#next chapter will be back to regular scheduled programing!

[inthewaterifoundyou]

CHAPTER THREE IS FINALLY HERE!

Title: Wearing Old Bones (From Those That Came First) Summary:

“Don’t freak out,” Barb says. Robin curses, rubbing at her face as she watches the kids struggle to follow her through Barbara’s open window. “Is that my brother?” Nancy asks. ________ In the days following Tammy Thompson's disappearance several things happen—each more unhinged than the last.

[LINK]

[jaeminvore]

Volleyball for Dummies (In Love Edition)

CHAPTER 16 (Interlude): Manager Lee & The Girls™️

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a/n: just a little sneakpeek on what Mark has to go through or what went on during the obligated timeskip LOL then we will be back to our regular scheduled programming 😼 as ive said before thank you all so much for enjoying the series so far 💖 and thank you to moon and aria for suggesting some ideas hehe ily both!

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[grapenehifics]

Solsbury Hill question!!

Okay….so Obi-Wan said he was done moving…but then Anakin of course got them a house to rent and move in to!! But, after those 2 years are up….do they move again😳😳😳😳 orrrrr does Anakin and Obi-Wan buyout the house from them??

I don’t know why my brain is suddenly like…WHAT DO THEY DO….but my brain won’t stop thinking about it🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

MY FRIEND you have tickled my brain no end with this ask and I can't stop thinking about it. Because 'what next' - that's the question, isn't it?? I'm bad at endings - I 'stopped' (ha) Solsbury Hill because I thought that was a really good stopping point, but then obviously kept going and now there's a whole Bonus Scenes fic because I can't stop thinking about what they do next either! So, here's some random thoughts that haven't (yet) made it into the Bonus Scenes.

-They've got to figure out Obi-Wan's job, or at least his working conditions. They're trying! Anakin looked into that airplane mechanic program and Obi-Wan started adjuncting but ultimately decided having an on-call schedule wasn't for him/their family. But what he can do, and the direction I think he's eventually going to shift, is social work through the school district (rather than the county). He is using his degree, he's working with kids, but it's going to be a more standard business hours schedule (no more weekends!) and while he's certainly got a lot of kids to work with (the school district of course hires far fewer social workers than they should) he's also not the last line of defense for any of them, and can liaise with their 'regular' county social workers for things they need outside of school. And, side benefit for their family, LAUSD is an enormous district and he can transfer almost anywhere if he needs to.

-By the time the Ersos get back from Europe, a lot of things have changed with their kids. Ahsoka (in the Sick Kids chapters of Bonus Scenes) was in her freshman year of college, living at home and commuting to class. But as she keeps going to school she makes some friends who start talking about getting an apartment near campus together. Anakin and Obi-Wan are of course very determined that she always has a home with them anytime she wants/needs it, but she just isn't at home quite as often as she grows up and could maybe have a pull-out couch, or share bunk beds with Leia, rather than needing her own bedroom. The twins, too, are older and starting to be in school during the day for longer and longer periods of time.

So, all of that, plus Obi-Wan having a related but new, slightly less-stressful job, plus having to leave the house they'd been renting for two years, they talk about changes they could make and things they could give up so that Anakin could quit his job at Mr. Plo's shop and do the airplane mechanic program - but the track that holds classes during the day, rather than in the evenings/at night. So they're down to just Obi-Wan's income, which isn't great, but they take advantage of being a little more mobile and moving so Anakin's commute isn't so long, and by the time he gets out of class either he or Obi-Wan can pick the twins up from daycare and then still have the whole evening to spend with them and do dinner and baths and bedtime and all of that without Obi-Wan and Ahsoka trying to do all of that without Anakin around. (Anakin also makes some money on the side on weekends by flipping classic cars. Obi-Wan is annoyed at having to always find street parking because their assigned parking spots are taken up by Anakin's latest clunker projects, but it makes Anakin happy and he does make them extra income off it so Obi-Wan deals with it.) It still takes two years and yeah it's a big letdown from having their own (rented) house with a little yard and actual bedrooms for the kids AND the adults to not have to sleep in the living room but...

-After two years Anakin gets a much-better paying job at any one of the major or minor airfields in the area (still staying pretty local for both Obi-Wan and Padmé's jobs, because they've got split custody of the twins, and for Ahsoka's school, so that she can come home holidays and weekends without having to travel too far) and THEN they can actually relax a little bit and start thinking about 'what do we WANT to do' and 'where do we WANT to be' without having things they HAVE to do and decisions they HAVE to make just to stay solvent hanging over their heads. But it is a process and I don't want to make it too easy for them ;)

(I also like to think that Obi-Wan really does end up transitioning out of being a full-time social worker himself and into teaching future MSW students at a university. He has the credentials and the experience for it and who doesn't love Professor!Obi-Wan? But that doesn't happen immediately.)

So, in a very long answer to your question, they do have to move a few times again even after leaving the Erso's house, and they may never be the sort of family who can save up enough for a down payment and buy their own home/stop renting but they just might conceivably become the sort of family who isn't quite living paycheck-to-paycheck anymore and that's a really big deal for them and a ton of progress that they really have to fight for but they do it!

Thank you for asking this and getting me back into the swing of this fic because I love and miss them, too ♥

[writingwhimsey]

Married to The Enemy- Shingen Ch. 66

And we are back to our regularly scheduled programming! (okay not really all that regular, but you get what I mean haha).

Chapter 66

We all exited the palace and headed into town together. Shingen kept an arm around my waist as we walked into town. Decorations were strung up everywhere, shops were open with all kinds of crafts, even some special ones that were made as special tokens to welcome Shingen home.

Of course, what really caught my attention was the delicious aromas wafting through the air from the various food stalls. But I kept myself quiet. This day was about Shingen and I wanted him to enjoy it.

“The town went all out for you, my lord.” Yuto told Shingen.

“I can see that.” Shingen replied, smiling as he took everything in. I could tell he was genuinely happy to be back in Kai and it seemed like quite the warm welcome from his people. Those beautiful gray eyes soon came to me. ���What would you like to see first, my love?”

“I’m fine with wherever you want to start.” I replied. “This is all for you, you know.”

Shingen chuckled and kissed me on the forehead. “It is also to welcome YOU to Kai as well.” He told me. 

“Oh, come on, there has to be something you were really looking forward to about coming back to Kai.” I replied.

Shingen grinned at me. “There is something…and I have a feeling you will enjoy it too.” He said, kissing the tip of my nose.

The next thing I knew, we were at one of the food stalls, getting several orders of some sweets that were exclusive to Kai. The cook behind the shop smiled as he handed Shingen the treats. “I made this order just the way you like them, my lord. With extra sweet sticky syrup.”

Shingen smiled. “Thank you.”

“And do you have any special requests, my lady?” The cook asked me. “I remember when my wife was expecting our first. She had some of the strangest cravings.”

I shook my head. “No, thank you. As of right now, I just want food…and lots of sweets.”

The cook laughed. “Well, you are carrying Lord Shingen’s child. So that’s no surprise.”

We chatted a few more moments before we were taking our food and going to sit down on some benches. “You should be sure not to eat too much of those.” Mom told me as we all sat down. “You know too much sugar is bad for the baby.”

I pouted. “But it’s so good…and sweets are kind of all I’ve been craving.”

“That’s definitely Lord Shingen’s fault.” Yukimura said. “If I didn’t stop him, he’d eat nothing but sweets for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all the snacks in between.”

I giggled. “Hey, I make sure he gets balanced meals too, you know.” I said, picking up one of the sticky treats and popping it in my mouth, the sweet flavor instantly hitting my tongue and spreading through my mouth. “Mmm…” I hummed in contentment as I ate.

“Don’t act like you don’t have a sweet tooth yourself, Ava.” Mom said. “I seem to recall having to fight with you about your breakfast choices in the mornings growing up.”

“You worry too much, my girl.” Oba-san told Mom. 

“And you spoiled her too much.” Mom countered.

“That’s my job as the grandmother. I get to spoil and then give her back. Something you’ll come to enjoy here soon.” Oba-san replied with a smug grin.

“That is true.” Mom replied. She then looked at me. “You’ll finally get to know what it’s like to argue with a miniature version of yourself.”

I laughed. “What if the baby is a miniature version of Shingen? I mean besides the fact that he’d be super cute that way…”

Shingen chuckled. “Well, it’s good for us that I was a good boy then.” He said, caressing my hair.

“Most of the time. You had your moments.” Yuto countered. “You could be quite stubborn when you wanted to be.”

“I wasn’t that bad.” Shingen replied.

It was then that something new occurred to me. “Wait, Yuto, you were involved in Shingen’s upbringing?”

Yuto nodded. “Yes, my late wife was his wetnurse and I helped with his training and such.”

Shingen looked at me. “Are you thinking what I think you are, my love?”

I nodded. “Yes.” I then turned back to Yuto. “So, you would have all kinds of stories about him, right?”

“Oh, yes I could tell you anything you wanted to know.” Yuto replied.

“I don’t think that’s really needed, my love…” Shingen tried to protest.

“Oh, yes it is. Oba-san shared with you my embarrassing stories…and pictures…I wanna hear yours.” I replied.

Yuto chuckled. “Ah, you want to know the things my lord would prefer no one know?”

I nodded. “Pretty much yes.”

“I will be sure to regale you with such tales later. I promise.” Yuto replied.

“Aren’t you supposed to be my vassal?” Shingen teased.

Yuto grinned. “I am. But that also means your wife is now my lady and I serve her as well. Not to mention she is my step-daughter. I want her to like me afterall.”

I laughed. “Haha! Looks like I’ve won.” I then looked over at Mom. “Thanks for marrying him.”

Mom laughed. “You’re welcome…I think.”

“I’m in for trouble.” Shingen said with a chuckle.

“Don’t worry my lord, I will share the embarrassing stories with Ava and only stories that paint you in the best light with my wife.”

