#rin plus a sunset??? what more could you ask for

[animatedarchives]

this man is just... everything beyond perfection

[angsty-omi]

was she just a friend?

hajime iwaizumi x Reader

tw: very slight domestic abuse, insecurity, no happy ending, swearing, suggestive themes, and no editing prior.

when you first started dating hajime, you had accepted the fact that he had a really close girl friend. how could you not? before you guys made it official he made sure his concerns were met with. this should’ve been the first red flag, however, you were blinded by love.

at first, it was subtle. she’d tag along with you guys on your walk home, which you didn’t mind at all. most of the trips, she’d make fun of iwaizumi and reminisce when they were kids. which, in turn, made you laugh. a lot. and usually after she got home, you and iwaizumi could spend the sunset together. his large calloused hand would wrap around yours, and he’d bring your hand up to peck it. your heart grew bigger by the minute.

then, one day after she left, both of his hands gripped your jaw, and soft lips were pressed against yours. you smiled into the kiss and added more pressure. as he pulled away, you instinctively moved forward for more. that made him chuckle, and grabbed your chin once more. however, this kiss was more passionate. you could never forget that night. it was purely blissful.

for the next six months, life felt like paradise. there was a consistency of “i love you-s,” cuddles, and even sex. but, as they say, happiness is only temporary. on your sixth month anniversary, you and hajime had planned a fancy dinner date on the bay. you showed up early, with excitement written on your face. you were currently wearing a satin maroon dress with a black trench coat on top. as you sat at your table, you pulled out a box out of your pocket. it was a promise ring. you rubbed the circumference of it, trying to ease your nerves. was this moving too fast? you were certain that you couldn’t love another the way you love hajime.

as the hour strikes, he still hadn’t showed up. you repeatedly checked your watch, and even asked other people’s in case your time was wrong. you texted hajime multiple times with no response. anxiety started bubbling in your stomach. what if hajime’s hurt? what if he got into a car accident? what if a UFO came down and kidnapped him? you prayed to yourself that none of those things were true.

before you even realized it, another hour went by. and at this point the waiters were passively suggesting you to leave, due to their full house. at first, you were weary, what if hajime shows up? you thought. although, you complied with the waiters and left. you called him so many times with no pick up. before jumping to conclusions, you decided to text her.

y/n: hey, have you talked to hajime recently?

her: nope! but i can text him if you’d like!

y/n: sure

you rolled your eyes at her message, she acted like he’d answer her and not you. you were his girlfriend for god sakes. obviously if he could text someone it’d be you... atleast that’s what you thought before you got a notification.

her: oh he just said he’s at home, was there something you needed?

that text broke your heart. he’s at home? worst of all he texted her back and not you? you just left her on read and headed home.

as you slammed your phone on the bed, you got ready to sleep. slipping into one of hajime’s shirts and a pair of underwear you tuck yourself in. while drifting, you inhaled his shirt and it smelled like him. his cologne had a wood musk scent to it which you adored. and before you realized it, you were crying. crying yourself to sleep.

the next morning during school, you did everything in your power to ignore hajime. you skipped the lockers, lunch, and even prevented going to bathroom in case he was there. who could blame you? you were still upset after being stood up.

“miss y/n, could you grab these papers and send it to the office please?” your teacher asked.

you picked up the hefty amount of sheets and went on your merry way. with your guard down roaming the hallways, you failed to notice her and hajime at the end of it. as you both looked up from a long distance with eye contact, you simply turned around and took a detour. you could hear sneakers quickly catching up to you. it was hajime.

“hey baby i haven’t seen you all day,” he wrapped his arm around you.

you ignored him and continued looking straight ahead.

“hey are you okay?”

silence.

“y/n if you’re going to act like this and not tell me what’s going on, i’m going to go.” hajime said with a stern voice. you bit your lip, trying to hold tears back. you nudged yourself off of him and replied “fine.”

how could he be mad at you? and why’s he acting like nothing happened?

at the end of the school day, hajime was waiting at the gates for you. you caught sight of him and sighed. you couldn’t hold it off any longer. as you approached him, you saw her peeking out next to him. of course. with annoyance, you started walking home, with them behind you. the walk home was silent, excluding the loud footsteps trailing behind you. as soon as she turned for her house and a couple more steps, hajime grabbed your wrists and gently pinned you on the wall.

“tell me what’s wrong.”

immediately, tears start falling down your face.

“how could you forget about our sixth months?”

at this point, iwaizumi’s face turned pale. paler than a sheet of printer paper. he quickly kissed your tears, and rambled apologies.

“i can explain, that day hachi had some major family issues. her dad had just left the house to get drunk, and her mom was out of town. she needed me to come over, so i rushed.”

“so then, why didn’t you text me back?”

“what?”

“you heard me”

“i gave my phone to hachi because her dad broke hers.”

you gave a confused look. her phone wasn’t broken, she literally texted you and to think about it you never said her name aloud or in your thoughts.

“what? i literally texted her the night of and she said you texted her back saying you were home”

“hachi wouldn’t do that.”

did he just assume that you would lie? what reason would you even have to lie? you pulled up your phone and showed him the messages.

“this was probably a misunderstanding, are you sure your connection was good? some of them probably didn’t send so it looks bad” he casually said.

you were just in so much shock when he said that. how could he? why did he? your head started to feel stressed so you just walked away. not wanting to hear his idiotic excuses anymore. he trailed behind you and wrapped his arms around you.

“please don’t leave us on bad terms, i’m sorry i won’t do it again” you felt tears on the back of your school uniform.

“i guess it wouldn’t hurt to forget this one instance” you thought to yourself. so what did you do? you forgave him.

poor little naive girl.

after you guys made up, he decided to have a make up anniversary. you guys cuddled up on your bed and watched many sappy romance movies while ordering your favorite place. this was way better than an expensive dinner. you were just glad he was in your arms again and whispering sweet nothings into your ear.

you got up from the bed with his arms dragging behind to go into your dresser, where you hid the box. as you were about to turn around and suprise him, his phone rang. who could be calling at this hour? you know who. hachi.

“don’t pick it up” you frowned.

“please babe just give me one second?” he pouted.

you nod in a agony. as he answered it, you could hear dramatic tears on the other end with a concerned hajime on the line.

“are you okay?! he did what?! i’m coming right now”

as he ended the call, he buckled his pants back on.

“you’re kidding right?”

you hid the tiny box behind your back.

“what are you talking about y/n?” he frustrated, clearly stressed out.

“this is our anniversary and you’re going over to see another girl?”

“y/n, she’s my best friend and you know that. plus she’s home alone and her dad just broke a window.”

“then can i come with you?”

he shook his head, “i don’t think she wants anyone to see her in that state right now”

“except for you, hm makes sense okay”

“can you please not be insecure for like one day?” his fingers ran through his hair.

your eyes widened, “are you fucking serious? you’re the one that made me insecure! first i dropped the whole dinner phone text thing even though there was obvious evidence hachi was trying to sabotage us, why can’t you see it?!”

“y/n, at the beginning of our relationship you acknowledged that i had a close girl friend. and with that, the dinner thing was just a misunderstanding. stop bringing that up or else.” he aggressed.

“are you seriously threatening me right now?”

“if you leave right now.. t-then we’re over!” the words just slipped out of your mouth. both of you guys were in shock. you were just so relentlessly depleted from this argument that you decided this was your solution.

he furiously opened the door, “hajime wai-” you were cut off by the door slamming shut. tears were flowing like a waterfall at this point. you gave yourself some time to breathe and reevaluate. you couldn’t lose hajime, he was your person. your light. your yellow. you put on your sneakers and ran to hachi’s house, knowing he’d be there. you grabbed the promise ring alongside so you could beg for forgiveness.

your breath was ragged, damn were you out of shape. but at the end, you got to your destination. as you analyzed the house, there seem to be no windows broken, but the front door was opened slightly. you knew she was lying from the start about her dad smashing things. you slowly walked in as quiet as possible and could hear sobs in the other room. as you pressed your ear to the door, it was hajime’s sobs. your heart felt so much guilt, sayings like “i love her so much” and “how could she just say that?” were the only phrases you could comprehend. then there was silence. as you opened the door, prepared to make up, you couldn’t believe your eyes. hachi and hajime’s face were about a half an inch away from each other. they both looked up at you.

“nice intact windows, take this stupid fucking ring, you’re dead to me iwaizumi” you chucked the box at him. as he looked at the box, it had been embroidered ‘promise’ on it and he knew what that meant. you quickly made your exit through the door with hajime closely behind you.

you stopped in your tracks, “please just leave me alone” your voice now dainty.

“y/n, plea-”

“please what? please forget about what i saw? i knew it i fucking knew it. you know what, this whole time you made me like the bad guy when it was YOU. you made me like this, and the worst part is I STILL LOVE YOU.” you punched jabs into his chest. obviously it didn’t hurt him physically, but emotionally it felt like a million swords were stabbing him repeatedly.

“please stop this, is there anyway you can forgive me? please?” he sobbed.

“i’ll do anything”

“would you leave hachi for me?” you asked sharply.

his hesitation was all you needed. in his head he answered yes, but it was like his vocal chords stopped working. deep in his heart, he knew you deserved better. so he stayed quiet.

“go to hell, go fuck hachi or something see if i care.” but you did care. you just wished that he fought just a little bit for you. but he never did and you had to accept it like a champ.

before this all happened, you had dreamed about iwaizumi hajime and yours’s future. but now it’s all ruined.

you’re left heartbroken and lost $350 on a ring that had no meaning.

[d0llpie]

Heyy, can I request headcanons with Atsumu, Suna, Iwaizumi and Akaashi for this

The reader is on her period, and they go out on a date and she's wearing her favourite dress/skirt but it's her worst day ever when her period leak on her clothes 😭. So her boyfriend saw it and cover her using their jacket 🥺 flufff 🐣🥺

Getting their period during a date

Atsumu x reader, Suna x reader, Iwaizumi x reader, Akaashi x reader

a/n: why is suna so hard to write for 😩😗 anyways, thank you for the request love <3

wc: 2.1k

Atsumu

- Tsumu had just come home after an away game tournament and you were so excited to finally get to see him

- You preordered a dress just for the date, it was light purple and suited you perfectly

- Atsumu was already dressed and ready while you were finishing off your hair and make up

- You put on some black heels and headed downstairs to leave with Tsumu

- “Woah, Hi baby, you look fantastic!” he was grinning widely, he came up and wrapped his arms around you smothering you in a hug

- you giggled “Tsumu not too tight!” you slapped his bicep and he released you from his grip

- “alright let’s go babe, i’ve got your purse” you kissed him on the cheek opening the door “so where are we going?”

- “you know i’m not gonna tell you that, just hop in the car, you can play your music” you smiled up at him before settling into the passenger seat and plugging your phone into the aux.

- You arrived at a beautiful restaurant and looked over at Atsumu with wide eyes “wow, i guess i can handle you going away if this is what i get when you come back” he laughed at you before slipping an arm around you waist and walking you to a booth by the window

- After a while you excused yourself to go to the bathroom, when you came back atsumu was acting slightly different

- “hey baby are you feeling okay?” you nodded, finishing off your drink “yeah what’s up? do you wanna go home?” tsumu nodded “yeah we can watch a movie and cuddle” you smiled and looked over at him lovingly

- “that sounds beautiful Tsumu” you stood up and Atsumu stumbled up to walk over to you, draping his blazer over your shoulders “babe this is way too big, i’m not even cold” he shushed you and walked you outside with his arm around you

- Once you got in the car you turned to face him “Tsumu are you okay? why are you rushing so much?” he looked over at you nervously “uh, yer period, you kinda leaked babe i just didn’t want the people in the restaurant to see..” you grew embarrassed quickly

- “so i guess that explains why you were extra nice tonight” he sent you an offended gasp “i am always nice! jeez woman i try to help” you rolled your eyes, plugging your phone back in to play your music as you drove home

- “Ugh this dress has only been worn once too :(“ you huffed, taking the dress off “i wanted to tear it off ya anyway if that helps!” you looked over to Atsumu quizzically “it doesn’t..?” “oh”

- You showered quickly and changed into some comfy pyjamas, when you went downstairs you found Atsumu with a bunch of blankets and snacks on the couch “C’mere babe, i’ll let you pick the movie” you jumped onto him, covering his face in kisses

- “Thank you Tsum Tsum” you grinned before snuggling up to him and playing your favourite movie, you fell asleep before Atsumu carried you to bed, resting his hand on your lower stomach to give you some warmth while you slept.

Iwaizumi

- You planned a picnic date with Iwaizumi since you drove past a pretty park you hadn’t seen before on your way to visit your friend.

- You had texted Iwaizumi when you first saw it that it would be a cute date spot and so he took the following saturday off of work so he could spend the day with you

- The park was kind of far so you packed a large basket of food and a blanket

- Your friend had bought you a sundress a while ago but you hadn’t had the opportunity to wear it out on a date yet and so you were excited

- The sundress was yellow with orange flecks, it was flowy and went down to your mid calf, you paired it with a pretty necklace Iwaizumi had bought you on an anniversary before styling your hair and makeup

- You dressed up more than usual because you thought the park would be a beautiful spot to take some cheesy photos with Hajime.

