#sorry i still don't know how to take neat phone pictures

[kayebuns]

the latest cddh chapter had me yelling, with ryoko finally getting some form of closure. i love your kakyoins art very much, it’s so good. they are the cousins of all time.

hi there! the latest chapter was so good i wanted to cry and scream and throw myself under a hydraulic press. i loved how it acknowledged how young the two of them were. i love how ryoko was right about kakyoin being the vindictive sort and the juxtaposition to the kakyoin who had befriended the crusaders and matured past the person that ryoko knew. they're everything to me...

thanks so much though, i just like doodling the stupid noodle family ^__^ in this house we appreciate the cousins of all time!!!!!!

[lxkeee]

MY LOVE, IS MINE ALL MINE PART THREE

pairing: Lucifer x fem! reader

fandom: hazbin hotel

genre: fanfiction

notes: Imaoo sorry it took awhileee I'm actually a very busy college student while simultaneously having so much brainrot for this man so... Be patient omfg, I just posted part one a two days ago also, don't mind the warnings too much as it doesn't specifically for this specific chapter but it can be future parts of the story. So yes, hand holding before marriage will happen between Lucifer and [y/n]

warnings: none except hand holding before marriage Imao.

PART ONE | PART TWO | PART FOUR

Lucifer paced back and forth in his room, worried. Walking around the large master's bedroom, passing by many piles of rubber ducks he made.

“She should be back by now.” Lucifer murmured to himself, sighing.

His eyes landed on to the framed pictures decorating his walls.

He prayed that Charlie met [y/n] up there, the one angel he trusts. Though, it has been eons since he's last seen her, he wonders if [y/n] changed after all these years, especially after he had fallen from grace.

Did she hate him? Did she miss him like how he misses her?

As he sat on his arm chair, a gold sealed white envelope manifested on top of the coffee table in front of him, pink glittery smoke surrounding the letter.

“...What the...?” Lucifer murmurs, hesitant and cautious, eyeing the envelope. What if it's a trap?

Suddenly his phone buzzed, he immediately checked it to see it was a text message from Charlie.

“I just left a letter on your table, it's from someone you know. I'll tell you everything that happened in heaven but I'll rest for a bit. Love you dad!”

Lucifer smiled though a tad bit worried, he can tell that the meeting didn't go as his daughter hoped. He can only give her time.

Lucifer then now turned his eyes back on the neat envelope, sparkling a little. He turned the letter around to see it was specifically addressed to him, written in an oh so familiar handwriting to him. Unknowingly, just by seeing the handwriting was enough for his eyes to tear up a little.

“[y/n]....” He murmurs, finally opening the letter. Using his sharp nails to scrape off the wax without breaking it or tearing the envelope. Taking out the carefully folded light yellow paper, unfolding it to reveal her letter to him.

My Dearest Lucifer

His cheeks flushed slightly, with a comma after dearest. My Dearest, Lucifer

“Oh [y/n], this will keep me up at night.” Lucifer murmurs with a small dorky smile on his face, his sharp teeth shining against the light, eyes watering.

My Dearest, Lucifer

       It has been awhile hasn't it? A couple of eons since we've last seen each other. You have no idea how excited I was when I heard your daughter would be coming here in hell. I made sure to write a letter in advance a day before her arrival. I have a lot to tell you, first and foremost, I truly missed you. You sly man, you really got married without inviting me. How's your time down there? I hope hell is treating you right, I really hope I'll get a chance to see you again. I hope we'll get a proper chance to talk, I want to personally hear you how you've been doing. I hope you'll get the chance to see the good of humans after giving them free will, I promise to find a way for you to leave and visit earth. I am running out of paper to right on but I promise to help your daughter up here and lastly, I want you to remember that I adore you always.

“Sincerely yours, [y/n] [l/n]” Lucifer softly reads out, voice shaking. It felt like he could hear her as he read the letter. The same kind [y/n] who always believed in him. His heart swells knowing that she's still trying to help in any way she can despite their distance. She never stopped believing in him despite him leaving without notice (not that he had the chance to).

“If only you knew how much I adore you too, [y/n]...” Lucifer murmurs softly, his finger tracing the outline of the paper ever so gently.

“I want to see you again, I have so many things to say to you... So many unsaid words I wanted to say... I wanted to tell you that I love...” Lucifer's eyes widened ever so slightly, cheeks turning red. He knows he loves her and he still does but he also loves his ex-wife, Lilith. Does he? Or is he just holding into something that no longer exists as it was something he had for a long time and now it's gone?

Everything in his life changed, Lilith's love for him changed, he changed.

Despite all of this, [y/n] remained unchanging inside his heart. Sure, Lilith held the majority of his heart but now? He is not sure but he is 100% sure [y/n] never left, he still has affections for the angel.

How can he not? She's the only one who believed in him when he was up in heaven? She comforted him whenever the elders said hurtful things to his ideas.

But now...

Her letter gave him a sense of hope that his decision of giving mankind free will might not be useless after all.

Lucifer closes the letter, gently folding it back on how it was folded before he opened it. Bringing the piece of paper to his nose, smelling the faint scent of her perfume. It brought back memories of his time with her in heaven.

“I'll ask Charlie about what happened up there later but for now, I'll take a moment to process this.” He says with a small sigh. Slipping the folded paper back into the envelope.

Lucifer sighs as he gently places the envelope back on his table, walking to his balcony. Eyes staring up into the smoky red skies of hell, devoid of any moon and stars.

He used to stargaze with her when he was still in heaven.

[y/n] was his moon, who shines during his darkest days.

Waving his finger in the air, specks of golden dust flickers out of his fingers. Forming a crescent moon.

Lucifer leans into the railings, eyes staring at the faux moon he created.

“Moon, tell me if I could...” Lucifer softly sang, eyes tired but hopeful. “Send up my heart to you...?” he asked softly, unfortunately no one answered.

A bit of a timeskip....

It has been a few months since Charlie's visit here in heaven and the next extermination is getting closer by the day. Emily and I are still trying to look for ways to help Charlie.

Sera adores Emily, I am sure that she wouldn't get punished. I on the other hand, Sera has been keeping a close eye on me. Criticizing me. Lute being tasked to watch my every move.

“Sera, this is utterly ridiculous! We should give those poor souls a second chance.” [Y/n] says, clenching her fists as she looked at Sera who was sitting on her chair inside the Seraphim office.

“That is enough, [y/n]. You keep this up and you'll end up fallen like Lucifer.” Sera said sternly, eyes glaring at the [y/n]. “You barely managed to escape that fate before, you could've fallen the same time as Lucifer but thankfully your actions weren't as severe as his.”

[y/n] slammed her fists against the table, angel eyes appearing on her wings with fury, “We aren't God, Sera! Who gave you the right to judge those sinners and claim they don't deserve a second chance?” she exclaimed.

Sera stood up from her seat, anger evident on her face. “Don't you dare raise your voice at me! You're on thin ice, [y/n]!”

[y/n] rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over chest, “What are you going to do? Huh? Kick me out of heaven?”

Sera's glare sharpened, patience running thin. “Keep that attitude up and you just might.”

“Lucifer doesn't deserve this treatment! You cursed him to not see the good of people! You cursed the people who have a chance to redeem themselves by taking their life! How does it feel that so much blood is spilled because of your decision?!” [y/n] asked angrily, tears running down her cheeks.

“We have our own souls to protect! This decision wasn't easy to make!” Sera remarked angrily, her wings spread out intimidatingly.

“Protect them from what?! As far as I know, it's only us angels who are a threat to them? If they do something that doesn't fit your standards or the elder's standards they are bound to fall from grace!” [y/n] says mockingly, rage and annoyance evident on both women's eyes.

“That's it, you've crossed the line!”

“You don't want to admit that I am right, angels are such selfish, greedy, and filthy creatures. I cannot believe I am associated with beings whose hands are stained with blood.”

You know, falling doesn't seem so bad.

Strong and harsh winds are blowing against my back, thankfully I still have my wings. It is currently useless, unfortunately. I don't have the energy to flap them to save myself from the approaching pain.

After that argument with Sera, the higher seraphim thought I was already way out of line and disrespectful. I was placed on trial, handcuffed with the type of handcuffs that prevents me from using my angelic powers while it simultaneously sucked the energy out of me.

I was deemed guilty, shameful, and ungrateful and a threat to the order of heaven.

Tossed out of the pearly gates of heaven by none other than Adam, that asshole really grabbed me by the hair.

[y/n] sighs softly, vision blurring. Trying to focus it as she falls from grace. The skies looked so beautiful.

Lucifer would've loved these skies, we've stargazed during the night before. When he was still in heaven with me.

Lucifer, I can see Ursa Major tonight. Someday, I'll bring you back here on the surface and stargaze like we've always do. No matter how many stars are in the sky, you always take my attention. You're like my star, you shine so bright and so pure.

I'll join you in the pits of hell, I hope you didn't forget about me.

I should be happy that I'm finally leaving that god awful place.

Why am I so scared of falling to my demise?

For a moment, I can see a glimpse of how Lucifer felt when he fell from grace.

Terrifying.

[Y/n] closes her eyes as she finally goes past the Earth's crust. Ichor flowing out of her hands from the handcuffs she had to wear.

“I am not allowed to die, I still need to see him.” [y/n] murmurs before eventually crashing into the fiery grounds of hell, she fortunately crashed somewhere where there weren't any people, a wide space of nothing but dead trees, a hotel can be seen in the distance.

Pain, pain shot everywhere her body. She let out a sharp scream of pure pain. Blood spilled everywhere before she eventually passed out.

It didn't matter, the pain didn't matter. She's here now. She'll look for him or Charlie.

She doesn't know Charlie would find her first.

END NOTES: YUHHH THEY'LL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN IN THE NEXT UPDATEE

TAGLIST:

@n1chxyaaenthusiast @cherry-4200 @luleck @adaizel @xx-all-purpose-nerd-xx @thedarkkitten @selvyyr @froggybich @brithedemonspawn @kottenox @totallymitya (I can't tag you </3) @many-fandoms-lover

[dutifullyscreechingdragon]

Blitzø x human! Assassin! Reader

Blooming feelings

Summary: After the first few murder fiascos, you and Blitzø start catching feelings for each other. His attempts on your life morph into dates and you can't take each other as seriously as you should on the battle ground.

A/n: heyyy, I'm sorry for the slightly belated posting. The last few days have been a bit haywire for me... Anyways, I hope you enjoy the part two. Here you have the links to all the parts currently available:

Part 1: First encounter

Part 2: Blooming feelings

The smoke bomb went off, you could hear the shattering of glass and the revving of the motorbike. Y/n was gone.

"And she's gone..." Blitzø stated and was about to leave through the portal, when Moxxie pulled his sleeve:

"Sir, there's a card on the floor"

Blitzo picked it up, it was a note. In a neat handwriting the following was written:

Despite being sent to kill me

(and failing miserably),

you're chill

Call me:)

314 159 2653

Blitzø texted you this very evening. He wanted to do this instantly, but had to withhold himself - gotta preserve the reputation

You were getting ready to bed, today was a long day, right after the pleasant encounter with Blitzø, you had to rush off to deal with a murderer and then get your bike into repair. Oh and you also had to buy yourself new cargo pants, your current ones were getting a wee bit to bloodstained for your liking.

Today was a busy day. So only now, about to go to sleep, did you have time to actualy process what happened in the morning. That being you giving the attractive imp(?) your phone number... And, since he still didn't call or text you, you were staring to have second thoughts... Have you read too much into the whole thing? Was it strictly professional for him?

That's when your phone went off

Unknown: whadup, gurl

Cut the guy some slack, he was low-key nervous and was trying to come off as suave

Y/n: Blitzø?

Unknown: ya, who else wuld be txting u

Y/n: should I take offence?

Unknown: idk, do u find that offensive

Y/n: kinda?

Unknown: soz, I'll show u a picture of a horse I drew and you'll forgive me

Unknown: deal?

to be fair, Blitzø didn't know what he was writing. He had no intention of offending you and panicked, texting you the first thing that came into his mind. Thankfully, you found it amusing and texted him back:

Y/m: deal:)

He sent you a picture of a horse. You though it was really good, so that's what you texted him back. He was ecstatic and instantly sent you a few more.

Needless to say, that soon enough your gallery was filled with various drawings of horses.

In the span of the next week, you and Blitzø texted quite a lot.

He offered you a job at the IMP pretty early on:

Blitzø: ya know, when u end up in hell, a gal like you culd work for me

Y/n: why are you so sure I'd wanna work for you?

Blitzø: why wouldnt u?

Y/n: idk u trying to kill me is kind of a turn off...

Blitzø: ahhh come oooon it's not that big of a deal

Blitzø: ill take u horse riding or smth

Y/n: can't say no to that hahaha

After that reply, Blitzø got so hyped up, he literally ran out of his office and shouted:

"Fuck yeah she loves me back, ya hear that Mox," Blitz looked very much proud as he showed his employee the text chain

"Uhhh Sir, I wouldn't make such quick assumptions-"

"Shhh don't ruin the moment" Blitzo retorted pressing his finger into Moxxie's lips to silence him.

Sometimes you'd get a notification in the middle of a job and it'd be Blitzø sending you a selfie of him ( and sometimes some of his friends as well) in the middle of a fight with a caption like:

"another normal day at work (nearly got killed)"

Or

"brunch went wrong"

Or plainly

"how u doing? "

And sometimes you'd reply with a selfie of yourself, creeping up to some guy you're about to murder. Which would cause Blitzø to text you:

Blitzø: update?

And you sending him a picture of you, potentially covered in blood, standing over a dead body.

At this point, he wasn't shying away from nicknames. He'd call you babe, sweetcheeks and sunshine.

You'd usually settle fro something along the lines of hot stuff, pretty boy, love

However, Blitzø does a lot of stupid stuff, which is when idiot, dumbass, etc. come in use

"How ya doing, hot stuff", you'd say, winking at Blitzø, causing him to try and lean on a non-existent doorframe and ultimately topple to the ground, sending you (and Millie, who witnessed it) a fit of giggles.

You and Blitzø's murderous rendezvous start to become more.. date-like. There is a lot of flirting and very little shooting done.

Sometimes you wonder, whether you guys should just drop the pretences

Moxxie and Loona are steadily growing sick of all of this. Millie finds it quite endearing, actualy.

You were presently engaged in a hand to hand combat with Blitzø. You performed a serie of punches, trying hard not to hit any super vital points. This sent your oponent tumbling on the ground.

"Youuu do punch Hella hard, babe," Blitzø drawled out "that's Hella hot "

You chuckled at this and threw him an ice pack with the words:

"Take that, wouldn't want to cause permanent damage to that pretty face of yours"

Blitzø would never admit it, but that made him blush very much, which would've been very much visible if it wasn't for his red skin (the blush was still fairly visible, just less intense).

or another time:

With one swift movement Blitzø tackled you to the ground. He smirked:

"Ya know, I could get used to this view, babe" he started nonchalantly "maybe different setting, like a bedroom" he smirked at your startled reaction "though if you prefer this place, babe, then I guess why not? I'm not picky " he continued his flirting.

You look up at him deviously, buckling your hips forward and in one movement flipping you both, positioning you on top:

"I think this is way better" you smirk at him triumphantly

"Whatever you say babe. Whatever gets us to fuck"

You didn't expect him to be THAT straightforward (honestly, that one is on you, having known him for quite some time you should've seen that coming), deep red blush cowered your cheeks. You were rescued by Loona's groan and frustrated shouting:

"Get a room! Stop defiling the fucking pavement"

The closer you grew together the more comfortable would Blitzø feel with invading your private space. He would sometimes launch "surprise attacks" on you (the reason was that "he missed you very much"):

It was the middle of the night, when you groggily opened your eyes to see Blitzø mere centimetres away from your face:

"Whatcha dreaming about?" He asked. You were about to shriek, but caught yourself in time. Meanwhile, Blitzø continued "Wake up, Im here to kill ya" his voice was far too giddy.

You were very tired. Exhausted.

"Mmmm, go to sleep, Blitzie," you pushed him lightly off you and onto the bed, wrapping your arm around him, "kill me tomorrow"

In retrospect, this wasn't very professional, but Blitzø didn't seem to mind...and judging from the soft purring in the morning, he even enjoyed it.

At this point, you're very accustomed to each other's habits. You also have a set date and time for the Blitzø's murder attempts:

You were anxiously pacing the street. It was a nice Tuesday morning. 9.15 am precisely and it has been 15 minutes since Blitzø was supposed to attack. He always showed up on time. To your murderous rendezvous.

You were about to pick up your phone and dial him, demanding an explanation (you were worried sick: What if the imp died on one of his jobs?), when he showed up, out of breath (clearly had been running) and with two coffee's in tow.

"Hey babes, d'ya miss me?" He said in his suave voice.

"You're late to your weekly murder attempt on my life" You said in a flat voice.

"Ahhh soz, there was a fucking line ot the coffee shop" he replied nonchalantly

"and the fact that you argued with the employee for ten straight minutes because they couldn't get Y/n's order right and then misspelled her name didn't do much to help" Moxxie muttered under his breath, but of course everyone heard him.

"Come on, Mox, don't embarrass Boss in front of the girl" Millie said and winked at you.

"Anyway," Blitzø said stretching out the first syllable, "I got your coffee. Just how you like" he looked at you with pride, as if he had to fight a glorious battle for it (he sort of did)

"Awwww thanks, love, that's so sweet" you smile and give him a soft peck on the cheek. You take a sip of your coffee, its delicious, just how you like it.

