

You look up at the gentle sound of someone moving into the seat in front of you. Tomioka gives you his signature flat look, as he sits, ramrod straight in the chair, looking all at once highly picturesque and incredibly uncomfortable.

Before you can ask him what he wants, he places his bento box on the table with a thump. "You're eating alone."

It's not a question. You assent to it anyway, telling him that the other teachers were busy. You trail off as you talk, uncertain if he's even listening. Tomioka Giyuu's silence never fails to make you feel like you talk too much.

As you shut yourself up awkwardly, he turns to you, eyes questioning. You squirm uncomfortably under his gaze, breaking eye contact to prod at your cooling noodles.

The silence drags on, punctuated by the soft sound of Tomioka unpacking his lunch. You had nearly brought a mouthful of noodles to your lips before a flash of yellow intruded its way into your vision. It was a bulging roll of egg, held delicately by worn wooden chopsticks, suspended inches from your face.

You meet Tomioka's unflinching gaze as he holds the egg up to you.

"Have some egg," he murmurs, like this was all completely normal. "It's good," he adds when you don't move.

Tentatively, you drop your noodles back into your bowl and take the egg, chopsticks clacking against his. You thank him, voice coming out soft and uncertain, but he nods resolutely at it and watches you intently as you lifted it to your lips.

He was right, it was good. You tell him as such and his lips quirk into a tiny approximation of a smile that leaves you strangely breathless with shock. Wholly oblivious to your reaction, he resumes eating his food in complete silence, and after a little more staring to confirm that he wasn't going to turn to you again, you go back to your own food.

The next time you speak to Tomioka Giyuu, its over his desk near the end of the day, as he reviews your work. You could feel the grimace, painting your face as you stood there, waiting for the inevitable scolding you were sure to get.

Tomioka shuffles the papers in his hand, peering at you over the top of them, eyes a stormy blue under the office's dingy fluorescent lights. Its an intense gaze, making you shiver.

"Well done," he says, still staring intently at you. "I can tell you've really improved."

You blink in shock at that, wondering if you've misheard him. At your lack of response, Kanroji Mitsuri manages to sidle in behind you, beaming.

"Isn't that wonderful, (Y/N)? You're getting the hang of the work now!" Kanroji smiles, smacking you reassuringly in the back with a bit too much force, pitching you forward.

You catch a glimpse of Tomioka's raised eyebrows before his hands are on your shoulders, steadying you, and your papers are scattered on the ground. You're deaf to Kanroji's frantic apologies as she bustles around you and Tomioka's feet, gathering up the papers.

Tomioka was too close. At this distance, there was nothing to distract you from the blue of his eyes, the regal incline of his nose, or his soft lips, parted slightly in concern.

You shook yourself out of your daze quickly, leaning back out of his grasp with a barely muttered thanks.

Glancing away, you accept the papers back from an apologetic Kanroji, unable to meet Tomioka's eyes again as you feel his stare bare into you.

"Are you okay?" Tomioka asks, softly.

Not looking back, and cursing your sudden bout of shyness, you nod quickly, giving him a hurried thanks for his concern. Quickly, you turn to shuffle back to your desk, lying to both of them about having to leave soon, just to escape the awkward vibe in the room.

…

The next day brings no respite from the strange turn your relationship with Tomioka Giyuu has gotten to. In fact, its only gotten stranger.

Tomioka had sat himself again in front of you at lunch, this time looking strangely pleased at the arrangement, even as you sent him obvious looks of confusion over this. Your discomfort with the situation went completely unnoticed by even the other teachers at the table. In fact, Kanroji and Kochou Kanae looked completely at ease with Tomioka's presence, as if he sat with you guys every single day of the week. As if he hadn't spent the last three months of your working there, eating all alone in the sanctity of his office desk so far.

Today he offers you an entire egg roll, pristine and looking absolutely delicious, which he hands over to you almost reverently, perching it atop your bowl of white rice. Tomioka ignores your look of confusion, accepting your thanks with dignified stride, blue eyes sparkling with an unreadable emotion.

Your own dry school cafeteria issued saba fish goes forgotten as you tuck into your surprising prize, eating with far too much gusto to fake disinterest in the gesture. Beside you, Kanroji and Kochou share a giggle at your expense, watching this unfold with glee. They turn down your offers to share, and that was enough to send you into a suspicious tilt. Kanroji never turns down food.

You look between them and Tomioka, trying to discern if there was something happening here that was escaping your notice. But Tomioka says nothing, tucking into his food at last, and neither do the girls, although they won’t stop giggling over it.

