#the detail of his shoulders shaking in the first clip are my favorite thing

[sophfandoms53]

Appreciation for the silly little chuckle Striker does as he’s about to shoot a monarch in the face

[melonnmiru]

being a professional volleyball player had gotten kiyoomi an onslaught of— albeit, somewhat unhinged, fans.

he'd never say he hated his fans. in fact, he appreciated their constant support for his growth as both a person and a way too attractive volleyball player. however, the way some of them would show their support was rather... unique for his standards.

the two of you were sprawled out on the couch, you mindlessly scrolling through tiktok, and him ultimately deciding to do the same. this was one of the few times he ever even went on the damn app and the first thing he's greeted with is an edit of him from his most recent game. he somehow felt inclined to open the comments but a part of him knew his scowl would only deepen if he did.

you leaned over and tried to smooth out the crease in between his brows with a hum. "you gotta give them credit, 'omi. you look really hot there."

"it's a 15 second video of me drinking water."

"still hot."

he rolled his eyes, switching his phone off and leaning on your shoulder. you went back to running through his hair with one hand, and scrolling on tiktok with the other.

while kiyoomi was mainly focused on how nice it felt to have your fingers gently carding through his hair, he was also listening along to the random audios that played each time you scrolled onto another video. eventually, a song oddly familiar to kiyoomi started up on your phone.

wait.

kiyoomi paused, turning to look up at you in a comically slow manner with a grimace painted on his face. you bit back a laugh at his sour expression, batting your eyelashes back at him. "what's wrong, my sweetheart, honeybunch, sugarplum, light of my life?"

"ignoring those disgusting pet names— is that the same edit i just saw?"

the familiar song played faintly as you offered him an innocent grin. you glanced at your phone then back at him, quickly swiping up. "edit? don't know what you're talking about."

alas, the algorithm knew you a bit too well. maybe it was coming after you with the fact yet another kiyoomi edit popped up after you swiped. the two of you stared at the screen silently, your thumb sliding over to press another button.

"...what a coincidence, huh 'om-"

"did you just favorite it?"

you didn't respond. he shifted closer to grab your phone, you leaned away. this ultimately led to you and kiyoomi wrestling for your phone. as you two were tugging at your phone, it slid to unsurprisingly, another kiyoomi edit.

"i'm gatekeeping these, get off!"

"they're literally edits of me!"

eventually, he decided to dig his fingers in your sides, causing you to break into what sounded like a mixture of a scream and manic laughter. he smiled triumphantly, using his free hand to grab your phone from your— now weak grasp and going straight to your favorites.

he scrolled through the random collection of cooking tutorials he knows you won't do, cat videos you've shown him multiple times, and of course, edits of him. from clips of him from interviews to his monstrous spikes, you had it all.

"this is— an invasion of privacy!" you whined, trying to get your phone back to no avail. kiyoomi looked through all your saved edits with an amused look. "think you might be even more obsessed than these fans." he teased, his shoulders shaking as a chuckle escaped his lips.

"god, can't someone enjoy videos of their jaw-droppingly handsome, gorgeous, hot, attractive boyfriend in peace?"

"not when you're right next to said handsome boyfriend, watching those videos on the highest possible volume."

you waved off his quip, "details, details." you propped your head on his shoulder and watched in silent amusement as he regrettably decided to open the comments on one of the edits. he's not even sure how some of these comments slipped past community guidelines, while some were rather tame, gushing about how good he looked, some were so depraved he thought he was going to get permanent frown lines just by looking at them.

"if you though that was bad, you should see what i say on twitter."

for the sake of his sanity, kiyoomi decides against checking your twitter account.

my 31 pending school reqs will not stop me from kiyoomi posting!!

[acacia-may]

Across the Universe Chapter 1: Have We Met Before

(Written for Momoharu Week 2023 Day 1: Trust)

Story Description: The most interesting thing "Kaito Momota" had ever done in his life was stupidly sign up for a death game as an impulsive teen. With his ridiculous and life-threatening choices behind him and completely forgotten, however, he tries his best to live a normal life--keeping up with his university classes and his part-time job as a waiter at a sushi restaurant across the street from the planetarium. When he meets and befriends the strangely familiar Maki Harukawa, a quiet and standoffish education major who is shouldering a painful secret, however, he starts to unravel the truth of his past and begins to wonder if love can exist across the universe.

Written for Momoharu Week 2023. Each chapter corresponds to a different day's prompt, but the story is cohesive.

Chapter 1 Excerpt: Every so often with no real rhyme or reason to it, she’d appear—walking on the opposite side of the street either coming or going from the planetarium. That whole summer I was waiting the outside tables at the sushi restaurant, so I got a front row seat to “Planetarium Girl” as I began to call her—never quite being able to call to mind her actual name.

Written for Momoharu Week 2023. Day 1: Trust.

Fandom: Danganronpa V3

Genre: Romance, Developing Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Alternate Universe, Fix-It(?), Everyone Lives AU, Retrograde Amnesia, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Multi-Chapter

Relationships: Momoharu (Maki Harukwawa/Kaito Momota Romantic Relationship). Minor relationships: Maki Harukawa & Shuichi Saihara & Himiko Yumeno Friendship and Kaito Momota & Shuichi Saihara & Himiko Yumeno Friendship

Characters: Kaito Momota (POV Character) and Maki Harukawa. Shuichi Saihara and Himiko Yumeno also make some appearances.

Rating: T for Thematic Elements and Some Language (Please see "Warnings" below for more details)

Warnings: Heavy themes (i.e. grief, emotional trauma, & survivor guilt), mentions of (non-depicted) past deaths and death games. SPOILERS for Danganronpa V3.

Chapter 1 Word Count: 2775

Link to original post on AO3. Please do not repost to another site.

Link to chapter 2 coming soon...

Chapter 1 below the cut. Thank you for reading! 💜

I’ll never forget the first time I saw “Planetarium Girl.” I was wiping down one of the outdoor tables at the sushi restaurant where I worked when I saw a wave of dark hair and heard the clip-clopping sound of her shoes on the pavement. She turned and glanced over at me, and when I met her eyes, I could have sworn I knew her—had known her all my life. It was one of those cosmic experiences they talk about in the movies…or maybe she was just a former classmate of mine I had forgotten or I had seen her at the park or the supermarket. The whole experience was giving me déjà vu, and I couldn’t do anything but stare at her and no, not just because she was pretty—though I admit I noticed that too. It was impossible not to. But I swear I’m not some kind of creep—I really was just wracking my brain trying to figure out where we had met before. I couldn’t call to mind her name, her hobbies, her favorite color, if we were friends, coworkers, classmates or just strangers who bumped into each other running errands. But I knew her face and that sadness that passed over her eyes when she looked at me made my chest ache.

She turned away quickly and disappeared into the planetarium across the street. I’ll admit I was a little disappointed. I was hoping she would stop by the restaurant, maybe even get seated in my section by a stroke of luck and I’d get a little more time to figure out how I knew her. Instead, she vanished, and it wasn’t long before my manager walked by and quipped, “Stop making goo goo eyes and get back to work.”

I tried to shake off that weird sense of déjà vu and forget the whole thing. I figured that I’d probably never see her again, but I was wrong. Every so often with no real rhyme or reason to it, she’d appear—walking on the opposite side of the street either coming or going from the planetarium. That whole summer I was waiting the outside tables at the sushi restaurant, so I got a front row seat to “Planetarium Girl” as I began to call her—never quite being able to call to mind her actual name. I began to wonder if she worked there or maybe she was just really into space or something. A science student, perhaps—future rocket scientist and ultra-intelligent. It made me question even more how I could know someone like that. I got by in school and was somehow muddling through my university classes—juggling them and my part-time job. I was never particularly ambitious and only enrolled in university in the first place since I felt like I owed it to my grandparents after what I put them through as a rebellious teenager.

Most teens rebelled by partying, dying their hair or getting a tattoo, but I took out my teen angst by signing over my bodily autonomy to a reality tv show death game. Not the best decision I had ever made in my life. To be honest, I didn’t remember a thing about it. The doctor said it was retrograde amnesia. Baba, my grandmother, said it was a blessing.

We never really discussed the death game beyond teary-eyed Baba spluttering about how awful it was to have to watch some version of me fight for my life—whatever that means. I figured it was probably for the best that I didn’t remember something so horrible, but still it was hard not to feel like I had missed out on a whole chunk of my life even if it was traumatic. I tried not to think about it, but it had been on my mind a bit since the company who ran the thing was in the middle of a huge, highly publicized lawsuit at the moment. You would have thought a couple of bigwig executives would realize you can’t facilitate the deaths of minors on international tv without repercussions, but apparently not.

Having promised Baba that I’d turn over a new leaf and move forward, I didn’t want anything to do with the lawsuit—that didn’t stop the lawyers from sending a bunch of materials over though. I just shoved them in a box somewhere, not that it mattered. The way I saw it, everyone makes stupid choices sometimes, and even if my choices were way more stupid (and life threatening) than most, it didn’t help me or anyone to sit around wallowing in regret over them, so I moved forward and tried to live as decent and as normal a life as I could now—muddling my way through classes and waiting tables and wondering how in the world I knew “Planetarium Girl.” I didn’t know what it was about her that had me so focused on trying to figure out why she looked so familiar to me. It bothered me for months until finally, one evening in the late summer after an extra shift I picked up for someone else, I decided to check out the planetarium for myself. No, I wasn’t following her there. I just wanted to see what the big deal was—it had to be a pretty amazing place if “Planetarium Girl” kept visiting it over and over. So I bought a ticket.  What could it hurt?

The kid running the ticket booth had thick rimmed glasses too big for his baby face and was way too excited about this new planetarium show about the moon they were showing just for the summer. He said I was lucky that I decided to come in before they retired it since it was only a limited engagement and pointed me in the direction of some practically abandoned exhibits about the stars and planets. I perused them—mainly just looking at the pictures and skimming over the accompanying text—until it was almost time for the final planetarium show of the night.

As soon as I walked through the door, my breath hitched. There was Planetarium Girl sitting a few seats into a row midway down the aisle. I took a deep breath—feeling a little nervous all of sudden. What if she thought I was some sort of creep who had followed her here? I tried to remind myself to calm down and play it cool, as I casually made my way down the aisle to her row.

“Can I sit here?” I asked with a slight shrug of my shoulders. She turned and blinked at me with wide, dark eyes. Whether she recognized me or not didn’t show on her face in the slightest. She quirked an eyebrow at me and glanced around at the practically empty planetarium—deserted aside from an older couple about thirty rows over. I fidgeted. Of course she was about to call me out for asking to sit near her when the place was empty.

I chuckled awkwardly, ready to cut my losses and forget the whole thing, when she finally shrugged and muttered, “Okay.” Her voice was monotone—didn’t inspire much confidence that she didn’t mind me sitting near her, but she didn’t say “no” so that was at least something.

As I took my seat, I tried not to stare at her—wracking my brain about where I had seen that wave of dark hair and those thoughtful dark eyes before. Still nothing. I couldn’t for the life of me place her, though she looked extremely familiar to me.

“Do you come to the planetarium often?” I asked. She blinked at me—a bit icy as if she didn’t want to be disturbed. I swallowed hard, but she shrugged curtly.

“Sometimes.”

“I’ve never been before. I work at a restaurant across the street so I’ve been seeing people coming and going from the planetarium all summer and was kind of curious about what all the fuss is about”—I chuckled lightly—”The guy at the ticket counter seems to think this is an amazing show about the moon—a must see, but I guess he’s probably paid to say that…what do you think?”

A pause. “It’s alright.”

“Are you a…rocket scientist or you want to be an astronaut or something or do you just really like space?” The words were awkward. I was mentally kicking myself as soon as they tumbled out of my mouth. What was wrong with me?

Something flickered across Planetarium Girl’s eyes and the expression of her face softened. “No…not me. You?”

I laughed. “Oh heck no. I’m not smart enough for that. I’m barely making it through my classes as it is—there’s no way I’d be able to be a rocket man.”

“Rocket man?” her brow furrowed in confusion but there was something undeniably sad in her eyes.

“Oh no—just like the song, you know? There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s actually pretty cool—it’s just I’m not smart enough for rocket science,” I panicked—words racing and stumbling as I tripped over them. Gosh, I was bad at this. “But it’s totally fine if you are—or if someone is. It’s—it’s actually really cool.”

She blinked but didn’t say anything, and before I could further put my foot in my mouth the lights of the planetarium dimmed marking the beginning of the show. I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved or disappointed.

I had to admit the ticket guy was right—it was a pretty cool planetarium show about the moon though I probably would have enjoyed it more if I wasn’t so busy mentally kicking myself for my awkward conversation with Planetarium Girl. I didn’t even learn her name, and knowing that I would probably forever regret it if I didn’t at least try to introduce myself, I resolved that I’d try to talk to her one last time as soon as the show was over.

“That was pretty good,” I said, turning to her with a slight, lopsided grin when the lights came back on in the planetarium. She shrugged her shoulders. “I can see why you want to come to see it over and over.”

Her dark eyes narrowed, and I cleared my throat—my face growing suddenly warm. “I mean…you…like not you personally but just you as in a person, anyone—someone…” The silence which followed was deafening and I started to panic. I wasn’t sure what to do so I just started rambling, hoping something I said would help salvage the situation. “I’m not a stalker, I promise. I just work across the street and wait the outside tables and so I see people coming and going a lot and you seem to come and go a lot sometimes from the planetarium and you looked really familiar to me so…I would notice sometimes when you passed by because I was trying to figure out…have we met before?”

I managed to cut myself off before I dug the hole any deeper. Planetarium Girl blinked at me, and I could’ve sworn she was going to storm off but she repeated, “I…look familiar to you…?”

Though this was quickly one of the most awkward moments of my life, I somehow managed a quick nod and admitted, “I’m sorry, I don’t know where I know you from, but you do look familiar—I…have we ever met somewhere before?”

There was a long, heavy pause. The dark tile floor was looking more and more inviting to me—maybe if I wished hard enough, I could sink into it.

“No, we haven’t.”

“Oh…” I tripped over my words. Was this whole awkward situation really all for nothing? “Well I feel pretty stupid now...” I rubbed my hand across the back of my neck. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine,” she mumbled turning away abruptly from me to gather up her things.  

“Have you ever been to the restaurant across the street? I…work there sometimes so maybe—”

“No,” she cut me off.

“Oh okay…well…maybe we just saw each other on the train or something…”

“Maybe.” Bag in hand she stood in front of me blinking—as if waiting for me to move out of her way so she could go.

“Listen, uh…I’m really sorry. I don’t think we got off on the right foot. Can …can we start over?”

There was no response, but I continued anyway—introducing myself properly, mentioning I was a university student and a part-time waiter at the restaurant across the street. I said it was nice to meet her and thanked her for letting me sit next to her, and I asked her name. To be honest, I didn’t really expect her to tell it to me, but she sighed and though she wouldn’t look at me, she replied, “It’s Maki Harukawa.”

“Maki—like a maki roll?” I teased, and she froze—her shoulders stiffening, but she didn’t say anything. Chuckling a little, I continued just to fill the awkward silence. “It’s my favorite kind of sushi. You like sushi, Maki-roll?”

I chuckled teasingly, though instantly regretted it when her eyes widened with something stormy and pained. I may have been overreacting a little, but I could have sworn she looked like she was about to cry. Something twisted in my chest. I had no idea where those words even came from or why I thought they were remotely okay. “Sorry…” I scrambled. “That was just a stupid joke—a bad pun…I…I get into this sushi mode when I’m at work and I—” I stopped. “Sorry, that was really rude of me. I don’t even know why I said that. I—”

“It’s okay,” she interrupted quietly. “I just never thought I’d get to—” She stopped abruptly and turned her whole body away from me—twisting her hair. There was something soft in her eyes—something gentle and kind, almost embarrassed and…bittersweet. “I’ve…I’ve never really been to a sushi restaurant before.”

“Seriously?” I blurted without thinking. Then, cleared my throat. “Well uh…I know you probably hate me now since I’ve been nothing but rude and awkward to you”—I chuckled awkwardly—”But if you don’t completely hate my guts, would you let me buy you a meal across the street? It’s the least I could do.” I shrugged my shoulders and offered her a lopsided grin. “No pressure or anything—just a friendly dinner and an apology for making things awkward…”

Maki sighed. “I don’t know…I…”

I tilted my head and smiled at her—my expression softening. “It’s really good—one of the best sushi places in the city, trust me.”

As I met her eyes, her cheeks flushed pink. Shrugging my shoulders, I held out my hand to her. In a movie or something, this would be the part where I’d say something cheesy like “Do you trust me?” even though I had given her every reason not to trust me. Of course, I knew I was a trustworthy guy, but she didn’t know that.

My fingers twitched as I began to recoil my hand, but Maki took a deep breath and averted her eyes to the ground. “Okay,” she said. My smile widened, but I tried not to look too giddy as she reached out and gave my hand a firm shake. She had killer grip—I really wasn’t expecting that. “But just a few sushi rolls, nothing more.”

“Of course,” I replied with a nod and a smile—blissfully unaware that this one decision would set in motion a chain of events which would lead me here, to this moment where years later, I’m standing in front of her door armed only with my feelings and the truth, remembering how naïve I was, how clueless, how stupid I was back when she was only “Planetarium Girl”, back when I only wanted to get to know her and learn why it was I had this unshakable sense of déjà vu whenever I saw her, back when I didn’t know the truth and didn’t trust my own feelings.

I know the truth now—know I should have trusted my gut instinct, should have known that we had met before…because now, I’m here, staring at the brass doorknob and the dark wood of her front door, wondering how I’m going to tell her that I finally know everything and how I’m going to convince her that it doesn’t change anything. Now, I can only trust that she will believe me when I finally tell her that whether we’re in that world or this one or any universe at all, I love her.

[nebulablakemurphy]

The Red Room

Summary: Meeting Yelena in the red room is the best and worse thing that’s ever happened to you. Warning: romantic Yelena x Fem!reader pairing and depictions of violence.

Those first weeks in the red room pass in a blur. You have one room. Just you. Meals are delivered like clockwork; no one speaks to you. Your only company being the television set that plays the same clips; morning, noon and night.

Until one day the lights flip on brightly above you and a woman enters. You squint up at her, “hello?”

“Hello.” She replies, “are you ready to get out of here?”

“Where will I go?” You wonder.

“Wherever I tell you.”

That is your first encounter with Madame B. When you were younger you thought her something of a savior. You know better now. Still when she calls for you, there’s no choice but to go.

You make your way down the long hall, florescent lights humming above you. Finally reaching the room you’ve been assigned; you grasp the door knob. Feeling the weight of the cool metal against your palm, with a steadying breath you turn it.

Inside is only Madame B and a girl. One you’ve only seen in passing, one of Dreykov’s favorites.

“Y/N, meet Yelena. She will be your partner from now on.” Madame B leads the introduction.

“Did something happened to Oksana?” Your brows pull together, voice small. Afraid to cross an unspoken boundary. She’s always been your partner.

“Oksana is no longer your concern.” The woman bites out. “Shake hands and prepare for your lesson.”

You nod, biting your tongue.

Lesson…

Sparring.

Dancing.

Captive simulations.

What will it be this time?

“Oksana is ok.” Yelena tells you, once the trainer is out of earshot.

“Good,” you whisper, holding your hand out to shake without another word.

“Is that why they kept you locked up so long? You don’t play well with others?” The blonde takes your hand, eyes narrowed into slits.

“I don’t play at all.” You inform her. Pleasing these people is your ticket out of here, and you will get out.

“Everybody plays, whether you want to or not.” Yelena tells you, letting your fingers slip from hers. “Just don’t get in my way.”

——————————————————————-

You don’t get in each other’s way. Somehow having Yelena as a combat partner is a lot less annoying than you anticipated.

Oksana is a better friend, but you aren’t here to make friends. You’re here to kill. Topple regimes from the inside out, Yelena helps you do that.

Your training with Yelena is different. Chipping away parts of you until you fit together seamlessly. From trust falls to synchronized attack plans, you name it you do it. Sometimes until you bleed.

One of your trainers, Ivan, has taken a liking to blind folded direction. Outside of captive simulations it is your least favorite team building activity.

You remind yourself to focus and breathe. In some ways guiding is worse than being guided. “Veer slightly to your right.”

Yelena lifts one bare foot, holding it airborne, allowing you to assess the placement of her next step. “Here?”

“Yeah,” you sigh, as she clears the bit of shattered glass. “That’s perfect.”

———————————————————————

Your first real assignment comes on Monday, June second.

“Come in, Miss American Pie. I have eyes on the target.” Yelena informs you through the ear piece.

“That’s still not my name, over. Stay high, I’m going down.” You reply, deploying your rope and riding it to the ground.

“Five ticks northwest and the package is yours.”

“Copy.” You follow her instruction, ducking away as a bullet shatters the window beside you. “Easy.” You chastise, in a hushed whisper.

“Sorry,” she apologizes half heartedly. The kill was necessary and she had a clean shot.

You spot your target, ready to turn onto the main street from the alleyway. You wrestle him to the ground, he puts up a good fight. Not good enough.

You wipe the blood from your hands before removing the usb drive from his breast coat pocket. “Just admit it,” you taunt, turning to the building Yelena is scoping from, “you’re proud of me.”

“Y/N!” Her tone is not playful at all.

What’s wrong? Before you get a chance to ask the man you’d assumed dead has his knife buried in your thigh.

You crumple to the ground as he prepares to strike again. In the time it takes to unholster your weapon a silent bullet reaches his temple from the sky.

You squint up at Yelena, watching her ride her teether down to the ground beside you. “Thanks.” You pant, inspecting the damage.

“That was sloppy,” she frowns, searching her pack for the midkit, then tearing open a package of gauze. “You always check the body, confirm the kill.”

“I know, I was stupid.” You gasp, feeling Yelena apply an obscene amount of pressure to your wound.

“We need to move to the extraction point, they can deal with you in medical.” Yelena rises, tossing your arm over her shoulder for support.

“It won’t happen again.” You promise, leaning heavily against her side.

“You’re right, it won’t. I have no idea what happens to me if you die.” She grumbles, somewhat bitterly.

———————————————————————

Interactions with Yelena are sparse after that. She doesn’t trust you. Only showing up for your lessons and leaving the moment they’re finished. You understand why she’s angry, you would be too.

According to your weekly rotation, today should be live target practice, however you are directed to a different room.

Once inside your eyes find the chair. You hate that chair. You hate this room. Nothing good ever happens here.

Slowly you move toward Yelena at the far wall.

“A little birdie told me that you’ve been holding back in combat lessons.” Ivan says, tapping a finger to his chin. “Why is that?”

You bite anxiously at the inside of your cheek.

“I said why is that?!”

You notice Yelena flinch from the corner of your eye. “It’s my fault,” you hold up a hand. “I took a hit on our last mission and my partner was being mindful of my injuries.”

“Oh I see.” He smirks, condescendingly. “You don’t want to hurt each other.”

“It would be counter productive to harm my partner.” Yelena points out. The red room drilled that into you.

“That is true.” His eyes dart between you. “But we can’t have you afraid of sparring together. Now can we?”

Your jaw ticks, awaiting the consequence.

“When’s the last time you girls ran a captive simulation?”

“Two weeks ago.” Yelena presents her left index finger to him for inspection. The nail just beginning to grow back.

Ivan hums, “When’s the last time you ran a captive simulation on each other?”

Your heart drops, all the blood running out of your face. Not for months.

“Hmm,” he wets his lips. “Who gets to play the captor first?”

Neither one of you volunteer.

“Belova,” he purrs. “Come choose your tools while Y/L/N straps herself into the chair.”

