#soda wasn't close enough to recognize her but --

[grapementos]

ugly truth

pt 2 of this. pt 3 here.

aged up bakugo x reader

cw: descriptions of a panic attack, hospitals

a month had passed since you walked out on katsuki, walked out on your life, your home--everything you knew.

a number of your friends, along with plenty of katsuki's (who were mutual friends at this point), had reached out to you, offering a place to stay.

mina, kirishima, denki, and sero in particular were constantly checking on you and shooting you texts in case you needed to talk.

you knew they meant well, for they were bakugo's closest friends and knew how mean he could be. occasionally, you spent a night with them, the five of you coming together to watch a movie or play a game.

however, you knew they talked to bakugo too, so you remained cautious and never overshared--especially to kirishima. he was bakugo's right hand, his best friend since u.a.

there was no way you were going to show any semblance of missing bakugo, not around him.

once you found your own place, you'd distanced yourself from them, avoiding overstaying your welcome.

after they helped you move into your apartment and yet again reminded you, "if you need anything, we're here! really, anything at all!" you settled into your new space, suddenly feeling so alone.

for the first time in what felt like eternity, there was pure silence.

and then there wasn't.

the loudness, the static in your mind overpowered everything, several emotions washing over you like tidal waves. each wave was bigger than the last, merciless as it dragged you under, filling your nose and lungs with doubt, regret, sadness, anger.

"fuck," you whispered, pulling a pillow to your chest, "fuck."

you sobbed into the pillow, draining yourself of every ounce of strength and independence you thought you had.

you and bakugo had been together for three years--three years that you spent falling asleep, knowing you'd wake up to his face in the morning, three years of cooking meals large enough for two people, three years of habitually closing the shower curtain after your shower because it irked him when it was left open, three years of keeping the sodas on the left side of the fridge and water on the right.

three years. how can you unlearn three years worth of habits? let go of three years worth of comfort?

i can't do this, i can't. i can't be alone.

your subconscious was destroying you, and you hated that you felt like it was right. how could you survive alone?

your chest tightened, and the room spun and spun as the oxygen left your lungs too quick, overworking your circulatory and respiratory system.

"i need him-" you choked out, grasping desperately at nothing, nothing that could help you ground yourself.

a wave of dread rolled through you, sending your body into complete and total panic. just as you moved to stand, to grab your phone and call whoever, you felt a sense of airiness before your body tapped out, sending you straight back down to the floor.

-

"yeah, they're okay." a pause, "no, i just found them like this. i didn't know what else to do."

you groaned quietly, slowly blinking your eyes open to a stark, off-white ceiling. the blinding light made you regret it immediately, not to mention the pounding headache, swollen eyes, and nasty-feeling skin.

"y/n? you awake?" you recognized mina's voice from right beside you.

"yeah, god," you mumbled, hesitantly cracking an eye open, "hospital?"

"yeah. sorry, i just.." she trailed off, looking down at her shoes, "i found a pair of shoes you left at my place and wanted to give them back. then i found you just.. out cold."

you scrunched your eyes as you tried to remember anything before the onyx pit you were dropped into but thinking just hurt your head more.

"kirishima's on his way. he's super worried, you know." she chuckled, grabbing your hand, "he hates hospitals."

you squeezed her hand, finally managing to open your eyes fully, "me too. they stink."

she laughed, scooting her chair closer to your bed, "do you remember what happened?"

you tried to concentrate, pondering what you were doing. obviously, you had just moved in and..

"oh." you sighed, suddenly feeling stupid. of course, you'd been crying like the damn baby katsuki said you were, "i think i was just anxious. you know, new place and all."

"you could've stayed living with me, you know. i don't mind your company at all."

you shook your head, "i have to," your voice cracked a little, but you hid it with a cough, "i have to move past this. get on with my life."

"but there's no rush, y/n, you know--"

"where are they?" your body stiffened at the voice echoing off the linoleum and into your ears, triggering the code red alarm inside your head.

suddenly, the door slammed open and in walked a terrified looking katsuki and a guilty kirishima.

you scooted yourself back into the plastic barrier of the bed, clenching the bars, "what the hell is he doing here?"

"y/n, are you okay? what happened?" katsuki approached the bed, inspecting you for any injuries.

"get the hell away from me!" you winced at the pull on the iv in your arm as you moved impossibly farther away from him.

the heart monitor beside you was picking up, your blood pressure climbing higher and higher the closer he got.

mina stepped between the two of you before he could say anything, "kiri, what the hell? why would you bring him?"

"you were on speaker in my car when you told me, and we were together!" he explained frantically, "he didn't listen to me."

she shook her head, pushing katsuki towards the door, "you shouldn't be here. they don't wanna see you."

he looked past her, pleading at you with his eyes, "please, y/n, i'm so sorry, okay? i need you, okay? i need you, and i need to know that you're okay."

"y/n?" mina looked back at you, silently asking what she should do.

"i don't want to see him." you looked away, unable to look in his eyes for fear of falling victim to their lure.

without hesitation, mina ushered him to the exit despite his protests, almost getting him completely out when there was a thud on the linoleum.

katsuki was on his knees, his arm outstretched above his head as he clutched something in his fist.

for a moment, you expected him to set off an explosion or anything of the crazy sort.

you flinched as he opened his fist, fully expecting to be blown to bits.

instead, the fluorescent lights bounced off the shine of what you were 101% sure was an engagement band.

the other two in the room gasped, kirishima releasing his quirk that had instinctively taken over the front of his body.

"i was gonna ask you," he choked out, "before i quit the agency. but then everything went south and, and i--i just, i lost sight, y/n, and i'm so sorry. i'll be better, i swear it."

your hand covered your mouth, though you were speechless anyways. instinctively, you felt anger. how could he do this to you? here? now? after you'd wound up in the hospital because of him?

"how dare you," you spat, tears welling up in your eyes, "how dare you do this to me? do you enjoy hurting me, huh? tearing me apart just to build me back up again? do you get off on that--that glory?"

he was crying too, his eyes pleading, "i don't wanna hurt you. i'll go to therapy, i'll change, i swear. whatever you want me to do, i'll do it right now."

you swallowed hard around the ball in your throat, "leave. leave me alone and stay the hell out of my life."

hospital staff came flooding into the room before katsuki could respond, ushering the three of them out, "i'm sorry, this hospital has low tolerance for commotion like this. security will see you out."

you had never been more grateful that you were in a hospital, relief flooding your body as you turned onto your side, letting the tears run down your cheeks.

it wasn't fair. he knocked you about a hundred tiny steps back, considering you'd only taken a hundred tiny steps in the past month. your heart was throbbing, and a large part of you couldn't help but question your decision.

what if he really would change, get better? he was the love of your life. no one had ever loved you better.

extremely stressed, you found yourself questioning whether you'd made the right decision.

wow, i was super surprised by the amount of support. it was meant to be a standalone, but now i’m pretty sure there will be a 3rd part. thank you so much for the support! 🩷

tags: @blackout-ice-biohazard @survivorofmath @iam-thevillain-of-thisstory @odessa-is-my-queen @firesmokeandashes @tsukikoxo @valentineshiftz

[trashcanfanfics]

Jason Todd is Video games by Lana Del Rey coded.

Please, Please I beg !!! Write a Jason x reader fanfic based on video games by Lana Del Rey.

Special the lyrics “he holds me in his big arms, Drunk and I am seeing stars”

PLEASE PLEASEEEE

-🦇

just listened to the song and I can see it, i think i missed the mark a little but i kinda like it

You watched Jason sit on the couch, playing some game you couldn't care about, sipping on a soda. He looked so focused but he glanced at you out of the corner of his eye and smiled. Your cheeks heated up at being caught. Jason looked back at the screen. He pat the space next to him, inviting you to sit next to him. You sat and leaned against him. He was playing some shooter game. Typical.

"You wanna go somewhere tonight?" He asked, not looking away from the game. You hummed in response. You couldn't imagine any other place other than right then and there. "There's a gala Bruce is going to. I've been invited." That made you blink.

"Thanks for asking me in advance." Your sarcasm didn't go unnoticed. He finished the round and looked at you. "So nice to have plenty of time to find something to wear and plan." He rolled his eyes.

"I wasn't planning on going really," he noticed your furrowed brows and lifted his hand to smooth them out, "I just thought of taking you if you wanted. We could go shopping. My treat." That made your stomach drop. Him spending money on you makes you feel weird.

"I don't know..." You looked down and then back to him. He looked relaxed, like your answer didn't matter to him. Or that he didn't care what you two did tonight, as long as it was the both of you. You sighed. "Okay." He smiled and stood up. You hoped you could find something that'd look okay.

~*~

The room was filled with dazzling people and you'd never felt more out of your element. Jason's arm was holding your own, it grounded you somewhat. He leaned in to whisper in your ear.

"You're doing great." He lead you over to Bruce. You'd never officially met, just heard things about him. You had mixed feelings about him based on Jason's stories. Jason introduced you and you shook Bruce's hand. He was with a woman who was easily the most beautiful woman you'd ever seen.

"This is Selena." Bruce gestured to the woman. Jason mentioned her too. She and Bruce had been dating for a while and she's been good for him. That's what Jason said, at least You smiled and shook her hand too. She smiled back and gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

"A pleasure." Your throat was dry and you looked from her to Bruce, who was assessing you. "I've heard a lot about you both." His smile widened, all politeness.

"I hope you won't hold it against me." He had practiced humor and polite laughter. You recognized the same way Jason smiled at someone he wasn't very acquainted with. Distant, but agreeable. Your smile hasn't left, perfectly in place as you gave your own small chuckle.

"Good things. Mostly." You were doing good in this interaction but you could feel yourself start to sweat under the scrutiny of Bruce Wayne. It felt like he could see everything about you. You wanted to find a less populated corner and breathe for the first time since you got here. As if he could sense it, Jason politely excused you both and lead you to the refreshment table.

"You alright?" You nodded then shook your head. "Do you want to leave?" You wondered why you even agreed to come. Jason said he wasn't planning on coming until he thought of being here with you. Maybe it was because he asked. You couldn't really refuse him if you wanted to.

"We've only been here half an hour." You looked down. "We haven't even seen all your family." He huffed a laugh, putting a hand on your shoulder. He leaned towards you, not close enough to kiss, but enough for your conversation to be private.

"The only person I needed to show face for was Bruce." He smiled at you and your heart fluttered. He was beautiful with that playful glint in his eye. You know you'd do anything for him. You'd give him your left arm on a silver platter if he wanted. "And I did already. He won't miss us." He winked at you and you felt your knees go weak.

"It seems like a waste of these new clothes to not use them." Your comment made him pause. He leaned closer, his smile glinted in the light. Your eyes were drawn to it, and, subsequently, his lips. You could tell he was thinking of something. "What's your plan?"

"Just to go home and bake cookies." He laughed slightly at your expression. "You could always wear those at another event." He shrugged and leaned away. You missed the closeness. Part of you wanted to pull him back and kiss him for real. You blinked and raised your eyebrow.

"Where would I even wear this?" You pinched the fabric at your collar only to let it go. He watched it fall back into place and raised his hand to smooth it down. Your breath hitched. He smirked.

"It might look better on the floor, really." His eyes shot back up to meet yours. "My floor, of course, but if you really want to undress here I won't say anything." You felt your face heat up and he laughed. You gently hit his chest.

"Shut up, oh my god." You laughed as he smirked again. He looked at you with a soft look in his eye. "Alright, lets go." With that he grabbed your hand and lead you out into the hallway and to the exit.

~*~

Your fancy clothes were off and you both were in sweats. The kitchen smelled like chocolate and fresh baked goods. One more batch in the oven to go. A soft song plays in the background as you and Jason sway to the music. You're in his arms and it feels like you're drunk on his affection. You look him in the eyes and lean in, he leans in too and your lips finally meet. Its soft and loving. He kisses you like you're the only thing he's ever needed. The kiss deepened and you pulled back for air, his lips following yours. He groaned at the loss. You smiled and gave him another kiss.

Everything you've ever done was for him. You hummed with the song and you both continued to sway. He held you tighter, inhaling your scent and giving your cheek another small, lingering kiss.

[hundredandsix]

just a girl ✩ [ellie williams] ✩

[ loser/guitarteacher!ellie x milf!reader ]

✩ wc: 5.5k

✩ summary: Ellie is your son's guitar teacher with no plans of acting on her fierce attraction toward you. After a long day of lessons, she spots your family at a restaurant. She thinks she may be able to escape the situation without you turning her into a blushing, stammering mess, but your son happens to double as her favorite student and the world's youngest wingman. Ellie gets more than she bargained for after you offer her a ride home.

✩ cw: mdni(18+), Ellie is a complete rizzless loser, sub/switch!ellie, switch!reader, fingering (Ellie receiving), oral (Ellie receiving), strap-on usage (Reader receiving)

a/n - here is the prologue and where the idea originated, but you don't have to read it to understand this.

Ellie was on the verge of passing out. And no, it was not because she hadn't eaten in the past ten hours, though that was a likely contributor. It was because you were there, mere feet from her racing heart and sweaty palms.

She thought she could sneak around you. Your back was turned to her, and if she angled her body right, she could make it to the hostess while remaining beyond your line of sight. Your mother was seated in front of you but she barely even recognized Ellie when she picked up Jackson, your sweetheart of a son, from his guitar lessons.

She had almost made it to the hostess and was about to let out a sigh of relief when she heard it. That cheerful, high-pitched voice full of adoration.

"Mom, look it's Miss Ellie!"

She didn't have it in her to be mad at him. He was her favorite student after all. Her clients ranged in age from ten to sixteen, but she made an exception for little Jackson. At eight years old, he had more discipline than her older students and was more musically gifted than many adults.

And it didn't hurt that he was the sweetest child she had ever met. On his sixth lesson, he came prancing into the studio with a new pair of Converse, shouting "Look Miss Ellie we match!" He made sure to regale her with how he had scratched them up to look just like hers.

So when he turned in the booth, face stained from orange soda, she couldn't help but smile back just as brightly. But his words also drew your attention. Your mother gave a polite wave, but you sent her a wink, long eyelashes fluttering.

Your gaze lingered, and Ellie would have sworn that you looked her up and down. All the way from her half-up half-down hair to the Converse Jackson loved so dearly. Your hand shot up in a half wave, fingers waggling in her direction.

It was hard to breathe when you were looking at her this closely. This had never been a problem for her before, but three weeks ago, your schedule changed. Rather than your elderly mother picking up Jackson from his practices, you were now getting him.

As soon as you opened that door to her studio room, she knew you were going to be a problem. She didn't know whether it was the good kind yet.

Ellie didn't know what she was expecting Jackson's mother to look like but it wasn't that. God, you were gorgeous, and it hurt her even more that she would never be able to have you. But she wasn't that shallow. You were incredibly kind, always checking in on her when you made her so nervous that she couldn't speak. You had to have noticed that she blushed at everything you said and couldn't keep still when your eyes were on her.

Ellie was pulled from her thoughts by Jackson's wriggling form. He crawled right over your lap from his spot in the booth. You tried to stop him, but it was no use. He was on a mission.

"Jackie! Get back here," you said as you dashed after him.

"Miss Ellie! Miss Ellie! Come sit with us pleeeeasse," he shouted as he ran right towards her.

He wrapped his tiny arms around her legs, sending her veering to the right, but Ellie was experienced enough with his hugs that she was prepared.