I couldn’t help but to giggle. Soon after finishing the sweets, we all began wandering around the festival. Our group slowly dwindled down until it was me and Shingen and my mom and Yuto. Oba-san had gone off on her own and then Yukimura and Saki had left to spend some time alone.

Shingen showed me around the town, showing me his favorite places around. Though he seemed to make sure that every place he showed me would interest me in some way. He also made sure to take me by the fabric merchant in town.

Kana and Yuto…

Kana walked beside Yuto, holding his hand as they made their way through the festival following her daughter and Shingen. She watched Ava and Shingen. This was Ava’s first day in Kai and she had wanted to know everything Shingen loved about the town. Yet she couldn’t help but to notice that Shingen was being sure to show Ava things that related to her interests.

He also seemed to make sure they took frequent breaks to ensure Ava had plenty of food to eat and plenty to drink. He made sure she sat down and rested as she needed to. As much as she didn’t want to trust Shingen…all signs pointed to the fact that Shingen really did love Ava and was dedicated to her.

She also noticed the way the women of the town looked at Shingen. There were lots of admiring looks. Not that Kana could really blame the women. Even she had to admit her son-in-law was a handsome man. Though what really caught her attention was that Shingen paid no attention to these other women and the longing looks they were giving him. He did seem to really only have eyes for Ava.

“They are rather sweet together.” Yuto spoke to her in a low voice, a warm smile on his face. “I haven’t seen my lord this happy in many years.”

“I will admit…he does seem to really care for her. And Ava does seem to be happy.” Kana admitted.

“I can tell you, I’ve known Lord Shingen since he was a boy. He’s never looked at a woman the way he looks at Ava.” Yuto told his wife. 

“I’m still not sure I can trust  him with her heart just yet…”

“Whether you trust him with her heart or not, doesn’t matter. She clearly has already trusted her heart to him.” Yuto replied. “Not to mention he is the father of your grandchild.”

Kana sighed. “I know. I just can’t help but to worry. She is my daughter after all…and until I clearly had terrible taste in men…and the rate Ava was going, she was on the same path as me.”

“But look at her face.” Yuto replied.

Kana looked at her daughter, seeing the genuine smile on her face. They were currently pursuing over some tea sets and other wares at one of the shops in town. She noticed Ava’s eyes lingering over certain things. Shingen’s eyes were on Ava, taking in everything she did.

“Would you like one of these tea sets, my love?” Shingen asked Ava.

“No. I just think they’re pretty and admire the craftsmanship.”

Kana knew her daughter. That was her way of trying to pass it off. She wanted one of those tea sets. She always denied wanting anything for herself. Kana made a mental note to come back and purchase one of the tea sets.

Of course that was when she noticed Shingen. When Ava’s back was turned, he discretely called the attention of the shopkeeper and passed him some money. The shopkeeper was then packing away the set Ava had been admiring. Kana noticed this was a pattern that occurred in several shops.

She looked to Yuto. “Is he doing what I think he’s doing?” She asked.

Yuto nodded. “Yes. One of the vassals will be along to pick them up later.”

“What are you two whispering about back there?” Ava asked, turning to look at her mother over her shoulder.

Kana smiled at her daughter. “Just thinking that that food stall over there smells good.”

“It does smell good.” Ava agreed.

The group headed over to get something to eat then and set down. “I’m glad we’re sitting down. My feet and ankles are starting to hurt a little.”

“Are they? We can’t have that.” Shingen said. He was then reaching for Ava’s feet and pulling them up into his lap. He removed her sandals and began to rub her feet and ankles.

Ava’s cheeks were glowing bright red. “Shingen…you don’t have to do that right out here.”

Shingen smiled at Ava. “I just want to take care of my goddess.”

The rest of the time at the festival was spent in a similar manner. By the time the festival was coming to a close and they were heading back to the castle, Ava was saying that her feet and ankles were hurting again. Shingen picked her up and carried her to the castle. 

Kana felt her heart warming at the sight. Ava had a genuine smile on her face…and it seemed it was all because of Shingen. It seemed perhaps, Ava had really found true love. It appeared Ava had chosen better than she had when she’d met Ava’s father. It appeared Shingen was a good man.

Taglist: @limonzu @zulablaise @oda-princess @kisara-16

@tele86 @lovely-bubb1es @lucyw260 @queengiuliettafirstlady

@bjorkshire-pudding @eventinelysplayground

[w0nslvr]

15. 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 ✰ 𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒘𝒐𝒏 𝒙 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 (𝒇𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 &𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎, 𝒆𝒉𝒚𝒑𝒆𝒏, 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 & 𝒚𝒖𝒏𝒋𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒎)

𝒔𝒚𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒔𝒊𝒔 ✰ 𝒚/𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆, 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒈𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎. 𝒃𝒐𝒚, 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈. 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝒐𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇𝒇… 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓.

𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 ✰ 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑹𝒀𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑨𝑰𝑫 𝑰𝑺 𝑨 𝑱𝑶𝑲𝑬, 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕, 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔

normally, y/n hates the movies. she can never indulge enough in the scene to not feel like she's uncomfortable with how she's sitting, or if she looks awkward, or what the person sitting next to her is doing. but with jungwon, everything feels at peace. like she was meant to be sitting there, next to him, with his big boba eyes entranced with the screenplay of the fnaf movie. she looked at him, a smile playing on her lips, "you know..." she whispered making his attention turned to her as his eyes trailed from her eyes to the smile etched on her face making him crack one too. "i chose this movie as a joke but you seem to be in a trance." she teased him, making him roll his eyes playfully. "yeah well i need to find out if they're sticking to the lore or not," he said in a 'duh' tone. he leaned over the compartment that held their shared popcorn, soda and pack of sour nerd ropes and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, making her face heat up. "now shush and watch josh hutcherson." he whispered, his attention back on the movie. the girl snorted at his comment but obeyed, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling butterflies swarm in her stomach and electricity spark from where their bodies met.

jungwon was never big on affection. but he knew that she was. he's seen her in the hallways, leaning on taki as their friend group conversed, or holding hands with yunjin as the older walked her to class, or riding on yuma's back during gym class. he could tell she needed to be close to the people she loved. maybe it's an outcome from childhood trauma. not being nurtured by her parents as a child, so she seeks it from her loved ones as she gets older, or maybe it's just her love language. but either way, jungwon acted before he could think it through and his body decided that it was willing to sacrifice its lack of interest in affection for her. or perhaps his body was seeking affection from only her specifically. all he can say is in that moment he anything but hated the feeling of her head resting on his shoulder, so much that he leaned his head down and rested his own head on hers.

𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 | 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 | 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕

A/N: IM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG😭currently have covid so i’ve been knocked out all week. im gonna post a few chapters to make up for my lacking this week! hopefully back to our regular scheduled programming after today 😝

[bleachbleachbleach]

8/26 - 8/29/2024

Calling this now, because I'm at a 4-day leadership retreat that has scheduled 12-hour days, and after Day 1 I have already cried and comforted someone else who has cried, so it has established itself as an all-in kind of situation.

But I did get to write this week! I am practicing stress avoidance re: my big 9/30 work deadline, which is a terrible idea, but that's where the 2.5-hour word-ICU on Tuesday came from. It's difficult to overstate how poorly that session went. For some reason I decided that I wanted to go rogue and work on the Hitsugaya chapter. Nothing made any sense and everything was in the wrong order, and sentences did not sentence. Then the next day I was like, oh, I'm an idiot, I obviously have no idea from where Hitsugaya would be narrating this, because I didn't finish his scene edits in Renji 11 and I haven't gone back for the big revisions in Hisagi 9, both things I said I was going to do before coming back to this chapter FOR A REASON. HELLO???

But then the next next day I woke up at 2am to drive myself to the airport for this retreat, and on the plane I was feeling Very Daunted by the prospect of surviving any day that starts at 2am, given that the retreat program was going to run an opening "short day" from 12-9pm Pacific, aka midnight my regular timezone. And I am not about the all-nighter life. So I was just like AAAAAAAAAAA if I'm going to survive this I shall spend a portion of this flight writing FAN FICTION (and studiously avoiding my work deadline)!!!!!

And it went really well! It was one of those days where you immediately find the opening line for the scene and write with great clarity from there, and the "from where" for Hitsugaya seemed very obvious and I spent the rest of the day very very pleased and fond of the memory of what I had written.

Whether that memory is *accurate* to the quality of the prose I don't know and am a little afraid to know, because it was composed on an airplane after waking up at 2am, beside a seat partner who SO VERY DESPERATELY wanted to talk (aaaaaaa). And there is always the risk that once I actually write those scenes that inform this chapter it will turn out this isn't the Hitsugaya of the moment after all. But right now I'm feeling pretty confident about him.

I ended up moving a section of what I wrote down the scene, so now I have two loose ends I didn't get to finish before it was time to store laptops and tray tables, where I feel like I already know exactly what I want to write next. So hopefully when it's time to come back to this the restart will be an easy lift.

[she-wolf09231982]

Chapter 1-Dynamite

Summary: Growing up in Chicago, Kate hasn’t seen much outside the city limits, except maybe Wisconsin or Indiana. After the Pearl Harbor attacks, WWII was announced across the country. Not long after she found herself with her brothers resisting temptations after they stumble upon two military recruiters encouraging them to join the Army or Marines to make a difference. 

A/N: Character Intro, Mature audience, BillHoosierSmithx!FemMedic, WW2, OCIntroduction/Kate Danaher, Female Pronouns, Cursing/Swearing, Derogatory Slurs, Womanizing Comments, Military and Medical Terminology, Inappropriate Nicknames, HBO The Pacific References, Mentions of Weaponry, Smoking.