You don’t hesitate, it’ll be worse if you do. Tuning out his incessant chatter you find your seat. The metal chair sends a chill up your spine. Bending at the waist, you strap each ankle into a leather restraint, then your non dominant hand. Free hand waiting, curled around the arm rest.

Yelena kneels before you, her selections resting at your feet as she closes the final strap around your wrist. Your breath quickens.

“Fifteen minutes on the clock then you’ll switch.” Your spectator announces. “Make them count or we’ll start over.”

On autopilot Yelena reaches for the scalpel.

You don’t mean to scream…but eventually you do. You always do.

———————————————————————

Yelena knows your weaknesses and regularly exploits them to leave you face up on the floor during hand to hand combat sessions.

You used to resent her for it, but it made you strong. Stronger than you’ve ever been or hoped to be. The day you finally best her the room is filled with hushed whispers. Now you are ready.

You learn to move in harmony. The trainers ease up a bit and the other girls line up to watch you like an exhibit. You are two halves of a more perfect whole.

“Madame B, can I ask you something?” You say, fiddling with the hem of your shirt.

“Of course.” The older woman replies. “What is it?”

“Why was my training so different with Oksana?”

She leans in. “You were not brought here to be a partner to Oksana. She was standing in until we could be sure you were ready for a partner. Nothing more.”

“Was I brought here to be Yelena’s partner?” The question burns at the back of your throat.

“I understand the desire to seek meaning in these things. You hope to find your place in the world.”

You nod.

“But you have no place in the world,” the words cut like a knife. “What you do have is an opportunity to prove that you are not a waste of space, time, or resources. Come, let’s sit for debriefing.”

You wait in silence for Yelena to arrive, finally she does. Taking the seat beside you in the meeting room.

“In two days you will undergo the graduation ceremony, after which you are granted up to three days recovery time before you will be deployed to Moscow.” Madame B reviews the information, handing you each a folder of details.

“Enclosed you will find your identification cards and aliases. I suggest you take this time to familiarize yourselves. Tomorrow we will begin shooting photographs for the past two years of your lives. Report with several changes of clothing. Congratulations on this assignmet. It is a great honor.” Madame B dismisses you.

You open the file. ‘Katherine and Irena Reiner.’

“We’re sisters?” Yelena guesses.

Worse. “We’re married.”

“Even better.” She says under her breath, rising from the chair.

———————————————————————

Life in Moscow is different. Good. The neighbors are easy enough to convince. You play your parts to perfection.

The company you work for being the main focus. They have access to some sort of programming that Dreykov is desperate to get his hands on. You know better than to ask why.

Most mornings you get ready together, discussing the events of the previous day to prepare for the next.

“How come you only speak English?” Yelena wonders, turning off the steady spray of water from her shower and reaching out to grab a towel.

“I have a theory,” you reply, spitting excess toothpaste into the sink. “I think keeping me dependent on translation had more pros than cons.”

“They taught me.” She says, stepping onto the bath mat. “But I guess that’s different.”

You were brought in much older a majority of the other girls.

Your eyes meet in the mirror, seeing each other as if for the first time.

“I could teach you.” She offers, breaking the connection as she turns away.

“Yeah?” You pass the brush through your hair.

Yelena shrugs, “I have nothing better to do.”

“Just don’t teach me the wrong words to make me look stupid.” You arch a brow.

“It would be counter productive to harm my partner.”

Hours turn into days. Days into weeks and suddenly you stand on a blurred line. How much is she pretending? How much are you?

The two of you rest on opposite ends of the couch. Enjoying another round of prime time television.

“Yesterday I was talking to that girl in accounting.” Yelena pulls your attention from the picture.

“The blonde one?” You ask, tossing a piece of popcorn at her.

She attempts to catch it in her mouth. Having had more than a few drinks her coordination is lacking.

You smirk, when it falls into her lap.

“No Maggie.” She corrects you, finding the wayward piece and biting into it.

“Mmm.” You hum.

“Mmm? What do you mean, ‘mmm?’” Yelena’s brows pull together.

“Nothing,” you insist. “I was just acknowledging what you said.”

“You didn’t sound very happy about it. Did she do something to you?” Yelena demands, straightening her posture.

“No, she didn’t do anything. Anyway tell me what happened.”

“She’s worked there for a long time. I think she knows more than she says she does.”

“So are you gonna talk to her again? See if she’ll open up?” Yelena has that effect on people.

“I am married.” She rolls her eyes, flipping her left ring finger in place of the middle.

“Shut up.” You chuckle.

“I’m crazy about you, know you. Ever since we met in high school. You didn’t like me at first but you came around.” Yelena elaborates.

“I don’t remember seeing all that in our cover story.” You cock your head to the side.

“That was a shit story, I’m rewriting it.” She waves a hand.

“Tell me more.” Tell me everything.

———————————————————————

“Did you get milk?” You shout, peeking into the nearest paper bag.

“Was it on the list?” Yelena hollers back, from the front door, kicking it shut. Her arms full of groceries.

“I don’t remember,” you say, unpacking the head of lettuce and eggs.

“You made the list.” She scoffs, setting the rest of the haul on the floor.

A knock pulls your attention away from the food.

“Who is it?” You wonder.

“It’s me, George. From next door.” Your neighbor answers.

Yelena rolls her eyes, waving you out of the kitchen. It’s your turn to make small talk.

You step carefully around the produce to the main entrance. “Hey George.” You smile, swinging open the door, “what’s up?”

“Katherine!” He greets you. “Could I borrow Irena for a minute?”

“Is that lawnmower giving you trouble again?” You guess, leaning against the door frame.

“It’s running great actually. There’s something else I’m curious about though.”

“I can send her over after dinner.” You attempt to dismiss him.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” George moves his foot to prevent the door from closing, producing a pistol from his waistband.

“George!” Yelena waves, clearly oblivious.

“Irena,” he looks down at the gun, pointed at your chest, “we have much to discuss.”

“Clearly.” Yelena agrees, coming to join you on the threshold. “Are you going to tell me why you have my wife at gunpoint?”

“We should take this inside.”

“I’m good here.”

He presses the barrel against your skin through the fabric of your shirt. “You sure about that?”

“On second thought, I could go for a drink. Do you like scotch?” Yelena takes a step back, leaving room for him to enter the house.

“Who sent you?” George demands, guiding you into the kitchen.

“We also have brandy.” She says, expression unreadable.

“Who are you working for?” He asks a second time, adjusting his grip on the gun. “First one goes in her leg.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Yelena drawls. “But I’m going to warn you, if you hurt her, you die.”

“You have three seconds to give me a better answer,” the nuzzle of the gun sits flush against you upper thigh. “One, two-“

Yelena lunges, the gun firing into the floor when he’s knocked off balance.

George tosses her off as if she weighs nothing. You rush him, knocking the fire arm to the other side of the room. Your arms locked around his neck, flush to his back. He rams you back first into the china cabinet.

You fall away with a grunt.

“Now,” the man rights himself. Wiping away the blood from his split bottom lip with the back of his hand. “We’re going to have fun.”

Taking a fist full of your hair he begins pulling you toward the center of the room. You grab for a large shard of glass, slicing it over the back of this knee. He releases you, doubling over.

“I warned you.” Yelena snarls, stabbing her knife into his belly, making a straight line up to his sternum. “You thought you could use her to break me? They used to make me torture her! They used to make me-“ she breaks off, withdrawing her knife. Only to ram it in again and again.

George, if that was his real name, is long dead. A crimson puddle blooming on the floor. It doesn’t stop Yelena, hot, angry tears rolling past her cheeks.

“Yelena.” You say softly.

“They used to make me do it.” She repeats, the weight of the words crushing down on her.

Your arms envelope her from behind.

“No.” She sobs when she feels you there, holding exactly where it hurts.

“It’s ok.” You whisper against her ear.

The blood stained blade clatters to the ground. Her breathing ragged as both her hands find yours, squeezing tightly. Don’t let go.

“It’s ok.”

“No it’s not.” She cries, frantically shaking her head.

“I did it too.” As if she needs reminding. “They made me do it too.”

She allows you to stay curled around her, desperately trying to absorb some of that pain.

———————————————————————

Yelena’s drug of choice is alcohol, the spirits burn their way into her blood stream. Erasing all that she’s done.

“You want a glass?” She offers, setting the bottle of clear liquor down on the coffee table.

“No thanks.” You shake your head, hair still damp from the shower.

“Don’t be a hero,” she rolls her eyes as she takes a seat. The water had washed away any trace of George.

“Fine,” you take a long swig from the bottle in question.

“You’ll thank me later.” She tosses back a shot, sliding the strap of your pajama top down to assess the damage to your left shoulder. “It’s deep, going to need stitches. This is why we don’t go through china cabinets.” Yelena chastises, moving for the first aid kit.

“Yeah, not my finest moment.” You peek at her. “But it worked.”

“Mmm,” she hums, returning to her spot. Flipping open the white box and removing what she needs to stitch you up.

First she hits you with the antiseptic “сука!” Bitch.

“See,” you can hear the smile in her voice, “you are learning.”

You let out a pained laugh, “I guess I am. We need to call someone to clean this up.”

“Here,” she hands you her phone, blowing gently over you wound. “You take care of that, I take care of you.”

Your heart clenches at her words. But Yelena is your partner. That is all.

“Belova, do you have a status update?” A familiar voice answers after the first ring.

“Yeah, we need a cleanup.” You say matter of factly.

“Agent Y/L/N.” He greets you. “How many?”

“One.”

“For now,” The man remarks.

“You didn’t tell us we weren’t alone in this pursuit.” You purse your lips.

“There’s a reason we sent the best. I’ll put in for a clean up crew in the morning.”

“Let them know the body is in the bathtub.”

The goes dead.

The conversation distracts you well enough from the dull ache of the needle poking and pulling at your shoulder.

Carefully Yelena bandages the abused skin. Her finger tips running along the back of your arm.

“Thank you.” You whisper, relaxing into her touch.

Her lips ghost over your skin. “You’re welcome.”

Oh.

Slowly you turn, as if not to startle her. Yelena’s eyes find yours.

You move closer, tracing the line of her jaw. “Thank you,” you repeat.

She nods, still unsure.

“Of all the people I could’ve been stuck here with…I’m glad it was you.”

“You don’t have to say that.” She pulls your hand away gently.

“You’re right. I don’t have to say anything.“ You murmur, “But I want to… and it would be counter productive to harm my partner.”

“We can’t.” She knows it. You know it. “It will get in the way. They’ll kill us.”

“No.” You chuckle bitterly. “They’ll make us kill each other.”

“I wouldn’t do it,” Yelena insists.

“You won’t have a choice.” You point out. “Didn’t you hear about that stuff they started pumping into people?”

“Mind control.” Yelena replies in Russian.

“It’s only a matter of time.”

“Maybe we get out.”

“Maybe,” you smile sadly, “maybe we find each other.” In another life.

———————————————————————

Three days later Yelena comes home late. During your day off you were tasked with the more mundane tasks of running a household, but you suppose there are worse things. She finds you in the laundry room, drink already in hand. Her mouth set in a frown.

“What’s wrong?” You drop the piece of clothing back into the basket.

“I have it.” Yelena confesses.

You press your lips together, you knew this was coming. That information is the only reason you are here. “Did you contact them?”

“Not yet.”

“Are you going to?”

“You say that like I have a choice.” She stares down at her drink.

“I just meant-“

“I know what you meant.” Yelena knows you, better than anyone. The red room saw to that. “Do you want to stay one more night?”

“Do you?” You wonder.

“When I was a little girl…I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye.”

“In the morning,” you offer. Any longer and the risk will be too great. “We’ll go in the morning.”

She nods, taking in the room around her. “I wanted it to be real.”

“It was.” You choke down the lump in your throat.

———————————————————————

Your return to the red room is swift. No pat on the back or celebration to be had. Just two pawns, returning to their places on the board.

You’re separated from Yelena. Because your loyalties are to each other and that poses a threat. But what did they expect? They made you this way.

You are alone. Perhaps the most alone you’ve ever been. Or maybe you’d just forgotten that you could feel things. You remember now and wish you didn’t.

Like it or not she changed you. Knowing her had changed you, for better or for worse. After Yelena you were never the same.

Word of Oksana’s escape only fuels the need to chemically alter the minds of all agents. Beginning in order of importance.

Finding Yelena seated on the bench outside the physician’s office steals the breath from your lungs. To see her now is blatantly cruel and calculated.

Still you sit in the empty space beside her.

“Do you know where your orders are?” She asks.

“Yeah,” you nod, “Budapest. You?”

“Back to Moscow.” Yelena informs you.

You swallow hard, your pinkies skating past each other.

“Agent Y/L/N,” the doctor opens his door. You watch as another widow exits, she doesn’t look any different. Maybe the mind control drugs aren’t affective.

You steal one last glance at Yelena. Her eyes are desperate, ‘don’t go.’ Both of you knowing you can’t stay.

“Enjoy Moscow.” You whisper, moving reluctantly to your feet.

She tears her gaze away, unable to watch you leave. “I hear Budapest is beautiful.”

You hope so.

Wanna know what happens next? Check out chapter one of Miss American Pie! 💜

Yelena Belova Taglist: @captainwonderwidow

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Love Blooming

Fandom: Triple Frontier

Pairing: Frankie "Catfish" Morales x F!Reader

Summary: It started when Frankie walked into a flower shop...

A/N: I'm willing to write a part 2 if someone wants it.

Frankie felt so out of his limit. When Will insisted to set him on a blind date, he uninterestingly agreed, thinking that Will would forget about it. Turns out he didn't. So now Frankie is rushing. He's sweaty, coming straight from work to pick up Mia, paying the babysitter, dropping off Mia. Now he had to grab some flowers, and maybe buy some cologne or body spray from the store nearby so he doesn't smell so bad.

He enters the small flower shop and he's overwhelmed by the different floral aromas and colors.

"Be right out!" you call out from the back. A few seconds pass and you step out holding a tray of small succulents. You set them down on the table and when you look at Frankie, your eyes light up and you smile brightly at him, "Hi there! What can I do for you today?" He thinks you look beautiful with your smile and the flower clips in your hair.

Frankie nervously rubs the back of his neck and walks closer to the counter, "Um...I'd like some flowers."

You giggle, "Well you came to the right place. What's the occasion?"

"A date."

"Do you happen to know what the person likes?" you ask interestingly.

He sighs and shakes his head, "No. This is a first date, blind date. One that don't even want to go on, honestly." he murmurs the last part and winces, "Sorry. I didn't-"

"It's okay. I think we'll go with daffodils. They're simple, pretty, and symbolize new beginnings. I think that fits for first dates. You never know if it's that start of something, ya know?" You move around the counter towards the greenhouse. You don't signal for Frankie to follow, but he does anyway.

When you feel his presence, you glance over your shoulder and give him a polite smile. He doesn't know why, but his stomach flutters whenever you seem to look at him.

"So Mister..."

"Frankie. Call me Frankie."

"Frankie, okay," you stop in front of the daffodils, pulling out your gardening scissors from your apron and you start cutting, "I'm guessing your friend set you up on this blind date against your will?"

Frankie stuffs his hands in his back pockets and sighs, "Sorta. I mean, he offered to set me up with her a few weeks ago and I blindly said yes. I honestly thought he'd forget about it. I was wrong."

"Not looking to date right now?"

"I got a lot on my plate right now, honestly."

You nodded, "I see." you pull out some twine from your other apron pocket and bind the bundle of flowers together. You then hand them to Frankie, "Here ya go! I hope you enjoy your date!"

Frankie took the flowers and looked at you with furrowed brows, "Don't need to pay for these?"

"Free of charge."

"You sure?"

"Definitely. I really hope things go well on your date."

"Um thanks-" you give him your name and he repeats it and you nod in confirmation, "Well thanks. I guess if I'll ever need flowers again, I'll come to you."

"Please do! Bye, Frankie!" you escort him to the door and wave as he hops into his truck, driving away.

Frankie looks at the time and sees that he's running late. Guess he'll have to skip out on the cologne.

___________________

It's two weeks later when Frankie walks back into your shop, this time he has Mia attached to his hip.

You're at the counter already helping another customer, but a minute later, they're walking away and you're giving him a welcoming wave.

"Frankie! It's good to see you again!" He approaches the counter and sets Mia down and you smile softly at her, "And who's this cutie?"

"This is my daughter, Mia. Honey, say hi!"

The three year old looks at you and then hides her face into Frankie's shirt and you giggle, "She's shy, I see. It's okay. Anyway, what can I help you with today? Oh! How was the date?"

He shrugged, "Alright. We didn't really click."

Your shoulders sagged in disappointment, "Oh. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. She liked the flowers though. So I guess there's that. Anyway, um, I'm on my way to a friend's engagement party. Didn't have time to really get them anything."

"Well I'm here at your disposal! Follow me!" you walk towards the greenhouse and Frankie picks up Mia, setting her down. Her small hand goes into his and the two Morales' follow you.

"So yellow tulips symbolize cheerful thoughts, which I suppose you're sending when people get engaged." You pull out your scissors and hold them out to Frankie, "Here."

"What?"

"You and Mia can cut them. Grab as many as you'd like."

"You sure?"

"Yup!"

"Okay," he takes the flowers and kneels beside the flowerbed of yellow tulips, "Honey, you wanna cut some flowers for Uncle Benny?"

You see Frankie's eyes go soft as he guide's his daughters hands across the scissor and cuts one flower off, "Good job, sweetheart!" he kisses her head, "Let's do a few more, okay?"

Mia giggles and says, "'Kay, daddy."

You go back to the counter to sort out a new shipment of seeds. A few minutes later, Frankie appears setting the flowers down. He pulls out his wallet as you wrap the flowers up, "I'm paying for the flowers this time."

You shake your head, "No, you're not."

"Oh come on."

You shake your head again, "Seeing you and Mia have some cute daddy and daughter time was payment enough." Frankie says your name and you stop him, "Nope!" You also slide a card over to him, "And here's a card to go with it. Just scribble your name and you're good to go."

Frankie chuckles in disbelief as he writes his and Mia's name in the card. He then takes it and the flowers in one hand, his other hand preoccupied with Mia's, "You're losing money doing this."

"Hardly. But I hope you guys have a good rest of your day!" you leaned over the counter and waved at Mia, "Bye Mia! It was nice meeting you!"

Mia, feeling a little more comfortable, smiled shyly and waved, making you giggle. Frankie smiles at the sight and sound, then clears his throat, "I don't mean to be forward, but, um, would you like to get some coffee sometime?"

You brightly smile at him again, "I'd love to!" you take a business card and scribble your personal number, "I usually take Fridays and Sundays off."

"Who runs the shop when you're not here?"

"I have other employees. But call or text me sometime and we can hash out the details."

"Alright," he smiles and pockets the card. He gives you a wave, "Thanks again."

"Anytime," you say as you wave back and watch as Frankie and Mia hop into the truck and drive away.

___________________

You and Frankie have been texting back and forth for two weeks. He's been really busy with work lately, hence why you've yet to go on that coffee date.

Frankie: So I know I asked you out for coffee, but do you actually drink coffee? Or are you more of a tea person?

You: I do drink coffee, yes. Usually something sweet with vanilla or cinnamon flavoring.

Frankie: You're one of THOSE people.

You: DON'T KNOCK IT UNTIL YOU TRY IT, FRANKIE!

Frankie: ;)

That's all he sends you and you were going to reply, but a few customers have walked in and you became preoccupied.

You're finishing up and order when you see Frankie walking through the door with two coffees and a paper bag.

You give him another one of those heart stopping smiles and he seems to blush from that, "Hey! You didn't tell me you were coming!"

"That would've ruined the surprise, cherry blossom."

You cocked a brow at him and smiled, "Cherry blossom?"

He shrugged, "I dunno. It fits. You work at a flower shop and...you're as beautiful as a cherry blossom."

You feel your cheeks heat up at the compliment, "Well, aren't you sweet."

"Have you had lunch yet?"

"I haven't."

He gives you a questioning look and you snicker, "Lemme just get Jess to take over the front. If you head through those doors at the back of the greenhouse, it leads to my favorite hiding spot. Meet me there?"

"Yes, ma'am." Frankie replies with a nod and proceeds to head over.

You quickly rush to the back where Jess is, "Quick! Take over the front!"

"What? But why so...rushy?"

"Frankie's here and he brought me coffee and lunch!"

"Frankie, hot dilf, Frankie?"

You groan, "Don't call him that, but yes!" You practically rip off your work apron, dust off any soil left on your clothes and fix your hair to look less messy, "How do I look?"

"Decent."

"Good enough!"

You quickly rush to the back where you told Frankie to met you and let out a deep breath before stepping in, "So, what made you decide to bring me lunch?"

"The fact that I've been so busy that I keep pushing back our date. I figured that I have time now, might as well."

"Eager, hm?" you laugh when he shyly looks away and you place your hand on his arm, "Hey, it's okay. It's cute. You're cute." then you scrunched your face up, "No. That's weird. It's like we're teenagers saying that. We're adults. You're handsome. There. That sounds better."

Frankie chuckles and then looks around the room, "This is a nice area."

"Thanks. It used to be storage, but I wanted to have a place where we can hold classes or little luncheons for guests. It's not finished yet."

"Still looks beautiful," he notes the vines going down the frames of the windows, the soft pastels of different flowers. His eyes go back to you and he sees you softly staring back at him.

Your gaze makes him nervous so he grabs two sandwiches from the paper bag he brought, "I, uh, didn't know if you liked sandwiches, but these are best sellers."

"Thank you, and for future reference, I'm not picky."

"Good to know," he then takes your coffee, handing it to you, "I hope this is to your liking."

You accepted it and took a sip, smacking your lips together to really get a taste, "Mmmm! That's some good stuff right there!" and Frankie let out a breath of relief. You giggled, setting the drink down, "Are you always this nervous when it comes to dates, Frankie?"

"I...Well, to be honest, haven't gone on dates in a long time. Since Mia was born and my ex and I separated, never really had time. It wasn't a priority because my main focus was on my little girl. That blind date was my first date in a few years."

"So what changed?"

Frankie bit his lip and nervously reached out, placing his hand over yours, "You. God, I don't know what it is about you, cherry blossom, but you just seem to pull me in. I want to get to know you, take you out, hold you, kiss you. All of it." his thumb softly rubs against the back of your hand and you smile sweetly at him.

"I get what you're saying, Frankie, because I feel that way about you too. The way you're so sweet and kind, you're a great father to Mia, and you care about your friends. I'd love to continue getting to know you. There's just something about you to that pulls me towards you."

"If we do this, I just...I need to warn you that I'm a little rough around the edges. I've gone through some stuff-"

"-And that's okay. And you don't need to share that with me unless you want to."

Frankie chuckles to himself and shakes his head, "You wanna know something?"

"Hm?"

"I'm glad I went on that blind date, because if I didn't, I wouldn't have met you, cherry blossom."

You giggle and place your other hand on top of Frankie's, "I think that nickname is starting to grow on me. I was a little iffy of it at first but the way you say it...sounds so sweet. You're so sweet, Frankie."

Jess walks into the room with her hand over her eyes, "Are you guys decent?"

You roll your eyes and look over your shoulder, "Quit it, will you?"

Jess drops her hand and smirks at you, then looks at Frankie, "Oh yeah. Definitely a dilf."

"JESS!"

The young woman cackles and dodges a napkin ball you've thrown her way, "Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! Anyway, a delivery arrived. You want me to sign it off?"

"Please do," you reply with a nod.

"I can go if you're busy," Frankie said and you immediately replied, "No no. You're staying. Jess can handle everything."

The young woman saluted, "Yup! I can handle it. Also, remember to use prote-"

"I CAN FIRE YOU, YOU KNOW!"

She proceeds to rush out of there and back to the storefront and you groan, letting your head fall into your hands.