Once you're done drinking your coffee and are fairly caught up with the drama that you didn't manage to cover in your texts and calls, Blitzø commands:

"Now, M&M get into your positions. We're way behind schedule!"

a/n: I hope you enjoyed this chapter and have a great day (or night) <3

[rfaromance]

hello! I'm new to ur page, so i know ur taking time off for health reasons (get that rest bae take care of urself) but i was wondering if u could do a hc about how the RFA would react to a metalhead/heavy goth mc!! I've been playing the game again but it's weird being a heavy alternative enby and being compared to rika lmfao. thank u so much if u end up doing this one!! ♡

Yoosung is the one who immediately gets roasted for comparing you to Rika. "It's not about appearance!" he'd whine. "I don't even know what they look like beyond this profile picture!" Even when you're gushing about the latest release from your fave heavy metal band and going on your latest (valid) anti-capitalism rant, he would still be enamored. "It's their heart. They have a good heart that wants what's best for good people." Rika is a state of being, an ideal, a concept he has put on a pedestal to help him cope with his grief. He thinks the fact that you have more piercings than Rika is neat, actually, and may want your help the next time he touches up his roots.

Zen finds you to be a kindred spirit, of sorts. Someone who goes against the grain, against how society "expects" people to behave. Ever devoted to his friends, he may actually start acting overprotective! He knows he got into a lot of trouble as a teen, and he doesn't want you to make the same mistakes. You may have to gently remind him that just because you dress a certain way doesn't mean you act a certain way, and that stereotypes don't benefit anybody! (He quickly apologizes and goes back to being his usual self, but he will dote on you quite a bit.)

Jaehee of course is one of the people reprimanding Yoosung for comparing you to Rika. Some may think that someone as straight-laced as Jaehee, a top student and hard worker, may look down on alternative folks. On the contrary, she admires you! When growing up, she always worked herself to the bone and kept quiet, behaving in a way that wouldn't inconvenience her aunt & uncle. She actually wishes she could express herself more instead of just plowing through school and work to land a well-paying job, all in the name of "not being a burden." Maybe you can teach her how to be more comfortable with herself and her own wishes and desires, instead of following the path that she (and capitalism) thought was "best" for her.

707 thinks you're super cool. Genuinely. For starters, you're going to have him reflecting a lot on his own gender identity. He knows he loves dressing in women's clothes, but he also has days where he wants to be a strong & handsome man. The idea that he can be both or neither... Sorry, he's going to be having a Talk with his new nonbinary bestie. He's also going to want your help with his makeup. Oh, my goodness. He's going to look at the bands you're into and look at your own appearance and go, "Teach me eyeliner. I am begging. I will get on my knees and beg." Much like Zen, however, he will worry a bit. He knows you're a kind soul, but he also knows his agency (and others like it) are quick to prey upon those who feel they don't have a place in the world. "Don't answer any phone calls from strangers, you hear?" (As if you weren't led to the apartment by a mysterious text in the first place....)

Jumin is another one who people may expect to be judgmental or critical. Instead, he's fascinated. At first you may feel like a bit of a guinea pig or science experiment with the way he just flings questions at you, but it's his way of expressing his interest. Jumin is someone who doesn't openly talk about his interests because apparently, a perfect CEO-in-line isn't supposed to enjoy the nuances of dark magic, the supernatural, or reality shows where cats compete to see who can carry the heaviest fish. Your openness and unapologetically being yourself will catch his interest. He cares about you a lot.

[pureimaginefic]

October 2010

Beautiful fall foliage illuminated the trees of Central Park, the air was crisp. Kyle and Zoey strolled along together, taking in the scenery.

“Man” Kyle said in amazement looking around at the leaves on the ground.

“Getting used to the temperature change yet?” Zoey asked.

“Are you kidding, I love it” he said.

“Well just wait because when winter comes this neat thing happens where white stuff falls from the sky…” Zoey said teasing him, they laughed together “So…talk to Adam lately?” Zoey asked.

“Uh yeah I just talked to him a few days ago” Kyle said to her, they continued their walk through the park, their fingers tightly intertwined, holding hands “Don’t worry I didn’t tell him anything about us” he said to her.

“Thanks but you know what? I’m not worried” she said.

“Really?” he asked.

“No, you’re important to me, Adam is too, and you’re important to each other and if we all can’t find a way to make this work then…sucks for him huh?” she asked.

Kyle smiled, he leaned in close and kissed her lightly when he felt his pocket vibrate “Oh” he said reaching in and pulling his phone out, he sighed in disappointment “I got class in 20 minutes, we should probably head back” he said.

“Yeah I got to get back to the house, the pledges are in charge of setting up Pi Phi’s annual Halloween party” Zoey said.

“Yeah you know Delta’s still after me?” he asked her.

“Really…anyway I can talk you into pledging?” she asked.

“Not a chance” he said to her.

“Speaking of which…would you be my date for the party?” she asked sweetly.

“I would be honored” he said as they kissed Come on” he said nodding, she took his hand and they walked towards the park’s exit, someone passed by Kyle and he froze. He quickly turned around looking as the person walked on, his face a mix of horror and confusion.

“Kyle? Hey, you okay?” Zoey asked, he stayed silent, still looking as the person mingled into the crowds of people loitering in the park “Kyle” Zoey said.

“Did you…” he said pointing.

“What?” she asked,

Kyle shook his head “Nothing, sorry” he said laughing to himself.

“You okay?” Zoey asked.

“Yeah, let’s go” he said as they left, he still did a double take before shrugging and walking along.

He got back to his dorm room, he sat back in his desk chair, he opened his internet browser and logged into his email account. He clicked on an email link and a black screen popped up in front of him. Kyle looked at the message warily before pressing the play button. A snippet of a music video started "So everybody, everywhere Don't be afraid, don't have no fear I'm gonna tell the world, make you understand As long as there'll be music, we'll be comin' back again" a familiar lyric began to play when another bubble popped up underneath. "Regards Derek and Damien Winchester" he sighed, the door to his dorm room opened and his roommate stumbled in, falling face first onto his bed.

“How’s pledge week going?” Kyle asked him.

His roommate groaned in response “They said this was going to be fun” he whined.

“Who said that?” Kyle asked.

“My dad” he groaned “And the sad part is…they’re only using me to get to you…but the joke is on them” Sean said to Kyle. “Hey, are you going to Pi Phi’s Halloween party?” Sean asked.

“Have to my girlfriend’s a pledge” Kyle said to him.

Sean groaned as he rolled himself off his bed “shower” he said stumbling out of the room.

He turned his chair around and set eyes on the picture frame on his desk, picking it up and looking at the photo of all of them. He then picked up his phone and put it to his ear “Yeah hi, how much would a ride to New Jersey be?” he asked ��Princeton” he said “About an hour, NYU campus, yeah, thanks, bye” he said hanging up. He grabbed his bag and put his phone back to his ear “Adam, hey, it’s me…” he said leaving his dorm room.

~*~

Quinn hung her picture up to dry when a knock came upon the darkroom door “Come in!” she said turning the outside light off.

“Hey” Adam said coming inside “Hungry?” he asked.

“I am, thank you” Quinn said kissing him.

“How’s it going in here?” he asked.

“Amazing, look at these” she said directing him to the pictures she had just hung up.

“Wow, these are incredible” he said.

“Hopefully professor Baxter thinks so” Quinn said to him as she picked up a pair of chop sticks.

Something caught his eye as he went down the line of pictures, he pulled it off the line and looked at it carefully, a familiar face glaring straight back at him “Uh…hey Q?” Adam asked.

“Yeah?” she asked holding a Chinese food carton.

“Uh…where’d you take this?” he asked.

“Over at the park…why?” she asked.

“When?” he asked.

“Couple days ago” she said.

“You okay?” she asked as she sensed his nervousness.

“And this guy…you saw him when you took the picture?” he asked.

“Yes…what’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing I just uh…I guess my mind is playing tricks on me or something” he said to her.

“You sure?” she asked.

“Yeah, yeah I’m alright” he said.

“Okay” she said “Oh I forgot, I wanted to show you what we could do for Halloween” she said happily.

“Halloween…right” he said when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out to see Kyle’s missed call, he then pressed play on his voicemail. “Adam, hey it’s me uh I thought I saw something today and it’s probably nothing, my mind playing tricks on me or something but uh…just be careful alright? Keep an eye on your surroundings, call me when you can alright? Bye” Kyle said as he hung up Adam looked down at the picture in his hand once more and shivered in fear.

~*~

Bradley and Neilson talked amongst themselves as they opened the door to their apartment “Surprise!” Natalie bellowed “What do you think?” she asked excitedly.

“Wow…what’s all this?” Bradley asked.

“You have been living out of boxes for months now, it was driving me nuts” she said “So I took the liberty” she “Called in a few favors, did a little painting, some decorating and tada!” she said happily.

“Ah yes, very nice” Bradley said to her.

“Thank you but I didn’t do it all by myself, your girlfriend was kind enough to help me out” Natalie said to Bradley.

“You really like saying that huh?” Bradley asked her.

“I love saying it” Natalie said “Oh I also stopped by the campus store and picked these up for you” she said handing them each a tee shirt.

“Um, why?” Neilson asked her.

“Homecoming weekend!” she said.

“That’s this weekend?” Bradley asked.

“Oh come on it’s Halloween!” Neilson whined.

“I didn’t think you guys would be in the Halloween spirit with what happened last year…” she said.

“No need to bring that up” Bradley said to her.

“Alright well I have to get to class, enjoy your new abode” she said to Neilson “See you guys later” she said leaving.

“Bye” he said to her.

“This incase we forget what letters our names start with?” Bradley asked about the giant initials on the wall.

“Well we will be getting pretty wasted so that may actually come in handy” Neilson said pulling books out of his bag “Going to be crazy around here these next few days.”

“Right? Halloween and homecoming weekend” Bradley said to him “I got a message from Kyle” Bradley said looking at his phone, he tapped on the speaker button and his voice filled the room “Bradley hey it’s Kyle look um…I thought I saw something today and it’s probably nothing, my mind playing tricks on me or something but uh…just be careful alright? Keep an eye on your surroundings…tell Neilson okay? Bye”

“What do you think that’s about?” Neilson asked.

“I don’t know, it’s probably nothing” Bradley said “Most likely it’s just Kyle overreacting.”

“You think?” Neilson asked, Bradley shrugged.

“Guess we’ll find out” he said.

~*~

Kyle made his way down a hallway, looking at slip of paper in his hand, he stopped outside a door and knocked softly.

The door opened and Harry stood there “Kyle!” he said happily “Hey!” he said.

“Hey” Kyle said smiling as they hugged.

“What brings you over the bridge?” Harry asked.

“Uh actually I had something I needed to talk to you about is there somewhere we can go?” Kyle asked.

“Yeah sure”.

They made their way across campus and took a seat together in a small coffee shop “So, how’s everything going here?” Kyle asked.

“Oh it’s great” Harry said “I got a job interning for a photographer.”

“Cool” Kyle said.

“Yeah, what about you? How’s NYU?” Harry asked.

“Great, yeah, everything’s going pretty well” Kyle said.

“So…you said you wanted to talk about something? Must’ve been pretty important” Harry said.

“Yeah uh…you talk to the others at all lately?” Kyle asked.

“Yeah right like they’d call me” Harry said to him.

“Okay look, I thought I saw something…someone today” Kyle said to him.

“Who?” Harry asked.

“Damien” Kyle said reluctantly.

“Damien?” Harry asked “Damien Winchester?”

“Yes, who do you think I’m talking about?” Kyle asked.

“How? Where?” Harry asked.

“I don’t know, I was in Central Park and…”

“Central Park? Kyle do you know how many people go to Central Park a day?”

“Harry it was him, I know it alright he had that obnoxious grin on his face like always.”

“That’s not possible, he’s dead, we checked this time, he fell from a balcony there’s no coming back from that” Harry said.

“I know, I know…I just…I don’t know, I could’ve swore it was him.”

“Is that why you came here? To warn me about a possible Damien sighting?”

“That and I needed a logical person to tell me that my mind is making me see what I want to see” Kyle said.

“It’s just bad memories, Halloween’s coming up right?” Harry asked.

“Mm” Kyle said nodding.

“Remember what happened last Halloween?” he asked.

“Well yeah it’s not every day you get caught in an explosion” Kyle said.

“You can’t tell me that it hasn’t been on your mind.”

“So I’m just insane” Kyle said.

“Not insane, just a severe case of PTSD” Harry said “Kyle…it’s over…he’s gone.”

Someone sat watching them from across the room, peeking from behind a newspaper, they picked up their cup and took a sip of their drink.

Kyle and Harry left the coffee shop, a cab hovered by the curb “Got to get back to the big city” Kyle said opening the back door.

“Save your money and call next time?” Harry joked “Alright, later” Kyle said getting into the cab and closing the door “Bye” Harry said as they cab pulled away from the curb. he began to walk along the darkened sidewalks as he made his way back to the dorms, he could feel a presence behind him and stopped to turn around, no one was there except for the rustling leaves on a shrub, he looked around nervously and shook his head before continuing on.

~*~

Adam and Quinn stood in a line outside of a theater “I promise you’ll love this” she said to him.

“Hours of classic black and white British horror movies? I’m sure I will” he said.

They entered the theater and approached the concession stand “Do you think British popcorn is any different from the American version?” Adam asked.

“Guess we’ll find out” Quinn said to him.

They ventured into the theater and took seats, Adam took a handful of popcorn and put some into his mouth “Oh my god” he said.

“What? No good?” Quinn asked.

“No it’s amazing” he said “You definitely can’t this kind of popcorn back home” he said handing it to her.

He looked around the theater when something caught his eye, a familiar face sitting across the theater, he looked confused before his face fell in horror. Suddenly the lights went dim and he saw what he could swore was Damien get up and walk out of the theater. “I’ll be right back” he said to Quinn before quickly dodging out of the theater, the doors flew open and he walked out into the lobby. He walked through crowds of people, excusing himself as he walked around in a daze, spinning in circles looking around to no avail.

“Adam” Quinn said coming to his side “Adam” she said getting his attention “Hey, are you alright?” she asked concerned.

“I saw him, he was here” he said still looking around.

“Saw who?” she asked confused.

“Did you see him?” he asked.

“Who?” she asked worriedly.

“…No one, I’m sorry, come on let’s go back in.”

“Are you sure? Maybe I should get you home” she said.

“No, really, I’m okay” he said.

“You sure?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

“Okay” she said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and they returned to their seats, he looked over the theater once again this time seeing nothing.

~*~

The streets surrounding the USC campus were alive with a flurry of activity as students flocked the campus. Bradley and Neilson sat at a table together in one of the campus’ most popular hang out spots.

Sydney entered and quickly approached their table “Hey” she said to Bradley happily.

“Hey, there you are” he said as they kissed,

She sat on his lap “Sorry I’m late but I finally managed to finish my first creative writing assignment, I just had to send it over to my professor” she said to him.

“Finally done after the fifteenth time?” he joked.

“Yes” she said “Can you believe this I didn’t think homecoming was this big of a deal” she said looking around.

“I think Halloween might have something do with it too” he said as they looked around at the crowd quickly filling up the bar.

“I’m going to get a drink, I’ll be right back” she said kissing him and getting up from his lap.

“You two with the PDA” Neilson said sitting next to him handing him yet another drink.

Bradley smiled bringing the bottle to his lips and taking a drink, suddenly he spotted something from across the bar. Neilson looked at him, his face falling in confusion at his expression before following his gaze, his face falling as well.

“You’re seeing what I’m seeing right?” Bradley asked.

“I’m definitely seeing what you’re seeing” Neilson said as they saw what they to believe was Damien leave the bar.

They quickly got up and ran outside, they looked around themselves, crowds of people filling the streets.

“That was him right? It was Damien” Neilson said looking around.

“It was him alright, he had that stupid smug look on his face like always” Bradley said as they continued to look around.

“Hey, what’s going on? What’s wrong?” Natalie asked coming outside and approaching them.

“We saw him” Neilson said to her, still looking around aimlessly.

“Saw who?” she asked.

“Damien” he said “Damien? Damien Winchester?” she asked “No, he’s dead” she said.

“Are we really sure about that?” Bradley asked her.

“He fell off of a hotel balcony, there’s no way he could still be alive” she said to them.

“It was him Nat” Neilson said to her.

“How can you be sure?” she asked

“There is one way” Bradley said to them as they looked at him.

Bradley’s headlights shone in the dark night, he pulled up outside the heavy iron gates.

“Guys this is not a good idea” Natalie said as they got out of the car.

They ducked underneath the chain on the cemetery gates and crept inside, their flashlights leading the way.

“How is this gonna look to the police academy when they find out you guys broke into a cemetery on Halloween?” she whispered.

“How would they find out?” Neilson asked.

They walked along the dark path “there it is” Bradley said coming to a mausoleum.

“Come on we can’t do this, this is someone’s final resting place” Natalie said to them.

“We just need to see it” Bradley said to her.

“What is a nameplate on a wall gonna tell you?” she asked.

“She’s right” Neilson said to him “As much as I want to it’s not definitive proof” he said to Bradley.

“It was him though…wasn’t it?” Bradley asked.

“Guys, it’s Halloween, it’s just bad memories, your mind is making you see things that you want to see” Natalie said to them.

“Yeah come on let’s just go” Neilson said to him.

Bradley nodded “Yeah, okay” he said turning back once more to look at the mausoleum.

~*~

They returned to their apartment later that night “Guess that’s what Kyle’s message was all about” Bradley said as they approached their door.

“What’s this?” Neilson asked picking up a box.

“Wasn’t there when we left” Bradley said as they walked inside.

Neilson set the package on the counter, Bradley tore the tape off and opened the box. among the packing peanuts was a plastic bag containing what looked to be a bloody ice pic. Bradley looked at it in confusion and horror, he looked at Neilson who shared his expression.

[ratofthemedievalsewers]

Heart of Steel - Part II

DBH Connor x Male Reader

Word Count: 3.1K+

Content warning: Mentions of PTSD and descriptive pain

Original game dialogue is taken from this video:

https://youtu.be/32Np9LKI1Vg

The AX400 had last been sighted at a human only motel in a run down, back alley area of Detroit, which was saying something since every part of Detroit was rundown. It was the kind of area even the task force was reluctant to send us down since it was usually a sea of paperwork, with the exception of when it becomes a mayor's little pet project. In summary, it was a great place to hide if you were on the run.