Story takes begins Episode 1/Chapters 1-4 Guadalcanal/Leckie

*These stories may not fall entirely in accordance with the TV series timeline. I do not know the real Marines the actors portray in this series, so please understand I show no disrespect. Some or most of historical events and character interactions in my fanfics are fabricated purely for the sake of the enjoyment of fiction*

~~~~~~~ 

December 7th, 1941 

Chicago, IL 

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking to you tonight at a very serious moment in our history. The Cabinet is convening and the leaders in Congress are meeting with the President-”  

Kate listens intensely to the radio one evening with her family in the parlor. 

“-In fact, the Japanese ambassador was talking to the president at the very time that Japan's airships were bombing our citizens in Hawaii and the Philippines and sinking one of our transports loaded with lumber on its way to Hawaii.” 

Kate's mother obviously in shock sitting next to her father on the loveseat, reached for his hand as her other hand slowly rests over her mouth. 

“In the meantime, we the people are already prepared for action....Preparation to meet an enemy no matter where he struck. That is all over now and there is no more uncertainty. We know what we have to face and we know that we are ready to face it.” 

When the announcement ended and the regular scheduled program continued, her father walked over to the radio and turned the volume dial down. Kate, her two brothers and mother waited for him to speak. 

“Well, all we can do is wait.” he said with finality.  

The following day, newspapers all over the U.S. had “WAR DECLARED!!” across every headline. 

So, this was it. World War II has begun. 

~~~~~~~ 

Kate and her two older brothers, Peter and Tommy, walk through Sears, Roebuck & Co retail store trying to find Christmas gift ideas for their mother. 

“I heard they’re sending guys all over! Britian, Australia, Philippine's, Italy, Germany-” Tommy said excitedly. 

“Yeah, that’s what I heard, too.” Peter confirmed. 

Her brothers walking ahead gossiped about war details between them, not bothering to even look around for a gift.  

Kate huffed irritably, “Why did you guys even come with me if you’re not going to help me find something for mom?”  

They looked back and chuckled, “Ah come on, Ace, ma will love anything we get her.” Pete dissolved with a wave of his hand. 

Kate rolled her eyes then continued to search for something worthwhile. 

As her eyes scan the decorated windows of each shop, two uniformed men were standing in a storefront entrance each next to a military recruiting poster. One bearing “I WANT YOU FOR THE US ARMY” and another “WANT ACTION? JOIN THE U.S. MARINE CORPS!” 

“Hey, get a load of this!” Pete nudged Tommy when he saw the two posters. 

The uniformed men saw that her brothers’ interests were peaked. 

“What do you think, gents, wanna do your part for your country?” The Marine asked. 

Pete and Tommy shot eager glances at each other while walking closer to the two men. 

“Your country needs you, boys, we’re always looking for good, strong men.” The soldier added. 

“See the world and get paid for it!”  

“-an extra $50 if you join the 101st Airborne!”  

Kate's brothers’ eyes lit up, so she decided to intervene. 

“Excuse me, gentlemen, I think these two-” she began. 

Each recruiter redirected their attention to her as she approached. 

“Ma’am, we’re looking for abled women as well.” the soldier interrupted. 

All of Kate's thoughts dissipated at this statement, stopping her dead in her tracks. 

“Ever thought about becoming a nurse?” the Marine asked. 

“That’s actually what she’s always wanted to do!” Tommy verified for you.  

“Shut up, Tommy!” she snapped. 

“Well then-” the soldier began, “-sounds to me we have three new U.S. Army recruits!” 

“More like three Marine Corps recruits.” the Marine countered with a sly grin. 

~~~~~~~ 

Kate convinced her brothers to revisit the idea later when more was known about where the war was heading. It’s only been a week since the start of the war was announced, and they were already jumping into the snake pit feet first without looking.  

But she had internally thought about it herself. Was it really such a hasty idea? The military would pay for all her training to become a nurse. And it’s not like she’d be on the front lines, right? So, she’d be safe. 

Kate wasn’t sure who she would be trying to sell the idea to more: herself or her parents. They’d be more against the idea of her joining than Pete and Tommy. The more she considered it, the more she was inclined to join. But which branch?  

Tommy and Pete were already dead set on becoming paratroopers for the Army. The idea of $50 more per check was more than enough to motivate them. 

Kate discussed the idea with her best friend, Blanche. 

“I mean, financially it makes sense.” Blanche agreed. 

“They’d pay for me to become a nurse AND pay me while I go. Other than being away from my family, I can’t see why I shouldn’t do it.” Kate reasoned. 

“Well, you would be without your best friend.” Blanche eluded. 

Kate laughed, “That’s right.” she agreed with a slight look of disappointment. 

“You know what, I’ll do it with you!”  

A look of surprise appeared across Kate's face. 

“Do what?” she queried. 

“I’ll join with you and we’ll both become nurses in the military.”  

She studied her best friend, “Really? You'd join because I’m going to?”  

“Of course! We made a pact, remember?” Blanche reminded. 

They each had promised eachother as children they’d always stick together and be best friends forever. 

Kate smiled, “Ok! But let’s wait til after the holidays to go see a recruiter. I don’t want to ruin my parents’ Christmas and New Years.” 

“Good call.” Blanche concurred.  

~~~~~~~ 

The holidays came and went, and before Kate knew it, her, her brothers, and Blanche had enlisted as service members of the U.S. military. Tommy and Pete signed up as paratroopers for the Army, while Kate and Blanche decided on the U.S. Marine Corps. Needless to say, this news didn’t go over well with any of the parents. Especially for Kate and Blanche being women. 

Kate and her brothers sat at the kitchen table across from their mother, Elaine, who was weeping, while their father, Mortimer, paced behind her. 

“So,” Mortimer began, “-all three of you signed your lives away.”  

They all remained silent with only the muffled bawls of their mother filling the room. 

“You see what you’re doing to your mother!?” their father scolded, gesturing towards his wife. 

“Pops, we just-” Pete began. 

“Do you understand what you just did? The government owns you now. You’re just a number to them. They don’t care if you live or die over there. Who know what will happen to you!” their dad continued as he ran his hand through his disheveled hair. 

Tommy, Pete, and Kate looked towards the floor with the weight of guilt weighing upon their backs. 

Their mother finally straightened up and composed herself. 

“Mortimer, what’s done is done. Shaming the children won’t do any good. Only thing we can do is support them now.” she defended. 

Their children exchanged confused glances. Their father turned to her with a look of shock painted across his face. 

“Elaine?” he questioned. 

“Mortimer, they’re grown enough to make their own decisions. The least we can do is be there for them every step of the way.” she responded. 

Their mother looked each of them over with a weak yet genuine smile.  

“You will all be outstanding. I am proud of you all.” she added. 

~~~~~~~ 

August 7th, 1942 

After Kate and Blanche completed basic training, they surprisingly found themselves aboard a battle cruiser heading for Guadalcanal with well over 1,000 some male Marines. The Corps decided to assign two medics to each platoon, regardless of gender. When they ran out of men to assign, they resorted to placing females.

Kate was just thankful to be paired with Blanche, so she wasn't alone with all these unfamiliar faces. She wasn't one to enjoy too much attention in big crowds. Blanche, however, relished the spotlight. Especially when most of the attention were from men. 

“Just look at them! So many handsome ones.” Blanche whispered as she nudged Kate. 

“Mmhm.” Kate hummed unamused, looking around the mess hall below the main deck of the ship. 

The kitchen prepared a special meal for the Marines today, so the men were buzzing, quite eager to eat something tasty for once. Kate and Blanche (being the only women within hundreds of miles) were usually allowed to get their meals beforehand to avoid unnecessary interactions with the males. Usually, they were able to finish their meals and leave before the guys would get there, but today seats filled up rather quickly upon hearing about the exclusive meal that was prepared. 

The only encounters they usually had with the men were when they visited the aid station in one's and two's within the ship to receive medical attention as needed. So, to see them all at once in the chow hall was very overwhelming...specifically for Kate since most of them watched her and Blanche’s every move. 

They were pushing through the crowd, trying to get back to their sleeping quarters when a Marine accidentally bumped into Kate with his arms cradling a bunch of oranges, causing him to drop a few. 

“Oh! I’m sorry ma’am!” the boyish blonde Marine offered. 

Kate crouched down and picked up the two oranges that fell to the ground. 

“It’s ok, Private, no harm done.” she assured trying to place the two oranges strategically back on the pile in his arms. 

“Oh no, please take them. A gift for two pretty ladies.” he added winking at Blanche. 

“Why thank you, Private..?” Blanche began waiting for him to introduce himself. 

“-Phillips. But call me Sid.” he insisted. 

Blanche and Sid shared a brief moment of staring until it became too painful for Kate. 

“Thank you again, Private Phillips. Try not to drop anymore, it would be a shame to waste those.” Kate said as she pulled Blanche in the opposite direction. 

“See you around, Sid!” Blanche called out as she waved at him. 

Sid made it to his table with the rest of the fruit unscathed. 

“Dessert!” he announced to the guys seated as he distributed the oranges onto the table in front of them, “Make sure you save one of those for me!” he added. 

“I just wanna get off this goddam rust bucket, I can’t hear myself think!” PFC Wilbur Runner complained. 

“Yeah, at least they give you a good meal before your send-off" PFC Lew Chuckler justified. 

“Yeah, like the electric chair.” PFC Bill ‘Hoosier’ Smith interjected sarcastically before continuing, “But you, Runner,” placing a hand on the seated man’s shoulder, “-you have won a trip to a tropical paradise called Guadal-Kenel...Guada...ken...I still can’t pronounce it.” He dismissed with a laugh. 

The table laughed collectively. 

“Hey Sid, who was that doll you were chattin’ up?” Chuckler asked. 

“Her name is Blanche.” Sid replied. 

“Weren’t there two of ‘em?” Runner questioned. 

“Yeah, but I didn’t get the other one’s name. She was a looker, too. She didn’t seem interested, though.” Sid proclaimed. 

“Maybe you ain’t her type, Phillips.” Hoosier teased. 

“Oh yeah, and you think you are?” Sid shot back with a snicker. 

“Guess we’ll see, won’t we?” Hoosier returned with a confident smile. 

“Not if I get to her first!” Chuckler chimed in. 

“Ok, you’re on.” Hoosier said shaking Chuckler’s hand officiating the bet. 

