#not “misunderstanding” to lovers

[spoiler-alert-andabunchofnumbers]

This realization does happen early enough between the second and third book and thus gives us time to watch Damen react to his own changing perspective as well.

You can watch when Damen witnesses the scheming that Laurent's had to put up with, being framed for attacking a village, prompting retaliation, and even his efforts to find the real culprits being turned against him too. Damen is still a prince; he's not naive enough to not recognize that Laurent is facing opposition from almost every direction and has been forced to become a stone-cold bitch because everyone he's ever been kind to or relied upon has been threatened, killed, or systematically turned against him.

Damen sees the horrors of the border, where the people in Delpha are still Veretian at heart, no matter what someone drawing borders on a map says. He is heartbroken to see his own people happy to slaughter innocents just because of the feud between the kingdoms. Damen doesn't just become forced to rethink Laurent, he's forced to rethink Vere as a whole as well as his own ignorance of the things Laurent has been embroiled within for years now.

Damen is smart enough to comprehend what it all means, and he's strong enough to go through the existential crisis of admitting to himself that maybe he, and the way his father raised him, were WRONG. Damen is strong enough to let go of his pride and LEARN, and that's what makes him a worthy prince - as well as someone who is capable of falling in love with Laurent and having Laurent fall in love with him, despite Laurent's best efforts to hate him.

~Rant incoming as always~

And because I'm a Laurent lover myself:

When they are forced to get along in Prince's Gambit, you can see all the moments Laurent is shocked how hard Damen fights for him, how he doesn't escape or betray Laurent the moment he has the chance, and how Laurent really is weak to not just loyalty but competence. Damen absolutely can defeat him through sheer strength, even though Laurent has spent the last six years trying to prepare himself to kill Damen, and he doubts his own ability to outmaneuver Damen in a fight because he's blinded by his own inferiority complex that the Regent has instilled into him by force and that Laurent has to systematically unlearn.

Now, Laurent has to come to terms with the fact that if Damen's loyalties turn against him as well, Laurent's heart might not be able to take it either. Laurent is literally vulnerable to Damen in every way imaginable, and he's pissed. He covers it through sarcasm and banter, like when Damen admits he could grab Laurent and turn him over to Makedon's passing troops, but then is honestly relieved when Damen DOESN'T BETRAY HIM, AGAIN. Damen actually kills one of his own people by throwing a sword in a completely irrational maneuver, and you know Laurent is going through shit when you consider that he must think Damen only supports him because Laurent is just better than the Regent, the lesser of two evils, the spare prince that's only worthy because Auguste is dead...but maybe Damen also is just that good of a person.

Remember that Laurent isn't fooled by Damen's "undercover" identity for a second, so he's seething at the idea that Damen is the only one he can be honest with, if only because it's in Damen's best interests to not betray Laurent. He's coping with the idea that he and Damen would have absolutely gotten along if there wasn't this massive gap of them being from opposing kingdoms but also the matter of Auguste.

Once Damen's identity gets exposed and Laurent is like "Yes, I know, asshole, you're not exactly subtle", Laurent becomes a defensive bitch again for the first half of Kings Rising because the two of them really do have to confront that Damen killed Auguste and incidentally ruined Laurent's life. It wasn't personal, Damen had no idea any of that would lead to the other things - he had no control over the Regent's actions, and killing Auguste was just killing the enemy in wars they didn't start and didn't have the option to just sit down and talk about.

Damen trying to say, "He died quickly," and Laurent's immediate defensive reply, "Like gutting a pig?" OOOOOFF FUCK LAURENT THAT WAS MY HEART

Damen and Laurent beating the shit out of each other as Laurent tries to kill him, but he has to yield and admit he would have died if Damen wanted him dead, but Laurent saying he'd rather have just died never getting to know Damen as a person because Auguste was everything to him and dying would be easier than seeing how he and Damen could have gotten along only to be denied it. Then Damen ending the confrontation with, "I wish..." AND HE CAN'T FINISH BECAUSE HE KNOWS WISHING WON'T CHANGE ANYTHING

Damen KNOWS he ruined Laurent's life by killing Auguste but he also knows it wasn't personal to him, but it became MASSIVELY personal to Laurent. He regrets it, he knows he regrets it, but regretting won't bring Auguste or Laurent's childhood back.

The cherry on top comes as Laurent fights Kastor and Damen realizes that Laurent absolutely IS AND WAS skilled enough to beat Damen in a fight, he was just being held back by his own emotions (and maybe a knife wound to the shoulder) making him desperate and sloppy. Laurent killing Kastor essentially makes them even as they each took a brother from one another; on the one hand their fates were *necessary* to make Damen and Laurent who they are today, but on the other hand - at what cost?

Laurent being told by Damen that he's a worthy prince by the one person he thinks he can't overcome, in contrast to the Regent telling him he isn't worthy and trying to force him to admit that he can't overcome his uncle - when in reality Laurent IS able to overcome them both.

Ugh, the extras when we finally get to see Laurent acting like a young man who can let his walls down and grieve, who can mess around with flowers and put himself beneath someone he loves without fear, who can just start throwing olives into a barfight for the miniscule layer of chaos. I love him. Damen loves him.

Anyway so I have a fanfic that's half complete where I ramble like this throughout:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52964602/chapters/133982485

Thinking about how Damen does not even begin to comprehend the absolute life-altering trauma he caused Laurent by killing Auguste until like halfway through Prince's Gambit. Thinking about how their mutual dehumanization of each other led Damen to see Laurent as incapable of love or affection for anyone, he never even considers that Laurent loved his brother and was shattered by his death, never shows a shred of sympathy, his first assumption was that Laurent resented Auguste for being the golden child/crowned prince, and it's only when Paschal looks at him like he's crazy and says "no, he loved him." that he begins to realize the Laurent he's been experiencing is one that in many ways *he helped create* and that the purest form of Laurent was a sweet, shy little boy who loved his brother without a cruel bone in his body, he never wanted power or glory or anything, all he wanted was his big brother, and Damen killed that version of Laurent when he killed Auguste.

I think that is in part how Damen begins to come to forgive Laurent, or at the very least to begin to sympathize with him, realizing that in a fucked up kind of way, everything Laurent does to him, while still totally being first and foremost Laurent's responsibility and moral failures to atone for, is partially a consequence of his own actions, that he helped turn Laurent into the tangled ball of pulsating yearning in the shape of a man that he is.

I think realizing how wrong he'd been about the kind of man Laurent was, was what began his journey to coming to terms with the kind of man he, Damen, was at the beginning of the story. When he first meets Laurent he thinks he has him pinned and describes him as arrogant, self-absorbed, self-serving, spoilt, and "raised to overestimate his own worth", which in hindsight is definitely meant to be projection because those are all ways that Damen himself could be described at the beginning of the story, something he basically admits to at the end of Kings Rising when he reflects on the version of himself that existed before he was imprisoned.

[sunderwight]

I think that one of the things I like about Liushen is how on Shen Qingqiu's end, that's his relationship with the least amount of baggage, and on Liu Qingge's end, it's got the most.

Shen Qingqiu: good old reliable Liu-shidi!

Liu Qingge: we were enemies for decades, I thought you tried to kill me, you saved my life, now I'm questioning everything I ever thought I knew about you, it's like you're a completely different person, or maybe I just never understood what was really going on, who are we to one another now, I wouldn't dare to dream of kissing you under the moonlight except maybe I would

[whos-the-seme]

Someone should honestly write a "4 Times That Shang Qinghua and Shen Qingqiu Accidentally Acted Like Partners (and 1 Time They Finally Realized It)" thing. That would be so fun.

Here's some of what I got so far, though they're a tad incomplete. Feel free to add on!!!

Sharing a Bed

Shen Qingqiu stumbled into the peak lord meeting right before the starting time, eyes barely even open. He was impeccably dressed, as always, but the slight puffiness of his eyes and the way he was fighting back a yawn signaled to the fact that he might have rolled out of bed barely 5 minutes before.

He ignored the stares that he received as he made his way over and slid into the seat next to Shang Qinghua, groaning. Shang Qinghua raised his eyebrow at him, mildly amused. For once, he was the slightly well-rested one and his friend was the sleep-deprived mess. Despite this, he started pouring a cup of tea for the other.

"Shen-shixiong, did you even sleep properly? You were the one who told me to go home and get more sleep." He finished pouring the tea and passed the cup to his friend, before pouring himself a cup.

Shen Qingqiu groaned even louder at his words but accepted the cup. "I know, I know. I just couldn't get to sleep, though." He took a small sip and sighed in delight. "It's just that your bed is so much more comfortable than mine, so--"

Shang Qinghua, midway through drinking his tea, choked.

Silence.

