#then later after the Return and Apology he explained what he meant to say was she shares the name of someone who mentored him and changed

[kazusys]

— hugging scenarios.

genshin men in different scenarios revolving around hugging. (❕) a/n: will maybe do a pt. 2. suggest (male) characters! :]

characters included: kazuha, xiao, scaramouche/wanderer, tighnari, cyno, kaeya, and diluc.

kazuha nuzzles his head in your neck as you run your fingers through his un-ponytailed hair, your back facing him as you focus mainly on what you’re reading.

he’s gripping you tightly, thinking up reasons of how he’d be able to explain throwing your book with your notes inside across the room solely to steal your attention away from working so much. he means the best— really!

as much as it is tempting, kazuha wouldn’t dare make you upset at him for ruining your papers. instead, he’ll patiently wait and continue softly humming and kissing your neck until you finish. he’d wait for as long as you wish, if it only meant you’d eventually hold him in your arms at the end.

he hears you sigh a few minutes later. “ah… i think that should be it.”

he watches in anticipation as you put your research on the nightstand and turn to face him, a soft smile on your face as you apologize. “sorry, love.”

kazuha simply shakes his head as he brings you in closer, kissing your lips in earnest.

“xiao?” you call out, a little bit of a stutter coming out at the end. it was absolutely freezing out here. it was a good thing you brought a jacket, but even then.

you felt a breeze behind you as you turned to face the beloved adepti materializing out of nowhere.

the smile you wore quickly changed as you panicked seeing what he was wearing. reaching for your coat buttons, you cut off whatever he was about to say with, “are you crazy?! you’ll die of hypothermia wearing that in this weather! oh my gosh, xiao—”

“it’s really—” he tries to make a sentence again, only to be shut off by you wrapping your piece of clothing around his shoulders, directing his arms to go through the sleeves.

although he was used to this sort of cold weather, he appreciated the thought. but the odd warm fuzzy feelings that usually overtook his chest whenever you did something kind for him didn’t fully spread this time around, seeing that your sleeveless top and thin enough pants barely sheltered you at all from the snow starting to come down.

it was his turn to reprimand you as he sighed, “you’re calling me crazy, and yet you’re the one wearing a sleeveless shirt in the middle of one of our coldest periods. what were you thinking?”

despite him looking annoyed, he came towards you and swiftly picked you up bridal style, earning a small yelp as you were swept off your feet (literally) and teleported over to wangshu inn.

you quickly got over the initial shock, a smile returning to your lips. “y’know, that’s technically qualified as kidnapping.”

“shut up.” he responded, although with no malicious hint in his voice. he made sure to kiss you afterwards though, just for some extra warming up.

scaramouche hates you, he swears. he hates you (affectionately), he hates you (lovingly), he hates you (with absolutely no hate behind his words).

but, let’s be honest, he really doesn’t.

he loves you so badly it hurts. it hurts to think that one day, you might leave him like everyone else has. even after everything, even after he got rid of his name scaramouche, sometimes those seeds of doubt still manage to plague him, even though you’ve been with him through it all. damn his stupid past.

but, oh. the way those seeds get crushed under the weight of his non-existent heart expanding as you hug him tightly, your arms squeezing him unlike a thing but a human.

he holds back his tears as he lets himself be held by you, his own arms holding you just as tight as he leaves a kiss, albeit shaky, on your jaw.

when you rub his back comfortingly, he lets the smallest tear run down his porcelain face before burying his head into your collarbone, letting the rest fall as he recites his feelings; true and sincere.

vulnerable is a word you’d describe him as in this moment. though he’ll never admit that this scene happened afterwards, you know that he knows that whenever he’s in need of some love and affection, you’ll be there for him.

he loves you so, so much; mean words be damned.

tighnari, always so caring and hardworking. but it wouldn’t kill him to take a break once in a while, no?

“i swear, i will go into the forest and get one of those mushrooms that you’ve been so cautious around and shove it down your throat if you don’t stop working right now,” you threaten, even if from your ears it sounds empty.

he sighs in return, knowing that you wouldn’t go to sleep until he joined you. especially since he’s been skipping out these past few days. he got up a bit too quickly, wincing at the way his head spun when doing so. “fine, fine. archons, my head hurts…”

“that’s what happens,” you shrug, taking his hands and walking to the bed. he sits with you, blinking the heaviness of his eyes away as you suddenly hug him.

tighnari exhales at the feeling, he should really thank you for saving him from his continuous workloads…

you scratch behind his ears, watching his tail twitch before swishing lowly back and forth. he embraces you back, his eyes coming to a pleasant close. he really needs the sleep.

before he does get the rest; though, he mutters to you a quiet, “thank you, love you s‘much.”

and finally, he drifts off, you in his arms. what more could he ask for?

what a stoic guy that cyno is. and with the absolute worst jokes leaving his mouth, it’s a wonder that the two personalities living in his body are residing in the same person.

he’s telling you jokes as you’re cuddling with him, you mindlessly running your hands through his hair and commenting on his words as he tells them and explains if you don’t get it.

oh, and you’re doing a try not to laugh challenge. did i mention that cyno’s jokes are like, collectively the worst?

he has one goal in mind: tell a good enough joke to hear you laugh and claim victory.

he likes hearing you genuinely laugh. he likes the sound. he likes the swell of pride whenever you laugh because of him.

so as he dishes out one of his newer bests and awaits your judgement, he’s happily surprised hearing a small noise from you before turning into a full chuckle.

he doesn’t think he’s ever had the urge to hug you as tightly as he has now (okay okay, this is a lie. it’s on par with when he confessed and you agreed and the other times you’ve laughed at his jokes).

“cyno— you’re gonna break my ribs!…”

“this is my reward.”

“kaeya… go get some rest. you’re too drunk to be up right now.”

“i don’t wanna. i want to stay with you,” he says, emphasizing it by hugging you tighter. he’s behind you, his form practically towering over yours as you try to keep your composure.

he must’ve really drunk a lot tonight.

you sigh. “i'll be there soon, okay? i just have to finish—”

“you can do whatever—” he hiccups, “—it is tomorrow.”

you sigh again. first you had to pick him up from the tavern, already interrupting what you had planned tonight. now this.

however, you know it’s not really a complaint.

you’re glad he’s honest when drunk. you just can’t stop that warm feeling in your chest knowing that he genuinely wants you to himself.

well, might as well give him what he wants.

diluc can feel your hands around him as he’s busy scrubbing glasses, already having refused you four times in wanting to help him. not because he thinks you’re incapable of not breaking anything— just the opposite, actually— but he doesn’t want you to work because of him.

especially with all the work you’ve already had today. on second thought, you may break a glass from dozing off for a moment from the lack of sleep you’ve been getting. he thinks it’s better for you to rest as he’s doing his job.

he’s not moving much, thankfully. the tavern’s already closed, and it’s just you and him in there. he’s thinking about all the different ways he could carry you home in your half asleep state.

last cup done. finally, he can close up and go home with you and sleep soundly with you in his arms… yeah, that sounds good.

he turns slowly to face you, making your head raise to meet his eyes. you smile, albeit tiredly— but not failing to bring one of his own to diluc’s face nonetheless.

he kisses your lips softly. “let’s go home now.”

©️kazusys — 1/9/24; do not plagiarize/steal, repost, translate, and/or claim any of my works as your own.

[melzula]

Ok hear me out. Reader and Zuko go on a run for supplies .Reader makes a mistakes and almost gets seriously hurt/ near death experience. Zuko gets pissed at reader, maybe yells at her. Reader laughs it off and acts like she doesn’t gaf. Zuko later finds reader all shaken up and crying by herself. Love if you don’t, love if you do!

a/n: ty for requesting and hope you enjoy anon !

summary: zuko apologizes and receives something in return

What was meant to be a simple trip into town for supplies had quickly turned into a disaster, and Zuko believed it was your recklessness to blame.

You’d been too preoccupied in admiring a local merchant’s vast collection of sea shells to notice the Fire Nation soldier creeping up behind you, and if not for Zuko shoving you out of the way to take on the man himself you surely would have been burnt alive. Your failure to stay aware of your surroundings and lackadaisical attitude had almost gotten you killed, and the Prince made sure to point this out to you afterward.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” He scolds you after dragging you out of the marketplace by the arm and back towards camp.

“I was looking at shells, actually, before you so rudely interrupted,” you correct with an impatient roll of your eyes, but the act only seems to annoy him further.

“This isn’t a game, y/n! We didn’t come here to mess around, we came to quickly get more food and go, and we couldn’t even do that because you were too busy looking at stupid shells to notice your surroundings! You could have been hurt or worse!”

“Relax, ‘your highness,’” you dismiss him defensively, harshly yanking your arm away from his grasp. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not dead. I’m fine. You need to stop overreacting and leave me alone!”

Zuko watches with a scowl as you stomp away from him and towards your tent, ignoring the quizzical looks your friends send your way as you shut the flaps closed.

“What’s her problem?” Toph asks with a raised brow from her spot beside the campfire.

“What did you do?” Katara snaps at the boy with an accusatory glare.

“I didn’t do anything!” Zuko exclaims defensively. “As a matter of fact, I just saved her life and now she’s mad at me!”

“Saved her life? What happened out there?” Aang questions with a worried frown. “Was anyone hurt?”

“A Fire Nation soldier snuck up on her while she was distracted and was about to strike before I pushed y/n out of the way and fought him myself.”

“So… what you’re saying is you guys didn’t get any food?” Sokka notes dejectedly only to receive a scolding smack upside the head from his sister.

“If you saved her life, then why is she so upset?”

“I may have been a bit harsh with her after,” Zuko admits reluctantly, awkwardly grasping at the back of his neck. “I didn’t mean to snap at her, but I was just frustrated that she wasn’t taking her own safety seriously.”

“Look, that’s just how y/n is sometimes. She’s too trusting of her surroundings sometimes, but you have to gently remind her to be careful,” Sokka explains to his friend. “Maybe if you hadn’t yelled at her she would have taken you seriously.”

“Just give her some time to cool off and apologize later,” Katara advises the fire bender. “She just needs her space.”

Frustrated, Zuko lets out a long sigh before ultimately relenting. Katara is right. He just needs to give you some space to process before bothering you again.