- “You ready love?” you looked up to see Iwaizumi staring at you in the mirror with a lovesick grin and a slight blush on his face

- “You like the dress Haji?” you stood and turned to face him, wrapping your arms around his neck “mhm” he hummed leaning in to kiss you softly, you pulled away smiling, “alright let’s go”

- He intertwined your hands as you walked to the car, him carrying the basket insisting you shouldn’t

- When you arrived it was just as pretty as when you’d first seen it, the sunset was clear in view and the giant trees surrounding the field littered with flowers allowed the sunlight to cast beautiful shadows

- You grabbed the blanket, placing it down and lay down smiling, looking up at the blue sky, littered with orange shadows as the afternoon came around

- “here love, have this” you opened your mouth as Haji fed you a strawberry, you scrunched your face at how cold it was and he chuckled, flicking your forehead

- “Hajiii~ let’s take some photos look how pretty the sky is now!” you knew how bad Iwaizumi was at taking photos so you took some videos of you both sitting with the sunset behind you and took screenshots so Iwaizumi looked more natural

- “aww look how cute this one is Haji” you knelt over to show him your phone and he wrapped his jacket around your waist “baby?” you questioned and he pulled you into him

- “love don’t freak out but you have some blood on your dress, i can wash it out but do you want to head home?” you flushed in embarassment before realising you ruined your pretty dress

- You frowned realising you wouldn’t get to stargaze, oh well there were always other nights “yeah okay, thank you baby” “no problem” he left a lingering kiss on your forehead, ushering you to the car so he could pack up the picnic himself

- When you got home you placed your dress in the laundry sink, frowning again before walking into the bathroom to see Haji running you a bath “you don’t have to do all this” you came and rubbed his shoulders as he sat on the edge

- “It’s nothing, plus you planned out date- which was beautiful by the way, it’s the least i can do” you grinned and kissed his cheek “i wonder if the team knows how much of a softie their trainer really is” you teased, kissing his cheek again

- “Only for you love.”

Akaashi

- Akaashi took you into the city for a date today, you’d been stressed with work and akaashi knew your schedule so on your free day he wanted to take you out

- You were excited to dress up and get out of the house finally so you were ecstatic when Akaashi had taken you into the city for a date

- You put on a nice skirt and a backless top before grabbing your purse and heading out

- Akaashi was driving with his hand on your thigh the whole time, open palm steering and glancing over at you any chance he could

-“Keiji, focus on the road” you giggled, placing your hand over his and squeezing lightly, he smiled, looking over at you again

- “Sorry darling, you look so gorgeous though, even more than usual” he squeezed your thigh gently, smiling as you blushed “You look pretty handsome yourself”

- After Akaashi parked you made your way to a busy street filled with food trucks, pretty benches with fairy lights above them and two roads filled with people walking through

- “ooo keiji let’s get one of those!” you hugged his arm tighter into your chest, pointing at a couple sharing a giant milkshake with ice cream and chocolate toppings covering it

- “Let’s have some proper food first mkay?” you pouted before nodding, dragging Keiji to different food stalls to see the foods while he just watched you, gazing at you with a soft smile etched on his features

- Once you found some food you both wanted you were looking around for a place to sit and eat

- “Darling, here take this.” Akaashi tied his jacket around your waist before resting his hands on your sides and pressing a kiss to the top of your head

- “what’s wrong ‘kaashi?” you slowed down from how fast you were walking previously and grabbed his hand, holding your dinner in the other

- “your period came a little early, don’t worry you didn’t leak much but i just thought you’d feel more comfortable if you covered it”

- you hugged him tightly, he rested his head on your shoulder “you’re so perfect Keiji, at least i know why i wanted that ice cream so bad..” you laughed trying to shake off your sudden awkwardness

- “we can get that soon and then go home if you prefer? i’m sorry you didn’t get to spend that much time out of the house, i know you’ve been stressed” you frowned at how Keiji was feeling guilty

- “that sounds amazing, this date has been amazing, you’re amazing ‘kaashi, i love you” he intertwined your hands, squeezing gently “i love you blossom”

- you ordered the ice cream shake and headed back to the car

- when you got home Keiji ran you a hot bath while he grabbed your favourite hoodie of his and some pyjama pants

- you hopped into bed and snuggled up into Kejis side as he read a book “goodnight kaashi” “goodnight love”, he kissed the top of your head as you fell asleep

Suna

- You were out with your friends, dressed up in a blue dress before you had to leave for Sunas game

- You didn’t have time to go home and change but it was okay, it never hurt to be dolled up around Rin

- When you arrived they were just starting the first set, you settled into the crowd, waving at Rin on the court

- Suna looked up at you and smiled before his mouth hung open slightly, taking in the sight of you before smiling even wider

- “y/n looks good, you guys have a date after this?” Samu asked Suna

- “Nah, she was out with some friends guess she stayed there a bit longer, she looked amazing though” Rin looked back up at you, grinning distractedly

- “Hey, the game? She looks good but focus” Suna turned his attention back to the court as they played

- During half time Suna couldn’t stop glancing up at you, every time he spiked his eyes would find you, this was typical but today he held his gaze much longer, drinking in the sight of you

- Once the whistle blew, signifying their win he ran up into the stands, searching to find you before pulling you into him by your hips

- “Rin! Congratulations baby, you did so well!” you cheered for him, pecking him on the lips before turning to drag him back down “You look amazing baby, just wait.” He took out his team jacket, wrapping it around you before pulling you into another kiss

- “Don’t want people looking at you, that dress is gorgeous but you stand out a bit, also i think your period might’ve leaked.” your smile dropped at how cute protective Rin was and you stood there shocked

- “what?!” you frantically tightened the jacket around you “hey hey, it’s okay, let’s go home, we can cuddle and take a nap” you calmed down a little

- “yeah let’s go..” you both drove to your house, you washed your dress while Rin showered before jumping in after him

- Once you were both settled into the covers and in pajamas he pulled you into his chest “don’t stress y/n, i know how you get but it’s no big deal, sleep now”

- you hummed against his chest, tilting your head to kiss him lightly “thank you rin, i love you” “mhm sleep” you scoffed

- “say it back Rin” you feigned a scowl “oh right, i love you too, sleeping now” you giggled before cuddling into his chest, sleeping in his arms.

[celestialflamesme]

| TROIA | A Stashi One-shot | Fairy Tail Next Generation |

Ships: Nashi Dragneel x Storm Fullbuster, slight Rin Fullbuster x Rosemary Fernandez

Nashi didn't know why she ever thought letting Venetia choose a job request this time would be a good idea.

In fact she didn't exactly recall telling her she could, let alone promising her, because it was a well known fact in Magnolia, albeit in the guild itself.

Venetia plus anything equals catastrophe.

She loved her friend (don't tell the lug-nut she said that) to death, but Redfox was also the kid that stole an S-class mission at 11, so she wasn't much of a 'think before you act' kind of person.

Nevertheless, the rest of the team didn't think it was that bad of a job, and the reward was good so they agreed. Nashi had a lingering doubt about how the day's events would go, but she brushed those thoughts aside for the sake of the greater good.

The greater good being beating Team Storm by going on more jobs than them.

Team Nashi reached the village after a sickeningly long train ride that Rosemary DID NOT help ease in the slightest by knocking them out, no matter what she says otherwise.

The beautiful expanse of a land was incredible to stare at and Venetia smirked at their reactions as if to say 'and y'all doubted me haha'.

"Oh my! What are you kids doing there? Come on here!" A lady who looked to be in her mid-forties waved at them.

Sylvia tried to beat Rin to their host, but her annoying twin sauntered forward and shot her a gorgeous grin as he introduced the team.

"How polite!" The lady gushed and Sylvia grit her teeth.

She invited them in for tea and explained the situation. Her husband, the village head, and several other males had been held hostage by a group of mages that had been threatening everyone to pay hefty sums of money every month.

She pondered for a moment. "Some kids your age came here earlier actually. They said they'd help rescue my husband and the others. Are you kids their backup? Is that why you're here?"

Rosemary narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "A group of kids our age, you say? Were they from the same guild as ours?"

The lady nodded.

"Well ma'am, we best be on our way then! Can't risk waiting any longer!" The red head's eyes flickered with what the teammates could only call utter madness, before rising from her seat as she rushed out.

"Wait, dear girl? Oh, she seems to be an eager one!"

Rin let out a sigh as his eyes crinkled in adoration, "ALL the more eager when there's competition."

"You kids will need horses, if you ever want to catch up to them then! To the stables!" The woman cheered.

"Horses..."

The two dragonslayers shuddered as they stared at the monstrosities. Sylvia groaned.

"You two will be of no use then! First we take the same mission, and next, only half the team can function fully! This day just keeps getting better and better!" She threw her hands in the air frustratedly.

"Unless we use troia, of course!" Rin snapped his fingers and gave his sister a cocky grin, who retaliated by grumpily flipping a bird at him.

15 minutes later, they found Rosemary speed-walking. She gladly accepted the invitation to ride with Rin, who looked like a kid at Christmas. His grin widened further when Rosemary wrapped her arms around his waist, much to Sylvia and Nashi's amusement.

They reached their destination - A half-burnt cabin at the edge of the forest overlooking the giant lake- only to find Team Storm who'd already engaged in combat.

Rosemary joined the fray in a span of less than 5 seconds, sending spell after spell at the bandits with an evil glint in her eyes.

"What the-Rose, what are you doing here?" Reiki raised an eyebrow while throwing daggers at a goon, who squealed in terror as one hit him, leaving him stuck on a nearby tree.

Nashi grinned as she yelled,"We're here to get the job money, of course. FIRST ONE TO GET ALL OF THESE DUMBASSES ROUNDED UP GETS DIBS!"

Storm yelped, "Aw fuck, the flamehead is here too?"

"I HEARD THAT, ICE CONE! YOU WANNA GO?!!!"

"ARE YOU TWO FIGHTING AGAIN?"

"NO SIR!!" they both yelled as Reiki cracked his knuckles at them.

Seeing the pinkette distracted, a mage took this as a chance to attack her.

"Lightning Strike!"

Nashi turned around just in time to shield herself from the attack. "FIRE DRAGON ROAR!"

Venetia hollered, "JOIN US, FIRE BREATH! WE'RE ABOUT TO KICK ALL THEIR ASSES!"

They managed to round up all the bandits and tied them to the horses. Meanwhile Nova, Luke and Sylvia freed the villagers, who profusely thanked them, glad to finally be able to see their families.

"Why do I still have a feeling that something's going to go wrong?" Nashi muttered to herself.

"Maybe because something always has to go wrong in Team Nashi's missions?" Storm inputted with a smirk.

She gasped at the accusation, fixing him with one of the nastiest glare she she could muster. If looks could spontaneously combust, the whole town would be extinct right this very second.

"YOU WISH!"

"I don't have to, it's reality!" The Devil-Slayer's smirk intensified. The pinkette was tempted to rip the smirk right off his face and maybe claw out one of his godforsaken blue eyes out with a nearby branch. To no avail however, as Kai seemed to have realised that an object as dangerous as a branch was not to be kept in close proximity to a walking-talking demolition kit.

Note to self: Spit in Kai's drink as payback for confiscating a crucial element in her Quick-murder inventory. Oh, how nefarious....

On that thought, she clambered onto her horse with grace akin to a blind Walrus. Rin had briefed both of the first-timers on riding and what-not, but the keypoint that Nashi noted was that if the horse was calm and steady, she was safe. If not, a ticket to her Uncle Zeref was overdue.

Hey, at least Mavis would be more than cordial to her. And she was sure her Gramps Igneel would be on board her 'haunting Storm till he lost all sanity' idea. The possibilities were endless.

What she failed to notice during her inner monologue was the stealthily creeping Mage that had earlier managed to hide himself among the foliage, approaching her horse.

In what Nova would later describe fondly as 'the snowball effect', he yanked Nashi's leg, attempting to throw her off her horse, just in time for the Lightning Slayer to notice and send an attack that left him immobilised.

It was at that moment that Nova realised that she'd utterly fucked up.

"HOLY FUCKKK!!" Nashi was left screeching in horror as her horse decided to live out it's dream of winning the Derby.

Hanging onto it's mane like her life depended on it, she tried to (keyword being tried) mount her horse, which was impossible considering the damn beast of an animal was sprinting like it was possessed.

She faintly registered a flash of light before a sheet of ice blocked the horse's path. It steadied itself instead of trying to break through it to her relief, and she solemnly swore never to watch reruns of Mission Impossible with equines ever again.

She chose to collapse on the muddy ground, squinting at the sun as she tried to steady her breathing. The raven-head sat himself next to her as he scanned her for possible injuries.

"How many fingers am I holding?" His breathless voice questioned.

"Wait let's see, one-two-," she deadpanned, "Twelve."

He smacked her head, making her yelp, his eyebrow raised as if daring her to retaliate. She briskly stood up with a scowl on her face. The ground rattled as the rest their team caught up to them.

"The next train to Magnolia is in an hour, so you both had better hurry!" Rosemary barked.

"Gee, thanks for asking if I was okay!" The pinkette rolled her eyes and jabbed Storm with her elbow as he muttered 'Drama Queen'.

"GEEZ WOMAN! You're riding with me by the way," he bit his lip as he smirked at her face that now morphed into one of disgust.

"Oh HELL NO!"

"Get on the horse Nashi!" Rosemary's eyes narrowed. Nashi and Storm shot Rin looks of pity as his face contorted into a pained grimace when the Manipulation Mage's grip tightened. He really did deserve to be lauded for bearing with her violence.