"So....you think I'm a dilf?"

Your head shot up and your eyes widened, "No! I mean, yes, but no! i just told Jess that you're a dad who also happens to be very attractive!"

"So a dilf."

You ball up another napkin and throw it at Frankie, who's just laughing wholeheartedly.

[peterparkers-bad-youtube-apology]

can I have a 3 with peter parker x reader please? thanks so much love!

Of course you can bestie! I hope you like it, this is my first request so let me know how you like it 🥰 Hope you enjoy it, love and appreciate you so much xx

For anyone else, feel free to check out my prompt list and send me a reuqest here:

Harry Styles

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Summary: You won’t stop talking about Harry Styles

Prompts

Masterlist

Prompt #3 - “Could you stop talking about Harry Styles for five minutes?”

//

Peter definitely would have done anything in the world for his girlfriend with hardly a question asked, and he always tried to go out of his way to do nice things for her. He just wanted her to know how much he loved her, which was a lot. So of course, when she told him her favorite artist, Harry Styles, was going to be performing for Good Morning America and she hasn’t been able to get into the show, he ran right to Mr. Stark and begged him to get them in. She had been absolutely ecstatic when he told her, bouncing around and shaking him and kissing him and repeating the words ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ like they were all she had ever learned.

The night before Peter had been allowed to stay the night at her house since they had to get up at 5 am to assure they would be there on time for the early morning show. Peter had never seen anyone be that happy that early in the morning, especially his girlfriend, who was a hundred times more likely to be going to bed at 5 am than waking up. She was on cloud nine though, buzzing with excitement all morning, seemingly unable to do anything but smile. Mr. Stark had managed to get the kids in early, ensuring (y/n) would get a spot right up front, which had nearly made her cry, but she managed to keep it together until Harry came on stage. 

It had instantly become a favorite memory for each of them, even if they had to go to school totally wiped. Peter was fine really, but (y/n) had passed out on his shoulder on the way to school. Though she seemed to get a sudden burst of energy whenever it was time to talk about the show. In fact it had only taken MJ asking if she’d had fun to send her on a tangent.

“It was literally the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life. It was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He was so amazing and his voice is so perfect live, oh and he looked so cute! I mean just look at this sweater!” she began scrolling through pictures and videos quickly, “God, isn’t he the best? He’s just totally perfect.”

MJ nodded, “Yeah, looked cool. I’m glad you had so much fun.”

“Are you kidding? My own wedding isn’t going to top this,” she contemplated for a moment as she continued through the photos, “Well maybe it will if he performs at it.” 

Peter frowned, he was mostly sure she was kidding, but if she wasn’t he had no idea to get Harry Styles at their wedding. He was sure it would be beyond his budget, but maybe if Harry liked Spiderman…

“Okay, a little dramatic but I am glad you had fun,” MJ smiled to her before turning to Peter, “You know we’re never hearing the end of this right.”

“It’s cute,” hee smiled before kissing the side of her head, “I’m glad you had so much fun.”

“Thanks,” she poked his nose with a wink, “She’s right though, I’m not gonna shut up about it for days.”

/

By lunch time Peter had to admit he was getting a little tired of hearing her gush about Harry Styles. He rolled his eyes, poking half heartedly at his food while she explained every tiny detail of the event to two of her friends. She’d already been showing off pictures and videos all day, but apparently there was more to share. Including the moment she swore that her and Harry made eye contact and a piece of her soul left her body. Peter sighed, shoving a bite into his mouth, giving up all hope of changing to subject when she started talking about the sweater again.

“Told you,” MJ hummed behind him, “She’s in lover Peter, there’s no hope of reeling her back in now.”

Peter’s frown deepened. There was no way she could be in love with him, they’d never even had a conversation.

“She’s just excited,” Peter reiterated, sounding a bit deflated, “She’ll get over it soon.”

“Oh my God and then he did a little dance like this!” (y/n) giggled as she demonstrated to her friends, “Isn’t that so cute? Come on Peter, it was so cute right?”

He shrugged, “I think you do it cuter,” he smiled sweetly to her.

She scoffed, “No way, he’s totally lying, it was so much cuter when he did it.”

Peter had to roll his eyes again.

/

The whole way back to Peter’s apartment (y/n) had been going on about Harry Styles, and everything she had found on Twitter. Peter had half listened, growing more and more annoyed the whole way home. He’d hoped she would finally drop it when they sat down to study but no such luck, she’d only opened Twitter again.

“Look, this clip I posted is blowing up, oh and look at this one I found, you can see your head see?” she shoved her phone into his face, “Isn’t that awesome?”

He nodded, “Yeah,” it was obvious he was disinterested but she didn’t seem to notice.

“The back of your head and Harry Styles face in one shot. How frickin’ cute is that? I seriously can’t get over it. I’m trying to find one where you can see my head, but no luck yet.”

“Well you are kind of short.”

“What? No, I am not, there has to be one, and I’m gonna print it out when I find it. Just imagine it P, me, in the same picture as Harry Styles, I’d totally die…” she sighed, “We have to go again when he tours and oh! Peter you could like Spiderman us into the rafters! Then it would be free and I co-”

“Oh my God. Could you top talking about Harry Styles for five minutes?” Peter groaned, tossing his head back against his wall.

She gaped for a minute, “Wait, do you not like Harry Styles Peter?”

“I like him, but I don’t like listening to you talk about him all day. You’re acting like you’re in love with him or something,” he blushed.

She frowned, knitting her brow and cocking her head in confusion, “I’m just excited, I had a lot of fun, didn’t you?”

“Yeah but it’s not fun listening to my girlfriend talk about some other guy all day.”

“Peter he’s a celebrity, it’s not like I’m gonna go out with him or something.”

“For now!” his cheeks flushed bright red, “But maybe he’ll see you or something and be likes “Oh wow, this girl is so great, I’m gonna date her”, and you’ll end up marrying him or something!”

“That would never happen Peter,” she laughed, “I mean even if for some reason Harry Styles decided he wanted to date me, it wouldn’t happen. I look up to him sure, but I’m in love with you,” she cupped his face and kissed his nose.

He bit his cheek, “Promise?”

She nodded, “Of course. I’m sorry P, I didn’t realize I was making you upset.”

“I’m not upset, just a little jealous I guess…”

“Well I’m still sorry, but you know the most exciting part of today, was that I got to be there with you,” she nuzzled her nose against his as his lips curled up to a smile, “It wouldn’t have been nearly as special otherwise.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist before pressing his lips to her, “You know I love you more than anything right?”

“I love you too,” she smirked, “You know there’s only one celebrity you have to worry about me with.”

He frowned again, “Who?”

“Spiderman,” she burst into a fit of giggles suddenly.

He rolled his eyes but laughed along with her, “Really?”

She nodded, “And I’d totally run away with him so you better watch out.”

[datninjalyfe]

Sick Day

“Good morning, Kacchan!” Izuku said, as he had every morning.  “I brought you coffee!”

“Tch.” came Katsuki’s response, just as he had every morning, snatching the coffee cup out of Izuku’s hand, sipping on it.

Since graduating from U.A., Katsuki had an amazing job, working as a sidekick for an amazing Pro-Hero agency that came with a much higher pay than he had expected.  After debating whether to just go Pro, he thought on it long and hard, finally deciding that perhaps it was better to take this job—he could take it as a learning opportunity, to fight villains, kicking some serious ass and (most importantly) being away from—

“Kacchan, you work here, too?!”

No.  Katsuki thought to himself, looking up at the sky, praying to something he didn’t believe in.  No, please, don’t do this to me. But, sure enough, when Katsuki turned around, he came face to face with Izuku.  

This morning was no different than the others: Katsuki walked to the elevator, listening to Izuku ramble on about the police report that was no doubt already sitting on his desk. After a few months, Katsuki realized that he didn’t even have to read it because Izuku would often give him the synopsis, sometimes detailed with sound effects and a rambling commentary.  And because they were spotted together so often, they were portrayed as a duo.

And Katsuki hated it.

“W-w-when I grow up,” a boy told them once on one of their patrols.  “I want to work at your agency!” and Izuku bashfully told the boy how honored he would be to accept him at his agency when he finally got one.  He asked Katsuki for his autograph, but Katsuki grew increasingly angry when one of the kids commented that they were his favorite duo.  “He’s a kid, Kacchan, calm down.”  

It was hard to deny it, even for Katsuki: they were a duo.  

And Katsuki hated it.

No matter how hard Katsuki tried he could get rid of Izuku, who even walked him home after work, with a quick, “Bye, Kacchan!  See you tomorrow!”

“Whatever, nerd.” Katsuki would say before heading inside.

One day, though, Izuku wasn’t at the agency.  Katsuki entered the building, completely uninterrupted from the entrance to the elevators.  Before pushing the button, he took a look around, waiting to see if Izuku was still in the lobby before calling the elevator.  It was surprisingly quiet in the lobby without Izuku’s voice grating in his ear.  Just before heading up, he poked his head out one last time before deciding to go ahead up.

Maybe he’s actually in the office, he thought to himself, but Izuku wasn’t there either. Katsuki was able to walk to his desk to find that the report was sitting there.  It took some time to get through it by himself, without a summary already prepared for him.  

“Kacchan?” someone said, and Katsuki’s ear perked up at hearing his hero name called.  But when it was a measly agency intern, he became incredibly disgruntled.

“Yeah, what do you want?” he asked, the words growling through his teeth.  

“Deku isn’t here today. You okay to do your patrol alone?”

Strange, Katsuki thought.  Deku would never miss a day of work… “Is he okay?”

“Dunno, I don’t ask the questions, only give out the orders.”

Katsuki did the patrol alone.  It was so much quieter like the office had been.  Katsuki made it around his area of the city, making sure that he kept an eye out for the perpetrator that was on his desk this morning.  Time ticked slowly by and when lunch finally came, he decided to text the nerd: You alive?

The response wasn’t automatic, but it said: I think I came down with something.  

Katsuki rolled his eyes, but quickly finished his lunch before he continued through the city to finish his patrol.  

“Where’s Mr. Deku?” he heard a little voice ask behind him.  A tiny, scrawny little boy stood in front of him.  “You’re Mr. Kacchan, right?”

“Yeah, that’s me.” Katsuki said.  He rolled his eyes slightly when the kid looked like he was going to cry.  

“You two are a duo, right?” a woman asked.  The thought of that made Katsuki’s blood boil.  But before he could open his mouth to correct her, the woman knelt down to the boy and said, “Go on, give it to him.”

The boy pulled out an envelope from his backpack and handed it over to Katsuki.  Katsuki took it, reading “To My Favorite Heroes” on the back.  

“Please make sure that Mr. Deku sees it too, please, Mr. Kacchan, sir.” the boy pleaded.  “It’s for both of you!”

The two of them bowed respectfully as Katsuki mumbled, “Sure thing, kid.” Giving the boy a pat on the head, he continued past them.  When the two were out of sight, he took a snapshot of it and sent it to Izuku: Kid gave this to me and said there’s something in it for the both of us.  If it’s money, it’s mine.

What is it?! the reply read.

Katsuki opened the envelope and was almost surprised.  It was a piece of art with a clipping of a newspaper attached to it.  Katsuki looked at the artwork first, clearly done by the boy. A green stick figure carrying something—a person, maybe?  And an orange stick figure carrying perhaps another person.  The two were running from a brick building that was caught on fire.

Despite the artwork not being too detailed, Katsuki remembered this incident: a villain had been terrorizing the city and an entire building engulfed in flames.  

“Worry about the villain if you see him, otherwise, the people in this building are our first priority!” Katsuki barely heard their supervisor yell.  He and Izuku were leagues ahead, the building bursting on one side with flames.  The sounds of people screaming were heard over the roar of the explosion.  Katsuki vividly remembered people jumping out of windows from the higher stories, trying to avoid being burned to death. It was hard to look away as their heads splattered against the pavement, killing them instantly.  

“Kacchan, the boy!” Katsuki heard Izuku yell as they approached.  A woman had jumped out of a window, holding onto a little boy in her arms. She accidentally let go of him and he screamed out, putting his arms above his head.  

“I got him!” Katsuki yelled back, jumping up off the ground and grabbing him, Katsuki gave himself a slight blast back up into the air and once both feet were firmly planted on the ground, he looked at the tiny boy, checking for any injuries.  He couldn’t see any, despite the outpour of tears flowing from his eyes.  Reminds me of fucking Deku.

“I’m scared.” the boy said, shaking in Katsuki’s arms, holding on to him tightly.  

“Don’t be.” Izuku told him, landing next to Katsuki with the woman safely in his arms.  She too had tears in her eyes and clung to Izuku tightly before placing her feet on the ground.  Izuku smiled at the boy in Katsuki’s arms.  “You’re with Kacchan.  He’s the greatest hero in the world.  He’ll make sure you’re safe.”

Katsuki rolled his eyes, but told the boy, “We got you, kid.” and he patted the boy on the head.

After looking at the drawing, Katsuki turned his attention to the newspaper clipping—an article that had captured the incident.  In the picture, Katsuki was walking away from the burning building, clearly yelling something at Izuku, who just smiled behind him.  But the boy that was in Katsuki’s arms, had buried his head in the crook of his neck, arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders.  Some words were circled in the article and Katsuki read: “The young boy, Ryo, was rescued by Sidekicks Kacchan and Deku—both graduated top of their class from the esteemed school of U.A.  They not only made sure everyone was safe, but also took down the person responsible for terrorizing the city.  These two won’t be sidekicks for long.”  

As he was stuffing both the drawing and the news article back in the envelope, he noticed something else at the bottom: a memory chip card.  God, I haven’t seen one of these in years.  he thought, pulling it out and looking at it. Deku will probably want to know what’s on it too.  

He felt his phone vibrate in his costume and he looked at it to see that he had several unread texts. WELL?!  What is it?  What was in the envelope?  The suspense is killing me!  Was it money?

Katsuki waited until he got back to the agency to respond and when he did, Izuku said: Did you watch the memory card?  

Katsuki: No.  I have no way to watch whatever’s on it.

Izuku: I do! Come by my place, we’ll watch it together.

Katsuki: Did you forget that you’re sick?

Dumb Deku, Katsuki thought, smirking to himself.

Izuku: I’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours, now.  If you’re really that worried about, wear a mask and social distance.

Curious to know what was on the memory card, Katsuki agreed to come over.  When he returned to the agency, he filed a report (about the entire nothingness of what had happened during his patrol that day) and changed out of his costume. Izuku had sent him an address, and Katsuki placed headphones in before heading to Izuku’s.

Izuku lived relatively close to the agency, but it was quite a few blocks away.  Katsuki passed a convenience store and decided to at least pick up some kind of soup, but grew angry at the owner when he offered to give Katsuki the soup for free. “Just take my fucking money!” he yelled, throwing the bills at the man who bowed before him, thanking him for saving his store from robbers before.  “And I don’t want any fucking change!” he yelled as he left.

When he made it to the address Izuku provided, Katsuki had to double check he was in the right place. He was caught off guard by the large skyscraper that towered before him.  Clouds faded Katsuki’s view of the top; the beaming light of the sun reflected off each window.  It was strange that Katsuki had become totally speechless, especially over a piece of architecture, but the person he was here for—there was no way Izuku could afford to live here, even if he made as much as Katsuki.

“Mr. Bakugou?” someone said. Katsuki’s head snapped to see a smiling doorman, who opened the door for him, bowing as he told him, “Mr. Midoriya is in Number 1203.  Elevators are to your left.” Katsuki blinked for a moment but followed his directions, not saying a word as he took a step into the lobby.  Did Deku tell him I was coming?  He figured as much as he entered the elevator, riding it up to the twelfth floor.  

The elevator moved quickly. The beeps of each floor echoed against the silver, reflective metal walls.  He put his hand to his breast pocket, making sure that the envelope was still there and exhaled a slow sigh of relief when he felt the memory card. He would’ve been so angry if he had forgotten it back at the agency.  

He heard the ding of the twelfth floor.  Realizing he didn’t even know what kind of soup Izuku liked, he wondered if he should give it to him at all.  He stood in front of the door that read Midoriya 12-03.  He watched his hand move and before he could stop himself, he knocked loudly on the door.  

“Kacchan!” Izuku said as he opened the door.

Is he actually sick? He looks totally fine!  He expected Izuku’s hair to be crazier than usual, expected his complexion to be blueish pale, expected him to be crawling he was so sick.  But rather, he was totally alert, his hair still it’s normal curly mess, his lightly tanned complexion still splattered with freckles like someone had taken a paintbrush and flicked them onto his face.  The only indication that he was sick was a bright red nose, rubbed raw.  “Is that for me?” he asked, pointing to the bad Katsuki was holding.

“Tch.” Katsuki stepped inside, kicking off his shoes by the door, shoving the bag of food at Izuku. “Thought you were sick.”  Izuku caught the bag and scrambled to pick up his shoes.

Izuku’s apartment was incredibly large, especially for just one person.  He walked down a hallway that led to a small, almost improvised kitchenette that connected to a large living room.  The only thing separating the two was an island that looked as though it didn’t belong—like someone had placed it there.  The apartment looked so Westernized in comparison to Katsuki’s more traditional Japanese apartment.  The windows in this room encased the entire corner of the apartment, stretching from floor to ceiling.   Light streaked into the room, casting shadows against the small coffee table that was in front of Izuku.  A curved television faced a long leather couch that Izuku had propped himself on. But it was the view of the city, outside the apartment, next to the river that Katsuki found the most beautiful.  

“I’m still not feeling great, but I should be back at work tomorrow.” he said.  Izuku followed Katsuki’s gaze outside and said, “Those are quirkless windows.  They are meant to not break, despite whatever quirk might be thrown at them.” Katsuki could hear the strain of Izuku’s throat as he chuckled.  “Could probably handle your quirk too.”

Katsuki thought about throwing an explosion, to see if the window really could handle it. But looking out at the city beneath him, he thought against it.  “I’ve used my quirk enough today.” he lied, walking away from the window, closer to the couch where Izuku was laying down.

“I can’t believe I missed Ryo!  I was just thinking about that mission the other day.”

“You remembered his name?” Fucking nerd.  

“It was our first missions as sidekicks after graduation.  I wanted to remember it.” Izuku responded.  “Sorry, I just took a round of antibiotics, I’m a little woozy.”

“How the hell can you afford this place?  It’s—,” Katsuki stopped himself before saying the word beautiful, but it really was. Instead, Katsuki sat down on next to Izuku, reaching into his breast pocket to pull out the memory card.

“I used to date the person who owned it, but when we broke up, I kept the apartment.” Izuku told him.

“Were they American?” Katsuki asked, the words leaving his mouth before he could stop them.

Izuku chuckled. “Yeah, uh—,” Izuku took a moment before saying, “Yeah, he was American.”

Katsuki felt the heat of his quirk rage through his body momentarily, but breathed slowly to control it.  The fuck?  “Oh?”

“Oh?” Izuku repeated.  

“I mean, yeah, it’s just—,” Katsuki shook his head.  “Hard to see anyone wanting to date you.”

“Be nice, Kacchan.” Izuku faked a cough and said, “I’m sick.”

“Shut the hell up, Deku.” Katsuki grunted, ignoring the stupid grin spread across Izuku’s face. “Do you have the memory card reader set up so we can watch this thing or what?”

Izuku blinked for moment, a little confused and then said, “Oh!  Yeah, there’s an old laptop in the bedroom.” Katsuki awkwardly paused.  His…bedroom?  “Second door on the left.”

Katsuki felt a little strange entering Izuku’s bedroom, but did so nonetheless.  A large bed took up most of the room with two large bookshelves on either side.  Neither one contained any books, but had decorative pieces, most of which Katsuki recognized from their heroic acts together.  Sitting upon a small table in the corner opposite of where Katsuki stood was the laptop and as Katsuki went to grab it, he noticed a picture that was framed on Izuku’s wall: it was from graduation and Izuku and few of their classmates posed cutely for the picture.  

Ugh, his damn smile, he thought, and rolling his eyes, he scooped up the laptop.  When he had walked out of the bedroom and back to where Izuku was sitting, he found Izuku propped up, wrapped like a burrito in an All Might blanket.  “What are you doing, nerd?”

“I’m cold.” Izuku told him, sniffling.  

“I knew I shouldn’t have come.  You’re gonna get me sick.”

“The doctor said I could still patrol as long as I took it easy—,”

“Deku.” Katsuki said sharply.  “For fuck’s sake, just stay the hell in bed.  I’ll let everyone know what’s going on.”

“Can we at least watch what’s on the memory card?” Izuku pleaded.  

Katsuki sighed heavily. “Set it up yourself, I’m fucking starving.” He paused, briefly for a moment before asking, “What’s your favorite kind of soup, Deku?”

Izuku looked up at him, those bright green eyes wide in shock.  His cheeks turned slightly pink and he said, “Oh, um, I’m sure that whatever you picked up is fine, Kacchan.”

Why is he flustered?  “Just answer the question, Deku.”

“Really, I’ll eat whatever.” but when Katsuki glared down at him, Izuku answered, “Ramen,” at last, before adding a quick, “Thanks, Kacchan.” Their eyes didn’t leave each other.  Katsuki cursed himself, but couldn’t look away.  There was something so nostalgic, not just with Izuku, but in general about his eyes.  They were so wide, rarely blinking as they just held the gaze.  

It was a few seconds too long for Katsuki’s liking and he was the one who looked away.  He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out the envelope.  “Here’s everything the boy gave me.”  Katsuki was careful not to look back at Izuku as he handed it over.  “I’ll go make you some fucking ramen.”

True to his word, Katsuki got everything started, but not without the occasional shouts of—“Where the hell is a pot?” “Wait here it—no fuck, that’s for the rice cooker.” “DEKU, DO YOU OWN A FUCKING POT?!” “Do you have any bowls?” “This kitchen is so tiny and irrevocably unorganized!”

But the soup was made and Izuku was already sitting down, back to being wrapped in the blanket, waiting patiently at the table that laid out on the floor.  “I connected the laptop to the TV, so we can see what’s actually on it in 4K!”

Fucking nerd. “Here’s your damn soup.”  He placed the bowl in front of Izuku and sat down next to him, slurping down his own bowl of ramen in a few gulps.

Izuku’s eyes widened in shock as he took a few sips of the broth.  “Wow, I almost forgot how good of a cook you were!”

“Tch.” Katsuki said, but looked away as Izuku started the video.

Katsuki taken back to that moment, back to the memory of when the building—it already collapsed, the rumble had muffled out most of the flames.  The video clip came from a local news station and reporters had surrounded the young boy—Deku said his name was Ryo?—who was talking frantically, making sure to not leave out any details including sound effects: “—and then, Mr. Kacchan caught me midair and then BOOM WA-BAM!  and then we were on the ground and then—!”

Behind the boy was a loud explosion from Katsuki, the camera zooming in over the boys loud yells of, “MR. KACCHAN, GET HIM!”  Katsuki and Izuku had jumped up in the air to avoid the villain’s attacks.  The boy then stepped in front of the camera to say, “See?  SEE?! Mr. Kacchan is the greatest hero in the world!” Ryo had repeated the words Katsuki remembered Izuku telling him.

With another jump in the air, Katsuki came down hard on the villain, and with a loud roar, he ignited the sweat on his hands to ensure the villain would never get back up.  

“Your quirk is amazing, Kacchan.” Izuku told him softly.

What’s with him? Before Katsuki could open his mouth to ask, Izuku stood up and awkwardly pushed the blanket off of his shoulders. His chest was completely bare.  Katsuki quickly shook his head in confusion, almost a shiver, but couldn’t peel his eyes away.  Katsuki had known Izuku all his life, but he couldn’t deny that Izuku was a man now, his features completely honed, his body sinew and muscled.  