By nightfall the moon has risen in the sky and the rest of your group has called it a day, retreating to their tents to sleep and rest for whatever tomorrow may bring. You still haven’t set foot out of yours since Zuko yelled at you, and the Prince has spent the better half of his day groveling outside waiting for you to emerge. He’s beginning to grow impatient, but he’s also extremely worried. You missed dinner, and no one has been able to get you to come out.

Deciding enough is enough, Zuko takes it upon himself to barge into your tent and check on you. Better you be mad at him for invading your space without permission than for something to be wrong with you without anyone knowing.

When he enters your tent the last thing he expects to find is your figure curled up in your sleeping bag crying. Your body trembles under the blankets and your quiet sniffles are the only sound in the space. If you notice his presence you don’t acknowledge it, and Zuko hesitates before carefully sitting himself beside you.

“Y/n?” He calls out softly, gently pulling the covers back to get a look at your face. Water marks line across your cheeks from tears that had managed to dry off your skin, and it takes you a moment to finally meet his gaze.

“I’m sorry for making you mad,” you whisper meekly, voice cracking with effort after hours of minimal use.

“No, you don’t have to apologize. I should be apologizing for how I acted,” he assures you sincerely, carefully wiping away your remaining tears. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I was just worried about your safety- I’m not sure what I would have done if something bad had happened to you.”

“You really mean that?” You sniffle, looking up at him with doubt clear in your eyes.

“Of course I do. I know it probably didn’t seem that way when I was yelling at you, but I’ve come to care a lot for you, and I’d hate to see you get hurt.”

“I didn’t know…” you murmur quietly as you carefully sit up from your sleeping bag to reach eye level with the Prince. “I always figured you just saw me as some annoying girl you had to babysit.”

“Well, maybe at first,” he admits with a sheepish chuckle only to immediately stop when he catches your unamused glare, “but now I look forward to being sent to the market with you. I enjoy your company even if it means having to be more vigilant of our surroundings on your behalf. Can you just promise me that next time you’ll be a little more careful?”

“I promise,” you nod earnestly and, much to Zuko’s surprise, pull him in for a tight hug. He stiffens at first, unsure how to react to the close contact, but eventually he’s able to allow himself a chance to enjoy your warmth and reciprocate your embrace.

Only you could have the grumpy Prince wrapped so tightly around your finger.

| zuko tags: @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @taeeemin @livelaughlovekuni @lovialy

[penkura]

knowing [6/8]

Summary: Sanji knew you were the one the moment he met you.

Pairing: Sanji x Reader

Warnings: None really. Normal One Piece stuff I guess.

Note: Its Whole Cake Island time!! :') This arc made me cry, I really like it at a lot. Sanji finding his raid suit is different than the canon, because I forgot how he found it. :)

[Ch. 1] ● [Ch. 2] ● [Ch. 3] ● [Ch. 4] ● [Ch. 5]

Arriving at Zou with the rest of your crew, you wanted nothing more than to see Sanji, hug Nami, and take a nap on Sunny. Bartolomeo's crew and ship were fine, but they weren't your home or family, it was hard for you to sleep without Sanji nearby and knowing Nami wasn't directing the ship and knew exactly where you were going. A few times you were afraid Bartolomeo's navigator was going to get you all lost on your way but eventually you made it, climbing up after everyone else and sticking close by Robin once you'd made it to the top.

The Minks eventually helped bring you back to everyone else, but Nami hugged you tightly after she'd hugged Luffy, whispering an apology that confused you.

"Nami, what–"

"Sanji's gone, I'm sorry. I couldn't…couldn't stop it."

Your head was starting to spin, you couldn't get any words out. Nami took your hand and dragged you away to the room the Minks had let her stay in, she explained everything.

Capone Bege's crew had shown up saying something about being there to retrieve Sanji, an arranged marriage between him and one of Big Mom's daughters being the cause. Nami told you even Sanji was shocked, but he chose to go with them to settle things and return to you all. He'd told her, Chopper, and Brook he never meant to hide anything from you all, and made her promise to give you a note he'd quickly written, which she did after she finished explaining, hugging you again while you sat frozen in place.

Sanji was being forced into an arranged marriage and you hadn't even been there to go with him or to stop him from going. The way it sounded, he wouldn't have even let you go with him, but you would have fought to do so. But, what did this mean for you two and your relationship? Only three of your crew members knew, what if he decided to stay and marry this girl, to leave you? Zoro and Nami would probably kill him if he did so and broke your heart, but you had faith in Sanji. You were certain he'd return to you, to the Straw Hats in general.

You were his family, not whoever these people who were forcing him into marriage were.

Nami left you alone a few minutes later so you could process what was happening and read the small note from Sanji, even though it ended up making you cry and hate yourself for staying in Dressrosa while he went to Zou.

[Y/N], my love,

I WILL come back to you. I'm not going to marry anyone that ISN'T you, I swear.

+!+

A while later, you heard a knock on the door that woke you from the small nap you'd fallen into. Thinking it was Nami, you didn't bother to check and told whoever it was to come in, being slightly surprised to see it was Zoro.

Not that surprised though, he'd made it clear to everyone, by his actions, that he thought of you like an older sister, and wanted to be sure you were all right.

"You okay? You never came down after Nami."

Sitting up a bit, you nodded and started brushing your fingers through your hair. You didn't want to talk much about the stuff going on with Sanji, but figured Zoro knew that when he came over and sat beside you.

"That idiot cook is in love with you, he's not gonna marry that girl."

"I know that." You passed the note over to Zoro, not caring if he read it. He did so quickly before handing it back to you, making you wonder if he really did read it or if he didn't care enough about Sanji to bother. Zoro, instead, ended up pulling you to him, which made you start to cry again. Not at all his intention, but you were so tired, physically and emotionally, that you couldn't help it. You'd been so looking forward to seeing Sanji, the last two years had been long enough away from him; now he was gone and on his way to try and get out of an arranged marriage, leaving you behind without being able to say anything in person.

Zoro was the only one who knew about Sanji's intentions to marry you. About the ring he'd bought in Dressrosa for you. There was no way he was going to let some stupid arranged marriage keep you two from getting married. Zoro knew that.

"You're going with them. Nami, Luffy, Chopper, and Brook are going after him, they're taking you along."

"O-Okay…" You nodded and sniffled a bit more, trying to calm yourself so you could go back to everyone. You could hear what sounded like a party going on, probably thanks to Luffy making friends with the Minks. "What a-about you?"

"I'm going on to Wano. You show up without that curly brow and I'm going to find him and kill him."

"Zoro, you can't just kill him."

"He hurts you and I will."

"Oh my gosh, you're the worst brother ever."

+!+

The next morning, your group split off from Zoro's group to head for Whole Cake Island. You thought the name sounded funny, but also were worried about entering the territory of one of the Four Emperors of the Sea. You'd heard Big Mom could be fearsome, and were terrified of meeting any of her numerous children for the same potential reason.

When you landed there finally, sticky from syrup rain and tired, you had no time to rest as Luffy and Chopper ended up eating an entire chocolate building, completely horrifying you as what appeared to be the police of the area appeared and were chastising them, until a girl with brown hair in pigtails showed up and played along that she'd asked them to do so.

She took you all to another building, introducing herself as Charlotte Pudding, the girl Sanji was supposed to marry in a few short days. Hearing her talk about him and how kind he was made you grip the hem of your dress tightly, biting your tongue until it hurt. You didn't want to feel jealous, Sanji's was yours, but you couldn't help it.

Pudding was pretty and perfect, and seemed more like Sanji's type than you. You wouldn't blame him if he agreed to marry her, but you knew he wouldn't. He'd never leave you after the amount of time you'd been together and how much you loved each other.

He…he wouldn't…right?

"He said he'd marry me if he could, but he wanted to return to his crew, and there was someone else he'd given his heart to."

While everyone else was shocked Sanji turned down a girl, Nami glanced over and caught you gritting your teeth, your lips pressed in a thin line. She knew you and Sanji were together, you'd told her and Robin after the events at Water Seven, and she hated seeing you this way. So worried and jealous at the same time. You should have been relieved to hear he told Pudding you had his heart, but it just scared you for some reason. Like it would be used by Big Mom or one of her numerous other kids as a way to hurt Sanji more than hurt you.

Nami reached over quietly and grabbed your hand under the table, squeezing it to let you know she was there. You gave her a small smile, which she knew was fake.

Once Pudding gave you all directions to the Seducing Woods and you were on your way, you stayed out on Sunny's deck, just watching the cotton candy clouds roll by.

"It's kind of pretty here." Nami hadn't startled you, you nodded at her when she spoke and came to stand beside you. "You've been lost in thought for a good while. Care to share?"

Shaking your head, you continued to stare at the sky, wishing none of this was happening.

"Hey, it's going to be alright. We'll get Sanji back and you two can go back to being grossly cute and in love with each other."

"What if he changes his mind?"

"Hm?"

"What if he changes his mind and decides he wants to marry Pudding? She's so pretty, how do I compete with the daughter of Big Mom?"

Rolling her eyes, Nami sighed and hugged you a bit. Of course you'd feel insecure about everything happening, Pudding really was pretty, but Nami knew that didn't matter to Sanji when it came to you. He'd always thought you were the most beautiful girl he'd ever met, but actually getting to know you over time, he'd told Nami he fell head over heels for your personality and your soul, your looks were secondary to everything else. Sanji loved you because of who you were, not what you looked like, despite his initial attraction to you being based on looks.

"You're not gonna compete with her. She said she wasn't going to marry him, right?"

"Yeah, but–"

"No buts, she said it's not happening. So unless she's lied to us, your relationship with Sanji will be fine. We'll get him back, don't worry."

You hugged Nami back and agreed with her, but still had a feeling of fear and worry in your heart. Nothing was right about all of this, you just had a feeling that something was wrong, but you weren't sure what it was. You didn't want to find out, you hoped your instincts were wrong, that the fear and worry would go away after a bit more information came to you.

You hoped for it, but also accepted that it was likely not going to happen.

+!+

"Sanji!!! Hey!!"

After being tricked by Pudding to the Seducing Woods, Luffy fought against one of the Sweet Generals, Charlotte Cracker, through the night. It took hours after you were separated from Brook, Chopper, Carrot, and Pedro, you and Nami safely atop one of the Homies thanks to Lola's piece of Big Mom's vivre card. Once he'd finally defeated him, the Homie you were on carried the three of you towards Totto Land, and you'd made it just in time to catch the carriage taking Sanji and his family to the castle.

