#she can't properly swim. so like. that's a point towards her /not/ doing it.

[pluviacuratio-a]

♣ MMMMMM

farmer au making a comeback maybe?

👀 coral island/stardew valley... maybe even animal crossing... hmmmm.

[woso-dreamzzz]

Secret III

Mapi León x Ingrid Engen x Child!Reader

Summary: You're a bit messy

When Mapi takes you out to the park, she doesn't expect it to rain.

But it does.

It rains and rains and rains until she's shivering in the cold and wet as you very determinedly stamp around in the mud by the bank of the lake.

"Be careful!" Mapi calls after you and you stick your tongue out at her.

It was a stupid idea to be caught without an umbrella and without a coat but this was Barcelona and she really wasn't expecting it.

"Come on!" She winces as you sink lower into the mud, ruining the new Sambas she had specifically bought for you.

"But Mami-"

"No, Skatt," Mapi says, covering her horror with a little laugh," Let's go home now."

You huff in annoyance, dipping down once more into the mud before running to her side, hands firmly in your pockets as you drag your muddy feet all the way back to Mapi's nice, clean car.

"Oh!" Ingrid exclaims when you come running into the house about twenty minutes later," You look all messy, Skatt! Did you have fun!"

You push a strand of wet hair out of your face as you grin. "Uh-huh."

You hurry off into the bathroom, leaving a trail of muddy footprints after you.

"She's ruined them," Mapi laments.

"Well," Ingrid replies, pursing her lips," Seeing as the last four pairs of the same shoes ended up the same way, you can't be surprised Mapi."

"Yes I can! I thought it would be different!"

Ingrid shakes her head fondly, pushing out from the kitchen table. "I told you," She says," Skatt doesn't need fancy shoes. You need to start putting her in her wellies even when you don't think it'll rain. Save the fancy shoes for dinners and birthday parties."

Mapi pouts, scuffing her own Sambas on the hard wood flooring. "I just wanted us to match."

"I know."

And Ingrid does know. You look like her, overwhelmingly so. It makes sense obviously but you're truly like her mini and sometimes Mapi's been called things like your auntie or babysitter by strangers and Ingrid knows Mapi hates it.

"But you can match for fancy events," Ingrid continues," It's not worth it ruining another set of shoes because Skatt decided to go digging again."

The bath starts running and Mapi smiles wryly.

"At least she knows it's bath time when she gets muddy."

"Yes," Ingrid says fondly," We've trained her well." She leans towards the bathroom. "Skatt! Are you getting undressed?"

"Yes, Mama!"

"Do you want to wash her up or should I?"

"You can," Mapi says," I'll grab her a change of clothes. You might need to do her hair. It wasn't tied up properly."

"Got it."

When Ingrid enters the bathroom, she's thrown. There's a remarkably lifelike frog toy kicking around in the water. She's never seen it before but she knows Mapi stopped off at the shops before the park and your interest in frogs is almost as high as your interest in bugs so Ingrid supposes you had convinced Mapi to buy it for you.

She lathers up your hair with shampoo after cleaning your body and you hum happily.

"Did you see a lot of bugs on your trip today?"

"Uh-hu! Saw dragonfly and gnats and flies and bumblebees-"

The power on the toy is really going strong, Ingrid notes, because it keeps swimming in circles and she has to wonder what store Mapi bought it at because it's unlike any other bath toy Ingrid's ever seen before.

"-And wasps and Mami had to run away after seeing it because she was scared it was going to string her."

"That's nice, Skatt." Ingrid rinses out your hair, pulls out the plug of the bath and moves to the living room to start towel drying your hair.

Mapi goes to grab your dirty clothes and throw them in the laundry.

That's when it croaks at her.

That's also when she screams.

A frog stares back at her, perched on the taps.

It stares.

Mapi screams again.

"Mapi?!" Ingrid bursts into the room," What is it? Are you hurt?!"

"What is that?!" Mapi points a shaking finger at the creature and you, still wrapped up in your towel, poke your head around the door.

"My frog!"

"What?!" Mapi and Ingrid both demand, whirling around to look at you.

"My frog!" You repeat," Found him in the park. He was sad so I brought him home!"

Ingrid massages her temples and Mapi shrieks again when she sees the frog hop into the now empty bathtub.

"We can't keep the frog."

You grown. "Why not? We kept my millipede."

Ingrid goes pale. "What millipede?"

"The millipede in my terrarium." You point your own finger at Mapi. "The one Mami bought for me."

"She what?!"

"Ingrid...I can explain!"

[fandomwritingbit]

Can you do William fucking the sense into (afab) reader and telling her how much of a "stupid fucking whore" she is? ;) Thanks x

I absolutely bloody can! Sorry this took so long, reqs are moving slow cos my life's a shambles lol.

william afton x (afab)reader

warnings: smut duh, kinda a dom/sub thing here reader is sub, degration and inappropriate relationship.

You had no words, your singular thought swimming around your head like a goldfish with one fin: you'd fucked up.

Here you were in your boss's office, a place you'd been many times, but that now seemed very foreign indeed.

"So stupid, look at you." William sneered, his hand coated with your excitement. Actually, maybe that wasn't the right word for it. It was more... anticipation.

His hand was careless, fingers plunging in and out of your pussy like he was trying to prove a point. It was bizarre, he was pushing all the right buttons, trying to make your feel good, but it almost felt malicious and as turned on as you were, your stomach was in knots with the thought of what he was going to do to you.

You were close already, looking at this man in desperation, "...Fuck."

"Is this all you've been thinking about? Too focused on having someone uses this little pussy to do your fucking job properly, huh?" His fingers curled deep inside you, throwing you over your edge. You were too lost in the twitching sensation he'd forced from you to answer, so he shoved you back onto his desk, his expression harsh.

Standing over you, you'd never felt so small, he continued, "So useless that I had to take you off accounts. Had to put you on bookings? But you can't even do that right."

Just watching him with wide eyes, you couldn't think to speak.

"What, got nothing to say for yourself?" He grabbed hold of your chin, tilting it back in a sharp movement that made a gasp fall from your lips.

"Fuck... please, Mr Afton."

"Please what?" Still dumb, you simply reach forward, placing your hand over his hard cock through his trousers.

Surprisingly, he smirked at you, but it did nothing to make you feel at ease. Something about him right now scared you a fair bit, but you were practically dripping and a tight feeling in your core was begging to be loosened.

He let you palm him, quickly unfastening his belt. You bite your lip at the sight of him, the picture of his cock dragging against your cunt was filthy. "Tell you what, I'll fuck you good, if you tell me what a stupid fucking whore you are." He punctuates his sentence by slowly pressing his tip inside you, making you whine from the size of him.

"What was that?" His tone was sharp, though when you looked up at him, he was smirking.

When you again don't say anything, he catches your legs and pulls you flush against him, his cock thrusting fully inside you.

Grunting slightly, he speaks directly against your skin, "Fucking say it."

As you open your mouth to speak, he begins a rough pace, cutting you off with your own surprised shriek.

Your brain was absolute mush, but you obey him, not wanting him to stop. You felt so needy as his movement hit you deep.

"I-I'm a stupid fu-fucking whore." you speak quietly, unconsciously wrapping your legs tight around his waist.

He grunts, pushing you further down towards the desk.

"Mr Afton." He corrects. "Say it again." You feel his teeth against your neck as his hand slips between the two of you, over your clit.

"Ah-shit. I'm a stupid fucking whore... Mr Afton." You damn-near choke as you cum again, your walls clamping down on him taking him to his end as well.

His pace was lethal as he finished inside you, leaving you a complete mess both physically and mentally.

Pulling out of you, he smiled, taking a moment to look over the sight be fore him .

"Well, there is one thing you're good for."

[god-has-entered-my-body]

Falling for you - M.H x Reader // pt. 8

A/N: i'm getting sort of sad now that the end has come. Thank you @beforeyougo-turnthebiglightoff for being an absolute legend and beta reading everything and being mental in my dms for the majority of it. @vinylandcoffeecollection and @sugar-coat-it you lot have been so nice to me this entire time and made me feel welcome and like i wasn't doing everything wrong, you're absolutely amazing❤️ This chapter is NSFW minors do not interact. Also terribly sappy and sweet cause i can't help myself.

wc: 4k

The light breeze made wrappers fly through the air, George chasing after them, ever the eco conscious one. Matty laughed, rolling his eyes before biting into his burger, sauce covering his face. The five of you had ended up where you always did: The McDonalds parking lot. It was almost sad, with Caroline's having too many horrible memories connected to it, the only place that felt nice was a parking lot next to the highway. 

Sometimes, you’d go to your respective houses, but with Mattys place being far too posh for Ross’ taste, and Hann and Ross’ flat feeling quite cramped when you all piled in, the great outdoors was your only option.

George had somehow found another shopping cart on the side of the road, and was now sitting in it with you, your legs draped over each other as you shared a spliff over burgers and ice cream. Matty, not being able to ask for the spliff like a normal person, started making grabby hands at you, his mouth filled with bits of food. You roll your eyes, handing it to him reluctantly. 

Hann was going on about his girlfriend (well, now ex-girlfriend) and how much he missed her. She had broken up with him a few days prior, stating he “acted like a single mother to his friends”, calling him weird for not answering her calls the day Matty had finally come back from his ‘bender’.

Matty was making his weird food-eating sex noises again, and Ross groaned, closing his hands around his ears, trying to muffle the sound. You giggled at his reaction, Matty turned to you, giving you a subtle wink. 

“You look nice today, have you done something with your hair?'' The question came from George, his eyes trying to figure out what you did. “I straightened it properly, you like?” he nods, turning back to the floor of the shopping cart you were both in, picking up his milkshake and taking a sip.

“Oh for fucks sake Matty, you got your fucking hair in my food.” Hann holds up a blonde strand, clearly belonging to Matty, the curl pattern giving him away. Matty just shrugs, blowing Adam kiss before turning to you. His eyes pierce yours, and you can feel your heartbeat speed up. 

“Cunt.” Adam mutters to himself before trying to throw the hair onto Matty, failing miserably. 

“Let's go to the lake, I fancy a swim.” Ross pipes up. You immediately agree, the weather was warm enough and a night swim sounded fantastic right about now. George whined about how unsanitary the lake was, but everyone knew he would be the first one in it the moment you got there.

The walk there was calm, Ross and George leading the way, with you and Matty right behind them. Adam was trudging along beside you, loopy and tired and hungover. You take a stab at him for acting like an old man, and he shoots you a glare that shuts you up, holding your hands up defensively as he turns back to stare at the ground in front of him. 

The field was slightly damp, the grass wetting your back as you laid down on it. The sounds of crickets and trees rustling filled your ears, and you see Matty walking towards you. He had taken his shirt off, nipple piercing on display. 

“Jesus, is that a nip ring?” you hear Ross comment, hiding his laugh behind his hand. 

“Yeah, this one is an aspiring piercer.” he gestured to you, and you nod at Ross, confirming that you had done it for him. It was almost healed at this point, and you were begging him to switch it to something pink and girly. He tried to fend you off, but eventually agreed to let you swap out the black ring for a pink one. 

“It would look so good on you, I promise.” you assured him, your hand grazing over his chest. As long as you kept doing that he'd let you do whatever you wanted to him.

Peeling off your shirt, you lay back down onto the grass, patting the space next to you while looking at Matty. He grins, spinning around and letting himself flop onto the ground, his head immediately resting on your chest. The soft curls of Mattys hair brushed against your face, tickling slightly. 

“Get in the water and stop lying there like a bunch of pricks posing for a summer edition of Vogue!” The yell comes from Ross, who was already knee deep in swampy lake water, waving his hands over his head as he flung insults at the both of you. Like second nature, two aggressive middle fingers fly up, telling him to promptly go fuck himself. 

The sun had set, stars littering the sky, lighting it up. Your legs had started to go numb from the weight of Mattys body on yours, so you had decided to switch places. Arms draped over each other, he held you close as you watched the stars sparkle.

“I want you.” The words sound nonchalant, almost disguising their meaning as they leave Mattys lips. A laugh escapes you, and you trail a hand up his chest, tracing the indents of his ribs. 

“Alright, i'm going to the shop for some booze,” you announce, getting up from Matty. From the water, George shouts at you to get a bottle Tequila, with Adam not far behind, asking you to buy him a pack of his fags. You commit the requests to memory, kicking Matty lightly, motioning for him to get up. He quickly does, his hand intertwining with yours as you walk to the road that was maybe a few hundred meters from the edge of the water. 

Once you were out of their earshot, Ross pipes up: 

“D’you reckon they're shagging?” his question sounds more casual than it actually is. George shrugs his shoulders, going back to fixing his shorts. 

“I’d bet money on it. Have you seen the way she looks at him, or the way he looks at her? He's whipped.”

The knowledge hangs thick in the air, not as uncomfortable as they thought it would be. It was fine, they concluded, even if a bit weird. 

Meanwhile, Matty had you pressed up against the wall of the alley next to the corner shop, his hands clawing at your tits with such an intensity, you’d have thought he’d been celibate up until this moment.  

Not caring if anyone saw, you run your hands up his chest, looping your finger through the piercing on his chest, playing with it. He never failed you, eliciting just the reaction you were hoping for. A pathetic moan, and his hands tweaking your nipple in retaliation. 

He taps your shoulder three distinct times, a provocative grin spreading onto his face. A desperate hand grabs his wrist, and you lead him into the shop, quickly rushing past the cash register in favor of the one stall bathroom you knew was in the back. The fluorescent lighting made your eyes burn for a second as you locked the door behind you, turning back to face Matty. 

If heaven could be cultivated into one image, it would be the one standing right infront of you. Messy hair, wide eyes and a naked, sweaty chest graced your line of sight, wasting no time to press him against the sink, the ceramic digging into the small of his back. The kiss is all teeth and tongue, with him licking into your mouth in a way that makes you slightly dizzy, your knees buckling beneath you.

A wave of pure adoration washed over you as he pulled back, his eyes darting over your face, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Such a sweet expression on the face of someone who was currently grinding onto you like his life depended on it. You could feel him growing harder the more you kissed him, sharp nails raking down his back, leaving raised scratch marks that reflected off of the mirror behind him. 

“You want me, yeah?” you quote his words back to him, his eyes screwing shut in pure ecstasy as you reach a hand down his loose basketball shorts, ghosting over his underwear. His hips buck forward, a moan leaving his lips as the pressure increased. A wet patch formed on the front of his boxers, his cock leaking into your hand. 

An idea pops into your head, and your hand leaves his pants, opting to grab his waist. He whines at the loss of contact, burying his head into your shoulder. A yelp of surprise sounds from him when you flip him around, pressing his front to the edge of the sink, making eye contact in the mirror. 

Your hands move over the expanse of his chest, watching his face closely as he hangs his head, trying to catch his breath. 

“Look at yourself,” you tell him “If you don't, I'll stop.” your voice is firm, and his eyes snap up to meet yours before landing on his own reflection. 

A sigh leaves his parted lips as your hand finally travels lower, the tent in his pants now painfully obvious. The cool air of the bathroom made his nipples hard against your fingers as you ran your other hand over them. 

“Please- i've done everything you wanted.. please.”  his voice cracks slightly as you squeeze him through his underwear, his cock pulsing in your hand. Your movements are slow as you take him out of his boxers, collecting beads of precum at the tip before smearing it back down.

You hold your hand out, Matty looking slightly confused when you do. A raised eyebrow makes it clear what you want him to do, and he spits into the palm of your hand, making eye contact with you as he did. Matty knows what he does to you, no matter how badly you try to hide it. A grin makes its way onto his face, quickly transforming into a blissed out expression as you speed up, thumbing his slit as he lets out a low moan. 

He listened, never letting his eyes leave his reflection, though occasionally they flick over to you, your pupils completely blown out, watching every little move he made. He looks absolutely beautiful, like putty in your hands, you mold him with your words.   

It was moments like these that made your heart swell up at the sight of him, fucked out and begging for even the smallest touch. One of his hands slam against the glass of the mirror, holding him steady. The faster you move, the more he reacts, filling the small bathroom with groans and pleas, the sounds reverberating off of the walls.

The mirror has not been a coincidence, no matter what you led him to believe. Reaching into the back pocket of your shorts, you feel around for a certain familiar object. The camera. You didn't know what it was, but whenever he was like this, twitching under even the slightest brush of your fingers against his cock, you felt the urge to immortalize the moment.  

His eyes widen when he spots the lens in the mirror, reflecting the light of the lightbulb above you. His mind was fuzzy, and honestly, so was yours. Your fingers fumbled a bit, missing the shutter the first time. Even if he played dumb in the moment, he knew you kept the photos of him close to you, so he always made sure to give you what you wanted. 

A sly grin, half closed eyes, maybe even parted lips with a hint of tongue between them. Sweat needed on his forehead, dripping down his face and onto his chest, and he could feel him throttling towards his orgasm. 

A flash. 

A particularly harsh tug of his cock makes his mouth fall open just as the picture is taken, the expression on his face one of pure ecstasy. Your core flutters at sight in the mirror, even letting out a small moan as his eyes meet yours. 

Flash

This time, he’s ready, his head tilting back, showing off the numerous hickeys you had left days before, slightly faded but still visible. His hair is thrown to the side, tangled and unruly, blonde, grown out highlights peeking through the mess of curls. He parts his lips, on purpose this time, letting out an exaggerated moan.