Absolute silence. Mu Qingfang slowly put down his brush while Qi Qingqi's eyes darted between Shang Qinghua and Shen Qingqiu, a smile spreading on her face.

Shen Qingqiu's slowly turning cog wheels finally realizes what he just said and the people he just said it in front of. Shang Qinghua made a slight wheezing sound.

Yue Qingyuan set down his own teacup, smiling pleasantly. "Shang-shidi's bed?"

"His guest bed!" Shen Qingqiu nearly yells. "I meant to say his guest bed, obviously that's where I sleep when I stay over, where else would I sleep, of course! I sleep in the bed that is not his!"

Shang Qinghua begins to nod his head frantically. "Yes, yes, he sleeps in my guest bed." Noticing the still dangerous glint in Yue Qingyuan's eyes, he begins to wave his hands around as if trying to stave off his impending doom. "N-not that Shen Qingqiu sleeps over often, or anything, ahahaha! It's just a spare bed that I happen to have--"

"I see," Yue Qingyuan interrupts, still smiling. Never before has Shang Qinghua feared for his life like this. He continues cheerfully, "Thank you for the clarification. Why don't we get this meeting started."

2. Robe Mix-Up

Shit! Shen Qingqiu had completely forgotten that he had to teach a morning class and was running late. He might have had too much fun last night reading trashy novels and bitching about them with Shang Qinghua, only to forget his responsibilities to his students. Upon waking and realizing the sun was already up, he nearly shoved Shang Qinghua off the bed trying to get up.

In his hurry to look presentable and still arrive on time, Shen Qingqiu grabbed the nearest outer robe that he could find and slipped it on, while simultaneously trying to fix his hair. Shang Qinghua, the traitor, simply rolled over and muttered something in his sleep, despite the chaos. He rolled his eyes at his best friend, despite the other not being awake to see it.

Finally ready, Shen Qingqiu rushes out of his bamboo house and starts to speed-walk, doing his best to still look majestic and peak lord-like, and not like he was running late to his own class. In his hurry, he doesn't notice the wide-eyed looks he was garnering from the older disciples he passed.

It was only when he steps into the classroom, and the previously hushed whispers and laughter of the teens fall dead silent, that he notices that something is wrong. They all stare at him.

"Good morning, everyone," Shen Qingqiu says pleasantly. No response. What, did he have something on his face or something?? He discreetly wiped at his cheeks, wondering what they were looking at. "Did something happen?"

"Shizun... isn't that...?" Ming Fan hesitantly spoke up, eyeing the blue robes that his teacher was wearing.

Shen Qingqiu followed his disciple's line of sight and looked down.

Ah. An Ding Peak Lord Blue. He must have accidentally grabbed Shang Qinghua's robes when getting dressed this morning.

Wait.

Fuck.

Shen Qingqiu can feel his face freeze.

Another brave disciple spoke up. "A-are those Shang-shishu's--"

"No," Shen Qingqiu says. His eye began to switch.

"But--"

"I said no."

Unfortunately for him, word spread fast, and by midday meal, there were people whispering about the fact that Shen Qingqiu had left his residence wearing Shang Qinghua's robes.

Shang Qinghua tsk'd at him from over the tea table they were taking their lunch at on An Ding Peak. "You just had to take my robe, huh? If you wanted to wear my clothes so bad, you could have just asked." An Ding disciples gawked at them on their way to do errands. One walked into a wooden post.

Shen Qingqiu glared at him, ears still burning red from embarrassment. "Shut up, Qinghua."

[hairmetal666]

It's 3am. It's pouring down rain. Steve's soaked to the skin, been wandering the city for most of the night, hasn't slept in almost 24 hours, thinks maybe he's on the brink of delirium, and then a truck hits a pool of ponded water, sending a muddy wave cascading over him.

He just wants to go home but Dustin lost his dog and he can't leave a puppy out in this weather.

Steve steps off the curb, and what looks like a shallow puddle turns out to be a water-filled hole. He crashes towards the pavement, nothing he can do to stop it. As fast he's falling, he's miraculously not, arms wrapped around his waist. It takes a second for his brain to catch up, to understand that he's being held upright in an old-fashioned, romantic dip.

"Careful, sweetheart," a deep and smoke raspy voice says from above him.

it sends chills down his spine, the good kind, and warmth slips through him. His rescuer is a solid 10 knockout. Long, curly hair; eyeliner; decked out in leather and studs and chains. He smells like booze and cigarettes and weed, and it's intoxicating. Steve has to fight the instinct to nuzzle the guy's leather jacket. He's beautiful, holds Steve with the swagger only a guy with rings on every finger could pull off.

And Steve is a mud soaked mess in sweatpants and a threadbare Hawkins High tee. But the guy holding him isn't letting go. He stares down at Steve, brown eyes wide.

"Steve!" A voice calls over the patter of the rain.

"Dustin?" He says at the same time that the man holding him says, "Henderson?"

"Eddie?" Dustin asks.

"Wait, dnd Eddie?" Steve gets his feet under him, but Eddie's arms don't drop.

"You're the famous babysitter Steve I've been hearing all about?"

They gape at each other until Dustin reaches them.

"What are you still doing out here?" Dustin shouts. "We found Dart hours ago."

"Dustin!" He thinks he might cry. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You weren't answering your walkie!"

"Fuck." Steve drops his face to his hand. The walkie. Which is on the table by the front door where he and Robin leave their keys.

Steve swallows his frustration, the misery of waterlogged shoes, having to be up to open the store in a few hours, meeting the hottest guy he's ever seen when he looks like a drowned rat.

"I promised I'd find Dart, didn't I? Now what the hell are you doing out so late?"

"Mom and I were looking for you!"

"Let's get you back to the car, man, okay?" Steve says to Dustin. He wants to end this weird, terrible, embarrassing night before it gets even more humiliating.

"I can give you a ride home," Eddie says. He's got this weird, intense look on his face, staring at Steve.

"I'm only a few blocks away. I'll be fine. C'mon, Henderson."

"Oh, I can walk him. You head home."

He nods, starts towards his apartment, but turns back just in time to see Eddie and Dustin share a look he can't parse.

---

A few days later, Dustin's following him around at work, chattering about dnd as Steve shelves books, and without taking a breath during a soliloquy about owl bears, says, "Eddie's running a one-shot for us next week. You should come! It's a great way to get into the game."

"I'm not playing dnd," Steve answers. He slides a book onto the shelf. "I've told you this."

"Yeah, but you liked Eddie, right? He'd help you out!"

Steve squints at the kid. "I didn't really meet Eddie to know. Anyway, I'm sure he doesn't want a newbie crashing."

Steve is pretty sure Eddie doesn't like him, based on their short introduction, so he's not interested in forcing himself into the guy's dnd club. The night they met was humiliating enough, Steve in all his dorky glory.

"No, he totally wouldn't care. C'mon, Steve!"

"No can do." He ruffles Dustin's hair as he walks away.

He thinks that'll be the end of it, but every few days, for weeks Dustin and all the rest of the kids stop at the store to beg him to join their dnd club.

---

Steve is working the register and he hears the shuffling clank of a customer, looks up and finds Eddie. He's staring at Steve with that same look from the night they met, intense and piercing, cutting straight through the heart of him. He feels himself start to blush.

The first thing out of Eddie's mouth is, "Wait, this is your store?"

"Yeah?" Steve asks. "Is that--is that weird?"

"No! Not at all. It's a good store. Cute." His nose wrinkles when he says it and Steve's blush grows hotter. He knew Eddie thought he was a dork.

"Cute. Yeah. Right. Can I help you with something?"

Eddie rocks back on his heels, hands going to the pockets of his leather jacket, sending his chains jingling. "Oh, so, actually I wanted to see if you were busy?"

"Yeah, man. I'm busy." He laughs, doesn't intend to be mean about it, but he and Robin only opened the store six months ago and both take night classes at the local community college. Plus, everything he does with the kids.

Eddie's face flushes bright. "Oh, sure, of course. Yeah, I--I'll see you around."

The door thunks to a close behind him, and a voice immediately pops up to ask, "What the hell was that?"

He turns to find Max Mayfield hands on hips, glaring up at him, Robin close behind.

"Shouldn't you be in school?"

Max rolls her eyes and strides up to the counter. "Why were you an asshole to Eddie?"

"He started it!"

"I highly doubt that."

"Okay, Ms. Know-it-all, why don't you tell me what happened?"

"I know for a fact that Eddie came in today to ask you out. So, tell me, Steve Harrington, why he rushed out of here looking like a kicked puppy?"

"What?" He yelps. "Eddie doesn't even like me!"

She glares. "Doesn't like you? He's been pathetic about you since you met."

He gapes at Robin. "Don't look at me," she shrugs. "But that guy was definitely here to ask you out."