"Hey, little guy. You been practicing the notes I taught you?" Ellie asked with a gentle pat atop his head.

"Yes! I've been—"

"Jackson," you interrupted.

Your son pried himself from her legs, face turned down and an adorable pout on his face.

"You need to go sit back—"

"Mom! Can Miss Ellie sit with us?" he asked again.

You gave her an apologetic glance, but she hoped you could see that she didn't mind. He was causing a bit of a scene with his loudness, but the other guests seemed charmed by him as well.

You were out of breath, and this didn't skip Ellie's notice. She followed your hands placed on your hips to your heaving chest. Her gaze lingered there. She couldn't help it. She thought about what else she could do to make you breathe that heavily.

When she looked up, your eyes were on her. She'd been caught. Her face was like it was on fire, but this was not unusual when she was talking to you. You quirked an eyebrow at her antics, but that was all you allowed her.

"I'm sure Miss Ellie is very busy," you said, and Ellie's heart soured at your words. She didn't think she could handle sitting in such close proximity to you. All that would be left of her by the end of the meal would be a pile of ashes.

"But," you continued, "it's up to her."

Jackson beamed up at her. How could she say no to him?

"Erm—okay. Yeah, I'll sit with you."

You smiled at that. It seemed genuine, but Ellie wasn't sure if you had some ulterior motive here.

"C'mon!" Jackson shouted again, grabbing her hand.

He pulled her into your seat and began pushing your drink and napkins to the other side. You followed them over to the table and laughed at his antics.

"Wow, what am I? Chopped liver?" you said in mock sadness.

That was such a mom thing to say, and that's when Ellie knew she was absolutely fucked because her heart squeezed at your words.

When you took the empty seat next to your mother, Ellie sat next to Jackson. The seat was still warm from your body heat.

Your mother, who had been otherwise silent this entire time, finally spoke up. "Do you have Jackson's bag packed?" she asked you.

"Yes, it's in the car."

Eager to break the tense silence, Ellie turned to him. "Do you get to go on a trip?"

"I get to have a sleepover at grandma's! And see all of my cousins!"

He suddenly turned very tense.

"But don't worry! I will still be there next week! Because you said I get to learn my first chord."

"That's right!"

The waitress came around the corner, a bright smile on her face. Ellie pretended to not notice the way she rolled her eyes at her addition to the table.

You rolled your shoulders and placed your hands neatly on the table, one wrist crossed over the other. Ellie's eyes followed your hands, tracing down to your nails. They were short.

"Sorry about that. We've acquired another person," you said, tapping your nails on the table.

She couldn't pull her eyes away from her hands. They looked so soft. She wondered what they would feel like dragging down her sides, leaving red lines from your nails.

"Ellie," you said, "she's asking what you'd like to drink."

She ripped her eyes from your hands and fumbled for the menu before realizing she didn't have one. She sat up stick-straight and shoved her hands in the pockets of her oversized pants.

"Right, sorry. I'm fine with water. And I'm actually ready to order if you all are. I already know what I want."

The waitress nodded and went around the table taking orders. Ellie leaned over to help Jackson announce what he had circled on the kid's menu.

Ellie felt dizzy again. She really was starving and it didn't help that you were sitting right in front of her, watching her every move.

"So, Ellie," your mother started, "how is your semester going so far?"

She jumped when Jackson poked her in the side with his index finger. He shoved a yellow crayon in her hand and passed his little menu over, pointing to the tic-tac-toe game. He had already placed his in the middle.

"It's going good so far. My classes aren't as hard as last semester. Maybe I'm just getting used to it."

She drew a circle next to Jackson's X with the cheap crayon. You were watching her and the corner of your mouth turned up in amusement.

"She's a real smart girl, y/n. Top of her class," your mother said, tapping you on the shoulder.

You were busy folding your straw wrapper like an accordion, pulling it apart before pushing the folds back together.

"So I've heard. You're an astrophysics major, right?" you asked.

"Yeah, I am."

Your front teeth sank into the plush skin of your bottom lip. This time you had fucked up because there was absolutely no way you should have known that. She had mentioned a bit of it to your mom but never confirmed what her major was to you or her.

It was your turn to be flustered. You crumpled the wrapper in your hands, rolling it into a little ball.

"I think I saw your Instagram the other day. It was in your bio."

You were saved by the waitress coming around the corner, her arms full of plates.

The dinner went smoothly after that. Small talk was exchanged between the three women as Jackson raved about his grilled cheese and side of broccoli.

Ellie had finished her meal, but her stomach felt empty. She was starved, but not for food. She wanted something... more fulfilling.

"We better get going, Jackie," your mother said, guiding you out of the booth so she could leave.

Jackson didn't give Ellie time to stand. Instead, he darted under the table and crawled under her legs. You sighed, hands at your temples at his antics.

Your mom handed you a fifty, which you swiftly handed back to her.

"It's on me this time, Mom! You're not allowed."

She gave you a stern look, but you crossed your arms over your chest, nose in the air. It became apparent where you had inherited your stubbornness.

"I love you," you said. "Now, come give me a hug goodbye, Jackie."

He ran back over to you and jumped in your arms as you smothered him in kisses. Jackson wriggled in your grasp, trying to escape your affection.

"Be good for grandma, okay?" you said, placing one last kiss to his temple.

He nodded, giving in and snuggling into you further.

"His bag is in my car. You should be able to just grab it. It's unlocked."

With a swift nod, your mother was on her way. Jackson trailed loudly behind her. It appeared he had forgotten Ellie was there, but she knew he would be just as excited to see her next Thursday.

Ellie's head snapped back towards you when she felt a gentle pressure at her ankle.

"I'm happy you decided to join us. He just adores you."

Ellie choked on her own spit when she felt your foot move over hers to rest on top of her Converse.

"Um—anytime Ms. y/l/n. I'm not supposed to have favorite students but he really is a special kid."

A lopsided grin decorated your face, and Ellie found it difficult not to mirror you. She didn't know whether to smile, laugh, or maybe just run away.

"Now, Ellie. What have I told you about calling me that. I'm only a few years older than you, you know? Are you calling me old?"

"N—no, I would never! I just thought—"

You cut her off by placing both your hands over her shaking one and pressing it down on the table. She tried to keep still when you ran the tip of your shoe up the side of her calf.

"I'm just teasing you. I think it's sweet how you always try to be so respectful. Just know that you don't have to be."

Ellie's brain was clouded with you. Your scent. Your hands over hers. And yes they were just as soft as she had imagined. Your foot rubbing against hers.

She let out a shaky sigh and gained enough courage to place her other hand on top of yours.

The waitress came back to remove the dirty plates from the table and take your card. Ellie tried to split the check, but you were faster, sending her a wink as you passed your card to the server.

"You are too nice to me. You let me crash your dinner and now you're paying for my food," Ellie mumbled.

She tried to keep eye contact. She really did, but your gaze was so intense that she had to look away.

"Ellie."

She really wished you would stop saying her name because she couldn't fucking focus and—were you getting closer because she could feel your breath fan over her face?

"You don't have to be so nervous."

"I'm not."

You gave her a knowing smile and separated your body from hers to collect your bag and a few of Jackson's toys he had left behind.

"We should get going," you said, standing from the booth.

"Right."

Ellie stood on shaky legs and followed you to the door. You waved to the waitress on your way out, and she smiled back at you. It didn't seem fair that you had that effect on everyone.

She shook her arms out to prepare for her walk home. It wouldn't take long to get to her apartment. That's why she came to this restaurant. It was only about a five-minute walk away.

Your eyes followed her form, looking for her car in the mostly-full parking spaces. When you came up short you asked, "Did you walk? I can give you a ride back to your place."

"Yeah, but it's not far. I should be okay," Ellie said, scratching the back of her neck.

She felt so hot and it wasn't from the weather. Ellie hoped you didn't notice the sheen of sweat that covered her skin from her nervousness.

You rolled your eyes and threw the passenger door of your car open. She tried not to trace her eyes down your legs as you leaned over.

"C'mon, it'll only take a second. It's getting dark out anyway!"

"Well, if you don't mind," Ellie gave in.

"Not at all!"

Ellie eyed your car and then her apartment complex which she could see from the restaurant. You were throwing stuffed animals and action figures from your front seat to the back of the car. When you deemed it satisfactory, you held out your hand to the passenger seat.

"There you go! Sorry, it's kind of a mess. Jackie insists on bringing all of his toys wherever we go."

Ellie stepped in and you shut the door behind her. It was like something from a movie. Except loser college students didn't usually get driven home by incredibly attractive single mothers.

Your scent was so strong in the car that she almost forgot to put her seatbelt on. Well, that was until you pointed it out, reaching over her to grab the belt and buckle it for her.

It was going to be a long drive home.

"There you fucking go, Ellie. So pretty like this," you said, pumping two of your fingers in and out of her dripping cunt.

Ellie cried out at your words and tried to remember how this happened. Her memory became too clouded with you after you arrived at her complex. You parked in the darkened spot at the back of the lot, not visible during the nighttime. At first, she thought she was dreaming because you put your hand on her thigh when you said goodbye.

She could smell your perfume as you leaned in closer, rubbing little circles on her inner thigh with your thumb. Next thing she knew, you were both in the backseat, you straddling her and shoving her jeans and boxers down her legs.

The sound of your fingers was obscene. The only thing louder was her gasps for breath. It had only been a few minutes, but she was so close. Her fingers tangled in your shirt, trying to pull it off, but you batted her hands away for now.

Her wetness was getting all over your leather seats, and she hoped you wouldn't see from the position you were in. You were straddling her, one leg on either side of her spread thighs. It was a little awkward, but your backseat didn't exactly offer much room.

"So wet. Getting all over me," you teased.

To prove your point, you held your fingers up to her face. She whined at the emptiness you left between her legs. Her slick glimmered in the moonlight, and she resisted the urge to shove your fingers in her mouth. If you had parked closer to the street lamps, you would have seen her flush.

To her dismay, you didn't move your hand back. Instead, you placed your thumb over her clit, moving it left and right lightly. It was the ghost of a touch, so light she could barely feel it. She cried out and bucked forward, trying to increase the friction.

"See, you just needed someone to take care of you, huh? Bet you could cum just like this."

Everything felt so tense. Ellie could feel the coil growing tighter and tighter in her lower stomach, the pleasure growing so fierce that she almost wanted to pull away from it. Her own fingers had never made her finish this fast before.

"Yes—I, I'm gonna—"

And she did.

Ellie gasped, hands flying forward to grab your wrist. Your movements faltered momentarily in what she thought was shock, but that didn't stop her from grinding against you.

Her eyes remained trained on your fingers, admiring your pretty hands and how wet they were from her. Her face felt hot at her actions. She didn't want to seem so desperate.

"There you go. Didn't take much, did it?" you said, helping her grind herself down on you.

Ellie groaned and released your wrist with one of her hands to grab your shoulder. She pulled you closer to her and hid her face in your neck as she rode out her high.

She could feel the heat of your neck against her cheek and it felt so comforting that she thought she could stay there forever. Your laugh pulled her out of her daze as you pried her off of you. You pulled away, but not before noisily connecting your lips in a wet kiss.

Ellis pulled your bottom lip in between her teeth, biting down gently. The groan you let out sent another pang of arousal through her. This wasn't enough. She hadn't even got to touch you yet and she wanted all of you.

"Do you wanna go inside?" you asked against her lips.

Ellie really must have been dreaming now. She was so caught by your words that she almost agreed, but then she remembered. Dina, her roommate, was home tonight.

Dina was chill and likely wouldn't have cared, but she wanted to be spared from the onslaught of questions she would receive the next morning. Was it good? Was she good? How did you score her?

You pulled away, taking her silence as something negative.

"Sorry, I don't mean to push. This is probably a bad id—"

"No!" Ellie said, a little too loudly. Her hands came to rest on your shoulders, holding you in place like you were about to run away.

"It's just—my roommate is home."

"Oh, well we can go to my place. If you're okay with that."

Ellie tried to keep her cool. She really did. But she nodded so enthusiastically, it made you laugh again.

I think it's sweet how you always try to be so respectful. Just know that you don't have to be.

Those were the words on Ellie's mind as she was in your bed, cotton sheets tangled beneath her legs and you crying out under her.

It started in the kitchen, both you and Ellie were too hungry for one another to spend the time walking to your bedroom. Ellie took you against the counter, and when your legs were too tired to support yourself, you guided her to the bedroom.

When you presented the strap to her, clear blue and glittery, she was a little worried you wanted to use it on her. God, she wanted it so bad, but she didn't think she could keep it together if she let you. It was so much already, and she was still in a state of shock that this was even happening.

Instead, you handed Ellie the harness, a shy smile decorating your face for the first time that night.

It took her a few tries to buckle it, her fingers fumbling from the nerves. When you reached over to help her, practiced fingers guided it over her thighs smoothly as if you'd done this hundreds of times before.

She tried not to be jealous about that. There really was no need to be. Ellie had no claim on you. You were just her student's tempting, irresistible mother.

But she couldn't help it. She had only just had a taste, but she wanted you to be hers. She was going to prove to you that you'd never need anyone else after her.

She pushed you back onto the bed and attacked you in a kiss so passionate that your teeth knocked together. Her lips moved to your neck, sucking bruises that you'd likely scold her for later. She liked it when you told her off anyways.

"Please. Hurry up," you said breathlessly.

She sat back on her knees to get a better angle, rubbing the head of the strap over your cunt. You were wet enough that she wasn't worried about hurting you, and her earlier ministrations in the kitchen had prepared you.

She circled your entrance, but moved at the last second, rubbing it over your clit in tight, rapid movements. Her other hand moved over your tits, thumb rubbing over your sensitive nipples.

"Thought you liked it when I was nice to you. You don't want me to take my time?" Ellie asked, growing a little cocky at how ready you were for her.

"No, Ellie. I want you to fuck me."

That was all she needed to hear. She entered you in one fluid movement, and your hands flew to her bare back, digging red lines into the soft skin.

She committed every whine, every groan to her memory. If you never let her do this again, at least she'd have that to think about.

She started off slow, not wanting to push you too hard, but you were begging for more within the first thirty seconds.

"Harder. Thought I said I wanted you to fuck me," you whined.

Ellie rolled her eyes at that, and you reached forward to gently slap the side of her face. She felt like she had done something truly wrong and was ready to do whatever you wanted to make up for it.

"Fine," she said, pulling out of you.

You whined at the emptiness, pushing her back to you by her shoulders, but Ellie shrugged you off. In a display of surprising strength, she grabbed your hips roughly and flipped you onto your stomach.

You caught on and rose on your elbows, arching your back to stick your ass out for her. Looking so pretty and ready for her, she couldn't help it. She placed a sharp smack to your ass, and you cried out, arching into her further for what she hoped was more.

Not wanting to waste any time, she lined the strap up again. She was rough with it, not giving you even a second for you to adjust before she was railing into you.

"This what you wanted, huh? Wanted me to fuck you?" she asked breathlessly, giving your ass another smack.

“Yes! Fuck, fuck, fuck. So good for me, El.”

Ellie almost paused, but didn’t want to disappoint you. Wasn’t she supposed to say that to you? She tried to ignore the way your words sent her absolutely spiraling, but she swore she could feel you clenching around the fake dick.

She decided to make that her mission. No matter what, she wanted to be good for you. To please you.