Your hand had now left his cock, a groan of protest coming from Matty as you shush him, your hand tracing up his chest and settling around his throat. Squeezing experimentally, Matty whimpers at the sensation, nodding vigorously to get you to do it again. You do, tightening your grip. 

Flash. 

This picture is your absolute favorite. Your hand is small around his neck, yet still overpowering him. The way he looks at you in the reflection convinces you an actual angel has been plucked out of heaven and handed to you in the form of Matty. His hands clutch the edge of the sink, head thrown back once again. 

Deciding you had given him enough, you reach back down, squeezing his cock just like you did his neck not three seconds earlier. 

“I didn't think you’d be kinky like that, hm?” He tries to seem cocky, but his voice betrays him. He can't control the shakiness of it, the way his breath catches in his throat whenever you change up your rhythm, throwing him off. 

“Didn't take you for such an attention whore either, did I? I guess we’re both full of surprises.” you retaliate, and you know he’s almost there, the way his thighs tense and his cock twitches in your hand a telltale sign.  

“I’m so close- fuck.” He’s asking for permission, you know he is. His eyes find yours in the mirror, and you nod.

“Go on, Matthew, you know you want to.” you urge him, hand speeding up as his legs buckle underneath him, the only thing keeping him upright being the ceramic of the sink his hands are holding on to.  

He comes with a cry of your name, shuddering in your grasp, ropes of cum painting the white of the sink. Small, short gasps leave his mouth as you work him through his orgasm, only letting up when his hand goes to grab yours. 

Matty turns around, planting a kiss onto your wet lips, wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling flush against him.

“You got to show me those pictures sometime.” he gestures to the forgotten camera hanging off your wrist, along with the polaroid tucked into the band of your pants. 

“No fuckin way-” you giggle “knowing you, you’d probably add them to your personal wank bank.” His eyes widen in offense, slapping the side of your arm in protest. 

“I know you think I'm just some egomaniacal tosser, but look at me!” He points his index finger to his chest. “How could you not?” Another laugh escapes you as you roll your eyes at his proclamation.

The walk to the counter post bathroom sex was nothing but awkward, with the cashier eyeing you as you walked up to the front to pay. Matty takes out a wad of cash, slamming down a twenty and grabbing the stuff off the counter, quickly spinning around to leave.

The other three questioned why you were gone so long, but really, they knew why. That conversation was one for another day. 

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------  

It had started to rain shortly before you got home, your clothes being completely soaked through as you stepped through the front door. Matty groaned as he took his shorts off, laying onto the couch in exhaustion. The two of you had booked it down the street the last few hundred meters, neither of you fit enough to get out of that sprint alive.

The heat was cranked up, warm blankets covering you as you snuggled up to each other, Amy Winehouse played softly in the background, the vocals calming you as you talked softly. Matty held you close to his chest, his breathing regular as he stroked your hair, running his fingers through it over and over. 

You wanted to freeze this moment in time and relive it forever until you died. The gentleness of his hands paired with the hoarse but small sound of his voice made your insides melt. Looking back, this was truly a long time coming. 

But what was ‘this’?

The two of you hadn't talked yet, blatantly ignoring the elephant in the room. Your feelings for each other were undeniable, but what then? What did that mean to you, but more importantly, what did it mean to Matty?

The next few moments feel like a dream. His hands wrap around the base of your neck, pulling you up. He kisses you, sweet and innocent, almost chaste as his lips move with yours. He pulls away quickly, eyes darting over your face before settling on your. A small sound escapes his lips, and you can see him hesitate. 

A deep breath.

“I love you.” 

The words hit you like a freight train. His eyes search yours for a reaction, wincing when you remain expressionless. That is, until you speak. 

“Fucking idiot.” it sounds harsh, and you can see him deflate.

“I love you too.” his fucking angelic smile graces his face, and you pull him in for another kiss. The feel of his hands on yours makes your heart flutter, your heart swelling up with love. 

“Does this mean-” he cuts himself off before starting his sentence again. “Can I be your boyfriend?” His voice is small, and you can tell he feels slightly insecure.

“Only if you promise not to wank to those pictures.” you burst out into delirious laughter as he pulls you back in, he grasps your face, mushing it against the palms of his hands.

“Only if you promise to stop taking my fucking clothes, jesus christ” he tugs at the shirt youre wearing. His stupid blue Barcelona shirt. 

Kisses litter your face, and the blanket starts to feel warmer, like you were trapping heaven itself under the covers. It sure felt like it, with Matty looking at you with an expression so filled with love and adoration you thought it might spill out of his ears.

In a way, you knew it would end like this. 

You and Matty

Matty and you 

“What are we?” you ask, repeating his question from so many nights ago. 

“I'm yours, forever.” he answers, his hair falling into his face as he looks down at you. 

You and Matty, forever.

// THE END //  

[brownhairedbookworm]

Emptiness And (Other Sensations to Apply to a Stoned Girlfriend)

content: drug use, BDSM, women afflicted with the big gay

I lower the chilled can from my lips, letting out a relaxed sigh. Tonight, I have no responsibilities and I have no plans for tomorrow. I have just finished an entire can of THC-infused root beer. Does that make it root and leaf beer? Hm, a thought better left explored once the effects are more properly in progress. Addled thoughts are more fun.

I drop the can into the recycling bin. My next steps take me out of the kitchen and toward the living room, where my beautifully gothic girlfriend, Yuri, is reading. Careful not to disturb her, I climb into her lap. My hands naturally rest on her shoulders as I read over the pages. Ah, she's re-reading this one. We should head on a bookstore date, soon! Our personal library could always stand to grow.

"Mmm, my lovely lavender lady~? Are you too engrossed in your reading to help me prepare for a scene?"

Yuri looks over at my face. Her stoic expression is only betrayed by a spark of mischief in her eyes that I've just recently started to be aware of. "Hm... You've just chugged an entire can of something, and now you desire to 'prepare for a scene'... Miss Monika, are you planning to be stoned on the harness and let me have my way with you?" She taps my jaw with the black ring on her right hand.

"You've got it. Interested?"

"Incredibly. You make fascinating sounds, when you get inebriated." Yuri closes her book with slightly more force than necessary. She sets it to the side and picks me up. Her lips begin rising into a grin. It seems like she's excited to torture me, as always! Her sadistic streak is so surprisingly cute...~

It barely takes another 5 minutes before I'm stripped bare and Yuri has prepared me for sensory play in the basement. She locks my limbs into their cuffs, and then begins covering my head.

Blackness and silence. My face is masked, my ears are completely blocked off from the world with a noise cancelling device, and my hair is ever so carefully reshaped into a bun. I can't speak, I can't see, I can't hear, and the only thing I can feel is the sensation of my own weight sagging against my bonds. The world is absolute stillness, as far as I am aware. Even the playful taunts that I'm sure I'm being given fall on deaf ears.

As the THC begins stewing my mind, the first sense I lose is really my sense of time. When nothing is happening to your body, and your mind is slowly turning around, you can't tell how long anything has been going on for. I'm sure it can't be that long, but Yuri's deprived me of sensation for extended periods, before. It makes my reaction to stimulus that much more interesting to her. I can't help but let out a soft grunt as my mind begins to warp. Even without my sight, I can tell my eyes have settled into different focal lengths. A mild dizziness begins to float into my conscious mind.

The scratch of a nail (black, sharp, shining, I see it in my mind's eye) trails across my side, and my mind hyperfocuses on the only meaningful sensory information I've received in the past...hour? I don't even think she broke skin, but the stimulation of anything happening after being deprived for what feels like so long sends my body into a shudder. I feel a moan rumble out of my throat, unable to hear it once it escapes. My muscles twitch and my arms tug at my restraints, desperately flailing and twisting my body to receive a touch, once more. But hands or nails or tools do not contact my skin, again. I let out what has to be a pathetic whimper.

The (admittedly former, at this point) Literature Club president, goddess of this virtual world… Brought low by a mere sixty minutes of lacking sensation. Or… Has it been longer? I feel the desperation swirling and swimming between my core and my brain, up and down my spinal cord like a phone call that no one can answer.

Just as the sensation of my scratched skin begins to fade, I feel a chill applied to the small of my back. Ah, cold cold cold cold cold cold, is that an ice cube?! Is it a piece of chilled steel!? I feel it sticking to my skin, but I can't tell what it is. I let out a hiss and a moan, writhing about once more as my mind spreads the sensation of deathly chill throughout my bones.

My heart pounds, spreading the intoxicant in my digestive system through my body even faster.

My tension and arousal ebb and flow. I feel the effects of the drugs starting to peak. My senses remain unstimulated, but my brain's electric pulses begin leaking into each other. My angular gyrus is sending garbage data directly to my Wernicke's area, and I have a completely agreeable thought that ¥Ëć¼öĆòĨÀÔ is a concept for Thursday and would go well with taco night. At the immediate same time, the remaining sober parts of my brain rightfully ask "What in the goddamn hell are you talking about?".

And then any junk thoughts are interrupted by the raw sensation of Yuri biting my neck. Gently, almost too gently... Her teeth press into my skin, not breaking through. I feel the carefully coordinated pressure of her jaw. The scent of her perfume, the tickling of her loose hair brushing across my cheek, the warmth of her body, I feel every part of her so deeply in my soul. Another pathetic moan erupts from me as I wiggle in the restraints again. I try to call out with my mind, begging her to bite harder. She pulls away, probably smelling my naked craving for her. I whine as I helplessly wiggle toward where she was. Please keep touching me. Let me feel you.

I cling tightly to the memory of her scent as the void overtakes me once more. The phantom of her presence caresses my form as I hold tighter and tighter to the fading smell in my brain, washing away in the swamp of intoxication. I whine softly and squeeze my eyes shut with the useless effort of grasping at a faded thought.

My body goes limp against my will. I can feel the THC flowing into my motor controls. Complete relaxation finally penetrates my needy, greedy heart. I let out a sigh as the tension in my system slowly dissipates.

The mask and gag on my mouth are pulled away and Yuri makes her presence known once more. She kisses me gently, holding a hand to my chest. I feel my heart beat against her. I crave a liquid form so I can simply envelope her and experience the entire sensation of Yuri all at once. But a kiss and plenty of skin contact will have to do.

I feel a rumble in my stomach... I should have eaten, before getting bound.

Yuri leaves the kiss, to my whining disappointment. But this time her presence stays close. First, she releases my feet, then my arms, and finally removes the noise cancelling headphones. The blindfold stays on, as she embraces me. The sensations of the world slowly return.

"I felt that stomach growl up in your chest, my darling emerald. I think your body needs some dinner, before we continue."

The words scramble into a jumble of nonsense as they bounce around my skull. I simply nod, trusting Yuri to understand and tend to my needs.

"Ah, you're that high. Very well, then. I think I might keep the blindfold on you, to ensure your senses are not overwhelmed, but I will assist you to the couch and bring you some leftovers." Yuri picks me up and begins carrying me back upstairs to the living room.

Distorted through the green mush of my brain, the familiar sounds of our home are still welcoming. The air conditioner is sending a whoosh through the walls, I hear some evening birdsong just outside the door, the sound of Yuri's feet gently tapping against the floor as she carries me is almost soothing~

Yuri gently lays me on the couch. She covers me with a comfortably fluffy blanket. I resist the urge to grope around for a pillow and get comfortable for a nap. I want to thank my lover so much, but every single word of admiration melts completely before reaching my tongue. I settle for trying to make my hands into the shape of a heart and holding it up.

"I love you, too. And you're welcome." She gives a gentle, melodic chuckle as she brushes her hand through my hair, undoing the bun.

I groan softly, smiling as I let my hands drift back beneath the blanket. My words may be scrambled, but Yuri knows me so well that we don't need to share them.

"I believe the remaining half of an extra peppery bean quesadilla should be to your liking? Rest gently, love, I'll go heat it up and bring it to you."

She knows me so well~

Her presence fades once again as she goes to reheat my dinner. I'm left with a big pile of lovey dovey feelings to giggle about as I wrap myself up in the blanket, even tighter. Yuri is so wonderful and smart and beautiful~ I love her! I love her, so much~!

Some minutes later, Yuri returns with an absolutely fragrant dish. The spice of the reheated peppers gives my nostrils a pleasant sting. I carefully sit up, my stomach growling again in anticipation. I hold my hands out to hold the plate that I'm sure she's carrying.

"You remain blindfolded, my verdant-eyed dearest~ I'm going to need to feed you, so you don't make an enormous mess." She laughs again. It's music to my ears. I lower my arms and carefully open my mouth.

I greedily devour every bite she puts into my mouth. Now that something other than a liquid is in my stomach, the sensation of hunger multiplies. I'm drooling all over myself as I rapidly chomp down the remains of what I remember to be a rather hefty quesadilla.

Once she tells me that the food is finished, I cuddle right up to her. I think my word scrambling may last until I properly rest. Yuri gently removes my blindfold to find my eyes already closed.

"You're feeling quite warm. Time for a nap, or perhaps sleeping for the rest of the night?"

I only nod in response. She begins to carefully lay down, keeping my as still as she can until my head rests on her breasts.

"Sweet dreams, darling."

I fight to say one last thing through the storming swirl of messy words and trash information in my head.

"Love you... So much..."

"I love you, too." She gently begins to stroke through my hair, and I fall asleep almost immediately.

[deva-arts]

It's nice to see Sarah be a good parent. I personally want to see more of Nathaniel as a father. Is he kind? strict?

Nathaniel loves Sophie to bits, and is a doting father that borders on spoiling her too much. He knows what the baby is crying about, how to deal with a tantrum or stubbed toe... The issue ironically lies in his hindsight.

He will try to be strict and enforce rules, but Sophia has such a precious thought process behind her behavior that makes it a bit hard to not just get her what she wants. Sure, she drew on the walls, but she wanted to make a mural to make her family happy... Hey, how about we make this one square a drawing wall? You're such an artist! I love you!

So Sera has to crack down on some of the more egregious green lights on Nate's end. No, we cannot get a cat. No, we are not getting a dog either. No, you aren't going to fly today, you have schoolwork. No, you can't get Vincent to do it for you. Sera feels some type of way about being the one who shuts down her proposals, and... It hurts to see that her daughter stops going to her to request things. Does she view Sera as too strict? Is she the bad guy to her own daughter? where was the trust she held before? It's never easy delivering unwanted news.

She has a serious talk with Nathaniel about this because clearly they take different approaches to rearing children, and she doesn't want to keep feeling like her daughter finds her unsupportive. While Nathaniel's idea is "set ground rules but let the child be encouraged in their endeavors to see what blooms from there, even if some eggs are broken in the process", Sera's idea is "Raise the child with discipline so that she can grow to be responsible, well rounded, and educated while also respecting the home."

Sera takes her parenting style from her mother (and to Sera, harsh training was what helped her survive in torturous ordeals she would face later.) She considers proper formation to be paramount to success, and has little idea of what a properly nurturing mother should be. Her idea of love is discipline. Her idea of care is making you self-sufficient. This is something that has remained a constant in her life. Even the weakest character can be molded into a precious yet lethal instrument. Sophie can use that instrument to forge her own path.

Nathaniel takes his parenting style from his lack of parental figures. To him, he considers his past life's tendencies and complexes to have stemmed from no proper guidance or prompting to be kind towards others. He was raised to be a faceless manipulator, and that's what he became. He thinks, "Maybe things would have been different if someone had pushed me in the right direction. Told me there were better things I could do with myself." His idea of love is being sweet and supportive, and his idea of care is giving Sophie what he never had. Children are not clay, and he is no longer a fan of moulding others. She can grow outside of the world he and Sera are chained to.

Nate loves teaching her how to shift, and Sera takes a soft, mirthful sort of joy in teaching her how to fly. They both work on educational planning on late nights, and the others have somehow butted themselves in. Sonia loves doing basic arts and crafts with her, Vincent proudly shows her times tables before she's six, Eric tries his best to help her learn how to breakdance with wings, and Amon teaches her how to swim. It takes a village, right?

Sera can be too hard, and Nathaniel can be too soft. Sera wants to make her succeed through forging by fire, and Nathaniel wants her to pursue success by her terms, though this open aired freedom could easily set for poor behavior down the line. Sera has trouble being as affectionate as Nathaniel, while Nathaniel has trouble trying to shape her. But one thing rings true- they reinforce the other's weak points, and do their best to make Sophie have a fulfilled life. Because they love her with all their heart.

[duckapus]

In Deep: part 2

(okay so I don't have the motivation to properly word the opening, but basically Sonata demands an explanation for why the Airship group is in her kingdom and SMG4 manages to recover enough to tell her what's going on. And for as ridiculous as the whole thing sounds from her perspective, she can't help but wonder...)

"Your majesty, you can't seriously believe this crap!?"

"Patience, Admiral." she sighs and sinks slightly in her throne, "I am not yet fully convinced, but you must admit the idea has merit. Tell me honestly, can you remember anything in detail from before the barriers rose?"

"W- well..." he thinks about it, really thinks beyond his own stubbornness and the slight pinch behind his eyes, "...no, I can't. It's all broad strokes. More like the preamble to a story than a life lived."

"Precisely my point. Our actual memories are mere days old, the same days since the event SMG4 speaks of."