"Fix it." Max commands as she stomps out the door. "He bar tends at that metal place on 68th."

---

It's just after 9pm and he's at the metal bar on 68th, decidedly out of place in the yellow t-shirt and jeans he wore to his business accounting class.

It's fairly busy for a weeknight, but Eddie's not hard to find. He's obviously in his element, bobbing his head to a song Steve's never heard as he mixes a drink.

With a hard swallow and a healthy dose of humility, he walks up to the bar.

"Be right--" Eddie starts, balking when he notices Steve.

"Can we talk?" he shouts over the music.

Eddie's eyes widen a little, but he nods, slips out from behind the bar to guide him to an employee exit.

"What's up, Steve?" Eddie asks. His hands are in his pockets, shoulders bowed in.

"I wanted to apologize."

"What for?"

"Earlier, I--when you said the store was cute I thought you were making fun of me."

"But--why?"

"I thought you didn't like me." Steve cringes at the admission.

"What?" He laughs.

"I don't know. We met in the middle of the night and I was covered in mud looking for a dog that wasn't lost anymore."

"Steve. Holy shit." Eddie shakes his head. "You looked gorgeous that night. The way your clothes were sticking--you know what? Never mind. Did you think I wanted you to come to dnd because I hated you?"

"You wanted me to come?"

"Dustin didn't..."

"No! And he's been asking me to play dnd weekly for the past five years."

"Jesus Christ," Eddie slumps agains the brick wall at his back. "No wonder you turned me down today."

"To be fair," Steve slumps next to him. "If I had realized you were asking me out, I wouldn't have turned you down."

"No?" Eddie asks. His brown eyes gleam.

"Definitely not. I've had a crush on you since that night. Sort of devastating since I thought you didn't like me." Steve runs his hand through his hair, watches Eddie track the movement.

"The store is cute, Steve. I--uh--I've been a few times. Back before I knew you were the owner! I just kept seeing a hot employee with great hair and a perfect ass, and the vaguely mean lesbian barista gives me free drinks."

"That's Robin," Steve says. He's smiling so hard.

"I know that now," Eddie smiles back. "Sorry for being an idiot."

"Me too." Steve nods. "Do you--could I still come to dnd? Or take you out sometime?"

"Why not both?" Dimples pop on Eddie's cheeks, and Steve's heart flips.

"I like both." They're still against the wall, but drifting into each other's space.

"So Dustin said."

It surprises a laugh out of Steve. "I'm gonna kill him."

"Too bad. He's a nice kid."

"Eh, we've got six more to choose from."

"I have a few more hours here, but there's a diner down the street that does some of the most mediocre pancakes I've ever tasted. Meet me there? Around 2?"

"A thousand lost puppies wouldn't make me miss it."

The next time Steve is out at 3am he's pressed against a building, Eddie kissing him so thoroughly he knows he's never recovering from this one.

[miyamiwu]

How to say “I love you” in Blue Lock

I don’t really want to play soccer, but being with you isn’t a pain, so it’s fine.

Now that I can fight without you, being with you is even more fun

And then there’s this asshole...

I made it this far because of you. Since you allowed me to play soccer freely, I’ve grown this strong on Bastard München. But I can’t climb any higher that way. I figured that out in this match, I no longer need the freedom you give me. Forget about me, Ness. Find yourself a new king. It’s easier for me to live in restriction.

[geraskierfanficprompts]

In an attempt to be more romantic, Geralt starts writing letters to Jaskier.

Unfortunately, he forgets that humans sign their letters. Witchers just recognize each other’s scent/handwriting.

So, Jaskier is very disturbed by these vaguely romantic, vaguely threatening letters.

"I don't know what to do! This one just says 'I want to smell your hair'! What does that even mean!?" "That your.. Hair looks like it smells like.. Like those flowery soaps you use or something." "Well it reads more like they want to sniff me as they slit my throat or something." "The letters NEVER said anything about HURTING you!" "Geralt, this one says 'I want to bruise your soft cream skin'!" "Like- Like during- Sex, not actually hurt-" "WAIT. You've a lot of thoughts about these...." "..." "...Geralt, did you write these?" Geralt only thinks about escaping on Roach for a split second.

[muzaktomyears]

John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, Ian Leslie (2025)

[missnavigation]

Tamed by the Starlight Chapter Index

Title: Tamed by the Starlight

Rating: 18+ / Mature/NSFW

Pairing: (VERY obsessed) Neteyam x GirlBoss! Human/Avatar Reader

Genre: Fluff, Hurt/comfort - Medium burn, Enemies-to-Lovers, Post-canon AU: Neteyam survived the shot and all the Sullys went home

Synopsis: General Frances Ardmore asks her ambitious and strong-willed daughter to help convince Jake Sully to cooperate. If she succeeds, she promises to give her what she values most in life: a huge amount of money.

Neteyam feels completely tired of all the expectations and duties. He just wants to be happy, but he feels like no one understands him — until life brings him face to face with his greatest enemy, and he realizes they have much more in common than he ever thought.

For every girl who wants to experience her dark feminine energy

Main story chapters:

PROLOGUE

Chapter 1 - Arrival

Chapter 2 - Enemies

Chapter 3 - Avatar - Soon

Teasers from future chapters:

"Hamburger"

Weave /Mild nsfw/

Pleasing /Explicit!/

Fitting in (In all the Right Ways) Part 1 /Explicit!/

Every like, share, and comment is highly appreciated! 🥺👉👈

[emi-gelfling]

Epitome of "if he wanted to, he would." That's it; that's the tweet.

LINK TO "yours was the first face that i saw:"

https://archiveofourown.org/works/36604159

[rosinchenbroetchen]

"Cooler than me?"

"Nah, that's impossible"

Summary: You are friends with Hobie, but he'd like to be more than this. Out of jealousy and perhaps insecurity, Hobie holds back from making his move despite pining deeply.

An old sfw Hobie Brown x Reader fic, first posted on ao3

this is the second chapter, the first chapter (the story from the reader's perspective) can be found here. can be read as a stand-alone, though.

Word count: 3476

The math teacher is blabbering on about some test Hobie couldn't care less about. The only thing actually keeping him here is the person sitting next to him. His gaze falls on them, he takes in the concentrated look on their face as they note down the topics of said upcoming test. Their hair falls perfectly onto their adorable face and the afternoon sun shining through the windows perfectly accentuates their features. He frowns a little when he realizes that he is not the only one enjoying this view; the boy on their other side is gazing at them, too. Hobie can't tell if the look in the boy's eyes is admiration or love, but either way, he doesn't like it.

Hobie's thoughts are interrupted by the bell ringing. He looks away but doesn't move from his place, calmly watching all the students hurry out of the classroom. All of them except for two. Him and them. They have already packed their things and seem to be waiting for him. He looks away, feeling the aftermath of the one-nighter he spent thinking about his life, capitalism, but most of all them in his bones.

"Hey, Hobie!"

Their voice is sweeter than honey, even when they aren't trying to sound sweet.

"Hm?"

"Class is over, come on!"

Hobie watches as they go over to his desk and start picking up his things and packing them into his bag.

What have I done to deserve such a nice friend?

And yet, he still wants more, though he is already getting more than he should.

He thinks if he wasn't looking at them, he would've probably already rested his tired eyes, but they literally and figuratively are a sight for sore eyes. But it's not just that. He has no idea what it is, but something about them is different. They're like a person with all the qualities Hobie could ever want in a partner.

A partner.

A partner?

Hobie never really likes to think in labels like that, but labelling them as a partner, or somebody he is in a relationship with somehow just sounds... right to him.

"Come on, now."

Their voice makes Hobie snap out of his thoughts again and take the hand that they are offering him. They pull him up and let go way too quickly for Hobie's liking. Sometimes, he can't help but be selfish when it comes to their attention. He slings his bag over his shoulder. They usher him out of the classroom.

The halls are busy as a bee hive, but not nearly as organized as one. Hobie drowns out the noise, focusing all his attention on them. He thinks about what it would be like if they held hands.

He knows that he would love to.

But would they?

The two exit the school, walking back home together. Hobie notices that their steps are light and their pace is quicker than his. They seem to have something on their mind.

Are they excited for the weekend?

Why?

Whenever he doesn't have music, there's nothing but the thought of them to distract him from less pleasant aspects of his life. Lost in his thoughts, he recalls the first time he walked home with them. He still remembers it as clear as day:

It was a rainy afternoon. Hobie was taking rather slow steps, letting the cold rain drops sink into his clothes. His shoes made strange squeaky noises and Hobie could only hope that the rain wouldn't severely damage the leather on both his shoes and jacket. The make-up he had put on was only semi-waterproof and starting to smudge. He looked over to his side when he heard quick steps catch up to him. He recognized their face: the person who was sat next to him in math class! They were looking away and Hobie was about to ask what they wanted of him when they held their umbrella over his head. He smiled nonchalantly at the considerate gesture.