~~~~~~~ 

Kate sat on her bunk trying to concentrate on reading her anatomy and physiology research journal while Blanche drummed on and on about Sid Phillips. 

“Blanche, please. That was an hour ago.” Kate resounded. 

Blanche rolled her eyes at her, “You’re such a book bug!”  

“Excuse me?” Kate chuckled back at her. 

“We’re surrounded by strapping handsome Marines and you got your nose stuck in that book.” Blanche teased as she snatched Kate's book from her hands. 

“Blanche! Be careful with that! It’s old-”  

“Please, quit being sucha crumb. You’re always reading or studying.” 

“Well, my brothers don’t call me ‘Ace’ for nothin’.” Kate explained. 

“Just live a little, ok!? Look beyond the hard covers and enjoy the boys.” Blanche insisted. 

“I’d say you’re a little slack happy, Blanche. I’m here to make sure these boys make it through the war alive. Not to find a boyfriend.” Kate clarified. 

Blanche laughed, “Well, some things are out of your control. Because let me tell you something, you may not have been noticing all the hot bodies on this ship, but they absolutely been noticing you.”  

Kate flashed her a bored and surly glance then snapped the book back from Blanche's hands. 

“I’m not the least bit interested.” Kate finalized, flipping back to the page she was previously on. 

“Not yet,” Blanche purred, “but you will.”  

Kate ignored her comment and continue reading. 

~~~~~~~ 

“Wrap it up now! Get your gear! Everybody topside for the pre-landing briefing! Let’s move!”  

Kate heard the officers calling out in the slim hallways of the ship. 

Kate and Blanche began collecting their medical supplies and duffels. 

“Don’t forget your brassard.” Kate reminded her best friend as she pinned her own white armband donning the red cross to her left arm of her own uniform. 

Soon, they stood on the deck with the rest of the Marines as an officer projected his voice as far as he can to brief everyone. 

“Forget all the horseshit you’ve heard about the Japs. They had their turn, now it’s our turn!”  

Kate and Blanche side eye each other with wide eyes. 

He proceeded, “They may have started this war, but I promise you, we will finish it!” 

“YES SIR.” The men responded outloud in unison. 

“Hit the beach. Keep moving to your rendevous and primary objectives. When you see the enemy, kill ‘em all!” he ended. 

“YEAH!” the men collectively roared together. 

“Go! Let’s go get ‘em!” 

All the men started to stir, each either tightening their helmet straps or adjusting their web belts. 

Kate looked to Blanche to ask her if she has everything but discovered she had wandered off somewhere leaving her alone. Kate tried to look over the swarm of Marines then saw her talking to Sid. Kate shook her head and started to push through the crowd to get to her. 

It was like swimming against a current walking through the sea of men. 

“Excuse me.” Kate called out to no avail.  

She suddenly felt a shoulder deliberately check her, knocking the strap of her duffel off her own shoulder. 

“Hey, asshole, watch it!” Kate snapped. 

A rather tall and broad Marine turned around staring her down. 

“What the fuck did you just say to me?” he dared. 

“I said watch it.” She repeated emphasizing the last two words without flinching. 

He started to approach her as a devilish grin started to stretch across his face. 

“I like ‘em feisty.” he whispered inches from Kate's face. 

She stood her ground, not giving him the satisfaction he can intimidate her. 

“You’re not getting anyone with that breath.” she replied with a grimace. 

The large man fisted the front of her uniform practically lifting her off the ground. 

“Hey, Bennetti! That’s enough!” a voice barked out from the crowd. 

He doesn’t let Kate go but does allow her feet to touch the ground again. She looked to the side and saw another Marine pushing past the others with a few members of his squad close behind him. 

“What’s it to you, Hoosier?” Bennetti retaliated. 

“Well, that there is our medic, so get your meat hooks off her. Do you not know how to treat a lady?” Hoosier asked smoothly.

“I can think of a few ways to treat her.” Bennetti stated winking at Kate. She strained to get out of his grip as anger started to boil over from within her. 

“Let her go. Now.” Hoosier warned as Chuckler, Runner, Sid, and Private Bob Leckie line up ready to square off in case Bennetti decided not to comply. 

Bennetti sized up his competition, then let her blouse top go with a bit of a shove, slightly projecting her into opposite direction. With her chest heaving, Kate spat at Bennetti’s boots, then turned on her heel to walk away. 

Hoosier and the rest of the boys “oooo-ed” then laughed impressed by her gumption.

“She is feisty, isn’t she?” Leckie acknowledged. 

“Yeah, like a firecracker.” Chuckler added. 

“More like a stick of dynamite...I think I’m in love.” Hoosier confessed while his eyes were glued on Kate disappearing into the mass of men. 

~~~~~~~ 

Kate and Blanche boarded a Higgins boat with H Company. Almost forty people were packed like sardines in the floating metal box, not allowing for much personal space. Blanche conveniently sat herself next to Sid for the ride to the island, once again leaving you to fend for yourself. Fortunately, Kate found herself in better company next to the Marine that defended her earlier from the brute, Bennetti. 

She side-eyed him awkwardly, knowing she hadn’t properly thanked him for helping her yet. Hoosier sensed her apprehension to speak first so he took initiative. 

“You alright?” Hoosier asked. 

Kate's breath caught in her throat before she spoke, “Oh, uh, yes. I’m fine.”  

He smiled, “That’s good.”  

She looked down at her boots, swallowing hard before she spoke again, “Thank you. You know, for before.” she muttered. 

Hoosier’s smile increased, “Don’t mention it.” he replied admiring her shyness. 

Another moment of silence passed. 

“I’m Bill Smith. But my friends call me Hoosier.” he said extending his right hand. 

Kate coyly smiled at him then grab his hand to shake, “Mary Kate Danaher. Call me Kate.”  

Hoosier raised his eyebrows, “Irish?”  

“How did you know?” she asked mockingly. 

He chuckled, “Just a hunch, I guess.”  

They remained quiet for the rest of the journey to shore while explosions tore through the air, as hundreds of C47’s soared over them in flocks. The water was choppy and rough, causing a lot of the men seasickness and lose the meals they had just eaten. Kate wished she could help them, but they could only just push through until they all reached land. 

She began to hear indistinct shouting. 

“Standby!” The driver shouted. 

“Hoof it up to the beach! Spread out! GO! GO! GO!”  

The hatch of the boat drops and Marines hit the beach running forward each yelling profanities as they find themselves knee deep in water trudging to get through the sandbar. Many suddenly slow down to take in the scene before them.  

“What took you so long?” a random Marine called from the beach, leaning against a palm tree relaxing in front of what can only be described as a campfire. 

“Welcome to Guadalcanal.” another added sarcastically seeing the confused looks on the new arrival’s faces. 

Leckie, Chuckler, Hoosier, Sid, and Runner collectively laugh, amused by the laid-back atmosphere that they weren’t expecting to experience. 

~~~~~~~ 

Kate sat close to where H Company settled on the beach. Blanche checked in with her before rejoining Sid on a makeshift bench made from beached driftwood. Kate decided to make use of this time by reorganizing her medical supplies. 

Kate was startled when she heard Chuckler repeatedly beating a coconut against a stone. She laughed to herself imagining him as a caveman. As he successfully breaks through the shell of the coconut, he becomes disgruntled to find there’s another solid layer.  

He shows Leckie, “Hey, now what do I do?” he asked. 

“I think the islanders us a machete or a rock.” Leckie responded with a smile. 

“Try using your head, Chuckler, it’s big and rocklike.” Runner added. 

Chuckler grabbed his machete.  

“If you do get that open, you might not want to drink too much of the juice right away.” Kate advised Chuckler. 

He looked over at her and smirked, “Oh yeah? Why's that?” he asked flirtatiously. 

“Coconut water has mild laxative effects if you consume too much at once.” she clarified. 

Chuckler tilted his head eyebrows drawn together confused. 

“You’ll get the shits if you drink too much of the stuff inside.” Leckie simplified. 

“Ah ok...” Chuckler comprehended while looking disappointedly at the fruit on his lap.

“But the coconut meat is very good for you, so you can eat that.” Kate expanded to cheer him up. 

Chuckler smiled at her, “When I get in this son of a bitch, I’ll bring you some.” he offered with a wink. 

She only smiled and return to packing her supplies. 

Leckie walked over to Kate, “Yeah, you kinda have to dumb it down for him. He’s a great guy. Great Marine, just not that bright when it comes to big words.” 

She looked at Leckie and snickered. 

“Bob Leckie.” he offered his right hand. 

“Kate Danaher.” she took his hand firmly. 

“Strong Irish name! Good to meet you. So, you’re assigned to H Company?”  

“I am. And I already have a good feeling about it.” she stated. 

“Yeah? How’s that?”  

“Well, you all came to my rescue when that bum had me dangling a foot from the ground. You guys didn’t even know me, and you stood up for me anyway. Speaks volumes about you guys.” she illustrated. 

“Oh, we knew you long before that happened.” Leckie confessed. 

Kate looked at him befuddled. 

“Yeah! You and your friend, um, Blanche, is it? Yeah, you two have had these guys’ heads spinning since you boarded that carrier to get here. Of course, we all had to asked around about you.” he explained with a dismissive shrug. 

Kate's eyes widened, “Weren’t there more important things to worry about?” she questioned. 

“Uh, like?” Leckie returned. 

“Oh, I don’t know. Battle plans perhaps? Maps of the beach and the rest of the areas we’re about to trek through?” she listed. 

“I don’t know about the rest of these guys, but I write more than I read. Would’ve brought my typewriter if I could.” 

“Leckie, you’re going to bore her to death.” Hoosier teased sitting on a fallen palm tree right next to Kate. 

She beamed at Bill. 

“Well, Bob Leckie, since I love to read, and you love to write, perhaps we can exchange some literature sometime. I’m always looking for new material to read.”  

Leckie looked at Hoosier with a cocky, triumphant smile. 

“Absolutely, Kate Danaher.” Leckie replied with a slight bow. 

She nodded and occupied herself with the project at hand. 

Leckie raised his eyebrows at Hoosier. 

Bill presented Leckie his middle finger then waved him away mouthing, “Get lost.”  

Leckie trotted off laughing to himself. 

“So, what do you like to read?” Hoosier started. 

“Mostly medical journals. Medicinal studies, anatomy and physiology, physician dissertations-” Kate glanced at Hoosier noticing his furrowed eyebrows, “-um, sorry, I’m what Blanche refers to as a ‘book bug.’”

She winced looking down at her medic satchel embarrassed. 

Hoosier chuckled as he scooted closer to her, “No need to be sorry. Only thing I read is the newspaper or Dick Tracy comics. Not exactly a disser-uh-dissrat-” 

“Dissertations.” Kate corrected him with a nervous giggle. 

He laughed, “Yeah, that.” He started to rub the back of his neck. 

Chuckler abruptly walked over to Kate handing her a half-gutted coconut filled with sliced coconut meat. 

“As promised, doll.”  

“Oh my, thanks Chuckler.” she praised as she accepted the coconut. 

“Anything for you. And call me Lew.” he implored with a proud grin. 

Hoosier rolled his eyes at Chuckler’s intrusion and sickening attempt to seduce her. The moment was short lived as the meek voice of Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Lewis chimed in. 

“Hey, for what it’s worth, Col Dobson said the Japs might’ve poisoned the coconuts.” he announced nervously. 

The group looked at him perplexed. 

“They poisoned…a billion coconuts?” Runner asked him. 

Lewis shrugged his shoulders, taking a second to think about how silly that sounded until he heard a man cry out in pain behind him. 

“Excuse me!” Lewis pardoned himself from the conversation to run towards the injured man. 

The group exchanged amused glances, enjoying a good laugh together. 

Lieutenant Corrigan appeared, stomping through the camp. 

“Intelligence has it the Japs moved back into the jungle. Clean the sand out of your weapons. We move in three minutes. Let’s go find some Japs.” he bellowed. 

Hoosier stood up and walked past Kate to where his gear was.

“See you around, Bill.” she called after him. 

Hoosier met Kate's gaze with a gleam of excitement behind his own. 

“You bet you will.” he called back. 

She smiled then redirect her attention to packing up. 

Blanche came skipping over. 

“See?? I told you!” 

“Ugh! Told me what, Blanche?”  

“You got yourself a beau!” she tittered poking Kate's ribs. 

“Unlikely. I was just gettin’ to know the guys we’ll be taking care of, that’s it.” 

“I saw how you looked at him. You can’t fool me.” 

“Can we focus on getting our gear and supplies together before the LT snaps his cap?” Kate warned. 

“Sure thing, Ace.” Blanche squeaked as she walked off. 

Kate shook her head, “She’s going to kill me.” she huffed to herself. 