Speaking of violence, she imagined a dozen ways of pushing Fullbuster off the horse and riding off into the sunset. Now that's a happy ending....

He lazily snapped his fingers in front of her face, and she noticed that he'd mounted the horse already. Shooting him a last annoyed look, she climbed the steed and he whipped the reins as the horse began to steadily gallop.

"Not to be condescending, but I figured you'd know that you have to hold on in order not to faceplant on the ground," she could sense the smug look on his face. Not today, Satan.

"And risk you trying to feel me up? No, thank you," she snarkily retorted.

"Oh please, if anyone's risking sexual harassment, it's me. Your hands just waiting to feel my chest up," she gaped at him and spluttered indignant.

"Well-your-your CHEST IS JUST WAITING TO FEEL MY HANDS UP!"

"Maybe it is," he tilted his head as he winked at her. Her narrowed eyes and grimace provoked a chuckle out of him.

"Pervert."

"Sure, sure," he brushed her off. He abruptly stopped the horse, sending her tumbling into his shoulder. Her hands harshly gripped his coat as she yelled profanities at him.

"Not my fault you didn't hold on tight enough," he whistled innocently.

She let out a growl of frustration as she pulled him closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. "HAPPY?"

"You loveeeee me," he teased. He winced as she pinched him, clearly unimpressed.

"Claws off me, woman. Play nice!" He scolded and cracked the reins in a fluid moment, and they were off.

And Nashi pretended as if his cologne didn't cloud her senses and the firm grasp his hand had on her didn't make her face flush.

.................

"I need a picture of both of you!"

"WHAT?!" Both the mages screeched in shock.

The village head winced at them symphathetically as his wife's eyes glittered in excitement.

"You both look ADORABLE together! When's the wedding?" She cheered as she took pictures.

"WE'RE NOT- HE'S NOT- NO NEVER! GROSSSSS" their faces contorted into identical grimaces as their oh so helpful teammates snickered.

The lady waved them off, "They always say that, now CLOSER! HOLD HIM TIGHTER!"

"Well, she's still better than Max!" The pinkette muttered as she rested her head against his shoulder.

"Amen to that."

...............

A week after, Mirajane seemed way too cheery for her own good.

"NASHI! THERE YOU ARE!"

Several heads turned to glance at the dragon slayer as she gulped nervously. She reached the bar as the older Takeover Mage grinned at her.

"Laxus requested both you and Storm to participate in this contest. Compulsorily."

She scrunched her nose slightly as she took in the words 'Couple' and 'shoot'. "Aunt Mira, I've told you this a billion times already, WE DON'T LIKE EACH OTHER THAT WAY! HECK, WE DON'T EVEN LIKE EACH OTHER!"

Mira's grin only widened as she remarked, "These pictures seem to tell a different story."

Nashi's eyes widened dramatically as she whipped her head and met the She-Devil's eyes. "YOU wouldn't-"

"Too late, I've already sent it!"

A frustrated growl erupted across the guild, and the members collectively shook their heads at the Matchmaker.

A few weeks later, Nashi was relieved to know that she hadn't won the contest after all. That was shortlived however, as Storm marched up to her table and slammed the latest edition of Sorcerer's weekly on it.

She blinked rapidly as she glanced at the picture of- wait, was that Jake and Rose?

"THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL I'M LOSING TO JAKE AND ROSE! GET YOUR ASS OFF, SALSA BREATH, WE HAVE WORK TO DO!" He lifted her off her chair, despite her squeals of protest and threats to disembowel him and, throwing her on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, raced out of the guild, much to everyone's delight.

Even worse, she didn't know whether to kick him where the sun don't shine or stare at his butt. Which was definitely a no-no.

She swore off horses and troia from that day.

............

[sunarintavouz]

Be In Love

Description: It all started when Sakusa agreed to be Atsumu’s date at an old teammate’s wedding. 

And that’s when Sakusa realized that his feelings were fucked. 

Pairings: Sakuatsu (side Sunakita and Osaaka)

Words: 3438 (incomplete)

Sakusa Kiyoomi enters the fast food chain, furrowing his eyebrows as he doesn’t like the ambiance it gives off, he isn’t the type to eat fast food meals but the person he was meeting sent the chain as their meeting place.

Said person is on the corner by the four-person table--eating. Kiyoomi sits in front of him, but wasn’t completely fazed by him. 

“Miya-san” he calls impatiently. 

Atsumu places his burger down. Smiling at the younger who seems to be grumpier than earlier.

“Omi-kun, how many times do I have to say you can call me ‘Tsumu” the blond smiles.

“And I told you not to call me Omi-kun,” Kiyoomi replied. “Why did you even call me? And why even here?”

“I am craving burgers excuse me” Atsumu shrugs, but seconds later he grabs something from the pocket of his coat. Kiyoomi picks it up from the table--it was an invitation, all wrinkled and ripped.

“Kita Shinsuke. Suna Rintarou. Wedding” he reads. The names do ring a bell, but Kiyoomi couldn’t quite put a finger on it. 

“They’re my old teammates” Atsumu stated without him asking. “And Kita’s my ex-boyfriend”

“Oh” Kiyoomi thought, feeling a heavy burden on his shoulders. “I don’t know what it has to do with me” Actually he does, Kiyoomi knows this stuff too much. He has known Atsumu for too long. Maybe two years is enough to know that the older takes too much pride in himself, he always wanted to be in the spotlight or if not, at least be able to blend in. 

Kiyoomi knows wedding stuff, dates, watching two people exchange vows and kiss in front of a crowd, plus the foods and dances. Atsumu wants to atleast have pride in him enough to attend his ex-lover’s wedding. 

And that’s where Kiyoomi enters. 

“Accompany me on their wedding….err, I just want an accompany so that I won’t be lonely” he stated. 

“Osamu?”

���He’s bringing Akaashi” Atsumu interjects quickly, followed by a deep sigh. 

“You know me for many years Omi-kun. I actually don’t want to attend, but it’ll make me look like a bitter ex-boyfriend--” “Why? Because you haven’t moved on from him?”

Atsumu became quiet. Kiyoomi got his answers. 

“No wonder”

Atsumu smiles bitterly, brushing his blond hair out of frustration. “Let’s not get into it Omi-kun. Look, do you want to accompany me or not?”

“Depends, what do I get for having myself be dragged into this mess” 

“Ugh Omi-kun” 

“I’m just kidding Miya-san,” Kiyoomi laughs, making Atsumu look at him.

“Sure, I’ll accompany you” 

-

Kiyoomi wonders what spell Atsumu casted on him that made him say yes. 

It was a rainy Saturday morning when Atsumu picked him up from his apartment. The sun is still hiding behind the clouds and drizzle of raindrops are falling on the car. There was a weird tense inside the car that the younger couldn’t quite figure out. Atsumu looks so nervous yet serious while driving. 

Maybe it was because he’s on his way to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding, of course that’ll be the reason. Stupid Kiyoomi, he grunts silently by his thoughts. Looking to the window next to him to see where the destination will be.

“It’s a garden wedding near a cliff below the ocean. Enough to see the sunset exactly the time of the wedding ceremony. It’ll be beautiful and wonderful, just like what Kita-san dreamt of” Atsumu stated, making Kiyoomi glance at him. 

“Are you sure that you weren’t the one who organized the wedding?” Kiyoomi butts out a joke.

“No” the latter bitterly replies. “But he keeps on babbling how our wedding would look like back then” 

There was a moment of silence between them, the drive was still long and Kiyoomi can’t bear the awkward atmosphere both of them made. 

“You nervous?”

“That’s a funny question Omi-kun. Of course, who wouldn’t be nervous about attending their ex-boyfriend’s wedding?”

And the fact that he’s not over Kita, Atsumu’s hands are sweating cold as he drives towards the venue. He was not really planning on attending it but his jerk of a twin brother Osamu beat him out of it. All he had to do was endure it, he was just lucky that he had Kiyoomi to accompany him. It was funny, he thinks. How he managed to convince Kiyoomi to say yes. 

“You know that you can just not attend right?” Kiyoomi convinces. 

But instead of answering him, Atsumu steps on the gas pedal even harder, driving faster than the usual pace. Kiyoomi kept quiet as he didn't want to bother his friend anymore. 

-

The venue was breathtaking, Kiyoomi thinks. The sun was shining when they arrived at the mentioned venue. There were only a few people there, maybe 50 or a hundred he counts. The color motif was aligned with neutral tones and no exaggerated designs can be found, it seems like the couple decided on a minimal wedding. 

“God Omi-kun, even here ya have to wear a mask?” Atsumu complains as they step out of the car. 

“Yes” he replied shortly, a hundred people is still a crowd after all. 

The two of them walked towards the garden where chairs are aligned, Kiyoomi can recognize some of them, probably people whom he met back in high school during the Nationals. Atsumu seemed to be off from his tenses, greeting his old teammates whom he found in the middle of the crowd. 

Kiyoomi was about to follow him when a hand grabbed his shoulders lightly making him turn around. 

“Komori?” 

“I knew it was you!” his cousin laughs, they met last week but Kiyoomi wasn’t able to tell him that he’ll attend the wedding and it was surprising of him to bumped into Motoya here.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, noticing the baby blue suit of Motoya plus the lilac brooch on his right chest. 

“It’s Sunarin’s wedding dummy! Of course the whole ejp team is here, but me and Washio are the best man” Motoya said proudly. Kiyoomi only nods, he almost forgot that his cousin is teammates with Rintarou. 

Small world, he thinks.

“How about you? I didn’t know you’re close with them” Motoya interrogates. 

“I am not” he bluntly says. “Atsumu asked me to accompany him” 

Motoya’s expression changes from a teasing one, making Kiyoomi glare at him. 

“Don’t think of it in a wrong way”

“Oh I am certainly not thinking of it in a wrong way” Motoya defends but there’s a smug smile on his face. 

But before their conversation could go longer, their attention was called by the wedding planner---the wedding is about to start in a few minutes.

“Well, I have to find Washio now. Goodluck on your date” Motoya says.

“It’s not a date” he sneers but Motoya only laughed at him and left him there.

“There you are!” Kiyoomi turns around to see Atsumu walking towards him. “I’ve been looking everywhere for ya!”

“I bumped into Komori, he’s also here,” Kiyoomi explains.

Atsumu only hums. “Yeah, heard he is Rin’s best man, but anyways, we should go back to our chairs, ‘Samu saved us some” 

Kiyoomi only followed the older towards the chairs. A few guests were already seated there and the two of them chose the seat on the right, Kiyoomi can recognize a few people around them--and he was right, they’re seated beside the old Inarizaki team.

In front of the altar there stood Suna Rintarou, wearing a white coat suit with his hands held together in a fist, he looked so calm as he was smiling from ear to ear. 

“It’s not obvious but I bet Rin’s nervous as fuck” Osamu taunted making Kiyoomi and Atsumu look at him.

“Who wouldn’t be nervous, he’s marrying the Kita Shinsuke” Hitoshi jokes. 

“But look at ‘Tsumu, he’s not marrying Kita-san but he looks more nervous than Rin” Osamu teases making Atsumu punch him on the shoulders. Osamu fought back but Atsumu didn't want to be the sour loser.

“Goddamnit you two even in Shinsuke’s wedding, the two of you will still make a scene” Aran fumes. 

“Yeah! You two tone it down won’t ya? That’s embarrassing for your boyfriends” Michinari stated.

Osamu stops first, calming down as Keiji holds his hands. Atsumu only grunts, facing back towards the altar as Kiyoomi could only glance at him. 

The music began playing which made everyone stand up to give respect to the groom. Kiyoomi turned around and saw Shinsuke in his white suit, holding a bouquet of lilacs and white roses. He was smiling from ear to ear as he slowly walked onto the aisle. It was breathtaking, the sun is about to set in a few minutes and all Kiyoomi can thinks is how the purple-pink and orange sky made the ambiance more lovely and warm, everyone was smiling as they witnessed Rintarou accept Shinsuke’s hands and as they faced each other, the two of them let out a soft chuckle, embarrassed like two teenage boys who just confessed their first love to each other. 

Everything feels like they’re in euphoria, but when Kiyoomi remembers the reason why he was here in the first place, he had the intuition to look at Atsumu. 

Atsumu with his eyes locked on the gray-haired man who’s brightly looking at somebody else--it must have taken him a lot of courage to go here and witness all of these. Kiyoomi can see, he has a smile plastered on his face. But the latter knows that deep inside he’s not fine. 

Still, Kiyoomi doesn’t want to think about it for a moment.

-

The ceremony ended quickly. Now Kiyoomi is in a large rounded table with some of the old Inarizaki team at the reception. The dinner ended quickly with the host presenting the newly-wed couple. Doing some traditions like toasting the glass of wine and slicing the cake. Aran and Osamu had the opportunity to share their stories about Rintarou and Shinsuke making the atmosphere more livelier as their bright and funny stories bring ease that the couple were always meant to be. 

Kiyoomi was trying to enjoy it. Trying to socialize with Atsumu’s old team or maybe try to find his cousin to talk with, but his mind was somewhere else. He can’t help but ponder what is running inside Atsumu’s head at the moment. 

“Let us now all welcome the couple’s first dance! Anyone who wants to dance with their significant other can join our newly-wed couple on the dance floor.” the host announces. 