She regretted flipping you over because now she couldn't watch your face. But seeing your ass slap against her thighs made her throb just as much. If she ground her hips into yours, she could feel the strap rubbing against her clit.

When you threw your head over your shoulder to look back at her, she decided to store this information for later. Your mouth was hanging open, and you let out a little grunt every time she thrust back into you.

And like the tease you were, you fucking winked at her again. But this time, there was no amount of nervousness that was going to keep Ellie from getting what she wanted.

"Wish you would stop fucking teasing me," she said with a pout forming on her lips.

Ellie was so mean with it. She set a punishing pace, knocking the breath out of you as she pulled out all the way and then slammed back in. Her fingertips dugs little bruises into your thighs.

She removed one of her hands from your hip to press on the small of your back, arching you into the bed. You seemed to like this new angle because you let out a string of curses and arched back into her.

Ellie tried to conceal the way her breathing was growing heavier. Sweat dripped from her brow, and she ignored the way her cunt was absolutely throbbing at the view in front of her. She was going to be good.

She snaked an arm around your leg to stroke her fingers over your clit. Maybe you were more experienced than her, but your hands were no match for her guitarist's fingers.

You cried out as she worked over you, keeping a pace so precise and calculated that Ellie was even a bit impressed with herself.

It wasn't long before your moans turned into whines. You shoved your head into your arms, trying to conceal the loudness. "G—gonna cum. Don't fucking stop. Please," you cried out, slamming your hips back into hers.

Ellie couldn't help herself. Against your wishes, she flipped you back over. She didn't give you time to complain. She barely even pulled out before she was back to her toe-curling pace, supporting herself with one lean arm and using the other to rub over your clit.

"Wanna see your pretty face when I make you cum," she panted, green eyes scanning over your features.

Your eyes clenched shut, mouth open in a silent groan as you came at her words. This time she did feel you clench around the strap because it became much more difficult to keep up her pace. Your cunt pulsed around it, forming a heartbeat she wanted the chance to memorize.

She didn't stop until you pushed her away, the combination of her fingers and the strap just on the side of too much. You didn't even give Ellie the chance to catch her breath before you were yanking the harness off of her, throwing the strap somewhere across the room to be dealt with later.

Ellie yelped as you grabbed her lean thighs, pulling her up your body until her cunt was level with your face. Your expression was enough to tell her she was soaked.

You ran your index finger through her slick, grazing the side of her clit and sending a moan tumbling past her lips.

"You're so pretty," you said, eyes focused on her dripping cunt.

Ellie wasn't sure what she was expecting, but it wasn't you pulling her onto her face. She moved her hips up to pull away in embarrassment, but you shoved her back down, groaning into her cunt that she "better sit the fuck down."

Your tongue swirled over her cunt with practiced precision. You knew just when to use the flat of your tongue rather than the pointed tip and how to pull each little groan and whine from her.

She didn't know what to do with her hands, so they hung by her sides in disuse. There wasn't a lot of room to touch you, so she resorted to cupping her own tits, kneading the sensitive flesh as you brought her closer and closer to release.

It was almost embarrassing how quickly you could make her cum. She was so close already, and you had only just pulled her over your mouth.

She tried to warn you, she really did. But the pleasure hit her so fast and all at once, that she didn't have a chance to do much but release one of her hands and tangle it in your hair, tugging gently at the roots.

She didn't think she blacked out, but next thing she knew, she was laying on your bed with your hands stroking over her cheeks softly.

"Don't cry, baby. You did so good for me."

She didn't understand what you meant until her own hand reached up to run over her face. Sure enough, there were tear tracks decorating her skin, a sign of the overwhelming pleasure you just gave her.

You let out a gentle giggle, like the sound of wind chimes, and she couldn't help but follow along with you.

"Wasn't crying in a bad way! It's just—"

"I know. It was a lot, but you took it so well."

Ellie turned her head to the side, not wanting you to see her flush at her words. She felt a little overdramatic. To make up for it, she tried to stand up and grab a towel, but her legs were too shaky. She fell right back against the bed.

You laughed again, pulling her limbs to rest under the cozy blanket on your bed. She felt the warmth of your body cuddle into her for a moment.

"You tired?"

"Yeah," she said, eyes closing involuntarily.

"Let me take care of everything. You stay here and rest," you said, placing a gentle kiss on the damp skin of her forehead.

Ellie didn't wake until the next morning. The sounds of childlike laughter and doors slamming made her think she was dreaming at first. She opened her eyes, rubbing the sleep away from the corners.

She probably should have left much earlier, but she hadn't woken up once since she fell asleep. As a chronic insomniac, this was the most well-rested she had felt in a long time. You would have woken her if you really wanted her to leave, right?

She reached her tattooed arm to your side of the bed but was met with nothing but a pile of wrinkled sheets. Ellie shot up from the bed and began to pull her clothes on. They smelled like the night before: sex and your perfume that she couldn't seem to shake.

She took a moment to shake her shoulders out. Maybe you were making breakfast. She cursed herself for not thinking of it first.

But then she heard you shout, "Jackson, you get back here right now!"

A tornado of movement flew across your doorway, and she thanked whoever was up above that he didn't come into your room.

But perhaps she had expressed her gratitude too soon because Jackson must have seen her. She heard him before she saw him, his tiny feet stomping back towards her. He ran backwards into the room and spun around, mouth open in amazement.

"Miss Ellie! How did you get here?"

You appeared behind him, the signs of sleep still in your eyes. You must have just woken up because you were still in a pair of linen pajamas.

"Um, hi, Jackie!" Ellie said, trying to be casual.

Clearly, she was failing because Jackson turned to you, eyes so wide he looked like a cartoon character. His voice lowered, almost a whisper.

"Mom, if I'm not allowed to have sleepovers, how come you are?"

He crossed his arms as he awaited his response. Ellie's gaze fell anywhere but on you. She had no idea how you were going to handle this, but she trusted your judgment.

You placed a motherly hand on his shoulder, guiding him out of the room and throwing an apologetic glance her way.

"That was so nice of Grandma to drop you off early, wasn't it? Are you hungry? I wonder if Miss Ellie will like my pancakes as much as you do?"

Jackson ripped your hands off of him and ran over to her, taking her larger hand in his small one. She glanced up to see your retreating form. He pulled her forward, running after you with so much force it almost sent her sprawling on the floor.

"C'mon, Miss Ellie! You're taking too long."

She followed after him and caught a glimpse of you tying an apron around your waist as she entered the kitchen. In what seemed to be your signature move, you winked at her, beckoning her forward with open arms.

Yeah, she could get used to this.

[ihatealimore]

Unexpected

(my first time writing this silly guy. fluff, gojo is insufferable. this is a one shot but i do have an idea for a part 2. word count: 1,782)

It had been a normal night so far, well, as normal as a night could be for the world's strongest sorcerer. Shoko made it a point to invite Gojo, Nanami, and Ijichi to the bar with her to catch up, though it was difficult to convince Nanami to join. While Gojo didn't drink himself, he was still more than happy to come with, satisfied with just having some snacks and melon soda.

"Loosen up, Ijichi!" Shoko prodded the stressed assistant, patting him on the back, "You should have another drink!"

Gojo lets out a deep chuckle, casually placing his hand on Ijicihi's shoulder, unconcerned about personal space as always, "I'm sure he's thinking that you've had enough alcohol for all of us."

"I was not thinking that!" Ijichi is quick to cut him off, afraid of Gojo potentially offending Shoko on his behalf, "Another drink would be fine."

Shoko wastes no time flagging down the bartender and ordering two more drinks while Nanami shakes his head at the sight. Nanami had also decided against drinking, sipping on a cold glass of sparkling water instead.

When Shoko, Ijichi, and Gojo usually went to the bar together, which wasn't often, this wasn't their normal spot, which is why they were caught off-guard by the announcement of karaoke night beginning.

"Karaoke?" Nanami quirked up an eyebrow as he looked over at the karaoke machine across the room and then back to Gojo, "Don't go getting any ideas."

"Awe, you wouldn't sing a love ballad duet with me? I'm hurt," Gojo said in mock hurt while clutching his hand to his chest melodramatically, "Maybe you'd change your mind if you had a drink-"

"No thank you."

"No fun..." Gojo mutters while sulking like a petulant child.

They continue chatting, Gojo spouting out some nonsense to Ijichi while he begrudgingly listens, which is quite normal for their dynamic. Their conversation is cut short by the sound of music reverberating through the room, a familiar voice echoing into the microphone. 

Gojo recognizes it instantly, turning in his seat to face the karaoke machine, his sunglasses sliding further down onto his nose, "Now, this is unexpected," He remarks with a wide grin as the rest of the group's eyes follow his gaze.

"Is that (Y/N)?" Shoko wonders, nearly spitting out her drink in shock, "What a surprise! I never imagined seeing her at a bar, and singing karaoke no less!"

Nanami nods once in response, "It is strange but she's quite good."

From what they knew of (Y/N), (which admittedly wasn't much), you were more reserved and aloof. You had been helping out around Jujustu Tech in your free time at the request of Yaga due to the uptick in cursed spirits since the arrival of Sukuna's vessel. Gojo's interactions with you weren't exactly limited, though you didn't seem interested in talking with him if you didn't have to, seemingly more focused on your work as a sorcerer. This fact didn't stop him from pushing your buttons, just one of the many things he was incredibly good at.

This new side of you that was unfolding in front of the karaoke machine was certainly not unwelcome. Not to Gojo at least. He kept a close watch on you, making a note to himself to tease you relentlessly about this when he got the chance.

When the song ended, the crowd that had gathered around you cheered. He kept his gaze glued to you as you made your way across the bar, slipping past people to avoid bumping into them. You approached the other side of the bar, flagging the bartender and waiting for him to walk over.

Behind Gojo, Shoko had already gone back to drinking, talking animatedly with Ijichi while Nanami took a drink of his water. The white-haired man watched as a stranger sitting at the bar made conversation with (Y/N). It appeared harmless at first, though the sounds of people talking and music playing made it impossible to hear their conversation. (Y/N) said something to the man and the next second, he had reached out, discreetly clutching your wrist below to bar while you glared back at him.

Gojo had seen (Y/N) in action and he knew you were quite capable, although he usually told you otherwise, but for some reason, he felt the need to step in. 

As he stood up and walked away, Shoko drunkenly called out to him, "Hey, where are you going?"

Without turning around or stopping, he waved her off, "Be right back."

Gojo crept up on you quietly from behind with his normal playful attitude, armed with a lie, "It looks like you're bothering my girlfriend."

At the sound of his voice, your life flashed before your eyes, nearly bumping into his chest as you swiftly turned around to look up at him, loudly exclaiming, "G-Gojo! What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, sweetheart," He replied with a smirk, his voice dripping with amusement as he wrapped an arm around your waist. His icy blue eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses but they held a dangerous glint that was directed at the man who had been bothering (Y/N).

The playful smile on Gojo's face didn't falter even for a second as he spoke in a low threatening tone, "Now, why don't you take your hands off of my girl before I decide to remove them for you?"

The stranger lets go of your arm, turning back around to face the bar as he mutters, "She didn't say she had a boyfriend."

His little comment prompts the approaching bartender to encroach on their conversation, "(Y/N), I didn't know you had a boyfriend!"

Gojo's eyes gleam at the realization that (Y/N) must come here pretty often for the bartender to know you by your first name. Also unexpected. He casually places his chin on the top of your head, his large frame practically engulfing you from behind, his hands resting on your hips with absolutely no regard for your personal space.

"Well, it's more of a recent development," He remarked with an easy smile, "(Y/N) and I have been seeing each other in secret for a while now," Gojo continued with his story smoothly, "And we thought it was best if we didn't flaunt our relationship around."

'Now even the bartender thinks we're together?' You think inwardly to yourself, 'Just great. But that guy is still sitting there so I guess I have no choice.'

Your lips curve upwards to form a forced smile, begrudgingly letting out a nervous laugh and saying, "Yeah, we're super in love."

"Oh, sweetheart," Gojo gushed dramatically as he glanced down at you with an expression full of faux love and admiration, "You're always so shy about our relationship!" His eyes fall back on the bartender as he remarks, "She really is cute when she's embarrassed."

While you roll your eyes at Gojo's overly played-up attitude, the bartender chuckled, "Congrats! Your tab is on me tonight, (Y/N)!" 

After he walks away, you quickly pull yourself out of Gojo's embrace, turning around to face him, "What are you doing here? You don't drink so that must mean..." Your words die in your throat as you notice Shoko, Ijichi, and Nanami sitting at the bar, Shoko animatedly waving you over, "Everyone saw that and my karaoke set..."

You sweatdrop nervously as you watch your coworkers across the bar somberly, 'This is like a combination of all of my worst nightmares put together.'

"Well, I'd ask if you were inviting me with you for a private karaoke session next time," He teased as he watched your realization change to realization and then to shock. He snickers at the expression of horror painted on your face, wrapping his arm back around your waist, "It's not often we get to see our ice queen blush. Besides... You look cute when you sing."

"Ice queen?" You raise your eyebrow at him curiously, before muttering, "I hate you, but thanks for saving me."

He chuckled lightly, playfully bumping his shoulder into yours as he eased back from his intimate position, deciding it best not to push your boundaries too far, "Besides," He added cooly with a knowing smirk playing on his lips, "You should show your appreciation somehow. What about a karaoke duet? Just you and me?"

"Ugh, in your dreams," You scoff with crossed arms.

He shrugs, a playful glint in his hidden eyes as he teasingly tells you, "I guess you'll have to put up with my horrible singing for the rest of your life because I'm not giving up on our little karaoke duet."

"Maybe someday if you're lucky."

Your conversation was cut short by Shoko shouting at you from across the bar, gesturing for you to join them. 

Gojo chuckled, walking ahead of you towards them, "Let's not keep our audience waiting,"

When you approach them, Shoko shoots up out of her seat, hooting loudly as she shoves a shot into your hand, "Well done! You really surprised us."

"Oh, erm, thank you," You peer down into the small, liquid-filled glass, mentally pondering which alcohol she had picked.

"We didn't take you for the karaoke type! You're always so quiet," Shoko exclaims as she pats you on the back just a little too hard, almost causing you to spill your drink.

You wave her off as you defend yourself, "I only come here with my friend. She loves karaoke."

Gojo looks around exaggeratedly before his gaze falls back on you, an impish smirk dancing on his lips, "I don't see anyone else here with you. You don't have to lie to us, (Y/N). We're your friends, we won't judge you!"

You glare daggers at his playful, yet antagonizing response. Why did he always have to act like this?

"She went home early. Family emergency."

Shoko cuts into your conversation, pointing at the full shot glass in your hand, "Well, don't hold back. Try that drink. You'll like it."

You hesitantly down the liquor in one swift gulp, sticking your tongue out in disgust afterward, "Oh god, that was strong."

Gojo can't resist the urge to laugh at your reaction, his thoughts surprising himself, 'God, she is too cute when she lets her guard down like this.'

He catches himself before he says anything out loud that might give away his thoughts, "Can't handle your alcohol?" He teases lightly, settling back into his seat and taking a sip of his melon soda.

"You're one to talk, Satoru!" Shoko argues back in your defense, "Only Ijichi drinks with me anymore."

Gojo chuckles, shrugging casually, "I drink with you. Just not alcohol." 

As you watch them argue, you cover your mouth to keep yourself from bursting out laughing. You hadn't spent any time with your colleagues outside of work but being here with them now...