~~~~~~~ 

[enterpris]

An Education in Attraction, Chapter 15

Pairing: Reader x Gojo

Summary: It's spring when you start your Master's degree. As the flowers and leaves unfold, so too do your feeling for Gojo

Warnings: none

Previous Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Ao3: PlaidSparrow

The two of you don’t talk much after sex, but the silence is comfortable. You suspect you each have a lot on your mind, but neither of you is willing to risk the pleasurable equilibrium you’re in now with conversation. After a few minutes relaxing in bed, tracing his skin and thinking to yourself, Satoru shifts and mentions he should probably head out. He leaves you with a peck and a wink before throwing his shades back on. 

Now alone, you're left reeling. You take a moment to re-dress and regroup, then send a message to your friends’ groupchat. You're overdue for lunch and an update to your friends. 

The next morning, you wake and get ready in a bit of a pleasant haze, and as much as you’d like to credit the new term or the success of your students, the smile on your face and lightness in your heart are both from reconciling with Gojo. Thoughts of him cloud your normally clear head, and you notice that for the first time in your program, you hadn’t completed the assigned reading before class. 

Heading to class, you’re eager and a bit nervous to see Satoru again. You’re not expecting anything to change in the classroom, but it’s a bit thrilling just to be near him again. His apology had been truly contrite, and it seems like he is interested in continuing to see you.

When you reach the room, your professor is already setting up, and from the lengthy notes already written on the chalkboard, it seems like today will be a full lesson. You take your regular seat and push aside any thoughts of Satoru, it’s bad enough that you didn’t complete the reading, you’re not going to be distracted during the lesson.

As time approaches for class to begin, you don’t bother to turn and check the back of the room for Gojo, you feel the weight of attention on the back of your neck, concentrated and significant. You swallow the heat in your face and stomach and glue your eyes to your laptop.

Perhaps he doesn’t need to pay attention to the lectures, but you’d prefer to do some actual learning in the classroom. 

You know he reaches the Assessments course quickly after you sit down, because Kuzume’s attention darts to him in the middle of your conversation, her mouth curling into a giddy smile. She may be the only one more pleased about the reconciliation than you. 

Thankfully, Gojo doesn’t seem as intent on staring at you during the second class, and you’re able to maintain your full concentration on the lecture. 

He’s still seated when you leave the room, and as you walk out he catches your eyes for just a moment over the rims of his glasses. They glint in the early afternoon light and you nearly stop then and there to speak to him. 

You don’t want to appear desperate though. You're also not completely sure what you'd like to say to him after reconnecting so suddenly and emotionally. After not speaking right after, it seems the moment to tell him what you’d actually like from him might have passed. You’ll have to make another opening. 

On Tuesday, you don’t pay Gojo any attention during either one of your classes. He’s a bit more reserved too- no prolonged looks or teasing glances. In the afternoon you strategize after lunch to fine tune your text before sending. You just want to check in with him, maybe see him again after class later in the week. No pressure. 

Satoru responds in the affirmative, his week is free. It seems like his schedule might have calmed down after missing class so often last term. 

You text back a quick message and then try to return to your assigned reading. You won't let a possible new relationship get in the way of completing your reading again. 

On Wednesday morning, the weather is warm and balmy, and you wake in high spirits. The worst of the rainy season has passed and the weather should slowly cool from this point of the year onwards, bringing back your cozy wardrobe and the beauty of fall on campus. 

The avenue of ancient ginkgo trees will leave golden leaves along the sidewalks and splash the campus with color. You’re excited to finally see it in person- the lawns and trees are as green as ever as you approach your building, but soon the university grounds will be red and gold and brown. 

All thoughts of autumn tumble out of your mind when you enter the room though. Sitting next to your normal seat, and having beat you to class for once, is Gojo himself. 

Gojo’s acknowledgements of you in class had been subtle before, and he certainly never sat with you. He usually seems content to stay to himself in the back of the room, haphazardly taking notes if he pays attention to the lecture. 

Today he’s sprawled his legs out under the desk, and he doesn’t look up until you’re standing next to him, the very picture of ease. 

Then he glances up at you over his glasses and smiles. It makes the corners of his eyes crinkle and your heart flutter. 

“I don't know if Fumio will appreciate that you've taken his seat,” you say as you set down your bag. Hopefully some light teasing will cover up any nerves. 

“Nah, I don't think he'll mind. There's plenty of other options.” 

“As long as you don’t trip the professor,” you eye the way his legs stretch out from under the table. 

He snorts but doesn’t respond, returning his focus on the front of the room. 

You work to keep your attention on the professor, just like you would in a normal class period, but your attention is consistently divided between the material and the man beside you. 

During class, Satoru doesn’t act any differently than he has the other times you’ve watched him, but you can’t help but be hyper aware of his presence next to you. When he flicks his pen over his fingers it draws your eye and you can’t help but flush, thinking about what those fingers were doing to you just a few days ago. 

Class ends and most of the room clears out, but Gojo remains seated. It seems after your text the day before, he’d like to get things going now. 

You make eye contact with your friends as they leave, a look that means you’ll be rehashing whatever happens with Gojo shortly. He slings his bag onto his shoulder and leads the way out of the room, his long legs carrying him further than yours.

The two of you walk through the campus, enjoying the soft sun. Gojo slows his pace so that you walk side by side, and without really intending to, you lead into the botanic gardens. 

Silence is companionable between you, but if you really do want more from him, you’ll have to get used to talking. You can start casually and then get into the more serious topics later. 

“The lecture today was good. It'll be nice to cover different instructional approaches.”

Gojo hums, “it was alright. Not sure how much a course on classroom approaches is helping a current teacher, though?”

It’s quieter here than the rest of the campus, the trees and shrubs swallowing the little sound that comes from other conversations. You flush a little at Gojo's insinuation as you wander deeper into the garden. While many of the flowers have bloomed and fallen already, the foliage is still rich and green, perfectly maintained by the loving hands of the university’s groundskeepers. 

“I don't know everything about being in the classroom, Eikaiwa are different.”

“Eh, not that different. Give yourself some credit.” He knocks your shoulder as you meander down the path.

“I’m surprised you didn’t test out of the Lessons class. Seems like you’ve spoken at plenty of events.”

You can nearly hear the eye roll when he responds, “Apparently not good enough. I did try.” 

You reach a couple of benches that look out over the pond. The weather is just barely beginning to cool- still warm but not absurdly hot, the first foray of summer into autumn. Although the air is still humid, it feels less sticky today. 

The garden is so peaceful, and frankly, it's comforting to be in a place you've visited time and time again. You take a seat to enjoy the moment, and when you glance over at Satoru he seems to be absorbed in the beauty of the natural space. 

You admire him without shame now, taking in all of the little details. 

The light reflects off his bright hair and the lenses of his glasses. He’s left the top couple buttons of his shirt undone, showing the pale skin and wisp of hair underneath. Reclining on the bench and soaking in the sun, he could very well be the most beautiful part of the garden. 

In the relative isolation of this part of the garden and the tranquility it exudes, your resolve to talk to him is strengthened. While there's certainly enough attraction to pursue Satoru, there's so much you don't know about him, that you'd like to know about him. 