"I...alright, so maybe they are telling the truth. That doesn't change the fact that their so-called "plan" falls apart in the final stretch. And you've seen the way the red and yellow ones behave. Do you really think it's wise to put the fate of our kingdom in the hands of these...these morons?"

"...You have a point. Still, there's something about them that..." she trails off, then turns to address their guests, "I've come to a decision."

The group looks up from whatever they'd been discussing in their own huddle.

"While I'm not certain that I fully believe your story, I'll admit that it makes a great deal of sense. Still, I must prioritize the safety of my subjects, and your quest stands to put us and the other regions of this "Mushroom Kingdom" in grave danger. So, I have a proposition. Your party shall face seven of my kingdom's greatest champions in the arena. Defeat them, and the seed is yours. But should you fail even once, you and the rest of your cohorts on the surface shall be banished from my kingdom."

SMG4 gulps, but quickly shakes off his nerves and nods firmly, "We accept your challenge, your majesty."

"Uh...we do?"

"Not like we have much of a choice Cubot, we need that seed."

Sonata grins brightly, which turns out to be pretty intimidating between her shark teeth, her size, and the context, "Then let the games begin."

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

Soon enough, the group is in a decently sized room with a few guards, the gateway to the arena before them. SMG4 turns to address the others, "Okay guys, we've got no idea who we'll be up against, and they've got home-field advantage, so be ready for anything."

There's scattered affirmations, with Meggy and the twins looking determined, Mario going walleyed again, Cubot shaking nervously, and Sig just looking bored as usual.

One of the guards swims towards them, "Alright, first up are the one in the green poncho and the yellow box thing."

"I am ready."

"Oh boy..."

The two are led to the doorway, while the other five are brought to a viewing area, and they get their first glimpse of the arena. It's about what you'd expect, big flat circle with high walls, fully packed seats, architecture that fits what they've seen so far, even another throne high up in one of the seating areas where Sonata is watching from. But Cubot notices a few...unusual details.

"Uh...is it just me, or are those speakers up on the pillars?"

"I believe so. And the front row of the queen's section appears to have a DJ table instead of seats."

As they reach the apparent starting position and the gate across from them opens, the guard that's accompanied them hands each of them something and then swims off. Marcy looks down at the microphone on her sword in confusion, then the other gate finishes opening and she looks up to see who their opponents are...and groans.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me."

(Yeah, remember how I said in the Explanation post that the Undersea Kingdom is a musical ocean? We haven't seen much of that so far, now have we?

Anyway, tune in next time for episode 2 of the Undersea Kingdom's time in the spotlight (because why shouldn't Lily get two episodes instead of the one every other Zone is getting? Well, besides Muppetopia but that one has extenuating circumstances) "So You Think You Can Rap 2: Undersea Encore!")

[rottenseaweed]

random plot points/ideas for my gay mermaids part 5 (two in one day wow)

super duper spoilery under the cut, if you ever intend to read this story, skip this post (it's just my disorganized notes don't worry about it)

I'm considering kind of a tragic ending for this. I had already planned that Cal would be exiled, and I originally wanted them both to travel together afterwards, but I don't think it makes all that much sense. Ren is the type who can move on from places and people fairly easy, considering how unstable her life is, so it wouldn't be such a big deal for her to just go away if forced. She was kinda planning on it anyway. Cal on the other hand is a very very cautious person, and she got used to the protection of the pod and the Seers after living with them for about 60 years. It's almost all she can remember. She was daydreaming about leaving at some point in the distant future, but she needs to feel 120% prepared to do so. Suddenly being exiled because she was caught seeing the witch would nearly destroy her, and the last thing she would look for is more uncertainty and instability by travelling with Ren, who can barely swim properly.

Before this happens I want to build their romance more, so the first time her loyalty is questioned she'll escape with an explanation through a vision sent to the Seers by Edith. Then the whole blood oath situation gets resolved and only then does Cal get caught in the act of turning human, and then is exiled for good. In the moment I think she panics and just goes to Edith as fast as she can and avoids Ren for a few days.

Ren goes to find her, she gets excited because Cal getting exiled means they can finally be together for real, and doesn't realise in the moment how scared and hurt Cal actually is because if this had happened to Ren, she wouldn't give a shit. She's used to making it on her own wherever she goes. Obviously Cal gets mad and "breaks up" with her (idk if they would be official by this point but prob yes). Cal stays with Edith because she doesn't know what else to do, and Ren crashes back down into her loop of surviving to see tomorrow and only finding any form of joy by hurting others with her stealing (kind of a revenge thing, if the world is shit to me, i'll be shit right back)

ok. Ren being half-siren isn't static. The fact that Cal didn't turn her fully on the spot doesn't mean she's stuck between human and siren, like I had previously planned. Over time, the scale tips towards the siren part more and more - the urges to drown others get stronger, her song gets stronger, turning back and forth stops hurting completely and requires almost no effort. Then she starts having trouble getting her legs back, and the big patches of red scales she had at the start begin to shrink. Then she can't get rid of the claws and inter-finger membrane even when she's human, and her fins change too.

So normally siren fins are very dense, with thin, even spines, and they're white. Ren's had red sections because she was only half turned obviously, but the fin build was the same. Now because she wasn't properly turned right after the bite, as she slides further into siren teritory, her fins get a little fucked. They change gradually, but the last time, when she turn fully siren, the spines are a lot less dense, less even, and less delicate; the skin between is a little more opaque and the edges tend to droop between spines. They are white, but the tips have a dried blood kinda color permanently. Most importantly, her caudal flips. Instead of being positioned horizontally, like a dolphin's (the way a siren's caudal usually looks like), hers is now vertical. That is the very last thing that happens before she loses the ability to turn human ever again. Because her transformation wasn't forced to complete within minutes like every other siren's, she can't turn back on her own like Cal.

So at this point a few months would have passed since the breakup, and Ren would have felt her final moments on land coming, so I'm picturing a dramatic moment where she says goodbye to Elliot and tries her damndest to keep her legs for a few more seconds to prolong the hug, but the side fins slowly and painfully poke out of her calves, and the bones of her feet split and elongate for the caudal until her half-legs-half-tail can't hold her upright anymore and Elliot carries her to the water or she just falls in because they were on a cliff or smth - you know, drama, because the moment needs it

What I haven't decided yet is if she keeps her memories or not, because no other siren (turned normally) remembers their life on land unless min a century has passed since. It would be so gloriously painful if she didn't of course, but I feel like the amnesia trope is a little overdone and I've used it for Cal already - that could be a tasty juxtaposition where Cal is just starting to remember who she was before, as Ren forgets everything; but if she didn't forget (and the anomaly would be warranted because her whole transformation was done "wrong") if she remembers, she would be forced to sit alone with her thoughts for days and days and days, the only distraction being catching and eating raw fish for the first time; and there would be room to understand why Cal rejected her. Because I think she would just avoid that mess of emotions while she was still on land, and just get caught up in more and more complex and dangerous heists to let the frustration out, and she needs to actually process it you know? I do want them to get back together. But I want there to be a strong base of overcome problems when they do.

I'm not sure what would make sense for her to do in those days. In her final moments on land with Elliot, did she think she would lose her memory and tell him not to come find her so as to not see a husk of a person? Would she not think of that, and then Elliot would camp on the beach with Allen and wait for her, but would she go? I guess the question actually is would Elliot be on the beach when Ren would go looking, because she absolutely would if she kept her memories. I guess I'll decide if she tells him to forget her or not when I write that part.

One more problem. I know Cal just stays as Edith's apprentice and learns magic and all that, but idk what Ren would do in all that time. This might be a situation of Ren just focusing on survival and somewhat processing things while Cal is at Edith's, and Edith knocks some sense into her until she eventually stops avoiding her emotions too and then goes looking for Ren.

Does Ren bump into Cal's old pod. Does she join them for Sign benefits. And do the pod members who saw Cal turn human to meet Ren remember Ren's face. I think they do know who she is, but they just assume she'd lost her memory and let her stay with them for a bit despite any minor risks because she's faster with her vertical tail fin and can help with hunts.

Ok that's all I think. I do need to figure out more siren lore related to their relationship with the Seers and the Sea and the duty that they're obligated to do, but I'll leave that for later.

[undertheflagrp]

VALORA is a LEVEL 10 PRIEST. she excels in MAGIC, RESISTANCE and CHARM. she also works as a HEALER in GLEERIUM.

     < HP: 20 >       < STR: 3 >       < MAG: 12 >       < DEX: 3 >       < SPD: 4 >                 <  LCK: 6 >       <  DEF: 2 >      < RES  10 >      < CHA: 10 >

 STATUS | NOTES | INTRODUCTION LOADING...

[ QUEST: A BRUSH WITH DEATH ]

TW: BLOOD

her father never prepared her for the battlefield and valora doesn't know if she should be understanding of the why or if she should feel resentful towards him instead because he should've known his daughter enough to forsee that she'd end up in a battlefield anyway even if not in the front lines much more so when she was told to stay away from it.

valora has always been stubborn— petty, sometimes doing things out of spite and simply because someone told her no, not believing when they say that she wouldn't be able to handle it, that she was never trained for it. it doesn't help that healers are precious existences in the battlefield, that the army is always in need of them as much as it needs its soldiers and at the end of the day valore is her father's daughter and it simply made sense that the child of such general would know about warfare and what exactly she was signing up for when she enlisted as a healer for the next conflict.

her head is still spinning— dizzy and weak not only because of the blood she knows that she's losing but also because of how much she overexerted herself trying to estabilize as many people as she could before their campsite was ambushed, her hands trembling where they try to press down on the gush on her side while fighting the soreness of her body and trying to not breath too deeply, almost sure that she broke a rib or two while trying to run away, even though she feels panic slowly claw its way into her chest. moving hurts, breathing hurts, existing hurts, but she keeps making her way int he direction that she swear there's a small village at, even if wobbly. it's a stupid plan, she knows, and there could be another one hundred things that could go wrong but then it's the only one that she has.

it's a little pathetic, she thinks, and a little humiliating, how she's a healer and still can't find a single drop of magic within her to heal herself, to at least try to treat the worst of it enough so she would be able to look after help properly. she's almost sure that she can almost hear one or two of her mentors back in sarlimar laughing at her if she ever told them about this and that thought makes her heart ache, eyes filling with tears due to the overwhelming feeling of longing for such time, for her friends and mentors, for her mother and brothers, even for the scolding voice of her father telling her i told you so but then at least he'd also hug her tight and reassure her that everything was ok now.

she lets out a shaky breath and it hurts. everything hurts and for a moment she considers stopping, making an attempt to find some and any magic that might be left in her to at least try to treat the worst of it, but her mind is swimming and she can barely focus enough on walking, already getting lost of the distance and time that she has walked and how much she still has to go until she finds someone or someone finds her first — and hopefully that someone not being her enemy most likely following the trail of blood she's leaving behind.

valora doesn't know for how long she walks, just that it's enough that her body is starting to feel numb and the only thing still very distinct within her senses is the stench of blood like it's as much of a deep stain in her nose as it is in her hands and clothes to the point that she feels sick of it, almost desperate to feel anything that isn't the strong smell of iron, and as cliche as it might sound that's when she feels hands on her shoulders trying to keep her uptight. there are words spoken to her and she's still conscious enough to detect the worry and alarm in them even if she can't quite understand what they're saying. it isn't the enemy, she thinks with relief even though there isn't much evidence of it, feeling a stronger hand pressing against her wound right after.

valora hisses at the contact but doesn't question it, knowing full well that something needs to hold her blood back even when she isn't as sure if that means much considering how much she has already lost. her head is still swimming— dizzy and weak when she tries to mumble that she needs a healer, that she (probably) has the money to pay for it so if could someone please—

and then the world turns dark.                                   

                                                      “WELL, YOU ASKED FOR IT!”

[one-piece-aus]

Hello! For the whumptober prompts, could I request 17 with either Sanji or Law (your choice).

Thanks, love!

Of course anon! I decided to choose Law since I already did a Whumptober for Sanji which you can read here :3

Whumptober Day 17

Law x Mermaid Reader + Platonic Bepo

TW: Mention of "Human" Trafficking, Kidnapping, and Harassment, as well as graphic description and blood.

"Stay back!" You barked at the pirates, pointing a spear at them. "I may be in a critical state but don't think for a second I'll be an easy target."

"Calm down, we're not going harm you-"

"Lies! That or you humans are going to sell me!"

It happened once before to you, you were kidnapped, sold, and harassed by your owners for three years. You just now escaped but you didn't get out scot-free. Your arms had deep cuts drawing blood, the sides of your ribs were severely bruised and broken, and your tail was damage so you weren't able to properly swim. That's right, you are a mermaid, an injured one, but a free one and that's all that mattered to you. You weren't going to let anyone take away from freedom again.

"I know your filthy kind!" You growled, venom dripping from your tone. Well, it was actually blood dripping out of your mouth. You were on the brink of dying, but you'd rather accept your fatality instead of being taken alive.

"Boss, maybe she'll let us help her if she sees Bepo," one with the penguin hat suggested, looking at the tall one who had a white hat with black spots and was standing in front of you.

"Hmm..." The captain- er boss- backed up from you then gestured for someone to come over. "Bepo-ya, come here."

Your grip tightened around your spear, expecting a human with great strength to approach. Pirates were known for their threats and intimidating ways, but you weren't going to let them scare you into submission. You prepared yourself to attack as "Bepo" came over.

"Yes, captain?" To your surprise, a big polar walked out, asking his captain what the man needed him for. Wait, this was a mink! What is a mink doing here with the humans?

"You there! Mink! If you're being held captive by these pirates I'll kill them for you!" You told the bear.

"Who's this captain?" Bepo asked hiding behind the tall man. "She's scary."

"Calm down, Bepo-ya." The captain patted the mink's head. "She's just a terrified mermaid that doesn't seem to trust humans. We can't help her state if she's frightened of us, do you think you can calm her down?"

"Anything for you captain." Bepo slowly got out from behind his captain and moved towards you.

"Don't come any closer!" You pointed the spear at him.

"I'm sorry," the bear apologized, bowing his head like a puppy being scolded.

"You're going to give up just like that?!" You questioned dumbfounded. Bepo kept his head lowered in shame, you couldn't bear the sight of something so adorable whimper. "No, I'm sorry, I-"

You vomited a good amount of blood in front of you. You were shaking and becoming weaker now that your hostile adrenaline disappeared, you barely stay upright. You lowered your spear, leaning on it for support.

"Her condition is getting worse!" the captain yelled the obvious, rushing towards you.

"Stay back..." you uttered, spitting out more blood.

"I'm a doctor, a can help you," the tall man stated, standing close to you but far enough so that you couldn't punch him.

"Let captain treat you," Bepo pleaded, putting a paw on your shoulder. You looked into the polar bear's eyes, they were overflowing with worry. With his signs of concern for you, you let yourself go limp, trusting the mink's judgement.

Law came and caught you just as you fell. He picked you up bridal style, then turned to the others. "Let's get her back to the ship, she's suffering from extreme hemorrhage."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three months have passed since then, you were now on an island called Dressrosa. You heard the tale of how Law assisted the Strawhats in saving this kingdom. You knew the strawhats were good people, they did save Fishman island, and Jinbei joined their crew. So if Law helped them, did that mean he was also a good person?

Well, Law did save your life, and he let you stay in his submarine until you got better. Somehow, you allowed the man to be close to you, maybe it was because you felt safe in his presence, but whatever the case was, you've now fallen for him.

"How are you today, [Y/n]?" Law asked, strolling to your side.

"I'm fine," you replied turning your head in the opposite direction where he stood. You were embarrassed that he appeared just as you thought of your feelings for the captain. You couldn't come to terms with it, even if you did, you doubted Law was looking for love. He never looked at anyone in that way, especially not a mermaid.

Yet as your mind clouded with these thoughts, you were unaware of the longing gaze Law gave you.

"A beri for your thoughts." Law nudged your side, wanting to know why you were so deep in thought.

"It's nothing, just enjoying the view," you lied to him.

"You usually smile when you're enjoying a view," Law called your bluff.

"Well, I'm just wondering when the day will come when all merfolk and fishfolk can enjoy the same view..." A half-truth, that wasn't on your mind currently but you have had the thought pass through your mind multiple times since you've been staying with heart pirates. You sighed, now having this floating around in your head, and you began walking away.

Law let you go on your own, thinking you needed time on your own and not wanting to intrude any further. He knew you didn't like humans, and it took you a while to trust him. He didn't blame you, yet he wished things were different, that humans could accept merfolk and fishfolk because then you might accept humans. Then you might accept his confession, but things weren't that way, so he kept his mouth shut.

[xsugarysweetsx]

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 7

A/N: Yes it has been slow and I am so sorry about that but I hope you all enjoy the chapter!

Warnings; some language; suggestive themes (kinda in a way); fluff; tension; relationship???; minor angst; tiny argument; nee character 👀;

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"It's cold you should come inside" you hear a voice approach you. It was pretty nice outside that morning, so you decided to sit on the porch for a bit and just think things over. You've been here for almost 3 and a half months already, you've been attacked and people got hurt. It was safe to say you felt the guilt, even though Erwin had woken up and Hanji was still herself as usual and held both held no resentment towards you. They keep telling you it was something you cannot control, and therefore not your fault.