But the look Sanji gave when he saw Luffy, then Nami, then you, you'd never seen such a horrified look on his face. Luffy flung himself to the carriage, catching Sanji up on everything that had happened since he was taken by Bege's crew, and you had some hope it'd bring him back to you all.

Until Sanji kicked Luffy from the carriage.

"Get lost…you miserable, inferior pirates!"

Your heart clenched, and you barely strained out his name.

"My name…is Vinsmoke Sanji."

A last name. You'd never known. Anytime you asked Sanji about his family or where he was from, he'd smile sweetly and tell you he wasn't at a point where he could talk about it yet. You accepted that answer, not wanting to push him into something he wasn't comfortable doing or talking about. You always figured you two would sit together one day when he was ready and he'd tell you everything. Never did you expect or want to find out this way.

"And I'm…a prince of Germa Kingdom!! Forgive me for hiding this from you!"

Please, [Y/N], I didn't want you to find out this way.

"Sanji, please." You stepped forward a bit, wanting him to stop and just come with you all.

I didn't need to know!

"If I had told you, it would only have made you self-conscious. The difference in status between us is obvious. Here, I have all the money, soldiers, and servants I can use!"

This isn't you. What have they done to you in a matter of days?

You hated it, every bit of it. This wasn't the Sanji you knew, it wasn't him at all. He never cared about money or anything like that. He'd always told you his past didn't matter, because all he could see was a future with you and the Straw Hats. Something had happened, in the few days you'd been apart, that changed the sweet, loving man you knew. What it was, you didn't know, you just knew something was wrong.

"If my choice is between returning to you and your chuckle-headed crewmates, and living in luxury here with Big Mom's beautiful daughter as my wife…which do you think will make me happier?!"

Nami was angry on your behalf, on the behalf of Luffy as well. For Luffy, because he'd been the one to recruit Sanji and convince him to go with you all.

For you because of your relationship with him, and the insecurity you'd felt after meeting Pudding. Your face was blank, but the tears welling up in your eyes made her even angrier.

"There's no comparison! Stop taking that letter seriously! I'm not going back!!"

Just leave, please! I can't have your blood on my hands!

You didn't want to hear another word, you actually wanted to take Luffy and Nami, leave and forget about this whole retrieval mission. At least, you thought you did, until the next thing Sanji said.

"I don't even know if you really can become king of the Pirates! I'm through playing pirate with your rag-tag crew," Sanji looked over at you, trying his hardest not to flee the carriage and pull you to him, he had to do something to keep you safe and even hated the next words out of his own mouth, "and I'm tired of playing romance, we're done."

"Sanji!!"

Luffy took it upon himself, of course, to try and fight Sanji to force him back. You stayed with Nami, Sanji's words replaying over and over in your head. You barely paid attention to the fight, even after Sanji returned to the carriage and Luffy yelled out to him that he'd never eat anyone else's food because Sanji was his chef, how he couldn't become king of the Pirates without him.

You felt a rush of adrenaline and ran up beside your captain who had just fallen to the ground, and took your turn shouting at the departing carriage.

"Sanji!!! I don't care what you said, I love you! You know I do!! I know we weren't just playing romance! I'll wait for you to come back too!!"

You didn't know if he actually heard you, but you hoped and prayed he did, while you collapsed by Luffy, the exhaustion of the last two days hitting you finally, along with the aching in your heart.

+!+

"Playing romance?? Is that what you've been doing as a pirate? Ha!" Yonji laughed at your shouted confession, while Sanji continued to cry over everything that had happened.

Luffy was determined to get him back, despite the fact he'd tried to drive him off, forcing you all to leave.

Nami slapped him which he knew he deserved, he'd hurt his closest friends and the pain from that was far worse than her slap.

And then you. You, his sweet, kind, patient, loving girlfriend, how could he do that to you, of all people? He was certain his family didn't know whether he looked at you or Nami, but when he locked eyes with you, the tears starting down your face as he just broke up with you, claiming it was just playing romance when he'd never do such a thing to you, it hurt him worse than anything else that had just happened.

Your yelling didn't help, he'd heard every word. You revealed your relationship on purpose so he knew you still loved him.

He didn't know how you could, of course feelings won't go away that quickly. Every day you'd tell him you loved him with a smile, sometimes that you hoped you'd have the chance to get married one day.

Sanji never understood why you truly loved him, why you wanted to marry him. He always refused to tell you about his horrendous family life growing up, but you always accepted it and said he could whenever he was ready. He told you he loved you first, and was surprised when you cried and told him the same, throwing your arms around him and kissing him.

He didn't deserve you, he knew that. He didn't deserve to have his thoughts be about marrying you, his late night wonderings about what your kids would look like. No, Sanji believed that now, he didn't deserve a life with you. Now you could go find someone who did deserve you, you weren't tied to him anymore. Maybe if you'd all go to Wano, you'd meet someone else, or even fall for Law or hell, he'd even expect Usopp.

Whatever was next, he thought you'd be better off without him.

She deserves better than a failure like me anyway.

+!+

"I can't believe you're letting him go like that." Nami tried to be angry as she sat beside you and Luffy, but she was struggling to even pretend. That bout he and Sanji just had was enough to cause her to slap the blond, out of frustration for Luffy and you. It didn't make her feel any better, but she thought maybe it would help you a little.

"I can't be mad at him." You admitted quietly, pulling your knees to your chest and setting your chin on them. "Could you see it? Did you hear his voice?"

"Of course I did! He just insulted Luffy and broke up with you in front of everyone that was here!"

"He's not doing it because he wants to!"

Nami was a bit surprised you shouted, but Luffy wasn't. He'd noticed the same as you did, the way Sanji looked at him in feign hatred that was really shock you'd all shown up, the way his voice wasn't normal, it almost quivered as he stated he'd become tired of playing romance with you and he'd chosen to quit being a pirate and accept his royal heritage.

"Everything was a lie, Nami! Everything that just happened, he doesn't want to do this to us!" You had hoped the syrupy rain would cover your tears, and it did, until you choked out a sob. "He's trying to protect us, I get that! It does hurt like hell to hear him say what he did, but…but he's keeping us safe as best he can."

Nami quickly moved over and hugged you tightly, apologizing for being upset about what had just happened. She knew that you knew Sanji better than any of them at this point, and your relationship may have been revealed to Luffy in a way you didn't want, but she was sure you and Sanji, if you could get him out of this arranged marriage, would be okay.

On the other hand, Luffy laughed a bit, giving you a big smile. "You're right! We'll get him back, and you guys can get married instead!"

"Sorry you found out this way, Luffy."

Shaking his head, Luffy just grinned with a giggle. "Don't worry about it. If you guys are happy, that's all good! You guys gotta get married on Sunny though!"

"If he ever wants to even think about marriage after this, I'd be glad to." Laughing as well, you knew it wouldn't be long before someone from Big Mom's castle came to capture you, and you would accept that for now. It might place you closer to Sanji in the end, for all you knew.

Luffy would rescue him, he just had to.

+!+

"That sneaky, conniving, little bi–"

"Hey, watch your language!"

Nami couldn't believe how angry you were, she'd never seen you so ready to harm yourself in order to get to someone else. Of course, the fact that Pudding just told the three of you the true intentions of this wedding, that she was going to be killing Sanji tomorrow, didn't help at all. You were struggling to get free from the nail-like candy trapping you in a cell, just as Luffy was though he was twisting himself to a point you feared he'd never come back from. Your anger was too much, you rarely ever swore and now Nami had heard you call Pudding and the rest of the Charlotte family a colorful array of names in about thirty seconds.

"How dare they! They think they're gonna kill the love of my life and get away with it?!"

"What about his family?"

"I don't care about them!!"

"You're gonna be a great daughter-in-law."

You stopped your attempts to escape and sent Nami a slight side eye, which made her roll her eyes. You'd never do anything to her, and she understood you didn't seem to be a fan of your possible future in-laws, but you really needed to calm down before the jailer caught wind of what you and Luffy were doing.

You hated how weak you felt, especially when Opera went to take Nami to get Lola's location out of her, but you were beyond glad when Jimbei showed up and freed the three of you, before you or Luffy could hurt yourselves further.

You followed your captain into the castle to try and find Sanji, but found yourselves pulled into another room and face to face with his sister, Reiju. Once she informed you that Sanji knew the truth about the next day, Luffy thanked her and jumped out a window to go to the spot he promised Sanji he'd be waiting at, but you stayed behind.

You really wanted to talk with Reiju.

"And you are? I know you were on the ship when I saved your captain."

"I'm [Y/N], I'm Sanji's girl–" you had to stop yourself, biting your lip and shaking your head. "I'm a member of the Straw Hats like Sanji."

You two were technically broken up at the moment, whether you accepted that or not. It felt like you couldn't call yourself his girlfriend right now, no matter how much it hurt your heart to stop yourself.

"Oooh, I see," Reiju smiled a bit at you, and you started to calm down. "You're the girl he told me about."

"He-He did?"

She nodded, still smiling at you. Once they had discussed the assassination plot, Sanji ended up telling Reiju a bit about you, and how he felt like garbage for breaking up with you the way he did, where he did. He'd even admitted he wouldn't blame you if you didn't take him back after all of this. He thought he was completely unworthy of your love now, you'd never take a failure like him back, and he just somehow knew he didn't deserve your forgiveness or love.

You deserved better than him, in Sanji's mind.

"He did, probably not everything but some things. Said you were the prettiest girl he'd ever met, and he was so in love with you."

Your heart clenched and you reached up to grip the necklace he'd found and bought for you in Water Seven. The little silver heart still made you happy anytime you looked at it.

"He hates what he did to you, and hoped that you'd take him back if he got to return." Reiju's smile softened as you started to cry, both hands tightly wrapped around your necklace now. "He thinks he should die with us tomorrow, but you need to help your captain get him out of here. The bracelets he's wearing are duds, he'll be fine if you leave with him."

"I…I'm so glad!" Your sobs were silent this time, while you started to smile so no one got suspicious of who was with Reiju. "The thought of Sanji marrying someone else has made me so sick to my stomach! But…just knowing he still loves me…is more than enough for the moment!"