If it annoys you, you don’t say it. You’re too busy peeking over at Tomioka over the rim of your bowl, watching as he smiles contentedly into his salmon soup.

…

The train station was as busy as ever when you reach it, and you walked quickly along with the flow of people, careful to avoid any stray elbows as you went.

In your insistence to avoid bumping into anyone, you walked straight into a path of an energetic looking man, his clipboard blocking you from moving past him. Dressed in the gaudy red shirt of an insurance agent, you had a moment to realise your folly before the man started his spiel.

“Miss! How are you! May I have a moment of your time?” he asked, a forced, smarmy grin pulling at his face. You started, darting away to avoid eye contact and trying unsuccessfully to walk around him.

“Please,” he says, and there’s a hint of desperation under that cheery candour that makes you feel just as guilty as you are uncomfortable to hear his sales pitch. “It won’t take but a moment! I just want to tell you about our latest insurance plans, perfect for a working adult like yourself! Why don’t you come to our booth over there to hear more?”

His hand shoots out to grab your wrist in a vice like grip, preventing your further attempts to shy away.

You had never been good at telling people no, and this time was no different. You squirmed uncomfortably trying to find the politest way out of this situation, twisting your hand this way and that, unable to shake off the iron grip of the agent as he continued to talk, unperturbed.

All of a sudden, the man's unnervingly cheerful speech cut right off, as a heavy hand descended upon his shoulder with an audible thump.

From behind him, you could hear a chillingly curt voice speak out, low and dangerous. "I think she isn't interested in what you're selling. Let her go."

Peering past the agent's shoulder, you were met with the steely blues of the one and only Tomioka, his glare, usually so blank, pointed enough to cut glass. A thrill of emotion you can't quite place raced through you. Was it relief to see him come to your aid? Or was it admiration to see him stand up for someone like that? You've certainly never seen him look so... Authoritative.

It was kind of hot.

You tried to immediately banish that thought.

The agent faltered; his eyebrows raised in shock at Tomioka's sudden appearance. If you didn't know better, you'd think he looked scared.

"Leave her alone," Tomioka repeated, his hand squeezing down slightly on the agent's shoulder, causing him to squeak.

"Of course, of course!" the man blubbered, his smarmy grin sliding off to reveal a horrified, placating smile, "my mistake! You uh have a good day now miss, and uh sir!"

Noticing that he'd let your wrist go, Tomioka released the man from his grasp. He wasted no time in scampering off immediately, not even daring to look back at either of you.

You shuffled on the spot awkwardly, looking at your shoes before tentatively looking up to meet Tomioka's gaze. You were surprised to find that the harsh look in his eyes was gone. He looked at you gently, eyebrows just so slightly down turned, as if he was distressed.

"Are you okay?" he asked, voice low and gentle.

You nodded fervently, feeling more than a little silly all of a sudden. It felt like you keep running into him in the strangest situations recently. It was actually getting a bit embarrassing that he had to help you out so often. "Sorry, you're always having to help me out."

Tomioka's eyes widened inestimably. It was slight enough for a stranger not to notice, and you were surprised you did. You were shocked at how in tune you were getting to his emotions, as vastly difficult as they can be to discern.

"You don't have to apologise. It’s not your fault," he says, still looking a bit taken aback.

"Still," you mutter, wondering at the nagging feeling in your chest, and how much of that you can blame on Tomioka, and how much you can blame on yourself. "You help me at work, and now even outside of work, I just-" you stopped to take a breath.

When Tomioka sensed that you weren't about to continue, he hummed softly. "I don’t think I'm much help. But I don't mind it either way."

"I'm sorry," you repeated, and what you were apologising for, you didn't even know.

Tomioka bowed his head at you, concerned. "Its fine. I like helping you."

The words were so kind, and his gaze was so gentle that you felt your heart clench tightly. A foreign feeling swelled in your chest, and you were far too tired to make any sense of it.

"Why?" you asked, voice coming out strained and choked. Why was he always barging into your business? Why did he care? "Why would you care about me? I can't do anything right, you've said so yourself."

Tomioka's brow furrowed slightly and you hated how well you knew his face to tell. "When did I ever say that?"

"You think that," you shoot back without thinking. It was like a dam had burst in you, and all your bottled emotions and stress that had been stewing in you was leaking out. "You're always telling me that my work isn't good enough, that I'm not good enough. Every single time I hand anything to you, you have something to nit-pick! So, isn't that what you think? That- that I'm useless." you stutter, breaking his gaze to stare angrily at his shoes.