It has been about three days since the incident happened. You remember having countless nightmares where Levi had to come and call me down. You endlessly apologized to everyone in the home, for bringing such a mess. you had spent nights losing sleep, afraid that Zeke may return. luckily during those late nights, you have someone stay up with, and talk with. sometimes he would bring you tea, and how do you smuggle in close to him. The faint smell of his detergent and lemon still lingered in your nose as you drifted into sleep.

"I'm okay...you should get sleep though.." you offer looking back at him. Luckily the porch was covered by a roof so he comes to sit behind you. You didn't know what you two were, you kissed and you feel the attraction--but what were you? would he consider?

"It's not your fault," he said calmly wrapping his arms around your shoulders as you sat between his legs. "you sound nostalgic when you're thinking a lot"

Even though it has been a short time he's picked up a few things from you. How you react, what you'd pick, and even little behaviors, the same thing went for Levi. You knew he liked his space to be clean, tea was calming for him, he kept to himself but there was more on his mind than anyone.

“I just can't help but think....something worse could have happened..." you admit feeling your heart sink slightly

"Hey..." he turned your head to face him "nothing was your fault. You did as you were told and we were caught off guard." he pecked your lips trying to bring peace to your mind.

"Levi..?"

"Yes?"

"...what are we?" you ask with genuine wonder

"Well...whatever you want it to be," he says "A kiss can be more than that or a kiss can just be a kiss," he explained with another peck to your lips it felt a bit loner this time.

"oooo someone is getting all romantic out here~~" a third voice joined making Levi groan. Now that he was affectionate towards you more Hanji loved to tease him

"Aren't you busy with research four eyes?" he asked her standing him and helping you up.

"Well, we've all been under a lot of stress lately and I thought maybe...we should go out" she offered with a hopeful look "We've got a nice swimming spot"

"Really? In the daytime?" you ask

"Oh, we have our ways" she winked "there's a small path through the forest with enough shade for us, and it's going to be cloudy today. Along with that, the swimming spot is in a cave so sunlight won't be a problem"

"Well, that's fortunate huh?" you perked up "I don't have a swimsuit though" you point out "Don't worry I think I have an extra you can try" Hanji offered "Everyone, get ready! We've got a swim day today!" She announced to make sure everyone could hear. It looked like you were taking a day off today. You turn to Levi and take his hand 

“I hope you can swim” you tease with a smile 

“Hm, we’ll see about swimming,” he said walking with you inside.

To get ready, he didn’t need sunscreen for obvious reasons. He got changed and threw on a white t-shirt and his swim trunks, and his shoes with some towels. He wasn’t that convinced to just go out after that night, but at the same time, some stress-free time was needed. Also, it was time to spend with you now. You were just amazing to be around and to know you had felt the same way he did. 

You made him feel like he was worth something again. Maybe it was because you had been around each other for some time now but, he did feel the connection. You balanced him out like the day and night, like warmth and cold. If he had to give his life to protect you. Walking out of his room he could hear Hanji squealing from your room. As he approached he hears

“Y/N when he sees you he won’t be able to keep his hands off you!“ she said in a high pitch 

“Hanji! I don’t look that good“

“Oh come on! As soon as he sees you he’s going to get a har-Levi! Look how well this fit her!“ Levi stopped and looked at what you were wearing. It was a black two-piece with a high-waist bottom. You hugged you perfectly with each curve, and dip in your body. He could feel his cheeks heat up with blush, which wasn’t common 

“Y-you look...nice..“ he said looking away in the other direction. “Anyway are we ready to go?“ he asked holding up his bag

“Sure are! Molbit and Erwin should be waiting downstairs“ Hanji smiled picking up her bag that seemed to weigh more than she did. As she waddled down the hallway excited to get to their location.

“Well she seems excited, “ you said coming to his side 

“It has been a while since we’ve all been out to have some fun since the whole Zeke thing happened, “ he said taking your bag in his hand and walking along with you 

“Well, I think you all deserve it. Some time to relax and unwind...don’t ya think“ you said bringing your hand into the crook of his elbow 

“Yeah...I think you’re right“

The walk along the forest was nice, there was a passage with hundreds of trees. The branches creating the perfect passage for everyone to walk and enjoy. You walked hand in hand with Levi, it was nice almost like your first date together. While looking at your surround you take in a deep breath, almost like you had forgotten what was going on. The breeze was fresh and crisp and clear.

“Hange, we almost there? I don’t remember it being this far away“ Levi asked after about 16 more minutes of walking. 

“Yeah, yeah grampa, just a little more and the cave should be just ahead“

“Huh, I’m not that old-“

“Well...“

“What do you mean well?“ he pushed on to hear your answer 

“Well...you’re 100 years older than I am so...uh...“ this caused laughter and giggles to erupt from the group. You thought you even saw a smile on Levi’s face. 

“Oh! We’re here!“ Hanji shouted as she ran over still waddling due to the weight of her bag.

She made her way to a regular-sized entrance, about the size of a garage. Moving the vines aside you look inside to find a much larger cave. It was like nothing you had ever seen! A pool filled with fresh water, it was clean, with icicle-like rocks hanging from the top. There was even a few small holes in the roof of the cave letting in some light. The light hit the pool at just the right angle to give it a magic glow

“Wow...“ was all you could muster up

“It’s nice isn’t it?“ Molbit saying putting down more of Hanji’s stuff “We used to come here every other week with everyone until...things took a turn. Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t properly introduce myself“ he held out his hand for you to take “I’m Molbit Berner.“

“Y/F/N, so how old are you?“

“I’m 127 actually“ oh, so he was a younger one...well in this group at least

"Well, let's get on the water then!" Hanji's voice echoes into the cave as she dives into the water. She had said something about a pocket of air in the pool and want to discover it. She had some scuba gear which she claimed to have bought. From the groan, Molbit made you could tell there were some holes in that story.

Everyone strips from their shirts and such, and into their swimwear. You do the same and feel a pair of eyes on you you turn around only to see Levi whip his head the other way. you were about to tease him when your eyes had caught a view. It's a miracle you didn't have a nose bleed.

This man was built like a god! For as short as a statue or was, he made up for it in different ways. You always knew he was strong but wow was he built. You would hear him working out in the morning, but you didn't think you'd have the guts to peek while he did. pretend as if it didn't faze you, and made your way to the water. The water was a bit chilly, but it was expected since it was the morning.

You decided to rush in until it was up to your waist, not wanting to extend the cold feeling. You swim out a bit more to rest your back against the edge of the pool

"Whoa look at Levi getting in the water so soon," Erwin chuckled "trying to impress a certain lady I see?"

"Shut it eyebrows" Levi flipped him off as he swam towards you with a light blush. "uh..hey," he said slightly bashful

"Hey, Levi.... aren't you cold?" You said trying not to seem awkward while a shiver ran up your spine.

"Eh, I can deal with it, I actually know a trick to get used to the cold water" he offered

"Really?" you ask

"You trust me?" he asks back, he receives a nod and moves closer to you. His arms come around your waist and pull your flush against him. Your legs tangling and swimming together "all right then."

He dunks you both under the water, the water encasing your bodies. You come back up and you gasp as a rare chuckle escaped his lips. Still holding your close his warmth contrasting with the coolness of the water

"Feel better?" he asked

"Oh haha, mister" you smile pushing him down underwater again. You had never seen him this playful. You giggle as you swim through the water trying to get away from him. You could feel his hands grazing your legs as your start to reach the shore of the pool on the other side. He eventually catches you causing you both to fall to the ground, with him over you. You were panting but still giggling. His hand comes up to brush away some hair from your face

"You're fucking gorgeous..." he whispered inching closer to your face. Small drops of water falling from his hair and to your face. You feel your eyes droop as the tension grows stronger. With a single swoop, he captures your lips in a kiss. It was loving and passionate but also gentle. Your arms droop over his shoulders and your fingers tangle in his hair, bringing him deeper into the kiss.

Sometimes you thought this was just a dream. Being targeted by a vampire, eventually falling in love with another one, and now, here you are. Sometimes you pinch yourself to make sure that you were awake, and 99% of the time you were awake. Either where you weren't complaining. Just as the kids started to get heated up, you felt something sharp against your lower lip. It must have been his fangs, damn. He pulls you up with him as he sits back and has you sit in his lap

"Levi...Erwin is still there" you shy away into his shoulder

"Damn eyebrows is probably asleep, he can't see us" he kisses your shoulder with a tight hug "But we can stop if you want."

"No, this is nice, and if he can't see us it's fine" you shrug your shoulders

"Listen I won't do anything while we're here" he warned you making your chuckle

Coming up you rest your forehead on his and lay a quick peck onto his nose. It feels almost as if you had known him for so long in so little time, He made you feel something strange, something foreign yet something you wanted to feel.

"I'm sorry" you hear him break the silence

"For what?"

"..for being a monster. You deserve so much in this world, I don't think I deserve to be with you. I-"

"Who was the one who almost killed me?" you interrupt him

"...Zeke"

"And who saved me, each time?" you ask again

"Me..." he whispered

"You" you cup his face "We may be from two different worlds but when our worlds collide, I feel something I've never felt before. Like, you're the one..maybe I'm jumping too far ahead but *sigh* you just make me go all blah!" you say hiding your face into your hands, why were feelings so hard to explain?

“I hope I’ll be the only one to make you feel that way.“ he said bringing his hands to your hips 

“Awh, Levi’s being soft with me“ you tease him “Come on they’ll start thinking we’ve run off to do things~, “ you said bouncing your eyebrows. Taking his hand he stands up with you and back into the water. Levi has you rest on his back as he swims back to your original spot. Hanji was back from her small trip

“Hey you two, did you get some steamy time in?“ Hanji bounced her eyebrows with a smirk 

“Did you find hit your head while looking for that pocket?“ he shoots back coming to a stop near the edge. 

“Very funny Levi, but no. There was no pocket it just leads out of the cave into a stream. Oh well, at least we got out of the house for once“

Coming out of the pool Levi grabs a towel for you and him. He puts one over your shoulders and begins to dry off his hair. Looking outside he still causes us to, the time, and what was around you guys. Even though this is supposed to be a time of rest, he could never let his guard down. Not after what happened. 

“It’s just about sundown we should head back“ everyone nodded in agreement packing up their things. Levi gives you an extra sweater to keep you warm. The walk was a bit cooler at night but still enjoyable. Sometimes it seemed you forgot about your city life. Your job, bills, money....your friends and oh god Mochi. You missed seeing him every morning. Luckily you stayed in touch with Sasha in which she sent pics of him every day.

You made sure to check on her and thank her for everything she’s been through with you. You promised her to make things up to her as soon as you could. Maybe you’ll take her to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Making it to the house the moon was full and at its highest peak. Walking inside Levi stumbles a bit making you worry 

“Whoa are you okay?“ he takes your hand to regain his balance ”you look exhausted.“

“Just fine. Go to bed I need to get something“ the way he said 

“Maybe I should go with you.“ you offer 

“No Y/N.“ Erwin got in “You should go to bed. He’ll be fine“ with a worried expression you look at all four of them and nod your head 

“O-okay then....goodnight“ walking to your room you couldn’t help but worry more for him. Walking inside you change out of your clothes and into some sweats and an oversize t-shirt. You laid in bed for bout an hour but you only tossed and turned, not able to get sleep. Something was gnawing at you to check on Levi. Getting up from the bed you peer into the hallway, everything seemed fine so you make your way outside. 

You were going to the kitchen first until you heard cursing coming from Levi’s room. Walking carefully you stay outside the room as you listen in 

“fuck...I can’t stop thinking about her...“ at first you had thought he may have been talking about the woman he was once with but then he said “I can’t put Y/N in that position. Damn it.....I know you’re there. I can smell you.“

You walk in shyly as you were caught spying in on him. He was slouched in his chair as he looked out the window, gazing into the sky. He looked so lonely and hurt.

“H-hey Levi, are you okay? You don’t-“

“You shouldn’t be here...“ he cut you off “I’m not like you Y/N...maybe you should just leave that way you’ll be safer.“

“Levi, what are you talking about? I can’t leave or Zeke might come for me, or he can come for you guys!“

“Out of town then! Another city, hell out of the country!“ he snapped his head towards you making you surprised at his attitude. “Far from Zeke and me.“

“Levi, what the hell has gotten into you? We had an amazing day today, come on talk to me“ you said coming closer to him only for your breath to gitch as he quickly pinned you to his bed.

"Don't you get it?! I'm a monster! A monster who can't get you out of my head!" he now admits "I want to have you for myself and no one else but...but you need better." he confesses as he lets you go and plopped down next to you on the mattress. Standing up you walk in front of him.

"Levi, look at me," you say gently taking his chin and tilting it upwards look at you "you are not a monster. And if you are one, you wouldn't have helped me, and I probably would have been with Zeke right now"

Straddling his love you bring your arms around his neck into a warm embrace. His arms come up hesitantly around your waist and pull you even closer. His lips pressed into the crook of your neck, nothing too intimate but something loving. he loved the way your fingers would play with the hairs at the end of his neck. How they would massage the skin ever so gently. For someone like him to have been cursed with immortality, how lucky could he have been to meet you within his lifetime?

He moves further back onto his bed until you're both laying down facing each other "Y/N?" he said in a quiet voice

"Yeah Levi?"

"I'm going to end that bastard if it's the last thing I do." he brings your head to rest in his chest as if shooting you from the world around you "I swear it on my life"

<><><><>

"So just what makes you so sure you're fit for this?" Zeke interrogated the young man who sat with him at the booth of a bar "After all you were just some rando around the neighborhood. Next thing you know you're asking to join me. Why is that?"

Leaning forward his face comes into the light. His chestnut hair casting a shadow over his face that held a grim expression

"Let's just say, I have an interest in our precious little Y/N. Along with a grudge."

"And your name?" he said puffing out a cloud of smoke

"Floch"

°°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°° °°°°

Taglist: @mysteriousmagicx @kameko-ko @jin-mowi @mystic-starlove @chronic-claire-universe​ @shrimp1026​ @wildspeciallavender @captainchrisstan @givemea-dam-break @actual-trash-goblin @leiaausmus @sugarysweets-appreciation-blog @levisfilm @outcast-thingz @leviiiiiiiii @dilirx @super-peace-fangirl @ultimateelitepenguin @happygalaxymilkshake @lola2001 @sillykawa @queenofcurse @fanfictionreaderholic @notgoodforlife @deludedimagines @xcityretro @chocolatrchip @cyrxlleee @carley-chan

[asphodeline-lutea]

Del, you can't just say that and not follow up on the AU!

XDDD you really have a point! I should have posted about at least the main one of the AUs ages ago, buuuut still haven't until now XD

I don't have much time these days, as it's only 1 month till final exam now, so I'll just try to explain it shortly... although I might or might not write a fanfic for this one day!

(Update: Actually, I spent much more time than I planned to on it, and final exam just finished today... oh well)

I'll start by telling the story of Cinderpelt and Cinderheart from the Warriors series, which gave me the inspiration for this AU. (For those who have read those books and knows the story, you can just skip this part) When she was an apprentice, Cinderpelt wanted and was training to become a warrior. However, she accidentally fell into the trap of the evil cat Tigerclaw and injured her leg seriously. She could no longer become a warrior, as she couldn't hunt or fight properly, and had to become a medicine cat. Much later, StarClan (the bunch of dead cats living in the sky) wanted to give her a second chance of becoming a warrior, so they gave her a test of some sort, and then she was reborn in the body of Cinderheart. But Cinderheart also had her own spirit and didn't know that Cinderpelt's spirit was sharing a body with her, until some time later. At last, Cinderheart, with knowing that the spirit of the medicine cat Cinderpelt was also inside her body, chose the path of a warrior, and Cinderpelt's spirit was set free.

When I first thought about an AU where Hiccup the Second was there watching Hiccup the Third, I immediately remembered this story. And I found that it can even make sense. Hiccup the Second was the only Hiccup, out of the three we know, that never got to become a King of the Wilderwest. What if he was given a second chance, like Cinderpelt in that story? And Hiccup the Third sure had sort of a connection to him, for example, finding his book in Book 6 and knowing what the next line would be. What's more, in Book 12 it literally had this:

"But still, somehow, a tiny part of him[Hiccup the Second] was here, in the raggedy, awkward shape of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third."

And this is why I really could develop this AU, I really can, and so surprisingly it's going to fit with the story quite well

For a bit of the AU's timeline, I had Hiccup the Second go free from Hiccup the Third's body near the end of Book 12, just as Furious was about to leap into the ocean and swim away. Both Hiccup the Third and Furious see him, but the others around do not. I imagine him walking towards Furious, smiling with tears in his eyes, turning around and waving a final goodbye, before turning back again and jumping into the sea after his dragon brother. (And NO I am definitely NOT crying)

Also, I'm not sure if Hiccup the Third can see him all the time or something, I would prefer if he could only sense him instead. I was thinking that he would be able to hear a few of Hiccup the Second's thoughts but not exactly sure where they came from, and be able to feel strong emotions from Hiccup the Second (example: some scenes from Book 8). But I also have Hiccup the Third realize that Hiccup the Second was sharing a body with him, probably some time between Book 8 and 9. And perhaps Hiccup the Third will be able to sense Hiccup the Second more often after that, maybe even communicating with him through their thoughts. And, Hiccup the Second could probably talk to him in some dreams. Also, for some reason I don't think he'll tell all this to Fishlegs or Camicazi, at least not until (the events of )Book 12 has ended for some time.