“Lights, dim.” Izuku commanded and the lights in the apartment started to fade.  

“Lights—do what?” Katsuki asked, but even in the darkened room, Katsuki could see the outline of his thighs, but quickly darted his eyes upwards to the scars that outlined painful memories.  Izuku reached a hand out and gently touched Katsuki’s face with calloused fingers, lifting Katsuki’s chin with a thumb that brushed over his lips, his green eyes locked on to Katsuki’s.  

“Use it on me.” Izuku whispered.  His green eyes were soft, but his voice was desperate.  

“Use what on you, Deku?”

Before Katsuki got an answer, the darkened vines of black whip escaped from Izuku, wrapping themselves around Katsuki’s waist and pushing him up against the window.  Katsuki braced for the impact, assuming that when he hit the window, he’d go flying through it, but didn’t shatter or even so much as crack. Katsuki’s hands immediately ignited, but Izuku bound his hands together and the explosions were slightly muffled. “DEKU, WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK?”

Izuku’s mouth crashed into his. Katsuki could taste his hunger, feel his eagerness.  Slanting his lips, his tongue prodded Katsuki’s mouth open, demanding more. The kiss was hard and unyielding, but Katsuki didn’t try to stop it.  What’s wrong with me?

Anger sizzled through him as Izuku grabbed the back of Katsuki’s head, pulling him closer with one hand, curling his fingers around the thickness of his hair.  His other hand caressed underneath Katsuki’s shirt, rampantly touching down the sides of his torso, along the Katsuki’s abdomen.   A moan escaped from Katsuki as he imagined Izuku’s naked body underneath of his own, drunk on the thought of his voice screaming out cries of passion as Katsuki thrust himself deeply inside of Izuku.  

“Kacchan.” Izuku whispered on his lips, allowing for Katsuki to finally take a breath, peeling away from his fantasy.  The tensile strength of One-for-All’s black whip still had him against the window.  Katsuki’s hands sparked instantly, trying to get Izuku’s black whip off of him, but it was no use—Katsuki let out a few minor explosions, but black whip just held him tighter.  

It was too fast for Katsuki and once he had his breath, he told Izuku, “Deku, if you don’t let me down right this fucking second—,” but black whip tightened itself around him.  Izuku’s breath smelled of the soup he’d made earlier.

“The safe word is stop—,”

“Deku.” Katsuki said, very firmly.  “Stop.”

He felt Izuku gently unwind the binds from Katsuki and returned to Izuku.   “I just—,” Izuku started as he wrapped his arms around Katsuki, his hands locking at the small of Katsuki’s back.  Izuku buried his head into Katsuki’s chest.

“We shouldn’t—,” Katsuki started to say, but he was too confused.  His heart was racing and he pulled away from Izuku, staring down at him intently.  He didn’t know what else to say other than a quiet, “Deku.”  The air in the room grew hazy as the gap between them closed. Katsuki’s lips flattened in self-deprecation, but he closed his eyes and waited for Izuku to kiss him once more.

But the kiss never came.  “Kacchan,” Katsuki heard Izuku whisper, Katsuki felt the tip of Izuku’s nose trace his jaw and placed a light kiss on his temple.  “Can I confess something to you?” Katsuki could feel his warmth of his mouth, his lips touching his ear with each word. “Kacchan.”

“Deku, we’ve—we’re—I don’t understand—,” Katsuki said, frustratingly trying to grapple for words.  “We can’t.  We shouldn’t—,”

“I want to feel you, Kacchan.  I have been touched in so long.”

Katsuki shook his head and moved Izuku out of his way. He was leaving this apartment, leaving the agency, leaving Izuku for good.  

And then he heard Izuku laugh.  A maniacal sound that Katsuki had never heard before from Izuku.  “Kacchan, you have to hate by now.  I’ve been annoying you for weeks.”  Katsuki could feel the hum of Izuku’s chest throughout his entire body as Izuku spoke the words, almost in a whisper, “On purpose.”  

Katsuki felt his blood boil.  Heat, so wild and hot and impatient, ran through his veins. He could feel his quirk beat through his body.  Sweat dripped down his forehead, feeling flushed in the chill air of the apartment.  Izuku was doing that shit on purpose?

Katsuki balefully laughed, throwing his head back, the menacing sounds echoing Izuku’s laugh. “Shit, Deku.” he said.  “You almost made me forget who I was there for a second.” He opened his hands, exposing the sweat he had accumulated in the few minutes of his confusion.  His hands ignited, a small explosion at first to ensure that the apartment could really handle his quirk.  And sure enough, true to Izuku’s word, the room remained unscathed, but Izuku’s had jumped backwards into the pile of smoke Katsuki had made.  “I don’t need a fucking safe word.” Katsuki told him, playfully smirking, licking his teeth.

“Then I won’t stop.”

Dammit, Deku, what are you doing to me?  As the smoke in the room started to clear, Izuku pulled his pants off and threw them onto the floor.  Katsuki couldn’t peel his eyes away from Izuku’s naked body.  Even before Izuku could touch him, Katsuki’s brain became electrified, drunk on the thought of Izuku’s naked body rubbing against his own. Don’t do this, the rational part of his brain tried to convince him, but it was hard to deny that how truly beautiful Izuku was.  Seeing him like this, after all these years—

“I’m going to fucking love riding you.” When Katsuki had realized he’d said that aloud, Izuku grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him in, moaning as their lips fervently found each other.  Katsuki’s heart flickered briefly at the sounds of Izuku’s sighs of pleasure and Katsuki couldn’t pull off his shirt fast enough. Izuku’s tongue was wickedly possessive, probing itself inside of Katsuki’s mouth again.  The explored each other, Katsuki’s hands kneaded Izuku’s bare skin.  He pulled his shirt off, and growling loudly, his mouth found Izuku’s, and he bit down hard on Izuku’s lower lip.  Izuku let out a small cry, then a giggle and Katsuki smiled, feeling the excitement of his quirk pop through his hands against Izuku’s body.  Izuku’s hands were so persuasive, his eyes were so deeply green, like a forest during a heavy storm.  There was something so erotic in them as their bodies molded together and Katsuki couldn’t stop.  It felt like liquid fire had swept through his blood, pounding through his head. Katsuki’s body throbbed for Izuku deeply—it ached for him, needing him, hurting to feel Izuku’s touch.

“Suck me.” Izuku begged and Katsuki obeyed, kissing down his neck, sucking on his skin, and his wet mouth messily bearing down on Izuku’s nipples.  Izuku pulled on Katsuki’s hair and the base of his neck, forcing Katsuki down to his knees. He was weak, complete able to let go. Izuku grabbed the back on his head, gently pushing it forward.  Katsuki’s nose crinkled up as Izuku’s cock touched the back of his throat. Warm saliva dripped out of Katsuki’s mouth and onto his chest as he moved up and down Izuku.  He felt it grow even harder in mouth, choking each time it was thrust down his throat. He felt Izuku’s nails dig into his shoulder with one hand and with the other, Izuku pushed on Katsuki’s head, his cock being pushed further in Katsuki.  Each thrust was harder than the last and occasionally, he’d look up at Izuku, who’s head was thrown backwards, back arching, screaming out inaudible squeals of pleasure.  Katsuki jerked himself, spitting into his hand whenever Izuku let him breathe for a moment before plummeting back into his mouth.  

“Let me fuck you.” Katsuki said, more of an instruction than a question.  

“Make me.” Izuku tempted.  

Smirking, Katsuki heated his hands and let out a few tiny pops on the sides of Izuku’s body, nothing more than a slight shock.  

“Kacchan!” Izuku cried out at the small pops and he was knocked onto the floor.  Katsuki wanted him so badly and knowing that Izuku was now vulnerable to him, so irresistible.

Katsuki gestured his head for Izuku to roll over, and pushed his legs. Izuku rolled over onto his stomach and pushed his hips up into the air.  Katsuki could say nothing, not daring to breathe as he looked at Izuku on all fours, his asshole completely exposed, totally vulnerable and submissive in every way.  

“Tell me you want it.” Katsuki whispered in Izuku’s ear, biting down on the lobe.  He was so hard now, pulling Izuku’s waist towards his hard cock. He further pulled apart Izuku’s cheeks, kicking his legs open with his knee.  He looked at how tight Izuku’s asshole was, how beautiful his green pubic hairs looked against his pale, freckled skin.  Katsuki spit into his hand, and jerked himself until his hand was easily sliding down the shaft.  Katsuki’s hand ignited and he brought it down on Izuku’s ass, leaving a dark, red mark behind.  “Tell me you fucking want me.” Katsuki begged.

Izuku turned and looked at Katsuki.  Once again, for the second time that evening, their eyes locked.  There was a hunger in this look, a thirst for more.  It was incredibly—

—primitive.  “I want you, Kacchan.”

This is what he truly wanted—all of Izuku, exploring the intimate regions of Izuku’s body with his own, the feeling of when they joined together.  And when Izuku had said those words, Katsuki plummeted into him, thick and heavy.  Katsuki was completely seduced, giving into the deep need in his soul.  It was so warm, the feeling Izuku’s ass encasing itself around his dick.  There was no pause, no second for either of them to catch their breaths as Katsuki drove deeper into him.  He grabbed the back of Izuku’s hair and hoisted him upwards, nearly forcing Izuku to sit in his lap.  Their bodies writhed in pleasure as Izuku pushed back against Katsuki’s dick each time it was driven into him.  He released Izuku from his grip, hearing a loud exhale as Izuku crashed back down onto his hands. He heard Izuku spit into his hands and reach underneath, gently messaging Katsuki’s balls.  Katsuki groaned, feeling the tender touch of Izuku squeezing him, rubbing him.

“Fuck me…please, yes, just like that.” Izuku moaned.  Katsuki needed this.  Katsuki needed this so, so badly.  He tilted his head back, closing his eyes, allowing Izuku’s tight asshole to eat his cock. He listened to the delicious noises it made, the wet clapping sounds of Izuku’s ass bouncing against his pelvis. It was intoxicating, hearing the sounds of Izuku between cries of “More, please, more!” He spread Izuku’s ass cheeks, thrusting himself deeper and deeper, faster and faster, until the entirety of the world started to blur together.  

“Kacchan, I’m—fuck, I’m coming!” Izuku cried out.

“Shit, m-me too—Deku—!” Katsuki nudged himself one last time as hard as he possibly could, grabbing Izuku’s hips until he sprayed milky, hot cum into Izuku.  

The two collapsed onto the floor next to each other.  They didn’t speak and Katsuki’s mind raced for moment, but managed to silence his loud thoughts of trying to reconcile with what just happened.  Instead, he decided that it did happen and after several minutes, he managed to at least roll over to face Izuku. Izuku’s eyes slowly blinking closed, but he was smiling—a soft, familiar look crept across Izuku’s face.  Katsuki reached out, his hand cupping Izuku’s cheek, rubbing his thumb along Izuku’s jaw.

“Kacchan?” Izuku’s voice trembled.

“Deku.” Katsuki said in between loud breaths.

“Do you hate me?”

Katsuki chuckled, but answered honestly.  “No, Deku.” As he started to sit up, he sneezed loudly, feeling a bit of a scratch in his throat.  “BUT I SWEAR TO GOD, IF YOU GOT ME FUCKING SICK—,”

Izuku giggled.  “Spend the night?”

Katsuki looked over at him.  His cheeks were flushed, sweat beaded down his face.  The sun had mostly set outside.  Katsuki didn’t want to leave.  He wanted to stay here, next to Izuku.

Forever.

[lazyliars]

/rp

DreamXD actually slots very nicely into a working theory I've had for about two or so months now, mainly centering around one question:

What happened to Dream?

Namely, why did Dream change, when exactly did it happen, and was it solely an internal change, or was there an external force at play, specifically a preternatural one?

I think with DreamXD, we might finally have an answer.

Or at least some clues to follow. DreamXD presents a shift in every single paradigm the Dream SMP has had. Like, I think most of it is just being so utterly blind-sided by George Lore Real, but part of it is the massive ramifications of an Actual God* being present in the storyline.

((*On the other resident god of the server, Foolish:

DreamXD is different than Foolish, in that his characterization is so dramatically inhuman - Foolish talks and acts like a (somewhat eccentric) person, and his powers are, as far as we know, limited in comparison to the creative-mode godhood that DreamXD occupies. And whether that is because Foolish is not a "full" god (having been referred to as a demigod) or simply because he's spent so much time around humans, we don't know, but we do know that either way, DreamXD is NOT that.

DreamXD's voice is marked by glitches and dramatic shifts in tone, he seems to lack control over the different aspects of his personality, like the more "Dream" part vs. the darker one that threatens to eat peoples souls. The "normal" part even displays confusion when George references things that the "darker" part said, implying that it may not be fully aware of itself.

TLDR: Foolish acts more human than DreamXD, who has a very eldritch personality.))

To get right to the point:

The Dream we knew before November 16th, and the Dream we know now are not the same. Something changed, and it changed for the worse.

Consider: Dream was always antagonistic to the L'manbergians - he was always imperious to them, and he was responsible for starting a number of fights between his faction and theirs, just as many if not more than they were.

But, he was also not... evil. He'd pick fights with Tommy, the disc wars were still a thing, but the gravity of the spats they had weren't dire. They were fun. They were... actually a game. He wasn't like the way he is now. While in hindsight we can look at these events and detect a serious undertone knowing what's to come, at the time they were far from it.

There is an argument to be made that he had the same tendencies as now, just not expressed as loudly, and while I believe it's a valid argument, I disagree that it's proof of Dream always being the way he is now.

Sapnap, Badboyhalo, Sam. They all remember Dream as their friend - they remember someone who was, maybe a little aggressive and a lot competitive, but not cruel. Not needlessly murderous. Not someone who steals sentimental items and lines the walls of a disgusting museum to use against them.

Dream cut them out. Sapnap was totally blindsided. Bad doesn't seem to fully believe it. Sam blamed himself for not realizing and tried to take the weight of that crime on his own shoulders by becoming the Warden.

There's also the competing theory that what happened to Dream was purely psychological - either the circumstances slowly isolating him from his friends driving him to the do things he's done, or a desire for control that started early and continued to fester until it overshadowed everything else, or any combination of both.

And those theories are still valid, they could still be the case, but I haven't been able to shake the idea that there is something deeper at play. I can't overstate how the exile arc and everything after it have been so inhumane, so cruel, and... not exactly out of character in the sense that I could never see Dream doing them, but in the sense that I could never see him doing them for no reason.

And there really doesn't seem to be one. Dream says himself, it's like a game. He sees people as toys, puppets. And there just doesn't seem to be an inciting incident that could explain how he made the leap from semi-authoritarian leader who, despite being a warmonger, does love his friends, to heartless murderer who wants to reduce everyone he knows to dolls.

There's... ways, he could get there, but nothing that we've seen makes sense. There is a missing piece, something that must have happened from his POV that we didn't get to see because he doesn't stream.

And DreamXD could be it. This godly entity that claims that it is "a part of [Dream]" but that it isn't him entirely. That seems to share the lack of understanding of humanity that Dream has been displaying like when he asks if resurrecting Tommy was “cool.” But that still loves George. He still, despite apparently not having the same history as Dream, desperately wants to be George's friend.

If I had to pinpoint the moment Dream changed, it would be the day that he revealed that he switched sides, and was going to be fighting against Pogtopia. He was paid for this betrayal in the Revive Book.

I mark this as the turning point in my theory because it is the first time Dream mentions his affinity for chaos in the context of hurting others. However, we also know that this likely wasn't the day he actually made the decision to betray - as he revealed that there was a traitor among the Pogtopians, a fact that he likely would have learned before this.

Now, I mark George's lore stream as the introduction of DreamXD proper, and I want that on the record because it isn't technically his first appearance on the server.

Most people will remember him from Techno's stream, where he logged on to break the End Portal in a panic. I doubt the character was properly written into the lore at that time, but it fits neatly with the rest of what we know about him - a guardian of the server, and the keeper of it's rules. No contradictions.

What less people might know, is that DreamXD has made an even earlier appearance, and it's this one where things begin to get... interesting.

Around roughly October of 2020, Tubbo and Fundy did some improv'd streams centering around Demon Hunting, or rather, "Dreamon" Hunting, and it's during the first of these two streams that DreamXD makes an appearance.

The bare bones of it was - Tubbo is an experienced "Dreamon Hunter" and teaches Fundy his ways. They find Dream, and realize that he has a Dreamon inside of him, which is basically an evil version of him. They attempt to exorcise the Dreamon from Dream via various shenanigans, and eventually, they do a ceremony to free Dream. However, they apparently botch it, and unleash the Dreamon within. After more shenanigans, one attempt to fix it utilizing Fundy and Dream's wedding appears to work, but then DreamXD logs on, flys around at Tubbo and Fundy threateningly, and they end stream on the idea that there are probably more Dreamons to hunt.

Now. There's a lot to unpack here. I'm not gonna go into the nitty gritty details in this post, but I do recommend watching the Dreamon streams, as they have A LOT of details that, if this is getting incorporated into the main story line, could be important - especially the focus on duality, having TWO versions of Dream, which end up being potentially separated from each other.

(Also, they're just really funny streams. Tubbo and Fundy are at PEAK chaos and Dream plays along with their inane bit perfectly, it's just good content.)

At the time of the Dreamon streams airing, they were explicitly non-canon. IIRC Tubbo and Fundy referred to them as taking place In an “alternate universe,” which makes sense considering they would have been on opposite sides at the time (Manburg and Pogtopia.)

However.

And this is where I show you my wall of red string and newspaper clippings.

My singular piece of evidence for this comes from one line DreamXD drops. He simply says: “At least you're not hunting me.”

The Dreamon streams take place around early October. Dream reveals his betrayal of Pogtopia around November 6th-7th. The timeline of the Dreamon streams would line up perfectly with the idea that there was a catalyzing event that put Dream on the proverbial path to hell.

I do not believe that they intended the Dreamon arc to be anything other than a side story at the time, but considering that DreamXD himself was barely canon until now, I don't think it's out of the question that they took a look back at a fan-favorite minor arc, saw an opportunity to co-opt it into the current story line, and potentially fill in some holes regarding Dream's characterization all in one move.

On the question of whether this would be a GOOD storytelling move?

The Dreamon theories were prevalent during the exile arc, and I've got to say, I was never a huge fan. The detachment of Dream's actions from his intentions, and by extension his morality, never sat right with me. It feels cheap to make him a victim and say “a Dreamon did it!” in regards to all of the horrible things that he's done. It strips his agency and makes everything that happened less impactful in my opinion, and I stand by that reading.

BUT. With DreamXD introduced, I feel like it's necessary to look at this from all angles. And with the way DreamXD was characterized in George's stream, I don't think it necessarily ruins Dream's character to say that an external force was involved with his descent into evil.

Namely, the idea that whatever happened to Dream was not really a “possession” so much as a gradual loss of humanity, could be an interesting way to look at this. It implies that Dream was always capable of his actions, but grants us understanding as to why he would actually perform them, and why he might have become isolated enough from his friends that they would let this happen.

The Dream we know now could be an expression of his “worst self” brought to the surface by a Dreamon/DreamXD/other. It also begs the question of what would happen if that force were to leave him, and how it might cause yet another shift in character, especially if it were to be portrayed as less of a switch being flipped, and more of a withdrawal, with a gradual process of realizing how far gone he was.

To close this out, I've been stewing on the idea that Dream hasn't entirely been himself since the climax of the Exile Arc.

I think this theory holds water, but it's also not waterproof... there are plenty of holes, and a lot of that comes from the fact that Dream doesn't stream. We're left in the dark when deciphering his character, and what might appear to be the key, could just as easily be revealed as a red herring, or even nothing at all.

Regardless of the validity of the Dreamon theory, I think that DreamXD is one of the most interesting developments we've had on the SMP in a long time, if simply because his arrival coincides with fucking George Lore Real. God. I still don't know how to deal with that.

I always appreciate people adding to the discussion by the way! Feel free to reblog with additions if you like or leave them in the replies.

And if a single one of you comes to my blog on THIS. THE DAY OF MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING. And calls ME a c!Dream Apologist to MY FACE..... I will be v sad.

[peachtree-dish]

A Te Che Sei Il Mio Grande Amore Ch. 4 Di Volta in Volta

Luglio 20, 1969

“Commander Neil Armstrong is making his way out of the spacecraft and is taking his first steps down the ladder to the moon’s surface. In mere moments he will be the first man to step foot on the moon…” The voice was narrated through the tv screen as the events of the first human moon landing played out in front of nearly the entire village. Those who did not have access to radio or television were crammed into their neighbor’s houses to either listen or watch on the small television screens. The usual Sunday atmosphere had been disrupted by the whole world waiting with bated breath as history played out in their living rooms. Luca sat between Giulia and Alberto in front of Massimo’s secondhand TV, fighting the urge to press himself against the class so as not to miss a single detail. He hadn’t slept a wink the night before because he had stayed up listening as the Apollo 11 crew had taken their last orbit around the moon before landing their naveta spaziale on the surface. Behind him, his family was sitting at the dinner table tightly pressed between Massimo and the several cats that had found some form of purchase on his broad shoulders. Luca had not thought it possible, but Massimo’s eyebrows seemed to be furrowed even deeper than usual; they were the only indication that he seemed just as anxious as everyone else.

Luca’s eyes widened as the man on the screen as the astronaut hopped onto the last ring of the ladder, his hands gripping tightly to it as if he were afraid to float away into the expanse of space. Beside him, Alberto squinted closely at the emerging astronaut and rubbed his chin.

“Their suits kinda look like that old diving suit, no?” he muttered in Luca’s ear. Guilia loudly shushed him from Luca’s other side, promptly cutting off any further commentary. Instead of vocalizing his agreement he instead gave an energetic nod to Alberto before the older boy could swat Giulia’s arm in revenge.

“I can see my footprints as I step away from the spacecraft…the surface appears to be covered in… fine, sandy particles…” For one moment, Luca pictured himself bounding across the surface of the moon, the old diving helmet pressed tightly to his shoulders, and space sand floating behind him. He could almost feel himself levitating away from the worn, wool rug of Massimo’s small kitchen, thousands of stars floating above him.

Giulia gasped, startling Luca back to reality, “He’s letting go of the spacecraft!” Sure enough, Armstrong’s grainy figure on the screen was slowly letting go of the ladder and stepping into the unknown of space. In a moment of trepidation, Luca reached wrapped his hand around Guilia’s as they waited for the next few moments to pass. He could hear Alberto inhale sharply beside him, assuming he was just as anxious as the rest of them.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” in one moment the entire world released its breath with a cheer.

Massimo slammed his fist down on the table with a shout of “Vittoria” ringing through the house. His outburst startled the cats into a hissing mess and Nonna Paguro slapped his arm with her cane, claiming a premature heart attack. Around them adults and children were shouting and cheering, many even taking to the streets, their cacophony mixing with the howling of dogs. Giulia hurriedly leaned over to wrap her arms around Alberto and Luca’s shoulders, relieved giggles echoing in their ears as she rushed over to embrace Massimo in earnest. Luca grinned, sparing one last glance at the screen as the rest of the astronauts filed out of the ship, before turning excitedly to Alberto. Without a moment’s hesitation, Luca embraced him, only realizing mere seconds after that his hand was still entangled with someone else’s. At his friend’s stiff posture and flushed face, Luca’s excitement died only to be replaced with confusion. He rocked back onto his heels, one hand draped awkwardly around Alberto’s neck and Alberto’s left hand resting on his hip.