"Sorry if this is awkward, I just thought- We know each other from our math class, right? I didn't want you to freeze out in the rain."

Hobie nodded, sensing the nervousness in their tone.

Their cheeks were flushed from the cold and so was their nose. Hobie thought it was cute.

Hobie looks beside him. Right now, they are seemingly still thinking about something.

Almost automatically, Hobie asks, much like every Friday: "So, can I stay at yours for the weekend?"

He waits patiently for a response, but gets none. He looks over to them, slightly irritated. They are still thinking about something, staring into nothingness with a small smile on their face. This isn't exactly an unusual occurrence; Hobie often catches them in the middle of a daydream.

"Hey, you listening?", Hobie asks as he waves his hand in front of their face.

They blink and shake their head, getting back to the current situation, away from their thoughts of whatever made them so happy.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

"I asked if I could stay at yours for the weekend."

"Yeah. Haven't asked my parents, but I'm sure they're ok with it."

Hobie nods, internally grateful that they don't ask why or what is going on in his home. It is a sensitive topic for him and they understand. He appreciates how considerate they are.

Hobie is glad that he doesn't have to get anything from his place since a lot of his stuff is already in their closet or bathroom.

His mind wanders and he thinks about what they would look like in his clothes.

Do they ever think of trying them on?

He wouldn't stop them.

Upon entering your place, Hobie takes his shoes off and neatly puts them aside. The first few steps without the extra three inches feel a little weird, but he manages.

When he hears their mother mention that she has already cooked for one extra person, his chest grows warmer, knowing that your family cares about him, almost as if he were a member of it.

Hobie gobbles the food down, thankful for every last spoonful. He isn't quite sure if he offers to wash the dishes to show his gratitude or out of politeness. Maybe he just wanted to have fun with his best friend. That he did, because once the dishes are done, the two of them run up the stairs in wet, soapy clothes, giggling and playfully fighting. He opens his eyes, which are teary from laughing, and wishes he could remember this moment forever. They look so beautiful, despite disheveled hair and wet clothes. There's a fuzzy feeling in his stomach and although he wishes it were from his body still getting used to the new, radioactive blood that is running through his veins, he knows better.

The both of them change in the same room, not caring for privacy when half of their days are spent around one another anyway.

Hobie, who is done changing before them, catches himself admiring their body. He wants to slap himself for it, but he can't resist the eye candy in front of him. Once the T-shirt is over their head, he quickly looks away and they flop down onto the bed.

He does the same thing, lying down beside them. Hobie's eyes are close to fluttering shut and he knows that he needs to occupy his mind with something to not fall asleep.

"Got any ideas?" Hobie asks, turning his head to look at them.

When they do the same thing, his breath hitches slightly and his stomach does a cartwheel. Their face is so close to his. It would be so easy to lean in and kiss them.

"Uhh, not really. Study maybe?"

That's right, he asked them a question. Hobie groans in embarrassment, rolling over so his back is turned to them. His mind wanders so easily when he is around them. It is almost scary how captivating love could be.

"So that's a no?"

Not really, anything could be fun if he did it with them.

"Hm."

"You know we have to."

"We don't have to."

He rolls back onto his other side, now facing them again. He had underestimated how close his face would be to theirs and he is sure he can feel his pupils dilating. They think for a minute, practically scanning his smug face with their eyes. Instead of an answer, Hobie only gets a shake of the head before they look back at the ceiling way too soon for his liking. They are often the one to pull away sooner than Hobie wants them to - perhaps they are uncomfortable with the thought of being so close to someone they consider a friend. That's why Hobie always lets them, afraid of losing the person that means the most to him.

They grin as their gaze stays glued to the ceiling.

Why can't they look at him? He's far cooler than the ceiling.

He shifts to lie on his stomach, afraid that he will fall asleep if he doesn't move around a bit. That would be embarrassing. Controlled by the need for them to pay attention to him, he starts poking their arm. He knows exactly how to annoy them just enough so that they give in without getting too mad or annoyed. It works right now, just like every time, but not in the way he expected.

"If you're that bored, then studying would be an efficient way to spend your time, no?"

Hobie stops poking them. This is not what he was expecting. He was expecting something like doing each other's manicure or makeup.

They get up, searching for their math book with a slouched posture. They want to do this just as little as he does. Well, them being his teacher does make this better, though.

Hobie rolls and closes his eyes. Their body dips into the soft mattress of the bed. They don't open the book, though. Hobie opens his eyes, asking himself what they are doing. They're looking at him.

"Did you pay attention in class at all or should I explain it to you?"

Say something funny, something snarky.

"Enlighten me."

A snort escapes them and Hobie's lips curl into a small grin. They liked the joke, good. While they explain, Hobie's gaze always darts back to their lips, no matter how many times he tries to look away. They might think he's just watching them talk, but he's not even registering half of their words. Hobie hears their voice, but he doesn't pay attention to the boring math they are explaining to him. He thinks of telling them how he feels, of kissing those soft lips right in front of him, but he quickly pushes those fantasies away. Those things are never going to happen. Not in this universe, certainly not. The memory of the boy next to them come back. Hobie suppresses a scowl at the thought, deciding to actually listen to them, now. He already knows all of this, though. Despite seemingly never listening, he can concentrate on what the teacher is saying while looking at them or thinking of lyrics for new songs. Lately, all of those have been sappy love songs. His bandmates have noticed and teased him for it. They don't understand, they haven't seen or talked to them.

They close the book and look into his eyes.

"Do you understand now?"

He already knew before they explained, but he still enjoyed listening to them talk. He wants to compliment them, make them smile and feel good about themselves. While he was actually listening, Hobie noticed that their sentences were coherent and easy to follow.

"Yeah. You're good at explaining things, you know that?"

They smile at the compliment. Their smile is so beautiful.

"Oh, really?"

"Of course, I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true, would I?"

Hobie smirks, stating the obvious. He's never really been a people pleaser, telling people what they want to hear. Instead, he often speaks his mind - as long as he knows it's safe to.

"You're right. Think you'll ace the test now?"

"If I'm even showing up, yes."

Of course he's showing up. He wouldn't miss an opportunity to be next to them. The test won't change that. He's definitely coming.

"You can't just leave me hanging like that! I'm not going to survive a lesson of maths without some company."

They dramatically let themselves fall back into the mattress, a little sigh escaping them.

"I'll think about it."

Hobie smiles, already having made up his mind. Of course he's coming. If he said that, it wouldn't seem cool, though, right? He keeps up his nonchalant exterior and pours his feelings into song lyrics instead of telling them. He never thought of himself as a coward, but he is, in a way. He doesn't think he could bare to lose them, so he pretends to be content just being their friend. Their best friend, actually.

While Hobie thinks about his feelings, he subconsciously starts playing with his lip piercing. He needs a distraction from these thoughts.

"I'm bored."

"Then think of something we could do."

We could kiss.

They sigh, probably out of boredom. Now, without distractions, Hobie's thoughts drift back to the guy from maths. He was a normal, regular dude. Much more normal than Hobie. He wonders, do they like more 'normal' guys?

"You know that guy that sits next to you in maths?"

"You mean yourself?"

Hobie shakes his head. "No, no. Your other side."

"What about him?"

Is that a blush on their face? Hobie hopes it isn't at the mention of him.

"I think he likes you."

"What? Why?"

"He's always ogling you. You've never noticed?"

They huff. "Well, I am busy listening to the teacher most of the lesson."

"Hm. You'll have to pay attention to him next time."

"Pff. I Don't think I've ever really interacted with him. I think he'll get over it. Besides, I have my heart set on someone else already."

Oh.

Ouch.

For a moment, Hobie's heart stops. He wants to be happy for them, but it's hard. Normally, he's pretty good at concealing his feelings but his tired mind isn't helping. Hobie forces a smirk and shifts to sit up. He leans over them. Might as well find out who stole their heart before he could.

"Who? Do I know them?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Well, then tell me. Come on!"

"Oh, I'm starting to notice I shouldn't have told you."

They cover their face with their hands, embarrassed. Hobie takes their hands away, gentle but firm.

"Exactly. Tell me!"

The least you could do is tell me. Please.

"Well, he's, uh, tall, handsome and very cool."

"Cooler than me?" Hobie jokes. He chuckles, but it's very clear that he doesn't feel like it. He's always been the type to joke in serious conversations.

"Nah, that's impossible."

If that guy isn't cooler than him, then why is he better?

"And what's his name?"

"That's not important."

What?

"Hm? If it's not important, you could just tell me, no?"

"I- I don't know his name."