Another bright song starts to play, Rintarou drags a shy Shinsuke in the middle, getting a lot of teasing from the crowd. At first, the older was hesitant but later on, places his arms around Rintarou’s shoulders as they dance slowly to the song. 

“Keiji?” Kiyoomi hears Osamu’s voice. 

“That’s embarrassing of you ‘Samu” the latter chuckles but still accepts Osamu’s offer to dance with him. 

Kiyoomi looked at all the couples’ flooding the dance floor. Everyone was on their own world, as if the spotlight was on them. Kiyoomi can’t help but smile as he saw his cousin dancing with the person he’s been pining on. Finally, Kiyoomi thinks. Motoya now has the confidence to talk to him. 

But the smile faded as he heard Atsumu grunt loudly. He glances at him who wasn’t looking at the dance floor. 

“Do you wanna dance?” Kiyoomi asked out of nowhere. 

“I don’t dance Kiyoomi” Atsumu answers. 

“Oh”

“But do you care if you join me for a walk?” the blond interjects

Kiyoomi nods. Maybe a walk can lighten up Atsumu’s mood. 

The sky looks more prettier in pitch black with glittering stars scattered. Kiyoomi looks up as he follows Atsumu somewhere far from the reception. Not noticing that they’ve reached the end of the place. They’re near the edge of the cliff, the waves crashing on the rocks below can be heard just like how the wind blew more strongly. 

Quietly, the two of them stared at the vast ocean. It was dim there but Kiyoomi can see the bitter smile on Atsumu’s lips. 

“He always wanted a wedding like these.” Atsumu started. Kiyoomi only kept his silence, waiting for another word to slip out of the older’s mouth. 

“An afternoon wedding where the sun is setting then a night reception where the ambiance is much cooler. He doesn’t need extravagant decorations but he was picky on the flowers. Kita-san wants lilacs, it symbolizes innocence and purity, like a high school love. He always knows that he’ll find love in his high school days” the latter laughs sarcastically. “But I guess that wasn’t me” 

“Did the two of you...dated back in high school?” Kiyoomi asked. 

“No. But I confessed to him back in high school. He told me he’ll wait for me and he did, we dated when I was in college, we’ve been together for two years. That’s enough right?” Kiyoomi only nods even though he doesn’t understand what Atsumu was pointing out. “That was enough to be assured by your future with him. It was enough to think that everything was settled and there’s nothing to be worried about” 

“Are you mad at Suna-san?” 

“Not at all. Because if I do, then what the hell am I doing here?” Atsumu pointed out

“I’m confused Miya-san” Kiyoomi lets out a chuckle. 

“Don’t call me that Omi-kun, Osamu’s a Miya too” 

Kiyoomi thinks that Atsumu only too brokenhearted that he’s now babbling random stuff. He wasn’t bitter, that’s what the younger is sure. Atsumu only needed air to breathe in and absorb things, he wasn’t able to answer Kiyoomi’s question but the latter ignored it, what matters is Atsumu right now. The two remained quiet, leaning against the railings of the cliff, Atsumu was looking at the raven-blue ocean underneath him while Kiyoomi looked up at the sky, the clouds fading slowly to show the full moon of spring’s night. It was cold and windy and yet the warm presence of each other gave them ease and tranquility. 

“We should go back now, I need another glass of wine,” Atsumu suggested. 

Kiyoomi forehead’s creased. “I’m driving tonight if you got drunk” 

Atsumu only laughs at him.

As they went back to their table, Kiyoomi noticed two familiar faces with them. Atsumu stops abruptly as Shinsuke turns around to give them a smile.

“There you are! I’ve been looking for ya everywhere” Shinsuke brightly greeted. 

“We went for a walk, have you met Omi-kun?” Atsumu introduces, Shinsuke only gave Kiyoomi a small wave before he quickly turned his attention to Atsumu. “Do you mind if I can borrow you for a moment?” 

Atsumu quickly glances at Kiyoomi who only gave him a reassuring smile. Hesitant at first, the blond only looked at Shinsuke for a minute but later on, accepted the groom’s request. 

“And with that, I am keeping you company,” Rintarou laughs as he sits next to Kiyoomi. A glass of wine was toasted to each other as both of them looked at Shinsuke and Atsumu dancing. 

“You know I never expect Atsumu to attend our wedding” Rintarou started. “And I never expect him to have you as his date, Motoya’s cousin” 

“Why do you think of that?” he asked with much curiosity. 

“Maybe because it was for the fact that I stole Shinsuke from him?” Kiyoomi glances at him with a disgusted look.

“Kidding! They broke up when Shinsuke and I started dating so don’t come at me alright?” Rintarou replies smugly. “But it’s nice to think that you’re here” 

“Were you expecting me”

Rintarou hums. “I kinda know you through Motoya’s stories, he always told me that you’re not that great at socializing with other people this and that, blah blah blah but! You’re here and as Atsumu’s date”

“Miya-san’s not my date” Kiyoomi clarifies. 

“Date or not, you still agreed to accompany him, and as I based it from Motoya’s stories, you don’t like socializing. So if I connect the dots” Rintarou snaps his fingers. “Atsumu must be really something for ya” 

Something? Rintarou must have misunderstood him. Atsumu is just annoying and a jerk in the eyes of Kiyoomi, why would he mean something for him?

Alright so what if even though he’s annoying, Kiyoomi still enjoys the company of Atsumu? Atsumu may be a jerk but he’s a great person inside, it's just that, his annoying attitude comes out more often which irritates Kiyoomi and yet, the black-haired man won’t hesitate to say yes when Atsumu ask for favors, he knows that if he rejects it, the blond would be pestering him till he say yes. 

What does a person have to be something to mean to a certain someone? What does Miya Atsumu have and did to be told that he means something to Sakusa Kiyoomi? Maybe in the two years of being teammates Kiyoomi knows him more than the rest, maybe because Kiyoomi was there when Atsumu gets homesick or if he just wants to practice more, Kiyoomi is willing to spike his sets? Was all of that mean so much that all Kiyoomi thinks during the whole wedding day was thinking if Atsumu was fine? 

“Shit” he muttered. 

Kiyoomi likes Atsumu.

“Oh dear” Rintarou laughs. “Did you just realized that you like Atsumu?” the latter teases. 

“I don’t know” his words fall off quietly. He doesn’t know if what he was feeling right now for Atsumu is a liking. Maybe respect can be the word but no, that’s way too different. “How do you even tell if you like a person?”

Rintarou took a sip on his wine. “I guess you’re one of the people who doesn’t fall in love that often”

“I’m not that coldhearted Suna-san” 

“Maybe I should ask your cousin then,” 

Kiyoomi became quiet by that, letting the groom think whatever he wanted. His eyes wandered at Atsumu and Shinsuke. They were both still dancing but now they were talking. Atsumu looks so frightened, as if he was dancing with a boy made out of thin ice. Shinsuke surely is Atsumu’s first love. 

There’s no way Atsumu can get over him. 

The wedding ended within the midnight followed by a small fireworks display and sparkles which everyone adored and enjoyed. It took a while for Kiyoomi to see the bright smile on Atsumu’s face. After the dance, he was more relaxed than before and Kiyoomi must admit that Shinsuke must be really something. 

On their way back home, Atsumu was smiling from ear-to-ear which bugs the daylights out of Kiyoomi, as if earlier he looks so constipated. 

“Are you drunk?” Kiyoomi asked. 

Atsumu laughed at him. Kiyoomi takes that answer that he is drunk. 

“Omi-kun lighten up! I am fine, I can drive see?”

“You’re overspeeding at a steep road” the younger pointed out

“Let me drive in peace will ya?”

Kiyoomi lets him. Afterall, he wasn't ready to be in a conversation with Atsumu all alone after the conversation he had with Rintarou, he is freaking out deep inside! His forehead creases by the thought, him freaking out because of Miya Atsumu? Doesn't sound like him--which is also the reason why! He was freaking out. 

“Hey. You’ve been quiet, what got into you?” Atsumu asked suddenly

“You told me to let you drive in peace” the latter stated. 

“Yeah but being too quiet is not peaceful” 

“We have music Miya-san”

“Just talk to me Omi-kun!” 

Surprised, Kiyoomi’s eyes widened by Atsumu’s request. Heart starts beating fast that his fear and worries disappeared. He looked at the blond who’s eyes now focused on the road, Atsumu wasn’t that mad but it hinted despair in his tone. What exactly is going with him?

Kiyoomi let’s out a sigh as he leans his head against the headrest. “What happened?” 

Atsumu’s forehead creases. “What do you mean?”

“Back then, when it was just you and Kita-san dancing”

Atsumu hums for a second “He was glad that I went to his wedding,” but then smiles sadly. “And that I wasn’t lonely” 

“Is he thinking that--”

“We’re together? Yeah” the blond chuckles bitterly. “I mean no offense Omi-kun, yer hot but--”

“And bold of you to think that I would date your piss hair” Atsumu clutches onto his heart, acting like he was hurt. “God Omi-kun! That hurts you know?”

“Good”

Atsumu pouts. “Omi-kun yer always bad at me,” then, he lets out a sigh. “But you know what Omi-kun, I am glad that you accompanied me. Thank you” 

“It’s nothing Miya-san,” Kiyoomi said with a blunt tone but deep inside he was also glad to accompany the latter.

[sparrellow]

It’s Not a Date (Or Is It?)

“Why would I, of all people, ask the poor girl out on her birthday, of all days,” he said. “That sounds like the worst birthday gift ever.”

rating: T genre: romance, humour pairing: rinlen words:  5,141

Although they had been friends since they were in diapers, when it came to Rin’s birthday, Len always had no clue what to give her.

You see, the girl was difficult. She didn’t really like her birthday—she refused to celebrate it, even. She went so far as to threaten to blackmail him (with childhood photos of him half-naked, suction cups on his nipples; it was better not to ask, for childhood had been a strange time) if he so much as ever planned a surprise party behind her back. 

Whenever he’d try asking about what she’d want for her birthday, she’d scoff and roll her eyes and tell him something stupid like, “A will to live.” Yes, Rin, we all want a will to live, he’d think. But alas I need something a little more obtainable.

And, well, it wasn’t like Len could just not give her a gift—he had to. It was obligatory. While Rin’s blood curdled at the mention of her own birthday, whenever it came to anyone else’s, she would go ham. The previous birthday, she’d knitted Len a sweater. A whole, mcfucking sweater. And you can bet this simp wore it so much the armpits started permanently smelling like the inside of a men’s locker room. 

So he had to give her something back as equally as awesome. It was just an unwritten rule in his book of life. It was Len law.

Despite spending a good portion of the year listening out for any things she could want, this year around was particularly tough. Rin had mentioned, in the off-occasion, wanting several things; a television (he couldn’t afford that even if he wanted to), a boyfriend (well… maybe? Ahem. Just kidding), and a trip to the ISS (h… how).

For obvious reasons, such gifts were unobtainable. Which came to the dilemma he experienced almost every year: what in the ever loving fuck should he give to Rin this year?

It hit one week before her birthday when he started to grow desperate. So desperate, in fact, he consulted two of Rin’s closest female friends—Gumi and Miku, who seemed to be (sometimes, mostly) on the same wavelength as her. 

He didn’t like talking to them. They were painful to engage with. Insufferable. The human embodiment of gremlins. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

“A gift for Rin, huh,” Miku had echoed, when he’d planted himself at their desks one morning. Rin always came late, so, it wasn’t like he’d be caught in the act or anything anyway. 

Len nodded.

Gumi and Miku exchanged looks.

“How about you ask her out,” Miku suggested, a deadpan expression. Gumi, however, couldn’t do much to hide her amusement; bursting into a fit of giggles behind her hand.

He rolled his eyes. “A serious gift, Miku.”

“What?” She looked innocent. “It is serious.”

Gumi continued to snort-laugh off to the side.

“Well, what are you two giving her for her birthday?” he asked, deciding it wasn’t worth the effort arguing.

Miku tossed a pigtail behind one shoulder. “We’re going to have a sleepover, where we will forcibly sing happy birthday to her and make her eat a cake.”

Len frowned. “That sounds… nice. I guess.”

“You can’t steal our idea.” She jabbed a finger at his chest. “Like I said, just ask her out.”

“Why would I, of all people, ask the poor girl out on her birthday, of all days,” he said. “That sounds like the worst birthday gift ever.”

It was their turn to roll their eyes. “Maybe to you, banana brain,” Gumi said. “It’s pathetic that you’ve been friends with her the longest out of us three, and you still don’t know what gift to give her on her birthday. Talk about dumbass energy.” Then they high-fived each other.

Len bristled, his pride taking a hefty blow. “And? At least I’m trying to give her something she wants,” he reasoned, voice squeaking.

“If you used any of that big, big brain in that big, big head of yours, you would know what she wants,” Miku shot back, waggling a finger at his forehead. “Like I said: kissy kissy. Go on a date with me. Let’s get married or something and live happily ever after.”

But he was unconvinced. Rin? Living happily ever after? That girl couldn’t sit through any romance movie for the life of her. 

He decided this conversation was not worth having. He would figure this out on his own.

Maybe. Hopefully. Probably.

.

“A gift for your girlfriend,” Kaito mused aloud, looking distant as he hung over the fence separating him and Len. Kaito was his neighbour; an older, more experienced neighbour (he was a university student and proudly boasted about his experience having dated two girls and one guy).