You really did believe what you told Nami, that Sanji did what he had to in order to protect you guys and Zeff, to keep you from coming after him, but a part of you feared it was all genuine. That he didn't love you anymore, he didn't want to be a pirate or a cook anymore. It was just a small, nagging fear in the back of your mind, but now it had been squashed. You were no longer afraid or worried he had fallen out of love with you, cooking, or the sea.

He was still Sanji. Nothing had changed.

You thanked Reiju for the information, deciding to go find Nami again and leave the castle, when she stopped you and asked if you wanted to know about their childhood, how Sanji ended up in the East Blue, and about their mother.

Truthfully, you desperately did want to know, but you shook your head at her offer with a small smile.

"Sanji will tell me when he's ready."

+!+

You did find Nami and Jimbei, joining them in fighting to get out of the castle before you were dragged into the Mirro-world by Chopper and Carrot. Pedro was back with you as well, and you didn't fully understand why Big Mom's daughter Brulee or this guy named Diesel were with you, but if it helped you accomplish your goals, you figured it was ok. Your next task was to find Brook, and you did, nestled in Big Mom's arms as she slept, treating him like a stuffed animal. A few rescue attempts later you had him back, and he'd even gotten a copy of her Poneglyphs for Robin to read later.

Once you were all together, the only ones you needed were Luffy and Sanji, and you were lucky enough to find shards of the mirror that was destroyed in the place Luffy said he would stay. You were all able to get into contact with the two, everyone else cheering that Sanji was back while you held back your tears when he said your name, asking if you were there and all right.

"I'm here. I'm okay, don't worry."

"Oh, mon amour, I'm so, so sorry, I–"

"Sanji, we'll talk later. For now…leave things as they are. We have other things to do."

Hearing his soft agreement hurt you a bit, but you couldn't have such a talk with everyone else around. Not now, not here. Chopper and Brook asked you what was going on as you all headed for Capone Bege's place, and all you told them was that you and Sanji had been dating for a couple years, but were broken up for the moment due to the circumstances. They were both shocked you'd keep such a relationship secret, but also sad for the two of you to be in the situation you were in. You were certain everything would be alright once this wedding was stopped, once the assassination plot was ended, but until then, you'd keep your relationship status as broken up, despite the thought hurting you even more.

+!+

Upon arrival at Bege's place, you, Nami, and Carrot went off to take a much needed bath, Nami speaking and connecting with Chiffon thanks to her having been friends with Lola for the time you all were at Thriller Bark. Carrot was enjoying the bath greatly, and you were glad to be able to wash away the gross feelings of the last two days, but you weren't really looking forward to seeing Sanji yet. You wanted to hide in the bath the whole time, making Carrot nervous as you sunk down further, letting the water come up to your nose so you could still breathe. Nami wasn't that concerned, she knew you were still upset but you weren't going to do anything to yourself. You'd be fine after some time, once you and Sanji could actually talk.

You did eventually leave the bath, changing into the [f/c] dress that Chiffon had left for you. It hit about your knees and had long sleeves, but you did think it was a nice dress for the time being.

When you were on your way to the room Chiffon said this brief alliance discussion would be taking place in, you caught sight of Sanji about to go into the room himself, before he saw you. His eyes lit up and he told Luffy to go without him, turning and walking towards you, hoping you'd let him explain quickly.

"[Y/N]. I've missed you so much." You let Sanji hug you, returning it tightly and saying the same thing. It'd been far too long, you two hadn't truly been around each other since your arrival in Dressrosa,  and that was a few weeks ago now.

You really had missed him.

Releasing you, Sanji took your face in his hands and placed his forehead against yours, making you start to tear up just because you had missed him terribly the last few days, you missed being so close to him, missed just holding his hands and talking to him, and were glad he was in front of you again.

"I'm so, so sorry. I didn't…I never wanted…"

"I know. It's okay, I understand, you were trying to protect us."

"It doesn't justify what I said to you," he shook his head, making sure you were looking him in the eyes so you knew he wasn't lying, "It's not just playing romance with you, you know that, right? You know I'm serious about us."

You nod, removing his hands from your face to just hold them, staying as close as you can be without hugging. "I know, but it's okay for the moment. We don't have the time to talk about this, but, once we're back on Sunny, we should sit and talk, all right?"

Nodding, Sanji agreed with you. There was no time to work this out right then, so you'd have to put it on the back burner and wait for now. Wait until this sham wedding was stopped, Big Mom would potentially be assassinated, and Sanji would be free from having to deal with his family ever again. You'd make sure they stayed away, even if it killed you.

"I love you. Only you, now and always."

"I love you too, Sanji."

Everything would be okay. Just a bit longer, and you'd all be back on Sunny and heading for Wano.

+!+

The assassination plot against Big Mom had failed, but so had hers against the Vinsmoke family, she was never going to have the technology from Germa now. Once the wedding cake had been ruined, her hunger pangs began and she started a rampage, but by then, you all had moved back to the Seducing Woods where Sunny was waiting, this time with Sanji alongside you. He'd rescued his family, before disowning his father who accepted that to your shock, and now he was wondering why you kept giving him odd looks.

"What's up?"

You just kind of looked him over, making him slightly nervous before you shrugged with a slight frown.

"You look better in black. White doesn't suit you as well."

"That…THAT'S IT?!" Sanji was only shocked for a moment before you giggled, saying he still looked handsome but black was definitely more his color. He'd thought something was wrong! It made him glad to hear that the 'problem' was just the color suit he'd been forced to wear.

You all were interrupted by a flying carpet carrying Chiffon and Pudding, the latter of the two wanting Sanji to go with them to make a cake that could satisfy Big Mom's cravings, even though she kept switching between seeming lovestruck by Sanji and wanting to kill him still. Despite your comment and reiterating of love for each other, you two hadn't properly reconciled your relationship, so for the moment, you were willing to let Sanji go if it meant stopping Big Mom's rampage.

Sanji, though, wasn't so keen on the idea of leaving you again, even though you would be with the rest of your crew, but you promised him you'd be fine. You knew how to fight, you'd throw a few shuriken and some kunai with trip wire or paper bombs to stop whoever came after you all. He gave you the quickest hug, holding your hand while he promised he'd be back as soon as possible, making you laugh.

"You'd better not be lying to me."

"Never in a million years, mon amour."

You barely took notice of the way Pudding looked at you until Sanji joined her and Chiffon on the flying carpet. She was looking at you like she knew, the entire time, that you were the one he'd told her he'd given his heart too. You never confirmed or denied it when you spoke with her the first time, but it seemed like she could tell. You didn't say a word to her, just nodded and followed everyone else back to Sunny.

You felt you could trust Pudding for now.

+!+

Luffy had disappeared into the Mirro-world with another of Big Mom's children, Katakuri, and you could assume a fight had taken place. Sanji had left with Chiffon and Pudding to recreate the wedding cake to stop Big Mom from rampaging through her own kingdom.

The rest of you had been able to get on board Sunny and away from the shore, now just trying to stay away from anyone that came towards you as you attempted to reach Cacao Island to reunite with your missing captain and chef. It took longer than you personally liked, and Big Mom had attacked Sunny as you all went on, Nami being the one to temporarily stop her by discharging lightning from a cloud Homie named Zeus, who she promptly captured as her own.

You'd all made it to Cacao Island in time for Sanji and Luffy to almost be thrown to the ship, making your getaway surprisingly with the help of the Germa fleet to keep Big Mom's fleet of ships from you.

It'd been a while since you were able to successfully escape from Big Mom and Totto Land, you sat relieved on the Sunny's deck, thankful to be on the way to Wano and to have Sanji back finally.

Luffy was laid out on the deck too, his stomach started growling after a bit which made you laugh.

"Hey uh," it was weird to hear Sanji sound so unsure as he spoke, but still it made you smile, "I could…make you a meal?"

He didn't have a chance to run before Luffy, Brook, Chopper, and Carrot were nearly mauling him at the thought of having his cooking, making Sanji ask if you all had eaten while he'd been gone. All of you followed him to the kitchen where he prepared food for you, making you the happiest by seeing him in his element, doing what he loved.

Of course, you two would need to sit and talk, but you'd already asked Nami to place you on the first night watch so you and Sanji could have a talk uninterrupted.

Once you finished eating, you quietly snuck out to go to the crow's nest and wait. You were sure Sanji would want to clean the kitchen and wash the dishes before he even thought about bed, so you had time to think about what you wanted to say.

Sanji noticed you were gone not even five minutes later, hoping you still weren't upset over everything that had happened.

"Where–"

"She's on the first night watch," Nami smiled at Sanji when she knew what he was about to ask, "She said she'll be waiting for you."

Nodding, Sanji turned back to the stove to finish the next batch of food Luffy had asked for. He'd definitely join you once he was done, but he'd worry and stress over what to say, how to explain himself if you'd let him until then. He prayed you'd take him back, that you wouldn't still be upset with him. He'd tell you everything, no matter how much it hurt him personally, you deserved to know what you'd gotten into with him.

Please….please just accept me still.

+!+

The sound of the hatch to the crow's nest opening woke you from your light nap, you quickly rubbed your eyes before looking to see who it was, grinning when you saw exactly who you'd been waiting for.

"Sanji!" He barely entered the room before you'd jumped up from your spot, fully awake now, and threw your arms around him, kissing his face while he tried to keep from falling with you.

"Hey, hey, calm down! You're gonna drag us to the floor!"

"Who cares?!"

He was able to stay upright with you holding onto him, setting you down after a moment. You smiled and once he'd closed the hatch, you dragged him over the bench with you, making him sit right next to you while you held his hand. There was no way you were letting him go again, not until you got to Wano at least. You also didn't want this conversation to last too long, you were sure he wanted to get out of that white wedding suit as soon as possible.

You were both quiet for a while, neither of you sure where to start, but you decided to break the ice by leaning closer and kissing Sanji on the cheek with a smile.

"I love you."

"How could you still love me after all of this?"

Humming a bit, you furrowed your brow seeing Sanji wouldn't look at you. He'd told you he loved you just the night before at Bege's castle, and you responded the same. Did he think you'd really stop loving him simply because of his family, because of this arranged marriage crap? All in a matter of a day?

"Sanji," you held his hand tighter, using your free one to make him look at you, smiling softly at him, "none of it was your fault."