Shoko pats the seat next to her, interrupting your thoughts, "Come and sit with us! We can have another drink!"

Well, maybe it wasn't so bad.

[cheshirecatuniverse]

Murayama as your best friend

featuring: Sannoh Rengokai! Reader (She/Her)

Honestly, you don't have to match his energy to be compatible. You just have to be just as chaotic as him

You officially meet when Cobra and Yamato make you attend Oya High - long story short you were with Sannoh. When they found out you were a high school dropout, they made it their goal after taking down Kuryu to give you more opportunities. Oya High was close enough from Sannoh in case anything happened.

When Yamato dropped you off, you thought about killing him.

"You're not serious making me do this."

"I mean, Chiharu did it," Yamato smiled, trying to encourage you, "So can you."

"HE GOT JUMPED."

He didn't leave until someone walked out of the front gates of the school. You recognized the blue jacket and the dark blue bandanna under some wild hair from the fights the last couple of years. Just great. Murayama strolled on over, noticing that you were putting away your Sannoh Rengokai leather jacket for an oversized high school uniform button up.

When he said hi to the both of you he only got grunt from you as Yamato shoves your arm with a glare that says 'be nice.'

Murayama only took a look at you before turning to Yamato, "Yeah. She'll probably fit right in."

It took you entering Oya High for Yamato to drive off. As Murayama gave you a brief tour, with Seki and Furuya right behind you guys, someone whistles and laughs.

You let the student leaning out of the classroom window catcall you for a minute before letting yourself have fun.

Murayama looks behind him and then turns to Furuya, "Ah? Where'd she go-"

"C'mon! Let me take you out, baby," the student grinned, looking you up and down.

His hands are poking outside the window. When you walk over, you hold his wrists and flip yourself upside down, "Why don't you hold my hand then?"

As you did a brief handstand, you hear his wrists crack and a high-pitched scream. You coo at his pain with a patronizing pout. Murayama bursts out laughing, and you kinda freeze. Oh man, you probably screwed up. Classes haven't even started yet, Cobra will be pissed-

After Murayama wiped his tears of laughter, he raised up his hand, smiling, "You're going to fit it in."

You were still startled, but you meekly returned the high five. The day went by well after that. You told Naomi that Oya High wasn't actually so bad. (You didn't mention that you broke someone's hands).

You guys get closer pretty quickly. You don't make friends easily but you two connected just like that.

Chips, soda, candy, granola bars? Anything edible in your hand will be bitten or swiped from you.

Whenever he's on the floor you like to stand on his back or stomach before he rapidly flips sides, making you fall on your ass.

He's tried fighting you but you like to dodge his punches and kicks for a good hour until he starts screaming and gives up

You've beaten most of the Oya High guys, including Seki and Furuya. When you win a brawl, Murayama gives you a thumbs up and says he'll treat you to eat.

You start doing his eye taunt gesture.

When you turn around he likes to mimic you, the times you turn around in time you kick him right in the ass.

Likes to call you than text you. Even if you're literally in the next room.

"Hey, what's that name of that one singer you like?"

"I'm on the other side of the wall, Murayama."

You two never enter an arcade without a fully detailed strat in place for maximum opportunities for prizes. Murayama and you revising your strats each time to test out what works better.

He's not much of a gym person, but when you go together you take the most unserious gym pics for insta

Anytime you have an idea you dare him to do it.

"Bet you can't jump off this cliff."

"Murayama I'll give you $10 if you eat 5 bowls of noodles without throwing up."

And he'll just shrug and try to do it unless Furuya or Seki stop him.

He's a great listener, likes to put his legs over your lap so you won't run away when you need to talk about your problems. When he's upset he likes to brood and go off into the nearest corner. You bring him food while continuing to let him brood with his head on your shoulder.

The more comfortable you are with him you hug him pretty often. For backhugs, it's usually to get piggyback rides to wherever you're heading.

You can't leave him for the day without dapping him up.

When Murayama, Seki, and Furuya are fooling around, sometimes you like to go to the rooftop to take a nap or actually study. You befriend Tsukasa there and gives you more insight on the full timers.

Murayama isn't necessarily overprotective when you go out with someone from Oya High but he's not afraid to break someone's limbs for hurting you in any way. He's really oblivious when people try to hit on him so you're the designated wingman. You like to flirt with Todoroki just to annoy the guy, which Murayama has never gotten.

"It's funny, you just don't get it."

"Nah, seeing him lose a match again is funny."

There's a good chance if you ever get feelings for him, he'll reciprocate them. He would be really casual about it because you're his person, it just makes sense.

If you like girls or only girls, you'll definitely have to come out to him because he is oblivious to anything love wise.

"So does that mean you'll marry a woman?"

"Yeah... Yeah it does."

He grinned at you, ruffling your hair, "I better be your best man then."

Big sigh of relief. It almost makes you teary-eyed how cool he thinks you being sapphic is. He's a lesbian protector.

You share the lunch Naomi makes you often. When you tell Naomi Murayama likes her cooking she makes you invite him to the diner. The first time he comes over to Itokan, the Sannoh guys are confused as hell. Did they have a meeting or something they didn't know about? While they're scratching their heads in the back, you introduce Naomi to Murayama. He's really polite because it's Cobra's territory and Naomi is a food angel to him.

Murayama thinks you're insane for always trying to annoy Hyuga just because you think he's fun to fight.

"Listen," He scratches the back of his head, "I don't wanna steal one of his cars. Can we go to the arcade today instead?"

When you tell Murayama about never really getting the full high school experience you guys plan a sleepover with Seki and Furuya. Naomi, being your roommate, casually tells the Sannoh guys about it. They think you're dating Murayama.

Yamato is panicking, Dan is giving his worst assumptions, Cobra is trying to be rational (emphasis on trying), Chiharu realizes you are a woman with desires and feelings like everyone else and has a breakdown, Tettsu knows you've dated many people from Oya but knows Murayama is your friend, Noboru is trying to convince them not to try to beat Murayama up.

At the sleepover, you announce you're going to get something from your room. Sannoh boys enter your condo and hearing all the noise you walk into Yamato holding Murayama by the collar of his shirt. Chiharu wrestling Furuya and Dan and Tettsu pinning Seki to the ground.

It's been a bad week so you burst out crying and EVERYONE freaks out because you don't cry.

"I just.. I just wanted to be normal for once," you wailed, wiping the tears from your face.

Yamato feels so bad he lets you paint his nails and makes the rest of the guys do the same. He's asking if you're feeling any better every five minutes. Cobra goes out and buys a bunch of junk food as an apology.

Murayama got punched by Yamato, so you give him an ice pack for his cheek. Every time you grumble about it, he makes sure to punch himself without wincing. "It's barely a scratch."

[violetswritingg]

Thunderstruck

Tyler Owens x OFC!

Description: When cowgirl meets cowboy after a year of no-contact and chaos ensues during storm season!

Rating: M (Mentions of blood and death in Tornadoes and storms alike, angst and loss of loved ones, car accidents, Tornado aftermath, and injury to characters, slight age gap (5 years))

Want to read the other chapters?

Click here

10

April, 2016

Oklahoma

It was a perfect weather day in Oklahoma and Riley couldn't help but grin up at the sky through the Plexi-glass wind screen of the warlock. The warmth on her thigh only a slight distraction as her boyfriend squeezed. All but bouncing in his seat, his wide brown eyes all to excitable and his floppy hair followed his movements.

"Collin, please calm down. We'll be at the rest stop in a second." Riley puffed out, her eyes bouncing between the traffic signals and the sky. Chancing a glance at the boy her age next to her, his soft jawline sweet as his eyes were when he was like this. When he looked at her like she hung the stars, like she was a god. When he made her feel important.

It was exhausting.

It reminded her of how it used to be, her dad always pushing disagreements and the rare punishment behind closed doors. Only showing the world his professional face. Which was fine, he was a private person who was famous for what he did, not because he wanted to be. People were drawn to him like bees to honey. Something Riley had inherited it seemed.

People seemed to turn the St.James synonymous with Greek myths in the storm chaser community and those who followed it. And as an adult Riley realized how heavy that was.

Even as a teenager running around causing way too much trouble she would still get recognized the odd handful of times, and they would always get those wide-eyed looks on their faces, ask for a picture or an autograph. Before realizing and apologizing about her dad, hesitant sympathy as if expecting her to burst into tears. Relieved when she simply grinned a thin, toothless smile and thanked them for supporting her dad. then they would move on. With their autograph and picture, with a story to tell their friends.

It had happened enough up until now that she was starting to not mind as much, people acting like they know her because of some videos and a picture on the front of national geographic of the worst moment of her life. But now that she was finishing out her first year in her accelerated bachelor's/masters degree track at U of A in Meteorology – which don't even get her started about her first day, the way people's heads whipped around the room when her name was called for roll call in their first majors meeting of the year.

She wasn't a teenager anymore, and neither was the Warlock, but they still got by.

"Can you be careful with that please? I don't want soda sticking up the controls." Riley grumbled using her sleeve to wipe away the drops of soda Collin had dropped without even realizing. Too excited about chasing. He muttering an empty apology and moving on, much to Riley's annoyance.

She had met him at the majors meeting, and he had stuck to her like glue since. Made her feel important, listened to her as she rambled about weather science, though if he was actually listening, she didn't know. But things could be worse. They weren't perfect, but what couple was?

He was sweet and treated her okay, she could do worse. Besides it's not like a lot of people would be able to stomach her particular brand of nerd, her obsession with the clouds and air currents, or be able to stomach her constant rants about incoming storms and how she wished they weren't during school term. But now, with permission from her professors, she was starting some research that would help her keep up with her master's and eventual PhD program they all but told her she was accepted into.

The university loved the bragging rights of being able to say they got both generations of St. James'. As if that meant anything about their academic programs.

Pulling into the rest stop she could see the other storm chasers around; some already live streaming reports about the incoming storm cells forming in the east and the south. Both looking promising for some serios tornado action and Riley tried to be excited. Her stomach tightened up when her eyes drifted over a familiar red ram truck, its roll cage dinged up but secure. Barometer on the top spinning, augers ready to deploy by the foot boards of the lifted truck.

"Shit." She had hoped he would have gone after the cells back home, but of course he wanted the big ones. Anything to put on a show.

"What? Why do you look like you're gonna hurl? This is exciting Riley! First chase of the season, I am so pumped!" Collin bounced more in his seat if that was possible, his sturdy shoulders bumping the door and causing another splash of the soda in his hands to land on the control panel again.

"Collin seriously-"

"Look! Look! They're all staring." Collin waved like an overexcited golden retriever and Riley just sighed, using her sleeves once again and pulling into the first open gas pump. Needing to top up before what was shaping up to be a long chase day.

When she turned off the engine and sat back a bit in her seat, Collin started to whine.

"Come on! Let's get out there." His grin was bright, and Riley told herself he was just excited, he would level out when the danger really set in. It was his first chase ever; she was the same way with her dad.

"Okay, okay. One sec." She hit the launch button for the hydraulics and the doors kicked open a couple inches, The system helping them swing up the wing doors. Riley stood on the footboard as she looked around the lot, meeting a lot of familiar faces. Plastering a grin on her face, one she knew they all wanted to see, she cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, "Honey I'm home!"

It was tradition, Nathan having established it on stream every storm he ever chased in Oklahoma. One she knew that after three years not hearing it, people expected from her. Just one thing in a long list of expectations she knew she had to deliver or face disappointment. And she wouldn't let her dad's legacy die like that. She had to carry on. Like he would have.

The crowd roared and Collin banged on the top of the Warlock, Riley and him locking eyes as she forced a chuckle. People descending like vultures. Riley purposefully ignored the group by the red truck at the other end of the lot.

Collin jumped down and ran to her side, tossing his nearly empty soda away and snaking his arms around her waist. Riley yelped as she picked her up, spinning her around and laughing almost taking her out with him when he all but plopped her onto her feet and threw his arm over her shoulders. Shaking her before pulling her close, his free hand snaking into the stary strands of hair at the nape of her neck that had fallen out of her ponytail. Pulling her face to his and kissing her harshly. His teeth clicking against hers made her pull away.

Patting his chest with a forced laugh, her cheeks were blazing, she wasn't big on PDA, he knew that. But again, she told herself he was just excited. She also wasn't a fan of how aggressive that was. Looking around again, she was met with swarms of people. Shaking hands and peeling herself from Collin's grip, she looked over her shoulder, "Can you pump the gas, remember it only takes-"

"Diesel. I know, you forget I've been obsessed with this thing since I was a kid." Collin scoffed, as if that meant he knew everything there was to know about the vehicle.

"Okay, I was just making sure." Riley's grin got tight, and Collin rolled his eyes, huffing when he had to pull away from her and away from the crowd. Puffing out her breath, Riley let her smile soften when a couple kids ran up and their parents asked for pictures. Riley crouched down and posed with the kids, picking up the small girl after looking at her parents at the silent grabby hands directed at her.

Tickling the girl's side lightly and laughing with her when the girl's bright bubbles popped in the air. Handing the girl back to her mother Riley looked around again, and like fate was laughing at her, the green-blue eyes she was hoping to never see again met hers across space.

Her smile was real at that moment, at least until her eyes met his. That's all Tyler could notice. His breath stolen from his lungs as the girl he hadn't seen since she was 16 appeared before him. All grown up, and obviously no longer a kid. It was weird, but he thought she was gorgeous. She had grown into the weird gangly limbs and sharp cheekbones and come out a woman. Seeing her perform like that hurt him, seeing her with that asshole of a boyfriend, he guessed, made him angry. Riley deserved better than someone who so obviously saw her as a prize pony.

She deserved better than both of them. His guilt raged like a bull in a China shop when Riley's smile completely fades and with a neutral expression she looked away. Leaving him feeling like a man dying of thirst and not receiving a drop of rain. Not that he deserved it.

Her fake smile was back as her floppy haired boyfriend came back to her side, his arm around her waist again. Riley's hand on the back of his neck as some old storm chasing buddies of her dad's came up to her. By her uncomfortable grimace and obviously fake chuckles they were throwing out old, most likely embarrassing, storm chasing stories of her as a kid. Her boyfriend was full out laughing. And looking at her like she was the coolest thing since sliced bread, not noticing a single shred of her dire want to not be there right now. How could he not see she wasn't comfortable?

Collin was cute, excitable, like a puppy. But neither of them was going to last. Riley knew that. He was a fanboy and an adrenaline junkie only with her because he wanted to get into the Warlock and she was just desperate enough to keep him around.

"Hey, earth to Tyler, you gonna go say hi?" Dani asked him, nodding to Riley, "I thought you said you used to work with Nathan?"

"I did. She doesn't want to see me though." Tyler answered, shaking his head, it being clear questions shouldn't be asked and wouldn't be answered if they were. The crew sharing slightly worried glances before looking between the two storm chasers with seemingly not great history.

When a couple updates came through on her phone, Riley looked up to see where Tyler was going. Watching as the red truck drove past her, heading south. Better numbers for sure, but the east was set to merge with another cell that had just started to form. Obviously, they were getting their data from different sources. Or... or he was letting her have the better cell.

She shook her head at that thought, Tyler would never willingly give up a possible tornado, not for anybody. Not even for her. He had already proven that.

"If you get in that truck don't bother coming back!" It was the worst thing he could do. Run out when she needed him, it had been a year to the day since her dad died and she needed him. But His crew was calling him, a big storm was on the way a little past Little Rock just south of the St. James farm.