Hank pulled up to the curb and grumbled under his breath at the downpour of rain that just so happened to hit while we were on duty. While the jacket I wore was warm most days, it was far from waterproof and there was every chance I was getting soaked.

"The longer we wait the worse it'll get," Hank gave me a glance as I spoke up, both of us watching the rain from the front of the car window.

He grunted, "Come on, lets get this over with."

I shivered as cold water hit my neck and ran down my back, under my coat. Connor followed us both as we crossed the road to the dingy motel, seemingly unbothered by the rain - well you would be if you weren't able to feel anything.

"What do you think we'd find with a black light at this place?" I nudged Hank with my elbow.

"Several hundred health code violations probably and another crime scene for us to deal with."

The entrance to the Eastern Motel was covered in neon signs and laminated notices. 'No androids' was pasted on the front entrance right above the $40 overnight fee. Already knowing that the suspects took money from a local shop, it just left the question regarding how the android managed to pass as a human.

Hank was the first to enter, seeming to startle the man behind the desk as he pulled out his badge.

"Lieutenant Anderson, Detroit Police." I stood behind him and let Connor take his side. "We're looking for a female android, robbed a store down the road last night. You see anything?"

"An android? No, I don't take androids here."

Looking around the front entrance of the Motel nothing stood out. The usual brochures from local businesses, 'No Smocking' signs. Past the office style blinds, however, a laundromat was visible. Could explain how an android was able to change its appearance to appear human - we know it's able to commit theft and murder already, stealing someone's clothes isn't a massive leap.

Connor held up his hand, projecting a picture of the AX400 hundred in front of his palm. Pretty neat trick. "Have you seen anyone that looks like this?"

"Fuck, I knew something was weird about her," The man behind the desk shifted his weight and stood straighter, "She came in last night - she was dressed normal, you know... There was no way I could tell." Guess I was right, should ask Fowler for a promotion.

"Is it still here?"

"Yeah, probably. Room 28." Wasting no time I left the front office and pulled out the gun holstered at my belt. Hank and Connor followed behind.

"Ben. It's still at the motel. Send uniforms and cordon off the area in case it decides to run. Unknown if android is armed, but is potentially dangerous. Heading to room 28 to engage." Depositing my phone back in my trouser pocket I searched the door numbers, room 28 was on the second floor.

"You wait in the car." Hank turned to Connor, I rolled my eyes knowing it was going to be the start of another argument.

"I think it's best if I go with you." Connor was probably the only thing in this world that wasn't rattled by Hank's angry tone.

"Listen, I'm tired of you talkin' back to me. You're a machine, so shut the fuck up and do what I say!"

I grabbed onto Hank's shoulder and called his name, trying to grab his attention.

"All I want is to accomplish my mission, I'm sorry if that upsets you."

"Wanna see the end of your mission? Stop busting my fucking balls-"

"Lieutenant Anderson, this isn't the time. You can both wait in the car if you're just going to waste time. So both of you, kindly, shut the fuck up." Hank looked taken aback for a moment before an annoyed look overcame him. Without giving him the chance to respond I turned and made my way up to the steps to the second level of the motel.

Standing outside the window I looked inside. The lights were still on but I couldn't see any movement behind the curtains. In both hands, I gripped the gun a little tighter before bashing my dominant shoulder against the door and forcing it open. I heard the wood splinter as the door frame broke and the metal door handle his the adjacent wall.

I cleared the front room first, sweeping my gun over the area, holding my breath as I waited for someone or something to jump out. The bathroom door was ajar; keeping my gun held high I pushed it open slowly and turned on the light. Also nothing.

I finally let out a breath and dropped my gun to my side, but kept my finger on the trigger. Connor and Hank stood at the doorway, the latter with a sour look on his face and his own gun in his hand.

"Clear... it's gone."

We must have missed it by minutes. I stomped past Connor and Hank, accidentally hitting my shoulders against both of them, but not bothering to apologise to either.

"What a fucking waste of time." Several officers had already begun to show up, little urgency about them, "and you two were no fucking help."

"What have we done?" Hank threw his arms out in his own frustration.

"Well maybe if you spent last time drinking and more time actually doing your fucking job then maybe, just maybe, you wouldn't have so many failed fucking cases on your desk."

Hank's face turned grim and he gave a defeated sigh. "We'll get it next time, don't get your little panties in a twist."

The guilt of what I had just said diminished the flame and I gave in, "Yeah... lets just go."

*****

"Fine, my birthday is comin' up, if you put towards two-thirds of what it costs we can share. How does that sound?"

"Alright, that's enough you two. It's getting late and past everyone's bedtime."

"SHOTS FIRED! GET TO COVER NOW!"

"GRENADE!"

It was still dark when I woke up, the remnants of that same dream still echoing in my head. The jagged border of scar tissue where skin met machine was itching again, almost burning. The medication used to try and mentally "harmonise" the two pieces of my body was working less and less everyday, only some days I could convince myself it was real.

Running my hands over the bed sheets I could feel the cotton, but it was always in too much detail. I could feel every fibre as they weaved under and over each other, how taught the strings were and which were close to coming loose. It shattered the illusion.

Running my hands under the tap I could feel the water soak into the skin of the hand that was still my own, but it would just run off the synthetic skin like it was waterproof. Holding up my now cold and damp hands to wash my face I could feel every pore, the heat radiating off my cheeks and the built up sweat.

The illusion would always shatter. It was funny, CyberLife seemed almost too good at making people.

That was something that always seemed to push against my mind. Androids are superior to us physically, in every way, there is no doubt about that. Whether they are as intelligent as us or even more so depends on your view of intelligence. They can solve maths equations in seconds, quote Shakespeare's entire life work to you without pausing or stuttering - yet whether they could tell you the meaning behind those words, tell you how love feels in the form of a sonnet of their own making.

'The android that saved me... maybe it... he could.'

*****

"Get your ass over here, we've got another deviant," It takes a certain amount of skill to balance your phone between your cheeks and shoulder while jumping to get your jeans on, I was someone who lacked that skill. I swore as I dropped my phone on the floor for the second time.

"Yeah yeah, I'm on my way. Kind of need you to send me the address though so I know where I'm going."

"Whatever, just hurry up." I heard the phone call end and threw it on the unmade bed before finishing buttoning up my jeans and pulling on a DPD logoed jumper, it was finally starting to feel like winter in Detroit.

It was still raining from last night and despite being on the radiator my coat was still damp. "Ah, fuck it." After a minute of staring and debating I left without it, no doubt the rain will let up anyway.

*****

"Hey Connor, you good?" I gripped his shoulder. His eyes were closed, but the muscles around them were twitching lightly and his LED flashed yellow. A second after I spoke his eyes opened and he relaxed back into his usual façade.

"You ran out of batteries or what?" Rolling my eyes at Hank I followed him out the piss smelling elevator.

"I'm sorry, I was making a report to CyberLife."

"I wonder how much he has to sensor in his reports because of you," Hank grunted as I spoke, but his lips tugged in a slight smile at the comment.

"Well, do you plan on staying in the elevator?"

"No... I'm coming," Connor said a little too defensively.

Whether the apartment complex had ever seen better days was questionable, the walls were made of more more mould than plaster at this point and you could tell how many times the hallway was redecorated in the layers of the peeling paint.

"So, what do we know about this guy?" I turned to Connor, falling behind to walk alongside him.

"Not much."

"That's helpful."

"Just that a neighbour had reported that he heard strange noises coming from this floor. Nobody's supposed to be living here, but the neighbour said he saw a man hiding a LED under his cap."

Hank Spoke up from in front of us. "Oh Christ, if we have to investigate every time someone hears a strange noise, we're gonna need more cops."

Connor took the initiative to knock first, gently, three times against the apartment door. Hank shrugged as there was no answer and Connor knocked again, much harder this time.

"Anybody Home?" Still nothing. "Open Up! Detroit Police!" A hurried, crashing noise was heard from inside.

"Stay Behind me." I pushed Connor away from the door as he replied with a quick 'got it' and complied, Hank following.

I drew my gun from its holster and pointed it towards the door before kicking it by the doorknob, causing the wooden frame to splinter and the door to swing open, hitting the adjacent wall with a 'THUD'.

There were only four rooms to the apartment including the main hall, yet each were empty. There was no chance for the deviant to escape, the windows weren't damaged and too small to fit a full grown adult through either way. It was still here. I nodded towards Hank as he came through the front door alongside Connor, keeping my finger on the trigger of my gun. I jumped as a swarm of pigeons flew out from the main room, a few hitting my face as they moved past.

"What the fuck is this?" Hank waved his hand wildly in the air to swat at the pigeons, clearly just as startled as them.

"Look at these markings..." I traced the lines of the geometric, maze like pattern on wall with my free hand. It was captivating, but also, "fucking freaky."

"'R.T', probably initials." Connor spoke up, breaking me from my fixation on the unusual pattern.

"He put his initials on his jacket? That's something your mum does when you're in first grade."

Ignoring Hank I followed Connor as he searched the main room and adjoining bathroom. "You think it's trying to find an identity?"

"Possibly," I followed Connor's gaze as he assessed the bathroom wall, the code 'RA9' was repeatedly written and carved into the wall.

"Any idea what RA9 means... its similar to an android model, but its not one I'm familiar with."

"Written two-thousand, four-hundred and seventy-one times. It's the same sign Ortiz's android wrote on the shower wall. Why are they obsessed with this sign?"

"Could be a name? An infection? Either way its common among deviants, but until we understand what it means its fucking useless." In slight frustration I turned from the wall of madness and saw Hank staring at one of the geometric patterns on the wall.

"Looks like mazes or something?" Hank was getting restless, I could see it in the way he was fidgeting with his hands and unable to stay in one place. "I need some fresh air."

"You wait in the hall, I'll babysit." He left without a 'thank you', too eager to get out. Granted this place smelled like damp and bird shit, couldn't exactly blame the man. I was about ready to get Connor to pack in his Sherlock act so we could leave, but guessing with the way his LED was flashing yellow, he had found something.

"It's LED was in the sink." He turned over the broken light in his fingers, before placing it down back where he had found it.

"Not surprised. An androids LED is what gives you lot away, yet ripping it out wouldn't interfere with your systems. If anything the LED is for us, it helps us read you." Connor didn't respond, he was focused and drawn in to the task now. I moved out of his way as he strode past, back into the living room.

Connor was following a trail neither Hank or I could see. It lead him to the far corner of the room, mine and his eyes trailing up towards a hole in the ceiling, a chair beneath it that the deviant most likely used to lift himself up. The grip on my gun tightened as Connor moved closer and I heard the wood of the ceiling creak.

"Conn-" I went to shout his name but the deviant had already knocked him onto the ground while jumping down. "Fuck," A flock of pigeons that had been in the roof too flew out after the deviant, knocking off my aim and ruining any chance of a clear shot with my pistol. Connor was up on his feet again, looking slightly dazed, "What are you waiting for?! After it!"

Connor was faster, but that didn't stop me from running after the both of them out of the apartment and past a very confused looking Hank. It threw racking in our path, Connor jumped over it easily with me just behind and copying him but not as gracefully.

The fire door to exit this floor lead to the rooftop; the Deviant and Connor were already on the next building, an agricultural roof covered in wheat that was being cut and collected by computer controlled combine harvesters. Its safe to say, if one was to trip and fall under one of those they would become human minced meat.

I was only a few paces behind, there was no chance I'd catch up to the two androids, but if I was lucky the opportunity would arise to cut the Deviant off.

Lifting myself up the side of the building wall pulled and strained at my prosthetic, it felt like the the skin was beginning to tear, but the rush of adrenaline from the chase numbed the pain enough for it to not hinder me.

"FUCKING CHRIST!" At first I hadn't noticed the sloping glass and the shattered window, I had made the last minute jump by the skin of my teeth. The agricultural androids stood and watched as the three of us ran past, forcing us to weave and swerve past them. I followed Connor to the longer glass slope, copying his movements to avoid the open windows, then I heard the sound of the train. "You are fucking kidding me." The horn blared in my ears and I watched the other two jump, giving me no choice to follow or it'd be a long drop.

Everything went silent and the world slowed as I made the jump. My right foot hit the train's roof, but my left foot slipped. Without a second thought I dug my left arm into the train's top, the force ripping away at the synthetic skin. It burned and felt too real; the pain sharp, hitting me all over, yet I managed supressed the scream.

I was further behind now, but I saw as the android and the deviant ran ahead, off the train and onto a ladder. I jumped off at the next "stop", running along the rooftops parallel to the deviant and Connor.

'This could be my chance, just turn left.'

It did.

I cut it off at the last moment, grabbing onto the front of its jacket, but it was stronger and more desperate than I anticipated. It threw me off of it and I stumbled back, catching the back of my leg on the low-rise wall and falling over it.

Vertigo hit me all at once and my heart dropped to my feet as I scrambled to grab the ledge. The pain of scraping the open fibres of my synthetic hand against the concrete was white hot and I lost my grip, I could feel myself falling.

The a hand gripped my forearm and I screamed. That tearing feeling between my prosthetic and my muscle hit me all over again, but with the added weight of my own body it was blinding and nauseating. I didn't feel myself be dragged back onto horizontal ground until another pair of hands were on my shoulders.

"Y/N, easy, easy now," It was Hank's voice, panicked but attempting to be reassuring. It took me a moment to realise I was still screaming, clutching my left arm to my chest with my right as the prosthetic fingers twitched, repeatedly clenching and unclenching. "Connor, do something."

Dizzy, everything was dizzy. I couldn't keep my eyes open and the pain was too much.

I couldn't....

*****

[moongoddessmox]

You're My Present This Year (Bucky Barnes x Reader) MoxMas Day 6

Warning: 18+, making out, language

Word Count: 1,318

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: You and Bucky make out after wrapping Christmas presents

Prompts: Just lots of making out in general. Jesus wanted us to repopulate which means fuc- / Gift wrapping together

A/N: Day 6 is kinda short but I wasn't really in the mood to write, srysry I've been binging The Tudors and my mind can't focus on writing motivation and watching Henry Cavill look like a fucking 6 course meal. Anyway, I've never used the word clavicle in a story before, but I always think about when Becky was writing smut in Supernatural and she used "clavicle", I always think about that. Crossposted on mox-writes for notification purposes! Please leave feedback, it is always welcome and appreciated!! Ily <3

Also, here is the commercial I mention if you don't know about it, sorry to make you watch it: Folgers Commercial

Masterlist | Mox-Writes | MoxMas Masterlist

Prompt List 1 | Prompt List 2

You sat on the floor of your apartment with a large box between your legs. You tucked the edge of the silver wrapping paper against the side of the box as you turned it over, pulling more paper from the roll to cover it. You reached for the scissors to cut it away but couldn’t find them.

“Buck, scissors.” You held out your hand for your boyfriend to give you the scissors he stole to cut his own wrapping paper. He had a tendency to leave the scissors out of reach when he was finished instead of putting them back in the agreed-upon spot. You felt the cold metal in your hand and you took them with a thank you.

You had been wrapping gifts all night together and this was finally the last one, a replica of Captain America’s shield engraved with the names of the Wilson family for Sam’s family boat.

“What do you think?” Bucky held up the oddly shaped gift for Steve. The wrapping paper was bunched up around the weird handle? and had about half a roll of tape on it. Some of the corners were tucked neatly, thick and a bit scrunched but he really attempted to make it as neat as he could.

It was far better than when he had started. He got mad and asked you for help and seeing his frustrated puppy dog eyes, you couldn’t help but lend a hand. He was proud of this one, still unhappy about how twisted and bunched some of the paper was but he was happy that it was the best one. The excitement showed in his eyes as he held it up for you to view.

“It looks great, Buck! You’re getting better!” you smiled widely at him, returning to tape the last piece of your very neat, very professional-looking gift wrap. Bucky let out a giggle, pulling out his phone to take a picture of his first and last wrapped gift. The difference was stark and it made him happy to finally start getting the hang of it.

You stood up to stack the presents under the tree, making sure to leave the ones he did in the front to show him how proud you were of his improved wrapping. As you were bent over, you felt a strong smack against your ass and turned around. Bucky was on his knees behind you, hiding the bag of bows behind his back. You shot your eyebrow up and he smiled at you innocently, eyes looking around like he wasn’t the one you did it. You turned back around to adjust the gifts and another smack landed on your ass.

“Buck!” you giggled, running your hands over your backside and feeling two bows, one on either cheek.

“You’re my present this year,” he joked. That commercial still playing in his mind. You forced him to watch it because he had no idea what you meant when you asked him if saying “Love, Y/N” was “a little too Folgers” to write on the gift card you were giving your brother. The first moment that the sister looked at the brother he had asked if that was his girlfriend and that was all the proof you needed to cement that the Folgers commercial was a little, off.

He wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you down to his body, now laying on the floor surrounded by scraps of wrapping paper and balled-up tape that got stuck to his fingers and wadded up in frustration. You laid on his chest as he ran his flesh hand over your cheek, tipping your chin up and pressing a kiss to your jaw.

You hummed softly as his lips dragged from your jawline to your neck, sucking and biting at the skin. His tongue licked a stripe from the front of your throat to the side and nibbled just under your ear. You could feel a hickey forming as he sucked harder, the wet of his mouth slicking your skin and making you moan a little louder.

Bucky tilted your head down, bringing his mouth to your cheek and leaving more wet kisses on your flesh until he reached the corner of your mouth. He stopped and looked at you, your beautiful eyes watching him. Bucky’s blue eyes squinted as he smiled, teeth fully showing as he ran his tongue over them.

The lights on the Christmas tree illuminated your silhouette in amber; you weren’t really one for multicolored lights on the tree, it made it look dull and cheap. You preferred a soft white or amber, that way the ornaments stood out and weren’t overtaken by the lighting.

Bucky’s thumb brushed across your bottom lip, his eyes following it before flicking back up to yours. You smiled against his hand, closing your eyes and taking in his warmth. His thumb parted your lips and he pulled the supple skin down before releasing it with a flick. He brought your face to his and your mouths made contact.