“Alberto?” he breathed, forcing the older boy to peer at him as he pulled away. Alberto blinked rapidly, his hand clenching and unclenching around Luca’s and his green eyes looking desperately around the room. He licked his lips and did not fail to notice Alberto’s eyes following the movement. He opened his mouth to say something before a loud crash broke the atmosphere between them. Machiavelli’s son, Bocelli, had become spooked in the excitement and had managed to knock over Massimo’s favorite tea kettle along with a few teacups. While the kettle had merely been bumped from the impact, three cups had met a disastrous end on the floorboards.

Amidst shouts and curses from the adults, Alberto had firmly and quickly untangled himself from Luca, rushing to the pantry to remove a broom and pan for the mess. Lorenzo was trying his best to scoop the remaining cats into his arms so they wouldn’t get hurt and Daniela was simply yelling at them all to move. Massimo was cradling the kettle with his arm, gently checking for any damage while Giulia remained unseen in the mess, her eyes flitting between Luca and Alberto who still hadn’t said anything. On the carpet, Luca watched as if frozen, unsure of why he felt like crying.

The days following the moon landing and the Apollo 11 crew’s return to earth found Giulia and Alberto working overtime to fill the town’s orders. At least, that was what Luca was telling himself. Since their awkward moment on the rug, Alberto hadn’t spent as much time around Luca, instead of spending hours out fishing and hauling the day’s catch through the streets. His conversations with them would always be clipped, though not unfriendly and he always found a reason not to spend time with them. Giulia, feeling as if she were walking on eggshells, tried to ask Alberto what was going on while they delivered, but he simply brushed off her inquiries with a forced grin. In her opinion, his lies reeked more than days old trash left in the heat. Her frustration grew to an extreme one evening when Alberto bid them both a halfhearted goodnight from the dinner table, claiming he would be staying up later than usual to fill in the finance charts. Ignoring Giulia’s glare and Luca’s hurt expression, he pulled out the counting charts Massimo had been filling out the previous afternoon and began adding the day’s earnings.

“I think he really does hate me,” Luca admitted to Giulia once they passed the archway leading to the docks.

“Don’t be ridicolo, I think he’s just... acting weird?” She floundered, unable to come up with an acceptable response.

“Oh, really, Giulia?!” Luca burst, his frustration surging, “He's not the one who acted weird, I was! I messed up, and now he can’t stand to be around me. I disgust him!” He kicked at a pebble, his expression strained. Luca tried to inhale deeply to calm himself, but the lump in his throat wouldn’t allow it. He turned back to a solemn Giulia, his voice choked. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” To his mounting horror, large drops of water began to spill down his cheeks and before Giulia could even reach out to offer comfort, the teen was tearing down the cobblestones leading to the water's edge. Giulia’s calls were lost in the water as it enveloped him, his salty tears mixing with the sea. He swam for a long time, wanting to avoid his own home for as long as possible. He couldn’t stop thinking about Alberto’s hands on his hip or how it felt to look down into his eyes. Had they not been interrupted, what would have happened? And then he remembered how Alberto had looked frantic, almost afraid of what Luca was going to do. With a half-formed snarl, Luca dove towards the ocean floor. Reaching a shallow cave, he sat down and curled in on himself while his stomach heaved, and his tail thrashed.

“Stupido, stupido, stupido, stupido…” he sobbed over and over, unable to silence Bruno in his mind.

Giulia marched into the house fuming, her eyes landing on Alberto who stared at the wall in front of him, his expression blank. Wordlessly, she picked up the discarded papers on the table and smacked them across the back of his stupid, curly head.

“OW! What the-” Alberto spun around to glare at her.

“Non posso crederti,” she seethed, her hands shaking.

“I don’t have time for your hormonal dramatics, Gi,” Alberto deadpanned, moving to stand and escape from the redhead’s wrath.

“Don’t you dare,” she pushed him back into the chair, her brute strength surprising him. Small as she may be, Giulia was still Massimo’s daughter.

“How can you both keep hurting each other like this? You’re friends, no? Start acting like it!” She flailed her hands hysterically in such a way that Alberto almost wanted to laugh.

“We are friends, tutto bene,” He argued, inwardly wincing at the lie.

“Then why does Luca always look on the verge of tears after being around you? What happened, fratello? You haven’t been the same since the moon landing.” Giulia stared him down with both fists resting on her hips. She rarely referred to him as her brother, and when she did it was because she was trying to show how much she actually cared. That was the one thing Giulia and Alberto always agreed on, they hated to show feelings. Alberto could feel the anxiety he felt on that day building again inside him. He hadn’t meant to make it worse; he was going to make a joke about Luca being scared, but then he had grabbed Alberto’s hand. They touched each other easily all the time, frequent in their affection and friendly nature, but Luca had never held Alberto’s hand like that. Alberto hadn’t wanted to let go. It was just a harsh reminder that eventually he would have to let go of Luca forever. He swallowed thickly and peered at Giulia.

“I’m not going to get in the way of Luca following his dreams,” He said slowly, trying to get his friend to understand. “Luca is meant for grander things than whatever I had planned, I’m just helping him realize that.” Giulia stared at him for a moment before pinching the bridge of her nose and screwing her eyes shut.

“Oh, Dio, I’m surrounded by idiots.”

“Giulia, listen,” He began only to be interrupted by Giulia holding up her hand.

“Silenzio, Bruno. I know you don’t believe that. Luca wouldn’t have any of his dreams without you, and if he were to lose you, those dreams would fade.” Alberto shrank into his seat, not wanting to look her in the eye. With a defeated sigh, the young girl sat beside him.

“You’ve never told us about how you ended up alone, and I’m not going to ask you to tell me,” she interrupted him before he could speak. He swallowed his objection and let her continue, “but I wish you could understand that we’re not like your old family.  Berto,” she reached out and held one of his hands in both of hers, “we will never abandon you, and neither will Luca. But I am afraid that if you continue to act this way, he’ll think you abandoned him.”

Alberto’s head snapped up and he gazed fiercely at Giulia, reminding her of the first time he revealed his sea monster form to her.

“I would never abandon him.”

She stared back coolly and pointed at the bracelet on his wrist, “Then prove him wrong.” With that she stood and marched upstairs, her steps sounding with finality. Alberto watched her empty seat for a few moments, his ears roaring with the pounding of his heart. Before he could reconsider his actions, the chair scraped harshly along the floorboards, and he was rushing towards the warm ocean.

“Luca!” He called desperately into the waves, not caring if any of the other sea folk were sleeping. His shouts startled a school of pandoras swimming by, and they rushed past him as fast as possible. Alberto sped towards Luca’s home, his heart thundering as he reached Luca’s window. Peering in he found Nonna Paguro sleeping on her side of the room, her snores rattling through the water. To his growing anxiety, he found Luca’s bed empty and so turned towards the island where he had often hidden. Crashing clumsily upon the rocky shore, Alberto called out to the tower, its windows and roof dark and unresponsive.

If he looked too closely at the darkened mouth of the tower, he’d see a small child, crying anxiously for his papa to come home. Pushing the dark memories away, Alberto took deep breaths in an attempt to remain calm. Feeling the anxiety in his chest close to bursting, he dove back into the darkened waters and shouted again.

“Luca! I’m sorry, please talk to me!” He swam frantically, his gaze twisting in every direction, hoping to catch a glance of blue. He swam farther out to the ocean, the fields of seaweed sloping into rocky, sand-filled terrain.

“I’m s-sorry,” He gasped, bubbles escaping his mouth and floating towards the moonlit surface. He felt his hope slipping away with them when he heard a hiccupped cry.

“Alberto?” Luca’s voice was raw from his emotional outburst, but it was still the most beautiful sound Alberto had ever heard. Twisting around with enough force to nearly snap his neck, Alberto found Luca peering out from underneath an overhanging rock bank. He felt his own sob of relief escape his throat before he swam down to his friend. The older boy floated in front of Luca, unsure of how he would react.

“Is everyone okay, you sound upset,” Luca’s eyes were red-rimmed, and they pinned Alberto to the spot with their concern. Alberto wanted to slap himself; Luca was obviously hurting yet here he was making sure Alberto and everyone else was alright. How selfish can you be, Alberto?

“No, everyone’s fine, but I’ve been an idiota, Luca. We only have days left before you go back to Genoa, and I’ve spent the past two weeks ignoring you because…” He stopped as he felt his fear resurfacing. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“But that doesn’t make se-”

“I know, that’s why I said I’m an idiota,” he chuckled drily at Luca’s confusion. “You got me off the island, but there are days I feel like I’m drowning.” He explained patiently, “There are so many new things here and I feel like I’m always behind while you’re always ahead.” He swallowed, watching as Luca still looked confused. “I feel like one day you’re going to realize that I’m slowing you down and I don’t want to get in the way of you becoming who you’re meant to be, even if that means I get left behind.”

Luca’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open in shock, “Alberto, there is no dream worth having if you’re not in it.” Alberto stood stunned before him, his mouth had gone shockingly dry considering the saltwater in it.

“Caro,” he whispered, pulling Luca into his arms, too overwhelmed to finish speaking.

“I thought I offended you,” Luca admitted softly, his voice humming against Alberto’s collarbone, “I thought I had made you uncomfortable, when in reality I thought I grabbed Giulia’s hand, I promise.” Alberto felt his stomach drop out from him. He badly wanted to contradict Luca, tell him he had wanted more than anything to grab his hand whenever he could. But he wouldn’t, his fear wouldn’t let him.

“It’s okay, you didn’t offend me. If anything, I can’t blame you. No one can resist my good looks and charm,” He joked, laughing a bit too loudly to be considered natural. Luca snorted and pushed away from him, rolling his eyes.

“You wish, Berto,”

I really do, Alberto thought helplessly.

“Thank you for coming after me, again.” Luca laughed exasperatedly, hiding his face in his hands with a groan. “Giulia probably thinks I’m the most dramatic idiot in all of Italy.”

Alberto shrugged and glanced to the side, “Eh, you’d be surprised, she has her own moments. Must be an Italian thing.” Luca glared at him halfheartedly through his claws.

“Do you wanna head back to your house, or…” Alberto motioned his head back towards Porto Rosso. Luca smiled and motioned back to him.

“Wherever you want, I’ll follow you.”

“Well, it’s about time. I’ve only been waiting for over a year,” Alberto teased, swimming back towards the shining lights of the port town, his best friend’s laughter ringing behind him.

31 Agosto 1969

The last weeks of summer came and went with the laughter of children and a full season of fishing; having decided that winning the Porto Rosso Cup last year had been enough of an adventure, Giulia, Luca, and Alberto had instead spent time behind the scenes helping with the race alongside Signora Marsigliese. The woman had been extra grateful for the help and had run the three of them nearly ragged with preparations. With no Ercole in sight, the race had been far more enjoyable for all the town’s children, and even more so for their families.

Alberto volunteered to keep watch in the bay as the kids swam, already used to having lifeguard duties. He made sure to help anyone who got stuck or might have struggled especially hard. It made Luca’s heart especially warm to watch Alberto interact with the smaller children, encouraging them and even allowing the smallest bambina to latch onto his tail when she got too tired to swim back to shore. This year, Daniela and Lorenzo actually helped by offering water to kids as they struggled up the hill, this time without threatening to dump it on their heads.

In the end, the race was one by a brother and sister from the Ricci family who both were so exhausted they could barely keep the trophy held up between them. The end of the season also meant that Alberto would be working in his many diverse side jobs once it got too cold.

“Do you actually like working in la panetteria? Luca asked him from where he sat on the floor packing his things away.

“It’s not bad,” Alberto shrugged nonchalantly, “it was kinda stressful at first, but Signora Aurora is really nice, and I don’t make nearly as many mistakes as Ciccio.”

“I don’t think anyone could make as many mistakes as him, Ciccio’s a league unto his own,” Luca muttered absently, comparing two different books in his hands. In Alberto’s opinion, they looked the exact same.

“After the weather gets colder, I start baking in the mornings at the Pasticcini, and then Signore Ciano has me help him and Guido in their garage. I offered to help Padre D’uva at the church, but” he shrugged again with a half-smile, “babies don’t really like getting baptized by sea monsters.” Luca snorted and rolled his eyes at the image of a scaled Alberto trying to dunk a screaming child.

“I guess your smile and good charms don’t work on everybody, amico.”

Alberto flipped upside down on the bed and bit his lip suggestively and waggled his eyebrows, “Just you then?” Luca paused a moment to look at him and his gaze was almost enough to make Alberto stop. The young monster tilted his head to the side, considering Alberto’s features.

“Eh, could use some work,” He answered finally turned his head back to his bag, trying to stifle his laughter as Alberto made a face.

The sound of knuckles rapping on the doorframe causes them both to look up. Giulia leaned against the chipped white paint and smiled warmly, “Mind if I come in, ragazzi?” Alberto happily scooted to the side, ultimately remaining in his upside-down state.

“You’re not done packing?” Giulia asked incredulously. Luca only pouted from the floor.

“I can’t decide which books to take,” He ran a hand through his already stressed curls, the motion capturing Alberto’s attention even from his angle.

“You’re such a nerd, you know that right,” She ruffled his hair affectionately.

“As a nerd, it is, in fact, my job to know that, Giulietta.” The brunette stuck his tongue out defiantly before tossing the books back onto their pile. With a groan he stood and stretched his back, the muscles popping into place. Throwing himself on the bed he looked up at the ceiling and said, “I can’t believe summer’s already over, I feel like we just got back!” He flopped back down, his arm thumping Alberto’s stomach.

“Hey, attento!” Alberto swore. He swung himself back up and flopped backward, tugging Giulia along with him. Luca patted his stomach by way of apology before sighing dramatically.

“Why doesn’t school go by this fast?”

“Because then more people would enjoy it,” Giulia sighed from the other side of Alberto, who remained oddly quiet. He turned his head from one side to the other, watching how the late afternoon sun turned Giulia’s hair a violent copper and how it made Luca’s eyes seem molten. Suddenly reaching out, he tugged both close to him and said, “Vi amo, ragazzi.” Luca and Giulia shared a look of befuddlement.

“…Okay?” They replied in unison

“Learn as much as you can and then tell me everything in your letters, okay? Just like before. Except for this time, I’m going to learn new things, too. That way, we can all share what we learned next summer.” He grinned proudly at the thought.

Giulia sat up and cocked an eyebrow at him. “Are you feeling okay, pazzo? Do you need a doctor or something?”

“No, I’m serious. Giulia, you remember what you asked us at the beginning of summer?” She cocked her head to the side before nodding.

“I asked what you wanted to be when we got older.”

“Esattamente! And I have no idea, but I want to find out.” He looked at both Luca and Giulia as they processed his words. Luca was the first to move, wrapping his arms tighter around Alberto’s middle and grinning into his shoulder.

“I think that’s a great idea, caro. I’m proud of you.” Giulia nodded in agreement as she settled back down.

“Even if you don’t figure it out this year, or the next, just goditi il viaggio, like my mama always says. Life is about discovery, if you can’t enjoy it, learn from it.” Alberto hummed contently in response.

“Your mom sounds smart,” he mused.

“She is,” Luca and Giulia answered together, causing the trio to burst into a fit of giggles.

Later that evening, when Massimo climbed upstairs to check on the children, he found Giulia, Alberto, and Luca curled around one another on Giulia’s bed. Alberto had both arms wrapped protectively around both his daughter and Luca while they snored away peacefully. Machiavelli waltzed between his legs before alighting himself upon the bed and curling up next to Alberto’s head. He softly chided the cat to remain quiet and leave the children to their dreams. Without waking them, he softly tucked them in with the blanket from Alberto’s bed before walking out of the room. As he closed the door, he chanced one last glance at his little family and allowed himself a small smile. He could not wait for summer to return.

[all-that-tmnt-jazz]

Valentine’s Day Challenge [14/14]

Warnings: None

Incarnation: Bayverse

Extra Info: Day 14 out of 14. None of the prompts/scenarios are related. This is the last post of my Valentine’s Day Challenge- I hope you all enjoyed it.

Posting: 3:30 PM Each Day

Prompt: Their First Valentine’s Day with Their S/O

Leo:

He had wanted to make you a gift

He didn’t want to have April/Casey/Vern get him a cheap card to give to you and call it a day

No, not this lad

He wrote out many drafts of a letter

Then drafted at least 4 sonnets

Then drafted at least 6 poems

He gave up, then trying to make an actual gift instead of something written

He tried to make a few different things

He borrowed some wood from Raph’s woodworking station to make a couple of carved trinkets

He borrowed some of Donnie’s vinyl mesh to make a messenger bag so you could carry your school books easier

He borrowed some spray paint and a small canvas from Mikey to try to make you a small portrait

All of these didn’t turn out as he planned, so he gave up on them

Valentine’s Day was creeping closer, and he had a blank slate

Nothing

No ideas

“Useless, empty brain!” he would often tell himself

“Wow, washed up. So sad,” Donnie said to him, sipping a cup of coffee

“I’ve got nothing! I’m done!” he groaned

“Hey, you got this. Shake it up, find a new angle.”

Leo chuckled dryly

“And what does that mean?”

“Look around, use anything to your advantage. I’m not giving up on you.”

With that, Donnie left Leo’s room

Leo just scoffed

“‘Use anything to your advantage,’” he imitated. “I’ve got nothing that’s inspiring…”

He looked around his room to confirm his theory

But then, something caught his eye

He saw something on the corner of his desk, and he had a thought 

He knew right then and there what to do

Then, Valentine’s Day came 

He arrived at your apartment and was quick to join you in making dinner

You had also gotten a small cake, which you two shared after dinner

You then gave him what you had gotten

You got him a bonsai sapling and a new blade sharpener- he had mentioned recently that his current one was becoming dull

He kissed you gently

He hesitated before pulling out what he had brought for you

But then, he placed his journal in front of you

“I… I know that I have trouble opening up about my emotions, but I’ve always written them down… I trust you with my heart, Y/n.”

You saw the look in his eyes

He was nervous, and you could see how much it took for him to do this

You hugged him, placing kisses all over his face

He flustered

“Thank you for trusting me.”

Raph:

This guy has everything planned out

He had never been as someone who is a romantic, but boy is he

He’s a sucker for romance 

For six months before Valentine’s Day, he found out your favorite dish

He had never told you his plan, of course

He also found a way to figure out your favorite love songs

And your favorite flowers

(Red Peruvian Lilies- image Here)

So, when he texted you to go to the roof of your apartment building, you were pretty shocked with what he pulled together

He had a speaker playing a playlist of purely love songs that he heard you say “I love this one” about

He figured out how to make your favorite dish from scratch and had it set up on a small table with two chairs

On the center of the table, he had a small bouquet of Red Peruvian Lilies

You were so flustered when you saw everything

“You really did this?”

“Well, I didn’t want to not do something,” he said a bit nervously

You couldn’t help but smile

“I cannot believe you…” you whisper

You approach him and wrap your arms around his torso

He wraps his arms around your shoulders

“I love you, Y/n.”

You just hold him a bit tighter

“I love you, too.”

Donnie:

He had every fine detail planned out

Every tiny thing that one normally wouldn’t find important

(he’s a perfectionist, cut him some slack)

He had turned your rooftop into a place that was equivalent to a movie set

He had his brothers help to install a “ceiling” and four “walls” that were painted to mimic a restaurant, but made sure there was still plenty of airflows

(it would get really warm in there if there wasn’t, despite the cold weather)

He made sure everything was perfect

He convinced Mikey to borrow a record player, then had Casey get your favorite albums

When you got home from work, you texted Donnie to let him know

He responded quickly, letting you know that he was already ready

You quickly got into a different outfit- one ready for a date

You made sure to grab the gift you had gotten him

It was a piece he absolutely needed for a gadget he had been talking non-stop about

When you got to the rooftop, you were shocked

Your jaw dropped, and you smiled

“Hey,” he said

His voice was shaking

“Hey,” you said, still looking around. “This is amazing, Donnie…”

He smiled.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I love it, Donnie. Your mind never ceases to amaze me…”

He gently took the box from your hand and put it down, then taking your hands

You look up at him

He placed one of your hands onto his shoulder, then placed his onto your waist

You two just slow danced around the “rooftop restaurant” 

(as he called it in his mind)

“Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.”

You place your head into his plastron

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

He kissed the top of your head, grateful to have you in his arms

Mikey:

He is the only one of his brothers who invited you to the Lair

He was able to convince Splinter to let him use the dojo

He set up several strings of multi-colored fairy lights around the dojo

He had printed out every picture you two took together and clipped them to the fairy lights

There were hundreds, so this took him several days

His brothers were almost uncomfortable with the silence in the rest of the Lair because of how much time he spent in the dojo

(Raph would actually go in there to “train.” In actuality, he just wanted to hear Mikey’s voice as he talked to himself- and occasionally to Raph)

Not only did Mikey do that, but he also spray-painted a portrait of the first picture you two took together

And he convinced April to get him a bouquet of roses to give to you

He was actually incredibly nervous before you arrived

He started pacing

He checked your location often, just to make sure you were safe as you walked over

His brothers had never seen him so high-strung

When you arrived, his eyes turned into hearts

You were wearing orange

His color

His heart would not stop pounding

When he showed you his setup, your heart swelled

And then when you saw the portrait he made, you could have married him right there

That night, his brothers had never heard him laugh so much

Neither of you could be happier.

[edens-breathless-melodies-moved]

words: 3.2k

pairing: komori m. x f!reader

prompt: face riding

warnings: cursing, cunninglingus, hair pulling, kaori being crude lmao, slight dom/sub undertones

summary: when komori overhears his girlfriend telling her best friend that she wishes they’d do more than just vanilla sex, who is he to not indulge her?

“what do you mean by “just vanilla” sex?!” kaori exclaimes flabbergasted, completely ignoring the nasty looks from the others customers in the cafe along with you sinking further into your seat in embarrassment.

“kaori!” you half whispered, half shouted in embarrassment, (s/c) cheeks blazing as you quickly turned to apologize on your best friends behalf for the crude outburst.

you turned back in your seat to face her with a huff, glaring at her in annoyance. “i would reallyyyy appreciate it if you didn’t overshare my “lacking” sex life with the rest of the cafe!” you hissed, throwing a crumpled napkin at her in retaliation.

kaori simply plucked it out of the air before it could hit her, much to your dismay. she placed it on her empty plate as she continued to stare at you with a combination of pity, bewilderment, and amusement.

“so you’re telling me,” she drawled, taking a sip from her drink as she watched you squirm under her sharp and judgmental gaze.

“that lover boy only does the basic to get you off, no kinky stuff?” she can only look at you in horror as you nod your head shyly, face still on fire from the topic of the conversation.

suddenly she spits out, “so no choking?” you squeak.

“no!”

“spanking?”

“no!”

“hair pulling?!”

“kaori!”

kaori groans loudly in frustration as you rush to quickly apologize to the other customers again. “c’mon!” she moans tiredly, flopping her chin to rest on her palm as she looks at you.

“hair pulling is the most basic thing i can think of and you guys don’t even do that?!”

“hey! i’m not shitting on you for all the freaky shit you and yukie do so piss off!” you bark back, feeling slightly attacked as you heatedly take another sip of your ice tea, hoping it will calm your nerves.

kaori rolls her eyes before a lecherous thought runs through her head. sighing, she tosses her head back and closes her eyes, raising a hand to press against her forehead. “only because i don’t give you all the full, juicy details!”

she exclaims dramatically, cracking one eye open to see your reaction to her little slip up.

to see if you took the bait.

you paused at her words. ‘full details?’ you think to yourself in slight confusion and mild intrigue. you raise an eyebrow at her, silently telling her to continue.

kaori’s grin turn downright sinister as you take her bait and you immediately begin regretting your life choices.