He had the decency to stop in his tracks, the rain was coming down in sheets and his white seston hat didn't do a ton to protect his clothes or face from the rain.

"It's a big one Riles, I gotta go-"

"There will always be another storm, another tornado! But not another right now, you promised me you would be there when I needed you and I'm telling you I need you." Riley's tears mixed with the slight rain splashing back up at her from her protected spot on the porch under the overhang. Her fists balling and releasing by her sides. Her clear betrayal and hurt stinging Tyler's soul.

"I know and I'll be back later-"

"No. No later. Only right now. You leave, you don't come back. That's that. Chose."

His choice had been obvious. It was a mistake. He knew so as soon as he closed his truck door, but he hated ultimatums, and he hated that she gave him one. He let his own feelings of hurt fuel him in turning over his engine and reversing out of the driveway and through Little Rock only to miss the storm anyway.

It was a mistake. One he didn't know how to rectify. One he didn't know if he could, Riley held grudges longer than some the life spans of the ancient tortoises in the Galapagos. He left her when she needed him the most. He didn't know if he had even forgiven himself yet. Maybe that's why he took the cell he knew wouldn't produce despite the numbers looking good. As a sort of penance, he'd lose money on the video they would post about it, not exciting enough to capture his usual audience's adrenaline junkie tendencies. But he had to start somewhere.

~~*~~

Later that night, there were some more cells on the radar prepped and ready to explode tomorrow. And in true storm season fashion most of the community had descended on the local motel to stay close.

Riley sat on the single full bed they were able to secure before it got too crazy in the lobby, her laptop open in front of her, tablet in her free hand open to multiple tracking systems and the vortex readings they were able to get with Dorothy today. It was a good start. A perfect chase, no towns to clean up, thought it did get close, and they got their data. But Riley wasn't smiling, she wasn't happy. Her joy being overridden with the terror of being in a tornado for the first time since her dad died. Being in the Warlock and the Plexi-glass saving her from following her dad's footsteps and getting a tree branch launched through her skull at 300+ miles an hour. Also, her own annoyance at Collin's lack of help in the field put a damper on things as well, all his science knowledge flying out the window it seemed.

The debris field was huge, and she almost pulled them out, but Collin kept her hands off the gear shifter. Screaming that it was perfect, that they didn't need to move. And factually he was true. The spikes were deployed, and they were holding position well. No blaring warning noises or red lights on the dash to tell her something wasn't working.

She puked after, and Collin was too busy jumping around, screaming about how he had just been in the middle of a tornado in the Warlock and how all his dreams had come true. How awesome it was. He was still keyed up on the adrenaline when they got in and wanted to score some action while she showered but she was far from feeling in the mood. Leaving him to huff and puff and pout and storm out. All but pushing past her to take his own shower when she stepped out of the bathroom, hair still wet and dripping down the shoulder of her oversized T-shirt.

Which left her here now. Waiting for Collin to pull himself together and walk him through the radar again, he had trouble reading it fluently. Left her reading her dad's scanned in unfinished research and starting to pull together a theory for a dissertation for her doctorate. Which she had been thinking about for over a year now, since she decided to study meteorology, she knew continuing her dad's research was something she wanted to do, but how was the problem she was running into.

His unfinished stuff leading to a route she thought was only possible in sci-fi movies. Mother nature couldn't be stopped, there was no way. But they could always better the warning systems, with more data. It was still an idea though; one she was maybe just crazy enough to follow down its path. She couldn't deny that the idea of choking out a tornado - killing it – wasn't something she could get behind.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the click of the bathroom door as it opened and the huff from her boyfriend as soon as he laid eyes on her.

"Do you really have to do that stuff right now?" He grumbled as he passed her, grabbing his suitcase and tossing it beside her on the bed, nearly hitting her leg. Riley grit her teeth and simply moved over a couple inches.

"Yeah, We both should be doing this right now. Especially since Professor Thorn is gonna have make-up the tests were missing right now when we get back in time for finals week, you still can't read radar properly Collin-"

"Yeah, I know. But I'm trying-"

"There is no try, only do. Come on. I can help." Riley tried a smile, doing her best to not go off on him, knowing that adults handling the adrenaline of chase season and kids handling it are very different. He had never done this before, of course he would suffer from the irritability of the drop in serotonin.

"I got it Riley, I don't need help, okay?" He snapped, grabbing what he needed from his suitcase and slamming the hard-shell luggage closed. Stomping to the bathroom to get changed again. Pouting.

Riley let out a heavy breath, tablet falling to her side as she saved where she was on her laptop and shut the lid. Pinching her nose for a second before getting up, her bare legs hanging out of her shirt, the old band tour shirt ratty and had seen better days. It was long enough to cover her shorts, too hot and humid to wear anything else right now without feeling like she was drowning and sticky.

"Hey, Collin, I'm just trying to help-" Riley started, leaning against the bathroom doorway, gasping in shock when it was wrenched open and brown eyes she was used to seeing filled with awe and warmth, sometimes annoyance, were filled with a heat that sent a chill down her spine. And not a good one.

"I don't need your help to pass my fucking classes Riley! I'm not an idiot!" Collin's grades were always a tough subject; to put it lightly he was failing out of the program.

"I'm not saying you are, I would never. I'm just trying to-"

"Help. I know. You keep saying that and then looking at me like I'm a fucking numskull. I'm not blind!" Collin snapped, pushing past Riley and heading to the door of the room. "Don't wait up!" Riley jogged after him, catching the door before it could slam shut, leaning out into the walkway that looked out to the parking lot.

"Collin!" Riley tried but he was already down the in the lot, smiling wide and raving about the tornado with some other chasers. "Shit." She breathed, leaning her temple against the door, banging it lightly against the cheap wood a couple times before going to head back to her laptop and tablet.

"You deserve better than that." The voice sent another chill down her spine, this one lukewarm, and she hated it.

"Like you have room to talk Owens." Riley spit, seething that he felt like he could still comment on her life when he hadn't been in it for two years now. "Just leave me alone, you're good at that." She never looked at him, but she now knew he was in the room over and it made her stomach turn and churn as she slammed her door shut. Huffing as she tugged a hand through her still damp curls, shaking her head and climbing back onto the bed and opening her laptop once again.

Tyler slowly nodded to himself, feeling like he was gonna be sick, Dexter calling his name from the room breaking his gaze away from Riley's closed door.

~~*~~

March, 2017

Arkansas

Riley hated breaks from school, she really did, with no other option than to go home to the empty St. James family ranch or make the trek to Oklahoma to spend Christmas and every other holiday with Jo and Bill, which she did but didn't want to overstay her welcome with their now kindergartener. It was fun to watch the two older parents chase after the tot like they would a tornado once upon a time.

They told her she was never not welcome, but still, she didn't want to ruin the last remaining positive relationships she had.

School mercifully started back up next week, spring break always falling awkwardly in the school schedule for her. Her birthday in the smack middle of it and she had spent the time prepping to go back after a successful finals season and finalizing her thesis idea. Even though everyone told her she was moving too fast, she was going to burn out. They hadn't ever seen the St. James tenacity in person and Riley took it as a challenge.

In her nicest dress and cleanest boots she was determined to keep a tradition alive, like she so often did when it came to the ones her dad put in place. But he wasn't here to take her on her birthday daddy-daughter date. So it was just a date by herself now. Which was fine, it had been that way since she told Jo she didn't need to call or suddenly show up. She still called, to wish her a happy birthday and always sent a gift in the mail but she wasn't as mobile anymore and Riley respected it. She didn't blame her or Bill. She could never. She asked to be alone. She had wanted this.

Her hair was curled in loose waves, much different than her natural messy spirals, proof to many that Riley St. James did in fact know how to do the girly things too. Not just rough house in the mud and thunder. Makeup on her face, lashes curled and darkened by mascara. She would go so far as to say she looked pretty.

Sliding her key in the lock and sliding the bolt into position she was met with the sound of a car door opening and closing. She had been so focused on making sure she had everything in her purse that she didn't look up on her way out the door and onto the porch. If she had she would have seen a familiar red ram truck with a dinged-up roll cage and a sweaty Tyler Owens in the driver's seat. Giving himself a pep talk to just go talk to the girl. To get out and walk up the steps and knock on the door.

But she did that part for him, and meeting her eyes made it hard to breath. His hands clutching a bouquet of peonies in brown paper wrapping and a purple string tied in a bow holding it all together. The air in Arkansas was slightly sticky with the upcoming storm season on the horizon in a month or two. But he wasn't focused on thinking about the next big storm. No his brain was trying to put together how the Riley in front of him was the same Riley he had seen a year ago, the same Riley he had known at 13, at 15, at 16. She wasn't. She wasn't Riley, Nathan's daughter, anymore. She was just Riley, a beautiful, glowing Riley. His brain was doing weird things, and he didn't know how to process it all. SO, he just shoved it back until he could focus on the reasons he was here in the first place.

"Owens." She greeted, standing tall on her porch, shoulders square, as if expecting a fight and the man deflated a bit.

"Tyler, please." He started, "Just Tyler is fine, Riley look-"

"What are you doing here?" Riley interrupted him, stopping his attempted steps closer to the house. He hated that it was like this. So standoffish but he had no one to blame but himself. This was his mess and he needed to fix it. After enough nagging and comments from the rest of the wranglers to finally pull his head out of his ass he was here and ready to put the past in the past. If she was willing to, at least.

"I'm here to say I'm sorry. For everything, for leaving like I did that night, for staying away-"

"I told you to." Riley's arms snaked around her stomach, as if trying to hold herself together.

"I shouldn't have listened." He continued, earning a snort from the girl, though her grin had a bite to it that didn't sit well with the man.

"I was surprised you did. Head's thick enough, I'm surprised anything gets through." It was a dig, it was meant to be mean. But again, he deserved it, and he couldn't disagree.

"I didn't want to hurt you again, and I-" Tyler's muddy boot covered toes scraped against the dirt under them. "I didn't know how to face you after I left for a damn storm that didn't even produce anything and I-" He cut himself off again with a sigh, moving to stand at the bottom of the porch steps, flowers in front of him, "I wanted to wish you happy birthday, I know I've missed a few, but I want to make it up to you. If you'll let me."

The moments she stared him down, seemingly looking into his very soul, made him fidget.

"If you want me to beg I will get on my knees right here and do just that. I know I messed up, please just let me make it better." He took a breath, "I miss seeing you smile and hang out the Warlock, I miss hearing you go off on a storm tangent. I miss you. I miss being here."

The St. James farm was always his home away from home during school, a needed oasis from his worrying parents and too many sisters. He loved them, but it got to be a bit much, and he had felt guilty for a long time knowing he had a family to go back to while all Riley had were Jo and Bill realistically. He was supposed to be there. He broke a promise.

Like he had found the magic words, Riley sighed and unlocked the front door, stepping back inside and holding open the door a little wider. Gesturing him in. He grinned so wide his cheeks hurt, handing her the flowers and smiling down at her as she closed the door, breathing the same air for a second before she was moving deeper into he house. To the kitchen.

"I, uh, I tried calling. But..." He trialed off as he rounded the corner and was met with Riley pulling down a vase and filling it half full of water. Opening the paper wrapping and starting to cut the stems at a diagonal.

"I was screening your calls." It was a blunt admission and Tyler's lips thinned as he nodded to himself.

"I deserved that." Riley just nodded in agreement, situating the flowers now and smiling softly as she gently ran her fingers over the petals.

"You remembered." Her eyes met his and he felt like the air had been punched out of his lungs.

"I- Yeah." He helplessly rocked back on his heels as his chin jerked down in an awkward affirmative.

"Well, don't track mud into my house Tyler. Boots off, you know that." Riley scolded, shaking her head with a slightly forced grin, "I have iced tea in the fridge, want any?"

Tyler grins like a mad man, settling into his bones finally. Toeing his boots off and putting them by the doorway, "You're Grammy's recipe?"

"What kind of question is that?" Riley just looked at him with a raised eyebrow, meeting his eyes through her lashes as she passed him. Settling at the table as she poured them both glasses of tea. Putting the glass jug back in the fridge.

"Where's what's his face?" Tyler rounded the table, grabbing his glass and leaning his elbows on the counter separating them

"Who?" Riley asked, grabbing some pretzels and tossing him the bag. Catching it, he ripped it open and took a deep breath, groaning at the smell of his favorite pretzels he used to down like a man starved on chases.

"That guy you were seeing." He munched, "The asshole from last Storm season. I didn't interrupt you on your way to his place did I?" His eyes tracked Riley as she made her way past him and sat at the dining room table, it was small, but the St. James' never needed a big table when it was just them. "And If I did he should be ashamed of himself for not picking you up and taking you somewhere nice on your goddamn birthday. Or at the very least cook you dinner."

"You say the like you've been around to actually celebrate my birthdays lately." Her painted fingernails, a deep navy-blue color he loved, scratched against the glass in her grip that had started to perspire. The words registered late, and he took the blow. Tyler swallowing hard. He wasn't out of the doghouse yet; he couldn't get comfortable.

"I'm sorry. Truly. I wasn't in a good place, mentally-" He squared his shoulders, setting down his glass and clasping his hands in front of him as he sat down across from Riley. She was on him though, like the firecracker he knew her to be, at least that hadn't changed.

"And I was? He may have been your mentor Tyler, but he was my dad!" Her words got tripped up in her throat and Tyler's eyes softened farther that what Riley though was possible, she hated it. She wanted to hate him. "And I was begging you to stay. I needed you to stay. And you walked away. I told you-"

"Not to bother coming back, I remember." Tyler nods, "And like I said, that was the biggest mistake of my life."

"I've seen you lives, I wouldn't say that." Riley scoffed and Tyler kissed his teeth. He could only take so much, and at some point he had to decide if this was a dead horse. He stayed silent, seeing the storm brewing behind her eyes as she stared hard into her Iced tea, "Then why are you here? Why come back when I made it clear I didn't want you to."

"Why did you let me in?" Tyler countered, letting out a sigh when his question was met by silence, still as stubborn as she was back then too. He went to get up, barely a step away from the table before her voice was cutting through the space.

"I don't know."

It was a lie they both knew it, Riley missed him. As much as he missed her. He had fucked up, but he was here. He was trying to make up for it. But was it too little too late? He had to try.

"I'm here now. I'll stay. If you want me to." He turned, eyes drowning in honestly and unspoken apologies as he looked at the woman in front of him. The one he never wanted to hurt, but had.

"What about your crew? Won't they miss you?" Riley was offering him an out, he recognized.

"I can call them, tell them I'm seeing an old friend for a bit. Storms aren't going to pick up for a little bit here anyway..." He paused and Riley shifted in her seat a bit, "You still riding with anyone for chasing?"

It was not where she thought that was going, "Uh- no, not currently. I have a whole stack of applications from other undergrads and even some master's students though why?"

"How 'bout riding with us?"

~~*~~

May 2018

Arkansas

“You know when you signed on to riding with the crew last year, I thought at some point you’d actually get in the truck.” Tyler bit, the argument not an uncommon one. Tyler not showing his worry properly and Riley still not trusting his judgement when it came to chasing. At least that’s what it felt like.

“I can’t just leave the Warlock Tyler, it’s a-”

“Relic, the thing take two tries to turn over and you are constantly tweaking the engine. It’s not safe-”

“A valued part of my dad’s legacy. When people see me out chasing they expect to see the Warlock, what do you want me to do Tyler? Let it sit and collect dust? Let it just fade away into oblivion?” Riley’s voice broke and Tyler just shook his head. Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart.