It was T-minus three days until Rin’s birthday, and Len was still running in circles trying to figure out what to give her. It had come to asking his neighbour. Who, in all the times they’d interacted, always smelt like bong water and cigarettes.

Len winced. “She’s not my girlfriend,” he said—or, well, insisted.

Kaito ignored him. “How about a date,” he suggested. “Like, a really sweet date. You take her somewhere she likes to go and treat her. It doesn’t have to be grand or extravagant, or anything.”

Huh. Huh. The guy had a point. Not the date part, but the taking-her-out-and-paying-for-her part. It didn’t seem too bad of an idea, actually.

All of a sudden, Len had a great idea for what to do on Rin’s birthday. He quickly thanked Kaito for his advice and ran off, annoyed he hadn’t thought of it in the first place, but nevertheless plotting a master plan of where he could take her on her birthday.

First, of course, he had to check whether she was available that day.

Rin r u busy on Sunday, he texted her on LINE.

She replied two minutes later with, I’m at Miku’s in the morning, but I’m free in the afternoon. Why?

Okay, good. He didn’t need to rethink schedules or anything. Do u want to hang out? We could go 2 karaoke or smth.

Sure. What time?

Len paused to think, before responding, How abt one?

Rin’s reply came back almost immediately. Sounds good.

He was relieved. Okay. So. Now he just had to figure out what to do to make the whole thing, well, special. It was her birthday. Sure, going to karaoke was good and fun and all, but they already did that pretty regularly. It was part of the plan, but he needed something more. 

How about a nice restaurant? Or was that too, well, suggestive? Besides, he only had so much of his allowance he could spare. Hmm.

He pulled up the internet browser on his phone and began typing into the search function, Places to go on dat— Wait—delete delete delete. Places to go for birthdays. There we go.

Some articles popped up. He clicked on the first one, scanned the list. Restaurant. Cinema. Musical theatre. Park. Museum. Observation tower.

Observation tower?

Len thought for a moment. He knew he was too broke to take her somewhere exciting like, uh, Skytree or whatever. But then there was the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. And that was free. And they had a cafe at the top. 

Plus, it was sort of romantic— 

But the point of it was, it was for her birthday. Not a date. And it was something nice and unique, and he could totally imagine them sitting in the cafe watching the sunset over Tokyo's skyline.

So, that was decided. Karaoke. Observation tower. Maybe dinner if Rin was keen on getting something like Gusto because he didn't have the bank account for it. Man, Kaito was sort of a genius, in his own strange, Kaito way.

He reminded himself to buy the guy an ice cream sometime as a thank you gift.

.

Sunday finally came, and Len arranged to meet Rin out front of their usual go-to karaoke box. She was already there waiting when he arrived—which was strange, given the girl's notoriety for being fashionably late in most situations—looking bored and scrolling through her phone. She was dressed sort of cute; a mustard yellow overall dress and white collar shirt underneath, hair tied back by her signature white bow. 

He swept her up into an embrace, which she wriggled out of with a groan. "Happy birthday!"

Her cheeks flushed red and she rolled her eyes. "Shut up."

Len took no offence, steering her into the lobby of Joysound. "How was your sleepover with Gumi and Miku?" he asked.

Rin looked surprised. "You knew about that?"

"Oh. Yeah. I talked to them last week about it."

She blinked. "Huh." She seemed to brush it off as something minor, answering his question with a shrug of her shoulders. "You know. It's Miku and Gumi. We played monopoly before Miku got bored, and then they forced me to play truth or dare."

"Truth or dare, huh." Len had heard multiple horror stories about her previous experiences with the girls playing truth or dare. He grinned, glancing over at her. “So what did you do?”

“Dare, of course,” Rin said. She held up her wrist, showing an elaborate illustration of an erected penis. “What do you think?”

His eyebrows shot up. “That’s creative.”

She snickered. "Yeah. I think they were getting a bit frustrated with me. I kept saying pass on their dares, so the punishment was to drink a whole bottle of ketchup."

Len wondered what possible thing they were trying to get her to do that she would willingly drink ketchup over doing. "Did you?"

"Yeah. And then I threw up all over Miku's carpet, so they called it a night."

The way she said it so nonchalantly caught him off guard as they stepped up to the counter. He fumbled with his wallet, pulling out a membership card and scrambling to fill out the slip of paper the front counter clerk handed to him.

Rin was reading his writing over his shoulder. “Four hours? Really? I thought we would be going for like, eight hours.”

He handed the paper back to the staff and shot her his best, reassuring grin. "I've got other stuff planned after this, you know."

She quirked an eyebrow. "Other stuff?" she echoed. "Better not be a surprise party, or I will post those pictures of you all over—"

"It's not a surprise party. It's just you and I. Jeez."

The staff told him how much they owed, and he dished out the money before Rin could even get to her own purse. 

She frowned. "Hey. Tell me how much it was when we get to the room so I can pay you back."

"No," he said smoothly, pocketing the change and taking the receipt. "Today, it's on me."

Rin opened her mouth to argue as they started off down the corridor towards their allocated room number. "Are you sure? Four hours isn't cheap—"

"It's fine," he insisted. "It's your birthday. Think of it as part of the gift."

She wasn't impressed, but she knew better not to argue.

The room they were given wasn't huge—which was fine, not that they needed the space—so they sat next to each other bumping shoulders on the far side of the room, facing the television. Rin already had the remote in hand within moments of sitting down, queuing a ton of songs they usually defaulted to singing every time they went to karaoke.

When they cleared out what she had queued, she reached for the menu on the table in front of them and started looking through it. “I’m hungry. Can we get something?”

Len was trying to remember how much he had left in his wallet in terms of cash. "Uh. Sure."

She pointed at a picture of a plate of takoyaki. "Want to share some?"

They were only 600 yen. Not too bad. 

He nodded, before noticing a lack of drinks on their table, and the dry, scratchy feeling in his throat. He quickly checked the receipt they were given. "Shoot. I got us the drink bar. Want me to grab you something?"

"Oh." Rin thought for a moment, as if the decision was really tough, although the selection at the drink bar almost never changed. "Just get me some minute maid. The usual."

Right. Orange soda. The usual. As he got up from his seat, she reached over to unhook the phone from the wall.

"I'll order the food," she told him before he left.

Len poured himself a glass of calpis, grabbed Rin's soda. While waiting for the drink machine to finish, he acknowledged that he was feeling sort of nervous. His heart was beating hard against his ribcage, palms clammy. Why though? It wasn't like this was any different from any other karaoke venture him and Rin went on.

Well, besides the plans he had for the evening, but it was because of her birthday. Nothing else. No sinister thoughts here.

When he got back to the room, Rin had already queued another block of songs and was in the middle of singing something. He hadn’t even the chance to queue anything he wanted. 

God, she was such a remote hog, and he thought to tell her off, but reminded himself it was her birthday. Let her be the evil remote hog that she was for the day.

The food came when they were in the middle of a duet. Len almost missed his part of the song, because she hadn’t just ordered takoyaki, but also a plate of fries and a strawberry parfait. His eyes popped out of his head as the employee set down the food on the table.

Rin, he thought. Why are you like this. I love you, but why are you like this.

“Are you going to eat all of that?” he asked when the song finished.

She gave him a look. “No? We’re sharing.”

Len mumbled something along the lines of okay yeah whatever but I didn’t ask for this much food. He reached for a soggy fry, mourning his allowance.

.

Karaoke went by fast. In retrospect, it was probably better to have only spent four hours there, because his throat was raw by the third hour. Rin—the absolute madman—was still going somewhat strong, although her voice was a tad raspy by the end.

After Len paid for the food, they left and headed for the station nearby. On the way there, Rin asked, "So, where to next?"

"Shinjuku." He left it brief.

She screwed up her face. "Shinjuku? Ew. Why are we going there?"

"Because that's where I planned for us to go?" He gave her a hurt look, and she returned it, playful.

Admittedly, Len was a little worried, considering Rin had consumed almost all of the food they were supposed to share (not to forget that she also put another dint in his wallet). He was planning on them having cake or something at the cafe at the top of the north tower, because it was her birthday, but she probably wouldn't even be hungry.

The trains were starting to get a little busy—Sunday afternoon, everyone was going home—so they had to stand a little close together. Rin parked herself in the corner between the seats and the door, and Len right beside her, trying to avoid touching the other people around them but leaving enough space for Jesus between each other.

Normally Len wouldn't find himself so worked up over this situation, but today, his brain was like, stupid teenage boy mode or something because being so close to her was really bothering him. She seemed unaware of that, though, recounting some of the misadventures she'd had with Miku and Gumi the night before.

He listened, but didn't really listen, hyper aware of their hands and arms grazing with every jolt of the train, and eyes betraying him every few minutes by slipping down to her lips. Why, oh why, was he sexualising his best friend like this? On her birthday? Really, Len?

Eventually, they reached their destination station, and headed towards the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Rin tried nagging him again about where they were going.

"You'll see in, like, five minutes," he told her.

She sulked. “Why is it some big secret?” she complained. “I hate secrets.”

“It’s not a secret. I just like seeing you suffer.”

“Len. Choke.”

He grinned as they turned a corner in the underground walkway leading them away from the station, reaching a set of long, long escalators. Rin peered up at the sign above, trying to catch a glimpse of what possible location they were heading to.

"Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building?" she read. "What's so special about that?"

Len feigned nonchalance, tossing a shoulder. "Oh, you know," he said. "There are observation decks at the top of each tower, and I heard it looks really nice at sunset, so I was just thinking of going there with you."

"Huh." Her expression went blank. "That's nice."

It was a short walk amongst the towering buildings of Shinjuku. This part of the city wasn't as busy or touristy; clean and pristine with wide, empty footpaths. A clear, blue sky peeked through the skyscrapers overhead. It was only five or so, so they still had a bit of time before sundown. Luckily, the weather and visibility were good that day, much to his relief.

The wait in line to reach the observation level was long, but admittedly, worth it. Rin seemed happy once they reached the top, running over to the closest window and pulling out her phone to snap pictures of the skyline. She ushered him over, made him squint into the distance to look for the ocean, and they spent a good half hour trying to spot landmarks amongst the sea of buildings below.

After walking the perimeter of the building, they settled down in the seats of the cafe. “Do you want anything?” Len asked.

Rin hummed, eyes skimming over the menu. “I think I’ll just get tea.”

He was a little disappointed she wasn’t interested in any of the sweets on display (the banana cake looked really good, okay), but decided in retrospect, he would’ve been terrified if that girl could fit anymore in after eating takoyaki, fries and almost all of the strawberry parfait.

After he came back with their drinks, they settled into a comfortable silence. Rin was responding to messages on her phone, and he was just happy to watch as her expression shifted with every thought.

Eventually, she set down her phone and stared down at the table between them. “So,” she began, in a tone that meant business.

He sat up in his chair, smiled at her, but it was nervous, because she—all of a sudden—seemed very serious. And serious Rin was not a common occurrence.

Her fingers curled into fists on her thighs, and her gaze flitted everywhere in the room but his face. “Is this, um, a date?”

At first, Len didn’t know how to respond. 

His mouth hung open, before he became aware of his expression, snapping it shut. Then he cleared his throat. “Um.” To be honest, he didn’t know. Was it a date? Well, maybe he lowkey wanted it to be but did Rin want it to be? By the looks of it, she didn’t seem very… impressed by the idea. “It’s, uh… whatever you want it to be, Rin.”

She blinked, eyes falling on him, then dropping back down to her knees. “Oh.”

Was that the right answer? Had he just made her uncomfortable? Had he just ruined her entire birthday?

He was too afraid to ask.

They sat in awkward silence, until the sky outside started to turn various shades of orange, and people began swarming the windows to watch the sunset.

Rin was kind of peering over, as if torn between getting up from the chair or staying seated.

“You want to go look?” Len asked, giving her a smile to try and ease the uncomfortable air between them.

She hesitated, the corners of her lips twitching. “I won’t even be able to see over everyone.”

He, with the intelligence of a mitochondria, said, “Well, I can just hold you up.”

Rin snorted. “Are you sure you can do that?”

He blew a raspberry, faking confidence. “Uh, yeah, sure I can.”

“Okay then, Mr Buff Arms. Prove it to me.”

She got up from her seat with a shit-eating grin, and he scrambled after her, crossing the floor in direction of one of the busiest windows. The reason why the crowds were gathering at that particular spot was not just because of the sunset, but because of the fact that you could see a beautifully clear silhouette of Mt Fuji in the distance.

He hadn’t even realised that; it was hiding behind the clouds before.

Len gestured for her to climb onto his back.

“Are you sure?” Rin looked uncertain, eyeing him like a venomous snake. “I’m like, almost the same weight as you, Len.”

“So?” he bluffed.

She stood there staring, before giving in with the roll of her eyes. “Don’t cry if I break something.”

Then she wrapped her arms around his neck, hiking one leg up his side, and he hooked his arms under her thighs to hoist her up. She was right. She was heavy. But he was willing to be crushed under the weight of her for her to have a nice birthday.

“Hold on to me,” she ordered, arms unlatching from his neck. “I want to take some pictures.”

Len gave a grunt as a reply. It was the best he could do.

After a while (probably like, two minutes or so), he felt like he was going to burst a blood vessel somewhere in his body, so he wheezed out, “Rin. Are you done? I gotta let you down now.”

“Oh, yeah. You can let me down.”

He released his grip on her legs and she dropped back down into standing position behind him. Grabbing his lower back in pain, he turned to her looking like a crippled old man.