“i mean,” she drawls. “if i told you everything,” she puts emphasis on everything. “i’m pretty sure i’d put you in an early grave, (y/n)-chan~” she chirps at the end, eyebrows waggling suggestively.

you scoffed, an amused smile quirking your lips as you lean towards your best friend, settling your chin on your intertwined fingers before cocking an eyebrow at her as a challenge.

kaori smirks as she mimicks your pose, raising an eyebrow at your smug smirk in defiance.

“wanna try me? maybe you’ll give me some ideas.”

you taunt as an evil glint appears in kaori’s eyes as she accepts your challenge. “oh ho?” you think you can handle it, (y/n)? once i start, there’s no going back...” she’s trying to give you a way out. cute.

“try me you overgrown owl.”

“it’s on you clipped crow!”

neither of the best friends noticed a certain bushy browed male smile to himself only two booths down from them. he ordered another drink when the waiter passed by and made himself comfortable, having no intent to leave anytime soon.

———————————

“toya, babe! i’m home!” you called out into the apartment, shrugging off your coat and hanging it up before venturing deeper into the apartment.

you and komori motoya have been together for four years, living together for two of them. now both in your second years of college, you guys couldn’t be more happy than you are right now. everything was perfect.

except for the sex.

now don’t get me wrong, the sex was phenomenal. komori always took well care of you, massaging your body and always making sure you had at least one orgasm before he came himself.

it was sweet, passionate, and comfortable.

but that can get old after awhile and sometimes you just wish he would spice things up a bit every now and then, but you were too shy to voice anything and though you love him, he could be a bit dense from time to time.

“hey baby, welcome back! i’m in the kitchen preparing dinner for tonight!” your boyfriend’s playful voice called out from the kitchen and you couldn’t help the warm feeling that settled in your chest.

you walked into the kitchen only to be greeted by the adorable sight of your tall boyfriend in your cute pastel apron, humming to himself as he sliced up the beef that would be going into tonight’s stir fry.

he looked up from the cutting board and when navy eyes meet (e/c), he shined you his million dollar smile before going back to the cutting board. the amount of love you felt for him was making you light headed.

fuck what kaori said, why fix something that isn’t broken? you love komori and he loves you. who gives a fuck about vanilla sex?

komori watched you smile softly at him from the corner of his eye and bit back the smirk that was threatening to escape as you walked behind him to wrap him in a hug, burying your face into his back as you inhaled his cologne.

he couldn’t help but silently fawn at how cute you were, his heart nearly bursting out of his chest when you murmured into his back how you missed him.

finally finishing prepping the meat, he stuck his hands under the sink to rinse them off before wiping them down and turning to face you, wrapping him arms around you in a full hug.

“i missed you too, baby.” he sighs into your hair, burying his nose in it before giving you a quick kiss and pulling you back to he can look into your eyes.

he chuckled in his head as he saw how you peered up at him with doe eyes, a soft smile on your face as you clearly radiated a soft warmth; love.

oh how he was gonna enjoy wiping it off your face and replacing it with wanton desperation instead.

———————————

you sighed happily as you placed your chopsticks besides the now empty bowl of stir fry. “god i forget how good of a cook you are sometimes, babe.” you sigh out as you place your hands on your full stomach, satisfied.

komori let’s out a laugh as he eyes your closed gaze and content grin, lightly shaking his head as he brings your bowls to the sink and sets them aside. he’d wash them later.

right now he had a more important task at hand.

your eyes fly open in shock as you let out a light squeal, your hands flying to clutch your boyfriends shirt as he suddenly picked you up and threw you over his shoulder. ‘geez i forget how buff he is sometimes...’

“toya! what are you doing?” you laugh as he continues to carry you towards your shared bedroom, ignoring your playful cries and smacks to his back as he cheerfully whistles, a smug smirk on his face.

he kicks the bedroom door open and you let out a small screech as he dumps you lightly onto the mattress, bouncing slightly as you continue giggling, face a little pink from his sudden manhandling.

you watch in amusement and intrigue as he turns to walk over and close the door before facing you again with a small smirk, an unfamiliar glint in his eyes as he stares you down on the bed.

a dull ache resonated between your thighs as you gulp nervously, getting a little wound up at the way he was looking down on you. he’s never looked at you like this before, like he was about to eat you up.

“toya? what’s gotten into you?” he stays silent as he begins to walk towards you, his smirk growing as you unconsciously beginning shuffling backwards onto the bed until your back presses firmly against the head board.

your heartbeat is in your throat and the ache between your thighs begins to throb as you watch your sweet, gentle boyfriend crawl onto the bed and settle himself between your thighs, all while not breaking eye contact as he licks his lips. you swear your face could rival the surface of the sun right now.

“sweetheart,” you shiver as he coos his favorite pet name, the one he uses before you guys fuck. his usually playful voice dropped down an octave as he leans close to you, eyes never breaking contact.

he smirks to himself when he sees your eyes nervously dart to his lips before coming back to him, and her certainly doesn’t miss the subtle way your thighs clench together as he places his large hands on top of them, giving the soft flesh a firm squeeze.

“did you have fun at lunch with kaori-chan today?” his question catches you off guard, and you cock your head in confusion. why would he ask about your lunch with kaori?

you stare at him in confusion and his smirk only grows, closing the distance between you until his lips are barely brushing yours. you have to physically fight the urge to just surge forward and connect them and komori notices this, much to your dismay.

“you seemed like you were in a good mood when you came back earlier? did you guys have a good conversation?” he continued to stare you down and it was only when his dexterous fingers came into contact with your clothed crotch that everything finally clicked.

your face immediately erupted into flames and komori couldn’t hold back the genuine laugh as he watched you basically have a mental breakdown in front of him.

“ohhhh my goddddd!” you groaned as you brought your hands to cover your face in embarrassment. “you’re telling me you were there and heard all of that?” you whispered in exasperation as you peeked at him from between your fingers, hoping you weren’t correct.

“i was in there first just grabbing a quick bite to eat, and it’s kinda hard to miss kaori-chan’s voice when she decides to holler whatever she’s thinking.” another groan escaped your lips as komori buried his face in your neck and you felt him smile into your skin.

“so does that mean-?” “that i heard just exactly what you wanted to try with me?” he supplied nonchalantly as he pressed an open mouthed kiss against your neck, relishing in the small whine that escaped your throat.

you held your breath as he pulled away from you, eyes wide with barely contained lust and excitement as he stared you down with that same intensity from earlier.

“that’s a yes, sweetheart.” you gulped as you felt his hand come back to lightly cup your cunt, and you nearly whimpered when he applied more force to it, voice dropping lower as he licked his lips.

“now be a good girl and take your pants off for me, hm?”

———————————

you gulped harshly as you settled yourself just above your boyfriends face, chewing on your bottom lip nervously as he smiled sweetly up at you from between your thighs, blue eyes heavy with lust as he trailed his gaze down to your glistening folds.

you might be feeling nervous about riding your boyfriend’s tongue but your body was clearly ready for it. komori nearly drooled at the sight of your slick cunt, folds practically dripping in arousal and he couldn’t wait to bury his face in and make you cry.

though komori may be all geared up and ready to start the show, you on the other hand we’re having second thoughts.

“i don’t know about this, toya.” you said worriedly, teeth still worrying your bottom lip as you brought a hand down to caress his face. “i don’t wanna accidentally hurt you...”

a gasp escaped your lips as your eyes widened in horror. “oh my god, what if you can’t breathe! or-”

you worried rambling was quickly cut off by a startled moan as komori pulled you down by your thighs and settled you directly onto his mouth. his eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head as he moaned at your taste, the vibrations sending shocks straight to your clit and you moaned again, lightly grinding yourself on his face.

komori gave your clit a small lick before pulling it into his mouth, sucking lightly while flicking his tongue against and his hips bucked into the air when you grabbed onto his hair and pulled, your moans coming out breathy and high.

“that’s it sweetheart,” he groaned into your folds as you continued to rock lightly on his tongue, eyes closed in bliss as you pulled steadily on his light brown locks. “that’s it. now be a good girl and just let me take care of you, yeah?”

“o-oh fuck! toya!” you cried as he began to eat you out earnestly, arms coming around to lock onto your thighs as his tongue lashed against your clit, causing you to scream his name as he pulled it into his mouth to harshly suck on it like candy.

komori was on cloud nine, basking in the way your pillowy thighs wrapped his head like the warmest pair of earmuffs while you continued to spill yourself on his tongue, fingers gripping and tugging his hair deliciously.

you pant as you grind your hips steadily on his face, a small sheen of sweat covering your body as you let out another choked moan when he lightly pressed his tongue into your spasming cunt, as if testing it out.

the wail you let out when he thrusted his entire tongue into you and the grip you had on his hair had you both thinking the same thing-

we should’ve done this earlier.

the cries you were letting out were getting higher and more desperate as komori continued to thrust his tongue into your wet hole, drinking up all the sweet nectar you were spilling onto his tastebuds.

when komori pulled his tongue from you to trail it up to your clit before giving it a light nip you yelped and peered down between your thighs in slight annoyance, only now getting a good look at him.

your breath caught in your throat and your face seemed to burn even brighter at the absolutely wrecked expression of your boyfriend.

his cheeks were tinged red and covered in your essence as he wrapped his lips around your clit and slurped loudly, drawing as much of your nectar into his mouth as possible.

his eyes were shut close and cute thick eyebrows were drawn together in desperation as he moaned heavily into your cunt, thick cock twitching at every moan that escaped your lips.

komori knew you were getting close when you began rocking against his face faster, whimpers increasing in pitch as you practically dripped into his awaiting mouth. he decided to open his eyes and nearly came untouched at the sight above him.

you looked like a goddess above him, (s/c) skin glowing softly from sweating as you clenched your thighs around his head. pink lips were swollen from you digging your teeth into them and beautiful (e/c) orbs locked with his, half lidded and filled with tears as you panted with parted lips, basically begging him to let you come on his tongue.

the heat in your abdomen was reaching a fever pitch when suddenly one of komori’s thick fingers shoved itself into your clenching core, stretching you deliciously as it crooked up to curl directly into the spongey spot on your top wall. you couldn’t breathe.

his eyes were hard on yours as he crooked his finger into your g-spot again. it was like time had stopped when he growled out a deep “come” before pulling your clit into his mouth a final time and sucking harshly that you finally shattered.

a scream ripped from your throat, broken cries of “toya!” and “fuck” echoing throughout the bedroom as you came the hardest you’ve ever came in your life on your boyfriend’s face.

komori didn’t let a single drop to waste, lapping it all up and softly massaging your clit with his tongue as he gently helped you ride out your intense orgasm. it was only when you shakily pulled off of his face and collapsing on the bed next to him that he sat up and peered over your body.

your chest was rising shakily as you pulled in deep breaths, trying to ground yourself from something so mind blowing. blue eyes trailed down from your heaving tits to the mess between your legs, thighs shining weakly in the bedroom light.

another twinge of arousal shot through him and komori was reminded of the throbbing ache in his cock. he never would’ve imagined he would have gotten so worked up from eating you out, but he’s definitely not complaining.

his gaze shifted back to your face when you let out a breathless laugh, eyes still closed as you basked in the afterglow. “there’s no fucking way that’s your first time eating a girl out.”

a deep chuckle sounds off to your right as you feel the bed shift underneath his weight as komori moves closer to you. “you’re right, it’s not.” he muses, and you swear you can see how smug he is without even having to look at him.

just as your about to throw a half-baked retort at him something hard and hot nudges against your cheek and your eyes fly open in alarm, only to be met with the tantalizing view of your boyfriend hovering over you to your right, his thick and heavy cock lightly nudging your cheek.

“but it is the first time i’ve ever had such a gorgeous girl ride my face before.” he smirks down at you, taking in your flushed expression as he lightly taps his cock against your cheek again.

a sharp hiss leaves his lips as his face drops in pleasure when you press a small kiss against his tip before giving it light kitten licks, eyes never leaving his.

another smirk makes its way to lips as he throws his right leg over your body, nestling his thighs around your head as you stare up at him in shock and poorly contained lust.

he groans deep in his throat when you take his tip fully into your mouth, tongue massaging just underneath the head. a small smile stretches komori’s pink lips before his hand comes down to caress your check, very reminiscent of the same way you did to him earlier.

you moan when he lightly thrusts his hips forward, sinking more of his cock into your tight mouth with a moan of his own. “now,” he pants lightly, gazing down at you with lust and love swirling in those beautiful blue eyes as he recalls another piece of your earlier conversation.

“be a good girl and return the favor to daddy, hm?”

taglist: @lovelypasteldreams @living-for-drama @arixtsukki @month-seasoning @bakarinnie

[officialwittek]

pt. 4

*gif is not mine* 

word count: 2,101

Ever since my little conversation with the girls I haven’t been able to really be myself around Jeff. Now I notice the side glances, the lingering touches on my thigh, the way his breath hitches when I get pushed a little too close to him at parties, and everything else I haven’t noticed before. My friends were adamant that he liked me back but I couldn’t see it. Slowly I distanced myself from them, for one my manager thought it would be a good idea to release some new music soon so I was extra busy and I can’t really be around my friends without feeling like my heart is going to explode. Of course they started noticing and not a day went by where I didn’t get texts from at least three of them asking where I was and why I stopped coming around. Even Jason and Josh dropped my apartment to make sure I was still alive.

Three weeks have gone by since my sleepover with Jeff. We still talk but not as much as before. Carly and Natalie were constantly calling and texting and I truly felt bad, but it would seem like such a bullshit excuse to say it’s because of my crush on Jeff.

“Sage, this is... this is real good work. I’m thinking we finish it up, and be set to release it in two weeks” James, my manager, said listening to to the final of three of the songs

“Thanks dad, I think today we’re recording the last song. I’ll email you our final version by the end of the day” I reply, he ruffles my hair and nods, leaving for another meeting while the producer and I talk about the last track

We record for about four hours, fine tuning every last detail. After the two of us finally felt good about it we sent the file to James who also gave the approval. We sent it in the the higher ups who also gave us the ok. All the promotional pictures were finished, we had an album cover chosen, now to put it all together and make this my first serious piece of art. After the long morning I decided to head straight to my apartment. I wasn’t particularly hungry anyways. I parked my car and took the elevator up to my apartment.  

I noticed shushing and brushed it off, thinking it was just Carly and Erin messing around. I unlock the door and see all of my friends crammed into this fairly small apartment. No one had their cameras out and they all had their arms crossed I sighed and put my things down before shutting the door.

“Before you even say anything. No I’m not on drugs, I don’t hate anyone, and I actually have been working on my music. My first EP is coming out in a few weeks” I explain, their faces relax and Carly walks up to me

“Don’t you ever try to ghost us like that again. We hated it” She said, wrapping her slender arms around my shoulders and I nodded, our friends came around and we all had a sweet group hug

“Well a congratulations are in order. I think we should celebrate tonight” David says, laughing loudly

“Fine, I’m stealing a Red Bull from your fridge though” I say, we all go downstairs and I finally notice some of their cars parked there

We all head to David’s house and I grab a Red Bull. We all sit in the living room. Filming dumb bits and getting ready for tonight. David wanted to throw it at his house since he wanted to keep it relatively small. Natalie, Carly, and Erin went to stock up for the night, asking me about all my favorite things. It took about an hour and a half for them to come back. Everyone helped get things from Nat‘s car and set up. We were finally ready and decided to start drinking before everyone got here.

“May Ilya and Zane stay away from the hospital. Amen” I yell, all of them cheering in response as we take our shots

After a few rounds of shots I was already pretty tipsy. I sat down at the couch, answering a few congratulatory texts from others. I talked to a few of our friends here and there. Jeff was nowhere to be found. I frowned a bit, but who can blame him? After all, I’m the one who made the decision to not talk to him.

“Do you think we could get a sneak peak?” Jason asks, taking a set next to me but I shake my head

“I want to keep it a complete surprise. Plus I’ve been thinking about having a release party and showing everyone there” I said, Jason actually thought that was a much better idea than just playing it

We made small talk here and there, apparently Wyatt has been dying to see my new studio. I loved Jason’s kids like they were my own family, especially since Wyatt and I have such a love for music.

“I’d love to have Wyatt at the studio. He can even record some things if he wants to. I know how to produce as well” I said, Jason damn near cried at the suggestion and we set a date

“Someone looks a little sober” Zane yells from behind us, I laugh and allow him to take me to the kitchen where the others were taking shots or making their best interpretations of different cocktails

After sampling everyone’s horrible attempt at a blackberry mojito it’s safe to say I was one shot away from exiting the physical realm. Especially since Zane decided it was appropriate to just dump nearly an entire bottle of rum in the drink. After a few minutes Todd headed to the door and let someone in. I heard the familiar accent and my heart dropped to my stomach. Jeff is here.

To be fair, I’m probably the only one who really cares that much, especially since I’m drunk as hell and I have a crush on the dude. I try to run and hide in a corner but there’s a lot more people now. I finally see an opening and head straight for the backyard. Thankfully no one noticed because Zane was too busy doing something extremely dangerous. I sit in one of the chairs we reserve for smoking, hitting my puff and scrolling mindlessly through TikTok, trying to get the thoughts out of my head. I hear the sliding door open and look up to see David.

“Alright what’s wrong? You look like we threw a party because we killed your dog” David jokes, my lips spread into a light smile

“Nothing, I’ve just been so exhausted lately with everything going on.. that’s all” I lie, I mean I’m not really lying, just not telling him the whole truth

“So it has nothing to do with Jeff showing up and you’re definitely overthinking and avoiding him even more. C’mon I’ve known you for forever, you can’t lie to me” He replies, his tone suddenly being serious

And it’s true, I’ve known David since I moved out here. He was my first real L.A friend. He’s seen me at my absolute lowest moments, and someone I could always go to whenever something was wrong. I hated that he could read me like a book.

“Fine, the Jeff thing is a contributing factor. But I’m being honest about the exhaustion” I say, crossing my arms like a child

We sit and talk, something we haven’t done in forever. It felt nice to have someone listen to me. After about half an hour of just talking we decide to head back inside. I felt too sober again and took some shots with Natalie and Toddy. I could feel Jeff’s eyes glaring a hole into the side of my head, but I was too sober to deal with anything right now.

At around 1:00 am. I got hungry and ordered DoorDash for everyone. All the other guests had left so it was just our main group scattered around the house. Jeff was surprisingly still here. Todd had whispered to me earlier that the only reason he was sticking around this late was to make sure I got home alright. I smiled at the sentiment, he was always making sure my drunk ass was safe.

Our DoorDash arrived and we all ate while watching some movie David found on Netflix. Jeff took a seat next to me, the look in his eyes was telling me he was going to ask for my permission so I simply nodded and scooted over so he could be comfortable. After we ate David wanted to get some last minute bits before we left for his vlog tomorrow.

“Jeff are you attracted to Sage?” David asks, my breath hitches in my throat, making me choke on my water

“No, I’ve blocked her out. Since she’s part of the friend group I don’t want to make anything weird” He replies, I can tell the answer even made David a little upset

Jason makes a joke to lighten the mood before there’s any tension which I greatly appreciate. Although Jeff’s words struck a cord, while I sit there repeating what he said it hits me. He’s right, I can’t guarantee that if Jeff and I were together that it would be for life and I can’t lose my second family. He’s right, it would never happen. Before I know it I feel my eyes watering and Natalie gently grabs my hand before leading me to her room with the rest of the girls in tow. When she closes the door I finally let it all out

“It’s ok princess, let it out” Mariah says, the girls wrapping me in a group hug

“It’s so stupid, we’re best friends before I let this stupid ass crush ruin everything but just hearing him say that out loud made it so much more concrete that we will never be together” I cry, resting my head on her shoulder

We have a little talk and I clean myself up before we all go back outside. At that point  David was done filming and was looking through the footage on his camera to pick out some clips. Jeff was waiting patiently on the couch before Corinna spoke up.

“Hey Jeff, I’m gonna take Sage home. We have some plans tomorrow and it would just be easier if I stay over” She says, it’s sort of true, Corinna has some meetings in the morning and they’re closer to my place but she isn’t staying over

“Oh ok, I should head out then. I’ll see you guys later” Jeff says, saying his goodbyes and leaving

“So was anyone else uncomfortable with Jeff’s answer or was it just me?” David asks, the group agrees, it’s definitely in his right to say that I mean no is mad

“Yea, I wasn’t mad cause it’s his own opinion and Jeff is a big boy, but he seems to sort of lead you on for him to turn around and say that he doesn’t even see you like when we ask him about Natalie and Corinna” Heath replies, everyone nods in agreement and I just sigh

“I’m not mad, I mean I have been sort of ghosting everyone these past few weeks, maybe he’s just upset” I explain, Heath and Todd give me the look

“Baby that’s bullshit and you know it” Heath laughs, Todd agrees with him and taps my leg

“To be honest, he was very stressed out while you were gone” He says, I know he’s trying to make me feel better but it doesn’t really help

Corinna and I leave shortly after we have our little group talk. We caught up during the car ride and before I know it we’re at my apartment. We say goodbye and plan to meet for lunch tomorrow before I head up to my apartment. I knew Carly was probably fast asleep so I tried to be as quiet as possible.

I get ready for bed and climb into my warm blanket, wrapping myself like a burrito. I browse TikTok on my phone for a few minutes before setting my alarm. Just before I let sleep take over my phone buzzes on my nightstand.

Jeff: I missed you.. I’m sorry for being an asshole tonight. I had no idea that I was leading you on, but I didn’t know you had a crush on me..

Fuck.

[kerwritesthings]

Subway Surfing

Summary: When a literal run in changes the course of a day, let alone of a life…

Word Count: little bit over 2.2k

Warning: adorable, fluff and funny

Author Notes: A bit of a birthday surprise for @fallinallincurls​ - Happy, happy birthday Bre! Big birthday deserves nothing more than the start of a new verse for the hockey boy I forced at you last year. Umm sorry not sorry.

Things have been a lot of not ok around here for a good clip, I’ve been really not ok. It’s been hard. Writing hasn’t come, life has just kept throwing me down and down. Trying to fight the way back up, not easy but I’m trying. This was a nice way to try to get back some of that light. I had been poking at this for a beat, the idea gnawing at me with some pieces written, notes scribbled around, but birthday sparkle helped get it over the finish line. Part two already has some bones, as does part three - but please to bear with me if you will.

You hate that it’s a Saturday and you’re trekking your way into the office. It’s finally truly fall in the city and it’s a gorgeous day. The last thing you want is to be stuck at your desk behind a computer screen. You want a hot spiked apple cider, a book, a good playlist and your plaid blanket on the grass in Central Park.

It looks like the rest of the city is awake early on this day for the same reason. The subway, which normally is slightly more bearable at this time on a weekend, is the furthest thing from that. It’s packed with people including the grimy, sweat-ladened guy in the chopped-up joggers and crocs who keeps trying to “accidentally” bump and grab you every chance he gets.

The next stop, you try to move but too many people are coming on and off as the doors only quickly open and shut. You just end up jostling as the car jolts in its start. You can’t fall forward. It would land you right into the situation you’re trying to flee. Instead, you try to lean back but you slip. Fully prepared to wipe out, a hand comes gently to steady your elbow while another holds you at your shoulder.

You hear a mish mosh of “careful there” and “are you ok” crossing together as you get back steady on your feet.

“Thanks for saving me for either face planting or landing in that sweaty creep’s grasp,” you say, sliding your bag back securely on your shoulder before turning.

You know those faces. You’ve seen them on billboards and most definitely on TV. Shit, shit and shit. Of course, the two star, absolutely adorable bestie forwards from the New York Islanders have come to your rescue. This would be your luck. At least you pulled yourself somewhat together for this Saturday jaunt to the office. You keep a straight face, smiling normally and not letting anything on.

“Couldn’t let you risk that. He’s been a bit of an ass since he got into the car. We said if he were still acting a fool at next stop, we would jump in. Plotted a rescue mission and everything,” the one explains, hand running through his hair.