You breathed into him, the sound getting louder and throatier as he licked across your lips and slid his tongue between them. You moaned as Bucky caressed his tongue against yours, his hand moving from your face to your lower back, lifting your shirt and massaging your skin. You brought your knees up beside his hips and planted your crotch against his, digging into him as he pulled you closer, his fingers now pressing into your back.

You moved back and forth slowly, grinding against his growing member and placing your hands in his thick hair. A moan escaped his mouth and you smiled against his lips. You loved the way he sounded, the little whimpers and moans that told you he loved exactly what you were doing. You begged to hear it more, catching him holding himself together when he’d fuck you. You would plead for him to let go, to moan out everything he felt, releasing all the pleasure until he couldn’t hold onto his orgasm anymore. You noticed Bucky was getting more comfortable with moaning freely, not needing you to ask to hear him anymore.

“Fuck, doll, you’re such a tease,” he breathed, moving his hands to your hips and grinding you harder.

“All you have to do is flip me over and fuck me, Buck,” you winked at him, “I want you to fuck me,” Bucky’s jaw clenched, a fiery passion burning through him and darkening his eyes. He did as told and flipped you over. He stood on his knees between your legs and ripped off his shirt then slid his hands up yours and tossed it away.

Bucky pressed back down to your body, kissing your shoulder until his tongue met your clavicle and licked the length of it. He came up with a smile and kissed your lips, tongues clashing again. He caged your head with his muscular arms and smoothed over your hair, rubbing his body against yours. You bit his lip, sucking the skin into your mouth before releasing it and catching it again. Bucky hummed, excitement growing in his core as he brought your legs up around his waist.

You laid there for a while, mouths greedily sucking, biting, and licking the other’s, your hands exploring every inch of your bodies as soft Christmas music played on the radio in the kitchen. You were content, more than content, you were happy and full of love. You got to spend all your time with the man of your dreams and he finally got to have the life he’d always wanted. Nothing could have been better than the love you shared for each other, there was no gift or sentiment that could match that feeling. The feeling of being loved so wholeheartedly and genuinely.

You loved Bucky with everything you had, and he loved you.

[ichigoromi]

𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐩 | 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐲𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 | 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐲𝐮𝐮 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧

I'm up for another Sakusa angst... Yay?

I guess, I hope you guys enjoy reading?

I'm sorry if I made you cry...

All characters are aged up!

Sakusa Kiyoomi

It has been exactly 11 months, 11 days, and 11 hours since you two have decided to end the relationship.

The break was inevitable. You were studying in the States, and he is a professional athlete who has little to no time to visit you.

No matter how much you want to fix the relationship, it was beyond repair.

You started to count the days that you two have broken up for as a way to cope, but it was unhealthy for you, mentally.

Sure, your studies were going better after the breakup, but you ended up drinking till your wasted in your tiny apartment.

Seeing how happy he was on his social media platform makes you wonder if you were the one who caused the break-up after all.

Even though you two agree mutually to the breakup, it was harder on you.

You lost so much weight, and your complexion was too pale to be considered healthy.

Roll in the best friends; they practically filled your fridge and made sure you were eating your three meals.

After you gained back to a healthy weight, they took you out for a makeover trip and got you a closet makeover as well.

You got back into your school life and leaned on your friends for support, but how could you ever forget the good memories that you made with Sakusa as well.

Your friends helped you pack any momento or gifts that he gave you into a box and send it back to him since you two have broken up and as a proper closure for you two.

But there was just one thing that you can't bear to part with, his personal hoodie that he first gave you when you two started going out in high school.

Your friends had a hard time trying to persuade you to part with it but gave in to you.

Inside the box, you included a letter address to him, your one last letter to him.

It goes likes this...

Dear Mimi or Kiyoomi,

This would probably be the last time that I address you like that. I know we have decided to end our relationship, and it's all my fault even though you said it's no one's fault. I'm going to return these because these were the gifts that you gave me. You can burn or throw them away; it's all up to you. The break-up was rough, but thanks to it, I grew a lot from it. I know you recently got a new girlfriend, good for you, you look genuinely happy with her, guess I held on to you too long? I'm sorry for breaking the promise first. I'm sorry for breaking your heart; I'm sorry that I cannot be there for you. Thank you for the wonderful memories that you left me. I never stop loving you and will always be there for you.

With love,

Your first.

You wiped away the tears and signed off and place it on top of everything, and prepared to mail it.

For the first time after your break up, you felt some kind of relief.

After you mailed it out, you and your friends went for some good old Korean barbeque and tons of alcohol.

You were so drunk that your friends carried you home, and all of them stayed in your apartment, in case something happens to you.

You posted some pictures of you having a good time with your friends and knocked out from the huge amount of drinks you had.

He thought he would live his life as normal after the breakup, but he couldn't.

Everything just was not the same. The routine that he has built around you, he has to change it.

You were not in his life anymore.

Atsumu tried to cheer him up by setting him up with some of his friends, and sure they had good personalities, but they were just not you.

After months of trying to date, he finally met the one.

He was finally able to smile and be back to the normal him.

His team was relieved that he was not in his depressed state and living well.

Atsumu and Bokuto still keep in close contact with you, following you on their social media platforms.

When they thought he was not listening, he could listen to them calling you and face timing.

Based on Atsumu and Bokuto's reaction, he can tell that you are doing good.

He knows that your graduation was in a few weeks and you would continue to further your studies there.

Bokuto and Atsumu, along with some of your high school friends, were going to fly to the States to attend your graduation.

He wants to go to, but he has a new person in his life now.

A few days later, he received a box from your address.

He went to open the box in his dorm room, and it was the gifts and the letters you two exchanged since high school.

When he read the letter that you wrote him, he broke down.

You were his first love, the very first person that he made friends with, the very first person that made his heart skip, and the very one that made him the person that he is today.

It was bad. The feelings that he thought was once gone came back again.

He never stops loving you, and he will continue to love you as long as he can.

He needed some time away from dating and some time to heal.

The last gift he could give you was something that would last till you guys meet next time.

Graduation came faster than you expected, and finally, you graduate successfully after going through all those obstacles. Your family and friends from Japan are here to celebrate this joyous event with you.

You took pictures with everyone, chatted with a few of your fellow graduates, and managed to make some new connections.

"Oh my god, why is her campus so big? Did we made it in time?"

"Of course not! What did ya think?!"

Your two favourite people are here too.

"Tsumu! Bokkun!"

You waved them over, and they were carrying a bouquet of flowers and a bunch of gifts.

They threw their arms around you and pulls you into their embrace, and it was heartwarming and suffocating. Imagine getting bear-hugged by two professional volleyball players.

"L-let me go!" You managed to squeeze out a call for help, and they immediately let you go.

"This gift, open when you are alone."

It was a small bag, but you could not help but wonder who gave you that gift.

- - -

After getting lunch with your family and friends, you went back to your apartment alone to start packing up for your new journey.

You were going to move to Korea for your Master's program. Most of your close friends knew about this and hook you up with their close contacts in Korea so that you would have some form of support in a foreign country.

While packing, you remember the gift that Bokuto and Atsumu told you to open when you are alone.

You grab it, and it was a letter and a blue velvet ring box.

Immediately you recognised the handwriting. That neat and clean handwriting would belong to none other than Sakusa himself.

Congratulations on your graduation.

I have received your mail, and there's so much that I want to say. I apologise for not making it to your graduation, but those two idiots are there to represent me. After receiving that box from you and that letter, I immediately broke up with her. I realised that my feelings for her were not genuine, and I was just using her as a rebound, and I break things off because I don't want to hurt her further.

I'll wait for you. I know this may sound far-fetched, but will you marry me?

I don't expect any replies, but please accept the ring if you agree to marry me.

If you reject me, you can return the ring to Atsumu.

I'll be waiting,

Sakusa Kiyoomi

This man...even he is at the other part of the world, he still manages to make your heart skip. You open the box and inside one of the most dazzling rings you have laid your eyes on.

And you recognise it.

It was a Harry Winston.

You used to joke to him in high school that you want it to be a Harry Winston ring when he proposed.

Now, it's not a joke. You slid the ring onto your left hand, and it fits perfectly.

You dialled the number that you know it like it's the back of your hand.

"You idiot, do you still love me after all this time? What's with the proposal? It's s-so lame." You sniffled over the phone.

"Really? Does that mean you are not taking me back? In high school, you said that you were going to kick my ass if I break up with you. You wanted a proposal with a Harry Winston, right?" Hearing his voice, you broke down.

"I-I m-missed y-you so much! Why do you still have so much effect on me? You bad man!" You wailed into the phone and hear his deep chuckles.

"Oh my, you became more of a baby after we broke up. Do you want to see me now?"

"What? You mean facetime?"

"No, come to the park near your apartment building."

You grabbed your coat and rushed out of your building. There's no way he is here. No way. How could it be...

And he was there. With his arms wide open and a small smile on his handsome face.

"H-how? I-What? You idiot!" You threw yourself into his embrace, and he wraps his arms around you, and you sobbing in his chest.

"I flew in, of course. I got the timing right." He cups your face gently to make you look up to him. Then he saw the ring on your left hand and kisses you on the lips.

You shut your eyes and savours the kiss that was needed after being apart for so long.

"Sakusa Kiyoomi, you are one crazy man." You shook your head and kiss his lips again.

"Yeah, I'm crazy for you." He kisses you again for a long time.

I can't end it with a sad ending; I'm sorry to you guys if you wanted a sad ending. I'm crazy for soft Sakusa.

I love him.

I hope you guys enjoy reading this!

Thank you for reading!

Stay safe and take care!

With love,

Rosalie🍓

[the-cult-of-russo]

No Going Back (part 2)

Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader 

Request : Hey love, can you please do a part 2 to “no going back” where the reader is with a new partner that treats them better and shows how happy y/n is (after a few months of heart break) & billy is upset and dealing with the aftermath of his actions - regret - or not being able to find someone like reader. I’m in the mood for sad!billy because my heart broke for myself in the last one lmfao, they could meet again with y/nS new partner idk go crazy babe!

A/N: Welcome to the Land of Pain. Enjoy the deep rooted sadness and heartache lmao why am I so invested in Sad!Billy? Like really, let me give him a hug or something 😂 this one kind of took on a life of its own and I couldn't help the comforting at the end lmao sue me.

Also, I keep the description of the new partner vague so you can imagine whoever you want. Personally I was thinking Charlie Hunnam because 👀🙃 but this way you can picture whoever. 

Warnings: cursing, some angst, heaps of sadness and despair (for Billy), very much Sad!Billy. Lil bit of fluff too

You never thought you'd find happiness, not after Billy. But sometimes you find things when you least expect it, or they find you. You'd spent months healing after what happened with Billy and at times you honestly thought the pain wouldn't stop. The saving grace was the fact Billy actually kept his distance and didn't contact you. At first you weren't sure if that hurt more or not. But the clean break allowed you to heal and you knew deep down that's why he did it. It had been hard knowing he loved you, that he wanted to fix things. If he had just been an asshole then it would have been easier to get over him. You could hate him. But you couldn't. Part of you would always belong to him but you had to move on. And you did. 

Jacob was a great guy and you'd met through a friend. He took you on dates, doted on you. He was there and he listened and he treated you amazingly. And for the first time since Billy, you hadn't compared Jacob to him. Previous dates were always measured up to Billy but when you met Jacob, you didn't even think about your past lover. 

You'd been with Jacob now for 4 months, it being half a year since the split with Billy. Everything was looking up for you and you finally felt like things were on the right track. You still thought about Billy sometimes. Wondered if he was okay, what he was up to. You couldn't help it. You just hoped one day he'd find happiness too. It hurt that he hadn't allowed that with you but you hoped he'd let it happen with someone one day. 

-------

Billy had experienced pain in all forms in his life. The pain of abandonment from his mother, from the shit in the group home, being in the marines and everything after. He'd always dealt with it. Picked himself back up and moved on. He got back up every time and was always stronger for it. But this time… this time he was weak and he couldn't do a damned thing about it. 

Losing you, all through his own bullshit fault, had been by far the worst thing he'd ever been through. The worst kind of pain. Being shot in the heart would hurt less than the agony and waking hell that had been his life since you begged him to leave your apartment 6 months ago. It felt like only 6 days ago yet 6 years at the same time. It was a never ending spiral of darkness and despair. 

And it was all his own fault. His inability to just be a normal fucking human with emotions had ruined the best thing he ever had. He deserved this pain. He deserved every bit of it. He'd done a lot of bad shit in his life but this was the worst. He couldn't get your face out of his head. How you looked at him with such betrayal and hurt. And he'd caused that. He'd caused those tears to stream down your face, he'd caused that pain. So he'd wallow in his misery and take every inch of pain he was in because he deserved it all. 

He'd thrown it all away, and for what? The sex with the other women hadn't even been good. He hadn't enjoyed it because it wasn't you. And then after, the guilt would eat him alive. But he kept doing it. He couldn't stop himself because he was overwhelmed. He loved you. He actually fucking loved you and he didn't deserve you at all. He never thought he'd love anyone. Didn't think he was capable of such a thing, yet here he was. And he never thought in a million years that anyone would ever love him. His own mother didn't, so why would anyone else? He kept replaying over and over when you told him you loved him that day. The pain had ripped through him like C4. He'd fucked up so badly and he couldn't fix it. He'd finally had a taste of what it was like to be loved and to love someone and it was snatched away in a heartbeat because of his own actions. 

He couldn't sleep, couldn't eat. He lost some weight and was well aware of the dark circles around his eyes. He'd taken to drinking every night just to numb the pain and hope your face didn't haunt his dreams. He hadn't even slept with another person since. He couldn't bring himself to. He was a mess. All he wanted was you and he couldn't have you. 

------

You and Jacob were on your way to a little cafe you frequented for lunch. You felt happy, radiant even as you both walked hand in hand. The weather was warming up and the sun bathed you in its warm glow as you walked. Everything felt right. Just as you got to the outside of the cafe, his phone rang. 

"Shit, I need to take this, babe," he sighed. You smiled up at him, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"It's okay. I'll see what they have today," you smiled. He gave you a wide smile, kissing you softly before he stepped away a bit to answer the phone. There was no anxiety. No wondering who he was talking to. You felt settled and content. 

You glanced through the window of the cafe where they displayed fresh baked sweet treats. They had different ones every day and you pressed up against the window, eyes glancing around as you tried to decide if you wanted a glazed donut or a cinnamon bun. Probably the donut.

"Y/N?" The shocked voice felt like a splash of cold water. You knew that voice anywhere. You turned around to see Billy, wide eyed as he stared at you. He looked… oh Billy. Your heart ached at the state of him. He was still in his fancy suit with his hair neat and slicked back. But he looked exhausted, his dark eyes sad. It hurt.

"Hey, Billy," you murmured with a soft smile. You thought about what it would be like if you saw him again. You thought it would bring all the pain back. The anger. But you were hurting for a different reason. You were hurting for him this time. 

He glanced at the floor, looking somewhat out of place and his usual confidence seemed to be left at home. When he glanced back up at you, looking at you through his lashes, he looked like a lost boy. 

"You look good," he said quietly. You smiled sadly, shifting where you stood. 

"You look tired," you countered softly. He chuckled, the noise hollow sounding and you'd be a liar if you said you didn't miss him. Part of you wondered if you could have stayed friends but you didn't think it would help.

"Yeah, I'm uh… not sleepin' so good," he shrugged like it was nothing and you frowned. 

"Billy-" you started, only to be cut off by Jacob coming back over and wrapping an arm around your waist. 

"Sorry, I'm done now," he smiled down at you, kissing your cheek. It wasn't done as a display of possessiveness like Billy would have. It was simply affection. But you saw how Billy's jaw clenched, eyes hardening as he looked at him.

"Uh… Jacob, this is Billy. Billy, this is Jacob," you said carefully. You didn't need to say that Jacob was your boyfriend. It was obvious and you didn't want to rub salt in Billy's wounds. Jacob's brows raised a little, arm moving from around you as he looked at Billy. 

"Oh. It's a pleasure to meet you, I've heard a lot about you," Jacob said amicably as he extended his hand. Billy glanced at it like it was a poisonous snake before glancing at you. You gave him an imploring look and he swallowed thickly before shaking Jacob's hand. 

"Nothin' good, I bet,'' Billy smiled bitterly. Ouch. That hurt. 

Jacob looked at Billy hesitantly with a small smile. 

"Actually… Y/N had nothing but good things to say about you. Except for how it all ended but… there were a lot of good things," Jacob said softly. It made you smile. You'd told him everything about you and Billy and he'd never seen it as an issue. And the fact he was trying here really meant something to you.

Billy looked taken aback for a moment before his face schooled back to the mask of indifference he'd wear often. He glanced at you then at Jacob again as Jacob gave your hand a squeeze.

"I'll get us a table and give you two a minute," Jacob murmured to you. It wasn't lost on you how he purposely didn't kiss you like he normally would. He wasn't petty. He wouldn't hurt Billy or rub it in his face. 

Once Jacob was inside you looked at Billy as he glared off to the side, hands stuffed in his pockets. 

"Billy… I'm sorry, I…" you frowned. You wished he hadn't found out this way. Not when you saw how badly he was hurting. He chuckled humorlessly and shook his head.

"Don't … Don't do that," he bit out. 

"Do what?" You asked with a frown. His obsidian eyes turned to you then, full of such pain and sadness that it felt like you'd been punched in the gut.

"Don't… apologise to me. I don't deserve shit," he muttered, jaw clenched. 

You took a step closer to him and he looked down at you, rolling his shoulder a little. 

"Look… you fucked up. It happened. But I don't … I don't hate you, okay? I never could. I don't want to see you hurting like this," you lamented. His lower lip wobbled a little before he clamped down on it with his teeth, glaring at the floor with glassy eyes. 

"You should hate me," he replied tensely. 

"Well I don't. I forgive you. I don't know if that's helps or anything but… you need to forgive yourself, Billy," you said as you moved closer, looking up at him. His eyes met yours for a moment before he looked away. 