Rin laughed in his face. “Feeling sorry for yourself now, huh? I told you.”

He waved his hand, straightening up with a groan. “Yeah, yeah. Did you get any nice pictures?”

“Hmm. Let’s see.” She looked at her phone, then moved in close to show him her screen. “They’re not too bad, besides the dozens of heads in the foreground.”

It was strange, oddly disproportionate, the way Mt Fuji loomed over the busy streets of Tokyo. The sky was a beautiful array of golds and oranges and yellows; a perfect sunset for a perfect birthday.

“They’re nice,” he said. He glanced up from her phone to look at her, becoming aware of their distance, and aware of her ogling up at him. The golden light coming through the windows lit up her face, brought out the highlights of her hair, accentuated the freckles on her cheeks. 

Wow, he thought, his breath getting caught in his throat. He was utterly in love with her.

Much to his surprise, Rin’s face seemed to be moving closer. And so was he, his body unconsciously moving forward, down to her like drawn to a magnet. 

Her eyes fluttered closed, head tilting. 

Their lips were about an inch away from touching when a child right beside them started screaming. Immediately, Len was drawn out of his strange daze, jumping away from Rin. She seemed to do the same thing, putting at least a metre space between them.

Her face was bright red, and she forced her fingers back through her hair with a nervous laugh. “You know, we should get going before everyone else gets the same idea,” she said, acting as if nothing ever happened.

Len blinked, unsure if he’d just imagined what happened thirty seconds prior, or if he was really just about to kiss his best friend in front of thirty or so strangers. He decided not to think about it. “Right. That’s a good idea.”

So they headed for the elevators and made a quick escape before the crowds followed. His head was still spinning as they walked down the footpath back towards the entrance to the underground walkway. The sky was now fading to a deep blue; bare remnants of the day clinging in streaks of orange above their heads.

Rin tugged on his sleeve, pointing a finger at something across the intersection they stood. “Hey. I want to check that out.”

It was a park—Shinjuku Chuo Park, to be exact. He’d seen it on the map when researching where to go with her, didn’t think much of it. There was a waterfall display and some flowerbeds, people lurking about. There were winding paths and a handful of trees lining them, a maze within the middle of the city.

He shrugged his shoulders.

It wasn’t like he was in a hurry or anything. They had time, still, to go for dinner, if Rin was keen on it. She seemed awfully pensive compared to before, though, as they crossed the road and made their way over to the park.

He wondered if he’d said or done something wrong. Or… if what had happened between them with the whole phone-and-faces-getting-close-like-they-were-going-to-kiss-or-something had like, offended her.

They strolled down the winding path of the park in silence. There was a playground, some monuments, and finally, a shrine.

Rin slowed to a stop, staring at the shrine. He halted beside her.

“You want to pray?” Len asked.

She was quiet, before shaking her head. “No. It’s alright.” She glanced up at him, a small smile. “I was thinking, let’s go sit down somewhere.”

He obeyed, and they set off again, finding a lone seat along the footpath nearby. There were still a few people out and about, but it was relatively quiet. It had long turned to night, the cityscape surrounding them lighting up like tetris blocks. 

Their shoulders bumped, and Rin eased herself against him, before bringing her head down to rest on his shoulder.

His heart hummed to life in his chest, but he tried to ignore it.

“This is really nice,” she said, her voice soft. “This was a really nice day, Len.”

After a moment of hesitation, he lowered his cheek against the top of her hair, taking in the familiar scent of her favourite shampoo. A hint of something floral, a hint of something citrus—and a hit of something Rin.

He hummed. “I’m glad.”

Rin was silent for a passing moment, before she spoke again. “Do you know what would make it even better?”

Len’s stomach growled. “Gusto?” he half-joked.

“No.” She pulled her head away to look at him, and the cool night air hit his cheek like a slap to the face. He stared back down at her, captured by her gaze.

It was happening again. The whole moving-in-close thing, that was. Her face was getting bigger, and he could feel her hot breath tickling the tip of his nose. His head ducked down to close the gap between them, catching her wet mouth with his own so suddenly that he pulled away, shocked at the boldness of his actions.

Rin didn’t seem to care, though. Her hand went up to the back of his head and pulled him back down to her lips. It was sloppy, kind of gross, but they didn’t care. It was their first time. It wasn’t supposed to be perfect.

She kept him in place, balling up the fabric of his t-shirt with her fists. He allowed himself to melt into the kiss, hands trailing down to hold her by the waist. He wasn’t expecting the day to really end with them sitting in the middle of a park in Shinjuku making out, but he wasn’t mad by the outcome, either.

When they pulled away to breathe, Rin smiled something nervous, her lips glistening under the glow of the city lights. Her hands unravelled themselves from his shirt. 

“Better,” she said.

Len was stunned silent, just stared at her. He wasn’t sure if what happened had just happened. So he went back in for another kiss; this time a little bit more tender, less wet. 

“So Gumi and Miku were right,” he thought aloud against her mouth.

Rin pulled back a bit to give him this horrified look. “What did they tell you.” It wasn’t even posed as a question. She’d already made the assumption they’d told him something awful.

He chuckled nervously. “Well, uh, I tried asking their opinion what to do for your birthday…”

She raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“They straight up told me to ask you out.”

Her eyes narrowed into slits. “Those bitches.”

His lips curled. “Well, I mean. It helped. Somewhat.”

“Yeah.” She frowned, reaching up to curl a strand of her hair around a finger. “I can’t believe they just—so blatantly did that, though. Even after I begged them not to say anything.”

She begged them? Wow. “I thought they were joking up until five minutes ago, Rin. You know I don’t take anything they say seriously.”

Rin sighed. “Yeah, but—” She paused, thinking, before tossing her shoulders. “Well, it doesn’t matter anymore anyway. I just want to know, Len— is this a date?”

Len pressed his forehead against hers. Gazed into her eyes. They were a dark blue; alluring, always drawing him in, keeping him in orbit around her like a planet to its star. He admitted, “Not my original intention, no, but I think the simp in me was projecting a bit much that it ended up being one anyway.”

She cracked a grin. “Simp, huh,” she said. She lifted a hand to his jaw, trailed her fingers along it until her palm was resting on the back of his head. He wanted to shudder into her touch. “Well, kiss me more. I’m not done making the most of my birthday privileges yet.”

He opened his mouth. “I can kiss you like this every day if you wan—”

She silenced him with her lips, closing the space between them once again.

.

[epilogue]

The following weekend, Len knocked on Kaito’s door with a week’s worth of his favourite lemonade-flavoured popsicles in one hand.

Kaito’s eyebrows shot up into the ceiling upon spotting the bag of goodies. “What’s this?” he asked.

“A thank you gift,” Len said, handing it over.

“Huh.” Kaito took them, a confused expression on his face. “What for?”

“Your idea about the date? It worked. Rin and I are a thing now.”

A lengthy silence followed.

“You mean… you two weren’t dating before?”

[soundwavereporting]

last bit of writing for the night...more humankaiju for @fauveshumankaiju, starring gojirin, battra, and megalon. entirely un-proofread, save for spellcheck.

“So…” Gojirin said. “Are you going to tell me about it?”

She swiveled in her chair and gestured to Battra’s far-blacker-than-normal black eye.

“I told you,” Battra said. “You’d know if you were old enough to go into the bar.”

“I turn 21 next month,” Gojirin muttered, then prodded at Megalon’s chair with her foot. “Megalon’ll tell me.”

Megalon looked at Battra helplessly. Battra sighed and shrugged.

“He and Rodan tried to have a sword fight with the pool sticks.”

“Cues.”

“Pool cues,” Megalon corrected. “They tried to have a sword fight with the pool cues to commemorate Rodan’s birthday.”

“And then?”

When Battra shrugged again, Gojirin huffed, spinning Megalon’s chair with her foot. Agreeably, Megalon lifted his legs, sticking out his arm to push against the counter to spin faster.

“I saw my sister this morning. You don’t get a split lip and bloody knuckles from a pretend sword fight.”

“Oh!” Megalon stretched out his foot to bring his chair to an abrupt halt. “Battra’s boyfriend started that.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Battra snapped, though privately, Gojirin thought he would look far more intimidating were bits of his hair not wrapped in foil.

“I don’t even know his name,” Battra mumbled, and Megalon gawked.

Gojirin waited. Battra fiddled with his foil-wrapped hair and glowered. Megalon looked like he wished he was anywhere but here.

“Fine.” Battra peeled back a bit of foil, then crinkled it back into place. “Rodan and I were ‘fighting’, he got me in the eye, and then the guy lunged. Not for me, or even Rodan. For Goji—like he was just waiting for the chance to go after her.”

“Ah.” Gojirin smiled weakly, trying to push back the instinctive worry. As much as she loved her half-remembered father, he had certainly made multiple questionable decisions during his time in Monsuta, resulting in an unknown number of half siblings and step siblings for herself and Goji to find. Learning Biollante was their half-sister had been a shock, but in hindsight, Gojirin supposed she shouldn’t have been so surprised.

But Battra’s story felt a little too much like the ways Gojirin imagined meeting her other half siblings would go. She hoped that wasn’t the case—maybe the guy wasn’t related to them at all. Maybe Battra and Megalon had just missed something, some nonverbal cue, a perceived slight spoken when neither of them had been listening.

“The good news,” Megalon said, “Is Gigan didn’t get arrested! He helped Jet separate them, even when the new guy took a swing at him!”

This time, Gojirin’s smile felt genuine. “That’s great! How’s he liking the new arrangement?”

“Yeah.” Battra swiveled his chair to face Megalon. “Enough about me. How’s the new arrangement?”

Megalon smiled, and Gojirin was suddenly reminded of the kids she student-taught, the ones with half-realized crushes. The real, genuine happiness made Gojirin feel a little more at ease. If Gigan, of all people, could fall for Megalon and Jet Jaguar, surely there was a good chance the new possibly-sibling would turn out okay.

“It’s nice,” Megalon was saying. “We haven’t stayed at his place yet, but this Sunday he’s gonna come over to meet Antonio.”

Abruptly, Megalon snapped to attention, waving at the window. Gojirin and Battra turned to look.

Speak of the devil. Jet Jaguar was crossing the street, carrying two coffees.

They watched as Jet sauntered over to the hair salon. His smile, Gojirin thought, was nearly as wide as Megalon’s.

“Morning.” Megalon jumped up and pecked Jet on the cheek. “Brought you coffee—sorry, ‘rin, Battra. I didn’t know Megalon was having company at his appointment.”

From anyone else, it would have sounded wholly insincere, but Jet Jaguar, with his easy, kind smile managed to make it sound utterly genuine.

Battra waved his hand dismissively, and Gojirin shook her head. “I saw these two and thought I’d drop in,” She said. “Goji made Mothra and I breakfast.”

“She okay?” Jet asked, and Gojirin’s worry returned in full. “She took a couple hits last night, and so did you—”

Jet reached over to examine Battra, who scowled and pulled away.

“Your eye looks pretty bad.”

“’s fine.” Jet Jaguar pursed his lips, then turned to Gojirin. “I’m sure Goji told you this morning, but I’ve got a guy in lockup claiming to be your folks’ brother.”

Gojirin’s heart sank.

“I guessed as much,” she admitted. “I guess it was too much to hope that Dagon stopped with me and Goji and Bio.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Jet said. “Megalon and I will be there for you.”

Megalon nodded eagerly. “And Gigan, too,” Megalon added. “Maybe.”

“I’ve gotta get going,” Jet said. “The guy’s lawyer is scheduled to arrive in a few minutes.”

“Good luck.” Megalon pulled Jet down for another kiss. “See you tonight?”

“Of course.” Jet Jaguar’s eyes were soft. “Giovanni’s? Beef lasagna with a side of garlic bread.”

Megalon grinned. “And an order of ribollita for Gigan?”

Jet held up his notepad. “He told me this morning.”

Jet Jaguar’s phone vibrated insistently.

“Gotta go.” He hesitated, then leaned down to kiss Megalon’s forehead. “Later, Battra, Gojirin.”

Gojirin waved as Jet Jaguar raced out the door.

“Bye!” Megalon said. “Love you!”

Megalon froze, and his face turned bright red.

“Did I say that out loud?”

“Yep.” Battra’s voice was dry.

“I mean I do,” Megalon said. “But I thought I’d say it at a better time. During a candlelight dinner, or a sunset cruise, or…”

Megalon slumped in his seat. “Yeah. I wasted it.”

“Does Gigan know?” Gojirin asked.

“That I love him? I don’t know. I think so. I hope so.” Megalon ruffled the barber’s cloth and watched the stray strands of hair fall to the floor. “I haven’t told him, because I don’t want him to…I don’t know. Freak out or something.”

“Seems fair,” Battra said. “I’d probably leave if someone said they loved me.”

“Even if you loved them back?”

“Probably.”

Gojirin wondered if Megalon’s frown matched her own.

“Why?”

Battra shrugged and reached for his bag. He rifled through it, pulling out a palette of eyeshadow and tossed it to Gojirin. “Here. For your channel.”

Gojirin turned the palette over in her hands, squinting suspiciously both at the package and at Battra’s blatant attempt to change the subject.

She decided to take the bait. For now.

“Have you thought about cutting down on the makeup?” She asked.

“As a makeup YouTuber, isn’t that contrary to your brand, or whatever?”