They look away and it's clear that they're lying. Hobie squints his eyes, expressing his suspicion. Could it be? No, they can't possibly be talking about him - right? Hobie smirks. Why would they hide it from him if the person they liked wasn't him? His heart beats faster in his chest, blood rushing to his cheeks.

"You're lying." Hobie smirks, still not completely sure if they like him.

They sigh, furrowing their brows. He hopes they don't notice the rather desperate look on his face. He chews on his lip.

"Yeah, I am."

"Why?"

The silence says more than a thousand words. Hobie can clearly see the frustration in their features; their furrowed brows and clenched jaw, just like their nails digging into their thighs subconsciously. It's very obvious now why they were lying. All Hobie wants to do is to tell them that he loves them more than words could ever describe. He wants to show them all of the songs he wrote in math class, an attempt to do just that: put his love into words. He would probably be embarrassed, but maybe they would smile at the lyrics and give him a kiss and would make it worth his embarrassment. Maybe. But what if he's all wrong? What if there was another reason for them to lie?

Please, say something. Even if the truth hurts, I want to know it. I can't take this.

...

"I like you, okay? I didn't want you to know because I know that you see us as friends."

Really? He's not dreaming? He didn't fall asleep while listening to the new math topic?

He bites his lip a little harder than earlier, feeling a small sting. He is not dreaming. Quick, answer them!

Before he can answer, they scowl, quickly sitting up. Hobie has to move away, as he was still leaning over them. They look away.

"That's not true."

They look back at him. Their eyes are glossy, like they're about to cry.

Don't cry.

There's not a lot of things that can make Hobie genuinely upset, but seeing them cry? He doesn't think he'd be able to hold his own tears back.

"What's not true?" Their tone is laced with confusion and hurt. Hobie doesn't often get sentimental, talking about his feelings. Doing just that is the best thing he can do for them -and himself- right now, though.

"I... I don't just see us two as friends. I know I know I always say that I hate labels, but it's different when it comes to us two. I don't know why, but I wouldn't mind labelling myself as something like your partner or boyfriend or whatever, I don't care about these words, but what I know is that I wanna be with you."

It's easier for him to admit this while staring down at his lap, clasping his clammy hands together. After he's done, he searches their eyes, waiting for a reaction. They stay quiet, processing his response. His heart is beating quickly again, hammering against his chest. The sound rings in his ears and he's convinced they can hear it too. He doesn't even know why he's so nervous. They confessed first, of course they like him. But what will they do? Is it just one of those crushes where you can't even imagine yourself really being with the person?

Hobie is surprised when they pull him by his big T-shirt to hug him closely. He reciprocates their affection, resting his head on their shoulder. Hobie can hear them suppress a sneeze when they rest their head on his shoulder. His hair is probably tickling their nose. Cute.

He wishes he had hugged them like this before, he really didn't know what he was missing out on. Their body is soft in his hands, just like he had imagined those nights that he just couldn't manage to fall asleep. Both of their hearts beat against each other. It feels very good be so close to someone -scratch that, close to them, Hobie didn't know he needed this until now. He can't make himself let go, only loosening his grip when they do. Just like always, they pull back first. But this time, not too soon for Hobie's liking. Even after the hug, they are still so close to him. Their face is dangerously close to his, too. Hobie takes in the sight of their face. There was never a reason to be jealous of the guy in maths class. He might get to see them concentrated on solving equations or raising their hand eagerly, but he will never get to see their face like this, flushed after hugging him, eyes yearning for more. While Hobie admires them, they take their hands off of his back, instead cupping his cheeks. Without even having to think, he leans in. They nod, closing their eyes just like him. The kiss is slow and sensual. Hobie enjoys every moment; the warmth of their lips, the feel of their skin and the amount of love they put into each of their movements. Hobie smirks, slowly pushing his tongue into their mouth to show them his rather freshly pieced tongue. He's lucky it's healed already, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to feel this sensation. When the both of them pull away, Hobie feels that the cheeks in his hands are hotter than before. His are, too.

Nothing could hold back the smile tugging at his lips. Hobie hadn't thought they would like someone like him. He can't put into words how happy he is about having been wrong.

"I'll totally go to school on Monday. Just to see you, though."

[itsoverfeeling]

back that character into a corner and get them to admit their terrible secrets

[starweaversguidetothehazbinhotel]

A silly prompt for Pride month that I don’t have the energy to actually write. Feel free to borrow if you need inspo.

————

While the hotel (and most of Hell) are gearing up for pride month, Alastor learns that both Husk and Lucifer are Pansexuals.

Now; as a man who doesn’t even know he- himself is Ace….our poor deer completely misunderstands and takes the “pan” part literally.

This misconception is prompted/further encouraged by Angel. (who thinks the entire thing is f*ckin hilarious). In order to stir up extra shit, the pornstar tells Alastor aallllll about the kitchen items and ingredients he’s had to use in films before. Even with a permanent smile, it’s impossible for Alastor to mask his horror. Angel’s impromptu lesson in “pan-sex” leaves him shaken and filled with revulsion. Seriously- how unhygienic- he might be a cannibal, but he has standards! This entire time they’ve ALL been eating off those dishes!

Thoroughly convinced that Husk and Lucifer have a depraved fixation with kitchenware. Alastor, begins his crusade.

All the old pots and pans are thrown out and new ones purchased on Al’s dime. With Nifty’s help, the kitchen is scrubbed and bleached top to bottom and twice over. Finally- Alastor bans the king and his thrall from setting a single foot into his kitchen.

This… doesn’t not go over well. Especially where Lucifer is concerned. It’s not Alastor’s kitchen, it’s Charlie’s kitchen. A kitchen HE created and gifted to her (along with the rest of the building)

Of course Charlie tries to mediate but finds Alastor unwilling to share the reason behind his actions. Eventually, he confesses being concerned about cleanliness when preparing meals for everyone, but he refuses to elaborate any further. (His mama raised a gentleman after all. Discussing sexual depravity with a young lady would be uncouth… Especially in regards to her own father.)

Husk heeds the ban without hesitation. He’s still getting fed and it gets him out of dish-duty so he doesn’t really care. (And with the collar around his neck? It’s not like he has much of a choice.)

But Lucifer? Oh. He goes by the kitchen every chance he gets. That prissy deer want to act like Lucifer is unsanitary? Well- welcome to Hell b*tch. He uses pans and doesn’t wash them. He purposefully leaves crumbs on the counter. He opens cabinet doors and doesn’t close them. Lucifer even goes as far as to reorganize the spice rack by sent profile.

In response- any dishes or ingredients Lucifer used unsupervised are thrown out. And soon after, voodoo based wards are put up. Meticulously crafted to inflict pain on those who go further than chaste hand-holding within the kitchen’s bounds. Yet- despite his many visits to the kitchen - Lucifer never triggers the wards. Something that is absolutely baffling to Alastor… was the king really just cooking? Or was he just biding his time now that he was being watched?

It’s hard for the Overlord to say because it wasn’t long before someone someone else discovered the spell on the kitchen.

A innocent good morning peck on Charlie’s cheek and suddenly the former exorcist’s hair is on fire.

Aaananndd. Now Charlie is calling an emergency meeting. The kitchen situation has gone too far. The wards need to come down, and staff members need to clean up after themselves. Turns out, Lucifer leaving dirty dishes and crumbs has been attracting roaches to the hotel. Which means Nifty is manic and extra stabby.

With everyone in agreement. It leaves Alastor with only one card left to play. If he can’t guarantee himself sex-free kitchenware. Then he is no longer willing to cook for anyone in the hotel. They can survive off of pancakes and takeout.

This threat is effective. Warm home-cooked meals have been one of the perks of living with the radio demon. Nobody wants to go back to cold-cut sandwiches and melted popsicles.

————

That’s all I got. Honestly, I’d like to see the misunderstanding resolved. Alastor learning more about his own sexuality…and maybe some soft radioapple.

But my brain is tired and I have no idea how to get there. Again, feel free to play with this idea or make suggestions.

[hairmetal666]

Steve parks at Eddie's, a plastic wrapped bouquet of roses so purple they're almost black carefully buckled into the passenger seat, and a nervous twist to his stomach. He didn't plan to do this. It's just, he was agonizing about his crush to Robin and she goaded him until it seemed like a great fucking idea to ask Eddie out on Valentine's Day, of all days.

The flowers were an accident. He saw them in the front window of the little flower shop in town, and it felt like fate, like they were practically made for Eddie Munson.

With a deep breath and a gritted teeth, he swings out of the car, flowers in hand. He's doing this, he's got this, he can ask Eddie out.

Music rocks from the trailer, drowning out Steve's knock. They didn't exactly have plans tonight, only they hangout every night since Vecna, so he figured...well, Eddie never said they weren't getting together.