He was so tense, hands in his pockets as his shoulders were set and his body was rigid. 

"Does he uh… he treat you good?" He asked, voice strained as his eyes drifted to the window of the cafe before back to you. You nodded, worried if you vocalised it that it might hurt him more. He scrunched his nose a little, his shoulder rolling again.

"He make you happy?" He asked quietly. It sounded like it brought him great pain to even ask and you looked away with a sigh.

"Billy…" you frowned, not wanting to answer. 

"Just… please. Does he make you happy?" He asked again, a little firmer this time. You met his eyes as you nodded. 

His jaw ticked as he nodded stiffly, glaring off to the side.

"Good… good, you deserve to be happy," he muttered softly. 

"So do you," you replied sincerely. Black eyes snapped to yours then as he scoffed. He opened his mouth to no doubt say something fueled by self hatred but you spoke before he had the chance. 

"I'm serious. I want you to be happy, Billy. You need to allow yourself to feel things and one day you'll get that. You'll find happiness one day," you implored.

He blinked at you for a moment, his eyes shining from moisture.

"I want that with you. And I know… I know I can't. I know we can't fix this. But I just… I don't think I could find that with someone else," he admitted softly. He looked so sad and it was wounding you. You hated seeing him so vulnerable and lost like this. It was so far from the Billy you knew and loved. This Billy was the Billy that woke from nightmares about the group home or from when he was overseas. The Billy you'd comforted many times before. It always hurt you when this side of him was out. 

"There'll always be a part of my heart with your name on it, Billy. I'm sorry it didn't work out but it doesn't mean I don't care at all," you breathed. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a shaky breath at your words. 

"This… this is why I never deserved you. You're too good for me, too kind and… caring. I don't deserve somethin' precious like you. I don't deserve anythin' good," he muttered bitterly. You knew this spiral well. How he got in his own head and went down the rabbit hole of hating himself. 

You took another step towards him and wrapped your arms around his neck. You just wanted him to be okay. To stop hurting. He may have hurt you, broke your heart, but you didn't want this for him. You wanted to comfort him and this was the only way you knew how. You felt his arms wrap around you, one fisting your shirt and the other in your hair as he held you close. He buried his nose in your hair and inhaled deeply. 

"Stop hating yourself. Do it for me. I hate seeing you like this," you whispered forlornly as you held onto him tightly. 

His hand in your hair tightened a little and you could feel a slight tremor running through his body. 

"I'm a mess without you," he lamented, slightly muffled by your hair. 

"You need to allow yourself to move on," you replied softly. You went to move away but his arms tightened and you allowed him to hold you a moment longer. He'd called you his anchor once. You hadn't really believed him but now it seemed like he was floating away and you were the only thing tethering him here. 

He pressed a kiss to your hair before releasing you but you didn't step back too far as you blinked up at him. 

"Maybe we… maybe we can…" he trailed off uncertainly and your chest constricted painfully. You really hoped he wasn't going to ask for another chance because shooting him down in the state he was in would kill you. 

"I wanna… could we be friends? I won't… I won't get in the way or anythin', I just… maybe if I could text you sometimes? Just to know you're okay?" He asked hesitantly as his dark orbs flit to the window of the cafe before back to you.

You weren't sure if it was a great idea. You didn't know if it would help if you were honest.

"Billy… I don't know if that's a good idea," you murmured sadly. His eyes bore into you, pleading and desperate.

"Please? I know that I-I can't have you. Not the way I want. But I need you in my life, even just as a friend. You not bein' there at all… it's left a gaping hole and I…" his hand went to his chest, rubbing over where his heart was. 

"Okay, you can text me if you need me. But only as friends," you relented, stating the last part firmly. A small smile graced his face then, eyes lighting up ever so slowly. You hoped this wouldn't be a bad idea. 

"I appreciate it. And… as much as it hurts… to see you with… Jacob. I am happy for you," he said Jacob's name like it pained him but his eyes were sincere as he looked at you. It made you smile a little. 

"Thank you, Billy," you murmured. He gave you another small hesitant smile as he nodded.

"I'll uh… let you get back," he said with a nod. Without thinking, you wrapped your arms around him again, around his middle this time as your head rested on his chest. He didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around you tightly. His hand going to your hair like it always did. You could hear the rapid thumping of his heart in your ear. 

"It was good seeing you," you said softly. You meant it too. 

You always thought it would be difficult seeing him again, and it was in a way. It hurt seeing him this cut up about it. But it wasn't how you imagined it would go. You weren't angry at him, you didn't feel the same pain you did on that day. The only pain you felt was for the broken man in holding you. You wanted to comfort him and you'd missed him. He'd been a constant in your life for a while, even before you officially got together. 

"It was good seein' you too," he sighed, squeezing you a little. When you stepped back, he gripped your face and for a moment it startled you. But he planted a firm kiss to your forehead before stepping back. Once again, you allowed him that. You couldn't help it. 

You gave him a soft smile and he returned it with a sad one of his own. You forced your feet to move as you made your way into the cafe. Jacob was sitting there patiently waiting at a table with a coffee and a donut waiting for you. You grinned at him as you sat down and he leaned over to kiss your cheek.

"Everything okay?" He asked softly, stroking your cheek.

"Yeah," you sighed. You really hoped Billy would forgive himself for everything that happened. He didn't need to punish himself like this. 

"Good… he'll get over it one day. Just give him some time, babe," Jacob murmured as if he knew what you were thinking. You gave him a warm smile as you laced your fingers with his. 

You hoped he was right. You hoped that being friends with Billy would work and maybe help him. You still weren't sure if it was a good idea or not but he seemed adamant it would help him. It was hardly how you ever imagined it would go but it was how the cards fell. All you could do was wait and see what happened and hope that maybe you could help Billy through it. It was kind of upside down and all ass upwards. Helping the man that broke your heart get over you. But you still cared about him and you'd do whatever you could to help him through it.  

[happyselves]

Wine { Daniel Ricciardo x reader one shot }

You were invited to a garden party, one of your neighbours was throwing one for the launch of his wine or something, you heard of it before receiving the invite in your mailbox. Weird cause you didn't really known anyone here since you just got here and that neighbour, he was never here but you know from his house that he was rich as fuck.

Anyways you weren't planning on going but free food convinced you, but what to wear now ... to a garden party ? At 7pm ... who does that ? He must be an arrogant prick. You were torn between a sexy dress or a chill outfit ... and you end up with a combination of both, a sexy top and a chill pants . You didn't forget your purse and took your keys, do you really want to drive there ? Well no you were living next door but you did make the walk barefoot cause you didn't want to have sore feet already.

You arrived at your destination and entered the huge house and gave your invitation to a security guy, he did look at you with questioning eyes cause first you still weren't wearing your shoes and secondly you weren't really the type of guest this reception was expecting. What the fuck were you doing here plus more you were actually looking more you didn't see any other neighbour that you recognize.( you didn't know them personal but you always greet them when you see them )

Your shoes back on you start to look around, pretty decoration, very aesthetic and very chic but simple, a bit like yours but you could see some helmets and paintings of cars ? Super cars like the one being driven on circuit ... Formula 1 it was called ... ohhh that would explain a lot about your neighbour ... he must be a F1 driver then. The curiosity was growing inside of you, you knew Lewis Hamilton from this sport, you mean ... knowing is a big word, you've heard his name and saw a picture of him from one of your friends somewhere. If all the drivers were as handsome as Hamilton then your neighbour was getting interesting. What was his name again dammit.

You found the food and took some, not too much to not sound like a bizarre person, you were already underdressed and you were alone, that does look suspect. Socializing wasn't really your forte but some of the guests came to talk to you, they were wearing chill outfits like yours, you felt relief in your heart, like a big weight lifting up, those you will stick to them all evening that was decided. They were his friend to that mysterious guy that you only remember the first letter D. So the friends of D were making you feel at home and asking you random stuff not pressuring you but making you feel so comfortable, so maybe D will not be a prick after all if his friends are this nice. One of his friends, Scott, directed you towards the true star of the party .... THE WINE !!

As soon as you tested it your taste buds went into paradise, the sweet texture, the raspberry taste that was prominent, you liked it right away and wanted to have more. During the whole evening you end up maybe drinking more than you should have and food wasn't making it better. You weren't drunk like a crazy drunk. You just felt more relaxed and laughed with D' friends until you excused yourself because you wanted some water and there was none in the living room. Scott points at you in the direction of the kitchen and tells him you will be back in a sec. His friends were so nice and it felt like you've always known them, they have the same vibe as you and you were already planning on seeing them again this week.

What was strange is that after all this time you still haven't seen the host of the evening, you thought he was speaking with everyone but you would have met by now, you were with his friend after all.

In your thought, the glass of wine in your hand you didn't see the tall person in front of you as you entered the kitchen and kinda crashed into him, the glass of wine ruining his cream pullover. Fuck ... you watch the red spot trying to clean it but you made it worse.

You : Oh I'm so sorry I was in my thoughts, my lord come down here.

You close your fist on his pull and bring him towards the sink without even looking at him or asking him if it was okay. The dude just follows you without complaining, you turn the water, get the closest thing you could get to help and clean it. You were so focused on the spot that you didn't notice he had put his hands on your arms, very warm hands and his chest was firm.

You : Nah take it off I won't be able to take the wine off on you.

Stranger : It's okay really

You hear his voice for the first time and what a voice, sweet like honey but deep as well, from what you could pick from it, he feels amused. You finally look up to see your interlocutor's face and you stay shocked at his, you couldn't react, you froze literally and your cheek went red ... he was handsome and you had way too many glasses of alcohol to behave like a normal being without being embarrassing. Trying your best to put some composure on you but of course he noticed it.

Stranger : We should introduce each other before you take off my clothes, don't you think ? He joked

You throw your name so quickly which made him giggle.

Stranger : Hi nice to meet I'm Daniel

He tried to shake your hand and that's where it hit you, Daniel !! Your neighbour Daniel, the host, the one with the wine !!! You were freaking out in your head but shook his hand

You : Oh I see, I was wondering where the host of the evening was, but I see hiding in the kitchen.

Dan : And I was wondering where the neighbour that my friend kept talking about was and invited me.

You were feeling the alcohol in you taking the place and you knew that the next phrase coming out of you will be out of character.

You : Well if I knew that you were this handsome and hiding here I would have come get water much sooner.

It was his turn to feel shy and scratch his hand, looking away from you he cleared his throat.

Dan : Well I know that's kinda impolite of me to not be with my guest but I've been on the phone all evening, it wasn't planned at all. I'm sorry, am I a bad neighbour ?

You : Don't apologize and you don't have to explain yourself, you are a busy man after all from what I saw. But not to sound too neat freak, your pull over might be ruined. I should be the one apologizing for that.

Dan : Oh it's okay it's not like it was my only clothes.

And with that he took it off, finally you whispered in your head, or by the face he just made you think it was in your head. Damnit ... again not in your head freaking wine

Dan : Ah I see you liked the wine ? I will give you some bottles then, free of charge in the house cause I'm a terrible host.

You both went silent, it wasn't awkward but he was curious about you and why you were looking at his chest like that ... he was wearing a white tee shirt underneath, not like he was naked.

For you it was the layered gold necklaces that threw you off, you loved men wearing jeweled jewelry especially because you had a thing for neck, large neck and god damn that an F1 driver had to have a large neck. You snapped out of it, almost feeling dizzy.

You : Wooo I'm sorry I zoned out ... I think it's the wine, I'm not a bad drinker but the raspberry touch in was my favorite.

You didn't notice you were getting closer to him, like night butterflies attracted to light, your hands were moving on their own, putting the wet tissue you had in one of your hands since you started cleaning his shirt, on the counter and bringing it to his necklaces playing with it. Daniel didn't move, he couldn't. It was like a flash of lightning was striking him down on his feet. He was looking at you helplessly, catching the counter with his hand to keep you both balanced cause he felt like his legs were about to give him up at this instant. That were he takes the time to admire you, how beautiful you were with that sunset lightning hitting you

from the window. His secondhand automatically pushed away the hair that was stopping him to look at your pretty face.

You : I don't know what's happening, you breath out

He heard you thought

Dan : I don't know either but it's not like I want to stop.

You lock eyes with each other and in a last movement you close your fingers against his necklaces, bringing him closer to you, collapsing your lips together, the taste of wine was intoxicating. He responds to your kiss instantly, slowly catching your lips and making you forget every kiss you had before him. You both were in sync, kissing slowly but deeply that it was sloppy. His hands were now on your hip, not letting you go and you were glad anyway cause you just couldn't have enough of this man. The romantic kiss turns to a more ferocious one, bringing teeth and tongue to the party. He was making you moan at every chance he gets cause it was already obsessed with the sound that was leaving your body. You were soon out of breath and had to make your lungs full of oxygens again so you were the first to break the kiss not without having him complaining with a groan.

Your eyes still close, you take a huge amount of air.

You : That was ...

You didn't had the time to finish

Dan : Unexpected

You both : but so good

You both opened your eyes at the same time, they were different from earlier, dark and full of lust for each other.

After a little while catching your breath you were both fighting the urge to kiss again but control yourself.

Dan : Well I'm so glad my friend invited you, they said I needed to know my neighbours, I thought they would invite everyone but I guess they only saw you.

You : Well I'm glad to have forced myself to come even if I didn't want to.

You both laughed and his hands joined yours on the counter, first caressing your skin before intertwining your fingers.

Dan : So do you think it would be impolite of me to just tell everyone to leave ?

That picked the curiosity in you

You : Perhaps yes, since you didn't even show up but I might have an idea.

Dan : I'm listening ...

You : You could simply eclipse yourself by the back door with a couple of wine bottles and I join you outside so we can go to my place and finish whatever is going on between us right now.

Dan : Ouuhhh I dig that plan a lot.

He quickly catch oyu lips before leaving them again

Dan : Meet you outside at 5 ?

You : Yes

You find your best lie to excuse yourself from Daniel's friends, telling them that the wine was getting into your head and that you needed to go home, it wasn't technically a lie though. Of course they ask you if you needed someone to come with you until you're home safe but you reassure them that it was only 200meters away and they let you go.

You felt like a teenager again, meeting Daniel outside of his own house, ruining as quick as you could to go back to your house and spend the most scandalous night you ever experienced with a man.

Masterlist

[rosierin]

Studying with you

pairing: tsukishima x fem!reader

synopsis: after finding out about your gradually decreasing grades, your teacher urges you to change your studying methods and decides to find you a tutor among the class. shame that tutor is literally the biggest jerk known to man. you swear he knows nothing but insults and that his heart is made of stone. or is it?

genre: fluff

type: oneshot

word count: 1.6k

a/n: i hate love this guy, srsly

"Oi, (y/n). Wake up, we're not finished." 

Your head jerks up and you let out a loud, drawn out groan as your eyes refocus on the man in front of you. He's sneering, same as usual, and you wish you could suddenly go back to dream land where you were happily baking cookies with Hinata and Kageyama. 

Beneath your arms are two gaping algebra textbooks. One is riddled with scribbly notes and an unnecessary amount of pointless doodles, except the one of Tsukishima— scowling with a head drawn way too big compared to the rest of his skinny body. The other is filled with neat, detailed formulas, pastel highlights and all the correct answers which you've been struggling to find for the past two hours.

"I'm up, I'm up, geez.." You yawn with your head still on the table and look up at Tsukishima with drowsy eyes. "You could've woken me up a little nicer, ya know."

"Yeah.. no. How about you hurry up and finish so I can go home?" He looks more than done at this point and huffs, pointing at a formula jotted messily on your paper. "And you got that one wrong again, by the way."

You squint at your work, then realize he was right. "Oh. My bad."

Wanting to get things over with, you get back to work but your eyelids are so heavy it's ridiculous. Not to mention your brainpower has reached its limit.

You can feel your grip on your pen loosen as you try and correct your work but before you know it, your head drops again, only to be jolted awake by a sudden smack to the back of the head with what feels like a textbook.

"What the— Do you mind?!" You snap. 

Tsukishima doesn't react to your outburst in the slightest, just nods to your unfinished work with a look of lazy authority. "Algebra." He stares at you with a deadpan expression when you pout. "Now." 

"Fiiine." You sigh, annoyed that your puppy dog eyes didn't work on Tsukishima. Not that you thought they would. Tsukishima didn't seem like the type to particularly like animals, except maybe for dinosaurs. He had a small keychain of one buried deep within his pencil case, you found. "You know, you'd make a terrible teacher."

This time, it's Tsukishima's turn to yawn, stretching his long limbs and you have to force yourself not to focus on the pull of his lean muscles despite yourself. Then, he turns to look at you with a look of false innocence. "Sorry, go on?"

"I hate you."

"Great. Now ask me if I care."

You suck in through your teeth as you hold back from socking the blonde straight in the face. He's been sassing you non-stop since the beginning of your study session and you'd think you'd be used to his perpetual cocky remarks by now but alas, he was still a huge pain in your ass.

"Where're you going?" You ask as Tsukishima gets up from his chair that's in front of your desk, dusting the eraser shavings off your textbooks.

"Aw. Think you'll miss me?"

You bite your lip down and he notices, smirking contently before deciding to answer: "going to get some water. That question better be finished by the time I get back."

He's gone before you can retort, long legs granting him a quick escape. However halfway down the hallway you hear him add: "or I'll make you do three more."

Great.

"Yessir," you sigh, though you have absolutely no intention of following through.

You glance down at your textbooks for good measure— textbooks which are practically staring at you, and you can picture them with beady little eyes as though they're chanting— soooolve ussss.

You shudder. Man, you really were tired.

"Yeah, no. Sorry, Tsukki."

Pushing your homework aside, unfazed by your salty tutor's threats, you decide it's time for an actual break. You deserved it, right? Yeah, yeah you did. So without second thought, you let your attention drift to the scenery outside instead.

You'd been so focused on your homework (and Tsukishima's sass) that you hadn't even noticed the beautiful sunset that was now setting over the hills of Karasuno High. You always loved the way it looked at this hour, basking the buildings and tall, lush trees in its warm light. It was all too soothing, so soothing that you hadn't even realized you were once more falling asleep, eyeslids fighting to stay open until they finally gave in and what little willpower you had left, left your body.