Okay okay that's it for now! I really wrote a lot this time!! I'll post some more later if I think of anything I want to add to this AU, by the way this AU is my favorite one so far!!

[itsuki-minamy]

WONDERFUL SCHOOL DAYS: MY PRECIOUS RED

CHAPTER 2: SPRING

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: skyflyinginaction

* Gakuen K (List of Chapters) * Projects & Chapters

"Oh! It's over!"

At the same time the bell rang, Yata stood up vigorously.

However, at that moment, the chalk released by Anna-sensei hit Yata's forehead so badly that it was creepy. Yata turned around and was surprised by the gaudy sound.

"Guh! It hurts!"

"Misaki. Class is not over yet."

"Hey... the doorbell rang, isn't it over?"

"Class doesn't end until the teacher says it's over. Have a seat."

"Don't bother. It's over."

She tried to tell him that it wasn't okay. However, on the way, when Anna-sensei caught him, Yata shook his shoulders and mouth.

"Tsk. Sit down quickly."

"What? Monkey!"

"Misaki."

"I understand."

Yata clicked his tongue and sat up savagely.

"Class, so far for today. Don't forget your homework, preparation, and review."

"Wow! This time it's over!"

Yata stood up again and Anna-sensei stopped him again.

Kukuri, who was sitting next to Saya, stood up, touching her arm a bit.

"Come on. The next thing is physical education. First we have to change clothes."

"Oh, it's true."

Oh, so is that why Yata was so tense?

She quickly cleaned her desk and got up with her gym bag.

"Look, Wagahai-chan will go too. Oh, I'll lend you a bag. I'll bring it to you. Saya-chan, your left hand is burned. It hurts, right?"

"It hurts, but it's okay like this."

She shook her head, "Okay then." She replied softly.

"Physical education is often separated by gender, but today it is the same. It is a physical fitness test."

"Oh, is today the fitness test?"

[Physical education for the first and second semesters is decided by a physical fitness test.]

"Yes, it's correct."

"Is Saya-chan good at exercising?"

"Normal. If you say simple tasks like 'run' and 'swim', I'm good at it, but when it gets complicated I tend to think too much and I'm not very good at it. I need a strategy."

"Oh, basketball or volleyball?"

"Yes. I'm not good at team sports. How about you, Kukuri-chan?"

"Me too. I'm neither good nor bad."

"Neko seems to be good at exercising. She moves her limbs well."

Glancing back at Neko as she opened the locker room door, the strange-eyed girl smiled a big smile and shook her head vigorously.

"I like to move my body, but I'm not good with rules!"

It was exciting to her.

"Today we will do a physical fitness test. Everyone, do your best to get a better score than last year!"

Claudia Weismann, a physics teacher with a soft and beautiful beauty, shook the board and screamed.

"You know the first event to measure, right? Each group, after the measurement, go clockwise to the next event. When they have finished the tour, go to the schoolyard!"

"Us first, what was that?"

"Grip strength. No, it's below average, isn't it?"

Kukuri sighed.

Fushimi sighed as well, saying, "That's annoying... Do you want to do things correctly?" She had made a mistake, right? She remembers hearing that the blue club was a super elite group who behaved well.

When she accidentally looks back, he glares at her. "Sorry.". She felt a murderous aura.

"Yes. Next. Yata-kun. Come here."

She suddenly looked back at Claudia's voice.

Yata's face at Claudia's call was surprisingly bright red.

"Kukuri..."

She opened her eyes and rubbed them at the strange answer.

The event was the long seat forward lean. Claudia had just told him to sit in front of the digital measuring instrument... It is true that they will sit close enough to touch, but that's it. That's. However, Yata seemed to be going through a difficult time.

"Yata-kun, even if Claudia-sensei is the other party, he's nervous."

When she coughed, Kukuri turned around and smiled a bitter smile.

"It's like that except for Anna-sensei. He's not good with girls anyway. He hasn't talked much about it either."

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Yes. If you answer 'Oh', do I feel that communication went well today?"

Hey? Was it really like that?

She stared at Yata, who was away from Claudia, because he couldn't concentrate.

It was certainly a digital measuring instrument that a single person can measure. Even if Claudia was out, she could measure it, but she... she already understood. That was Yata, he really was shy.

Little by little, her chest grew warm.

Although he wasn't that good with girls, he looked directly into her eyes and apologized.

And he said that he would "protect" her.

It was Yata who suggested that they take her to the Kusanagi´s bar.

She finally understood how cool he was. That's how it is. All of that was something he had a lot of trouble doing. What should she do? She was happy!

How much of the flame she burns was originally from Yata? What's more, she was a different Strain.

"Hey. It's Saya-chan's turn! What? You're smiling."

"It's nothing. I'm sorry."

She shook her head hastily, pressed her red cheeks together and went to Awashima-sensei.

"Yes. Grip strength meter. Start with the right hand. You should not use the left hand."

Awashima-sensei, a frozen beauty math teacher, presented you with a grip strength meter.

"I think it's okay..."

"But it hurts if you push yourself, right? You can't push yourself too hard. What did the nurse say? Did you go to the hospital?"

"Oh, sure, I was told not to move too much."

"So, let's stop the left hand. We'll only measure the right hand. Now, hold it. Lower your hand parallel to your body. Yes. Hold it as tightly as you can."

As she indicated, she squeezed the grip strength gauge.

At that moment, a destructive sound echoed through the gym.

"Eh?"

"Eeeeeeh?!"

Awashima's eyes widened. She was confused too, and she looked down at her right hand.

The needle jumped, and that was not enough, the grip piece was broken and had come off. Was it the handle part? Subjection? Anyway, the part she grabbed was broken.

Eh? Maybe she over-squeezed the grip strength gauge?!

"I wonder if it is old."

"Sensei. It's painful."

She didn't think it was easy for an aluminum alloy that wasn't rusted to break because it was old.

She understood that she should take care of herself, but she couldn't.

When she shook her head forcefully, Awashima scowled sheepishly, "That's right."

"Is it because of my ability?"

"Yes, maybe. No, maybe it is."

"Konohana-san. You still don't know your abilities, do you? I have received reports about it."

Reports from whom?

She wondered that, but it was definitely true, so she took it firmly.

"Let's try again for now."

"Eh? Is that okay?"

"Things can be firmly measured this time."

"But I could break it again, right?"

She had gambled a bit, but it was true that her abilities were so unstable that it didn't seem like she was going to continue (or rather, she hadn't had that experience yet), so she was quietly receiving a new strength meter from grip.

Suddenly, the whole class was looking at her. Of course, Yata too.

"Wow..."

She couldn't bear the attention and her face turned red.

"That's right. Konohana-san."

"Oh, yeah."

Like before, she lowered her hand vertically, but unlike before, she tried to hold it a little lighter.

However, at that moment, she heard a loud buzzing sound again and closed her eyes tightly.

(Wow, ah! Why is it continuously activated only right now?), she thought.

"Sorry! Sorry!"

Awashima shook her head and asked Kukuri to fetch a new grip strength gauge from the warehouse. Then she turned her eyes back and tilted her head a little.

"The record is over 100 kilos. Is it okay if it can't be measured?"

"I can't measure it, please!"

This was only the result of the skill activation.

Her own grip strength wasn't as good as a gorilla's, it was normal! Because she was normal!

"Hm. It seems the newcomer's skills are excellent. Unlike you."

When she returned the broken grip strength gauge and tilted her head, she heard Fushimi's tongue click from behind.

When she took a breath and turned around, Fushimi had a haunting smile on Yata. Yata also turned his fierce gaze towards Fushimi, saying, "What?"

(Ah, wait!), She thought.

He immediately mistook her for such an atmosphere.

When she looked at Awashima, she said, "Well... oh, you two...", and gave them a lecture.

Then, to stop the fight that was about to start, she started walking towards the two of them, but at that moment, the third "bang" echoed through the gym.

They all looked at her as if that sound was coming from her.

"Kya, kyaa, ah!"

Her wide eyes were stained evenly and astonishingly. With the board broken in half, she quickly bowed her head.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm sick and my hands are getting stronger!"

"It's okay. You two…"

Looking back, Awashima smiled gently and turned her eyes to Fushimi and Yata.

And when she points her thumb at them, she heard a pleasant voice.

"If you don't stop fighting now, you will stay like this too."

"Eh?!"

(I mean... I broke it that way. I mean, I won't do that!), she thought.

She tried to deny it hastily, but when she saw the two of them choke on the words, she thought reflectively.

(Maybe it is better not to solve the misunderstanding to fit in this place?)

However, she would like to deny that "If they're going to fight here, they'll end up like this.".

When she saw them, they clicked their tongues at the same time and turned away from her.

When she looked at Kamamoto as she was about to cry from the pain of being "the last demon chief", Kamamoto also hid his smiling mouth with a deliberate throat clearing and turned away from her.

When she gave a great sigh, before Awashima who returned in front of what was broken in half, she bowed deeply.

++++++++++

Rang the doorbell.

Once she stepped inside, the wooden floor squeaked.

"Welcome. Oh. Yata-chan, you can escort properly."

Kusanagi, who was cleaning the glasses, gave him a mischievous wink when he saw them.

"You took her bag and opened the door... Yeah, great. Did you keep up with the girl?"

Yata blushed a little.

"I can carry my luggage, but..."

"Oh, I am your servant until the burns heal!"

"Why do you say…"

She was embarrassed, she wondered if it was okay, but regret the words.

Saying that while she was thinking about her request, Kusanagi laughed and showed the counter seat.

"Miss, sit down. What do you want to drink? Soda, tea, orange juice..."

"Oh, never mind. I didn't get the price of the parfait yesterday either."

"Okay, don't worry. Part of the cost of the material is deducted exactly from the cost of the apartment. Don't hesitate."

Is that so?

"Well then tea. Um... please use china that can break."

Kusanagi widened his eyes in amazement.

"Break up? Why…?"

"Because she could crush him."

"What?! Crush it?!"

"Yes."

"Konohana-san, it was impossible to measure with a grip force of more than 100 kg."

"Yes?!"

Kamamoto's words surprised everyone, not just Kusanagi.

As she looked around her, she looked at Kusanagi with a glance and breathed softly.

"It seems the ability has been activated... I smashed two grip strength gauges."

Kusanagi lost his complexion, perhaps even imagining a broken grip strength gauge.

"Well, Saya-chan. Is it possible to use a stainless steel cup? The color of the black tea worsens."

"Of course it's okay. Thank you."

"I would like to thank you. But what is your ability, Saya-chan?"

Kusanagi tilted his head as he set the kettle.

"Here we go…"

"Isn't it the power to manipulate the flame? That pillar of fire…"

"If that's the case, she won't run out of oxygen surrounded by flames. She'll burn."

Suoh, who was lying on the couch, denied the words someone said with a yawn.

"And that's Yata's flame."

"So maybe because the quality of the flame was different? It was Homura's flame, so it burned out."

"It's not impossible, but... hmm."

Totsuka, who was playing with the camera at the end of the counter, looked up.

"That's too conspicuous for Yata's flames to escape, isn't it? So I think Konohana-san's abilities are working somehow... but because she acted on the flames, I manipulate the fire. Is it premature say skill?"

So cut off his words, and Totsuka lowered the camera and looked at her.

"Don't you think you could have multiple abilities? You protected yourself from the knife, (maybe) acted on Yata's flames and broke the grip strength meter, all of which are abilities of different quality."

Everyone except Suoh took a breath and stared at each other at the Totsuka words.

Eh?

She wasn't familiar with these abilities in the first place, so she didn't understand why everyone was so shocked, she opened her mouth and looked at Totsuka.

"Ah, is that unusual?"

"Yes. At least I haven't heard of that."

"Truly?"

When she looked around, everyone shook their heads evenly.

"Is that so."

"I don't know. I don't know if you really have multiple abilities, but it certainly looks different in quality."

"If so, right? Konohana-san's specialty as Strain isn't just that she was born off the island."

Coughing, Totsuka wiped the smile from his lips. Then, he made a thoughtful gesture and called her "Konohana-san.".

"Oh, yeah!"

"That's what happened in PE class, right?"

"Yes, that's true. It was in PE class this afternoon."

When she shook her head vertically, Totsuka and Kusanagi looked at each other.

"Not good."

"Eh?"

"That's right... what should I do? I'm sure he noticed it too."

Totsuka covered his mouth with his hand and stared at the amber counter.

That boy? Who was he?

She bow my head, but no one said anything. Did everyone know?

Suddenly, when she saw Yata, he bitterly distorted his face and stared at the bottle on the back of the counter in silence.

The identity of "that boy" was immediately revealed.

To be exact, the next day. When she went to the bathroom alone after lunch.

"Hey."

As she put her handkerchief in her pocket, he approached her as she walked back to the classroom.

She turned around and looked back quickly.

"Ah, Fushimi-kun?"

"Are you really going in there?"

"What?" Before asking, she was surprised to hear him speak to her.

She turned to Fushimi and smiled, "Um...".

"What place is that?"

"The red club. Why are you in such a place?"

"Why..."

"I've never heard of a Strain with multiple abilities."

The words surprised her.

Maybe "this boy" was the one Totsuka was talking about...

"Do you think you can elucidate your abilities and control yourself in such a place? They do not perform any activities. You will just soak in warm water every day."

"Oh, that..."

"Anyway, are you just drinking tea and talking?"

She wondered why? It was as if he knew the red club. That crossed her mind.

By the way, Totsuka had called him "that boy", wasn't it a way of calling a person that you only know his face?

Maybe it was because she didn't answer him that Fushimi clicked his tongue.

She shook her shoulders and lifted her face from him.

"That…"

"Someday someone may be in danger. It's too late. Do you think so too? Your abilities must urgently be clarified and you must learn to control them."

She thought he was correct.

But for some reason, she couldn't obediently control it, and when she rejected it again, Fushimi clicked his tongue again.

"You are a Strain full of irregularities. It's strange. You can't do it alone. You should still be under the supervision of the blue club, for the good of the school and the students."

Under surveillance...

The words bit her lips involuntarily.

There was nothing wrong with what he said. Rather, that was correct. Very correct.

But…

With pursed lips, she touched the bandage on her left hand with her right hand.

But nobody in the red club said that.

"The captain cares. If something happens outside the school, regardless of whether it is inside the school, we may not be able to respond quickly. The meeting place for the red club is outside the school."

Then Fushimi kept talking.

But after all he was correct. It could be wrong. Because she cannot control it, her abilities can be revealed outside of school. At that time, it would be possible that there was no one from the red club nearby. She would have no way to stop the damage.

She couldn't do it alone, she thought. There was no rumbling sound. She certainly hurt people in the past.

Because Fushimi was right, she couldn't argue, she was just scared.

It was at that moment that...

"Stop it!"

A high-pitched scream echoed down the hall. At the same time, intense footsteps were heard.

When she raised her face to turn around, a reddish-brown haired boy jumped in front of them.

At that moment, her heart made a loud noise and she covered her mouth with both hands.

"Don't say what you want!"

Yata yelled as he stepped between her and Fushimi.

"What's wrong? You shouldn't come to school to act like this!"

He said with a high-pitched cry without hesitation.

Her chest warmed with his back wider than she expected, wrapped in a black school uniform.

He was there to protect her.

Fushimi was very right, but he still held him back.

She knew that she shouldn't be happy. There was no reason to rejoice. She was not a good person to protect. If she really thought of everyone, she should abide by Fushimi's words.

However, she was excited, in a selfish way.

"Yata-kun..."

Kamamoto squeezed her shoulders coughing. He gently supported his large, warm hands.

"How dare you intimidate her?! Do you know the word 'rights'?"

Faced with Yata's anger, Fushimi maintained his usual nasty and annoying demeanor. He looked at Yata with a ridiculous laugh on his lips.

"Hmm...! What?"

"Always talking, and what right do you have? Don't say warm things. It's too late after an irreparable disaster. I don't think the red club can handle it."

"Shut up, bastard!"

Yata yelled at Fushimi's words.

"Don't be silly! Idiot! What do you think that girl is?"

"A Strain, so what? This place is full of them."

Obstructing Yata's words, Fushimi took a breath.

Then, with a provocative mausoleum again, he narrowed his eyes and looked at Yata.

"You will end up being killed, Misaki. You seem like an incomparably idiotic person, right?"

"Bastard!"

Yata grabbed onto Fushimi's chest as if he couldn't take it anymore.

At the same time, the battle was dry. The lid of the memory that was desperately stored in the depths opened, making a rattling noise.

What revived in her mind was a noise and a scream. It was a schoolyard where tears flew.

A blue sheet put on the floor. The red lights of the ambulance that came all the time.

And a bloody person lifted off the ground.

The faces of the students on the gurney overlapped with Yata's.

"Ah!"

At that moment, terrible nausea hit her. She held her mouth with both hands and sat there.

"Konohana-san!"

Kamamoto's voice rang out. He quickly knelt beside her and hugged her shoulders like she cared, but she couldn't lift her face. She was trying to hold back the nausea.

Her whole body was trembling terribly.

It was an unmistakable horror.

Yes, it was. Fortunately, there were no deaths at the time, but she was lucky. After all, there were many serious injuries.