He's a little miffed when his knock isn't answered. Even when the music is up, the walls of the trailer vibrating, Eddie always comes to the door. But the minutes tick by with no response until the annoyance turns to anxiety.

He stretches over, up on tiptoe, craning through the window to see if he can spot Eddie, probably distracted by planning for dnd or working on a song.

The kitchen is deserted, pots steaming on the stove. The two-seater table is covered in one of those paper tablecloths they have at Melvald's for a buck, patterned with bright red hearts. The table is set, two plates, two beers, a candle burning in the center of it all.

God, he's stupid. So stupid, with his nearly black flowers and his silly crush. Of course Eddie already had someone to spend Valentine's Day with.

He stumbles down the stairs, stomach fighting up his throat. The loud music makes so much sense now. He has to leave. He can't stand the thought of Eddie finding him here, letting him down easy; can stand even less seeing him with the date he has over.

Steve almost makes it back to the car before he hears the screen door slam, Eddie's voice calling his name. For a second, he considers ignoring him; for a second, he thinks about jumping in the car and driving off and forgetting this ever happened. But he could never do that to Eddie, not even when the consequence is his own heart.

"Oh, uh. Hey, man," Steve says. He runs his fingers through his hair, swallows. "Didn't mean to interrupt, thought we had plans but I guess they weren't set in stone." He's rambling and he knows it, but can't stop. "I didn't realize you--I'll get out of your hair."

Eddie's eyes flicker from Steve to the flowers clutched in his fist, the wrapping now sweaty and rumpled. "Are those for me?" Eddie asks.

Steve's mouth open and closes a few times, thrown off the track of his monologue and trying to think of a plausible lie. "I--they're--it's--"

There's nothing for it. He has to tell the truth and eat the humiliation. "I saw them today and--They're perfect for you. So, I wanted--" he shakes his head, shoves the bouquet into Eddie's arms. "Happy Valentine's Day. I'll let you get back to your date."

Eddie's face scrunches and it would be cute except for all the way Steve's heart is breaking. "Aren't you my date?"

"What?"

"Steve. We hang out every night. I thought--"

"But. For me--" He splutters. "The table?"

"Harrington, it's Valentine's Day! You bought me flowers!"

"Yeah, cause I was going to ask you out!"

This is what breaks Eddie, and he bursts out into helpless giggles.

"Don't laugh at me, Munson." But he's starting to laugh too.

"I'm sorry! I just--you," and Eddie isn't laughing anymore, he's looking at Steve with clear, shining eyes. "You brought me flowers."

Steve sobers too, hands over the bouquet. "I brought you flowers. You made me dinner."

"Yeah." He glances up at Steve from under his eyelashes. "I made you dinner."

"Sorry for--" He gestures broadly around himself.

Eddie shakes his head, soft smile on his lips. "You're something else, Stevie." The words are so fond they make Steve's heart flip. "Now, come inside before the food gets cold."

Steve walks to do the door, pausing before he climbs the stairs.

"What is it?" Eddie's eyebrows lift.

"Nothing. Just--" Steve licks his lips, notices the way Eddie tracks the movement. "I'm really falling for you, is all."

"No duh," Eddie says with a broad, smitten grin. "You bought me flowers."

[otakubimbo]

.The Rabbit and The Wolf

Bad date and confessions

You’re still trying to get your not a date but a date with Iruka out of your head when you get some information that sends you into a spiral.

MDNI. MATURE CONTENT.

Ch 1 2 3 4 5

master list

OBN: okay so i realized that i uploaded chapter 4 twice so here's chp 5, it's a lil shorter than the regular chapters cause i cut the original into 2. hehe. mwah!

All night long Kakashi’s face plagued your dreams, tossing and turning with the thoughts of him. As you awake, if you could even call it that since you didn’t even sleep, you realize you’re covered in sweat and your bonnet has escaped you in the night.

“Fuck” You groan attempting to pull yourself from the entrapment of your sheets. It was a long day before it even began, dragging yourself to the bathroom to get a good look at yourself. Yeah, you looked exactly like how you felt. Like shit. Hopefully, a shower will fix you up a bit; the steaming hot water should put some life back into you.

After your shower, you hadn’t even realized that you were already running behind, you would have to go visit your sister after training or you would be late. Barley putting yourself together, you hurry to the training grounds, but you are still late to your standards especially since Sasuke was already there.

“You look terrible” He comments, noticing you as you walk up.

“Thanks, didn’t notice.” You say pushing your palm into his forehead for his rudeness.

“Must have been one hell of a date.”

You groan with an exaggerated roll of your eyes telling him to watch his mouth, “It wasn’t a date Sasu, first of all. Second, where is your respect for your sensei and her personal life?”

“I’ve known you for too long for that to matter,” he says casually which makes you roll your eyes even harder as you give your body the stretch that he needed. Unfortunately, he was right, he was like a little brother to you, and just like a little brother, he was annoying.

“Are you seeing him again?” His question throws you off guard. He wasn’t one to usually ask these kinds of questions.

“Well, well, well, aren’t you nosy today? I mean, Yeah, we are friends. We will see each other when ya know we all hang or whatever.” You respond with a shrug of your shoulders.

“So, it didn’t go well.” He comments chuckling to himself. You flick him right in the forehead this time.

“Please stop” You groan putting your face into your hands. The last thing you wanted was more reminders of last night.

Eventually, the rest of the team shows up, well besides Kakashi of course, and they immediately both start pestering you about last night. The vein in your head would explode at any moment if they wouldn’t stop bothering you about it, so you made them a deal. If they could land a hit on you before Kakashi showed up, you would tell them about your night. You assumed it was going to be easy, except the training that you had been putting them through was having them show actual improvements. There were movements that you could feel they may have to take them with some type of seriousness.

“Well better luck next time, kids” You chuckle taking a place beside Kakashi as soon as he decides to arrive, “Took you long enough.” You elbow him in his side.

“I was actually late for a reason today. We have a mission.” He states holding up a scroll in his hand. “We just must deliver this, simple enough. But there is a festival happening in the village we are going to so I thought it would be nice. A reward for all the hard work.”

Naruto and Sakura celebrate, of course, while you look at the man confused. You place your hand on the side of his face to check for warmth.

“You sick? Who are you and what have you done with Kakashi?” You question as you’re still trying to gauge his temperature. He swats your hand away. You have never known this man to do anything easy.

“Yes, I’m fine. There's nothing wrong with taking things easy for once.” He remarks casually.

“Hmmn, well y’all have fun with that.”

“Oh. You’re coming on this mission too.”

“Me?” You question and you can see him smirking under his mask.

“Yes, you.” He responds, bringing even more joy out of Naruto. “We can discuss the details of the mission. Everyone else go get ready, it’ll be a three-day trip.” He dismisses the kids, and you stand there knowing that there must be something else going on for you to also have to go.

“So, what’s the actual mission?” You ask him once the kids leave.

“Your favorite, a little recon, a little stealing intel.”

A huge grin spreads across your face. These were your favorite missions, and they were always your favorite with Kakashi because there would always end up being some type of bet involved between the two of you.

“Oh, this is going to be fun. Just like old times. I knew you weren’t getting soft on me” You playfully pushed him.

“There really is a festival and I do want the kids to enjoy themselves, that wasn’t a lie.”

“Awh you are getting soft on me in your old age.” You laugh at him while he just rolls his eye, and you stick your tongue back out at him in return. You were really excited for this. Back to what you were good at, what you loved. Maybe get to fight a bit, hopefully. You haven’t gotten your hands dirty in so long.

The two of you go your separate ways and you head to see your sister since you didn’t get to see her that morning.

The first thing out of her mouth when she sees you is about your ‘NOT’ date, which makes you immediately groan before you fill her in on everything that happened. By the time you were done, your sister was laughing her ass off at the whole ordeal.

“It’s honestly not that funny.” You grumble crossing your arms. Your sister was laughing so hard it was bringing tears to her eyes, which she wiped away before settling down.

“It actually is considering you didn’t view it as a date at all and then he had such confidence to kiss you. It’s hilarious.”

At the very least, you were glad to bring a smile to her face even if it was at your expense. She was looking better and healthier, she even was feeling better according to her. Maybe she would be able to leave soon, you hoped.

“Anyways,” You start, making her lay back down “I actually have a mission to go on tomorrow with Team 7.”

“They’re sending those kids on such a dangerous mission it requires you to go?” She questions, a bit concerned.

“Nah, it's mainly a mission for me and Kakashi, they’re just coming with us because the old softy wants them to go to this festival.”

“Awh, he really is a sweet man” She compliments, and you snort.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. It should be a fun easy mission though.”

“Good, I know you're ready to get back out instead of babysitting your big sister.”