"Right, time's up. You better be finish—"

The moment Tsukishima walks back into the classroom, eyes settling on your current state— sprawled out on your desk, mouth slightly agape and completely out cold, he's overcome with the urge to sigh.

He walks over to your desk and sits down opposite you, then as he leans his cheek into his palm, he lazily pokes your cheek— once, twice, but gets no reaction in response.

"You've got to be kidding me.." He sighs. But he decides to not bother and wake you up this time. What'd be the point? You clearly weren't in any shape to study and honestly, he didn't have the patience in him anymore to try in case it'd drive him crazy.

For a second he debates just leaving you there, passed out of your classroom desk, but quickly decides against it in case he gets an earful from your parents about leaving you alone or something. The last thing he wants is any extra trouble.

Therefore he agrees, albeit begrudgingly, to let you sleep. Just until you were rested up enough to work again.

⭐

Thirty minutes go by, you're still fast asleep.

During that time, Tsukishima took it upon himself to slip his headphones on and listen to some beats, hazel eyes flitting beyond the window to watch the last of the sunset, hoping it'd make the time go by quicker.

Usually, this would be right up his alley; peace and quiet, chill lofi and a sunset, however when sat on a painfully uncomfortable, wooden chair rather than his comfy and plump single bed, the experience was significantly less appealing. Therefore, after trying to find a comfortable sitting position and failing for the fourth time he decides to take his headphones off and focus back on his studies— he might as well, only when he reaches for his pen, he realizes it isn't there.

Amber eyes scan the table. Usually it'd be in his pencil case; he doesn't remember taking it ou—

Ah, never mind. It all makes sense when he sees it. Not in his pencil case after all, but balanced precariously between your fingers.

He rolls his eyes.

Why didn't she just use her own pen?

Reaching for it, he attempts to pull it out of your grasp only to freeze when you begin to stir.

He doesn't know why at this point— he could just wake you up, that's what he'd initially planned. But now, for some reason, there's something that prevents him from doing so. Maybe it had something to do with the way you were sleeping so peacefully.

He tries to pull at his pen again— gently— but this time, it isn't you stirring that makes him seize up, but the way your index and middle finger hook around his own.

His brain stutters.

Well, this is new.

Tsukishima's back straightens an awkward amount, completely unsure of what to do. Nothing like this has ever happened to him before. He becomes painfully aware of that. He's also painfully aware that you could possibly wake up while holding him like this.

Thankfully, you don't. And although the tenseness of his body is beginning to hurt, he still takes the time to admire your sleeping form.

You're laying crossed armed, head nestled between them, facing him. He watches your body rise and fall ever so gently, can almost hear your quiet breaths. It's picturesque, almost; the way your hair glows beneath the bright full moon. Unknowingly, his thumb twitches nearer, gravitating towards the warmth of your hand and he can almost feel—

"Enjoying yourself there?"

Suddenly he's frozen. Though it only lasts a second, for the next he's already retracted his hand, folding it under his arm like it was never there to begin with.

"Wh— How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough," you say, smiling curiously at him and for once the tables have been turned; the teased having become the teaser. "So you can be nice sometimes."

Tsukishima's expression is anything but impressed as you mock him, his face caught between confused and annoyed, and dare you say even a little bit embarrassed? He's quick to shake it off though, sparing himself of any sly comment as he regains his usual cool demeanor.

"Please. You're the one who grabbed me first," he scoffs.

"But you didn't try to move," you shoot back.

There's a strange atmosphere that settles in the room as your mishief-glinting eyes bore into his, and Tsukishima doesn't dare talk back for once, having been robbed of all witty comebacks. He hates being at a loss for words, but he hates even more so, the beginnings of a grin forming on your features, one that he knows is a result of his shortcomings.

"Whatever, (y/n) just pack up your stuff. We're done for the night," he says as he himself starts tidying his belongings.

You chuckle then nod your head. "Sure thing, sensei."

"...don't call me that."

"Sensei."

"Urgh, shut up."

⭐

⭐

⭐

Later that night, when you're lying in bed, ready to fall asleep, your eyes snap open as your phone buzzes underneath your pillow. You pull it out and press the home button, wondering who could possibly be texting you at this hour. When you do, you're surprised when it's Tsukishima's ID that pops up.

He had sent one message:

"Oh and by the way, you drool when you sleep."

[farfromsugafanfic]

Sutures - Chapter Nine: Lost In Japan

Genre: Soulmates AU, Idiots to Lovers, slight Enemies to Lovers

Pairing: Yoongi/Named Reader

Warnings (chapter specific): chest pain, health problems, getting lost

Synopsis: “A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.” –Jean de la Fontaine

There was only one thing you and Min Yoongi had in common that night. You were both brokenhearted. You only intended to be together for one night, but when you both end up in the hospital the next day you discover that you are soulmates. It could kill you to be apart. As you and Yoongi attempt to sever the bond between you, will another be formed?

Previous | Series Masterlist | Next

When you landed in Japan, your phone was already blowing up with notifications. 

"Jang Sumi Seen With Min Yoongi's Bodyguard"

"Jang Sumi Joining BTS In Japan For Promotions"

The cameras already waited when you stepped into the airport. You were in the middle of the members, and instead of stopping for pictures like normal, bodyguards flanked in between the eight of you and the cameras. 

You felt as Yoongi reached down and softly took your hand. You looked back at him with a confused look and he just shrugged. 

"They all have their assumptions anyway," he said. "Just keep going. They'll try to get in our way, but just keep going. They won't bother you if you're with me."

You moved through the crowd with Yoongi's hand as your anchor. You heard the various fans gasping and screaming and the paparazzi asking questions and trying to provoke you and the members into a response, but before you knew it, you were in the back of a van and fastening your seatbelt. The satisfying click making you smile. You made it.

Yoongi was beside you. He still held your hand and you wondered if he noticed. His thumb rubbed lightly over your knuckles in a quick, sweeping motion. You didn't necessarily mind him holding your hand, it was just that there was no use for it now.

The van door shut as Jimin got in and plopped down beside you. A few seconds later, the van was moving.

"My phone blew up when we landed," you said. "Apparently, the bodyguard who helped me through the airport was your bodyguard?"

"Oh, yeah," he said, shrugging his shoulders. 

"What did you do then?" 

"Eh, we had plenty of bodyguards," he said. "Since we were in a group, it was unnecessary to have mine." 

"But, Yoongi, I know things have happened to you in airports before. You're an idol. You're a bigger risk." 

"Sumi, I lent him to you and something still happened," Yoongi said, his thumb brushing over your knuckles again, but slower this time.

"You really don't have to worry about us, Sumi," Jimin said. His eyes were closed and you'd honestly thought he was asleep. "We have enough bodyguards and we have Jungkook." Jimin kicked the back of the youngest's seat, who sat in front of him. 

You laughed and dropped the subject and instead gazed out the window at Tokyo. You'd only truly been to the city once when you were a kid, although you'd had many layovers in the Tokyo airport on your flight to and from the US. 

---  

"There's a problem with the hotel," Se-jin said, coming back out to the van. Most of the members were barely awake due to their busy schedules and how they'd gotten used to sleeping on most forms of transportation. "A fire sprinkler in Sumi's room burst and it flooded the whole room. The flooding is contained in her room due to the staff. Are you okay sharing a room, Sumi?"

You nodded. "Yeah," you said. "That's fine." 

"All right, does anyone--"

"I will!" All of the members shouted at once. You were amazed that despite their perceived states of sleep, they all appeared to be awake and fully listening. You laughed.

"She'll stay with me," Yoongi said. 

You turned to look at him surprised. "But, what about the rumors?"

"They know we're soulmates at this point. And, if you got caught staying with one of the other members, what do you think they would think?" 

Your brow furrowed. They already thought you had cheated on Minki with Yoongi, but if the media began circulating that you were cheating on Yoongi, you could only imagine the backlash you would receive. 

"Yeah, okay," you said. "I'll stay with Yoongi." Se-jin nodded and closed the van door as he went back into the hotel to finish checking in. 

"We've rented out the whole floor, so there should be no way anyone will find out," Yoongi said, giving you a small smile. 

"Then, why couldn't I stay with one of the other boys?" you asked, your lips curving into a smirk. 

Yoongi's ears turned red and he looked between you and the other members who watched in loving amusement.

"Just in case."

---

By the time you all got checked in and everything unloaded, the sun was beginning to set. You saw no point in unpacking your suitcase completely when you were only staying for four days. However, you unpacked your toiletries and headed to the bathroom. 

"Do you need to shower--?" you ask, but the words are left in the air as you notice Yoongi dropping the extra pillows and blankets from the closet onto the couch. "What are you doing?"

"Setting up my bed." He smoothed out the blankets and placed the pillow on one end of the couch. 

"You don't have to sleep on the couch. I trust you. It's not like we haven't shared a bed before."

"It's not that," Yoongi said. "I don't trust the urges. We've only had one, but I'm afraid if we lay together in bed. It would just trigger something." 

You nodded. "You're right. But, I'll sleep on the couch. This is your room." 

Yoongi shrugged and shook his head before falling back onto the couch and crossing his hands over his stomach. "Go take your shower." 

You sighed and went into the bathroom and took the shower you'd been long awaiting. Despite the coffee having been spilled on you hours before and changing into Yoongi's shirt, you could still feel the sticky cream-filled coffee on your skin. You undressed and folded Yoongi's shirt and placed it on the counter so that it wouldn't get wet and continued to undress. Only when you had finished did you realize that you'd forgotten to bring your pajamas with you. 

---

"Yoongi?" you asked, peeking your head out the bathroom. "Are you awake?"

Yoongi chose not to respond as you emerged from the bathroom in one of the hotel's white bathrobes. He didn't respond because he wanted you to strip in front of him, but rather, he was hoping to be asleep within a few minutes anyway.

As he heard you shuffle back towards the bed, he heard a small scuffle and you curse under your breath. He opened his eyes to see you standing by the bed as nothing happened. You unfastened the robe and allowed it to fall. 

Yoongi only caught a glance of your bare back before he shut his eyes again, although he felt a stirring in his stomach. He could only curse in his head as he attempted to focus on anything else. He didn't catch a glimpse of anything super sexual, but it didn't matter. Yoongi hoped this wouldn't lead to another urge. While he wanted nothing more than to pull you into him and kiss you up and down your body, he knew he couldn't for the sake of severing the soulmate bond. 

There were a few seconds of silence. He figured you'd finished getting dressed, but the light was still on and he hadn't heard you climb into the bed. He opened his eyes only to be met with a pillow to the face. 

"I knew you weren't asleep!" you said, holding the pillow above your head to bring back down upon him. Yoongi acted quickly and sat up and grabbed the pillow and tossed it to the side. 

You were dumbfounded for a second until you heard Yoongi laugh. "What was your plan exactly?"

You shrugged. "I don't know. I just wanted to prove you were being a creep." You wiggled your eyebrows as a smirk came over your face. 

"Hey! I didn't see anything. I kept my eyes closed."

"Mmm," you said. "I don't believe you." 

Before Yoongi could respond, a silence came over the two of you as you both simultaneously realized that you were straddling his lap and you could feel him pressing into you. 

"Sorry," he whispered as you climbed off of him. 

You shook your head. "No, it's okay. You didn't mean to. Let's, uh, let's go to bed."

"Wait, Sumi, what are your plans for tomorrow?"

"I just plan on going out and exploring a bit. I've never got to explore the city. Probably do some shopping, visit temples." Your eyes narrowed in curiosity. "Why?"

"I'll be working," he said. "Just make sure to get back here before me so we don't risk anything. I'm supposed to be done with the fan sign at five." 

You nodded. "You don't think being away from each other in general will cause anything?" 

It was only then that Yoongi realized that you hadn't been away from each other for nearly two weeks. While you might not be physically together, you were always within the same building or space. "I think it's been enough time." 

You nodded as you climbed under the covers of the bed and reached over to turn off the bedside lamp. Even in the dark, Yoongi could make out as you pulled the covers up to your chin and turned on your side. It made him smile. 

"Goodnight, Yoongi."

"Goodnight."

---

Your knees ached by midday, but your day alone in the city had been one of the best you'd had in years. You hadn't been truly alone for what felt like months. Sure, you slept alone and you could easily duck in the bathroom for five minutes of peace, but this was freedom you didn't think you'd have after the whole soulmate thing happened.

Yoongi was gone when you'd woke up that morning, the blanket tossed to one side of the couch. Not neat, but not exactly messy. It was odd, not feeling the aching in his chest when he was gone. You knew there were exceptions for when you were obligated to be apart, but since Yoongi worked so much, maybe it wouldn't be so horrible.

Your mind had still wandered to Yoongi throughout the day. Occasionally, you'd see a BTS ad campaign or someone wearing merch, but what really caught your attention was a small Kumamon figure. It was clearly meant to act as a paperweight or just to decorate a desk. You'd noticed that Yoongi seemed to like the character and after a quick Google search, it was confirmed. You bought the figure and tossed it into your purse.

With shopping bags in your hands and your camera in your hand, you managed to use your one free hand to pull out enough money to buy a taiyaki. You thanked the woman who handed it to you in your best rudimental Japanese. 

You were a few blocks away and halfway through your taiyaki when you thought to check the time. You nearly dropped the sweet bun when you realized it was 4:50 pm. Yoongi was due to be done in ten minutes and you were at least a half hour walk from the hotel--if not more. 

You rush out to the side of the road and attempt to hail a taxi. The first few passed you, but eventually one stopped and you frantically told the driver the name of the hotel. 

Within five minutes, the driver only managed to get a few blocks because of rush hour traffic. With nowhere to go, you were stranded. You'd gone the whole day without making a scene or being recognized (although maybe because you wore a baseball cap and mask), despite your face on the cover of magazine articles everywhere. And, you were afraid that you were going to have to end up on more of them to get out of this. 

You waited another five minutes before handing the driver a wad of cash that was definitely too much and apologizing as you got out of the cab. Carrying your bags and purse on your arm, you ran across the stopped lanes of traffic and tried to ignore the car horns and confused shouts. You checked the time. 5:01 pm. You ran and pulled up the GPS on your phone and entered the hotel address. 

Your vision blurred and you felt a small pull in your chest. It was warning you.

---

Something felt off as the van pulled up to the back door of the hotel. His palms begin to sweat and his heart beat against his chest as if he were sprinting. The door to the van opened and Yoongi didn't even remember it stopping or the rest of the members climbing out. 

"Yoongi?" one of the members called. 

Yoongi managed to his feet and out of the van but nearly collapsed against Jin, who grabbed him by the shoulder to stabilize him. He doesn't get far before he collapses against the wall of the hotel, his neck lulling back. 

"Yoongi, what's wrong?"

"Sumi...she must not be back yet..." 

Yoongi hears some talking and shuffling, but barely understands anything as two of the boys lift him up and inside the hotel. 

"They're going to look for her, Yoongi. It will be okay."

---

You'd made it a few more blocks, although you could barely tell. You were running, even though your vision was so blurred you could barely see. You used the buildings on the side as your guide and hoped you wouldn't bump into anyone. 

Your heart was beating out of your chest and you honestly couldn't tell if it was because of the running or that Yoongi was back at the hotel. You felt lightheaded and even with your headphones in you could barely hear the directions your GPS was telling you.

The edges of your vision begin going black and you feel your knees hit the pavement. This was it. You hoped a passerby would stop and at least call an ambulance. 

"Sumi!" someone a short distance away shouted.

You couldn't make out their faces, but you could see figures running through the crowd towards you. As you slumped against the nearest wall, you felt yourself being scooped up. 

"Sumi, Sumi, it's okay. We're not too far away. Come on, stay awake." 

You recognized Jungkook's face and allowed your face to fall against his T-shirt. It felt warm, but as you neared the hotel, your senses clearing a tiny bit, you realized it was a little too warm. You remembered back to the day before when you'd accidentally burned Tae's hand. 

"I-I'm sorry," you said. "It doesn't hurt does it?"

"It was just the T-shirt. Don't worry about it, Sumi."

His voice is soft and you can barely hear him over the commotion you're approaching. You can already hear the slew of photographers who are inside the lobby of the hotel and outside on the sidewalk. They haven't seemed to notice you yet, as their camera flashes and yells are aimed elsewhere.

"Jungkook! Jimin!" Se-jin called from the alleyway where he held open a service door normally only used for employees. While your vision had cleared, you still felt out of breath and your heart still convulsed in your chest. 

Jungkook ran towards the door and immediately into a service elevator. He didn't drop you back on your feet like you had expected him to. His arms were slung under your knees and around your shoulders. You wondered why you weren't burning his arms. Maybe because he wasn't touching your skin? Maybe the soulmate curse somehow recognized that he was helping you get closer to Yoongi? Whatever it was, you were thankful that beyond burning a small black hole in his T-shirt, you hadn't hurt him. 

The elevator dinged and Jungkook rushed you into your hotel room. Yoongi was already on the bed, a cloth on his forehead. He was sweaty, his shirt pulled up, exposing his stomach and his hair pushed back. 

Jungkook plopped you down on the bed beside Yoongi. Your breath evened out and your muscles relaxed, but the dull ache in your chest remained.

"Do you guys need anything?"

"Just some water." 

Jungkook went to the sink and filled a glass with water and set it on the bedside table beside you. "Just text or call one of us if you need anything." 

You nodded and Jungkook left the room. As soon as the door shut, Yoongi's arms around you and your face in his chest. His lips came to your forehead and you released a breath you hadn't realized you'd been holding.

"I lost track of time," you said. "I tried to take a taxi, but it was rush hour." 

"It's okay. It's not your fault. It was harder than we thought it would be." 

"Do you think we'll ever break it?" you asked. "If this was so difficult, if we can't even be apart due to a simple mistake, even if we were in love, how would we fix this?"

"I don't know. But, you should get some sleep."

"You too." 