"Of course it–"

"No, listen to me. Nothing that happened the last few days was your fault. You were being used by people who don't care about you like we do," you stopped to kiss him briefly, which caused Sanji to hug you so tightly, "they don't love you like I do especially. Nothing could stop me from loving you, Sanji."

Sanji severely did not want to start crying to you, he didn't want you to feel any kind of pity for him. You never would, he knew that, but it was just a small fear. He still was determined to tell you about his childhood, hoping you'd still want to be with him after you heard everything, after you learned how he ended up in the East Blue and working with Zeff at the Baratie.

But he knew deep down that you'd never leave him just because of what he was subjected to. You might want to go back and kill his brothers but you wouldn't leave him.

"I love you. I love you so, so damn much."

You hummed lightly with a soft smile, hugging him tighter and kissing the top of his head. "I love you too, Sanji; so much more than you'll ever know."

Sanji fully believed you. He knew you loved him and wouldn't leave him. You'd stay with him and continue to help him move on from his past, continuing to help him heal and plan a life with you instead.

He hoped you'd like that idea.

+!+

"Sanji, what do you want to do with this suit?"

"Burn it for all I care."

You laughed, halfway expecting that answer while Sanji got ready for the day. You two had spent your entire night watch talking, he'd told you all about his childhood and apologized too many times for your liking, but it all ended up all right in the end. When Nami came in to take over, you'd both fallen asleep and if Zoro was there, he and Sanji would be having an argument, but since it was Nami, she gently woke you both and told you to go downstairs and sleep. Sanji ended up picking you up bridal style once you two had made it down to the deck, making you giggle and hug him around his neck. You kicked your legs like a child and while he smiled, Sanji told you to be careful so he didn't drop you, but you knew he'd never. He had taken you to the women's bunks and was going to leave you in your bed to go to his own, but you grabbed him before he could go anyway and asked him to stay, which he gladly did so.

Now you were getting ready to continue onward to Wano, and you just wanted to know what to do with the suit he'd worn the day before. There really wasn't anything wrong with it, apart from the memories that would be attached to it and the fact you had said he looked better in black, Sanji didn't want to keep it at all.

You dug through the pockets to make sure he hadn't left his lighter or anything in them, before finding a strange black item with a 3 on it.

"What's this?"

"Hmm?"

Eyes widening at the item in your hands, Sanji stopped brushing his teeth and almost choked on the toothpaste in his mouth before spitting it out and snatching the item from your hands.

"How the hell did this get here?"

He didn't tell you a thing and started walking out to the deck, leaving you to follow.

"Sanji, wait! What is it??"

"Trash is what it is!"

Luffy and the others were on the deck as you two walked out, and when he saw the item in Sanji's hand he used his Gum Gum powers to stretch out and take it.

"Is this a raid suit like what your family had?!"

"A raid suit?!" Chopper's eyes lit up into stars, and he and Luffy started begging Sanji to try the raid suit, but he adamantly refused. He figured that his brother Niji must've been the one to give him the suit, saying he was the only one to actually have contact with him and Luffy when they were escaping Totto Land. Luffy and Chopper continued to whine and beg Sanji to try the raid suit, the two wanted to see what cool transformation would happen, but Sanji absolutely did not want to have anything to do with Germa's science.

"You might be able to shoot lasers!!!"

"Look, we don't need another person that can shoot lasers! It's enough that we've got Franky! I don't want that Germa science near me! In fact," he gave them both a small glare, "Don't ever say the words Vinsmoke or Germa around me! Both are forbidden!"

While the two whined, Nami brought up how she uses science herself, showing off Zeus who had made his new home in her climate baton, having chosen food over loyalty, when Carrot jumped down with the latest Coo News.

"It says here that Luffy, Sanji, Jimbei, and Bege attempted to assassinate Big Mom, and that Luffy was the ringleader!" She flipped the pages and a few bounty posters fell out when she did so. "Oh, new bounty posters."

You and Sanji both caught sight of one of them, you were excited and he was surprised.

"Ah!"

"Your bounty went up, Sanji!!"

You were so happy for him that you couldn't help it, you threw your arms around his neck laughing! No point in hiding your relationship now, not after a shouted confession and having to explain the situation to Chopper and Brook. The only ones who didn't know yet were Usopp and Franky, and you intended to tell them as soon as you met up with them in Wano.

"It's 330 million berries! Wait, what's the moss head's bounty?!"

"I believe," Brook answered before anyone else had the chance to,  "it's 320 million."

"Yes! In your face, moss head!!" Sanji grinned and finally hugged you back, twirling just a bit with you, asking if you were proud of your super awesome boyfriend who had a higher bounty than Zoro. All you did was laugh and nod, you truly were proud of him!

"Oh hey," Chopper held another bounty poster in his hands and held it up to the two of you, "[Y/N]'s bounty went up to! It's 120 million now!"

"What?!" Your face went red as you took the poster from Chopper, absolutely shocked yours went up at all. You didn't think you'd been mentioned in the article, so you didn't expect this! "Why did mine double?!"

"Who cares, you should be proud!" Taking your face in his hands, Sanji kept smiling with heart eyes and rubbed his nose and cheek against your own. "My beautiful girlfriend is so strong!! I'm so proud of you!!"

"Sanji!!" You blushed even worse, not used to being able to show affection so openly, but you'd get over it at some point.

"Ah young love, yohohoho!"

You ignored Brook while Sanji got another look at his poster, instantly becoming depressed when he realized his bounty likely only went up because of his family and Germa, due to it having his last name on it.

Carrot brought the paper over to you, telling you to check the article again. Doing so, you read through and your face went pale reading a few sentences stuck in the middle.

"'The assassination plot was aided by another Straw Hat pirate member, by the name of [L/N] [Y/N], a young kunoichi from Yume Village, an offshoot of Wano. She's believed to be in a relationship with Vinsmoke Sanji.' I…are you freaking kidding me?!"

Instead of being depressed you became angry, realizing it was most likely because of your relationship that your bounty went up, not really because of anything you did. You almost wanted to hide the rest of the day, but decided it wasn't worth it in the end. Your bounty had increased, your relationship was out in the world, you'd just have to accept it.

Luffy became depressed himself, reading his new poster and believing it said his bounty had dropped to 1.5 million berries, before Brook read it aloud and corrected him.

"Your bounty isn't 1.5 million berries. It's 1.5 billion berries!!"

"WHAT???!"

Everyone was so shocked, you had to read the poster for yourselves, to make sure it was accurate, and it was! Luffy had such a high bounty now, you all were excited for him; you personally were a little concerned, but Luffy was strong so everything would be all right!

Instead of there being any kind of concern, Luffy laughed and was glad his bounty hadn't gone down. Nami nearly smacked him on the head for being so nonchalant about it, before Sanji suggested he could start on breakfast, which everyone agreed to.

"Let me help you!"

You grabbed Sanji's hand before he could step away, and he gladly agreed to let you help him make breakfast. He placed you on your usual task of chopping vegetables for the omelets that he'd decided would be perfect to start the day with. It was quiet for a while, both of you focused and working on your tasks, Luffy coming in every few minutes to ask when breakfast would be ready before Sanji kicked him out and told him soon. The last time it happened, before even turning back to his own work, Sanji stopped and hugged you from behind, making you giggle.

"I love you, [Y/N]."

"I love you too, Sanji!"

I'm gonna marry you one day, I swear it.

[fatuismooches]

I AM HAVING SO MUCH BRAIN ROT AUUUUGHHH

Just imagine with me for a moment... Insinuating that they have a crush on reader or like... that they want to kiss

Like the "Oh my god... You have a crush on me, that's so embarrassing of you!!" Or the whole "You wanna kiss me so bad it makes you look stupid."

And both times it's funny because you're already together.

Reader says to Dottore he has a crush on them. Every single segment just turns to face them and their faces get red simultaneously. Over a dozen blushing Dottores just hiding it in various different ways as they go back to what they were doing but one thing is the same. All of their ears are bright red.

Or with Pantalone. "You have a crush on me, that's embarrassing." And be just... smiles. Tilts his head to the side. "I can assure you, I'm not embarrassed. Must I buy you another gift to prove that?" And Reader immediately has to explain, no, it was a joke, please stop spending ao much money on me. And yet, the next day they open their door to an entire basket full of their favorite things.

CAPITANO OML. Even insinuate he has a crush and he's even more silent than usual. He is a little embarrassed about it. Later, comes to Reader all worried that he was being too affectionate and it was too obvious when literally all he did was place a hand on their waist when he had to pass by.

AJSJKDJDNRN I LOVE THEM

🦚

THIS IS CANON. READER TEASES THEIR HUSBANDS NONSTOP.

The teasing isn't really anything new for Dottore and the segments, they've dealt with it for so long, dating back all the way to the Akademiya! You'd think they'd be immune to it by now, and well, they probably are for the most part, but you are the person who they can never always accurately predict for a reason. They love you for that but... it can be not in their favor sometimes. This would arise when Dottore tells you something along the lines of taking care of yourself better... something very much only ever afforded to you. This is TOTAL crush behavior, and you would instantly get giddy and inform him of his oh-so-embarrassing crush. The lab has never been so silent... save for your cackling, as the younger, more defensive segments deny it (for some odd reason) as the older ones stay silent ignoring the rising heat in their systems, while the original stands there, bracing for the oncoming headache.

And then Pantalone is just one irritatingly smooth man. You hate it and love it at the same time. Every single time you try to tease him he just brushes it off and returns it ten times harder. It stems from the fact Pantalone is very much aware of his love for you and proud of it - how could he not fall for a person as wonderful as you? Why would he ever be embarrassed? He accepts it wholly and he's more than willing to flaunt it. So declaring his crush on you just makes him double down more. In fact, he's very glad you're conscious of his crush on you. It makes it easier to justify the amount of money he spends on you without a second thought. Meanwhile, you're slightly regretting giving him another excuse to dish out more Mora but in the end, you just can't be mad at this man.

Oh, poor, poor Capitano... this little guy can't understand the joke at first. Are you making fun of him? Should he... not have a crush on you? Was that a bad thing? But you were laughing... he's happy to see you smile but at the same time, he is confused. He spends the whole day thinking about the encounter and what you could have meant by that. When he comes home all serious, you're initially worried for the worst but then he's concerned over him showing you affection. You vehemently apologize to him because you felt bad. After that, you always make sure to let him know how much you love him and how affectionate he is for you! You also always let him know it's okay to tease you back but... um, he is terrible at that.