(I don't know what it will be like next time! This time I can kill people!), she thought.

Kukuri, Neko, Shiro, her classmates, and the red club members as well. Even Yata!

"Are you okay? Konohana-san!"

"Kamamoto! Get away!"

Dark horror stained her eyes black.

With the sharp shout of Konohana and Yata, Kamamoto's hand detached from her shoulder, and the signal fell far away.

Immediately after, she was strongly drawn and her body floated in the air.

"Ah!"

When she opened her eyes as she held her mouth with both hands, Yata's face was at her side.

She realized that Yata was holding her and her heart ignited.

"Are you ok?!

She was happy.

Oh, but no. She wanted Yata to let her go, she was afraid of hurting him.

"Uya!"

"Don't talk! Now let's go to the infirmary."

The fiery eyes no longer saw Fushimi, they only stared straight ahead.

Her profile was very sad.

At the same time as her heart beat, it became painful.

(No. It's not good, Yata-kun. Let me go.), she thought.

But she didn't get her voice out of it. Her consciousness was swallowed up by the darkness just as she was.

Suddenly, consciousness arose from her.

When she slowly opened her eyes, she could see the cloudy white ceiling.

She couldn't understand the situation for a moment, and looked mysteriously around her, but she could only see the white partition curtain.

Oh, but she notices that the curtain rail was covered with her uniform jacket and this was the bed in the infirmary room.

When she got up, you probably noticed it from the sound of the bed. She opened the dividing curtain and the infirmary teacher looked at her face.

Instead of being kind, the teacher, who felt like a trustworthy mother with deep nostalgia, smiled and took off her lab coat to get closer to her.

Her smile makes her feel relieved for some reason.

"I…"

"Yes. You fell. Don't you remember?"

"Remember…"

Oh, it's true. That had happened.

"Oh, that's good. Afternoon class is over, so go home today."

"Eh?!"

Oh, was it over?

"Did I sleep that long?"

"It's a few hours, even if it's long, right?"

No, but...

"They should pick you up, so go home today. Get some rest."

"What? Pick me up?"

When she tilted her head as she combed her hair with her hand, the door to the infirmary opened instantly as if could hear her, and Kamamoto said, "I'm sorry.".

"Oh, you came."

The infirmary teacher looked at the door and beckoned.

Then, Yata and Kamamoto came out from behind the curtain and looked at her anxiously.

"Are you ok?"

"Aren't you shaking anymore?"

Their voices made her feel very relieved.

"Yes, thank you.", she said smiling. Yata's face turned bright red.

And as he was, he retreated into the shadow of the curtain. "Yes?"

"Oh, Yata-kun?"

"Yata-san didn't mind carrying you, take it easy."

"Shut up!"

Just as she was, she heard the rattling sound of the door. So did he come out?

"Huh? Hm?"

"Oh, don't worry. Maybe she's waiting outside. Konohana-san, can you get up?"

Kamamoto shrugged and put a bag on the bed.

"This is a bag. Rest assured that Yukizome cleaned it up. It should have what you need. If you can get you up, let's go home. I'll send it to the bedroom."

"Oh, thank you. Maybe it's okay."

It was time to get out of bed and get up.

She fixed the wrinkles in her skirt and put her shoes back on. She looked good.

"Especially, it feels awkward, they're not there, are they?"

"Yes. There are none. Take it easy."

"But the expression was dark. Really?"

Eh?

She involuntarily looks at the teacher.

"Is your body really okay?"

"My body is fine..."

Eh?

The teacher shrugged and said, "Then go home."

Kamamoto removed the sack from the curtain rail and handed it to her. She grabbed it and put it on.

"Then, thank you."

Ready to go, she bowed to the nursing teacher.

When she bowed firmly to her voice that told her "Take care." and she came out of the infirmary with Kamamoto, as Kamamoto said, Yata sat in the hallway and waited.

"Yata-san..."

"Oh, give me the bag."

"Eh? I can carry it."

"I'm going to do it."

Yata extended his hand with slightly red cheeks and looking away.

"Then, please."

"Oh. Then take out your PDA."

Eh? PDA?

"PDA? Why?"

"Because it's okay, get it out."

As she tilted her head, he took out his PDA, and Yata pointed his own PDA.

A bang was heard and Yata's contact information was recorded on her PDA.

"This…"

"If something happens, give me a call! Okay? Do it!"

Yata's face turned red as soon as he saw her.

Her cheeks warmed when she noticed him. She was very happy.

Because... huh? Didn't he care at all what Fushimi said?

(I can't control my abilities, right? I might hurt Yata-kun. It's not an impossible story, because I've done it in the past.), she thought.

She try to speak correctly.

But it wasn't just about being there. He will try to protect her, it was also very natural.

Why? Why did he worry so much?

It was like a dream. Was that really the case?

"If I call you, will you come?"

"Oh, that's the natural thing to do!"

He wasn't looking at her as usual, but he didn't hesitate or stagnate at her words.

"No matter what happens, hurry up and do it right away!"

Simple words that can be clearly understood without lying.

She was so happy.

(Oh what's up with this? Why am I such a happy monster?), she thought.

She tried to email "Yata-kun" while she hid her face that had turned bright red with the PDA.

Yata, who was alerted by the ringtone and lowered his eyes to his PDA, turned his eyebrows on her saying "Oh?", and finally looked back at her.

"Yes, call me, but not for something silly!"

"Oh? I'll send you an email, if you don't have anything to do..."

"Ok, that's fine."

Kamamoto turned away from Yata, who averted his eyes from his as he endured laughter.

Yata wandered for a while and then quickly turned his back on her to hide his red face from her.

"Hey, I'm not going to answer you if it's something stupid!"

++++++++++

"Yes? You guys. If you get a red dot in the middle and end of the period, you won't be allowed to enter here for a while."

At Kusanagi's sudden declaration, they all yelled at once: "Huh?!" Oh, everyone except her, Suoh, and Totsuka.

Yata, who was sitting on the sofa with her, raised his hand, also stopped and looked at Kusanagi in a stunned way.

"Eh?! I won't, it's stupid. Nobody says I can get good points. Just tell me to avoid the red dots. It's the lowest line."

"But they are all themes, right?"

"It's still normal. Hey, I'm thankful I didn't say that in the skill test in April. The range is fixed at the middle and end of the period. It shouldn't be difficult."

"He can't help but show that he is our idiot, Kusanagi-san."

"I'm not trying to do that, stupid."

Kusanagi sighed and put the polished glass on the counter.

"By the way, Saya-chan, how did your skill test go?"

"Huh? Oh, the average score was only 80 points. Math was a bit difficult."

The inside of the tent was so cold that everyone looked at her with surprised eyes.

Yata's hand also stopped again.

"What? I haven't taken those numbers."

"Oh, no, at my other school, the transfer exam was really difficult."

Eh? Was that so?

(But I haven't taken the transfer exam, have I? I got a letter of recommendation and I just...), she thought.

Thinking of that, Totsuka suddenly looked at her and looked at her left hand.

"By the way, your burns, don't you have to go to the hospital anymore?"

"Oh, yeah. Thanks. All I have to do is be careful not to leave marks."

Yata applied to her a vitamin C ointment and lotion to the back of her hand and bandaged it.

He put a gauze on and taped it up. He had repeated it many times since April and he was used to it.

Yata who usually had a hard time talking to her, much less touching her, had a calm face when he did that treatment, probably because it was a treatment. He would ask things like "Are you okay?" or "Are you no longer in pain?"

When everyone made fun of him, he turned bright red and got angry, but he didn't stop doing it after all.

"Will the scars disappear?"

"There is no problem with the right knee. It seems that the left hand thing will disappear cleanly if care is not neglected. It will take some time, but it will still be clean in the summer."

"Yeah I'm glad."

Totsuka smiled as if he was relieved.

"Hmm. Left hand, finished. Is the bandage not tight?"

Yata propped up the scissors and looked at her.

She slowly opened and closed her hand, shaking her head.

"It's okay."

"So next is the foot. Put your foot up."

Yata hit the couch, pointing at it.

When she lifted her leg up as he told her to, Yata took off her shoe and put it on her lap. Then he released the bandage on her right knee.

"No matter how many times I watch it, it's erotic, right?"

"Aha. But Yata doesn't see it with evil eyes like you do, Chitose."

"No, Saya-chan doesn't either. She lets a man's hand apply ointment or lotion."

"That's why Konohana-san doesn't have an evil idea like Chitose."

She could hear them.

No, she wasn't embarrassing now, but she was really embarrassing at first.

She had gotten used to it a bit lately, but not that she wasn't embarrassed at all.

But more than that, Yata was desperate... It wasn't Yata's fault, but he was desperate to make it up to her and do what he could.

So she was very happy.

"How about the pain?"

"Most of it is gone, it's just turning red. Maybe I can use a lotion."

"Hmm. But don't overdo it, should I apply a little more salve?"

"Yes."

"Isn't that conversation too erotic to listen to?"

"Shut up, Chitose."

"Saya. I'm off topic. The guy who got a red dot in the middle and end of the period is banned from coming for a while. That's absolutely unreasonable."

Kusanagi stopped the talk by hitting a bread. Yes, that was the story.

Yata's hand stopped again. Maybe for Yata it was quite dangerous?

"If you don't study properly, you won't be a professional."

"You don't want to study because you want to be like Mikoto?"

"No! Go study! Even now!"

Yata sighed as he opened the cap on the lotion.

That was it. It was so dangerous that he sighed.

When she laughed, she softly made a noise to Yata, who was in a gloomy state.

"Let's do our best."

++++++++++

"Are you studying correctly?"

While she was doing her homework in her room, it suddenly occurred to her to email Yata.

She went into the kitchen, boiled water, made instant coffee, and returned to the study table with hot mug in hand, and had already received an answer.

She sat in the chair and enthusiastically opened the message.

"I was in Homura a while ago."

Only those words, but she was very happy. Yata answered the message correctly even though he said that he would not reply nonsense.

It was blunt and a short sentence, but he answered correctly the right way every time.

She was happy to send an email even though she had no problem.

Today was certainly a study session at HOMRA.

Some people were playing games, but Yata was studying hard.

When she casually showed Yata, who scratched his head, he turned red and didn't speak properly, but when the problem was solved, he said quietly, "Thank you.".

When he asked her over and over again, "Tell me...", "Tell me this..." and "Tell me that...", Kusanagi, who was watching them, said, "These idiots. Couldn't they study elsewhere?", but he was happy.

At HOMRA, the red club was very warm.

It was so much fun mingling with everyone and being happy.

"I have to do it in the bedroom. Aim! Avoid the red dots!"

She sent a reply to Yata and wrapped both hands around the mug.

The sweet, warm coffee made her heart feel warm.

She never dreamed that she could spend her days with that feeling even though her abilities had been revealed to everyone. She believed that it was all thanks to Yata and everyone in the red club.

Was she really good? She was having a quiet day like that.

The PDA shook to notify her of an incoming call.

When she opened the email she received, she saw the words "I'm upset."

"Hm, you don't have to be upset, Yata-kun. Maybe you're just blocked, aren't you? Let's do our best together. Ok?"

She texted while she smiled.

He immediately responded with an "Ok."

That made her feel like it was the end of the conversation, so she thought about it for a moment and asked, "Let's study in the library instead of going to HOMRA tomorrow."

She thought that he would probably hate studying in the library, but the answer was, surprisingly, "I can do that.", and she was shocked.

Eh?! Was it okay to go study in the library? Wouldn't he go to HOMRA?!

Oh, she didn't think he would return that answer. Yata really wanted to avoid the red dot.

She was happy in another way and said, "Let's do our best! If you have any questions, ask more and more. If I can understand it, I will show you."

Yata's response was: "I don't know, there are a lot of things I don't understand."

Yata's worried face seemed to appear before her eyes, and it erupted irresistibly.

"Hahaha. Yes. Yes... I see... Hehehe."

She laughed and wrapped both hands around the PDA.

But still, she told him to study together in the library without giving up.

"Well. If that happens, I'll ask you to avoid the red dot. Homura without Yata-kun is alone."

She put down the PDA and picked up the mechanical pencil again in a new mood.

++++++++++

"If that is."

Awashima-sensei announced with the ringing of the doorbell.

They all responded at once. A great chorus of "Yes!" echoed through the classroom.

"Turn over the answer sheet."

She placed her answer sheet on the stack of paper that came from behind and turned it forward.

Awashima received it, counted the number, and confirmed it. And when she finished, she looked around and smiled.

"Yes. Good work."

"Good luck! The test is over!"

The screams increased. She too took a breath and sank down on the desk.

After all, the math was difficult. She was not good at it. The last problem, she could not write it, although the final score would be high.

When she was narrowing her eyes, Kamamoto's voice, "How did it go, Yata-san?", jumped into her ears.

(Oh yeah! Yata-kun!), she thought.

She snapped her eyes open and woke up.

And when she got up on the same impulse, she went with Yata and the others.

"How was it? Do you think you can pass?"

"Oh, maybe it's okay."

Kamamoto smiled. Looking at Yata, he was a bit confident.

"What about, Yata-kun?"

"No! No, that..."

When she looked into Yata's eyes, he blushed a little and walked away.

But soon, he coughed, "Well, I was able to write more than usual... I have hope."

"Really?! So..."

"Well, I hope it goes well. But, I think it can be avoided."

"Hooray! That's good! You did the best you could!"

They didn't have the result yet, but she was relieved. She didn't want Yata to be banned from the bar.

When she clapped her hands, Yata flashed a goofy smile, "Oh!"

That was irresistible and she warmed her chest.

"Oh that's right. Hey, Yata-kun. This morning's email…"

"......!"

She was worried about it since morning, but she finally asked a question that she couldn't ask because she thought it shouldn't disturb his concentration on the exam.

At that moment, Yata patted her on the back and his overreaction made her narrow her eyes. That? That reaction.

In fact, when she woke up this morning, she was surprised to receive an email from Yata.

Because he, until today, he almost always responded to her emails, but Yata never spoke first. That day for the first time, Yata sent her an email. She had been impressed since the morning.

But that was a slightly confusing email.

There was no topic or text. It was just an email with a photo of the crepe shop attached. She at first she thought it was a wrong email.

Because she knew him well, Yata wasn't very good at sweets.

It was strange to think of Yata sending her a photo of a crepe shop. She felt something was wrong.

So, she thought about asking what happened after the test was completed, so she put it on hold... Hmm? Wasn't that a mistake?

"Email?"

Kamamoto tilted his head and looked at her.

When he spoke to him because he didn't want to say something, Kamamoto turned his gaze to Yata, "Did you send it?"

"Well, well!"

Yata stepped out of Kamamoto's line of sight and said that.

(Oh, after all, he sent it to me. Not a mistake.), she thought.

What did that mean?

Suddenly, she put her finger on her lips and thought.

(That email. What if he couldn't write the topic or the text?)

What if attaching a photo was the best thing the shy Yata could do in front of a girl?

Oh, maybe that was it?

"……!"

Her heart made a loud noise.

Ah, she wished it were so.

But what if it was different? If it was a coincidence? She was thinking too much.

(But what if…? In this case…), she thought, and her face turned red.

Was it okay to say that? If it was different, it would be a shame, but... but!

She clenched her hands tightly and looked at Yata.

"Oh, that... if you want, can you take me? No, I want to go!"

"……!"

Yata turned his back on her at her words and looked away.

When she laughed again, his cheeks turned bright red as she looked at him. She then she thought that she was not wrong, (Ah! It can't be! Yes, that was it!).

She ducked involuntarily, hugging her knees.

"What?! Konohana-san?"

She couldn't raise her face at Kamamoto's voice of surprise. Because her ears were bright red and she could understand him.

(Oh, I get it! Yata-kun is great and I like him!), she thought.

Even though he wasn't good at talking to girls, he emailed her and everything.

Of course, inviting a girl must have been a huge hurdle for Yata.

Yata, who wasn't good at sweets, went to the trouble of looking it up and bravely emailed her, right? She always wanted to see it, and she could have Kamamoto translate it!

"Eh? What's wrong? Yata-san. What happened to Konohana-san?"

"I don't know. I don't know anything."

"Huh? What's wrong? Am I the only one in the group?"

"Shut up. You have to keep up with yourself."

Eh? There, Kamamoto always goes where Yata went, but...

"But no. If so, okay?"

"Huh? Hey, Konohana-san."

Face down, she shook her head and refused to explain.

"Yes?"

It wasn't that hard to tell, was it? "I invited you to a crepe shop.", "I invite you.", is a story that can be done, right? Also, if she went to the crepe shop later, she could make a rough guess, right? Still, she didn't want to say why.

Yata invited her, she wanted to keep that impression.

It could be for a short time, but she wanted to keep it.

She knew Yata was embarrassed, but when she saw him refuse to talk to Kamamoto in the same way, she even felt the same way. She also tickled her and she was happy.

That "happy" accumulated and he made her happier. Yata was amazing. She felt sorry for Kamamoto, who kept it a secret.

Oh, but after all, she wanted Yata, who had the courage to send that photo, to be with her.

++++++++++

"Hey, how about the crepe shop?"

"It was delicious!"

With a big smile on his forehead, Kusanagi said, "I'm glad."

"That's why the three of us are late. I see, it's too early to be relieved."

"Of course. You know that, right?"

"I don't know. I don't think so when I see him frolicking behind me."