“His mission was to cross his arms and give him the eye,” the other mocks, shoving at his friend’s shoulder. “I mean I guess he can look threatening, like a puppy maybe.”

You couldn’t help but laugh. These two are exactly as they’ve seemed in interviews. Mathew and Anthony really are as thick as thieves.

“That sarcastic asshole is Anthony and I’m Mat. We’ll stay close until he leaves, or you need to,” he remarks.

“You don’t have to do that. It’s the subway. That happening unfortunately is just another day that ends in y, you know?” you explain. “I also don’t want to take up more of your time or ruin any of your plans.”

“You deal with that? Often?” Anthony asks, eyes a little wide.

“Welcome to New York,” you shrug. “Not every day thankfully. But it’s often enough.”

“I hope you know, that wasn’t, and we weren’t...” Mat tries to stumble through.

“No, no, no. Totally. I didn’t get that whatsoever,” you respond. “Not that from either of you guys. Promise. It’s sweet to know there are still gentlemen out in this world.”

They both get a little bashful smile across their pretty faces.

“Glad to help,” they practically say in unison which causes you to bark out a laugh.

Time to shoot your shot, you think to yourself. Worse case, it’s a moment you get to have for a fun bar story.

“I think we need to become friends, boys,” you start. “Or at the very least, I owe you a drink for saving me.”

“Yes,” Anthony jumps in, nodding his head with a wide grin. “You should come to brunch with us.”

“If I didn’t have to get to the office I would,” you reply. “Unfortunately, it’s stuff I need done before a Monday morning meeting.”

“Office work on a Saturday? That’s no fun. Play hooky! We can promise a bottomless brunch,” he teases.

“Maybe after though?” Mat chimes in with a soft smile. “Get what you need to done, give you something to look forward to after?”

“I don’t want to ruin whatever plans you’ve had for the day,” you begin before the boys both shake their heads.

“It’s just brunch and shopping to try to get this one to up his style game,” Mat chides while Anthony rolls his eyes.

You bite your lip fighting back yet another giggle. These two, at the very least, would truly make some good friends. You dig around in your tote, finally snatching your card holder.

“Not sure how long I’ll be stuck. I’m hoping only a couple hours. But. If you’re serious. Text or call me,” you say, handing one off to each of them.

They both nod, each pocketing your card as the subway comes to a halt.

“Oh shit, this stop is mine. Thanks again for the soft hands and clutch assist guys,” you wink, dashing away quickly before the doors close.

“What is my life,” you mutter, the boys waiving as the train pulls away. “I need to get to the office.”

“Ok, I think that’s the first time we’ve ever had someone realize who we are in public, without a whole big scene or making a blatant ass grab type pass. We’re keeping her. Plus, you like her,” Anthony teases, shoving at Mat’s shoulder as they hit the sidewalk coming up from the subway.

“I could say the same thing to you Tito,” he snarks back, shoving in return. “You were batting the eyes. I’m not blind.”

“She seems cool and yeah she’s pretty, but I’m not jaw drop like you were when you saw her,” he chirps back. “I was trying to get a rise out of you dude. And it worked, you actually stepped up the game. And now you have her info. Don’t make me text her too. Cause I will.”

You’re just about to settle into your email with a cup of what your office likes to consider coffee when your phone starts buzzing about in quick succession.

“Looks like this is a thing,” you mumble to yourself, lips quirking up into a half smile as you formulate a reply.

“You knew?” Anthony grins over his beer. “From the start?”

You nod, sipping at your cider. You pushed through your work to be able to meet the two downtown at this tiny spot in NoLiTa that was tucked away from the crazy of the neighborhoods it was snug between. It wasn’t as sleek as you thought they’d choose; it was something much more comfortable and lower key.

“Really?” Mat questions.

“Yep. One of you not with the other? I would have had to do double take. I would have noticed, but probably would have questioned. However, the two peas in a pod together? That was a no brainer,” you explain, fighting back a bit of a giggle.

“You didn’t say anything,” Mat replies.

“How many times does that happen and it turn into a thing or a bit of a scene?” you circle the bottom of the cider bottle around on the tabletop. “There was also no point to, either. You were just trying to enjoy the day and you were being super kind keeping me from wiping out. I get it’s New York, so it’s a less likely thing but it still happens.  So, if I could keep it from another one of those moments...”

“Told you Barzy, we’re keeping her,” Anthony taps his beer against yours. “Welcome to the crazy, Evangeline.”

You can’t help but tinge a little pink.

“Well then. If that’s the case, my friends call me Evie,” you smile.

“Evie,” Mat lets the name roll around his tongue.

A couple rounds later, of both beers and darts, you realize how tight the two are and more so, how easily you could become entangled in friendship with them. And you do. Texts and memes and random photos fly back and forth, you all hang when all your schedules align. You’re also fostering relationships with each of them separately too; sharing recipes of things you want to try to bake and longing about the places you miss in Quebec with Anthony while Mat was trying to teach you more about basketball (with little luck) and in turn you trying to expand what he calls music and what actually is music. You also share some of your favorite places in the city that the two really didn’t know about. It was easy with them, together and individually but you were getting a bit more of a tug, a bit of a warmer burn with Mat.

A Saturday morning a few weeks after the afternoon drinking funtivities, you wake up to a few texts, photos really, from the group chat with the boys. First is a pair of tickets and passes to their game that night. Second is two jerseys: a blue Barzal and a white Beauvillier. The third, a text from Mat.

Choose carefully…

We’re also not taking no for an answer. You’re coming. Game and drinks after.

“Oh shit,” you exhale, quickly jumping to your closet.

“Beth?” you call out from your room, tossing through your clothes looking for two specific items. “Please tell me you don’t have plans tonight.”

“Hot date with a bottle of pinot noir and trash tv, why?” she pokes her head into your room.

“Good. You do now. You’re coming with me to the Islanders game tonight,” you mutter, flipping through more hangars.

“Wait excuse me?” she flops down, cross-legged on the end of your bed.

“So, I may have left a tiny detail out from when I told you about the two cute guys who saved me on the subway,” you explain.

“Ok and?” Beth prompts you to continue.

“They’re Islanders…” you trail off.

“What?” she screams tossing one of your throw pillows at you.

“I’m trying to not make a big deal, cause you know. But, at the same time, well you know,” you reply, finally finding the long sleeve you wanted to wear as well as one of your hockey jerseys.

“You need to give me more than this, Evie,” Beth pries.

You lean back against your closet door.

“It was Anthony Beauvillier and Mat Barzal,” you say.

Beth screams and throws another pillow at you.

“You just casually didn’t tell me that you met the damn Calder winner and his like bromance bestie,” she laments. “Evie, what the fuck?”

“This is exactly why,” you sigh. “Like it started out as ok I could have a moment, a cool story to tell. But honestly, they’re two really great guys.”

“You’re not telling me something, I can see it in that wistful look,” she pokes. “Oh god you’re sweet on one of them, aren’t you?”

You shake your head at Beth, not acknowledging the question. Shoving her over a little, you fold the jersey on the bed next to her, so the logo was perfectly visible, but no giveaway of the name on the back or numbers on the sleeves.  

Fine if you two summon I guess I must go. I’m bringing Beth, my roommate, so you need to behave. She’s already a pretty big hockey fan so I apologize now in advance for any of her crazy. She’s great but gets excited. Also, easy answer: where’s the Ebs jersey? ;) Or I can always wear this one.

You snap a quick shot of your Dallas Stars jersey.

Mat of course chimes in first.

That’s cold Evie, really cold. And that thing? That’s even worse. Who is on there? Do I wanna know?

Then Anthony.

Non. Non. Non. Why do you even have that jersey!?

“You’ve got that look,” Beth pokes at your thigh. “I’ll leave you be for now. Need to be at the arena what 6? We should leave here at 4:30. Worse case we get there early, we can snag a drink nearby. I don’t trust the train or the subway on a Saturday to be on time. Thanks for bringing me, Roomie. I’m excited and I get to meet these boys of yours.”

I have favorites across the league, you both know I liked the sport well before you two came along. I have the appropriate jerseys for my boys. Well, almost. You guys making me choose is mean af. Rock paper scissors it between you both, whoever wins that’s what I’ll wear.

“Just leave her yours, you know you want to no matter who would win at that little challenge of Evie’s,” Anthony smiles as the text comes through, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “And I know you’d pull shit to do it no matter what. She’s really your girl anyway.”

“What…” Mat starts before Anthony jumps in.

“You know it’s never been like that with her for me, dude. She’s awesome and I’m so glad to have her as a friend,” he replies. “You though? Since moment one, she’s been something else for you. You need to make a move. You’ve got game, I’ve seen it.”

“Evie’s. She’s Evie. There’s more there...” he leans back into his locker.

“More reason to then Barzy,” he volleys back. “Come on, get your shit together. We can drop everything to leave for her on the way out.”

[random-mha-thoughts]

Sketch (Bakugou x Reader)

Pairing: Bakugou x Reader

Anon requested: “Hi, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you write Bakugou. I always blush when reading one of your stories. Can you write one with Bakugou where they go to his room and they see like a journal of his or artwork of his that has poems or drawings of her? And he walks in and sees her reading/looking at what his work, and he gets embarrassed, but the reader absolutely loves it, and showers him with love? Pretty please with a cherry on top, and thank you!!”

Genre: Fluff

Word count: 1,643

Tags:  @yuki-osaki​ @liviitehe​ @iamsoftsodonttoucheume-blog​ @bunnythepipsqueak​

a/n: Anon, you’re so lovely, why would I say no to you?  Thank you for requesting this!  I had a lot of fun writing it!  I have another Baku headcanon request coming tomorrow so look forward to that.  I hope you all enjoy reading this, and thank you again for 900 followers~ I really need to think about a 1k special event hhh idk what I’m gonna do, does anyone have suggestions?

"You didn't make it too spicy, did you?" I tease, eyeing the plates Bakugou sets the table with.

My boyfriend smirks at me.  "No, I know how much of a baby you are."  He sets down a glass jar of orange-red paste at his place setting.  "I'll just add my own spice on the side."

"Hey, I can take a little spice, I'm not totally hopeless!" I jut my lip out in a slight pout.

Another few small bowls of side dishes are placed in the middle of the table, one of them being kimchi.  "If we're gonna be together for a while, you better get used to it."  

The thought of dating Bakugou for a long time down the line warms me up, and I find myself smiling as he fetches the large serving bowl of our main course and sets it down in the middle of the table.

"And dinner is served!"  A proud grin stretches across his face when he plops down in his seat.  "Let's eat!"

Like the gentleman he is, the blond scoops out the spicy udon soup onto my bowl first before filling his own.  The broth isn't too thick, but what slightly scares me is the orange color.  I take a spoonful before Bakugou has the chance to poke fun at me being a coward.  While the spice dances on my tongue, it mingles with the rich, slightly sweet flavor to provide a happy balance that makes the heat bearable.

"Mm, Bakugou this is amazing-"

I cut myself off when I spot the boy across from me dumping a heaping spoonful of his red paste into the broth, watching in horror as the orange color of the broth turns into an angry scarlet as he mixes the paste in. He glances up at my gawking and chuckles, "Yeah, this is how spicy I like my food, babe."

My eye twitches.  "You're a monster."

He just winks in response.  "I'm your monster."

I flop back into my seat with a groan.  "I can't tell if I'm full or I'm overwhelmed."

Bakugou throws his head back and laughs at my running nose and flushed face.  "You can't handle spiciness babe, I'm sorry.  Just look at you!"  He hands me another napkin.

"Hey, at least I'm not crying."  I gladly take it from him and swipe under my nose.  But my tongue might be burning for a while.  I tried to pace myself on the water so it doesn't look like I'm struggling too much, but I ended up drinking at least 3 cups the entire meal, and this jerk across from me is relishing my pain.

"If you had another bowl, I'm sure you would have," he unsuccessfully chokes back his chuckles.

I'm aware of the swelling in my lips and the thin sheen of sweat on the back of my neck and my hairline.  "It's not funny," I pant out a whine.  But he might not be wrong.  I gulp down the rest of my fourth cup of water and rise from my seat to help clean up.

I clear the dishes from the table and bring them to the sink, where my devilish boyfriend started soaking the dishes and the bowl.  I wrap my arms around him from behind and lean my head on his shoulder.  "Babe, do you mind if I spend the night?  I didn't bring clothes though."

He shuts off the sink and turns around to hug me at the waist properly.  "You can take one of my shirts and my shorts if you wanna spend the night."  Calloused fingers stroke my cheek before cupping my chin and bringing his lips down to mine.  Surprisingly, the few kisses he places there are quick, desperate, before he nips my bottom lip, earning a yelps out of me.  He smirks at the sound.  "Your lips are so swollen, it's like they're calling me to kiss them."

An intense blush coats my cheeks and I push away from him.  "I-I'm going to look for your clothes," I stutter and scurry off to his bedroom.

"Second drawer from the bottom," he cackles after me.

I duck into his room, patting my cheeks to calm myself.  I find his drawer and pick out an oversized black tee and red basketball shorts.  When the shirt's on, it already goes down to my thigh.  I hold the shorts in my hand, debating if I should even wear them, but I err on the side of modesty.  Bakugou's already riled up seeing me eat spicy food, I don't want to push it.

"Silly, hormonal boy," I shake my head, slipping the shorts up my legs and tying off one side of the shirt to shorten it.

Somehow, my eyes meet directly with it, the sharp corner peeking out from a slightly lifted corner of his mattress.  Being the curious - and slightly nosy - person I am, I pull the object out to find that it's a thin, paper notebook.  The cover is void of any labels; I would think it was empty if there wasn't a pen hooked into it, the clip bookmarking a page in the middle.  Without another thought, I open up to the page only to stare wide-eyed at it.

Inked onto the unlined page is a half body sketch of me smiling.  The crinkles of my eyes, the out of place hairs, the smile lines, the contours of my face and neck; every detail I didn't know someone would recognize just by looking at me is inked before me in loving care.  I flip to the previous page to see a full body drawing of me gazing absently out a nearby window, the same attention to detail paid.  More flipping showed more candid moments of me drawn onto the page.  Weightlessness blooms in my chest as I scan every inch of the notebook.

It dawned on me so suddenly that tears fill my eyes in a whiplash of emotion.  Bakugou not only watches me from a distance when he thinks I'm not looking to paint this memory into his mind, but he takes the time to lovingly sketch it out into this notebook every night because he wants to look back on it.

"Babe, you-"

I snap my head towards the doorway, the ash blond frozen there as he glances at the object in my hand.  His eyes widen into saucers.  "Where did you find that?"  His voice goes half an octave higher.

"Katsuki."  That's all I can manage in my shaky voice.  A million overwhelming thoughts and emotions tumble inside me that I don't know how to start.

"You weren't supposed to see that!"  His cheeks turn scarlet as he stumbles towards me, hand outstretched to snatch the book out of my hand.

I shut it and hug it to my chest, protecting it as I examine the boy in front of me.  It hasn't been terribly long since Bakugou and I started dating, we just crossed 6 months a few weeks ago.  There are still times when I'm unsure of his feelings towards me, an insecure side of me that I can't help.  But now that I've seen this silent gesture of his affection, I see our relationship in a new light.

Bakugou groans out.  "Shit, I never wanted you to see it-!"

I throw my arms around him to shut him up.  "You idiot, I love it.  It's not creepy or weird or anything like that.  I didn't even know you saw me like this, you big lovable dork."

"Wait wait," he pulls me away by my shoulders, "You're okay with it?"

"Katsuki, you're too sweet," I laugh wholeheartedly and start peppering kisses all over his face.  "This is the most flattering thing someone's done for me, why would I hate it?"

His face turns a deeper shade of red.  "I dunno...  I don't do this for everyone, just you, I didn't know how you would react."

"Well now you know."  I let go of him to stare at another page, my chest comfortably full.  "Look how much love you put into this, I can't believe you hid this from me."

Bakugou scratches the back of his head.  "You...wanna know which one's my favorite?"

My eyes widen as he takes the book out of my hands and flips through, landing on one page near the beginning and shows it to me.  "It's rough, but it's one of my favorite memories of you."

I didn't think my heart could swell more than it already has, but it did with this one.  My head rests facing up on Bakugou's lap, my eyes closed and a lazy smile gracing my features.  One of his large hands rests on my cheek like it's softly caressing the skin.

"Say something at least," my boyfriend grumbles after a few moments of my awed silence.

I decide not to, opting to plant a kiss on his lips instead.  "I don't know how you manage to make me look more attractive than I actually am, thank you."

"Dumbass, of course you're actually this attractive."

I lean back against his chest, admiring his line work.  It's not the most artistic, but it still manages to bring out the beauty and love in the image.  "Maybe you should draw one of us together."

His eyebrows furrow together.  "No way, I did this for you, not me."

"But it would make me really happy if you did one of us together.  It makes your love look one sided when you know that's not true."

He wraps his arm around me and kisses the top of my head.  "Fine, I'll do it for you, babe."  His calloused hand reaches up to brush my face.  "But just so you know, I'm totally drawing you all flushed over spicy food because I really liked seeing you that way."

"Pervert!"

[stxrrywildflower]

little sister

pairing - spencer reid x reader

summary - spencer finally realizes he’s in love with derek’s adopted little sister

warnings - pretty much just fluff

word count - ?

you were pretty much derek morgan’s little secret.

after hank morgan had died, the morgan family had adopted you, wanting to fill the hole in their lives. you were only a year old as you were born in 1980, or the previous year.

growing up, you were always close with your family. when you were finally old enough, your mom had sat you down. she then went on to tell you that you were adopted. you simply laughed and said “i know,” with a smile. it was kinda obvious. you looked nothing like the morgan’s. you always considered yourself to be the odd one out. none the less, your family loved you all the same.

after college, derek returned to chicago to join the police force. you were 15 at the time and going through high school. naturally, you were happy to have your older brother back.

but then he left.

just as you were in your junior year of high school, derek had made the announcement that he was moving to washington d.c. to enroll in the fbi acadamy. he served for almost three years with chicago p.d. as an officer and part of the bomb squad.

when you were 19, derek told your family that he had joined the bau profiling team. you, however, had moved away from home already. you got a full ride to stanford with a major in pre-med and a minor in biology. after that, you were going to medical school to become a doctor.

derek has always expressed how proud he was. due to both of your affiliations, neither could visit often. however, the two of you always made it home for your mom’s birthday as well as other holiday’s. he always managed to make it out to your graduation too.

after graduating from college, you went to medical school for six years. then, you did two years of field work back in chicago.

when you hit 30, you realized you wanted change.

so, you applied and got accepted for a position at inova fairfax hospital in washington, d.c. you were absolutely ecstatic. but, before you officially moved, you wanted to visit your brother. so, the following week, you flew out to washington d.c.

____

you had never visiting derek at work before. you didn’t even know if they knew he had a younger sister.

however, you had met the teams genius, spencer reid, on multiple occasions. often times, spencer had joined your family on holidays. you knew about his family situation and you think your mom would have killed derek for not inviting him.

stepping into quantico, you first went over to the security desk. “name?” the security guard first asked.

“y/n morgan,” you spoke. the guards eyes then looked up at you. “morgan?” he asked. you nodded, “derek morgan’s adopted sister. i should be in the family files.”

a few more moments passed as the guard looked through the files on the computer. suddenly, yours popped up on the screen. “ah, here you are. i just need to check your bag and then i can give you a visitors pass and send you up to his floor.”

you took your bag off and handed it to the guard. you bounced on the balls of your feet as he checked it over. obviously, there was nothing bad inside but you were incredibly nervous. mostly to see your brother and most likely meet his team.

“alright you’re all good, here’s your pass. the elevators are just over there and the bau is on the sixth floor. once up there, enter the glass doors and your brother should be in there,” he informed you. you nodded with a smile before thanking the guard quickly.

you walked over to the elevator, pressing the open button, a bit startled when it opened right away. you took a deep breath after pressing the six button. more nerves washed over you as the elevator began to move and the doors open soon after.

the hallway you stepped out into was fairly empty. a few agents were walking from one side to another. but, straight in front of you, just through the glass doors, was the bau bullpen as derek had told you it was called.

and there was your brother, sitting at his desk, making conversation with a blonde woman with purple clips in her hair. across from him was spencer and then next to him was another blonde woman. finally, across from her, was black haired woman. you took a deep breath as you rolled your shoulders back.

you stepped forward, pushing the glass doors open. the five people at their desk immediately looked up once they heard the door open.

“no way,” you heard derek say.

a grin found its way to your face as your older brother practically jumped out of his chair and walked over to you. derek pulled you into a tight hug, cradling your head as the two of you rocked slightly back and forth. you burried your head in his shoulder as your arms wrapped around him.

“i’ve missed you,” you mumbled into his shirt.

finally, the two of you pulled away, tears in the corners of both of your eyes. spencer was up next, also getting out of his seat and walking one once you and derek has pulled away. “spence,” you called out slightly as you pulled him into a tight hug.

j.j. turned to emily with wide eyes. everyone knew that she was the only one to call him spence. you pulled away, resting one hand in the crook of his arm while the other went up to his hair as you scrunched your nose.

“you going short now?” you asked. spencer grinned slightly and subconsciously went up to run his hand though his hair. you stepped away from spencer and back towards derek. the teams eyes furrowed as they tried to piece the clues of who you were.

“oh, everyone, this is my sister, doctor y/n morgan,” derek introduced.

emily’s eyes flickered between you and derek. “i was adopted when i was only a year old. been raised by them ever since,” you quickly added. “wait, we’ve been to chicago before, how come we’ve never seen you?” the yet-to-be introduced blonde woman spoke up.

“well j.j., y/n here was in california for college. after that, she went to medical school and we haven’t been to chicago since,” derek spoke. “and you know my junior g man?” the other blonde asked.

assuming she meant spencer, you nodded. “spencer comes out to chicago for holiday’s. has been for years.” the team seemed satisfied with your answer.

“now that questions are over, time for introductions. y/n, you already know spencer but that’s emily, j.j., and then penelope,” derek introduced. you went around, shaking each of their hands with a smile. by now, hotch and rossi has emerged from their offices upon hearing and seeing the commotion.

“and finally these are hotchner and rossi,” derek finished. once again, you shook their hands. “so you must be y/n, i was pretty surprised when i saw morgan had a little sister in his files,” hotch spoke.

“i’m kinda a secret i would say agent hotchner,” you responded.

“please hotch is fine. morgan you can take your lunch break early if you want.” you turned to your brothers boss, “spencer too?” hotch glanced at reid who was standing beside you. he nodded, “sure, it was nice meeting you again,” and with that he went up to his office.

from there, your brothers team went their separate ways. derek and spencer grabbed their bags and coats before leading you out of the office. you dropped your visitors badge back off at the desk before meeting back up with the two boys.

“so where are we going?” you asked.

“one of my favorite restaurants downtown. they usually aren’t crowded around this time so we can talk,” derek spoke as he opened up his car door for you. “talk?”

“come on y/n, i know you don’t visit me especially at work for no reason,” derek responded.

you shook your head smiling before turning so you could look out the window at the passing d.c. scenery.

after arriving to the restaurant and ordering your food, you siped your drink, looking up at your older brother and your best friend. “i guess you want to know why i’m really out here, huh,” you spoke with a smile. the two of them nodded.

“well, i got a job at inova fairfax hospital and got it. i start in three weeks since i’m only transferring from one hospital to another. i just need to find a place to live this weekend and then move next week sometime. a lot of my stuff is packed but again, i need a place to live,” you announced.