[shadowuponstorm]

You're F*cking Joking

Like everyone in the X-Mansion, Reader is a mutant with the ability to manipulate minds telepathically and have regenerative healing. She and a certain Wolverine have been butting heads since Reader joined the mansion, and everyone has had enough, so what will happen when Charles Xavier pairs the two up for a mission?

"No," Logan said from beside me as Charles voiced that Logan didn't know what he was going to say, "I already know because you have her in here."

"Geez, thanks asshole," I telepathically put in his head, making him jerk his head in my direction with his famous scowl.

"Hey, no telepathic manipulation," Charles said as I turned to him and told him, "I was simply telling this broody bear of a man what he already knows."

"Why I outta-" Logan responded as Charles cut him off, "This. This is what I wanted to talk to the two of you about."

"What do you mean?" I asked as Logan and I looked at Charles in confusion.

"You two have been going after each other's necks since Miss L/N's arrival at the mansion and frankly, everyone's had enough of it," Charles tells us as I felt my blood freeze.

I didn't know it had gotten this bad between us, but it isn't my fault Logan's been an ass to me since the very first day.

"Charles, I-" I started to say before he raised a hand up, "I just wanted to apologize for my behavior."

"Apology accepted, but that's not going to be enough for everyone else," Charles responds as Logan quirks an eyebrow and asks what would be enough, "You and Y/N are going on a mission together. Not an official one, but it should be long enough for the two of you to hash out your differences."

Before I could respond, Logan grunted out, "You're fucking joking, bub."

"I am indeed not joking. You both are going somewhere and will not return until this issue is resolved. Do you understand?" Charles said as I confirmed my understanding while Logan gave a small nod.

After the both of us exited Charles' office, and before we headed to our rooms to pack for this "mission," we both gave each other a look that said, "This is a stupid idea."

Where the "mission" takes place...is in the fucking woods. Great idea, Charles, stick two of your dangerous mutants together among the trees for a bonding exercise. After we arrived, Logan was already ahead of me gathering wood for the fire we'll need to light later tonight while I set up the tents, except there's only one tent in the duffle with a note from Storm saying, "Good luck."

"Damn it Ororo," I muttered to myself before I heard Logan drop the wood into the pit before he asked why I was cursing Storm, "She packed only one tent, we have to share."

"Of course we do," Logan mumbled as I glared at him and said, "Well, if you have a problem with that, you're free to sleep outside in the wilderness."

"Just put the tent up," Logan grunted as he stomped away to grab more firewood, leaving me alone yet again.

"Ugh! Why must he be so infuriating?!" I shouted in my head as I kicked the ground in frustration.

Once I calmed down, I started building the tent, which, thankfully, wasn't that small so Logan and I wouldn't be squished against one another. The sun began to set, and after Logan lit the fire pit, I started cooking dinner. A few minutes of silence passed, and Logan was smoking a cigar before I said, "Why do you hate me?"

"What do you mean?" Logan asked, but it was muffled by the cigar in his mouth.

"Take the damn cigar out of your mouth if you're going to talk. I can hardly understand you," I snapped back as Logan rolled his eyes and took the cigar before asking me what I meant by my question, "I mean, why do you hate me so much to the point where you want to bicker with me every day."

"I don't hate you," Logan said as I scoffed and told him it was funny that he said that, but his words and actions indeed said differently.

Logan sighed before explaining, "I don't want you to get close to me." Before I could ask why, he continued, "Whenever I get close to someone, they either get hurt or die, and I refuse to let that happen to you."

"Like Scott and Jean?" I asked as Logan nodded his head and mentioned how his first night in the mansion ended up with him stabbing Rogue with his claws from a nightmare, "So you don't want me close to you like a friend, gotcha."

"I didn't say like a friend," Logan said as I looked at him, confused, before he expanded, "Ever since you came to the mansion, I've felt some way about you. I don't know what it could be, but if something happened to you, I couldn't live knowing you're not here anymore."

"Logan," I started to say as I saw the stew was ready and decided to quickly fix the bowls before it gets too hot for the both of us.

"You don't have to get theatrical and tell me I'm not right for you, I get it," Logan responded as I rolled my eyes and telepathically told him to shut the hell up.

"You want to know what I thought about you the first time I saw you?" I asked as Logan gave me a slight nod before taking a bite of the stew, "Guarded, not wanting to give too much about yourself away, and putting the tough guy act on."

"But I also saw someone who cares a lot about everyone around him, even when he thinks no one notices that part of him, but I do. I admire that so much, and yes, while it is infuriating that we keep bickering back and forth, I'm hoping that will change someday," I telepathically told him as I feel his eyes back on me and see him put his bowl down.

Logan gets up from his seat and leans over me, his dog tag hanging between us, our lips inches apart, before he whispers, "Can I kiss you?" I nodded before I felt his hands go into my hair to move my head back so he could turn his head to the side, and we kissed.

"God, her lips are so soft, I could kiss them all day," I hear his thoughts come through, making me pull away with a smile to whisper to him, "You can kiss me anytime you want."

"Good," Logan whispered back with a smile and moved back onto my lips, swiping his tongue on my bottom lip, and I allowed him in.

After what felt like hours kissing, we pulled apart to get air back into our lungs, and I start laughing.

"What's funny?" Logan asked with an amused look on his face.

"Do you think Charles saw this as an outcome?" I asked as Logan shrugged and told me maybe he did, or he just saw our true feelings toward one another through all the fighting and bickering.

-Back at the X-Mansion-

It's been two days since Logan's and mine's mission, and it feels good not bickering or fighting like we used to. Now, it's just playful and joking between us, and of course, Logan has to keep his stone-cold demeanor up around the students so they don't call him a softie. I come down the stairs and go towards the kitchen to see Logan sitting at the table with Rouge and Bobby.

"Morning, guys," I said as I grabbed my mug and poured myself a cup of coffee before I heard Logan's voice, or his thought, come through, "I'm damn lucky she's mine, and her ass looks great in those jeans."

"Down boy, not in front of the kids," I telepathically shot back at him before I turn around to see him with a smirk on his face, "Smug bastard."

"What were you guys talking about?" Rouge asked as she and Bobby looked between us before I shook my head with a laugh and said, "Nothing you need to know."

[pandorasprongs]

JAMIE TARTT | if it weren't for second chances, we'd all be alone.

PAIRING: jamie tartt x fem!reader

WORD COUNT: 5.5k

SUMMARY: in order to advance her career, reader has to write a profile about her usual subject of interest: jamie tartt. if he'll let her.

WARNINGS: language

A/N: hello! this is one of my shorter one shots and not much to say about this one, but i hope you all enjoy and the title is from 'second chances' by gregory alan isakov!

"There is no fucking way I'm working with her!" You hear Jamie Tartt say from a distance, as Keeley looks past his shoulder with an apologetic look. You give her a small smile, but let out a long sigh.

You knew doing this wouldn't be easy, but you didn't exactly have a choice. You left your job at the Sun after finally coming to your senses when Trent Crimm left the Independent. If the execs were willing to let go of arguably one of their best sports journalists, what would that say about your own career?

It's been half a year since then and so far, you weren't having much luck. You were doing freelance work in the meantime — to be able to afford your rent at this point, — but you couldn't just let yourself wallow in pity. 

You decided to contact a popular sports journal, asking if they had any openings for writers. Your work experience helped boost your appeal, but they said they needed a solid portfolio to consider you. Since the Sun never really let you write actual sports-related articles and few of your tabloid articles were of substance, you asked if there were any articles you could join as a freelance journalist to prove your skills.

The only one they had was one titled, "Rocky Road: Careers of the Premier League's Up and Coming" and they had a particular player you wanted to write your section on.

Contacting Keeley Jones was the easy part. You've had enough interactions with her that your name was recognizable, so you were able to organize a meeting. Your first move was apologizing for every article you've ever mentioned her in, and then quickly explaining your predicament. The KJPR owner — having been in your place of being looked down for things out of your control, — was very willing to help you get your article done.

The missing piece was just the subject of your article: Jamie Tartt. Your relationship with him was similar to the one you had with Keeley, but you doubt he'd be as forgiving.

Your suspicions were confirmed by his reaction to Keeley organizing all of this for you. You had hoped that maybe he'd forgotten all the stories you'd written about his one-night stands, scandalous statements, and failed football plays, but obviously not.

You continued to sit quietly in Keeley's office, pretending not to hear her trying to calm the football player down. After a few minutes, the pair returns and Jamie begrudgingly agrees.

For a moment there, you're ecstatic and you start organizing your schedule of events. You’ve already written a short introduction, but the rest of the article is meant to come from the player and close sources. You're also supposed to shadow him for a week to get a feel of his current state as a player in the league.

You try and explain this to Jamie, but look up to find him taking selfies on his phone. Keeley grabs his attention, but a few moments later, he's back at it, hiding his phone under the table this time.

You finally have enough. "Look Jamie, if you don't want to do this,—"

"You're right, I don't." He finally looks straight at you and you hold yourself back from smacking his smug face. You don't care how many articles say he's gotten better; you still think he's the same prick you wrote all those tabloids about.

"Jamie, we talked about this," Keeley interjects. "It'll be good for your career and Richmond's standing for next season, if you do this profile."

"Yeah, but you couldn't get any other writer?" Jamie turns to face her instead.

"Look, she really needs this article," The KJPR owner pleads with the footballer, but that only gets him more riled up.

His gaze lands on you once again, with a smug look on his face. "So her career is in my hands?" He lets out a laugh, before standing up from his seat. "Message me if you find a journalist who’s more than a mediocre tabloid writer." Jamie leaves the room without another word and you slump into your chair.

Keeley tries to get up and chase after him, but you grab her arm before she does. "It's alright, Keeley. I didn't expect him to say yes," you admit.

"Well, I can try and ask the other players if they're willing to do it. I don't suppose you've written anything for the tabloids about them, right?" She asks jokingly, but you shake your head. The journal was very specific about which player they wanted. It's Tartt or nothing.

You get up to leave, but not without thanking Keeley for trying. She says she'll send Jamie the introduction you wrote, and you appreciate the act but aren't hopeful. As you leave the office, you decide not to go back to your flat just yet and let your feet decide where you're going.