“Satoru,” the name leaves your lips like a kiss- soft, just enough to get his attention. 

He turns to face you, head cocked in a silent question. You’ve noticed that while he’s remarkable at giving the illusion of casual indifference, he’s quite observant and gives the full weight of his attention when something’s caught his focus.

And being the center of that attention is still a bit exhilarating and nerve wracking. 

You've got to start getting to know each other somewhere, and there is something you've been wondering about Gojo since the beginning of your partnership. It’s strange that you don’t know this about him yet. 

“Why did you start the program? Why did you want to become a teacher?”

He doesn't answer immediately, and you feel him analyzing you. You imagine his eyes darting between yours as he considers his words.

“I didn't want to, at first.

“I thought I would lead scientific research, be on the cutting edge of new discoveries. Which I did.” He flashes you a smile. 

“I dunno. When you're always leading you can't do anything else. There is no option except to keep doing better. What if I don’t always want to be the absolute best?”

Satoru's voice doesn't waver as he speaks, and you find yourself immersed in his explanation. 

“In teaching, at least you're giving back. You can create the new generation of leaders. Why did you start teaching?”

His response is honest, and you take a moment to digest what he’s revealed. In combination with what he’d told you when he visited your dorm, it seems Satoru must have been under an incredible amount of pressure. You recall his words when you had asked about his childhood summer vacations. 

Brilliance and exceptionality come with notoriety and opportunities- that’s what you’d always thought. You had never before considered the weight that being the best may come with, a weight that has surely worn on Gojo. 

“I didn’t originally want to be a teacher either. I finished my Bachelor’s and realized I hadn’t really planned for anything after school. It took up so much of my life, you know?”

You gaze out at the rippling water of the pond and you’re reminded of the oceans you crossed to get to this point. You’ve come a long way. 

“There were too many options when I graduated, I just wanted to get away and have experiences outside school. I wanted more freedom, to figure things out. Funny that one of the best ways to travel abroad put me back in the classroom. At first I figured I could visit a bunch of different countries and then head home. Something just stuck me here. And I figured out I do actually like teaching.”

Tearing your eyes away from the pond, you turn back to Gojo. Now it seems to be his turn to absorb your answer. His eyes don’t leave your face, and his voice is gentle when he responds.

“It sounds like you wanted to be seen.”

“Maybe,” you agree. 

You slide a bit closer to him on the worn bench, and enjoy the simplicity of being close. If you do continue this whatever-this-is, you’ll look forward to more shared moments and getting to know him better. After the conversation in your dorm, he seems more willing to be honest and engage with you, and after this conversation, it seems he’s eager to be seen as more than his intellectual capabilities. 

He encouraged you after the presentation and again when you walked into the garden. It seems like he legitimately wants to compliment you, and has seen parts of you that want validation.

In fact, Gojo has done most of the initiating in your relationship between finishing the project, his apology, and sitting with you in class. He's making his interest abundantly clear, and opening himself up to you. Maybe he wants to be seen too. 

Sending one text isn't nearly enough. Although making the first move or reaching out is difficult for you, you can’t let him do all the work, and want him to know you’re very much interested in spending more time together. If you want this to work, you'll have to open yourself up too.

“I'd like to spend more time together outside class, and talk more,” you finish strongly, “Would you want to grab lunch or dinner later this week?”

“Are you asking me on a date?”

His voice is teasing, but you want him to know that you’re serious.

“I am.” When you speak there’s no shyness or nerves. 

Gojo’s answering smile makes your stomach dip and just might be as beaming as the summer sun. 

“You’re treating then- better pick somewhere with good dessert. Best part of the meal.” 

“I guess I’ve got some work to do then. I’ll text you the details later?”

“Sure.”

With the big question out of the way, and the promise of a more formal date on the horizon, you slip back into a comfortable quiet. When your skin starts to feel a little too warm, even in the gentle heat, you decide to head back, Satoru is pale and you don’t want him to burn. 

Walking back through the campus to your dorm, you’re lost in thoughts of him. 

There’s a lot of pressure as you think of where to take him. You are serious about Satoru, and this will be your first date, really first time spending time together outside of academia. Where do you take someone who’s already more successful than most academics, who’s almost certainly been wined and dined by universities and research groups?

You reflect on what he told you today, the way he acts in class. It doesn’t seem like he necessarily enjoys the attention and pressure from his intellect, the opportunities he’s afforded come at the cost of small freedoms. 

Although summer vacation has already passed, there should still be a couple weeks of warm weather before Tokyo transitions to fall. If Gojo's previous summers have been busy and filled with academics, maybe you can show him the small pleasures that created the summers of your fondest memories.

[justagalwhowrites]

Update :)

Sooo I posted the first half of the one shot I talked about before. Because this sucker is going to be somewhere between 15k and 20k words all told, I decided to split it up.

I just felt like that was too long for a one shot.

I didn't want to put off the next chapter of Yearling quite that long while I worked on that.

SO here's what's coming up!

Yearling - Probably Saturday and then again on Monday or Tuesday

Halcyon - Mid-week next week

Run Rabbit Part 2 - Late next week

Back to our regularly scheduled programming :)

Thanks for being lovely and supportive and understanding people! I really hadn't intended to start a series with this little Raider!Joel/Raider!Tommy side quest and I am going to keep it to two chapters (at least for now, may explore these guys more once other things wrap) but I swear that soon things really will be on schedule with my regular fics. December just did a number on me and I really wanted to take this little detour.

Thank you thank you thank you for being here. I love you!

[soaringonblackwings]

Title: You Could go Anywhere, Yet You Choose to Stay Here

Fandom: Yugioh 5ds.

Chapter(s): 1/? (Day 1 of Duel Camp)

External: N/A

Summary: Crow meets his soon to be mentor for his student teacher hours. Who puts him on the spot almost immediately giving him a full workload. Crow is at the end of his journey to a new beginning. His teaching days begin now. (My teacher Crow AU).

Crow and Glassouffle made their way over to the makeshift teacher lounge in one of the corners of the duel field stadium.

The lively banter of the kids and their friends somehow made most of his nervousness disappear.

At the teacher area, there was a slender young man going over notes. He had light brown hair that was slicked back with a few wild strands poking out. He wore a button up white shirt and dress pants. The suspenders were crossed over in the front. At least his weird sense of style made Crow feel less under dressed.

Of course regular dress code rules applied. However, this camp had a more lax rule set. The instructors could were a more relaxed casual style without being penalized. So Crow wore his normal outfit.

“Xitto, I’d like to introduce you to the new student teacher.” Glassouffle began.

Xitto turned his sharp gaze toward Crow from his papers. His gaze was intense. He looked him up and down and scoffs. “A bad boy. I’m sure you’re someone’s type.”

Crow was flabbergasted at the comment. It did not help that Glassouffle eyed him as well, slight concern written on her face. “Hmm…I’m sure if we keep him with the lower level classes it will be all right….”

Xitto rolled his eyes.

Crow had no idea how the topic ended up here of all places.

“The name is Crow Hogan!” In an attempt to bring everyone back on track, he introduces himself.

“Xitto Elizette.” He turns his full attention to Glassouffle. “You need to stop babying the new recruits.”

Glassouffle push’s up her glasses. Here genial smile not once leaving her face. “I’m just trying to ease him into the position. Go easy on him, Mr. Elizette.”

“I’m not a hand holder like you. Be gone! The camp starts soon.” Xitto shoos at her.

“I’ll be in the audience with the parents.” Glassouffle says as she walks off.

Xitto slides the notes towards Crow. “The plans and schedule are in there.”

Crow looks over the plans and schedule.

“You have actually participated in the tournaments before. I suspect that they will bombard you with questions.” Xitto says.

It was time for the camp to begin. They all gathered off to the side of the duel fields. It was a makeshift classroom with desks lined up and a mobile whiteboard.

“Good morning class!” Xitto starts off.

The class of twelve students had their full attention on Xitto as he stood in front of them.

“In this one week program, we will teach you the proper rules of the game. And answer any questions you may have. As well as get in some dueling.”

One kid raised his hand.

“I’m sorry but your playground rules don’t apply in official games.”

That same kids slowly put his hand down. It seems m Xitto has had a dealing with him before.

“Why is there a criminal here?” One girl asks.

“Because he is getting volunteer hours to stay out of jail. Next question.” Xitto looks over at Crow along with the rest of the group. The teacher did not hide the growing smirk on his face.

“Wait a minute!” Crow yells flustered.

After letting out a chuckle, Xitto changed his answer. “This is Crow Hogan. Get used to him as he will be joining us next semester as a student teacher.

Xitto glanced over at the audience hearing the growing uproar at this declaration. Crow did the same thing and noticed Glassouffle trying to calm them down.

“Now let’s get started.” Xitto begins to write on the whiteboard.

The lesson went on for about three hours before the lunch break. Some kids ate with their parents. Others hung out with their friends. Crow was sitting at the makeshift teacher lounge setup eating his lunch. Until Xitto came by and dropped one heck of a workload on Crow.

“I want you to come up with a lesson plan and event for the camp.”

Crow froze mid bite.

“Don’t give me that look. You signed up for this.” Xitto says.

“We already have a plan and schedule.”

“Don’t worry about that. I want something by the third day of camp. Got it.”

Crow nods. “Yes.”

“Oh! By the way, after lunch break, you’re teaching.”

That was also unexpected. But Crow took the challenge head on.

“How is everything going?” Came Glassouffle’s gental voice.

“How was dealing with the angry parents?” Xitto asks while smirking.

Glassouffle smiles and deflects. “I hear you are letting Crow teach after lunch.”

“Yes, I don’t baby students like some people.” He answered. “You can be sneaky at times when you want to be.”

Crow raised an eyebrow at that. Xitto turned to Crow.

“The school didn’t want to tell you until closer to the start of the semester. I am gonna be your mentor when you start your hours.” Xitto says.