“so you’re moving to d.c. permanently?” derek asked, a grin forming.

you nodded. “oh my god this is amazing,” he added quickly. “i’m sure garcia can help to find you a list of places that are selling,” spencer jumped in. “that would be really nice,” you spoke, your eyes never leaving spencer’s.

as derek left to get the car while you and spencer finished eating. “do you want to come over tonight? we haven’t seen each other in eight months and i’m sure we need to catch up,” spencer asked.

“dinner and movies?”

“dinner and movies,” you confirmed.

at 7pm that night, you showed up to spencer’s apartment in sweatpants and a t-shirt, figuring your wanted to be comfortable. spencer opened the door moments after you knocked, dressed in practically the same thing. “nice outfit,” you said with a laugh.

after kicking your shoes off and dropping your bag on one of the chairs, you made your way into the kitchen where spencer was cooking. “smells good, what are you making?” you asked your friend.

“tomato and spinach pasta. i hope that’s okay. i also made lemonade but it’s in my fridge,” he responded.

“aww spence! you know that’s my favorite.”

the genius infront of you smiled as he began to plate your dinner. “figured we could eat and talk and then watch the movie,” spencer suggested. you nodded, showing your agreement to the plan.

once sitting down, you and spencer went right into a deep conversation. you told him about your work at the hospital back in chicago. he told you about his work with the bau, leaving out the super gruesome details about the cases. you smiled to yourself as spencer got lost in his words, obviously excited to talk to someone about it.

“wow spencer, that’s amazing,” you spoke after he had told you about one of the cases the team had solved.

soon enough, the dishes were done and the two of you found your way on the couch. a random movie was put into the tv before spencer jumped back onto the couch. you laughed as you moved your legs onto his lap, back resting against the arm of the couch. “if i fall asleep, just let me be.” spencer playfully rolled his eyes at your words, “nothing’s changed i see.”

you made it through one full movie. the two of you agreed to watch another. this time, spencer moved so he was laying down, sprawled out on the couch. you moved so you were practically on top of him, lying on his chest. his arms snaked around your waist as yours remained on his chest.

this wasn’t awkward for you two at all. you and spencer were best friends, cuddling together as nothing new. however, you couldn’t ignore your heart fluttering as the two do you settled on the couch.

halfway through that movie, spencer felt you relax and your breathing even out. you were obviously asleep, very peacefully he might add. spencer went on to shift you slightly so he could add a pillow behind his head and pull the blanket tighter around you two. the tv was shut off next. the two of you had thought ahead and turned off the lights besides the one in the hallway, leaving a warm glow to the room.

then it really hit him.

you were asleep on top of him, and it felt normal. like you had been doing this forever. the constant butterflies he got when he looked at you meant only one thing. spencer loved you. not the platonic love you say to your friends or family, the type of genuine love between two people.

he loved how well you two worked together. ever since he visited on his first holiday, the two of you clicked instantly. neither were athletic like derek and your older sisters. both of you preferred to stay inside and read, gaining as much knowledge as you could.

he loved your constant calls and texts. on weekends or after long cases, the two of you would talk. he instantly calmed down when seeing your face. the two of you shared your days, what projects or work you had do, and even what the weather was, despite being across the country from each other.

during the holidays, when it was normally time to spend with your family, he found you in your room, studying for your next medical exam. he loved the countless nights you two would spend together, you studying, while he did work and kept you company. he even drafted mock exams up for you to practice with. when you fell asleep, he would take your laptop away from you, plugging it into the charger at your desk so you could use it again the following morning. after that, spencer would take your papers and books, making sure to organize them the way you liked before they too went away. then, he would tuck you in, shutting the light off before going to his own room. you woke up extremely greatful at the lengths spencer had gone too.

the countless nights, whether in person or over the phone, you had cried from stress, he was always there. if it was in person, he would hug you tightly, talking to you about anything just to get your mind off of your work. if it was over the phone, he would have you breath with him, telling you statistics about a topic you had told him you wanted to hear about. he loved you.

lastly, he loved your bond you had with derek. sure, the two of you looked nothing alike and weren’t even blood related but that didn’t matter. you were, and always would be, his little sister. he cared about you so much and would do anything if anyone had ever hurt you.

thoughts raced around spencer’s mind as the realization hit. he shut his eyes, moving his arms to hold you a little tighter as he slowly drifted off to sleep.

you had woken up first the next morning. memories of the previous night had slowly come back to you making you smile. spencer’s arms were still around your waist as he continued to sleep. without even thinking, you reached up and traced your finger along his cheekbone and then his jawline. spencer slowly stirred at your motion.

“morning,” you spoke softly.

one of spencer’s hands moved up to rub his eyes. “morning,” he replied tiredly. you had to admit, his morning voice was hot.

you began to sat up, your joints cracking as you stretched. spencer remained lying on the couch, his hand in your lap. “would it be weird to say i prepared for this and brought a change of clothes?” you asked as you stood up.

spencer shucked at your words, “not at all. bathroom is first door down the hall on the right. you can shower if you want,” he offered. you nodded and thanked him, grabbing your bag as you disappeared down the hallway.

the genius sat up, clearing his throat. his phone began ringing, stopping him from making coffee for you both.

“hello?” spencer spoke into the phone.

“reid? you sound like you just woke up man,” derek’s voice echoed on the other end. “well yeah i just did.”

“is y/n with you by chance?” the agent asked.

“yeah she was over here for dinner and then we fell asleep while watching movies. she’s showering now,” spencer responded. “oh i see, did anything happen?”

spencer rolled his eyes despite knowing derek couldn’t see it. “no morgan. nothing happened.” derek huffed, “i know i’m her older brother reid but this is coming from a friend. the two of you have been pinning over each other for years. make a move!”

“if it happens, it happens. you can come over in an hour and then we can leave to go house hunting,” and with that, spencer pressed the end button.

“who was that?” you’re voice caused him to jump slightly. you stiffled a laugh as it happened. “derek, he should be over in an hour,” spencer responded.

your face scrunched you slightly, “and the ‘if it happens, it happens?” spencer’s face pailed slightly. “it’s nothing, unimportant. i’m going to head in and shower. there’s coffee in the pot for you.”

spencer turned and began to walk out of the kitchen and into the hallway. however, your hand holding his wrist stopped him.

much to his suprise, your hand went up to his cheek as you kissed him.

he quickly adjusted his hands so they were resting on your hips as the moment went on. finally, the two of you pulled away, forheads pressed together. you smiled brightly, as did he.

“i’ve been wanting to do that for a long time,” you whispered, hands remaining on his cheek.

spencer pulled you into another kiss, “me too.”

[hold-my-hand-kuroo]

now that my notifs are back, take this word vomit. i’m not really sure what this is. also i’ve stopped being a bitch and have learned how to put things under a cut-

pairing: kuroo x reader

I.

Your first meeting with Kuroo isn’t exactly the ideal. Initially, you knew him as the tall guy in your first-year class with the terrible bedhead and the loud, cackle-like laugh. People called him the volleyball nerd, and you could understand it well. When he wasn’t fighting with his shorter friend, all you ever heard him talking about was volleyball this, volleyball that. It wasn’t that you were eavesdropping; he just happened to be your seat mate, and anybody that loud could be heard from the next room over.

By your first meeting, though, you knew him mostly as the pest. 

“Please, Yaku,” you hear the tall boy croon with a roll of his eyes. “Dogs are where it’s at. They actually react when you’re around.”

“The sheer silence and peace from cats are superior to whatever a dog can give you,” the shorter boy replies. So that’s Yaku, you think. 

“Now, that’s where you’re wrong,” Kuroo cackles, too focused on the conversation to realize that another student was walking toward him. 

Before he was able to even take a look at the area around him, the said student bumps into his arm, shaking the drink that he was holding with a loose hand. The next thing you know, you’re drenched in what smelled and seemed to be canned coffee. You hear both Kuroo and Yaku cuss, but you’re way too preoccupied with figuring out how to get the stain out. Leaving your desk immediately, you rush to the bathroom, taking off the wet jacket you were wearing and fruitlessly wringing it.

You spend nearly half an hour in the bathroom, and you’re definitely late to first period. Today sucked, and so did Kuroo. Walking out of the bathroom, fuming, you’re internally bracing yourself for the humiliation as to why you have a giant coffee stain on the shoulder of your white uniform shirt. It’s not subtle at all, and you didn’t even bring your gym clothes today, seeing that your gym periods were only on Thursdays and Fridays. 

Awkwardly opening the door to your classroom, you’re hunched over, walking quietly toward your desk; however, two things surprise you. The first is that your math teacher doesn’t chew you out like he usually does to late students. The second is the Nekoma jersey and note resting on your desk. Eyeing your seat mate, Kuroo gives you an apologetic smile and wave and points to the note on your desk.

“I’m really sorry about this morning. Take my jersey to cover up. It’s still clean. Also, don’t worry about the old man. I already explained it to him, and he really gave me an earful.”

Looking back and forth between him and the note, you feel a small smile creep up on your face. The jersey has sleeves long enough to cover your hands completely, so you have to do some folding, but it’s warm and smells uncharacteristically fruity for a guy like him. You almost want to write a note back and ask about the detergent his household uses.

When lunch break starts, both him and Yaku give you a formal apology and a juice box. You start to think that the spilt coffee was worth it; you’ve made two new friends and have come to the realization that you maybe don’t hate Kuroo. 

II. 

Second year is when things get wild for you once Kuroo introduces you to his “favorite best friend” Kenma Kozume. Within your friend group consisting of Yaku, Kuroo himself, and Kai (one of the newer editions), you thought that it’d be good to get closer to Kenma as well, seeing that he was already closer to the other three because of volleyball.

Talking about games was easy; you weren’t much of a gamer, but Kenma, although usually silent, talked most about strategy. Once you understood most of the mechanics, discussing grinding methods or ways to increase avoidance rates was no problem for you. You hadn’t thought it was strange when Kenma decided to talk to you more, though. Wasn’t it natural for someone to open up once they found a common ground?

Kuroo, on the other hand, was beyond shocked. Ecstatic even.

“You have to be our manager!” he pleads for almost a month straight before you actually agree on the account that he treated you to ice cream after every practice. Then it’d be a fair deal.

Being the Nekoma manager was tough work, especially considering the fact that there hadn’t been a manager before you. Sure, the third years tell you what to do from time to time, but you find them a little intimidating with their intensity and strictness. Nekomata and the second years helped you get started the most, and after a few weeks at the job, you have it down to a T. You’ve heard from some of the players that their time in the gym is a lot easier thanks to you and your attention to detail, but really, you’re only focused on you’re favorites.

Of course, that included you and your second year buddies, but you also have a soft spot for Kenma. He always seemed tired, and you’ve heard that he did consider quitting, but you think Kuroo would be devastated if that actually happened. It was such a shame to see him so miserable at practice, mostly at the cause of the third years; you figured that Kenma’s sharp game sense would give him praises, but it only brings him criticism for him to do even better.

It only motivates you to do better at your job; washing uniforms, keeping track of plays, and consistently refilling water bottles, you did your best so that you could support the others. Training camps were always hectic with the schedules you had to prepare. You even find yourself going to school earlier before practice started to help tutor those who needed it; exams were always important, and passing them was the only way to keep the team intact.

“You know, Y/N, I’m really glad you’re our manager,” Kuroo muses one day after practice. He walks over to the usual freezer where your preferred brand of ice cream sits and turns around in search of a Pocari sweat.

“You’re just saying that because you didn’t want to wash the sweaty jerseys anymore,” you quip dryly. “Oh, don’t forget an apple pie for Kenma.”

“How lucky of him to be spoiled by you,” Kuroo chuckles, glancing outside of the store window to look at Kenma sitting on a nearby bench while playing a game. “You should spoil me more. It’s not fair.”

“Why should I spoil you when you’re the one who got the both of us into this mess?” You roll your eyes and take your ice cream from him. He holds the store door open for you, following closely behind.

“Don’t say that when I know you’re having fun. Sometimes,” he laughs, sipping his drink. “But seriously, I’m glad you became our manager.”

“What’s with you getting sappy with me today?” you question, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. “What did you do-“

“I’m just saying. It’s been fun with you around. Kai and Yaku think so, too. And.” He pauses, looking at his childhood friend. “I think Kenma would’ve quit a long time ago if you weren’t around.”

“I’m sure he would’ve stayed for you,” you respond, thwacking Kuroo gently on the back. “Snap out of it. You’re gonna make me puke.”

And yet, you run those words through your head late at night, unable to sleep. Yeah, you think. It has been pretty fun.

III.

The third years graduate, and Kuroo steps up to be the team captain with Kai by his side as vice. You think it’s fitting and even laugh at the idea of the new second years calling Yaku the mother of the team. You’re still the manager all by your lonesome, but with a solid year of experience under your belt, you think you’ll be able to handle the work just fine.

That is, until Lev Haiba in his 6’ 5” glory comes bolting in. He’s a good kid, you think, but he’s quite the handful. Loud and always freaking Kenma out, Kuroo already has a hard enough time dealing with this new wannabe ace. You think he’s fun, though, since it used to be rare when Kuroo would snap. You suppose it’s what happens when you’re given new responsibility, and even people like Kuroo can be serious.

“It’s funny,” you comment, sitting next to the captain as you’re rewatching plays of your next opponent. It’s late, and the only people still in the gym are Kai, who’s cleaning up dutifully, and Kenma, gaming a few feet away. “To think that you’d finally snap. Now you get to have a taste of your own medicine.”

“There’s no way I was that annoying,” Kuroo groans, running a hand through his hair. “And anyways, I’m starting to see a pattern of you preferring all the underclassmen over me.”

“It’s not that hard,” you joke, taking down notes. “You’re super annoying. Right, Kenma?”

Without looking up from his game, Kenma makes a noise of agreement, causing Kuroo to scoff. You two put your attention back to the video playing in front of you, but you don’t notice how close he is until your shoulders brush. You almost flinch, but try your hardest to keep your cool. There’s no way that you’re going to let Kuroo make fun of you for that, so you wait for him to move instead.

Except he doesn’t. Rather than shifting away, the captain continues leaning on you, and you find his head resting peacefully on your shoulder. You don’t dare move, but instead choose to keep taking notes. Focus on writing, focus on the clip, but don’t focus on Kuroo, you think. He smells fruity, just like his jacket from two years ago and even after all the sweat from practice. The scent is so calming and nostalgic, and you almost catching yourself relaxing, but you don’t. You can’t.

“Can we go now?” Kenma says suddenly, breaking you out of your internal panic. “It’s almost eight, and Kai already left.”

“Sure thing,” Kuroo replies, shutting off the clip and getting up. He holds out a hand toward you. “Let’s clean up and get you that ice cream I owe you.” 

“And an apple pie,” Kenma adds, walking away, but not before sparing you and Kuroo a glance. He shrugs it off. “I’ll wait outside.” 

“Thanks,” you mumble, taking Kuroo’s hand. It’s calloused, yet warm and comforting, much like his scent. “I can’t believe we stayed so late. I still have a lab report to finish tonight-“

“That’s my bad, so FaceTime tonight again?” he offers, laughing. 

“Kuroo, we FaceTime every night.”

“Yeah, but this time, I’ll help you finish your paper, since it’s my fault for keeping you here,” he chuckles, finally letting go of your hand after what seemed to be an unusually long time. “And you can help me with literature-“

“I knew you needed something,” you tease, walking to get your belongings. Your skin feels all tingly, and you swear that the temperature has risen. “But, yeah, whatever. I don’t really care if you call or not, seeing that I won’t be sleeping early anyways.”

You hear him cackle before following you outside the two doors, and when you’re out in the open air, you finally feel as if you’re breathing easily again. Oh no, you think. It’s your third year and things have changed. Or rather, things have been changing.

IV.

None of you talk about university.

It’s the elephant in the room that no one dares to address, not until after you guys make it to Spring Nationals. Sure, the third years had group study sessions for college entrance exams every Saturday, and sure, you and Kuroo always studied late into the night through video call, but nobody wants to think about what happens after separation. Not yet, at least. It’s too distracting, and frankly, you think Yaku might cry if you bring it up.

During winter break, you, Kuroo, Yaku, and Kai all go to the shrine and pray for good luck. It’s meant for the upcoming tournament, but secretly, you know it’s about exams too. Sometimes, Yamamoto will ask about future plans, and all the answers are vague, “Oh, just going to university,” or, “Not sure, yet,” but the air becomes tense, and you hate it. There’s an unspoken pack between the four of you to leave details out, but you desperately want to know exactly how far your friends are going and for how long and what you’ll do without them. 

January rolls by, and the four of you head to your respective exams on your own. Even after they’re done, and results have been posted, nobody says anything about being accepted or rejected. There’s no celebration party, no consolations. Not when the spring is coming right around the corner. 

Even though every day seemed more stressful, more tiring, it also seemed shorter. Sometimes you’d find practice over in the blink of an eye. The match against Nohebi had you on the edge of your seat, practically making you pull out your hair, but even that one ends in a quick victory. Time was quickly running out. 

And then, Nekoma loses to Karasuno at nationals. You were so sure that you had the match, so sure that the determination and dedication your team had put in would pay off, but even in the end, you’re not sure how to feel about it. When Kuroo had first mentioned the Battle at the Garbage Dump to you during your first year, you had laughed and called it a dumb name. You weren’t a manager then, but even though you’re a manager now, you still think the name is dumb. Dumb, but a big deal for Kuroo and Nekoma, and therefore, a big deal to you.

There’s some crying on the bus ride home, but Kuroo sits next to you, uncharacteristically silent. When everyone gets off the bus, you see the captain struggle to show enthusiasm for one last motivational speech. It takes his entire will and more not to cry in front his teammates, the ones he had placed all his hopes in. He, like the rest of them, had wanted to go further.

You find him crying in the storage room once everyone’s gone, sitting in the ball against the wall in complete darkness. Not wanting to turn on the lights, you opt to leave the door open instead so that light flows in, illuminating the space around you. Shuffling over to his quivering position, you take a seat next to him, rubbing circles on his back.

“You look terrible,” you laugh bitterly. “So much for the tough guy act you put up ten minutes ago. Almost had me fooled.”

“I saw you tearing up on the bus,” he responds, voice raspy from the shouting. “I’ll keep your secret, and you’ll keep mine?”

“I think Yaku and Kai already knew that you were going to cry, but sure,” you respond. You take a minute to think. “What are you thinking right now?”

“I’m thinking about all the blocks I missed,” he murmurs, quietly sobbing. “All the spikes I could’ve gotten, all the balls I could’ve saved-”

“Mhm,” you murmur, stroking the mess that was his hair. “That’s what I thought you would be thinking. But in the end, you got what you’ve been asking for since three years now, right? The trash can battle or something?”

“The Battle at the Garbage Dump,” he corrects, letting out a light chuckle. You hear some sniffling and offer him the tissues you brought, knowing well that he wasn’t going to take the loss in any other way. “It…It was everything I thought it’d be.”

“Satisfied?” you ask, lifting up his chin to dab away tears. 

“I should be,” he grumbles, looking at the floor. “After pushing everyone this much, I know I should be. But-“

“You wanted to go farther, right?” you answer knowingly. “I think we all feel the same.”

And like that, he grabs you straight into his arms, sobbing heavily into your shoulder. You almost wish it were like the other times that he has gotten close to you, the heart fluttering, skin tingling, heat inducing giddiness you felt whenever he leaned close to whisper in your ear or look at your answers for the homework. 

But it’s not. It’s heart-wrenching, it’s heavy, it’s something that can’t be done over. Neither of you have a next year to start all over from scratch, to welcome new underclassmen one more time, to try at nationals again one more time. There’s nothing left for you or Kuroo to do except to move on. It’s a little scary, you think. 

The next morning, he calls you, and you almost think about making fun of him for having to walk him home the night before, but he asks to meet you. He’s actually already outside your door with Yaku and Kai, and when you tell them that you’re not dressed to meet people, they don’t seem to care and keep ringing your doorbell. Your mother is more than happy to let them in, much to your dismay.

“Nationals are over,” Kuroo says slowly, solemnly, “so I think…we need to talk.”

The four of you talk about college, and like you had expected, Yaku’s the first to cry, followed by you. 

V.

Graduation comes at a quick and unrelenting pace. Before you know it, you’re on stage receiving your diploma. There are people crying, but you’ve already done your share weeks ago. You can’t afford to get your eyes puffy and wet, not when you were supposed to be taking pictures with all your friends and family. 

“Hey, Y/N!” a familiar, loud voice calls. You don’t even have to turn around to know who it is.

“Yes, Tetsu?” you call, feigning annoyance. “Even though I’m not a manager anymore, I feel like you keep calling me over.”

“It’s picture time,” he grins, pulling Yaku and Kai toward you. “Let’s make this a good one!”

Going between Kuroo and Yaku, you smile for the camera and quickly thank Yaku’s parents. After taking pictures, Yaku and Kai head off with their families to celebrate; the four of you would meet in a few days for a quick senior trip. Rather than heading back home with your own parents, however, you see them off first. Kuroo had asked for you to take a walk with home, and you didn’t need your family teasing you about it.

“So,” he says, waiting for you at the steps of Nekoma. He puts his hands in his pockets and stares pointedly at the pavement. “Uh, hey.”

“Yeah, hey,” you reply, rolling your eyes. You’d miss doing that. “Did you have something important to say or did you just want me to walk home?”

“Both,” he laughs. He throws his head back in amusement, and you realize that you’d miss that too. “But preferably with me.”

You don’t know how to answer. In the past, he also said playful, flirtatious lines that made your heart go crazy, but you never took them seriously. They were just jokes, and you’d laugh along. You don’t laugh along this time, because it doesn’t sound like a joke. He looks at you nervously.

“I mean, if that’s okay with you,” he continues, scratching his head. 

“We usually walk home together, so-“

“Well, not like usually,” he quickly interrupts. Then, he groans. “I mean like…we could hold hands while we do it this time.”

Cue stunned silence. You almost can’t believe he’s doing this in such a roundabout way. Sure you’re relieved, but you’re just so exhausted with him beating around the bush.

“Tetsu, just say it to me directly,” you say, chuckling slightly. At the sound of your laughter, confidence practically surges through the boy, and his shoulders straighten a little bit.

“Oh? I don’t know what you’re expecting me to say,” he teases, looking smug suddenly. You laugh again at the change in mood.Two could play at that game.

“You hate me never want to see me again after high school,” you mock. He gasps in feigned surprise. The two of you laugh for a while, exchanging jokes. It’s been a while since the mood has been so relaxed, and it’s only another thing that you realize that you’d miss.

“In all seriousness, how does a long-distance relationship sound?” he asks and winces slightly at his words. “I mean, if you don’t want to-“

“No, I do,” you reassure, looking at Kuroo straight in the eye. Taking his hands in yours, you take a deep breath. “It’ll be hard, but I want to try.”

“Yeah?” he mumbles and is slightly amused at himself for having it come out as a question. “I mean, yeah. That’s cool. And in reality, you’re only two hours away.”

“Only?”

“I don’t know about you, but I’d travel two hours back and forth to see you whenever you’re feeling lonely,” Kuroo chuckles. Oh, you hated how smooth he was and how lovely he looked when he was happy and blushing. “Just give me a call, and I’ll be there before you know it. Hey, hey, hey, are you crying?”

“I’m not,” you sniffle and wipe away your tears. Leaning toward your face, Kuroo stares at you for a moment, silently asking for consent. When you nod, he presses a kiss on your cheek and gently wipes away a stray tear with his thumb. 

“Right, you sure aren’t,” he murmurs closely to your ear.

“Remember to text and call me a lot,” you manage to add, struggling between sobs. He struggles to find a handkerchief for you and opts to use his sleeve instead.

“Of course,” is his answer. He’s glad you’re crying and covering your face, because honestly, he’d hate for you to see him tearing up too.