Of course, you end up at Crown & Anchor. It's nearing 6 pm by then and you decide to just have dinner there. You send a message to your roommate about it, before ordering two beers and fish & chips from Mae. You really shouldn't be eating out given how you're already scrounging for jobs, but after the second beer, it didn't seem like such a bad idea.

It's 9 pm the next time you check the clock and finally decide it's time to go home. You see Mae walking over to your booth, so you pull your wallet out of your bag. "I don't have it in me to look at the bill, just grab whatever from here and let's call it a day, yeah?"

"Someone's already paid for your meal." She responds, dropping the receipt in your palm instead. You scrunch your eyebrows before she points at someone walking towards the table. You look up and focus your eyes to find Jamie Tartt standing there. He slides into the other side and takes the receipt from you.

Before you can say anything, Jamie pulls out his phone and reads off his screen. "After aiding in AFC Richmond's promotion back to the Premier League, it's clear as day that Tartt — like his hair with the blonde highlights — is changing for the better."

You perk up when you realize what he's reciting. The football player continues, "Keeley sent the first few paragraphs you wrote. I'm not much of a reader, but this is alright."

You give him a small smile, still trying to sober yourself up for this conversation. "Thank you," is all you manage to say. “How’d you find me?”

“I didn’t. Just ended up at this pub and saw you.” You shrug at that explanation before Jamie continues, "I'll consider doing the profile," Your eyes widen, but he adds, "Only if you explain why the fuck you were so obsessed with me at the Sun?"

That's enough to shake you awake. "I was not obsessed with you!" You protest, a little louder than you intended, with Mae sending a glare in your direction.

You take a drink of water and take a deep breath before finally putting it out in the open. 

"I have a degree in Journalism from Leeds," you start, prompting a confused look on the football player's face.

"The fuck does that have to do with all this?" He asks and you hold your hand up to stop him. He rolls his eyes but doesn't say anything, so you take the chance to continue.

"I have a proper degree from a good school. I have watched and played football all my life. My dad helped me join a league as a kid because of how much we loved the sport." You lean into the table, emphasizing the last part of your statement. If Jamie had arrived five beers earlier, you doubt you'd be admitting this to him.

"I played the game up until secondary school when I started getting serious about my writing. I decided to focus on that more, but I only knew how to write about football." You look up to make sure Jamie is still paying attention and find him looking at you intently.

You take a breath and continue, "I started writing for my school's paper about our team's games and when I went to university, I did the same thing. I've practically been a sports journalist for a decade, so I can proudly say that I'm a fucking qualified writer. I initially applied to be a journalist for the Independent,"

"What, like the Trent Crimm types?" Jamie interjects and you nod.

"But they decided to refer me to the Sun instead. The only things they'd let me write about were tabloids. As in, if I wrote anything about football or sports, it'll get rejected like that," You smack the table, startling Jamie a little, and sigh.

"The closest I could get was writing about rumors about the players, but even then, I'd only really get a small part at the back of the paper. The first time I got a section on the front page though, was when I wrote that article about you. The one about you getting caught with two girls in a karaoke room?" You remind him and he flinches at the reminder but doesn't say anything.

"Well yeah, that one. Anyway, I realized that if I wanted a chance to become an actual sports journalist, I had to get my stupid articles on the front page first and my most popular ones were always about you." You try and gauge Jamie's reaction to that, but he's doing a good job at keeping a straight face now. Or maybe you're just too drunk to properly determine his features.

"So I kept writing about you, whatever bullshit rumor or story I could get my hands on. I'd usually add some things at the end about your football performance thinking that an editor would see it and say 'Oh, she knows what she's talking about,'" You drop your voice an octave to try and mimic one of the executives you knew back then.

"But after a while, you started cleaning up your image and I started to realize that no matter what I did, no one fucking cared. I'd never get a chance to write what I actually wanted there, so I left." You lean back into your seat and let out a huff. "And now you're all caught up."

It takes a minute before Jamie finally speaks up. "I'll do it." A part of you still doubted that he'd agree, but with verbal confirmation, you allow yourself to internally celebrate. "But you better make me look good, yeah?"

"Yes, I promise," you reply, nodding your head furiously. "Oh, and thanks for paying for my dinner."

"Sure. I'll ask Keeley about our schedule next week." Jamie moves to get up but pauses for a second before jerking his head towards you. "Also, my hair is walnut mist, not blonde. You better change that in the article." 

You wonder why this is what Jamie chooses to raise his voice about, but you agree nonetheless. He leaves you be and you sit there for a moment, still in shock. But once one of the servers comes to clean up your table, you finally get the sense to call your roommate to pick you up and share the news.

—

After a rough hangover the morning after, you check your phone to find a message from Keeley telling you Jamie changed his mind about it. You guess he decided not to tell her about what you said last night, much to your relief. You find another message from an unknown number.

I'm usually at the clubhouse by 10, so best to be there by then.

You were still too groggy to properly comprehend the message when another one pops up.

It's Jamie.

You save the contact on your phone before getting up and starting your outline. You already had a few questions lined up when you were planning the article, mainly topics that only he could comment on. One of those things is his career in the recent year.

After losing Lust Conquers All and being kicked out of Man City — arguably your biggest article, — there were fewer and fewer stories for you to write about the footballer, so your last few months at the Sun were pretty lackluster. You didn't have any reason to keep following Jamie's career, so you still had to fill that gap through your interview. But you decided to keep that till after you shadowed Jamie for the week since you also wanted to get the input of his teammates and coaches.

Over the week, you'd received mostly the same stories about the player. Massive prick, got sent back to Man City, came back and redeemed himself, and is now both a better player and teammate. It's nothing you hadn't heard before from second-hand sources, but at least you had direct quotes from his teammates for the article. 

Watching training was the more exciting part of being at the clubhouse, especially getting to watch the improvements of the Richmond team as a whole. They seemed to be more united than before, probably because of the promotion high. 

Your main focus was Jamie and you could tell that his teammates were right. Gone were the days of hogging the ball and only allowing himself to score a goal. He still had slight vibes of his old prick self, but you learned from the coaches that it was more of a tactic than anything. You even learned about their "signal," which they once did in a match a few months ago, you remember. 

For the most part, you had avoided Jamie, still sensing a sort of resentment towards you. You couldn't blame him; he was already doing you a massive favor and it would be rude to get mad at him for justifiably being pissed off at you. It was only ever slight nods and greetings in the halls, and occasionally glances during practice.

Only at the end of the week did you finally have a conversation with him again to plan your one-on-one interview. Well, more of you enumerating your ideas and him only responding in nods.

"Is Sunday okay? Keeley said we can use one of the meeting rooms in KJPR for it." You're double-checking the message from the CEO as Jamie fixes himself up in front of his locker.

"Nah, too stuffy," is the first thing the football player says during the whole conversation. "How long's it gonna take?"

You had already lessened the number of questions for him based on the information you gathered from the team so that only left a select few. You didn't want to underestimate it though, so you tell him around 1-2 hours, depending on his answers.

"Then can't you find a restaurant or something for it? So I'm not starving the whole time." He asks, and you bite back from commenting on his tone. This is for the greater good. This is for the greater good.

"Sure, I'll find a quiet cafe for it, so no one will disturb us." You already had a few in mind that you used to go to when you needed a space to write.

"Okay, sounds good," Jamie responds and there are a few quiet moments before the footballer says his goodbyes. "Have a nice night."

"You too," You move to the side and the football player leaves without another word.

You exhale deeply and wait for a beat before heading into the hallway yourself. You start walking out of the building when you hear someone call out to you.

"Hi! I didn't know you'd be here today," You greet Keeley, who's rushing down the stairs.

"Oh, I'm just visiting Rebecca." She explains, pointing upstairs. "How's the article going?"

"It's going fine." You answer.

"Just fine? If Jamie's being an arse, you can tell me." You laugh but shake your head. Keeley seems to believe you and instead tells you, "Also, I've already contacted a photographer for Jamie's shoot. I'll send you his email, so you can plan it out with him. And, if you need any additional information, I'm sure I can help fill the gaps."

"Yes, thank you," You smile at her when a question pops into your head. "Do you know if Jamie's dating anyone right now?" Your first thought is to ask his possible partner for an interview, but you instantly realize your fault. "Wait, never mind, I shouldn't ask. That's way too invasive. Old habits die hard, sorry."

"It's alright," Keeley's quick reply relaxes you. "But no, I don't think he's seen anyone in a while."

That was more or less the end of the conversation with Keeley as Rebecca finally appeared and the two ladies went back to the latter's office. 

—

The afternoon you're supposed to meet Jamie started rough. First, you realize you didn't charge your laptop the night before and now, it was completely dead. Next, your roommate had used up all the hot water, so you had to power through the freezing temperatures. Now, you're running late to the interview and sprinting through the street.

You finally get to the cafe and as you expected, there was only one other person there aside from the barista. You wave at the person at the counter, already familiar with them before approaching Jamie.

"12 minutes late," is all he has to say, as Jamie glances at his watch.

"Sorry, I just," you stop yourself from going on a whole monologue about how shit your day has been. "I got delayed, okay?"

Maybe he could sense you weren't in the mood to deal with his attitude, — when were you ever? — so Jamie instead informs you, "I ordered some food and the guy said he knew you, so he made whatever you usually get."

You try not to show your surprise at him paying for your lunch, but it wouldn't be the first time. "Thanks," The football player only nods, before crossing his arms. 

You open your notebook and the voice recorder on your phone, "Okay, let's start."

You didn't expect this interview with Jamie to be so... fun? 

You decided to start with the more surface-level questions like his expectations for the season, so it could break the ice a little. But after a sip of your tea ended up in the wrong pipe and launched you into a coughing fit, the tension was immediately broken.

Jamie started giving you more substantial answers and was more open about talking about his return to Richmond. How it really changed him, specifically Ted Lasso's effect on him and the club as a whole. You notice how soft his features had become talking about his coach and the team and you react with a smile.

After that and finishing your sandwiches, you shift the topic to his childhood and how it shaped him as a player now. You notice the sudden change in Jamie as if he's hesitant to start, so you reassure him, "If it's too much, we can change gears a bit. Talk about something else."

He shakes his head, "No, it's fine. There are just some things that I don't really want to share."