“You’re allowed to branch out from your dad’s shadow Riley-”

“It’s not a shadow, it’s a legacy. That he left me to protect-”

“Just say it!” Tyler exploded, and Riley jumped, “You don’t trust me. You don’t trust my abilities in the field to keep you safe.”

“That’s not it Tyler-”

“Then what is it, Riley? Because I have done everything I can to make it as safe as physically possible. So that you wouldn’t have to worry.” The man softened, seeing the way Riley’s eyes darted around the parking lot. He had barely let her get out of the warlock in the motel parking lot and a streak of guilt shot through him. He needed to reign it in.

“Why do you even care?” Riley threw out there, seemingly her last line of defense as Tyler and her had left any distance between them to the imagination. Pulling together like magnets even when upset with each other. It was a tense silence before Tyler’s lips were on hers and her hands were in his hair, his around her waist. Holding her impossibly close, not a single molecule of air left. It felt right, like Riley’s lips were only meant to be kissed by Tyler Owens and vice versa. It felt like two stars colliding in a fate-fueled instance of inevitability.

He held her like she was his only means of survival, like her body held he oxygen he so desperately needed to live. The sky opened and started to dump buckets, and the team screeched. Rushing to get everything not okay to get wet out of the rain. Tyler and Riley breaking away in shock as the first droplets hit their skin and thunder rolled in the distance.

“There something forming in the east, she’s a biggun!” Dani yelled as she scrambled to the van with Dexter behind her making sure their tech was where it needed to be.

“Come on lovebirds! We gotta go!” Lilly yelled, getting into the back seat, letting Dexter occupy the front as he kept an eye on radar and filming out the from windscreen. Riley looked up to Tyler, a grin on her lips as she chuckled, shaking her head. Pressing up onto her toes for another kiss, keeping it quick.

“I’ll get in the truck. Just not today, okay?” Riley promised and Tyler took it, nodding, leaning down with a stupid grin and only leaving her lips when she pushed him off with another laugh. He wanted to swallow it whole, it was one of the best sounds he had ever heard.

“I’m keeping you to that!” He called as he got in the truck, and she got into the Warlock. Both turned over on the first try. Her raising an eyebrow with a smirk at the blonde man and receiving rolled eyes and a disbelieving smirk before he was taking off with her right behind him.

~~*~~

July 2019

Michigan

The end of a storm season was always a bittersweet affair. With the storms starting to taper off and broach more east ward the wrangler crew was forced to cool it. Focusing on editing old footage and put out backlogged videos until next season. Putting out warnings from home bases when storms are brewing and they can’t get to them, not really for venturing too far from home.

They had just finished off what was probably the last chase of the season, by the great lakes and their beaches. When Lily and Dani had the idea to make an end of season bonfire at the beach Tyler couldn’t say no when Riley grinned as brightly as she did, blinding him and all of his senses. Music was playing ambiently from a speaker by the logs of driftwood they had pulled over to use as seats among their camping chairs and blankets.

Tyler sitting in one of the camping chairs and watching with a smile as Lilly pulled Riley into a spin and dipped her. Both laughing, almost falling over before stumbling up. Dani joined them and the three started to spin. Dexter to his left chuckled at their friends’ antics, clinking his beer with Tyler’s when the blonde held it up.

Tyler was perfectly content, pulling out his phone subtly, snapping a couple photos of Riley’s smile in the firelight and her arms around Lilly’s shoulders as they swayed, holding Dani’s hand to twirl the third member of their celebration.

“You look happy.” Dexter pointed out, his grin easy as he watched Tyler’s eyes melt.

“I am, Dex. I really really am.” Tyler smiled and chuckled, it wasn’t always like this. They had their fair share of arguments, but they always pulled through. They hadn’t exchanged the words yet, but Tyler Owens knew one thing, Riley had stitched herself into his soul and he never wanted her to rip those seams. Riley Josephine Thornton-St.James was something he had never expected, but he was sure glad she was here. With him. Smiling at him across the fire like he was the best thing she had ever seen.

He managed a photo of that too before she noticed, her grin narrowing in mischief as she bid adieu to Lilly and Dani for the moment. Bouncing over to Tyler and plopping down in his lap, Tyler chuckling along with Dexter when the camping chair almost fell back.

The older man took his leave, knowing when his presence was necessary and when it was not.

Tyler dug his beer into the sand and wrapped his arms around Riley as she threw hers around his neck. Kissing his cheek multiple times, they had gotten good data. The tornado had slowed, if even just a little bit, for no reason. Other than the polymers they had sent up in it, the air pressure and speed readings were showing steady progression. It was progress.

And Riley was absolutely glowing, her eyes alive and her smile taking the breath from his lungs. The man reaching up the hook some stray strands of hair that had fallen from her ponytail behind her ear. The curls soft between his fingers and smelling of storm and something so uniquely Riley that was enough to get him drunk.

“Thank you.” Riley whispered into his skin, goosebumps raising along the back of Tyler’s neck.

“For what?” He asked, tilting his head like a puppy, eyes full of stars as he looked up at her. Riley’s hands on his stubble covered cheeks as she pulled him in for a sweet kiss. She was addicting, she had no idea the power she had over him.

“When the Warlock wasn’t starting, I thought it was all over, but you saved the day. As always. Even though you still need to replace the windscreen with plexi-glass-”

“The bulletproof glass isn’t good enough for you?” Tyler quipped, the ongoing argument still in the background it seemed.

“Tyler. I’m happy, you’re happy, everyone is happy. Can we just leave it, please.”

“You’re the one who brought it up-” Tyler raised a hand in surrender to the look Riley sent his way, “But okay, I’ll let it go. For now.”

Riley just rolled her eyes and tucked her head into his neck, her forehead against his pulse, nosing his collar with a grin. Everything was perfect. Tyler’s arms around her, his warm skin on hers, her friends and family around her, her research, and therefore her dad’s research was moving forward. She hadn’t been this happy in a long time. Words so readily available on the tip of her tongue but she didn’t say them. Instead, holding tighter onto Tyler. Loving the sound of his chuckle right next to her ear, the dulcet tones acting like a warm blanket. His fingers moving up and down her arms, the comforting touch only adding to the sensation of pure adoration she felt for the man holding her.

Pulling away just enough to pull him down to her. connecting their lips in a slow connection that she hoped passed along everything she was feeling. If by the way Tyler’s hands flexed over her skin was anything to go by, it did.

“I don’t know how it could get any better than this.” She muttered against his lips, him not wanting to break way just yet.

“I can imagine a few ways it could get better.’ His smirk and the twang in his voice caused Riley’s cheeks to heat up, quiet laughter spilling from her lips right into his mouth and he got his wish. Devouring the sound as he pulled her closer.

“Okay! Times up! Give her back Tyler! I haven’t had Riley time all day.” Lilly pouted, jogging up to the couple, arms crossed over her chest. The couple broke apart both chuckling as Riley grinned up at the dark-haired woman before her, looking back to Tyler with a sheepish smile.

“She is not wrong Ty.”

Tyler groaned as if he was dying when Riley extracted herself from his grasp, playfully tugging her back for one last kiss before finally releasing her to the clutches of Lilly and Dani once again.

“You are so whipped.” Dexter chuckled from a few feet away, Tyler throwing a bit of sand at him.

“Ty! Come dance with me!” Riley called and Tyler was in no position to deny her. Like he would.

~~*~~

A/N: The way my OCD refused to let this not be exactly 7,100 words is crazyyyyyy. Enjoy before we get into some more angsty stuff with the movie plot lol. And this was gonna be longer too lol. Some one needs to stop me.

[invisibleraven]

"What happened to you?!" + anyone in the Greater Polyphantoms Polycule

When you thought about it, the fact that their parents brought them together made it kind of sad. Or more so the fact that their parents were all horrible or gone in their own ways.

Willie had lost his folks young, floating through foster care until he ended up with Caleb who cared in his own way but was still never going to win any awards.

Carrie whose mom dipped before she turned one and her dad was always away either on tour or writing music, or on some meditation retreat. Meaning she had been raised by nannies and staff until she was deemed old enough to care for herself.

Alex's parents were hyper religious homophobic assholes who kicked him out after he came out, simple as that.

Luke had run away after his parents got into yet another fight about his dream of being a musician, and hadn't spoken since.

Julie had lost her mom to cancer, and while Ray was great, and tried his best, he was also absent minded and grieving to the point that Julie felt she was the parent most of the time.

Flynn probably had the best parents out of all of them, even if they were strict vegetarians, forbidding sugar and any artificial ingredients from their home. She considered this pretty horrid given her crippling soda addiction, and everyone turned her down when she offered them helpings of her mom's impossi-loaf.

They had all met in detention one day, commiserating over their situations, bondiging for life. Well all except Reggie, who just quietly mumbled that his parents fought a lot but refused to divorce and clammed up.

None of them questioned it, and later they all wished they had.

It was a few years later, they were all in a relationship, one way or another, though more than once they had to break out the chart to explain how it exactly worked to new people. Like the Pattersons after Luke returned home after many many counselling sessions.

They were gearing up for band practice, with Flynn and Carrie strategizing some new gig locations, and Willie was reworking som merch ideas. Only Reggie wasn't there, and all of them were worried.

"Did you try calling him?" Alex asked as he paced the length of the garage.

"Went straight to voice mail," Julie replied, worrying her bottom lip.

"Want me to bike around see if I can find him?" Luke offered.

"No, he probably just got caught up by a cute dog or something," Willie replied, though his voice didn't hold it's usual mirth. "We'll give him another few minutes."

It was close to half an hour later that Reggie stumbled into the garage, and Luke was about to berate him for being so late but when he caught sight of him he froze, the words dying on his lips. "What happened to you?"

Reggie was standing there, obviously keeping his weight off his left ankle. His shirt was ripped and bloody, his nose still bleeding, and his eye was swollen shut and black. Julie gasped and grabbed the first aid kit, demanding Alex rush up to the house for an ice pack.

"Don't tell Ray," Regie pleaded quietly as he caught Alex's arm at the door.

"Dude, you need to tell somebody," he said firmly, but nodded and raced off.

Flynn and Carrie helped Reggie sit on the couch, Luke searching around for a clean shirt (they all kept clothes here for slumber parties and gigs anyways), and Julie tenderly cleaned his wounds.

Willie stood back, holding himself, but he caught Reggie's eyes and whimpered. He recognized that hunted, haunted look that lay there. Had seen it in the mirror often enough at one of his foster homes. "Reg..."

"You should see the other guy," Reggie joked, but winced when Julie rubbed ointment into the cut on his collar bone.

"Please tell me you didn't get into an idiotic fight," Carrie said, helping him out of his ruined shirt, and into a clean one that she was sure actually belonged to Alex. But given Alex was handing over ice packs, pressing one to Reggie's face with care, she didn't think he cared.

"Can you please tell us what happened?" Flynn asked gently, holding Reggie's hand.

Reggie was silent for a long moment, until Julie noticed a tear streak down his face and snuggled in tight to his side. "Please Reggie, I know it's hard, but we need to know you're alright. We love you."

Willie sat by Reggie's feet, looking up at him. "Dad or mom?"

Alex stifled a growl at that, then looked at Reggie who didn't seem at all taken aback by the question.

"Both," he said soberly. "They were drunk, they didn't mean it."

"Yes they did," Willie said quietly. "I saw he faded bruises Reggie. I lived through that too pre-Caleb."

"You can't go back there Reggie," Carrie said decisively. "You can stay with any of us, stay safe and loved."

"But... they're my parents," he replied.

"Parents don't do that," Luke said. "They support you."

"Feed you," Flynn added.

"Hug you," Alex piped up, bringing Willie to his side.

"You shouldn't be scared of them," Carrie said.

"Or to go home," Willie whispered.

"Reggie..." Julie started, then stopped. Breathing out audibly. "Your parents don't deserve you, and you don't deserve to be treated like that. No one does."

Reggie nodded, the tears now flowing freely. "Thanks guys. I love you all so very much."

They all leaned in to cuddle him then, as if that could protect him. Shield Reggie from the horrors of the world. Which of course it didn't. But he couldn't deny it made him feel safe and loved, something he rarely felt when away from his partners. And let himself finally fall asleep as they discussed where it was best for him to go, smiling a little at being so very cared for.

[nixie-writes]

Hey!! Can I request romantic headcanons about how Angel dust meets and gets together with a human stuck in hell? Thank you!❤️

Hello! I love the trope of "demon falls for human stuck in Hell" and "demon falls for human in the living world" etc. just demon and human love story stuff. It's so cute. Thanks for the request and I hope you enjoy! Gender neutral terms used, under cut for length and trigger warnings, will be tagged. TW: short mention of drugs

Angel Dust - For a human to get stuck in Hell, they must have done something wrong. Perhaps they attempted a summoning and it went the opposite way. - Stuck in Hell they would certainly be confused initially. This wasn't their home and they were surrounded by the most colorful and horrific beings unimaginable to man. - They'd stand up, dust themselves off and look around for a friendly face. It would take a minute but they would catch a disconcertingly tall pink and white creature climb out of what they could assume to be a taxi and walk off, looking at a vending machine. At least they could get a soda. - Following up behind the demon they'd notice a list of things they really didn't recognize. Krunchy Krookodile? Angel Dust? ...Isn't that street slang for PCP? Peeping up behind the demon they would meekly ask, "excuse me, which of these is a good soda?" - Turning they'd be met with a spiky smile, a little concerning. It would laugh and say, "hon this isn't soda, these are drugs, pick your poison!" Of course. "I'm sorry, where am I?" They inquired, to which it answered, "you're obviously in Hell." Of course there's drug machines in Hell. - Noticing their appearance the demon would mention how similar they look to a human. "Yes well, I am a human. I fucked up a summoning circle I guess." It would dead pan for a moment then burst out laughing. "Yeah that's hilarious! But no really, what are ya?" After lengthy measures it would confirm they are, in fact, human. - "Well I can't leave you out here for a cannibal to get ya. I know someone who would love to see you." Hesitantly they would follow the demon, making small talk along the way. "I'm sorry, your name is...?" It would shrug. "I go by Angel Dust, toots. And I'm not an It I'm a guy!" He would respond playfully. His jolly demeanor lightened the mood a little despite the situation. - Angel would bring them to the hotel as expected and Charlie would be beyond pleased, yet confused, to meet a human. She'd ask how they arrived in Hell and ask if they want to go back to the living world after explaining her hotel and her aim. They would think on it for a moment and reply, "no, I think I could be a good example for your hotel; plus Angel here has been friendly so far, how bad can this place be?" - They would become quickly acquainted with the staff. Alastor the Radio Demon, who Charlie highly advised they steer clear of despite his friendly tone. His two "friends", Nifty and Husk. Nifty was polite and sweet, Husk was quite the opposite and reeked of alcohol. Finally, Charlie's girlfriend and co-founder of the hotel, Vaggie. Vaggie promised to protect them from other demons, which they were thankful for. There were no available staff rooms so they had to bunk with someone and of course they went with Angel, as they knew him best and he hadn't threatened them with a spear. - Over the next several weeks they would become very close to Angel. Attached by the hip as some would say. Charlie and Nifty thought it was sweet that Angel had such a close friend. Alastor found it silly and Husk was at least grateful Angel's flirting was directed to someone else, while Vaggie found it mildly concerning but trusted them enough to know they weren't stupid. - Fat Nuggets liked them too. Unknown to the staff Angel and [Y/N] would share his bed with Fat Nuggets tucked in between. Angel was quick with his flirting, to which they responded positively to, giggling and blushing like a tomato. - It would be one night, they were laying down to sleep, Angel would roll over and casually say, "goodnight, love you". It would take a moment before he realized what he said and flew up in bed apologizing sincerely, [Y/N] was just staring. Has Angel just confessed?