"That," Tomioka said sharply, "is not true."

At the sudden change in tone you glanced up, and was surprised to see his gaze dark, his blue eyes stormy, full lips set into a thin grim line. He looked angry.

Distantly you thought that you were seeing more emotion from him in these ten minutes than you've had from him all year.

"I was never trying to put you down," Tomioka says, and his voice is uncharacteristically loud and sharp, betraying his mood like never before. "I wanted to help you improve. And you always do. You are a tireless worker, and a dedicated teacher. You have so much potential that me, and everyone else can see."

You blink at him, struck completely dumb by his sudden tirade.

"Stop saying such negative things about yourself. It helps no one, much less yourself, to put yourself down like that. You work hard, and take criticism into stride. You never make the same mistake twice, and you're always improving. I-" he faltered, as if recollecting himself and remembering that he was in public. He pauses and you wait for him to continue, watching him with bated breath.

The next time he speaks, his voice is calm and soft as it always had been. "I've always admired that about you."

The people in the busy station rush around the two of you, leaving you both in a small cocoon of silence, the sort of surreal privacy one can only find in a crowd.

It takes you a moment to process his words, his praises and his emotions, as raw as you've ever seen it from him. Tomioka doesn't seem to mind, waiting patiently as you try to get your thoughts in order.

You couldn't remember why you'd ever think he was cold.

He appeared apathetic and uncaring, but with a sudden clarity you realised that with Tomioka, it was the little things that counted. The small acts of kindness and concern that he bestowed on you. What he avoided saying in words, he made up for in his actions, and in his careful observations, a kind of calm collected sweetness that before tonight, you may have never realised. You knew full well he wouldn't have minded even if you never did. He would just go on, being quietly kind, and being unjustly hated by you.

You felt like a complete jackass.

The realisation made your tumultuous emotions overflow, and with a choked cry, you could feel your eyes tearing up.

Tomioka gasped audibly at your tears, hands shooting forward as if to shield you from your own sadness. Wavering, he shoved them back into his coat, pulling out a packet of tissues. He held the tissues out, motioning as if to dab at your cheeks before changing his mind and instead holding them out to you desperately. You sniffed, rather amused by his frantic antics despite it all, accepting the wad of tissues gratefully.

"I'm..." Tomioka gaped, staring at you. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry."

"It's fine," you blubber, dabbing at your eyes and feeling simultaneously incredibly foolish and amused. "I'm not crying because of you."

"Oh," he murmurs, eyes never leaving yours. "Then, are you tired? Are you hurt anywhere?"

You shake your head, still unable to stop your sudden unreasonable bout of tears.

Tomioka tried again. "Do you want to sit down?"

You nod, and Tomioka gently gathers you in his arms, ushering you to a nearby bench. The other commuters take one look at your crying face and try to stay clear out of the way, providing the both of you with a wide enough berth to get to the bench unhindered.

You settle down beside Tomioka, and sit in silence while he gently pats your back, still looking very confused but not asking you any questions, for which you're grateful for.

"I'm sorry," you repeat, once your tears have blissfully made way for slight hiccups, allowing you to speak again.

"What for?"

"For not noticing sooner," you wave a hand around for emphasis.

Tomioka tilts his head, and you have to work hard not to smile at the cute gesture. "That we're in public?"

"What? No. I mean about how nice you always are to me."

"Oh," Tomioka says, his expression betraying nothing, although a slight blush that dusts his cheeks suggest otherwise. "It's nothing special."

"You even give me food on the regular."

"You... Looked a bit sad," murmured Tomioka, blue eyes swimming with sincerity. "Kanroji mentioned that food is the best way to cheer someone up."

You gave him a shaky smile. "She's right."

Tomioka smiles at you, stunning you immediately to silence. "I'm glad to hear that."

You couldn't help a blush of your own, and could feel it burning across your cheeks as you watched him smile serenely at you, his already unreasonably handsome face becoming near blinding.

Thinking to get out of that powerful gaze, and also maybe hoping to push your luck to its limits, you shift closer, wrapping your arms around him and tucking your face into his shoulder.

You feel him stiffen under your touch and you pause worriedly wondering if you should pull back. But in the next second you feel warm arms coming to rest around you pulling you in closer.

The blush on your face was well and truly threatening to burn your skin right off.

You feel soft lips press itself to the top of your head, lingering longer than necessary, and leaving your skin tingling in its wake. You part slightly and meet Tomioka's gaze straight on, at the joy dancing in his cerulean blue eyes and the curve of his full lips.

And for the first time in a while, you think that everything's going to be okay.