You rested your head on Yoongi's shoulder, his arm slung around you comfortably, fitting perfectly against your waist and in the swell of your hips. It was the only place your body would allow you to be, but even if it was just the soulmate curse, even if you didn't love Yoongi, you knew there was no other place you wanted to be than his arms.

---

You fell asleep long before Yoongi did. Your small breaths tickling the skin on his neck and you were so still in his arms, only the way your chest moved slowly up and down indicated that you were still alive.

He'd never tell you, but he loved the way you looked when you slept. You scrunched your face up like a fussy baby and sometimes you'd make small moans in reactions to whatever happened in your dreams. 

It was nearly 1 am and Yoongi couldn't sleep. There were still pangs in his chest, but he wasn't sure if it was due to the earlier ordeal, or something else. He looked down at your sleeping form and carefully tucked stray hairs behind your ear. The ends of your hair were still a little damp with sweat, but he didn't care. 

You smiled at his touch and burrowed deeper into him. So deep, in fact, Yoongi wasn't sure you'd ever come out.

[atomic-thomas]

(Fake ASMR Script) Meeting An Urban Giantess

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

*city & traffic noises*

"Hm? Oh, another person here to bother me. Sigh... Just go away. I already get too much attention as it is."

"..."

"Hey tiny. Did you not get the memo? I said to leave me alone."

"..."

"Oh, sure. You have business with me. Right. What business could you possibly have with a girl the size of a skyscraper?"

"..."

"You just want to talk, huh? You could've just said that instead. Hmmm... I suppose it'd be healthy if I had someone to vent to. Fine. Very well. I shall humor your request to chat with me. Here, climb into my hand so I can bring you up to my face."

"Easy does it... Agh, I feel so nervous holding you like this. I'm just gonna put you on the roof of this building."

"..."

"Yeah, sorry. I just feel really uncomfortable when I pick people up. I just have this fear that I'll hurt someone by accident... Or worse."

"..."

"Why am I so big... Yep, that's an obvious question. Well, it's the most ridiculous story ever, but considering the fact that you're talking to a giant woman right now, I don't think you'll find anything I say too hard to believe."

"So the thing is... This is new for me. I was a normal-sized human just like you. What happened to me was nothing short of a miraculous advancement in human technology."

"A corporation known as 'Gulliver Engineering' sent emails out to the general public offering a hundred million dollars to one lucky person willing to be a living test subject for what they claimed to be 'The First Ever Fully Functioning Size Ray' & anyone who replied was eligible to be chosen at random."

"So of course I replied back because why wouldn't I? A chance to be part of an important event in human history & earn a fortune is too good to pass up."

"To my absolute utter shock, I was chosen. I couldn't believe it. This was actually happening. But little did I know just how much I was about to regret participating in this outrageous science experiment."

"I arrived at the lab, they made me sign a bunch of waivers & other various paperwork to confirm my consent. You know... Law stuff. And then they told me to stand on a target in the middle of the room."

"At this point, they asked if I wanted to be bigger or smaller. Personally, I've always wanted to be taller so I asked them to grow me."

"This is when things went horribly wrong."

"The machine was indeed making me grow, but I soon became far taller than I wanted to be. 10 feet, 20 feet... Eventually, I had to sit down because my head was about to break through the ceiling. The scientists were panicking... And so was I. It became abundantly clear that the machine was malfunctioning."

"Before long, the scientists had abandoned ship & evacuated the building knowing that it was no longer safe."

"I ended up demolishing the building & by the time I destroyed the machine along with it, I was the size of a hotel."

"And now... Here we are."

"..."

"How tall am I now? Uh, gee. I don't know. Probably a couple hundred feet or so. Maybe more. Haven't measured yet."

"..."

"How do I function in life now? That's the neat part. I don't. This event is still very recent & society hasn't been able to accommodate for someone like me yet. The most I've received is a giant mobile phone that was specifically built just for me as compensation for the disaster. It's better than nothing, I suppose. At least I have digital access to the money I got from this mess. Even still, I have to use the city's power plant in order to charge it."

"..."

"Oh, wouldn't you love to know about my struggles as giantess living in the modern world. I have a load of problems."

"First off, the attention. I cannot get a moment to myself. People are constantly taking pictures, asking the same questions that I give the same answers to every time. Every news station is constantly broadcasting about me every day &-..."

*helicopter noise*

"Ugh... The helicopters. We get it! There's a giant woman roaming the city! You don't have to broadcast this all the time!"

"..."

"Oh, you should've seen what happened yesterday. A helicopter flew too close to me & the blades got knotted up in my hair. The people were okay. I made sure they safely got out & reached the ground just fine, but digging a helicopter out of my hair was not fun."

"..."

"What do I eat? Well, not people. That's for sure. I'm not a monster after all. Although I'm sure I could star as a kaiju in the next Godzilla film if I really wanted to. Anyway, when I need to eat, I need a lot of food. So much that I think I'm negatively affecting the economy. I mean, seriously. When I go to a McDonald's drive-thru, I have to awkwardly crouch down so my freakishly large eyeball is peering through the window of the restaurant no doubt scaring the employees while I say 'I'd like to order a hundred Big Macs please.' God, what a bizarre life I have to live."

"..."

"Do not... Get me started... On how I have to maintain my hygiene. Use your imagination. I'm not answering that one.

"Sigh... It's just so difficult. My existence feels like a crime. A burden. Like I don't belong. Like I just can't fit in. I have to be so careful not to break anything or hurt anyone. My living conditions are in the hands of the government itself & I simply don't know what the future holds for me."

"..."

"You... Want me to hold you? Like... In the palm of my hand, right? Okay, but... Why exactly?"

"..."

"To see how it makes me feel... Well, I told you already. I feel uncomfortable when I hold anyone. I really don't want to hurt you by accident."

"..."

"You insist... Alright. If you say so. But I'm warning you right now... I really don't trust myself with your tiny body. Here, climb into my hand once more."

"..."

"My God, you're so light. Like an autumn leaf in the wind."

"You're the size of a bug to me. And to think... I used to be that size at some point. It's so strange."

"..."

"You really feel safe with me? Why?"

"..."

"Better in the hands of a gentle giantess than the cruel clutches of mankind..."

"You're... Really sweet, you know that? And... Thanks... For letting me express myself. That felt... Good."

"..."

"Sure, we can meet again sometime. At first, I was annoyed with your presence, but now... I like you. You're not like everyone else who just wants my attention for the clout. You actually had the heart to care about my feelings."

"It was great to make your acquaintance. I look forward to talking with you again."

_______________________________________________

THE END

[hinatastinygiant]

Chapter Eighteen

The Talk

Pairing: Kisaki x Fem!Reader

previous | next | the assassin's betrayal

"Thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three," you count in a whisper as you sit beside your desk, going through the money you had previously received the day before and placing it all in neat piles.

Just then, your door bursts open and your whole body jumps. You look across the room with narrowed eyes as Kazutora walks in and jumps onto your bed with his shoes on.

"Ugh, are you kidding me?" you groan. "At least take those off!"

"Oops, sorry," he hums through the lollipop in his mouth as he kicks his shoes off onto the floor.

You sigh at his behavior. "So what's so important that you needed to barge in here for?"

Kazutora pulls out his phone and quietly searches through it. A moment later he flips it around to show you a poor-quality image of Mikey.

"Are you still trying to get back with Toman?" you sigh. "Mikey seemed pretty adamant about hating your ass."

"No," he scoffs. "But I will admit that they are trying to come after you."

"Don't be ridiculous," you roll your eyes. "You saw the way I left them behind. The only thing they'd want from me is my head and I'd like to keep that for the time being if you don't mind. Besides, it's been months and I haven't seen them since the incident. I'm not worried about running into them anytime soon..."

"Really?" Kazutora pries as he tilts his head to the side, "'Cause you should be."

"Talking to you is useless," you sigh. "Why do you think I should be so concerned?"

"They're about to start making their move," he grins.

"And how would you know that?"

"Mmm," he shrugs. "I have my ways."

You cross your arms as you shake your head at his ridiculousness. "What do you think I should do about it then, hm? Fight them? Kill Mikey 'cause it's 'all his fault'?"

Kazutora laughs weakly at your shitty joke before narrowing his eyes in disapproval and taking out his red lollipop to frown more clearly at you.

"You need to get the hell out of here before they find you," he hums as though he was pleased in himself for coming up with that.

"And what about you? Don't they want you, too? You going to come with me?" you ask carelessly.

"No," he shrugs as he inserts his lollipop back in his mouth. Once again, he turns on his phone and shows you the horrible-quality picture of Mikey. "This was taken just a few blocks away, Y/N. He's getting close to your location. And from what I remember, you used to move around a lot before this, right? There was a reason for that, wasn't there?"

"Don't be such an idiot, Hanemiya," you scoff as you tear your eyes off the image. "I don't have any reason to leave. Besides, I can fight my own battles so I don't need to run away."

"Then why were you doing that for the past two and a half months before we found you?" he scoffs.

"That was different!" you retort a bit louder than you meant for it to sound as your emotions get the better of you. "Besides, I wasn't running away! I was staying hidden."

"Be reasonable," he interrupts. "We're only trying to help you, Y/N. You're part of us now and we don't want to see you get hurt... Ya know, outside of the scam. And I did save your life, after all."

"Hm? That was you yesterday?" you say with widening eyes. Poor Kazutora's done nothing but try to help you out, so why are you always fighting with him?

"Yeah, well-"

"But Kisaki said he didn't know anything about that shot. How come you didn't tell-"

Just then, with horrible timing, there's a knock on your already opened door. Looking over, you find Kisaki standing there with a frown on his face.

"Oh, hey," you smile. "Come in. We were just talking about yesterday."

"And I was telling Y/N about Toman," Kazutora adds. "Uh, explaining that Mikey was nearby and all that."

Kisaki nods as he walks towards you, still donning his frown. "Y/N," he says once he stands on the other side of your desk from you. "Do you think you could spare a moment? Alone."

The two of you look over at Kazutora who stiffens up. "Eh? You want to talk to her without me? What'd I do?" he asks. However, Kisaki doesn't grant him a response.

"Fine," he grumbles as he hops up from your bed and collects his shoes. "Y/N, if you need anything, you know where I am."

"Yeah," you smile. "Thanks."

Once Kazutora leaves, Kisaki relaxes and sits down at the very corner of your bed.

"What's going on?" you ask worriedly. "What's up with you and Kazutora."

Kisaki scoffs and tosses you a folded piece of paper from his pocket. When you unfold it, you find a screenshot of text messages between Kazutora and Takemichi, including a line where Kazutora explains everything about the Black Dragon scam and another where Takemichi asks Kazutora to do whatever it takes to keep you alive.

"Well, this is a good thing, right?" you ask as you look up at Kisaki. "Takemitchy seems like he's on our side."

"No way," Kisaki groans. "I don't have the rest of the proof on me right now but Takemitchy has been Kazutora's 'in' with Toman since you left. However, their only goal is to have you go running back to Mikey, not to keep you with me."

"Okay..." you quietly continue. "So then... what are we going to do?"

"We get the hell out of here."

"Not you, too," you grumble. "Kazutora was just saying the same thing. Maybe that's what Toman wants us to do."

Kisaki lifts his hand to his face and pinches the sides of his nose. "No," he explains. "Kazutora's all fucked up. He doesn't know what side he's on. He wants to help us but he's still got that stupid loyalty to Toman since all his old friends are there. I don't know what to do with him."

"Fine then," you say as you sit up a bit taller in your seat. "I'm in. Let's just leave. If we don't tell Kazutora, then they can't come after us."

"So you want to run?" he asks hesitantly.

"I want my location to be protected. I don't like having my security compromised."

"Alright," he nods as he looks down at his phone. "Be ready. I'll update you when the time has come."

previous | next | the assassin's betrayal

Taglist: @hanmascult @kokotakeomi @hana-patata

[sillyrabbit81]

Her Heavy Cross

Summary: Three years after tragedy hits, Lana she decides to start dating again. She meets Will through a dating app and they begin an online romance. After months of constant requests, Lana relents and agrees to meet and go on an irl date with Will. But is Will who he says he is? Lana is quickly pulled into an intense relationship forcing her to confront her tragic past. Will Lana face it or will she close her heart forever?

Pairing: OMC x OFC

Word Count: approx 2.3k

Warnings: swearing, recreational drinking

Authors Note: The story started as a Henry Cavill fanfiction but I changed it to be an original character, but shades of Henry are still there. Hope you enjoy the story and thanks for reading.

Part 2

Part 1

"It's a cruel, cruel world to face on your own,

A heavy cross to carry along..."

Heavy Cross - The Gossip

He's not coming. I took a deep breath in. I knew this would happen. Why did I believe for a second that he was going to show up? He was only 5 mins late, and he could just be parking his car. I was sure he said he was getting an Uber.

No, he was late, it's the first date, and he seemed like the kind of guy who is 10 minutes early for everything. His watch could be slow, and he thinks he is on time. Except everybody has a smartphone, so everyone knows the correct time.

Why wouldn't he message to say he was late? He had messaged me to say he would call late last week. If you're the type of guy who messages someone when you're going to call them 10 minutes late, surely you'd message if you were late to actually meet them.

Damn him. He's the one who pushed for a date. After nearly three months of chatting online, texting, calling, he finally wore me down. Then he doesn't show up? Dick move.

I looked around the pub again, hoping to see him come in. The pub was dark but not unpleasant. It wasn't very crowded for a Friday night. It was the kind of place you dropped into, have a few quiet ones, and head out somewhere else.

I was the only person sitting at the bar. The bar runners smelled faintly of stale beer, earthy and sweet. I breathed the smell in, letting it soothe my nerves.

Three 20-something women were sitting at a table. A group of four guys were sitting at another not far away. Each group kept eying the other off, the girls exploding into giggles when the guys looked at them. I rolled my eyes, willing the guys to get off their arses and talk to them.

I looked over to two guys in their 40s drinking wine. They seemed so in love sitting there playing with each other's hands. I could see them playing footsie with each other under the table. One of them caught my eye. Sprung. I smiled briefly and looked away.

I jumped as the shrill ring of the pokie machines spilled out of the gaming room. I needed to calm down. I took a drink from my vodka. I wanted a cigarette.

I rechecked my outfit. I shouldn't have worn a white skirt. I don't know what I was thinking. Looking down, I noticed a bit of my bra was visible. I pulled my baby blue singlet up. I should have worn jeans and a t-shirt. Wasn't dressing like this false advertising?

The shirt felt tight. I sat up straight and checked for fat rolls. Then I slouched and checked again. Nope, not a good look. I ran my hand over my hair, checking to make sure it's still neat. It didn't feel frizzy. I put a stray curl behind my ear.

I looked at my phone again. No messages. Maybe...

"Hello, excuse me," a voice from the stool next to me said. I flinched. That was Will's silvery voice. I smiled, relief easing over me.

Turning around, my smile faltered. That's not Will.

The man sitting next to me was living proof God had favourites. He had dark curly hair, a bit long on the top but short on the sides. He had blue, almost green eyes framed by thick, dark eyelashes. Coarse stubble covered but didn't hide his strong jaw and dimpled chin. He was an Adonis. A Hellenic God brought to life.

I wanted to run a finger along his jaw, feeling his skin and prickly hair. I shivered.

"Sorry, I just saw your phone cover, and I wondered if you could help me? I'm sure I've seen that symbol before. What's it's from?"

Simultaneously, my jaw dropped, and I tried to swallow. I made a strangled noise from my throat and started to cough. I grabbed at my drink and took a huge gulp, regretting it instantly as the vodka and bitter soda caught me off guard. I managed not to spit it out, barely.

The Adonis patted me on the back as I choked. "Are you ok?" he asked.

He wasn't from around here, English like Will. But Will doesn't look like this guy. The Adonis was looking at me, his eyebrows coming together. Oh yeah, he asked me something.

"Uh," I cleared my throat. "Ah, it's the Allomantic table of elements from Mistborn," I explained.

He smiled. I giggled. I. Fucking. Giggled. I felt the heat in my cheeks.

Still smiling, Adonis raised an eyebrow. "That's where I know it from. They are great books. Have you read other Brandon Sanderson?"

He was built like a rugby player. His shoulders were broad, and he had thick thighs. I could see the definition of his muscles through his dark denim jeans. He was wearing a light grey knitted jumper. It was so light and thin that it clung to his chest and tufts of dark hair poked out the top. He had pushed his sleeves up, exposing his forearms which were, like every part of him it seemed, toned and defined. Everything about this guy screamed masculinity.

He was very likely out of my league. Although he looked around his late 30s, guys who look like him are after 22-year-olds, not girls who were 30 last birthday. Yeah, that was it. He isn't hitting on you; he was actually curious. This realisation was what I needed to stop being a dribbling mess and return to a normal state of being.

"Yeah, I have a bit. I'm really enjoying The Way of the Kings." I felt my shoulders relax. I hadn't realised I was clenched up.

"Yeah, I've read that too. It's great. My name is Liam, by the way."

"Lana," I replied and stuck out my hand. He took my hand and shook it firmly. His hand swallowed mine.

"Pleased to meet you, Lana," Liam said in an almost formal way. He was still holding my hand. I felt the return of the Dribbling Mess. His hand was so warm. My stomach reminded me of a book I  read as a kid, 'there was an old lady who swallowed a spider, that wiggled and jiggled and tickled inside her.'

"Yeah, you too," I managed. I tried to take as much of my Australian accent out of the reply as possible. He sounded so posh, and I sounded like a bogan.

He smiled again, or did he smirk? He let go of my hand. I was barely able to stop myself from putting my hand to my cheek to feel the warmth still there. I smiled back at him and turned back to the bar. My hand went to my cheek.

"Can I buy you a drink?"

I looked back at Liam to make sure I had heard right. Yes, he was looking at me expectantly, his finger pointed to my drink. "What are you drinking?"

"Vodka, soda and fresh lime." It was my usual drink, and I said it instinctively. I could say the order even when I'm three sheets to the wind.