Gojirin tossed the eye shadow back to Battra. “It’s expired. That thing’ll give you an eye infection.”

Battra mumbled something inappropriate under his breath. “Hedorah gave that to me for Christmas.”

“Welp.” Gojirin leaned back in her chair. “Getting back to the topic at hand—”

“Should I tell him?” Megalon asked. “I want to—I really want to. But I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.”

“What you need to do,” Gojirin said, drawing on all her previous experience from watching a multitude of rom-coms. “You gotta tell him. Maaaaybe not when Jet’s around, but you just need to sit down and let him know how you feel.”

“You think it’d be okay if I did that?”

“Well, he loves you, doesn’t he?”

Megalon hesitated. “I think so,” he said, finally. “Even if he doesn’t, I still do. Is that okay?”

Gojirin shrugged helplessly. Megalon had quickly reached the upper limit of advice she felt qualified to give. “You know him better than I do. Probably better than anyone does.”

“I wish more people could get to know him,” Megalon said. “When he smiles—when he really smiles—it lights up the room.”

“My hair’s done,” Battra said, peeling off the bits of foil to reveal obnoxiously yellow locks of hair. He splashed water from the faucet into his hair, only succeeding in getting it all over his face. “Gotta run.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

Battra had stood and moved to leave, but paused, looking at Megalon, then Gojirin.

“I don’t want to be my sister,” Battra said. “That explanation enough?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Fine. I don’t want…” Battra gestured at the salon window. “I don’t want to be the crappy carbon copy of my sister. She’s the responsible one, the caring one, the one who knows who she loves and they love her back. The one that’ll take care of kids because their dad can’t be bothered half the time because he’s busy trying to win a game of pool and pick up guys whose names he doesn’t even know. I don’t want to be her,” Battra said. “Because then I’d hate me.”

Megalon wiped his eyes.

Gojirin swallowed.

“She doesn’t hate you.”

“I know.” Battra sighed. “I’ll figure it out. Besides, at least I know I’ve only got one sister, huh?”

“Heh.” Gojirin’s final, best attempt to distract herself faded away. “You’ve got that, I guess.”

“Hey.” Megalon reached over to squeeze Gojirin’s hand. “I’ll be okay. I think. Goji’s tough.”

“She is,” Gojirin admitted. “But I don’t know if I am.”

“Out of the three of us, you’re the only one who can handle a pack of 30-plus kids,” Battra said. “I can barely handle two.”

Gojirin managed a weak smile. “Thanks. I’ve gotta go too, actually. Bio asked me to meet her for lunch and I don’t want to be late.”

“I’ll walk you there,” Battra said. “If you want.”

“I’ll come too.” Megalon had removed his own foil and peeled off the barber’s cloth. His “Let me just pay and I’ll catch up.”

“‘kay.” Gojirin wiped her eyes and watched as Megalon practically skipped to the counter. He was happy, Gojirin knew, and Battra was…happy enough, or would be, she supposed.

Which just left her, and everyone else in Monsuta.

[mythicamagic]

Swimming in Silk - Chapter 5

Training in front of her, engaging her in conversation and now lending her his clothes…Kagome is starting to suspect that Sesshoumaru is trying to gain her attention.

Sesskag - Romance, Humour and some drama

Rated T (for now, rating will be up soon) As always you can read this story on Ao3, fanfiction.net or Dokuga

Chapter One - here       Chapter Three - here  Chapter 6 - here

Chapter Two - here        Chapter Four - here

Kissing Kanzashis

Distant noises teased at the edge of Kagome's hearing as she slept. A particularly young voice squeaking with outrage had her eyes opening. Shippo's voice registered from behind the sliding door.

"Let me in, right now!"

The door panel thudded once, yet remained sturdy. "Lemme in!" Shippo whined, hitting it again.

Kagome shifted, looking beside her. The furs lay empty, but she could feel a barrier sparking over the door, sealing it shut. Sesshoumaru had left her, but not unprotected. "S-shippo? I'm coming, wait a sec," she grabbed a single crutch, easing herself up.

The moment she reached out, coating her hand in pale pink reiki, the youki fizzled and died down. A smile touched her face as she reached for the sliding door, opening it and gasping as a flurry of red hair and a fluffy tail launched itself at her.

Shippo buried his face in her collarbone, gripping her clothes tight "Kagome! You had me so worried! Sesshoumaru came to get me but then he told me to wait in the parlour- but I couldn't wait! I had to make sure you were okay! And then I got lost, and this door burned my hand and-"

"I've missed you too, Shippo," she pecked his forehead, grinning as she held onto the door for support.

The kit beamed up at her, before noticing her precarious balance. "A-ah...he wasn't kidding. Did you hurt yourself badly?" He mumbled, glancing down at her feet.

"I'm okay, I just need to be a bit careful for a few days. Where's Rin, isn't she here with you?"

Bright green eyes lost some of their shine. "She's helping Kaede and another lady deliver a baby...unfortunately someone who DID follow us back from the village was-"

"The nerve! How dare you disobey Lord Sesshoumaru's orders AND leave me with this infernal bag!"

Both Kagome and Shippo's expressions flattened, watching the large yellow bag slowly struggle towards them, punctuated by muffled huffs and grunts. "Hi Jaken," she said anyway. At least that answered where her bag had gotten to.

A squawk escaped from under the bag as the toad shoved it off him, letting it thud to the floor. "Y-you! Curse you, girl! What did you do to your foot? Your carelessness resulted in Lord Sesshoumaru turning his wrath on me!"

Kagome tuned out somewhere during that particular tirade, absently petting Shippo's hair. The kit happily soaked up her attention like a sponge, though the two were brought out of their happy daydream by a foot landing atop Jaken's head. It then briskly shoved down, muffling the Kappa's yelp.

"My, my~ what a racket," delicate tones purred. Kagome's gaze met Inukimi's, whose eyes smile. "Good morning, little children. Or should I say good afternoon?"

"O-oh no. Did I sleep in?" Kagome squeaked, worry thrumming in her stomach. Why did Sesshoumaru let me sleep in? Ah...maybe he was concerned about my ankle.

"Only a tad...you missed breakfast, but it's almost time for our afternoon banquet," the demoness observed, smiling wryly. "So you should probably hop to it- literally in your case, if you want to make a good impression on Sesshoumaru's acquaintances."

Kagome nodded, gripping the sliding door with one hand and balancing Shippo on her shoulder as she reached down for her bag. Her shoulder shifted against the door as her fingers stretched out, struggling. Golden eyes watched her quietly, until perfect clawed nails reach down- picking up the bag and passing it over without a word. The girl started and looked up, only to see Lady Kimi bring out a fan, giving herself a slight breeze.

"Thank you," Kagome murmured, straightening.

"No need for that, but if I could, might I steal your kit?" Inukimi's gaze fell to Shippo, who ducked behind Kagome's shoulder.

"M-me?" He squeaked.

The fan fluttered gently in Inukimi's hand as a soft giggle escaped her, "indeed. It's been so long since I got to play dress up! He's like a little doll~" she cooed in silken tones.

Kagome glanced at her shoulder, "is that alright, Shippo?" Caution had entered her tone. She did want to get on well with Inukimi, but not at the expense of his comfort. Plus the demoness came off as a tad...overbearing. The warmth on her shoulder hesitated, before Shippo jumped off, landing in-front of Inukimi.

"Yeah...I don't mind," he muttered, raising his head. Kagome's eyes widened in surprise as she recognised Sesshoumaru's signature 'tilting up of the chin' that she'd dubbed the 'holier than thou' look.

Of course Shippo's slight squirming threw off the haughty look, but she watched with amazement as he started to follow the demoness, setting his small shoulders. I wonder if it's because he's been spending more time with Sesshoumaru. Well, they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Either way, she felt a bit of pride enter her heart.

After being left alone Kagome realised with dismay that she should have asked for help with her kimono. Tossing and turning on the bed trying to tuck in all the ties was impossible- so she lay back with a flustered huff. The injured ankle wasn't really the problem, she'd just always had Mama or Sango around to help her dress in traditional attire. Honestly all I want is a nice hot bath right now, not a tense banquet.

Turning her head slightly, and feeling the furs tickle her cheek, her eyes landed on the low desk. It looked to have changed since yesterday, as though it had been recently used, what with the used ink brushes and cast away scroll on the surface.

An image came to mind of Sesshoumaru sitting there last night, pouring over his work while she'd slept. Kagome's cheeks heated slightly, hoping she hadn't made any embarrassing expressions.

There came a knock at the door, "my Lady? May I come in? Lord Sesshoumaru asked me to attend you."

Registering the feminine voice, Kagome cleared her throat, "yeah of course."

A servant girl with brunette hair and very small horns entered, gaze averted to the floor in respect.

"It's nice to meet you- um...?"

"Chiyo," the horned servant quietly murmured.

"Hate to jump into this with you Chiyo, but would you mind helping me out?" Kagome gestured to herself on the bed, a mess of rumpled clothing. Her ankle remained pillowed on Mokomoko. She felt too frustrated to be embarrassed.

With a surprised nod, Chiyo helped her regain a more respectable appearance, tying the kimono with nimble fingers. Eventually she had the miko standing, leaning on her crutches with bright blue eyes.

"This would have been impossible on my own, thank you so much."

Chiyo blushed, averting her gaze as she reached into her pocket, bringing out a smooth box about the size of her palm. Kagome blinked as the servant clicked it open, revealing two Tama style kanzashi.

"I forgot to mention these earlier, but the Lord instructed I place them in your hair. May I?"

Kagome barely heard her, still staring at the beautiful hair pieces. "Of course..." she dazedly turned, feeling her hair be gathered up into a bun. The kanzashi were slid in, the prongs themselves glittering silver. The two beads were what Kagome turned to admire in the mirror, her breath hitching. One was white and had a small red flower design on it, much like Sesshoumaru's silk clothing. The clan crest. The other was green and white, which sported a small green sunset.

My house.

Warmth blossomed through her heart at the gift. Any worry about the banquet somehow seemed very far away, and she made her way there eagerly, following Chiyo- though she insisted the Lady should be in front.

A single sliding door later, and Kagome hobbled inside a large room after the servant, hearing senseless chatter from within. Looking up from her feet- countless eyes were suddenly trained on her, the banquet plunged into silence. Unease pricked the back of Kagome's exposed neck, until a figure clad in white shifted in her peripheral vision. Sesshoumaru remained seated at a low table, his clawed hand extending slightly out toward her as he sipped his sake, not particularly concerned.

Kagome quickly hobbled over, leaving Chiyo behind and feeling the heavy weight of the demons attention. The guests, or were they members of the court?- stared at her, no doubt looking at her crutches and judging, maybe laughing. Still, her chin remained level, eyes forward. Pride and stubbornness overtook any hesitance.

Passing by a table, she chanced a look at Inukimi, who smiled with sharp eyes behind her fan. Shippo was not by her side. Kagome glanced around quickly, breathing out with relief when she located him sitting next to Sesshoumaru.

Her hand slid naturally into Sesshoumaru's upturned palm once she reached him. Butterflies took flight in her stomach at the simple contact. His claws closed over her fingers as she held onto him for balance, sliding her arms out of the crutches and taking a seat beside him.

She winced in the privacy of her mind at the sitting position, her weight putting pressure on her folded legs beneath her- pressing down on her ankle. Still, she held her tongue as conversation leaked back into the room. The demons chatted amiably again amongst themselves, and her lungs deflated in a rush of flustered air.

"Wow Kagome you look beautiful," Shippo grinned, tail shifting behind him. Even he seemed to register the tension in the air, but tried to ignore it.

The miko returned the grin, reaching behind Sesshoumaru to ruffle his hair. "Hey now, what about you? That's some fancy get-up you're wearing."

His sky blue happi coat had been replaced with a gentle powdered blue one, made of a much finer quality. His usual billowing hakama had been exchanged for those more befitting his outfit, which looked far too pristine for a child of mischief. At least he'd been able to keep his pelt, she mused.

Shippo fussed with his hair, pouting slightly as he looked at his paws. "It feels itchy. And too tight to move in, plus Lady Inkimi kept pinching my cheeks."

Kagome heard a deep noise, almost like a chuckle covered by a fist. Her elbow bumped Sesshoumaru's in chastisement.

"But, anyway I wanna support you, so that's why I'll put up with all of it."

Surprise lit up Kagome's face, and her touch turned soothing on his red hair, stroking it back from his pointed ears. "Thanks, kiddo. I'm glad you're here...need all the allies I can get. How's your transformations going?"

"Good! I'll show you once I can maintain it! I really think I'm starting to get the hang of it now."

At his toothy grin, she smiled and dropped her hand, letting him dig in to what appeared to be only a meat selection. Turning her attention to the silent presence at her side, Kagome's lashes lowered.

"Sorry I slept in," she whispered.

Sesshoumaru's attention strayed to admire the hair pieces nestled in lustrous black hair. His claws twitched with want to touch. "It is of little consequence. You're here now, are you not?"

"Actually this is an illusion- your Kagome is still asleep," she giggled quietly, fighting the natural urge to grin.

His eyes warmed, and she noticed a secret smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Hn, is she still drooling? Terrible habit for one so fair."

"I don't drool!" Kagome gasped, quieting as she realised her outburst had been a little too loud. Hearing tinkling laughter to her left somewhere assured her that Inukimi had certainly heard it. Jaken sat at the far side of Inukimi's table, obviously ready to attend her. He silently seemed to groan, gesturing wildly with a pained look.