Yata, Kamamoto and everyone else were talking about the athletic festival around the couch where Suoh was sleeping.

It's basically a class competition, but after all, there seems to be a competition that uses skills to compete between special clubs, and they were all on fire.

Above all, the extreme tag game that takes place at the end of all competitions, it is a competition that can be said to be the flower form of the school athletic festival, and it seems to be very exciting.

Everyone was motivated to beat the blue club this year.

"Saya-chan, will you participate?"

"Eh?"

Suddenly, Kusanagi said that to her and looked back.

"……?"

"Sports day. If you go to the competition as a member of the red club, yes."

At Kusanagi's words, everyone stopped talking and looked at her.

"Eh, what?"

She notices that everyone's eyes were shining as if they were saying, "Let's do it!", and she shook her head hastily, also with both hands.

"Yes, yes, refrain!"

"Eh? Why? Do it!"

"Chitose-san. No, I refrain from doing it! I'm afraid of competitions that use my abilities. I can't control them."

In the first place, she had never tried to develop her abilities on her own. She didn't want to use them at all, but just hung out.

Did they want her to use her abilities voluntarily when she didn't even know what her abilities are? What a terrifying thing. Just thinking about it made her shiver.

"I don't know what will come out in the first place, so there's a good chance it won't work."

"Oh, never mind. I'll keep helping you..."

Yata's little cough made her eyes widen.

"It did not matter?"

Even having seen that pillar of fire, the stone pavement that was sandwiched between them, the broken grip strength meter, and the broken recording board, she was surprised that Yata could say that normally.

She really couldn't tell him anything.

Wasn't Yata afraid of him? Doesn't he think she will ever hurt him?

She didn't want him to be afraid of her. Of course, she didn't want him to avoid her.

She was very happy that he treated her like a "normal girl".

She was so happy that she trembled, but still she responded.

"But I don't know what will happen..."

Still, she was afraid to "use" her abilities voluntarily. It could affect the competition and the athletic festival itself. Especially if she hurt someone.

When she shook her head and looked at Yata, Yata coughed, "Oh, I get it.", and turned his back on her.

"No, if you don't like it, no. I'm not trying to force you. But if you're enjoying school life, join us."

"Join..."

"Oh, I'll help you. I'll follow you as much as I can."

"Ah..."

A word spoken without hesitation.

Maybe he wasn't very smart, but he was warm and kind and cool.

Although he looked closely at what she had done, he was able to say it without a small bet.

The masculine side of him was great.

(Oh, I see. I'm so happy!), she thought.

"Yes, thank you. Ordinary competitions are aggressive. Oh, that's right. Let's take first place in class grades, Yata-kun. I'll do my best too. I'll enjoy it!"

Rubbing away the burning dependency, she regained her composure and clenched her fist.

"Let's get the trophy! Yata-kun, you can win right?"

With expectations, she looks directly at him.

Looking back over his shoulder, Yata shook his head with his usual awkward smile.

"Leave it to me."

++++++++++

Sports festival. Joyful cheers filled the playground.

It was an ideal sunny day for a sports festival. The blue sky was tinged with cloudless blue. She was cheerful enough to sweat even if she didn't move.

Without disappointing the expectations of the class, Yata participated in quite a few competitions and was producing good results.

She never tired of looking at Yata, who was running like the wind.

Speaking of not getting tired of looking, Suoh was also looking. He had a completely different attitude than Yata.

What's the point of walking calmly, he wasn't even running? Burning obstacles in an obstacle course? Very surreal.

Kusanagi took a break from the store and came with a large package. She was surprised not to know that. Oh, but the rice balls and omelette were delicious! Why was everyone's lunch box so delicious?

The appearance of installing a video camera on a tripod was like someone's parents, and she laughed with Totsuka.

But it seems like he was filming with a lot of energy, and he really wanted to see it with everyone at HOMRA.

"Next is the final competition. It is an extreme tag team game against special club activities."

That was the announcement that echoed down the hall. She closed the cap on the mineral water she was drinking and hurried back to the cheering seat for the special club activities.

"Oh, come here, Konohana-san."

Totsuka, who noticed her, motioned for her to come with him.

She sat next to him and looked at the executive committee that was cleaning up.

"Speaking of which, I was wondering, but what is extreme etiquette?"

"Hmm? Oh, the one in last place wins the competition."

Eh? What was that? Kill each other or something?

In response to the answer that was diagonally above her expectations, she instinctively looked at Totsuka in confusion.

"Eh?"

What did that mean?

"Specifically, it's a competition where five players from the special club are sent to compete. One of the five is wearing a special club color ribbon. If it is stolen, or if it is undone, if it is burned, if it is cut... Anyway, if they take it out of your head, you will lose."

"Hey..."

"The remaining four people protect the people who are hovering anyway. So, surprisingly, it's a competition where strategy is more important than skill."

"I see. Well, maybe."

"That's right. I'm a bit weak at that. It seems that the blue club has won many championships even in the past. That's because it is controlled like an army."

Sensing what she meant, Totsuka smiled.

That's right, uh...?

"Oh, that? I think the silver club had three members in the first place. But is it a competition where five representatives are selected?"

"Oh, the silver club will not participate. Last year there were fewer people. The silver club just marks the beginning of each year."

Eh? Was that so?

"Oh, hey, does it start?"

Shiro came out with a smile and turned the starter pistol towards the sky.

After a moment, he rang out a loud electronic sound signaling the start of the competition.

The players all began to move at the same time. A great ovation enveloped them.

"No matter how many times I see it, that rabbit is surreal."

"That's right. But Yata will go."

Yata, the commander of the red club unit, rushed straight into the enemy camp.

There was no strategy. Really, it was attacking directly from the front.

Kamamoto and Chitose followed.

Suoh didn't move.

He stood silently and stared at Munakata, the leader of the blue club.

"Ah. okay!"

Everyone around him raised their fists and shouted loudly.

When she turned his gaze towards Yata, Yata also struck a gutsy pose with the best smile. Apparently, he managed to burn the rabbit-faced headband.

He had a cheerful expression. Immediately, he brought his lips together, harbored a fierce flame in his eyes, and plunged into a new enemy.

"......"

She was fascinated with him.

He do not doubt it and challenge from the front, facing the enemy directly.

There was no alteration of the plan, nor any calculation. He didn't even think about winning.

He just believed in himself and his friends, and ran.

His appearance was very stringy.

To her, who had run away from various things, he looked very bright.

She intensely yearned for him.

(Oh, he's amazing. Amazing! Yata-kun is amazing!), she thought.

"The green club, left! The rest are from the red and blue club! This year was also a unique match!"

The announcement heated the place even more.

Then, turning his back on the comment, Yata started running towards the blue club, who was solidifying his defense.

The opponent was the blue club, which is good at tactics and strategy. Involuntarily she breathes, then clasp her hands and pray that Yata won't get hurt and will win.

Yata's hand was engulfed in flames and the members of the blue club held his swords.

Five beautiful leaves that roared in the sunlight.

She was surprised at how sharp they were, she got up and yelled.

"Yata-kun!"

At that moment, Yata's flame swelled tens and hundreds of times. It grew big enough to burn the skies, swelled up like a living being, and attacked the blue club.

"……!"

The blue club took a breath and faced a sudden attack that was completely different from what they expected.

That momentary delay was fatal. The flame burned the headband.

"Ah! Wah?!"

The scorch broke and fell to the ground without a sound.

"The winner is the red club."

Big applause in the hall at the exciting announcement.

Everyone in the red club stood up and raised a voice of joy.

"I did it! Saya-chan! I did it!"

"Yes! You won!"

Everyone clapped and rejoiced.

"Yata-kun! Great!"

"You did it! Yata!"

Kamamoto and Chitose ran towards Yata, who was somewhat confused.

Yata, who was hugged, looked at Suoh for some reason.

For some reason, Suoh and Fushimi were looking at her.

Beside her, who noticed the line of sight and tilted his head, Totsuka put his finger on his chin and narrowed his eyes.

"I see."

[imagineabrighterworld]

Sunshine in the Night pt.4

  It was futile to push through the crowds of students, but you still tried to weasel your way into the heart. There were reporters and students all swarming the front gate, all trying to get into the school for some reason or another.

You just wanted to get through and find your friend.

Somehow you managed to slip between the heated bodies and ran past your fellow students, ignoring their confused faces as you raced up the stairs to the 1-A classroom. You are out of breath, heart thudding against your ribs as you see the students mingling outside the doors. Some were already inside while others lingered outside, talking amongst themselves. Few had signs of injuries, most looked completely fine. The only sign of something having gone on is the vaguely haunted look in the students eyes, the way their eyes shifted about.

You hold a hand to your chest, panting and gulping in breaths. “Toko- Tokoyami!”

A student looks your way, her golden eyes bright compared to her black sclera. “Tokoyami?”

You try again, tears in your eyes, the panic rushing up your throat and curling around your vocal cords like a fist. “Tokoyami! Is he okay?”

The pink skinned girl jogs to you, placing a comforting hand on your back. “Woah there! It's okay. He’s not here yet but he's okay.” She frowns, “This is about the attack two days ago right?” They had closed the school the other day, wanting to go over security protocol before letting the students back on campus.

You nod. Any embarrassment you might have felt about acting so strongly- or strangely to some- was overrun by your worry for your friend. You had been hanging out with him more often, his presence always soothing. He acted dark and mysterious, but he was sweet and courteous. He never judged you when you spoke passionately about your interests, or had too many questions, or even the rare times you had nothing to say at all. He was a good friend.

Hearing about the attack on the U.S.J. with the students of 1-A being at the center of it all shook you to your core. You hadn't thought to exchange numbers with your friend so you had no way of knowing if he made it out safely.

"Look- my name is Mina Ashido by the way- you can stay here with me until he gets here okay?" She strokes your back soothingly, something you greatly appreciated. You were a stranger to her yet she treated you so kindly. Later on you would be thankful Tokoyami had such a nice girl in his class.

"Thank you." You tell her your name, your breath now evening out as you wait for the familiar face of your friend.

Mina moves the two of you closer to the wall to keep from blocking the door for the other students. She twiddles her thumbs before speaking up. "So, are you and Tokoyami a thing?" She questions in a playful tone.

"Us?" Your mind blurs. "No- we- we're friends. We only met this semester. I hope we're close but I don't think we know each other well enough for that." You didn't mind her question. In elementary when you were but a shy wallflower, it would have sent you into a blushing fit. But you've grown from that! Still, you felt your heart race just a bit at the thought of your chivalrous friend having some affection towards you.

“Do you want to know him more? So you can be like that?” She hints with a small smile. It was a small nudge. A sly suggestion.

Did you? Well, you could imagine it. He was a good person, a very good person if what you had learned so far had anything to say.

But there was something that held you back from exploring the idea any further.

“Maybe.” You respond quietly, eyes on the floor, hands now gripping the strap of your satchel. “I- I'm just afraid I'm not enough.”

“What do you mean by that?” She asks. But before you can answer her, she nudges you gently on the ribs, pointing to the end of the hall. “There he is!” She cups her hands over her mouth. “Tokoyami!”

The boy startles, his gaze first going  to Mina before snapping to you. His sharp eyes immediately soften. He quickened his pace, reaching you in a matter of minutes.

“Is there something wrong?” 

Rather than answer him you take hold of his hand and twirl around him, lifting each of his arms, searching for injuries. There was nothing, luckily, as you heard a few students had been in the heart of the battle as well as the homeroom teacher being badly injured. 

You exhale a sigh of relief and lower his arm. “You're alright.”

“You were concerned over my safety?” He inquires. “I was away from the heat of the battle, safe for the majority of the fight.” 

Calm washes over you, your shoulders losing their tension. “Thats good..” 

The bell rings, signaling class was to begin soon. You look to the stairs behind you, knowing your class was rather far from his. “I have to go, but I’m glad you were- are safe.” Remembering the pink skinned girl next to you, you quickly add, “And you too Mina.” 

The girl laughs, knowing you had forgotten she was there, but she wasn't offended. Watching your interaction with the boy in front of you both was amusing for her. He acted so aloof in class, it was sweet seeing him invested in another person. 

Tokoyami reaches out to you, his hand lowering from reaching for your shoulder, to your hand, then to his side. He clenches it into a fist. “I will see you at lunch, yes?”

You nod, “Yeah.”

“Until then.”

You nod to then both before turning and heading to class. 

- - - 

At lunch, you wait for Tokoyami underneath a tree in the grassy area behind the main school building. You hadn't touched your food, even your favorite meal wasn't enticing enough to urge you to eat. 

You thought of what Mina had asked you earlier. 

What was stopping you from wanting Tokoyami’s affection? You knew the answer. It wasn't him. In fact, you felt warm when he was around. You felt every metaphor for love you've ever read. Every single one.

But your indecisiveness was what stopped you.

He had a goal on what he wanted to be. You didn't. 

You were afraid you would drag him down, be a weight instead of someone who could grow with him. 

“There is something bothering you.” Tokoyami starts off as soon as he sits down next to you, setting his tray aside. “Tell me.”

“I’m starting to become a poet.” You lay back on the soft grass, tilting your head to look at him. “You've rubbed off on me and now I can’t stop thinking.”

“That’s good.”

“Not really. It’s like I have to run a marathon to grab a cup that's right next to me.” You poke his arm. “And you're the cup.”

Tokoyami lays down next to you, Dark Shadow pooling next to him, lazily dozing in the shade. “Tell me.” He repeats in earnest. 

“I think I like you.”

From beside you, you could feel him tense up. Out of awkwardness or shyness you can't tell. But it was out in the open now. You couldn't swallow your words back up. 

“It would be really easy to love you.” You look up at the branches of the tree above you, arms forlding over your chest like a mummy. “You're the kind of boy I read about in novels. Sweet and mysterious. Like dark chocolate with a creamy milk chocolate center. But I’m just a bitter truffle. I’m not at the point where I can be in the same box as you.” You look back at him. “Does that make sense?”

“It does.” He says in an odd tone, as if he was surprised that it did in fact make sense. 

You trudge onward. “I don't want my bitter to unbalance you. If I were to be something to you- or to anyone, I would want to be an anchor. A helper, not a weed that stunts their growth.” Your eyes flicker away from his. “You're my friend. I like it this way. If I can’t like you that way, I’d be satisfied with this.”

Now it was up to him. You felt you said your piece, the thoughts that had been swimming in your mind since you first heard his laugh. It was a small infatuation, but you weren't lying when you said it would be easy to love him. 

You could imagine days of sunshine and rain, and they would all be full of life with him by your side. It wasn't obsession. It was comfort and sweetness. It was calm in the eye of an unknown storm.

You hear the sound of ruffling as he moves onto his side, laying on his side to look at you properly.

“You are bittersweet. You are incomplete. But we can balance each other, piece by piece.” He offers to you, his words a soothing balm to the aching in your chest at the thought of him potentially pushing you away.

“I’m not too much for you?” You whisper. “I know I can be nosy and straight forward. It doesn't bother you?”

He chuckles. “No. I think you're just what I need.”

- - -

Extra:

“So, does this mean I can technically call you my boyfriend?”

“Whatever you are comfortable with.”

You give it some thought, turning over phrases of affection in your mind. What fit him? Boyfriend felt odd. You liked it but it didn't feel like the right word..

“My better half?”

He chokes on his apple, covering his beak with his elbow.

“Are you acting shy now?” You giggle, feeling lighter now that your feelings were out in the open.

“I- I am not against it in private.”

“Okay.. how about.. Romeo.” You shoot him a wink.

A smile tugs at his mouth. He nods in acceptance. “I will take it.”

You pick up your bottle of water, pausing to add a small note before taking a gulp. “As long as we don't go through with the whole poisoning bit.”

“I wouldn't dream of it my dear.”

- - -

Tag List: @evierena , @aradias-crypt 

[aricazorel]

"How ticklish are you?" suggested by @ljandersen

pairing: Kaidan Alenko x Kori Reese (my OC); set during ME1; 2115 words

The Normandy was once again docked at a port for resupply. Only this time it wasn't some backwater planet. This time it was a popular tourist spot established by human private investors. With a limited Alliance presence, Avalon was the perfect haven for some less than reputable people. But at the moment it was a location for the SR1 crew’s shore leave.

Shore leave that Doctor Chakwas insisted the crew needed to take. A 24 hour layover at Avalon fit the bill with little to no argument from Shepard much to Kaidan’s surprise. Of course that left 24 hours of free time for the crew to get into mischief. He had a feeling Kori might be one of those who ended up on report if she wasn't properly entertained. But she wouldn't appreciate a keeper. Maybe she'd be okay with someone who was more than friends.

There wasn't exactly a label for what they were. Their relationship wasn't something they wanted to advertise. It wasn't even something that should have occurred. Fraternization regs. His own personal rules. Reese’s tendencies to be exceedingly private because of her past. All of that was supposed to work against them. Somehow it hadn't.

After something finagling the two lieutenants had managed to sneak off to enjoy a day of shore leave without any other crew members present. Applying his habit of being thorough in his duties to researching the Avalon colony, Kaidan had discovered a little used beach some ways from the spaceport. Convincing Reece to trust him, they rented a skycar and headed to the beach. Slightly cooler temperature wise than the more popular beaches near the spaceport, it reminded him of the ones he visited near Vancouver on Earth in his youth.