Liam signalled the bartender and ordered. I took the time to calm myself. I counted to 5, breathing deeply through my nose and out through my mouth. It worked, and my muddled thoughts cleared.

I had forgotten Will. I supposed it's not a good look for a random guy to buy you a drink when you're supposed to be on a first date. But then, Will wasn't here. I checked my phone, no messages or emails. Nothing.

Liam got himself a beer, grabbed my drink and stood up. "Would you like to go to the beer garden? It's a nice night out, and I'm really enjoying this Sydney weather."

"I uh... I'm waiting for someone."

Liam sat back down. "Surely they can find you outside when they get here. It's not that big a place."

"Yeah. I guess, but..." I was interrupted by the group of women I had seen earlier. They were bouncing as they stood, eyes flashing and huge grins on their faces.

One of them asked, "sorry, excuse me, are you, Liam Cross?"

Liam looked at me. His eyes clouded for a moment, and then an awkward smile was plastered to his face. He looked back at the women. "Yes, I am. Would you like a picture?"

Excited squeals and jumping came from the women, but I zoned out. Liam Cross. What the fuck? I stared at him. How the hell did I not recognise him? I've watched nearly everything he has done since he started acting.

I never really thought much of him playing superheroes or spies. Then I saw his last movie where he played a magic enhanced warrior, and he entered my fantasies. A strong, rough, capable man of action with a heart and moral code, what wasn't to love?

My God, it really was him. Liam Fucking Cross.

Liam cleared this throat, and I snapped back to reality.

"You're really him," I said.

"Sorry?" Liam cocked his head to one side.

"You're really Liam Cross."

"Oh yeah. I am." Liam grinned.

"I'm sorry I didn't recognise you. I don't know. I guess it didn't even enter my head, even when you said your name."

"And here I was thinking you were playing it cool," Liam said.

I scoffed, and before I could stop myself, I said, "yeah, nah, nothing about me was cool from the moment I laid eyes on you." I wanted to die.

Liam laughed, a proper belly laugh, and his shoulders seemed to bounce up and down. "Well, alright then, you weren't playing it cool. But it's ok. I don't need to be recognised by everyone I meet."

"Yeah, but I should have recognised you. I've seen heaps of your work." Just stop talking, Lana!

Liam waved his hand. "Don't worry about it. Where were we before we were interrupted? Beer garden, you and me."

I nodded. I grabbed my bag, and Liam took our drinks. "After you," he said, gesturing and inclining his head.

As I walked outside, I could feel my skin heat up. It was a warm March night and only slightly humid. A cool breeze was coming in from the harbour. We were close enough to smell the salt in the air.

"Where did you want to sit?" I asked. Only one bloke was having a cigarette outside, so plenty of tables to choose from.

Liam looked around and indicated to the tables down the back. "Down there, I'm less likely to be noticed there."

"That must suck."

"Yes and no. I like that people like my work and want to tell me and meet me. It feels good. It's just that sometimes, like now, I'd like some private time."

We sat down, Liam with his back to the pub. I sat opposite him.

"If you want some private time, why go to a pub?" I said. I covered my mouth. "Sorry, it's not my business," I added.

"Direct, aren't you?" Liam's lips twitched. "I am also here to meet with someone."

"Oh shit, Will." I rechecked my phone. "30 minutes late." I sighed, "I think I got stood up."

"Really? He must be an idiot." My eyes widened. Liam's lip twitched again. Was he laughing at me? "How long have you been dating?"

"This was supposed to be our first date. We met online, been chatting for a few months." My voice was quiet.

Will isn't coming. The realisation hit me, and I felt like I'd had a brick hit my chest. I turned away from Liam. If I was going to cry, I wasn't going to cry in front of him. I'm an ugly crier.

"Oh, Sweetheart, I'm sorry." Sweetheart? It must be an English thing because Will calls me that too. "Have you called him?"

I shook my head. I didn't entirely trust myself to speak yet.

"Why don't you?" Liam asked. "If he has a flimsy excuse for not coming tonight, then at least you'll know where he stands, and you can stop worry about it."

I took a few deep breaths. "I guess you're right." I got my phone out of my bag and stood up, "Give me a minute?"

Liam nodded. Twitchy lips again. What's with that?

I walked a couple of metres away and called Will. I started to pace, glancing at the back of Liam's head every few steps. Liam's phone began to ring. After a few rings, Will picked up.

"Hello Lana, how are you?" He sounded nonchalant. Did I get the day wrong then? No, I was sure I had it right. I had checked his message so many times.

"I'm ok. I am waiting for you at the pub." I paused and looked at Liam. He was on the phone too. "Did I get the day wrong?"

"No, you didn't. I'm here." I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

"That's great. Did you just arrive? Can you see me?" I looked around. I couldn't see him. I looked back at Liam. He was still on the phone but had turned in his chair and was looking at me.

"I can see you. You can see me too," Will said. I turned around in a circle. I still couldn't see him.

"I'm sorry, I can't see you at all."

"I'll come to you then," Will said.

Liam got up out of his chair and walked towards me. Liam was close now, and he stopped. Liam hung up the phone, and the call with Will went dead.

My heart thundered in my chest. I could hear the blood rushing through my body with each tremendous beat. The ground seemed unstable, and I wobbled. This isn't happening. It can't be happening.

Liam bent to my ear, his breath tickling my neck. His lips brushed my skin as he whispered in a low voice, "I'm right here, Sweetheart."

Part 2

[fumiko-matsubara]

November 2014 ー 07:34

Ryuunosuke woke up with a grunt when he felt something, or rather someone, shaking him fairly strongly for the past few seconds.

He then shielded his eyes with his right arm when lights suddenly flashed before him. Whoever woke him up probably opened the curtain too. Ugh.

"Nii-chan, everyone already had breakfast," he barely heard one of his sisters telling him. Based on how he was addressed, it was likely Kohaku. "And you woke up very late."

"!"

With that last remark, Ryuunosuke quickly sat up and bent down, rubbing his eyes with both of his hands in an attempt to wake himself up even more. He brushed his hair away from his face and then looked ahead, only to meet Kohaku's brown eyes staring down at him, clearly waiting for him.

After some blinking and a final squint, Ryuunosuke soon noticed his younger sister's hair being loose, very unlike how she usually wears it. "You want me to do your hair?" He gently asked.

Kohaku raised an eyebrow at him, clearly not expecting that to be the first thing he would say. "Get dressed up first, nii-chan. You're gonna be late," she sighed before walking towards his door.

It was after Kohaku closed the door shut that Ryuunosuke belatedly realized that it was a school day today. So he went to reach out for his phone that was on the shelf above his bed, which had been awfully silent throughout his whole slumber.

And felt like slapping himself when he found out it was because he forgot to unmute his phone last night, again.

At this point, he really should just stop muting his phone altogether.

Ryuunosuke's eyes widened when he finally looked at the time. He quickly went towards his desk, plugged the charger in his phone, and then hurried towards the bathroom to get ready.

Less than 30 minutes later when Ryuunosuke arrived at the kitchen, only Kohaku was present at the dining table. He heard the running water after, assuming that it was their mom washing the dishes.

"Papa had to leave early for work and nee-chan and Yuko-chan already left for school. Mama only has to work this afternoon and our class' first period is cancelled today," Kohaku briefly explained to him when he sat down in front of her. She was half-way done with her meal and considering it had been over 30 minutes since she went down the stairs, Ryuunosuke assumed that she slowed down her eating to wait for him.

The thought made him a little happy if he had to be honest.

"That's good to hear," he replied softly, taking in the meal before him. Their mom knew him too well that she had just prepared him a light breakfast today as he had barely have enough time to eat. When he picked up the chopsticks, Ryuunosuke glanced at his sister once more with a small smirk. "You seemed to be waiting for me huh, Kohaku?"

Kohaku shrugged in response, matching his grin almost uncannily. "You know the drill, nii-chan."

"Of course, of course," and with that, they both proceeded to eat their breakfast or in Kohaku's case, finish hers.

After a few minutes of silence between them as they ate, Kohaku decided to speak up again.

"Kinda weird seeing you in your uniform with your hair like that, nii-chan," she casually pointed out. "Are you planning to fix it later or..?"

Ryuunosuke chewed his food in silence, contemplating her question. His hair was still lightly damped from the quick shower he had earlier, but unlike the usual fashion where he flattens down his fringes over his eyes, today he was currently wearing it loose and even had it slightly parted in the middle.

"Takes too much time," he firstly answered after a swallow then quickly drank from his glass of water. "I think I'm just gonna keep it like this."

Kohaku's eyes widened in surprise, clearly wasn't expecting his answer. "That's... new," she commented.

Ryuunosuke shrugged in response, picking up a slice of scrambled egg. "I just thought that I should start... getting used to wearing it like this," he paused midway from eating just to add that. "Well, outside..."

Kohaku hummed at his words, her eyes not leaving him since his first answer. There was only one bite left in her meal anyways, so she can waste some few minutes. "I think that's a great idea, nii-chan," she suddenly grinned cheekily. "I can finally brag to my friends that I have a handsome brother with proof~"

Ryuunosuke nearly choked in laughter at the remark, hurriedly saving himself by drinking water. "Hey now..."

Kohaku's grin widened even more.

Ryuunosuke was occupied with tightly braiding Kohaku's hair into twin dutch braids when his mom approached them, seemingly done with washing the dishes.

"Ohh that looks very clean," he heard her praise which brought a small smile to his face. Although his eyes are fixated towards his work before him, Ryuunosuke felt their mom sitting on the couch next to him.

Feeling that their mom will just quietly watch until he's done, Ryuunosuke proceeded to diligently work on the second, lightly combing out the knotted strands with his fingers and carefully making the twists. Braiding Kohaku's hair into tight dutch braids had always been a daily routine for Ryuunosuke, as his sister usually requests for them, that doing so became such a light work that it only took him around two minutes to finish a neat dutch braid.

Another two minutes it is then.

Ryuunosuke was already half way through the braid when he felt his mom shift in her seat. If she was trying to find the moment to talk to him, he felt that he knew what it was about.

"You woke up late today," she started, more of a statement rather than a question. "That's rare."

Ryuunosuke bit down the urge to nervously laugh in response and just hummed lowly. "I forgot to unmute my phone."

As his eyes were still on the braid he's working on, Ryuunosuke couldn't see his mother's expression but since she hasn't given any signs of response yet, he suddenly felt the pressure to explain himself further. "Our class' group chat was really active last night and I couldn't focus on doing my homework... so I muted my phone."

"I think you should stop doing that," Ryuunosuke bit down another nervous laugh when his mom told him that so straightforwardly. "I mean, it's good that you wanted to focus on your studies and such. But it's concerning to have Miki-chan dial our house number plenty of times only because she couldn't reach your phone," she added, followed by a mildly tired sigh. "And every call makes me nervous because I thought it would be from your or your sisters' schools."

"Ahh I'm sorry about that..."

"Don't be," his mom reassured softly, watching him finish braiding the rest of Kohaku's hair with ease. "I'm driving Kohaku to her school, by the way. So you don't have to walk with her."

Ryuunosuke nodded in response, proceeding to carefully tie the remaining braid. "Your classes start at 10 today, Kohaku?"

"More like 10:30," his sister replied, standing when he finally gave the signal that he was done. Kohaku then ran her palms on her head to feel the tight braid and smiled in satisfaction, already happy with the result despite not actually seeing it yet. "Feels nice."

"Really?" Ryuunosuke stood up from the couch, lightly patting away the slight wrinkles on his blazer. "Not too tight?"

Kohaku carefully pressed some of her fingers onto her hairline to check, then shook her head. "Nope, not at all. Doesn't even hurt a bit, thanks nii-chan."

"Good," Ryuunosuke softly returned the smile before walking towards the end of the couch to fetch his school bag. He then went to the kitchen to fetch his lunch, which was already nicely packed by his mom. 

After carefully stashing it inside his bag, Ryuunosuke then proceeded towards the shoe rack near the doorway, where his school loafers are. He barely had less than an hour left, so he better start hurrying up if he doesn't want to be late. Especially since his house is fairly a distance away from school.

"You're going to school with your hair like that, Ryuunosuke?"

He turned back to the living room to see his mother curiously looking at him with her fairly sharp russet eyes wide in surprise.

"My hair..?" Ryuunosuke quirked an eyebrow before turning to the framed picture by the wall next to him, trying to get a proper view of his own reflection through the glass. "Oh." He saw how the slight parting was a little messy and so combed his fingers through his hair in an attempt to fix it.

Satisfied, he then went to pick up his loafers from the show rack and quickly wore them. He then saw his mom slowly walking towards him. "So you're really going to wear it like that today?"

Ryuunosuke nodded in response, giving her a soft and reassuring smile. "I can comfortably run to the station like this then, especially since most of my schoolmates should be in school by now, so I wouldn't be seen anyways."

"But what about your classmates?"

Ryuunosuke then shifted his weight onto his other leg, scratching the back of his head rather awkwardly as sharp maroon eyes darted away from the ones before him. "They know, actually..." He confessed.

Fairly sharp russet eyes widened in surprise once more at the revelation. "Since when?"

"Since summer, at the same time they also found out about the band," He truthfully answered, although he still couldn't bring himself to make eye contact with his mother. "And I forgot to tell you about it... I'm sorry."

His mother just let out a mildly tired sigh in response. "I shouldn't be surprised considering you once randomly told me one day that you actually had a girlfriend..."

Ryuunosuke let out a sheepish laugh at that, feeling his cheek heat up in embarrassment at the blatant call out.

"Speaking of, tell her I said hi when you see her at school, okay?" Ryuunosuke then felt the sudden urge to roll his eyes at the cheeky smile that was gracing his mother's face as she said that. "Well, I can't keep you here for too long. Just take care."

Ryuunosuke gave her a final nod before walking outside through the entrance door.

"I'm off."

It was difficult.

In the end, Ryuunosuke wasn't able to bring himself to tell his mother what he opened up to Kohaku.

Which really left him on a more bitter note as this was something that his mother was affected by the most after himself. 

Ryuunosuke sighed once again as he walked away from the station. It's not like his mother would be mad or anything if he had told her the truth. In fact, it would actually be the opposite. She would actually be delighted and relieved at knowing about the mild changes Ryuunosuke had slowly but surely been making over the months. 

But there was an improvement, right? He did manage to finally tell her that he had shown his face to his classmates... even if it did take him nearly 4 months to do so.

All he really needed to do was to tell her that he wanted to do this, that it was purely his own choice. Even if he still had yet to get used to it. He just had to stop beating around the bush and only telling half-truths whenever he tried to be honest with her.

Because the last thing he'd want to happen was to take him until he's in high school before he could finally spill.

Ryuunosuke slowed down his steps when he was nearing the waiting bus across the street.

Well, that's just one problem he had yet to overcome. Another one was something he still had yet to find a way out of, as irritating as that actually sounded to him.

He took a peek inside the vehicle and sighed in relief when he didn't see a single Kunugigaoka student present.

It's either during the school festival or after their final exams that he could make his decision for that other problem he's having.

He entered the nearly deserted bus and took a seat at the very back by one of the windows. He then took his earbuds out from his pocket, thinking that it would take a bit before the bus started moving so he might as well listen to some music as he waited. Feeling a little less exposed now with just the very few people inside the vehicle, Ryuunosuke felt comfortable enough to completely brush his hair away from his face.

He had to be honest, with the way he had been wearing his hair up more often these days than he used to, his bangs are starting to annoy him at this point.

Shouldn't it be a good thing then? Well, partially it is very much a good thing. A great thing even, actually. Ryuunosuke himself is happy at the fact that he was hardly scared to show himself anymore after being countlessly reassured that there wouldn't be a repeat of what happened to him when he was seven.

He was actually happy at the fact that he can finally ditch this hairstyle whenever he's ready... especially since one of his classmates gave him such a mortifying codename from it.

Oh god he fucking hated that codename.

Whoever wrote that chosen suggestion better brace themselves the moment he finds out who they are.

Anyways, as much as Ryuunosuke could have wanted to permanently change his hairstyle much earlier... he couldn't really.

Especially since he does use his bangs as a makeshift crosshair when aiming to shoot accurately when not using a scope. And with the little time they have left before March, he couldn't just get rid of his bangs anytime soon and waste time relearning to aim and match his admittedly current high level of skill.

So he just had to suck it up until the next 4 months.

Feeling a glare breaking out, which he rather not show because he doesn't want to accidentally scare anyone first thing in the morning, Ryuunosuke closed his eyes and sighed deeply. 

High school debut it is then, huh.

All of a sudden, Ryuunosuke felt someone taking the seat next to him and tensed. Last time he had his eyes opened, which was just a few seconds ago, there were hardly any people inside the bus.

So who in the world would willingly sit next to him-?

Ryuunosuke cracked an eye open to peek at the person next to him and found himself about to smile at the sight of familiar voluminous black hair.

His smile widened even more when he noticed a familiar dainty hand slowly hovering over his opened palm placed on his lap.

Letting out a chuckle, Ryuunosuke decided to reach the hovered hand and locked fingers with them. He then leaned his head onto their shoulders and mildly nuzzled into them. "Good morning~" He greeted softly.

"Good morning Ryuu," Kaho greeted back as she tried to relax at his touch. 

Ryuunosuke then pulled away, not wanting to be excessive with the public display of affection, although he still had his fingers locked with hers. "Also woke up late today?"

"Yeah... My phone ran out of battery overnight," as she said that, Ryuunosuke took notice of the portable charger on her lap that was connected to her phone with a cord.

So that explains why she hasn't once replied to him when he messaged her earlier his morning.

"You're probably tired from the train ride," he said, relaxing onto his seat once more. "I don't think the bus will move anytime soon, so might as well take a short nap then..."

"You too," Kaho giggled softly. "I saw you running through the station earlier and nearly ran onto one of the pillars."

"No you didn't," Ryuunosuke immediately denied, his face slowly heating up.

Kaho leaned onto his shoulder with a teasing smirk. "Sure I didn't..."

"Just go to sleep."