“Don’t be silly, you always come before anything. You and me.” Your hand reaches out to hers, grasping her small fingers gently.

“You and me” She repeats back to you, using her other hand to pat yours, “I know.” Her smile is soft and gentle.

The two of you talked casually after that, about random things and whatnot until you had to leave. As you leave the hospital, you run into Kakashi.

“How’s she doing?” He asks as a greeting.

A smile sets on your features, your eyes softening with the thought of her “She’s doing really good actually, a lot better. I really think she could make it through this. Ya know, unlike our mom.” The smile on your face, wavering a bit.

“Well, she’s strong like you so I know she’ll be fine,” he says attempting to calm your thoughts, it’s as if he can hear the worried voice in the back of your head.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” You say, pausing to look at him, realizing you had never thanked him for looking after your sister while you were away. “Uhm, thanks by the way.”

He looked down at you confused, “For what?”

“Ya know, checking on my sister and everything while I was off on all those missions.” You say avoiding his gaze.

“Of course, the both of you mean a lot to me, “he says so casually as if that didn’t make you stop breathing for a second.

‘The both of you’.

If you meant so much to him, why did he leave you alone after your night together and then immediately avoid you? If you were going on this mission with him, you would have to ask him. It had been hanging in your thoughts for too long.

“Thanks anyways. Can we walk and talk?” You ask nervously, not knowing how you would be able to approach this.

“Uh, sure.” He says and you immediately turn and start walking in the direction of your house feet moving automatically. “What did you want to talk about?” Your behavior was confusing him because you’re not one to act so nervous, hands fumbling with a shruniken with your lips pursed in thought.

“I was just thinking” You start not knowing where to really go with the conversation. He can tell there is really something on your mind so he’s patient and allows you to get your thoughts together.

“Ya know this is our first mission together since before my sister's wedding.”

“It is” he commented, assuming where this conversation was going. He just thought you were going to let it go by the way you had been acting previously.

“And then my sister's wedding happened.” You continue, even though you brought up the topic it was as if you were avoiding the main point.

“it did” His gaze follows down to your face as you steel your nerves to proceed.

“And then what happened after.”

“And then what happened after.” He repeated back to you, making you stop in your tracks to face him. You finally look up to meet his gaze on you. His expression is unreadable, but you knew you had to continue regardless of your hesitations. What were you supposed to be afraid of?

“Why did you leave and then disappear on me?” You ask, looking him dead in the face hoping your voice sounded stronger than you felt. There was a long silence between the two of you. His face is still unreadable, and you hoped he couldn’t see the small panic you were feeling. Luckily for you, your expression was as unreadable as his to him. Eventually, he’s the first one to break eye contact with a sigh.

“Because afterward, I realized I was in love with my best friend,” he confessed, lifting his head back up to hold your gaze once again.

 It felt like your brain stopped working for a second. The gears in your head are completely unmoving.

“I’m sorry. What?” You ask, as your brain finally comes back online.

“I said,” He took a step forward, taking your face into his hand. The rough pads of his fingers move along your cheek. “That night I realized I was in love with you. That I had been in love with you for so long. And that terrified me because I didn’t want to lose you.”

You just stare up at him, eyes big as saucers blinking.

“You were in love with me?” You ask barely above a whisper. This was not what you expected.

“I am in love with you.” He corrected. ‘Am’ present tense.

taglist: @smarsd

[geraskierfanficprompts]

Don’t get me wrong, I *love* “assumes they’re together after losing memories” fics.

But, I think the reverse could be neat.

Geralt wakes up without memories and is taken care of by a beautiful, kind, talented bard.

When Geralt works up the courage to ask how they know each other, Jaskier claims they’re lovers.

And Geralt refuses to believe him.

“No, really, how do we know each other?”

He just refuses to believe Jaskier would settle for him and is convinced that the bard’s claims stem from pity.

"Darling, really." The beautiful man says with exasperation. "Just end the joke. What are we?" "We're lovers, Geralt! Lovers! We love each other!" "There's just no way!" Geralt repeats. Every time he reiterates this fact, the strange man claiming to be his beloved looks more sad. Because the joke isn't working? Or his.. His evil scheme isn't working? Because it's just not possible that this beautiful perfect bard loves HIM. There's no way. Nothing as good as him could love something like Geralt. Geralt doesn't remember him. That's- That's fine. It's fine. They could've figured it out. But Geralt is just so insistent on the principle that they could never be in love with each other. Jaskier begins to worry that Geralt truly hates everything Jaskier does, and the only way they ended up together is because Jaskier wore him down. That's not what happened, right? Surely not...

[vintagegirl01]

Hello!!

I wasn’t sure if you take requests or not so if you don’t, you can totally disregard this ask….

But I was wondering if I could maybe request an angst to fluff (and maybe some smut at the end if you write that, if not, then do not feel like you need to. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable) with Hunt x Reader?

Like they’re mates but maybe Hunt is having to stay with Bryce to protect her and the reader is scared that she’s losing Hunt to Bryce and like maybe overhears Hunt raving about how amazing Bryce is so reader distances herself from Hunt and like Hunt can’t understand why so he asks Bryce for help and it can end fluffy (and again if you write smut, maybe he shows her how wrong she is about him leaving her for Bryce by making love to the reader?)

Again: if any of this makes you uncomfortable or you’re not taking requests you can totally ignore this but I figured I’d still ask just in case. I love your writing and I love that you write for Hunt. My boy deserves so much more attention than what he’s getting 💕

Breakfast for Two

Hunt Athalar x co-worker female reader

Summary: You and Hunt have always had some sort of connection. However, things change when he suddenly has to be a bodyguard for Bryce Quinlan when in her quest to find the person responsible for Danika Fendyr’s murder. As a result , you can’t help feeling insignificant in comparison to her and begin keeping your distance from Hunt. This doesn’t sit well with him.

A/N: This takes place during the events of Earth and Blood. Also, the reader is angel just like Hunt. Though being part or full angel is up to reader interpretation. Lastly, thanks so much to the individual that took the time to reach out to me to request this. I only hope that I did your request justice, as I think this has become a personal favorite of mine.

“Quinlan is quite the pistol,” you overhear Hunt Athalar say. “Especially with the way she kills a demon.”

“Sounds like your kind of woman, Athalar,” you hear one of your male coworkers say.

Another voice jumps in. “Yeah! Are you planning on making a move on her?”

Before you could hear more, you quickly walk away from where Hunt stands before he can see you.

As you quickly try to walk away, you run straight into someone’s chest. You look up into the brown eyes of Isaiah Tiberan.

“Woah, (Y/N)! Are you alright?” The dark-skinned male asks in concern.

“I’m fine,” you quickly mutter before practically running back to your work area with your lunch box in hand. Though you’d probably make a quick stop in the female restroom to cry.

You truly thought that Hunt felt the mate connection towards you. You were sure of it. Yet, hearing him talking about another female only solidified what your heart knew all along.

You were never going to be the female who held Hunt Athalar’s heart.

_________________________________________

You’ve known and loved Hunt Athalar since you first entered the 33rd.

Unlike Hunt and many other Malakh, you were born many generations after the uprising. Yet, you went to work for the 33rd Legion willingly. As you wanted to use your powers to defend those, both Vanir and non Vanir, who were unable to do so themselves. Unfortunately, you would also come to find out that not everyone of your coworkers held this belief that you had. Especially its founder, Micah Domitus, which made you an easy target. Though, you had good coworkers—Naomi, Justinian, Viktoria, and Hunt— who made working there worthwhile as they held the same beliefs you had.

Despite Hunt being a bit standoffish when the two of you first met, the tall, dark, and handsome male would warm up to you. This would eventually lead you both to grow close to one another as you took lunches together as well as having hangouts at your house once he finished his missions early. Sometimes these hangouts consisted of dinner and movie nights, while other times they consisted of self-care and wine (though the fall angel will never admit that he enjoys how face masks moisturize his handsome face).

Things changed between the two of you when he came back to your house all beaten and bruised after a night of being sent on a mission to take care of some people. After helping him get cleaned up, you brought him to your room and cuddled. This eventually resulted in him falling asleep in your lap as you raked your fingers through his dark shoulder length hair.

It was at that moment you saw a tormented male trying to survive the horrors of his past. From that day on, Hunt began to open up more about his past. From his lover’s death to all the killings he had done as the Umbra Mortis. Nevertheless, you always reminded him that none of that was his doing because of his status as a slave as well as the fact that he showed remorse for his actions made him anything but a monster.

This only led to the relationship between the two of you becoming more intimate as the nights the two of you spent together at your house consisted of you two cuddling with longing stares and smiles to one another during the work day.

You had truly believed that everything between the two of you was going well until you heard that conversation.

How did I read everything wrong? You pondered.