Now it all made sense why Glassouffle wanted him to be apart of this camp. She really did give him a head start on everything.

“Thank you ms. Glassouffle.” Crow wanted to show his gratitude. The best way to do that was not let this experience go to waste.

After lunch, Crow’s instruction began in earnest.

The point of this was to get rid of any lingering nervousness about standing in front of a class. He was a bit miffed that Xitto would spring this on him. In the end he was responsible for these kids instruction.

He felt he had to adjust his perception of himself as a teacher. He was not superior to them. After all he still had a lot to learn too.

First as an instructor he had to work on communication to establish a better connection with his students.

“Mr. Hogan! The floor is yours. You can start by introducing yourself.” Xitto says as he walks to the side. Crow now had the attention of everyone in the room.

“Thank you Mr. Elizette.” Crow says. He had to get used to speaking more formally. “As Mr. Elizette explained, I am going to be taking over the class for the rest of the day. I know you are curious about me, so I will be taking a few questions about myself.”

A selected number of students rose their hands. Including Xitto, who had a smug look on his face. Crow elected to ignore him for now. He called on the same student from earlier that Xitto shut down.

“How can a criminal become teacher?” He asks.

“Just like Mr. Elizette and Ms. Glassouffle, I went to school and studied.” Crow answered and called on another student.

“You won the WRGP championship. Why are you here?” She asks.

“I had a mentor that inspired me.” Crow smiles. “Alright let’s get started.”

Crow straightened himself up.

“Now, I know you all are here to duel.”

At this most of the students perked up.

“For the rest of the day you all will be dueling. For each day we will be doing a different kind of dueling. Today we will be doing mostly one-on-one duels.” Crow says.

Crow and Xitto assign the kids their opponents. The kids were excited. This is what they signed up for.

Not everyone was able to duel, but there was always tomorrow. Though he had some homework to assign from the duels he witnessed.

“Impressive! All of you!” Crow applauded. “Nishiki, you have to learn to keep your cool when you are losing. You want to lead your own duel team right? You have to keep your cool or no one will want to follow you as a leader. You should also put some more spell and trap cards in your deck to help balance out your deck.”

“…”

“Guu, You need to be more confident in yourself. Doubting every move you make is a good way to lose confidence in yourself. Trust your deck and in your abilities.”

“…” She nod.

Once he gave out his observations, the first day of camp came to a close. Crow, Xitto, and Glassouffle stayed behind after everyone left.

“You did a pretty good job.” Glassouffle said.

“Still giving him the baby treatment.” Xitto scoffed earning him an eye roll from Glassouffle.

“There is room for improvement obviously. But for your first time you did okay. Your observation skills were top notch. As expected from a championship winner.” She says.

“Tomorrow you will be teaching the material. You got out of it today, but not for the rest of the week. And don’t forget about coming up with a lesson plan.” Xitto said.

“Yes sir. Although I think I have an idea in mind.”

The first day of camp camp to a close.

[sinclairmaxwellao3]

I may or may not take the next update day (tomorrow) off and then come back to my regular posting schedule on the 10th. So if you don't see the new Lambs and Slaughters chapter out tomorrow, that's why! :) HOWEVER, the new Programming With Power chapter IS out officially as of last night! I just have a house that needs painted this weekend and a brain that isn't braining and it's majorly put me behind. Thank you for understanding! :)

[photo1030]

When u posting the fic

Are you asking about the “jealous Arthur” ask or the next chapter of my regular fic?

“Jealous Arthur” or “Say Hello to an Old Friend” is in final edit now. Hoping to post by Fri/Sat. Sorry for the delay. Got alot going on irl rn so my writing time is limited to short spurts.

After that, it’s back to my regularly scheduled program…

[actuallyprobablyafaerie]

VATER pt 2 update!!

Ok wow that was a longer hiatus than I initially intended but I can now OFFICIALLY say that the planning for part two of VATER is finally done and I'm really happy with it :)

I can't promise anything for at LEAST the next month or two but I do have every intention of getting back into writing for it as soon as possible and going back to my regular schedule of a chapter a week (along with some art). HOWEVER for my own sanity there will probably be a few mini hiatuses here and there so I don't get too swamped at any point in time :)

I can't wait to start posting again though! ALSO expect more animatics I've got several ideas for some throughout the thing and I will be working to improve the quality of them I have found a better program to do them on (honestly reediting the ones I did previously isn't off the table either those kind of don't look the best but we'll see)

I'll see you guys soon with the first chapter of VATER pt 2! At the moment, it's working title is "Sins of His Name," or SOHN for short.

:) :) :)

[why-rock-look-tasty-if-no-eat]

I'm sorry, but when I read the first few sentences I immediately thought of stalker baby Tim. Like, him stalking the batfam so much he finds Jason's Ao3 and becomes his number one fan. Tim (being so mad about the story being unfinished that he) learns necromancy just so that Jason can finish it become Robin again.

But Jason doesn't come back so Tim thinks he failed when he didn't and catatonic!Jason gets picked up by Talia (was it Talia? iirc it is) like in canon. So Tim just does the next best step after trying (and not failing) to raise the dead, and shows up at Dicks house.

Everything is the same, but Jason didn't forget his readers (and his favorite regular) and decided to finish the story before he went to Gotham to carry out his gatekeep gaslight crimelordboss his way into taking over Gothams underground. Except he got behind schedule by 2 weeks so he updated it before he went out for the Big Showdown™️. So Tim gets an update email from Jason's Ao3 about the second to last chapter being posted (he's sentimental, okay?!) and he just gets so confused.

Like, does necromancy work on a time delay? Is Jason just walking around as a skeleton? Why hasn't Jason shown up at the manor when he clearly had enough time to write and finish his fic?? Tim totally doesn't Constantine to ask if necromancy has a time delay (it doesn't and just reaffirms the Brit's belief that Gotham is worse than hell because of that weird ass question from the weird ass smart one).

Cue to Red Hood showing up and stiring the pot the same night he posted the last chapter when Robin!Tim, Batman, and Red Hood are in the middle of the Big Showdown™️. And Red Hood accidentally quotes a line from his fic, and Robin immediately shouts out the authors handle without thinking. As Robin here believes that Jason came back the same age as he died so Tim is running every program he has to locate a freshly-not-dead 15 year old who might not have a fleshed out face (heh) anymore. Clearly Red Hood is another hardcore fan of Jason's works.

While Red Hood just pauses, because, like, what? The fuck? There's only one person that comes to mind on who would be able to remember that hyper specific quote so he just quietly says his favorite regulars handle. And Robin reacts by coughing into his fist as Batman looks between them in confusion and ready to go back to fighting at a moments notice.

Both Red Hood and Robin just stare at each other in contemplative silence as they both want to talk about the just finished fic, for different reasons. Robin believes that Red Hood (who has been rising up in Gothams underground for the last 2 weeks) is another fan because Jason didn't look like he could grow into a fridge when he. Y'know, died. Red Hood was just embarrassed at being caught out as the author by accidentally quoting from his own fic during a fight by Robin. Who is his favorite regular.

"So uh. How'd ya like tha' last chapter?" Red Hood wasn't ready to face his favorite regulars criticism after finding out that they're on opposite sides of the law. It wouldn'tve hurt as much if it was coming from a civilian, but Robin has read every single of his works. Robin, as his successor the placeholder has a lot of emotional weight on his favorite hobby.

"Oh, well. I couldn't read it since someone decided to commit terrorism tonight. How'd you even get the time to read it? You started blowing up buildings, like, 5 minutes after the post." Robin just couldn't understand the gall of this crime lord, who is tarnishing Jason's work by reading it, to ask how he liked it when he interrupted his reading time. Tim couldn't even get past the first paragraph before he had to suit up!

"Wha'? Kid, I wrote the damn thing, why'd I read it?" Jason was expecting to have his ears be bleeding from the yelling and cursing, not from the high pitched screeching of his name. The bear hug felt though.

DP x DC Prompt #58

Jason has been writing fanfiction ever since he got access to a computer. They weren't always the most popular, especially since he was writing fics about classics, but that's not why he wrote them. He wrote them for himself.

However, since he always had Robin stuff going on, his author notes had become something of a meme at this point. No one really believed him anymore when he apologized for late updates due to breaking his arm in three places or anything like that.

Then, he died. He had been two chapters away from ending his story, damnit.

But it's fine, he's back now. He apologizes for late update since he, ya know, died and finishes that story. Then, he finds out there's another author out there with notes ... very similar to his own. And a lot of humor about his own death.

Maybe PhantomNotBill087 and him had a lot more in common than being fic writers.

[emberstar13]

Britney Spear's "The Woman In Me" Book review

⚠️Viewer discretion is advised all thoughts, opinions, and Ideas of my own are solely my own and for the commentary and review based off of my own findings in this book⚠️

I want to preface this with giving an update about why it's been so long since I've done a book review. I've been incredibly busy with school work and I apologize to anyone who's been waiting or eager to see what I might say. So now back to you're regular scheduled programming :)

Chapters 2-8

The first 2 or 3 chapters continued to give some insight into her family dynamic and more about her life. The next 4-8 chapters start building a basis for her passion for performing and singing. In these chapters, it explains how her career started what she did to get it started, and all of the important figures she's met along the way. A couple names that had me taken aback were Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake. I feel a bit of foreshadowing when I read over Timberlake's name.

[gretavanbear]

Different Worlds - Jake Kiszka / Reader

Chapter 8: Home*

[Notes:

back to our regular scheduled program !

:) ]

Jake and I settle in my car. He's being quiet and I'm covered in worry. I never expected to see them fight like that, and I know brothers fight but this feels different. We sit in silence, until I start the car and pass my unlocked phone to him.

"Pick a song out of my library, any one, and I'll sing it for you" I say to him. He takes my phone, his fingers brushing over mine, and scrolls through the hundreds of songs.

"[y/n].. oh god. Your music taste" he laughs. I'm just glad to see him smile again, and if mocking my amazing music taste cheers him up then so be it. I shift to drive and he finally picks a song. The intro to 'Next to Me' by Imagine Dragons start to play. I look over to him in disbelief.