Kagome blinked and finally realised what he appeared to be fussing about. Sesshoumaru's cup was empty. She quickly grasped the sake bottle, glancing up at him for permission. His head inclined in thanks, and long fingers wrapped around the rim, holding the cup steady. She poured the clear liquid into the porcelain, careful not to spill.

After straightening and breathing a sigh of relief, she accidentally caught the gaze of a demon sitting not too far away, his bushy brows raised. So, they really are sticklers for propriety.

As Kagome began to eat, she noticed General Kaito talking lowly to what appeared to be a kitsune woman. She had long silver hair, and a little girl sitting primly by her side that seemed to be the same age as Shippo. Her fox kit had noticed too, his eyes curious.

A nagging thought niggled at the back of Kagome's mind, but she couldn't place why.

"Might I inquire as to your health, Lady miko?"

Her back snapped straight, and blunt teeth nipped at her bottom lip as her ankle throbbed. The silver haired woman with icy blue eyes had turned her sights straight on her.

"Oh, just Kagome is fine-" she said, feeling a stony displeasure lace the air beside her. She turned her head just a touch to see Sesshoumaru's posture turn stiff.

"I'm afraid we must insist on calling you by title, but will Lady Kagome do?" Another noble looking woman asked, cherry bottoms adorning her hair.

"Ah- yeah, I mean yes, thank you. And I'm fine, really."

The silver haired woman gave a delicate, gentile chuckle, and suddenly it dawned on Kagome what had been bothering her about the lady.

'Every demon expects him to wed one of the silver foxes from the South Kitsune clan. Or at least a demoness of high standing.' Hadn't those been the words Jaken had shrilly lobbed at her?

"We're pleased to hear it. Your leg does look so cumbersome though. I trust it shall be healed in a few days?" The woman inquired.

Kagome opened her mouth to answer, but a prestigious looking nobleman cut her off. "Ha! Human injuries take weeks at most, if not months! Hard to believe such frail things are taking over. But what they lack physically, they make up for with numbers."

Tension practically radiated off Sesshoumaru, whose eyes narrow, jaw ticking.

Laughter began to climb into the air, as various demons nodded in agreement, a wry, mocking smile touching some of their faces. Kagome's fingers curled into fists on her lap, hidden by the low table. Shippo's tail twitched and puffed up as he glowered at his food.

"You must feel tired, exerting yourself like this Lady Kagome. There's no harm in keeping to your rooms with such an injury," said General Kaito in his deep, amicable voice. His face was not unkind, but nonetheless, the words loosened her tongue.

"...No, not at all. When Lord Sesshoumaru lost his left arm, did he keep to his rooms?" Kagome gave a smile, a bite in her clear tone.

Stunned silence filled the banquet hall, but she wasn't done yet. "Actually, I'm pretty sure he still patrolled his Lands, and defeated one of the biggest threats to all the clans, not just his own. So, if he can do all that, then I wouldn't be much of a partner if I hid away from the world, lame leg or not. I strive to exert myself as much as possible, thank you."

The demons stared at her for a moment, before familiar tinkling laughter rang out. Inukimi's fan fluttered wildly in her hand as she shook her head with mirth. Truly, she was blessed to see such ancients be rendered speechless by a little slip of a woman.

Sesshoumaru's gaze soon turned to the demons, and he bid they carry on with their meals. His attention soon rested on Kagome again, pride in his usually cold countenance.

Inukimi watched it all, sighing and sharing a look with Jaken, "he's positively smitten, poor boy."

After the banquet, Kagome had made a bee-line for the hot-springs after they'd been mentioned to her. The moment Chiyo had set her bag down, Kagome had dismissed her, happy to be left alone. Slipping into the warm waters, a sigh of relief escaped her as sore muscles automatically loosened.

Cupping the steaming water and lifting it up to her face, it was a relief to let the droplets run down her cheeks and wake her up a little. As her thoughts began to drift, Kagome's fingers curled in her bangs, and she reached for her bag, hefting it onto her shoulder. Drifting further into the springs, she set it down on a marooned rock, digging through it to find her shampoo and conditioner.

"...You are aware that this is considered the men's bathing area?" A rich voice asked.

Kagome squeaked and ducked behind the rock, arm pressed tight across her chest. "Sesshoumaru! I-how did- no! This is the women's, right? It had a red curtain over the door! T-that means it's a women's pool!"

That sounds right to me, anyway. Chiyo followed me inside without a word against it...oh but she's a servant, maybe she wouldn't.

As Kagome grumbled to herself, she jolted as the sound of water being disturbed, rippling loudly. A chuckle escaped her intended, and it sounded a little too velvety and playful in the curling steam. Goosebumps whispered over her skin. "Actually it is a private spring, just for our use. This one was teasing."

The miko peered around the rock, practically hugging the heated stone. "Y-yeah well, there's teasing and then there's getting into a pool naked with me-" she gave another squeak, seeing his outline approach. Kagome quickly ducked out of sight again. Oh God there were twin stripes that dipped down his hips, down towards-

"I'm sure you can control yourself," he uttered in silken tones, and she heard him settle back against the same rock she hid behind. Kagome's red face burned brighter as she noticed the silver strands of his hair spill out, trailing around the stone.

A breathy sigh escaped him, and it occurred to her he might have felt the strain in his muscles too. "Earlier, at the banquet...this one was frustrated."

She blinked, shifting in the water and twirling some of the wet silver strands around her finger as it curled in the waters. "I could tell. Is it because of what they were saying? You know it was kinda expected they wouldn't approve."

"It was. But, nothing could be done by my hand. Perhaps I could have challenged them to a fight-" Kagome winced, relieved he hadn't. "but ultimately I had to wait and hope you would oppose them. Had I silenced them, they'd see it as me wrapping you in cotton wool."

A comforting warmth that didn't come from the heated waters spread down to her toes. "That's alright, I knew you had my back."

Something lurked underneath that warmth in her stomach, a kind of ache that differed from the one in her ankle. It was hot and flowed like liquid in her lower stomach, tightening until Kagome became aware of how dry or moist her lips felt, and her teeth caressed her bottom lip.

Her cheek pressed against the rock, huddling beside it as her thighs squeeze together. "Thank you for the gift, by the way...they're beautiful."

Further still under this anticipation was the awareness of him. Sesshoumaru's presence wasn't easily forgotten, and felt nothing like a normal mans. He listened with a heavy kind of energy that coiled with an intent watchfulness that mirrored her own lately. It felt like they were waiting for a cue, a sign that their kisses could flow into something else. Wanting to inch over the line between chastity and all the things his summer night, honeyed gaze promised. More than that, she wanted to be close to him without any kind of barrier between them, to feel his claws drag down her skin.

A shadow falling over her face caused her to look up.

Kagome exhaled, trying to even out her hitched breathing.

The demon loomed close, and it only thrilled her more to see his gaze darken with want. The air between them became sticky and hot, charged. Sesshoumaru suddenly inhaled sharply, dilated eyes flashing violent red for a moment. "We need to meet with Bokusenō...soon."

She blinked, wondering what that had to do with anything. "Who's that? Your friend?"

"He is useful, certainly."

Kagome smiled weakly, babbling. "It's okay to call him your friend, you know."

Sesshoumaru huffed, lips thinning as he closed his half lidded eyes, the lithe lines of his body tense as is claws reached for her. They skimmed her cheek, until they arrived at their destination in her hair, pulling out the prongs. Her hair fell down in wild waves around her bare shoulders, and his voice halted. "In any case...we may wish to complete our courtship soon. We must seek him out before we do so."

His hand fell away from her hair, instead raising the kanzashi to his mouth, pressing his lips to the Higurashi Tama.

She felt insanely glad the water reached past their waists, but she ducked down further, shuddering in the steaming water. Her arms remained glued over her chest as her cheeks flushed. "O-oh you mean by m-mating? Sure, cool. We can do that," Kagome made a face, internally screaming. Wow, that sounded super sexy. Awesome job- And hey, while we're here, why did he kiss my hairpin like that? I-I guess I wouldn't trust myself to kiss him properly right now either...

"How...exactly does the mating get completed?" She asked carefully, wanting to distract herself but needing to ask. She had to wonder why this sudden talk of 'completing' their courtship had anything to do with meeting Bokusenō. Was he necessary to complete a mating, like a priest or minister?

His eyes snapped open, golden once more- expression thrown. "Surely you are not so innocent that-"

"No! I know how sex works, obviously! B-but, there's more to it than that, right?"

Oh it felt so, so dangerous to talk of such things while they were naked and situated close to each other. Sesshoumaru averted his gaze and disappeared for a moment- seeming to share her thoughts as he flung his red and white outer layer at her suddenly, uncaring of the water. Kagome held the material up over her chest, tucking her chin against it and sneaking an eyeful of his sculpted ass before he leaned down and reclined against the rock.

"The partners rut. Then at the end of it, they bite one another to leave a mark infused with their youki. The energy links with the host, quite literally leaving a part of them behind in their bloodstream, their very being."

"Sounds intense. No ceremony like a wedding then," she said, not particularly sad about that. Imagining her friends at the village mingling with the uptight demons at the court only inspired stress.

Kagome's wet fingers trailed around her neck. "Only thing is, I'm 18. Is there any way to prevent getting pregnant here? I-I mean I brought my time's version of contraception but..." Again, very sexy.

Sesshoumaru didn't seem put off in the least, only considering, which made her realise how calm and mature he appeared in comparison. The difference in their experience perhaps played a part, but it assured her, quieting her worries once more. She jumped as his hand encircled her ankle beneath the water, thumb moving in soothing circles over the injury. A relieved noise escaped her, and she quickly smothered it with his clothing. It became apparent he was trying to distract them both. "There's a tea you can drink that prevents it for 24 hours. It was proven a few years ago that it works on human females."

"And mikos?"

"Hn, unfortunately."

Her brow quirked as she rested her head against the rock. "Why unfortunately?"

"The demon who developed the tea became set on testing it on many species. Some...unwilling."

"Oh...oh..."

Sesshoumaru stared out at the hot springs, the steam catching around his form. Kagome tried to read his expression as his lithe muscles became tense. "No doubt those at the banquet think our relationship nothing but a fetish on my part. Some sort of gratification from laying with a miko."

Her hand reached out to touch his arm. The skin felt damp, muscles strong and warm under her palm, and she stroked downwards into the crook of his elbow. "It's not like that's not partly true," she gently teased, trying to coax the acid out of his voice. Golden eyes turned to her, hazy in the steam as they burned, locked on her. "Anyway, like you told me...it'll just take time. We don't have to rush to prove anything, it's not like I'm going anywhere," her voice remained light and soothing, shy contentment swelling in her scent.

"We leave tomorrow for Bokusenō," his voice had became rough, but not with anger. He swallowed, breathing out a soft murmur that felt as though it were being uttered directly into her ear. She spied the hint of a fang peeking out of his mouth.

"Without delay..."

Sesshoumaru had suggested flying together in those early hours of the next morning, when the sun had barely risen over the horizon, but she'd waved him off with an apology. Once the Daiyoukai had figured out where, exactly his intended was hobbling to however, the set of his jaw had become stern.

"You are aware of what took place last time?"

"Mhm, I was there. Got the busted ankle and everything," Kagome quipped, happy to be in her modern day clothes as she eased herself towards the stables.

"This one need not be reminded," he grit out, keeping pace with her out of respect as she'd predicted he would.

Kagome glanced at him with a smile. "I'll be alright, really. You're the one who said they'd look down on you for wrapping me up in cotton wool."

The Lord did not appreciate his words being used against him, and he growled softly to himself. Still though, he recognised the merit of her plan. Her pain would be for nought if she didn't eventually utilise the dragon.

"Hi there, Ah-Un," Kagome greeted, using her crutches to inch her further into the open stall. The two heads shot up in surprise, before their gaze swung to a glowering Sesshoumaru, who leaned like a spectre of death in the doorway. The dragon gave a whine, and Kagome quickly held her hand up, glaring over her shoulder at the Daiyoukai. "No, it's okay. There's no need to freak out. We're just going for a ride, you can do that for me, right?"

Ah's ears flicked, and Un sighed, the two seeming very put out. Still though, the dragon padded forward.

Kagome grinned and cooed when they obeyed, and took off their bridle without hesitation.

General Kaito happened to be passing through the main courtyard, heading towards the barracks when a few awed voices rang out. His pointed ears perked, instincts honing in on the shadow looming above them. At first, he registered their Lord flying in a billow of white silks, and relaxed slightly, eyes straying to the green shape he recognised as Sesshoumaru's steed. And yet the dragon wore no bridle, muzzle or saddle.

Kaito's eyes widened a touch as black hair swayed in the breeze, pushed back by a steady hand. Kagome looked down at the courtyard as they ascended into the air, sitting on the back of the dragon with a single fist clutched tight in it's mane. As she watched the youkai below stop and stare at her- pausing in their work to witness the spectacle. Kagome felt her face warm a touch as realisation dawned on her.

She kind of liked the smugness, the thrill, sat upon the dragon. A groan escaped her, and Sesshoumaru glanced her way, raising a brow.

"It's nothing. Just realising that I'm becoming more like you...a showoff peacock." She grumbled, shaking her head in the breeze. The moss green scales of Ah-Un caught the sunlight, much like her preening feathers.