- Giggling nervously, their cheeks burning bright in the dim light of his room, [Y/N] would respond, "I thought I was gonna be the one to say it first". Angel blinked once, then twice, eyes wide as an owl. "You're not fucking with me, are ya?" He'd ask in a meek tone. They would just shake their head and place their hand on one of his. "Of course not. You're the kindest demon I've met down here and somehow, despite this being Hell and all, you're sweeter than any person I've met in the living world. I love you too." - After a quick peck on the lips Angel would lay back down, pulling [Y/N] into his arms with their face comfortably placed in his chest fluff and repeat, "goodnight, love you". They would respond, "I love you too, my little spider." Bonus: Staff learns they're together! - Charlie is overjoyed to see it happen, she knew Angel needed something or someone to redeem himself for, and he's finally found it! - Vaggie is still worried for [Y/N], worried that Angel may hurt them, physically and emotionally. She'll congratulate them publicly but in private she'll threaten to castrate Angel if he hurts them. - Nifty finds it so cute! She canonically writes fanfiction so of course she's writing fanfics in her off time about Angel and [Y/N]. She probably has a ship name in mind too. - Alastor still finds their whole romantic scene silly and requests they get all gushy and lovey in private, but personally he doesn't mind seeing such a wholesome relationship. - Husk is grateful he doesn't have to deal with Angel flirting with him so often but now he has to watch Angel flirt with [Y/N] all the time in fucking public. He'll talk about how stupid it is and how he wishes they would go away but privately, he thinks it's sweet that Angel finally came out of his shell and opened himself for love. Husk only wishes he could do the same. Maybe one day.

[nottheweirdest]

Sonadowtober Day 17: Coffee Shop

I know I'm terribly behind, but I'll get there! This was very rushed, my apologies for any typos!

Summary: It's the little moments that can be the most meaningful. And this is one of them.

Read below or on Ao3!

Sonic rubbed a hand over his face sleepily as he pushed through his front door. He was bone weary, and his body hurt far more than it used to after a battle. But, he supposed, that’s what happened when you were still in the hero business and into your thirties.

He blew air through pursed lips in a long exhale and stepped out of his muddy shoes before opening his arms to take a look at himself. Not too bad all things considered. Some minor cuts and a handful of bruises, but considering he’d been taking care of Eggman’s bots for nearly two hours, it wasn’t too shabby.

He was lucky Knuckles had been visiting with his daughter, Ruby, when they’d got the alert. It wasn’t so lucky that Knuckles had been far more beat up than he. That was partly why he was so late getting back, he’d helped the echidna back to the home he shared with Rouge and offered to keep Ruby for the night.

He walked to the kitchen and grabbed a grape soda, even though he knew Shadow would make some comment about needing to drink more water, and slowly made his way upstairs.

Sonic didn’t know exactly what he expected when he made his way to the top floor, but it wasn't what he found. Soft, but excited chatter flowed from behind a partially closed door. He tiptoed toward it and peeked his head around, nearly choking in an attempt to contain his laughter.

On the far side of the room, in a chair far too small for his body, his husband sat with a tiny little mug in his hand and a humorously tortured expression on his face. Sonic grinned widely, especially when crimson eyes flickered up to meet his with a look of dry exasperation. The agent’s deadly quills were tied back in random bunches and held together with sparking purple and gold bows and the claws on his dark hands had been painted hot pink.

Horrendously uneven smears of blue eyeshadow coated the hybrid’s eyelids and dark circles of pink accentuated the sides of his tan muzzle. If that wasn’t bad enough, his lips were covered in fire engine red lipstick and his chest fluff bedazzled with enough glitter that Sonic figured if they got the light just right, they could use the disgruntled hedgehog as a disco ball.

“You’re not doing it right!” cried a young voice, followed by the clatter of plastic dishes. Sonic peered around the door a little more to see his daughter glare at her father. “You’re supposed to hold your pinky out!”

Sonic turned his attention to the little teal hedgehog and felt a surge of love when he recognized a very familiar expression plastered on her face. It was one Shadow gave him all the time. The ‘hedgehog, you’re an idiot’ look.

The Ultimate Lifeform obediently lifted his pink tipped pinky finger and sipped from his pretend coffee mug delicately.

Suddenly violet eyes peered up from around the door at Sonic. “I found you!” Ruby shouted, her wings flaring out excitedly.

The young teal hedgehog looked up from berating her father and squealed. “Daddy!!” She dropped her cup and ran, plowing into Sonic’s legs and hugging them tightly.

He grimaced as her strength dug into tender spots, but returned the hug fervently. “Amelia, what have you done to your father?”

Shadow sat his mug down and stood, the glitter on his chest reflecting in the light of their daughter’s bedroom. “They tricked me.”

“You are pretty gullible.”

Shadow glared and looked away, though Sonic saw the corner of his red lips turn up.

“Ruby wanted to play tea party, but I told her Papa doesn’t drink tea, he only drinks coffee. So, we played coffee shop!”

Sonic laughed and picked his daughter up to place her on his hip, despite his aches and pains. “Coffee shop, huh?”

“Yup! All we did was ask Papa if he wanted a cup of coffee and he said yes.”

“Ah, so you didn’t tell him it was pretend coffee?”

“Nope!”

Ruby perked up and grabbed Amelia’s play makeup. “But he couldn’t go to the coffee shop dressed like he was--”

“So we made him pretty!” Amelia chirped.

“Oh, you certainly did,” Sonic grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen your father look more beautiful. You girls did a great job!”

On Sonic’s hip, his daughter smiled and grabbed both sides of his face, her hands nearly absent of the last softness from toddlerhood. “Do you want to play coffee shop with us, Daddy?”

Sonic stared into her blue eyes and somehow felt his weariness fade. “I would love to. But only if you make me as pretty as Papa.”

“Deal!” Amelia grinned, throwing his trademark thumbs up back at him.

In the end, the coffee shop was a smashing success. The clientele would rave for years about the impeccable service and delectable offerings. In fact, they would love it so much, that over the years they’d return again and again, hoping all the while, in the back of their minds, that it would never close its doors. That it would stay like this forever.

Pretend coffee, glitter, giggles, and eyeshadow.

[roselen-mylady]

the game | part two

Part One

Steve hated to admit it but he had always been a jealous person. As a child he was jealous of the way so many other kids had dads that tucked them in at night. As a teen he was jealous of how easily Bucky made women swoon. As an adult he was jealous of Stark when he attempted to woo Peggy. And now he was jealous because it seemed everyone but himself was able to easily talk and even kiss Y/n.

Oh how badly he had wanted to.

And he almost did during that game of spin the bottle. Yet he'd lost his nerve. And lost his chance.

Thor's laughter had drawn his full attention toward the pair. Not that his eye had ever left Y/n but now the man before him was blatantly being ignored as Steve's entire focus was on Y/n and Thor. He strained to hear whatever was being said by her but he could hardly pay attention as Thor lifted her into the air and spun her around like a princess.

He could've done that.

His blood nearly boiled as he watched Thor kiss her. It was innocent, he knew that, but he just couldn't help it. He was angry at the world and Thor but mostly himself.

Before Thanos he thought he'd have all the time he needed to work up to confessing his feelings for her while she stayed in Wakanda watching after his best friend. But when she was snapped away he realized he had made a horrible mistake. A mistake he regretted every minute of every day during those long five years.

But now he had a chance to fix it.

Yet he hadn't been able to talk to her since she returned. The friendship they'd had before then was bashful but strong yet during her absence he had distanced himself from the idea of her in order to cope.

When she returned all the emotions he felt came rushing back in waves. And he was still blowing it.

•••

"I'm so tired of watching these two pine after one another." Wanda spoke suddenly, making Bucky turn toward her, dragging his gaze away from the pair.

"What do you mean?" Bucky asked, looking back at them as Wanda came to stand at his side, watching them with him.

"You mean you haven't noticed? Y/n's in love with Steve. Steve's in love with Y/n. It's agonizing to watch, really." She sighed, rather vexed with the entire situation. It was her after all who had watched them through the years. They'd known each other ever since before the accords and all that time they'd had an awkward friendship in which feelings were obvious on both ends yet neither had the courage to act.

She hated to imagine how Y/n's death might've affected him but yet it still hadn't given him the will of the courage to act. It pained her to watch the two fall back into their old ways.

"Y/n loves Steve?" Bucky mumbled, disbelief evident in his features. Wanda nodded, her eyes trailing Y/n as she made her way to Peter, who was standing haphazardly close to Steve.

"More than life itself, though she'll never admit it. I saw it when I had to enter her thoughts years ago during a mission we had in Germany." Wanda explained. She remembered the overwhelming feeling of Y/n's emotions. They crashed into her stronger than any wave could and even after all these years they were just as strong.

"Then why haven't they done anything?" Bucky asked. He looked down at her finding the same lost expression on her face that was more than likely on his.

"I don't know. Y/n told me last week the same thing she told me all those years ago. Things are too complicated and she can't risk losing him if he doesn't feel the same." Wanda quoted Y/n, her annoyance seeping through her words.

Bucky scoffed, recognizing the excuse as something very similar to Steve's and he shook his head, feeling the same defeat Wanda did. "Just like them to be too stupid to be happy." He groaned, looking up at them.

"Yeah. But hopefully when he kisses her one of them will do something." Wanda hoped her statement might encourage their boldness.

"Unless it's a repeat of spin the bottle." Bucky said, dreading the chance that it might happen. Wanda cringed, shaking her head.

"Y/n won't allow it. She takes the game too seriously." She replied, more to convince herself than Bucky. It was true. Y/n would get Steve to kiss her whether it was for the win or her own motives. That is if her nerves didn't take over.

"Let's hope."

•••

"Well, if it isn't Spiderman." Y/n called out, grabbing Peter's attention. He smiled brightly, finally being called by his preferred name and not Spiderboy.

"Ms. Y/n! What-what are you doing here?" Peter's sore attempt at small talk made him wince but thankfully Y/n didn't seem to mind, looking down at his glass.

"Just mingling. Whatcha drinking?" She asked curiously, wondering if Tony had allowed the poor boy a drink while dealing with all the people who no doubt asked him millions of questions regarding his presence and age.

"Sprite. Mr. Stark said he can't allow me to 'drink and swing'." Peter adjusted his glass, using his fingers as quotations before letting out a short giggle at the phrase.

Y/n laughed as well, trying to appear relaxed as she felt a certain pair of eyes on her. Steve was standing just a few feet away with Tony, not within earshot but close enough to send butterflies to her stomach. With each kiss she collected she felt more and more anxious knowing eventually she'd reach Steve. Was she ready for that?

"Well, that simply won't do. It's a party, Peter, and I can't allow you to not drink. When I was your age Tony was slipping me drinks left and right, it's only fair I pass on the tradition." She explained, leaning forward carefully as her hand brushed his.

He blushed, his eyes widening like saucers as she skillfully slipped his glass out of his hand, replacing it with her own. Glancing at Tony as if expecting to be caught, he was relieved to find his father figure blissfully unaware of their treachery.

"Ms. Y/n, I really shouldn't-"

"Don't worry, I'll drive you home if you're that worried. I got you bro." Y/n promised, nudging his arm with a kind smile. "Now tell me you've at least tried champagne. You've been to like three of these parties now." She laughed her smile growing as he joined in.

"Yeah, well, I mean a little bit from my Aunt May's glass." Y/n shook her head, putting her hand on his shoulder, a dramatic look of sorrow on her face.

"My poor boy. I have many things to share with you. Speaking of which, Shuri is asking if you're coming with me to Wakanda next week." Y/n sipped the soda watching as Peter's fingers danced happily against his own glass.

"Really?! I mean, of course! If you want me to. I've never been, what's it like?" Peter rambled, his face lit up in excitement, making Y/n chuckle at how thrilled the boy was.

"You'll see soon enough. I'll come get you next Friday and bring your suit, I'm sure Shuri would love to tinker with it." Y/n advised. Peter nodded wildly, psyched for such a trip.

"Thank you, Ms. Y/n." Peter grinned. Y/n wrapped an arm around his shoulders turning him in the direction of where Tony was standing.

"Peter, Y/n is fine. Trust me, I'm one of the few people in this world who know what it's like to have Tony as a father figure and anyone who can handle that is okay in my book." Y/n laughed, pointing at the man in question.

As if sensing their shit talking, Tony turned around, catching sight of them. A suspicious glare was sent their way but Y/n could hardly notice it as another figure stepped into view, following Tony's gaze.

It was then that they were forced to look at one another head on. Not at a glance or a sneaky peek. They might as well have been standing in front of one another as they both froze.

If Y/n's heart decided to stop in that instant, she wouldn't blame it. The pure intensity of Steve's gaze was enough to make her shudder and she fought her every molecule to stare back. There was a warmth in his eyes, one that sent a flutter of giddiness through her.

A small smile crept onto his face and Y/n gasped, forcing herself to return the gesture and not just gawk at him. She was at a loss for words. It was the first time since Thanos that he had given her any sort of acknowledgement. While it hurt that their friendship had seemed to diminish while she'd been gone, she knew that rekindling it was a two way street. But now he was smiling at her. And she was smiling back.

She hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath until Peter stepped in front of her, his hands resting on her shoulders and his brows furrowed in concern. "Y/n? Are you okay?" His voice was soothing and it helped her recover her loss of breath from her moment with Steve.

"Huh? Uh, yeah. I'm fine. Just...uh, thinking." She mumbled, her eyes drifting back to Steve once more. His smile had faltered slightly, his face beginning to match Peter's concern but with a small curve of her lips, she assured him that his worry was senseless.

"About the game?"

"Hmm?" Y/n questioned, directing her attention to the boy once more. Peter eyed his glass carefully before taking a cautious sip.

"The game you play with Ms. Natasha and Ms. Wanda. You're playing, right? I saw you earlier with Thor." He explained. Y/n's face flushed, a little embarrassed that her moment with Thor had been witnessed by someone she knew. What if Steve saw? Would he be jealous?

Y/n nearly shook her head, convincing herself that she wasn't worth being jealous over. Especially to Steve.

"Oh, yeah. We are. That reminds me, you like Star Wars right?" She smirked, looking at him as she sipped his soda, the pink on his cheeks making her giggle.

"Well, yeah, I mean lots of people do. I'm not the only one-that would be weird. Unless you like it, not that you liking it would make it less weird. Not that you're not weird! Weird-"

"Peter!" Y/n laughed, putting her hand on his as she lightly brought the drink down. "Whew boy, maybe alcohol isn't your thing. Then again you've always been a rambler." She gently took the drink back from him, watching as a wave of relief washed over him.

"Have you eaten yet? I think there's hors d'oeuvres around here somewhere." She muttered, glancing around for any servers. Peter shook his head accepting his soda back before looking back up at her.

"No I'm okay, really." He told her, his heart warming at how much she seemed to care. It was nice and he enjoyed his relationship with Y/n. She allowed him to do things with her like travel, patrol, even hang out in the lab and she quickly became another idol of his.