"You like them?" I ask. He nods, smiling shyly. I tell him that I love their music, and then start singing loudly for him. He listens quietly as I drive towards my apartment. It was dark out and I tried my best to focus on the road but also do my best possible singing under these circumstances. As we stop at the red light, I look over to him and bring my arm out as I loudly sing 'Still you want meeeee'. Jake giggles at my singing and I start laughing. I turn the music down a little using the button on my steering wheel and drive off.

"I have to say" I pause, looking over at him as we're stopped at another red light. "I really did not take you as an Imagine Dragons fan, you're like, a guitar god." I finish. He laughs at my comment and rolls his eyes sarcastically.

"They're good" He answers, fidgeting with his fingers. "I like a couple of their songs." He adds, and looks out of the window.

_ _ _

I unlock the door to my small apartment and let him in first. It was a studio so there wasn't much of a tour to do. The first thing that greets you when walking into my apartment is the little kitchen to the right. My bed was in the left corner of the room, facing the window. I had fairy lights hanging over the bed and my small desk area which was in the right corner of the room. My computer was the only thing on my desk. In front of my desk was a little table with only two chairs, there was a small fake plant in the middle of it.

"This is where the magic happens!" I say, sarcastically, extending my arms out and giving jazz fingers. Jake smiles and looks around, walking around the small room. I close the front door and lock it, then take my shoes off and place them on the little mat next to my front door. Jake does the same and I thank him quietly. I walk up to my bed and sit down, leaning my back against the wall. Jake stares at me and I pat my leg, inviting him to come lay his head down; he does. I stroke his hair as he relaxes into me. His eyes are closed as I play with his soft brown locks. With my other hand, I draw circles and little shapes with my fingertips on his back.

'Does he always talk to you like that?" I massage his scalp with my hand, he sighs. "You can talk to me" I add.

"Not always, I think- I think he's just used to getting what he wants, or sharing- I guess." He replies. I feel my heart hurt at the sight of him like this.

"Well I don't want to be shared." I reply. He turns himself on his back, facing up at me.

"You mean that?" He asks softly. I nod and smile at him. He sits up and sits on my bed, his body turned towards me. He gets closer and I lay on my back, my head on my pillow- he crawls over me slowly. His hair draped over his face, his button down loose- exposing his whole torso. He's so sexy and I want him. He bites his lip, his face only a couple inches from mine. I feel his warm breath on my face, and I get full body shivers. My skin tingles as his body weight crushes me in a good way. His face gets closer to mine, our foreheads touching.

"Will you be mine, [y/n]?" He asks softly. My stomach is full of butterflies, and my tongue feels dry. My fingers shake as I trace the muscles on his back, making eye contact with his beautiful brown eyes. He backs up his face a little, only to really look at me. To watch me answer the question he already knows the outcome of.

"Yes, Jake. I'm yours." I finally answer. He doesn't waste a second to pull my body closer to his, my legs wrapping around him. All I can feel is his chest against mine, his lips on my neck kissing it repeatedly, his hands wrapped around me, the soft bed against my back.

"You're mine." He repeats, kissing my neck over and over again, making his way down slowly. He gets up on his knees for a second, so I can pull my shirt off, exposing my black lace bra. He comes right back down, kissing my chest, untying my bra with one hand, taking it off with the other. He attaches his soft lips to my breast, licking my nipple in the softest and sexiest way possible- looking up at me and making direct eye contact. I watch as his tongue flicks my nipple in his mouth and I'm so wet for him.

"I'm yours." I repeat, moaning softly, playing with his hair. I feel one of his hands make their way down to the button of my jeans. He stops licking me and backs up a little, coming up to my face.

"Can I taste you, my pretty girl?" He asks. My heart flutters as I shake my head 'yes'. He unbuttons then unzips my jeans, pulling them off softly. He gets off the bed to place my jeans on the floor. I'm remaining on the bed with my black panties. He pauses before coming back to me, examining me on the bed.

"You are such a beautiful, ethereal being; I'm almost afraid to break you." He says softly, climbing over me slowly. My breath hitches at the sight of my underwear between his teeth, pulling it down slowly. I'm so wet for him, he affects me in the best way possible. I lift my feet as he pulls them off, throwing them on the floor and meeting me back on the bed, his lips on mine. I moan against his lips as his fingers caress my inner thigh. I feel his necklace rub against my bare chest and my nipples harden at the arousal of the coldness on my skin. I slip my tongue in his mouth and he grunts in response, kissing me harder. His fingers rub my clit softly but quickly, taking over all other sensation in my body.

He pulls away and plants soft kisses down my chin, down my chest, all the way down to my arousal. I feel his breath against my skin, and my heart flutters at the thought of him touching me. He licks slowly from the bottom to the top, making me flinch in a good way. I make eye contact with him as he devours me, tasting me inside out.

“Jesus- Jake. You’re so good” I whimper, he grunts softly as he licks me harder, his hands grab my thighs and squeeze them a little, it feels so good. I feel like I belong to him, and I don’t want it to change. I think of him ‘protecting’ me earlier, his raspy angry voice turns me on so much. Jake backs off for a second and looks up at me.

“What’s on your mind? Is it not good?” He asks, with a worried look in his eyes.

“No! no, I’m sorry Jakey, I spaced out.” I pause. “I was thinking about how hot you were earlier, defending me, all.. possessive?” I finish my sentence, he sighs out of relief and smiles up at me.

“I see.” Is all he says with a smirk on his face, he brings his face up close to mine, his fingers rubbing my clit. His lips are next to my ear, nibbling my earlobe slightly.

“You’re all mine. No one else is going to be touching you like this.” He whispers. I shiver and he feels it. I feel one of his fingers at my entrance, I grab the back of his neck, awaiting them to move.

“You want me to fuck you with these fingers, my love?” His warm breath sending tingles down my whole body. I feel stuck in the best way possible, frozen in time. I nod quickly, interlocking my fingers in his hair and pulling slightly. His breath hitches and he slips one of his fingers inside.

“Fuuuuuck. You’re so tight” He whimpers softly against my ear. He stops moving when his finger is all the way inside, giving me time to adjust. He feels so good, and I feel ready to move, rocking my hips a little on him. He kisses the back of my ear, and then sits up, so he can reposition himself. He slips another finger inside slowly, as he’s towering over me. Fucking me softly with his fingers, still letting me get used to him.

“Faster, please, Jake” I plead, rocking my hips back and forth on his fingers. He doesn’t waste a second, slipping his fingers in and out of me, curling them so he hits my g-spot. He does not miss it once. I shake under his grasp- he knows exactly where to touch me.

“You like that? You want more?” I don’t know how much more I can handle, feeling my climax approaching quickly. I nod, curious for what will come next.

He places his mouth on my clit as he thrusts his fingers in and out of me. The feeling pushes me over the edge.

“J- Jake I’m gonna-“ I begin.

“That’s right, fucking cum on my fingers. Do it.” He says, almost aggressively. And right now, my orgasm belongs to him. I gift it to him, moaning his name loudly as I squeeze my bedsheets with my hands, letting my orgasm ride out in waves over my body. He watches me closely, slowly lowering the pace of his fingers, and I’m in complete shock. I lay in bed, out of breath as he lays down next to me; licking his fingers clean and resting his head on his hand, facing me.

“I- where did that come from?” I ask, in disbelief at the way he talked to me.

“[y/n], I’m full of surprises.” He smiles. I can’t help but look down and see his hard-on. I lick my lips and look back up at him, biting my bottom lip. His smile drops, captivated by my actions. I sit up and scoot down the bed, so I’m sitting next to his hips.

“Please, talk to me like that again.” I ask, unbuttoning his jeans, and then unzipping them.

“Suck my cock, princess” He says. I gasp softly, not expecting him to bounce back this quick. I look at him, as I pull down his jeans and rub him over his underwear.

I move closer, so now my legs are between his and my stomach is on the bed. I pull his dick out of his underwear and look directly at him, licking him from the base all the way to the tip. He gasps, closing his eyes and throwing his head back.

“Fucking suck it. I know you want to.” He says, quietly. And I follow his orders, taking in his whole length, all the way down to my throat. I bob my head up and down, wrapping my hand around the base of his dick and stroking him softly.

“That’s right. This cock belongs to you, suck it like it does.” I look up at him, and he’s smiling down at me, then looks up at the ceiling. He knows the effect he has on me. I bob my head up and down faster, sucking him harder. With my free hand, I cup his balls and caress them. I watch him as his eyes roll to the back of his head, his throat flexed out as he moans.

“My girl, making me feel so good, I’m close” He whimpers. I remember my trick from last time; I begin humming loudly on his cock, and he moans my name loudly- it’s so hot. He places his hand on top of my head, pushing me down on him.

“I’m gonna cum. Fuck. Don’t stop” He moans. He looks down at me, playing his arm under his head so he can watch me swallow his load. My humming vibrating his dick in the best way causes him to burst, and I make direct eye contact as he bites his lip and cums in my mouth.

I lick him clean, and climb up to him so we can lay next to each other. I turn to him, so my body is facing him and he does the same, catching his breath slowly.

“You. You are a mystery I love to unfold.” He smiles sheepishly, kissing the tip of my nose.

“Thank you, Jakey. I’m sorry we can’t do more” I pause. He looks at me with furrowed, confused brows. “I don’t know if I’m ready for more than this. I- haven’t done it before.” I finish. He places his hand on the side of my face, his thumb rubbing my cheek so sweetly.

“Darling, I do not mind at all. I’m perfectly happy right now. You make me feel so good, better than anyone ever has.” He says, his eyes focused on mine. His hand on my cheek brings me the most comfort I could ever receive. He pulls me closer and hugs me tightly, my face in the space between his head and his chest.

This exact moment is the moment I slowly realized I fell in love with Jake Kiszka and nothing could ever change the way I feel about him.