Of course the first thing Reese had commented on was the temperature. How much cooler it was then at the spaceport, and he knew she hated being cold. He grinned at her as he casually took off his blue Alliance hoodie.

“Want to borrow this?” He offered nonchalantly. He'd worn it over his T-shirt having been prepared for the temperature. He suggested she take one as well, but Reese did as she wanted.

The younger Lieutenant glared at him as she snatched the hoodie from his hand and put it on. “You did this on purpose.”

“Me?” He said innocently, pointing at himself. “I suggested that you should bring one.”

“You didn't tell me why,” she accused as she pulled the too-long sleeves of the borrowed hoodie up to her elbows.

“You're a smart person. I thought you could figure it out,” Kaidan replied with a smirk as he began walking down the beach away from the skycar.

“Ass,” Reese grumbled as he stopped to glance back at her

Extending a hand behind him he said, “Don't be that way, Kori. I thought this could be …something just for us.”

“Just for us?” She echoed as she walked up to him, staring at his offered hand.

“Well yeah,” Alenko replied shyly. “I mean with everything else we've …done, I thought some time together off the ship would be nice …kind of like a date.”

“A date?” She repeated uncertainly.

Kaden nodded. “Maybe we aren't there yet but –“

“We shagged like rabbits in the back of the Mako, Kaidan,” Reese pointed out smugly.

Alenko arched an eyebrow as a satisfied grin spread across his face. “We did, didn't we?”

“Really? You are going to be smug –“

She was cut off when he took her hand and pulled her to his side. “Can we please just take a walk along this beach which reminds me at home and pretend we …could be a normal couple?”

His whiskey-colored eyes pleaded with her to indulge him this one time. He was well aware Reese thought he was a romantic at heart, a sentiment shared by Ashley. He had already gone way over the line concerning keeping things strictly professional with Reese anyhow. Walking down a remote beach acting as if they weren't on a life-or-death mission for a few hours wouldn’t do much more damage if anyone found out. At least it was more explainable than the Mako.

“I --we can do that,” Reese agreed as she slowly slid an arm around his waist.

Kaidan grinned as he mimicked her action with his arm around her shoulders. They walked in silence for a few minutes, listening to the waves gently crash against the shore. The sun shone brightly overhead as a cloud or two moved in front of it occasionally. It was comforting to just spend time with someone he cared about without any expectations. It was nice to be somewhere that reminded him of home. It was just nice to be with Reese.

“This beach reminds you of home?” The younger tech’s voice called up to him. Alenko glanced down to see grey eyes looking back at him with a curious expression.

“Well yeah. Even the temperature. Vancouver is along the coast, remember? My parents have some land in the countryside,” he explained. “We used to go whenever we could, not just in the to swim. Sometimes just to take a walk.”

“A beach is supposed to be warm,” Reese insisted.

“And how would you know?”

“Just 'cause I was a colony kid doesn't mean I've never been to a beach,” she answered indignantly. “Moirae was like Georgia. One of the reasons my parents chose it for colonization and terraforming …Georgia has beaches too.”

“That doesn't mean you've been to a beach. That's just show that you know what one is,” Kaidan observed with a teasing grin.

“Alenko –“

He kissed her quickly. “I'm teasing, Kori.”

She huffed as she said, “My grandma used to talk take us swimming during the summer. Trying to help me feel normal while learning how to cope with my biotics.”

“That's cool,” Alenko commented, using 20th century slang that both annoyed and endeared him to her more.

“Actually it was hot,” Reese said with a wink.

Kaidan chuckled as he hugged her to his side. “And that is why you hate being cold and why you have a stash of blankets in your bunk I suppose.”

“Do not mock the stash of blankets,” Reese said seriously. “They have kept me from climbing into your bunk. You're warm.”

Alenko shook his head. “I should thank the blanket stash for keeping us out of trouble then. As nice as it might be to go to sleep with you in my arms. “

“Are you getting all mushy on me, Alenko?”

“Maybe just a little. No one else is around so …”

Reese shook her head as they continued to walk down the deserted beach. “I haven't walked a beach in quite a while.”

Kaidan grinned, glad that his idea had been a good one. “Did you ever just take walks along the beach on Moirae?”

The Lieutenant regretted the question as soon as the words left his mouth. He stopped in his tracks and looked at her. “Kori, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to –“

“You probably don't know but colony kids have dances in high school. Just like you Earthborn kids do,” Reese interjected, ignoring his attempt to apologize. She went on as she gazed out at the ocean. “Granted my high school wasn't that big but we managed to still have dances. Our junior prom was supposed to be on the beach. Everyone was excited. It was going to be my first formal. I even had a dress picked out. No date of course but a few of us girls were just gonna go together in a group.

Kaidan watched as she paused, a wistful look on her face. She rarely talked about Moirae. She was more apt to talk about her time in Georgia but to be truthful she didn't often talk about her past at all. He probably knew more than anyone else on the SR-1 but even that was a smattering of whatever she let slip when her guard was down.

“The short version is that it didn't happen, and I never got to attend a formal dance,” the tech concluded with a shrug of the shoulders.

She began to walk again but was stopped by Kaidan’s hand on her arm. “You don't have to act like it isn't a big deal.”

“But that's just it. Missing a prom isn't a big deal. It was just a stupid dance.”

“Maybe but it was more to you. It was something you were looking forward to, something I think you were actually excited about,” Kaidan said as he brought her back to him. “I know the destruction of your colony took away your family and your home, but it also took away experiences that you could have had. Things you should have had. You can't get the exact experience back but maybe when this mission is over we can try to make up for that in some small way.”

“You mean arrange for me to go to prom?”

“Well no, not exactly, but definitely something requiring formal attire. A dress.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Now you just want to see me in a dress.”

“I’ve seen you in less,” he pointed out as he placed his hands on her hips.

As he absentmindedly made lazy circles with his thumbs, she huffed. “So that is where your mind is, techboy.”

“I think I’m allowed,” he replied as he noticed her beginning to fidget. Frowning he asked, “Something wrong?”

She shook her head. “Nope.”

Not convinced he stopped his ministrations and watched her fidgeting cease. An idea began to form as a wicked grin spread across his face. He lightly caressed her hips again but this time working his way up the side of her ribcage. She wiggled and began giggling.

“Alenko! Stop!”

As she backed away, he stared at hie wide eyed. “Kori, how ticklish are you?”

“That is need to know information and you, Lt. Alenko, don’t need to know,” she replied holding her hands up in front of her as a makeshift barrier.

“Oh, but I think I do need to know, Lt. Reese,” he countered as he began walking towards her with purpose.

“Aw, hell no!” she yelled as she began running from him.

He laughed as the tech began sprinting back towards the skycar. He gave pursuit, sorely tempted to use his biotics to halt her retreat. But that would be cheating, and Reese would definitely not like that. In the end he settled for catching up with her and tackling her.

She let out a shriek as they fell unceremoniously to the sandy ground. Kaidan gave a roar of laughter as he declared, “Got ‘cha!”

With Reese already struggling to escape, he immediately began to tickle her again, determined to discover just how ticklish she was. Her laughter was music to his ears as they rolled along the beach. He’d only rarely heard her giggle let alone laugh as if nothing could stop her. As she twisted and turned underneath him, he discovered to his delight she was very ticklish nearly everywhere.

The wheels in Alenko’s head began turning as he stopped tickling her. That weakness was definitely something he could exploit later. Grey eyes looked at him as tears of laughter slide down her cheeks. He leaned down and kissed her sweetly.

As she hummed her contentment Kaidan murmured against her lips. “Take shore leave with me after this mission.”

Reese pulled back just a bit as she said, “You’re serious?”

Kaidan nodded even though he was surprised as she was that he had uttered the words to begin with. She blinked and cupped his cheek. “You’re serious enough about us you’d want to see more of me after this mission…oryou just want to tickle me some more?”

Alenko grinned. “Maybe it’s both. And maybe I can find more places where you are ticklish…Ones I need to remove certain articles of clothing to discover…”

“Are you coming onto me, Alenko?”

Kaidan smirked. “I thought I was already on you, Reese.”

The tech rolled her eyes as he leaned down and kissed her again. “Will you?”

Reese made an amused sound before asking, “If I say yes, are you going to stop kissing me?”

“No.”

“Then yes.”

Kaidan grinned as he kept his word and continued kissing the Lt. Happy to have something to look forward to and happy that thing involved Reese. Happy to know she looked forward to it as well. As the waves crashed around them, he was once again reminded of home and how Kori now felt like that to him. And that he would never regret it. Ever.

[spencers-dria]

Entranced by Her Touch

Someone To Stay Ch. 16

Spencer x fem reader

Spencer POV:

"What is all this?" She turns to me, a twinkle of excitement in her eyes.

"Well I know how much music means to you, and I've never had the pleasure of hearing you play."

I see the color drain quickly from her face. "Spencer I...I can't! It's been years! It wound sound..."

"Beautiful. I know anything you play would be beautiful. You'd be surprised how long muscle memory sticks around. You know, muscle memory allows us to do things like swimming or riding a bike without stopping to think or analyze each movement. The longer you played the more likely it will have stuck with you."

"Eight years" she whispers, running her fingers across the top of the keys, lightly enough to not make a sound.

"Eight years that's...wow umm...yeah I think it would be a fair assumption that you probably remember more than you realize, especially pieces you played the most, or that meant the most to you."

I realize the position I have put her in. I don't know why I didn't consider the possibility that she may be too shy to play in front of me. I guess I was just so used to seeing her be completely herself around me.

"Y-you know you r-really don't have to. I'm sorry if I made you feel pressured. If you want we can just..." I feel my confidence fade as I pull at my fingers. I keep my eyes glued to the floor, afraid to face the reality of rejection if I dare to look up. That's before I feel a soft touch on my arm. I look up to see her soft smile and the twinkle that has returned to her eyes. That's all it takes to break down any insecurities building up like walls within me.

"Spencer, I would love to." She gives my arm a reassuring squeeze. "Just give me a minute to do some boring. cheesy scales and stuff. It's been so long. I don't think I can jump in without some kind of warm up."

I turn on my heels and begin to walk off the stage, headed to my seat. I glance over my shoulder to see her propping up the lid and sitting to adjust her dress on the bench. She makes sure to get acquainted with the pedals in her heels. I smile at how happy she looks, how comfortable to be at a piano once again. It doesn't take a profiler to see how much it meant to her. I know I've made the right choice for tonight.

I settle in a seat as she finishes warming up. I can tell she's nervous as she lets out a few deep breaths, vigorously shaking her hands to try to rid them of any tremors that threaten to intrude on her performance. She takes in one last deep breath as she glances over towards me. I give her a smile and thumbs up. She laughs in response, seemingly less nervous. I'm glad I could help her in some capacity, if even for a moment.

https://youtu.be/x5ibvz38jOs

As she places her hands down, she begins to play a soft, lullaby like melody. I see the tension begin to fade away as the song picks up and she gains more confidence. It took me a moment to recognize the song, only because I had been so focused on her. It's a beautiful theme from the Deathly Hallows. How perfectly fitting, seeing as our movie nights brought us so close together.

After a minute or so, her demeanor changes along with the music. It's deeper, darker. Her face becomes more serious as I watch her pour all of herself into the music. I start to feel something, assuming it comes from the bass-like boom of the grand piano as it stretches to fill every crevice of the elaborate theater. My breath hitches in my throat and my eyes start to water. I rub at them, confused by my reaction. I'm sure there's all kinds of dust that's been stirred up.

I continue to watch her, completely mesmerized the way such dainty hands can play with such strength, such emotion. A memory quickly flashes through my mind.

"Music is so much more than just notes, Spencer. It can make you feels things you've never felt, understand your own emotions, or express them."

I had simply taken the comment as something that described her, and how she felt. For the first time I really feel the music resonate with me on an emotional level. I feel wonder and sorrow and enchantment all at once. Is this what she experiences on a regular basis? Is this why she's always listening to music, or talking about it? It's incredible to see the passion she has overflowing so effortlessly into the music.

I had planned this part of the date in an attempt to see her happy, but also to try to understand her in a new way. I never expected to learn or feel this much. She's so much more complex than I could ever fully understand, but I want to try to learn as much about her as I can.

The song quickly changes to another melody I recognize from the movies. I can practically hear the emotion in ever chord. How does she do that?

Before I know it, I'm standing on the stage behind her, unsure of how I got there. She doesn't seem to notice. She is pouring every ounce of herself into the keys.

I take a few steps closer just to be able to observe her hands. As the song slows, I notice her eyes are closed. She's not even looking at the keys anymore as she continues to the end.

She takes a deep breath in and opens her eyes. She looks out to meet my eyes but is met with a seemingly empty room. Anxiety and fear that I have left fill her eyes before I step closer, sliding onto the bench.

"Oh! You scared me for a second" she laughs. "Well, there ya go. I don't know it as well as I used to and there were definitely plenty of mistakes." Her confidence from only a minute ago starts to leak out with every self-criticism.

"Y/N stop." I reach up to turn her face toward me so that she has to look me in the eyes. I want her to see the truth and sincerity in them.

"That was...beautiful." I run my thumb over her cheek, enjoying the softness of her skin, the way she leans into my touch. "You're beautiful." I feel butterflies erupt into a flutter in my stomach at my sudden confession.

Her eyes dart down for only a moment before I see her nerves return. I decide to take a leap of faith as I slide my hand to the back of her neck, locking my fingers in her soft waves. I wait for just a moment, to read her response.

She leans in, resting her forehead against mine, not breaking eye contact. She looks into my eyes like they have the answers to the universe. She leans in just a bit more, nuzzling her nose against mine as her eyes flutter shut. She lets out a breathy giggle and I can't help but smile, laughing with her. There is something unbelievably beautiful about this moment, the racing of our hearts, the shared breath, the softness of her touch. I want to do more than just commit it to memory, like anything else in my life. I want to savor it, the sound of her laugh, the smell of her perfume, the feeling she gives me.

Unable to hold back any longer, I pull her in, kissing her gently, careful not to push her any further than she's comfortable with. She seems to have ideas of her own, placing her hands on the back of my head to pull my much deeper into the kiss. I lose all track of time and my surroundings, completely entranced by her touch.

She finally pulls back, looking at me as though I'm her favorite person in the world. "I hope this isn't a bad time to tell you... I'm crazy about you" she finally says, holding back a smirk.

I burst out in laughter. "Goofball" I jest, pulling her in for another quick kiss. "I almost forgot, I uhh...well I have something I learned for tonight."

"Spencer Reid, you learned a piece just for me?" she stands up to give me space to play.

"You don't have to go, if you don't want to." I try to hide the completely pathetic look I know is on my face. But I didn't want her to leave my side. Being with her is the comfort I need to get through this without my extra nerves.

She can see the neediness in my eyes. Based on the smile on her face as she sits back down, wrapping her arm around my waist, and I don't think she minds.

As my hands start to play the notes I had spent a few weeks learning, I look over to see her eyes light up at the sound of Where Is My Mind. I can't help but smile, proud of my success in bringing her joy.

The song is simple, not nearly as complex as what she had just performed for me, but that wasn't the point. Based on the look on her face, I can tell she remembers and that it means something to her too.

When I finally finish, I look over to see her wiping her eyes. "You remembered" she says quietly through a few sniffles.

"Of course I remembered." I turn my body on the bench to face her properly.

"Y/N, I asked you here tonight because I think it's time I showed you just how much you mean to me. This isn't new. This isn't sudden. I'm nothing if not extremely analytical and thorough."

She lets out a small laugh through tears now trickling down her face. I would be worried if it wasn't for the pure smile of joy she is unable to hold back.

"So believe me when I say I have thought about this for a long time. Pretty much since that very day." I know I don't have to elaborate; she already knows exactly when I am talking about.

"Y/N I love spending time with you and getting to know more about you each day, but I would be kidding myself if I pretended that I only wanted friendship with you any longer. I hope I'm not being too forward, and I apologize for setting this all up and asking you without any warning. I know I probably put you on the spot to join me on this date but..."

My spiral into self-doubt is cut short by the feeling of her lips on mine. I feel myself melting into her once again, worried I may never want to come back for air.

She eventually pulls back opening her mouth to respond to what I feel was quite an embarrassing display of my emotions.

"Spencer, I have been trying to figure out my feelings for you for so long. I had just been working up the courage to say something to you, but it seems you had plans of your own. This is more than I could ever..."

Tears fill her eyes once more, spilling over as she starts to turn her head away.

I scoot in to wrap her in my embrace. "Hey, hey its ok, shhhh." I rub my hand across her back, hoping to sooth her. After a few deep breaths she finds her words once again.

"This is more than I could ever ask for, ever dream of. No one has ever done anything like this for me before. No man has ever...cared this much about something I love. In so many past relationships I felt as though they were merely tolerating my quirks, including all the things I am so overtly passionate about. Tolerating me until they just...left. All I've ever wanted was someone to appreciate how passionate I can be and won't let it scare them away. Someone to stay."

I feel my heartache knowing that she has felt this way for so long. I lift her chin as I lean in to give her one gentle kiss before pulling away to whisper, "I'm not going anywhere."

A/N: I hope everyone is still enjoying the story! Let me know your thoughts in the comments 😁💖

Also sorry for how gushy this is but it won't always be that way so enjoy it while it lasts 🙊