"Are you thinking of watching Star Wars?" He asked her, referring to her previous question. She smiled, shaking her head.

"No, I've already seen it, I'm just thinking of a pick up line for the game. Tonight's rules are if you like my line I get a kiss and I fully intend on winning tonight." Peter nearly choked on air as his eyes widened yet again.

"A kiss? From me?" Y/n giggled, tapping her finger to her cheek.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Parker. A kiss on the cheek will do." She teased, making his face impossibly redder. He shook his head frantically trying to display as best he could that it wasn't his intention.

"I'm kidding. Now are you ready to hear my cheesy pick up line or will I just have to forfeit?" Peter's head didn't seem to stop shaking as he urged her to continue. "Alright here goes."

"Hey, sweetheart. Do you like Star Wars cause Yoda only one for me." With a wink she smiled, enjoying the scrunch of Peter's nose as he cringed at the line. 

"Not doing it for ya?" She laughed. Peter scoffed, trying to hide the smile that threatened to show.

"I hate to admit it, but it was kinda funny." He sighed, ashamed to have enjoyed such a horrible line. Y/n's grin grew, pointing to her cheek once more.

"Then pay up. I've got two more kisses to collect." Peter smiled, leaning forward and pecking the space her finger had been. "Thank you. Now find someone to mess with. I won't be the only one reeking havoc tonight." She poked a stern finger into his chest. With some convincing he eventually promised to at least pull a prank on Sam and Bucky.

With that she began to make her way to Tony. A knot formed in her stomach as she paced in his direction yet it wasn't Tony who made her nervous. No, only Steve Rogers could make her feel so squeamish and turn her legs to jelly. And she was making her way straight toward him.

Y/n could barely hear the click of her heels and the chatter of those around her over the pep talk she was giving herself in her head. She refused to embarrass herself in front of him. This was going to be her second chance and she wouldn't allow her nerves to ruin it again.

"As I live and breathe! Do I stand before Iron Man and Captain America? I do hope this isn't a dream." Steve's soft chuckle seemed to go straight to her core and she feared her heart might beat right out of her chest.

"Don't encourage her, Cap." Tony grumbled, turning his gaze to Y/n. "Well, if it isn't my favorite niece."

"Your only niece." Y/n corrected, a short glare focused on him as he smirked.

"Let me guess you're here to win the game. Let's hear it so poor Cap here can get a turn. I don't think he's kissed a woman since the 40s." Tony leaned down, whispering the last part and making Y/n giggle.

"Hey!" Steve objected in vain. But what Y/n said next sent any duty to protect his pride out the window.

"That's a crying shame. The ladies must not know what they're missing." Y/n froze as the words left her mouth. What was she thinking? Her face burned and she hid behind her glass trying to muffle her embarrassed groan with her champagne.

"Jeez, get a room." Steve and Y/n both glared at Tony but he didn't seem to care, instead shrugging innocently.

"Alright, here's your line you impatient ass." Y/n scoffed, deciding to use a particularly bad line for the annoying man she dared call her father figure.

"Was that it?" He smirked.

"Shut up, I gotta turn around and approach this again or else it won't work." She hissed, earning a heartfelt laugh from Steve. Twice. She'd made him laugh twice. Her heart was practically singing at the thought. Maybe she'd actually get to kiss him?

With more determination than before, she turned around, taking a few steps away before dramatically turning back to them. Using theatrics she no doubt learned from Tony Stark himself, she put on a smile before holding her arms out in a grand gesture.

"Well I'm here, what's your next two wishes?"

"That was horrendous." Tony said almost immediately while Steve tried to contain his laughter behind them.

"Well, I couldn't very well waste my best lines on you now could I?" Y/n jested, taking the glass in his hand and pouring what remained of his drink into her now empty glass.

Tony's teasing expression fell as he painfully watched Y/n sip her glass. "I can't believe you're related to me." Y/n smiled back at him proudly.

"Only by marriage." She shrugged. Tony sighed, leaning down and pressing a fatherly kiss to her forehead just along her hairline.

"Thank god." He ignored Y/n's squinted stare, turning to Steve. "I think I'm going to go get another drink, since mine was so blatantly stolen." Tony glanced at Y/n who shamelessly smirked.

"But first I wanna hear your pick up line for Cap. Please be something patriotic. Maybe sing him the national anthem." He suggested, nudging Steve forward to where he stood before Y/n.

Not expecting Tony's push, Steve stumbled nearly crashing into Y/n but thankfully he caught himself, only having a redder face than before.

"I'm not sure the national anthem is a pick up line, Tony." Y/n replied, focusing on anything but Steve. At this distance she could smell the familiar cologne and feel the heat radiating from him. It reminded her all too much of the days before the snap. When he'd hold her whenever she was hurt or when he'd pick her up to launch her toward an enemy. Reminded her of the few hugs they'd managed to share.

Reminded her of their last before she dusted in his arms.

"I don't know. He's really horny for America, it might work." Tony refuted, earning a threatening gaze from both Steve and his niece.

"Fine, y'know what? Have privacy or whatever in the middle of this crowded party. See if I care." Tony said, a little butt hurt that he wouldn't be able to witness the awkward exchange first hand.

He was no idiot when it came to his niece's attraction to the super soldier. While at first he disapproved, even more so when it led to her being on the opposite side that day in Berlin, years had led to forgiveness. He couldn't really stay mad at her even if he tried. Only sorry he hadn't apologized before the snap.

"Thank you, Tony." Y/n spoke quietly, sending him a grateful look. Whatever was about to happen already made her nervous, she didn't think doing it with Tony there would be possible.

"Yeah, yeah." He waved a dismissive hand, beginning to walk away.

It wasn't until he had Morgan that he realized he was already a father. Y/n had been his first and no matter his guilt, she would always forgive him. Always need him.

"Don't get carried away." He threatened suddenly, pointing to his eyes before twisting his hand back to them with a menacing squint.

Y/n rolled her eyes, looking back to Steve as Tony finally left.

"He's protective." Y/n explained, trying to be annoyed. It was actually kinda touching the way he cared despite his usual selfish smartass exterior.

"For good reason." Steve agreed, making Y/n's head tilt confused.

"You think I can't take care of myself?" She questioned defensively, ready to prove her worth no matter who he was.

"No, of course you can. Just-..." He trailed off, a sorrowful expression taking hold of his features against his will. "We've both failed you before. Numerous times." Steve confessed, his eyes falling downcast as Y/n realized what he'd meant.

She’d never truly thought about how her absence might have affected him. Before the snap he never gave any hint that he wanted to be more than a friend to her. But now she studied that look in his eye, that one she hadn’t recognized before. Heartbreak. 

"Steve, you didn't fail me." She insisted. Her hand had come to his own, grasping lightly at his loose fingers and ignoring the buzz in her skin and the rapid pace of her heart.

"No, I did. I turned you against your family. I got you arrested. I dragged you back into the fight and...you got snapped away." His voice broke at the end, years of depression and misery washing over him all over again.

"It wasn't your fault. We all lost that day." Y/n argued but her words didn't seem to stick.

"I'll never forgive myself." Steve's words were barely above a whisper, each syllable falling further into him unable to escape.

The sight alone made her heart ache but it was the way he'd spoken that truly shook her. They were the words of a broken man, a man that had lost it all. Had she done that to him? Did he care about her like that? Maybe he was scared too.

“Well, it's a good thing I already did.” Y/n smiled hoping to bring back the smile that she'd been able to give him moments before. Her hand stayed planted to his own more terrified to release it than she was to keep holding it. Would she ever work up the courage to do it again?

Steve looked back up at her, a tender glimmer in his eye as he moved his hand to hold her own. “I missed you.”

The statement alone wasn't nearly enough to convey how much he'd longed for her in those five years, left without any hope of ever getting her back. Didn’t show her the sleepless nights or the endless tears. Didn’t show her first few years he spent, alone and secluded. Didn’t show her how many times he prayed to any god that would listen for them to bring her back. 

But her eyes seemed to tell him that she understood. Y/n knew exactly how he felt even if she'd been relieved of it for five years. She remembered when she was arrested, screaming at the guards that they'd never find Steve. Remembered the sobs that racked through her when he came to free her, relieved he’d made it out of the war safely. Remembered their time on the run, unable to tell him how she felt. Remembered volunteering to stay with Bucky when Steve's worry became too much. Remembered him coming back and bring a war with him. Remembered him catching her before she dusted, too fast for her to tell him her greatest truth. 

She loved him.

“I missed you too.” She said softly, her face burning under his gentle gaze. They’d become so unbearably close at that point, making her breath ragged and her heart race. 

Clearing her throat, she looked away, trying not to reveal how flustered he made her. “So do you wanna hear my pick up line or not?” She once again changed the subject, making Steve smile at her lovingly. 

“Definitely.” He replied. 

“Alright. On a scale of 1 to America, how free are you tonight?” She gave him the first one that came to find, silently groaning when she realized she'd done exactly what Tony suggested. Curse their horribly similar minds. 

"That's terrible." Steve chuckled, staring at her with adoration unlike he'd ever done before. She was absolutely perfect in his eyes and he refused to waste anymore time being scared. 

"You didn't like that? I have more." Y/n rambled, oblivious toward Steve's affectionate gaze. "Can I tie your shoes? I don't want you falling for anyone else." 

Steve laughed, shaking his head as he stepping forward and shifting his hand to her waist as he pulled her closer. 

The action on flustered her further, dragging another pick up line out of her. "Or I like your last name, can we share it?" 

Steve's smile grew, his heart swelling with each word. He loved listening to her lines even if they were cheesy. But he was determined now and he wouldn't let either of their nerves stop them anymore. 

"I lost my number, can I have-"

Suddenly he leaned forward, cutting her sentence short as his lips latched onto her own. 

The kiss was so tender she practically melted in his arms, her hand coming to his chest while the other shifted to behind his neck, her fingers filtering through the lower part of his hair. His grip around her waist tightened as his heart pounded under her palms, the aftermath of anticipation rushing through his chest. 

It was effortless the way they molded together and it left him breathless. He couldn't believe he'd never just kissed her before and after believing all these years he'd never get the chance to, he was so grateful to have her now. 

"I've waited too long for that. I think I'm gonna need interest." Y/n gasped as they pulled away her eyes half lidded as she tried to process what had happened. 

"Was that another pick up line?" Steve's brows furrowed, his lips a beautiful shade of darker pink. 

Y/n smiled up at him, pulling him close once more. "Shut up." 

••• 

"Who's gonna tell her she didn't win?" Wanda questioned suddenly, glancing over at Nat. 

Sam raised his hands in surrender, passing off the duty as soon as possible to avoid any type of rage the woman might've wreaked on him. 

"I don't think she'll really care at this point." Nat spoke, pointing a finger toward the couple across the room. 

They didn't seem to care that they were in a room full of people, instead remaining engrossed in each other as they stared at each other lovingly. It was touching really but what Nat assumed to be their confessions had lost Y/n the game. 

"Wait does this mean the games with stop?" Sam questioned suddenly. 

"No, it'll just make them more interesting." Nat smirked.

[sturmazing]

 IT WAS ACTUALLY ANOTHER INKLING. LET HER REPEAT; THIS IS NOT A DRILL, THERE WAS ACTUALLY ANOTHER INKLING IN THIS GOD-FORSAKEN GHOST TOWN HELL-BENT ON DRENCHING HER WITH SO MUCH RAIN SHE FELT LIKE SHE’D BEEN SPLATTED THREE TIMES OVER.

 …anyway.

she barely noticed the rest of the crowd, still recovering from that weird explosion and subsequent clown-fire at the metro, after the girl with the long blue tentas caught her eye. she shouldered through them, not even bothering to apologize in her fervor – and too focused on the familiar form to be shy.

 the crowd was surging, and the inkling girl was getting too far away. suddenly desperate, soda raised her voice to a shout:  “ HEY! HEY YOU! TH’ ONE WIT’ TH’ TENTAS, C’MERE! ”

 she made one final shove between two people – she didn’t bother to notice anything past the fact that one wore a purple tunic and looked nigh out of his mind – and nearly fell onto the pavement, spit out like a wad of gum from the crowd. she winced as the wet pavement, illuminated by lightning, scraped water onto her hand, but managed to keep her—

                ---------KABOOM!!!

 the huge clap of thunder shook her to the core and she really lost her balance then, instinctively scrambling away on all fours. the thunder faded and died, leaving her soaked to the bone and sprawled across the pavement completely gracelessly.

 soda picked herself up after a moment, gritting her teeth at the water soaking into her every pore. her vision swam. where had the inkling girl gone? she couldn’t see through the combination downpour and fog lifting away from the metro fire.

 “ h-hey, ”  she called out, voice cracking in helplessness and much quieter this time —  “ come back… you’re th’… only other inkling i’ve come across, y’ can’t disappear now…! ”

@bluesquidz  ❤’d !

[gatarishipsvocaloids]

Waking Up

I wrote something silly. Vocal Android verse, of course.

The sun was rising.

 Piko stared out of the kitchen window, mug of tea in hand, eyes half-lidded as they stared ahead into the painted red-orange landscape. It was a beautiful morning, all things considered  - the fog was thin and lightly dusted along the Sapporo skyscrapers, making the golden light reflect back into the sky. The window was closed, so the bustle of the morning traffic was low, but he could hear Akari's faint snoring on her beaten brown couch - a product of a night full of soda and video games.

 It was a much nicer sound than the traffic anyway.

 Piko brought the mug to his lips for a sip. He didn't really need to sleep, not since he was fully charged before he came here, so he was content amusing himself with cups of hot drinks and mindless newscasts until it was time for Akari to wake up, and for him to see her smiling face again. Not that her sleeping one wasn't fine, too, but he wasn't that creepy.

 He looked back at her again. She was sprawled over the sofa in a shirt and yoga shorts, her head nearly falling off the side from her incessant rolling around. There was still crumbs of old chips sticking to her face, and he inwardly smirks at the memory of her sharing them with him the night before.

 ...Then he looks away, because he must really be out of his mind to think of her doing any of those things as being endearing.

 Still, seeing her sleep so peacefully, he figures that maybe the next thing he could get up to is cooking breakfast, if not for her but for himself. (It was still so strange to think that - before meeting Akari, the concept of eating breakfast every day was alien to him). So, his mind set, he placed his mug on the windowsill and made his way to the fridge.

 He actually hadn't been to her apartment for breakfast before, since he usually met her for lunch. Still, finding a jar of marmalade in the fridge, he decided toast and eggs would be an effective option. Taking out the eggs, the bread and the frying pan, he set to work.

 The sky got lighter outside as he cooked, though he was focused enough that he didn't really notice it; nor did he notice the white-haired girl shuffling out of the living room and into the kitchen, hands outstretched to wrap around his waist.

 He jolted a bit at first, caught off-guard, but he instantly relaxed as he recognized her touch. “Ah, you're up,” he said as tonelessly as usual.

 “You stayed the night,” she said in a soft, tired voice, her cheek resting on his shoulder.

 Piko shrugged. “I didn't feel like going back to Galaco's,” he said as he swirled the eggs in the pan. “Are you surprised?”

 “No,” she drawled. She was obviously half-asleep. Piko restrained himself from breaking into a smile. “I'm just really happy to have you here,” she said, a finished thought.

 Piko didn't even bother to ignore the fireworks storming through him at her statement.