You had no idea what hurt more. Hearing those words come from Hunt’s mouth or the fact that you made yourself believe that there was something when there was nothing.

_________________________________________

Two weeks later…

Hunt can’t believe that this is the second week that you bailed on hanging out with him. While Hunt was initially understanding of the situation, figuring you were tired or busy at the time he asked, he couldn’t help taking notice of the fact that you were doing all you could to avoid him during work hours as well.

He begins to reflect on when things started to change. It isn’t before long that he realizes that he noticed his conversation about Bryce to some of your co-workers.

“Shit,” Hunt says aloud to himself, causing everyone around him to look at him funny before going back to what they were working on.

Great! The female of your dreams thinks you're a heartless bastard, Hunt reprimanded himself. I need to fix this. I can’t let the love of my life and mate think she’s anything but. But how to do it?

Hunt then takes out his phone and texts the one person who could help him with female matters.

Quinlan, I need some advice…

_________________________________________

You’re currently at home watching tv wearing a baggy t-shirt and shorts when you hear a knock at the door.

That’s strange, you think to yourself. No one should be here at this hour.

You then walk to the front door. You peek through the peephole to see Hunt “Umbra Mortis” Athalar, holding two bags in his left hand and a bouquet of flowers in his right.

Despite being confused about the situation, you decide to open the door for him. “Hunt, what are you doing here? Is everything alright?”

_________________________________________

When you opened the door to Hunt, he did not expect to see you with your hair down, a loose T-shirt, and some pajama shorts that may as well have been booty shoots due to the fact that your shirt nearly covers them.

As Hunt tries to find the right words to even start a conversation with you, he notices the way your nipples poke through your shirt.

Don’t look at her nipples, Hunt keeps repeating to himself. No matter how perfect he imagined them to be, his reason for his visit to her is of utmost importance.

“You seemed too busy to hang out,” Hunt starts out. “Therefore, I decided to take matters into my own hands and plan a little get together to bring it over to you.”

Hunt gives you his most charming smile as he offers you the beautiful bouquet of roses. While he expected you to come up with another excuse to push him away, he isn’t disappointed when he sees your cheeks grow red with your shy smile as you accept the bouquet of flowers and invite him inside your home.

——————————————————————

Dinner has been a bit awkward as you and Hunt are merely making shallow conversation instead of the deep conversations you’d always have. While you were bringing up the weather for the third time, Hunt was trying to work through the plans he made with Bryce in hopes of being able to finally reveal how he felt about you.

Though he wonders how this can happen when you two have barely spoken five sentences within the last fifteen minutes.

Not being able to take the distance between the two of you, Hunt decides enough is enough. He must know what’s tormenting your beautiful mind and causing the distance between you and him. “(Y/N) …What's wrong? You’ve only spoken a few words since I came to visit. As a matter of fact, this is the first time we’ve even met up to hang out because every time I’d bring it up, you’d claim you were busy.”

Instantly, you shake your head.

“Come on (y/n), I know that isn’t true. Please, whatever it is, tell me and we can fix it together, Hunt says almost pleadingly, causing your heart to ache at the hurt in his voice. Therefore, you decide to answer his plea. Even if the result of you being hurt by the male you loved.

“I…I… I know how you feel about Bryce Quinlan…” you try getting out of your mouth without having your voice break. “About how amazing and bad ass she is. She is perfect for you, you know?”

He then takes his hand in yours, looking into your eyes.“ (y/n), what you thought you heard that day, isn’t what you think it is.” He stops to take a breath before continuing. “When I called Quinlan badass, I was saying so in a way a person who admires someone would say. Especially with what she has been through these last few years.”

There is a pause before he continues. ” However, you are a female I admire too, (y/n). You are literally the epitome of light and goodness. No one can compare to you in my eyes.”

“But Bryce…”

Hunt interrupts you, his answer almost in sync with what you were about to say. “My heart doesn’t belong to Quinlan, (y/n). It belongs to you.”

You wince before looking down to hide your tears. “Hunt, you don’t have to spare my feelings, I…”

Hunt interrupts you there by bringing your right hand up to his lips, kissing it before looking intently into your eyes once more. “I love you so much, (your full name),” the male in front of you says tearfully yet full of pride. “You’re light and goodness not only makes you the baddest, badass in history but too good to be tied to a male like me. Someone the personification of darkness and corruption… I don't want to taint you. However, I couldn’t take you avoiding me anymore. So, I got Bryce to help me plan this night-in together. Because to me, you are worth stepping out of my comfort zone for. Putting my heart on the line for. You are my everything.”

You are shocked by his speech. While he said those three little words that held such an impact, his self-depreciation made you want to cry.

How could he think that? you thought. When in my eyes, he’s literally my gentle giant.

In that moment, you realize that he doesn't know that because you’ve never told him. Therefore, you decide to rectify this mistake.

You gently take the angel’s chin into your left hand, looking into his dark, tear-stained eyes. A contrast from his usual brooding stare.

You then let your fingers travel through his dark shoulder length tresses as a way to ground him. Something you did quite often on the nights he’d stay over, cuddling in bed with you as you comforted him from another mission or nightmare.

“You, my gentle giant, are more than your inner demons. An evil man wouldn’t feel guilt or remorse for what he has done. You do.” You wipe his tears with your thumbs, kissing where the tear stains are. “Nevertheless, I love you just as you are.”

Hunt, touched by your sweet yet heartfelt words, lets his large, calloused hands embrace your sweet face for a few seconds, bringing it near his own. His hot breath causes your body to tingle due to how intense this moment is becoming. “I’m the luckiest male and alpha hole in the universe to have you as my love and mate.”

“Mate?” you look at him shockingly.

Realizing what he said, Hunt tries to explain. “Yes, mate. I understand if it’s too soon for you to say but I want you to know that you are my mate… When I’m around you, I feel this need to protect you as well as want to be a better male.”

You smile at him. “I feel it too. Though, I was afraid to say something in fear that it wasn’t reciprocated.”

Hunt gives you a smirk. I can assure you, (y/n). What you feel is very much reciprocated by me.”

The two of you then lean in to share a passionate kiss. As the kiss progresses, the energy between the two of you shifts from feelings of softness to passionate and intense that it isn’t long before the two of you are naked.

That night, Hunt makes sure to take his time to gently caress every inch of your body, slowly and tenderly. Whispering sweet words to you, reassuring you that you are beautiful and desired.

_________________________________________

The next morning….

You wake up to find the side of the bed empty and cold.

Perhaps it was all a dream, you sadly think to yourself. You lie in bed for a few seconds more before deciding to get up to start your day.

As you sit up, the sheets fall to your waist. When you look down, you are shocked to find that you’re naked.

“Wait a minute…does this mean…” You say aloud.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the door opening. Revealed is your mate naked with a breakfast tray, making his way towards your side of the bed.

Despite still being dumbfounded by the situation Hunt takes it upon himself to be the first to speak. “Morning, sweetheart.” He crouches down with the breakfast tray still in his hands, getting ready to press his lips to your own until you stop him.

“Hunt! I have morning breath.” You blush, embarrassed that you have scared your mate away with your morning breath.

Hunt smirks, putting the breakfast tray down on the side table and leaning close to you. “I don’t give a damn. Like that will stop me from kissing my true love and mate.”

The handsome male presses his lips to your own.

After a minute or two, the two of you pull away from one another. Though you two still choose to have your faces near one another, with each of your sets of wings cocooning you two from the outside world.

“Breakfast in bed? Was this also a part of Bryce’s plan?” You ask curiously. “If so, remind me to thank her later.”

Hunts face contorts to mock offense. “I’ll have you know that Bryce’s plan only consisted of a night-in and the bouquet. Everything else was either of my own doing and fate with your consent of course.”

You give him a soft smile. “This and your confession…”

Hunt nods. “I wanted my confession to you to be just that. My own. Therefore, I wanted no one but my own heart to guide me on this endeavor… As for breakfast, I thought it would be a perfect way to thank you for a wonderful evening. For giving me your heart, your body…”

You pull Hunt in for a kiss. “It is I who should be thanking you for accepting my love and more, my gentle giant.”

“Though, I will have to thank Bryce for her part in this,” you mused, a smile on your face as you look at him lovingly. A smile he can so get used to seeing more often because now that your feelings for one another were out in the open, there was no need to hide anything from one another ever again.

Hunt smirks. “And you will have the opportunity to, sweetheart… later. Right now, I just want us to have this moment together before our love becomes known of.”

The two of you decided to just do that, having breakfast together. For this would not only be the first breakfast you shared together but the first meal that the two of you would be enjoying as mates and a couple.

Taglist:

@gretavankleep37 @11pinkblue @bryandechartisasmolbean @runningawayfromsociety @optimisticsoulstarfish @slytherin-pen @livibrendlinger