"That's fine. You don't have to. Just stick to the general stuff if you want." You pause the recording for a moment, trying to make Jamie more comfortable.

He pauses for a moment, before letting out a chuckle. "Do you think old you would be happy with letting me keep my secrets?" He changes his tone towards the end and you roll your eyes.

"Obviously not," you answer. "But I've been trying to bury that version of me."

"Why? You probably could've taken down the parliament with your skills." Jamie jokes and you finally break into a smile.

"Well, I never really used my skills for bigger and better things, did I? Just finding dirt on football players to make some money and build a mediocre reputation as a journalist." You answer honestly and the football player's expression changes.

"I didn't mean to be such a prick during the meeting." Jamie starts, but you shake your head.

"Nah, you had every right to. I wrote some pretty shitty things about you back then."

"Well yeah, but your life's kind of gone to shit since then, so now I feel bad." Your jaw drops and your eyes widen at his explanation and lightly punch him in the shoulder. Maybe the two of you weren't close enough for that kind of thing, but Jamie just laughed at your reaction.

"Fucking prick," you say in a joking manner. "Let's get back to the interview." You start the recording again, as Jamie recounts the first time his mum bought him a pair of boots.

He starts telling you about all the significant milestones over the years, and while you can tell he's holding back some things, — specifically about his dad, — you say nothing. It's the least you can do.

Maybe it's the fact that this has been the best part of your shitty day, but you started to see Jamie in a different light. Yes, everyone talked about how much he had changed, but this was the first time you saw it directly. You didn't even notice how late it's gotten till a brand new barista approached you about cleaning out the table.

"Shit, this is way past two hours now." You exclaim and check your notes to see that you've covered all the needed areas at this point. "But, I think we can end it now."

"Actually," you look back up at Jamie, who pauses to think. "Do you wanna get dinner? You pay this time," 

You don't have time to wonder about his reasoning for this and let your hunger take over. "Sure, but if I'm paying, I pick the place."

The two of you stand up and Jamie directs you to the door, "Lead the way," you playfully roll your eyes and start walking, with the footballer trailing behind you.

You head to a nearby Japanese restaurant, — one of the many perks of your flat's location — and settle down in a booth near the back. There were more people in this place and you weren't sure how comfortable Jamie would be being seen with you. You knew better than anyone how easily a scandal could be made from a simple picture.

The two of you pick out your meals and thank God it was an older lady taking your order who didn't recognize the footballer across you.

"Okay, why'd you want to eat dinner together?" You finally bring up.

The player just shrugs and leans on the table, "Thought I'd give you a chance to pay me back." You can't help but agree with that statement, so you let it go. Jamie continues, "Also, I'm interviewing you now."

"Oh God, don't tell me you're doing a profile on me." You joke and the player rolls his eyes.

He doesn't respond and goes back to his questions, "What got you into football?"

It was the first question you had asked him earlier. While he had given you a general answer initially, he added to it afterward, saying it was one of the few things he was sure he was good at as a kid. You decide to give him an honest answer.

"My brother and I don't have a lot in common. Didn't even feel like I had a sibling for the first part of my life. Till he realized I wasn't half bad at football. It was the only way to get a decent conversation out of the guy, and after a while, I ended up actually liking it." The moment you finish your answer, you realize you've never actually said it aloud to anyone. 

For a brief moment, you think Jamie would say something serious, much to your dismay. You hated having to be emotional in front of other people. It was your job to pry at people's thoughts and feelings, not the other way around. But after building your writing career around the guy, you should've known he doesn't fare too well with feelings either.

"Think he's a fan of me?" He asks instead.

"Fuck no, not anymore," you're quick to reply and Jamie looks offended. You elaborate, "He's a Man City supporter. Fucking hates your guts now, honestly."

Jamie lets out a small laugh. "Runs in the family." The lady comes back with your food and that puts a hold on your conversation.

After a few minutes of eating, you finally break the silence. "You know I never actually hated you, right?"

Mid-slurp, Jamie looks up with a look of disbelief. "Really? You wrote all those articles and still don't hate me?"

"Yes!" You defend yourself. "I told you before. I did it for the job, nothing more. And objectively, you were a great player. You honestly have more of a reason to hate me than I do."

Jamie scoffs. "I don't hate you either. Annoyed? Yeah. Pissed off? Most of the time, but I never hated you."

You had already gotten pretty good at hiding your surprise about these revelations. "Well, I guess that settles it. We don't hate each other." You stick out your hand and Jamie looks at you in confusion for a section, before shaking it. The two of you laugh and continue your meal.

After paying, you end the night there and wave goodbye to Jamie outside the restaurant. If you from a year ago saw you hanging out with the footballer, she would've thought you'd lost your mind.

As you head back home, you have this weird feeling in your chest. Your whole job was finding ways to express things through words, but even then, you couldn't figure this one out. It's only when you get home and re-listen to your recording filled with jokes and exchanges that you realize.

You may or may not be developing a crush on the football player.

—

You hadn't physically seen Jamie since the photoshoot a few days after your interview and dinner with him. 

You didn’t have a reason to anymore, since you had pretty much finished the whole article and already handed it to the editor for proofreading. They sent it back with minor notes, — just some grammar slip-ups and possible rephrasing, — which gave you hope that you might end up with a job when this is all over.

Getting the profile approved also gave you a chance to message Jamie after weeks of no contact, just to ask for his opinion on things. You didn't know if it was nerves or excitement making that pit in your stomach waiting for him to reply. All he had to say about the article was that he was glad you changed the "blonde" line in the introduction. Luckily though, it didn't end there. After that, he asked you what you thought of his new locker set-up.

That was the first of many times he would shift the conversation to random topics. You started spending your mornings and nights just messaging the football player. Sometimes he'd send pictures from training, saying it's extra material for the article and sometimes you'd send pictures from the cafe where you're writing, joking that you had new ideas for Jamie-related articles to send to the su!z

And when the rankings about the upcoming season came out and put AFC Richmond last, your first thought was to message him.

Fuck the pundits, honestly. You knew he didn't need any context, but you didn't expect Jamie to answer so quickly considering he was supposed to be at training.

I'm not worried. It's just poopy. You're not entirely sure what that meant, but at least it didn't seem to affect him so much.

I'm glad, then. You wait for a beat before sending another message. I know you'll do great this season. Why were you so nervous sending that? God, it felt like you were 15 again.

Thanks. Pretty sure 'tabloid writer you' is rolling in her grave.

You laugh to yourself as you reply. God, her head would be spinning knowing how I'm contributing to your already massive ego.

Jamie just sends a picture of him looking mad and you send one back sticking your tongue out.

A few days after, you send the published article to both Jamie and Keeley, along with a thank you for all the help. The latter answered sincerely, partnered with an invitation to the first game of the season, but of course, the footballer decided to answer jokingly. 

Over time, you'd gotten over being so worried about interacting with Jamie. He was just another guy, even if he was an incredibly fit footballer for his day job. And now, you'd get to watch him play in the first match with Chelsea.

Despite your presence being welcomed by Keeley, Rebecca, the owner of Richmond, and Higgins, the Director of Football Operations, it didn't take a genius to realize how tense the three of them were at the match. Their club was the underdog of the season, so it was understandable to be nervous about the match, but you soon pick up on a different vibe involving an ex-husband and internationally famous football player.

"What do you think, then?" Keeley asks you when Rebecca leaves to try and convince Zava to join her team instead. "Do you think Zava's worth it?"

"Yes," you answer honestly, from the perspective of a sports journalist and a football fan in general. "Zava's objectively one of the best football players in the world, and his track record of wins outweigh his track record of diva moments."

"Well said," Higgins responds and you smile at him, before turning back your attention to the game. 

When Rebecca comes back to your seats and explains the disastrous interaction, your reaction is the same as the rest of them: pure disappointment. 

But as the game ends with a draw, you can't help but celebrate along with the rest of the Richmond fans. It may not be a win, but it was more than most people expected of the club, so that was something.

You join the other three briskly leaving your seats and avoiding the press conference of Zava until you hear him utter the name 'Richmond' in his speech. 

"Holy fuck," you celebrate with Keeley and congratulate Rebecca since whatever she said to Zava seemed to work out in the end.

It was then that you felt a ping from your cell phone. You open it to find an email from the sports journal offering you a slot as a feature writer. You end up repeating, "Holy fuck," drawing the attention of the others.

Keeley glances at your screen and exclaims in happiness, "Oh my God. Congrats to you, too!" She goes in for a hug and despite still being in shock, you're quick to reciprocate it.

"Thank you, Keeley. Truly." Your face is just an expression of pure joy as you let go of her. As you continue to walk out of the stadium, you end up excusing yourself. Of course, you had to thank the main person for all this.

You find your way to the guest locker rooms and even from the hallway, you hear the cheering of the Richmond tram. They must've heard the news. You don't bother knocking and walk in to find what you expected: celebrating and rather sweaty football players. Well, there was one person who stood out.

"Jamie!" You call out to him from the door and the moment his somewhat solemn eyes landed on you, he made his way through the crowd to you.

"What're you doing here?"

"I just wanted to tell you that I got the job! I'm going to be a proper sports journalist." You inform him and his expression immediately changes to match yours. Catching you by surprise, Jamie envelopes you in a hug and you decidedly ignore his dirty kit as you reciprocate it. 

"That's great," Jamie says, as he lets go of you.

You smile, before remembering the news earlier. "Oh and congrats, too! On the draw and getting Zava." The footballer's expression noticeably drops at the mention of the other player, and you finally get it. "You're not happy about getting him, are you?"

Jamie inhales sharply. "Rather not talk about that right now."

"Okay, sure," You back off. "But if it helps in any way, you'll still be my favorite player on the team."

Your heart skips a beat when Jamie gives you a cocky smirk, one that you used to despise. "Yeah? And you'll keep writing about me too at the new job, too?"

"It is my specialty. Plus, you're infinitely more interesting than Zava and his avocado farm." The two of you let out matching chuckles.

The cheering from the locker room seems to have died down and there were fewer and fewer people in the hallway. That's when Jamie takes a step forward closer to you.

When you don't pull away, he finally staets. "I was wondering, if you weren't busy,—"

"Yes," You interrupted him and hope you didn't do so prematurely. "If what you're about to ask is what's I'm thinking, then yes."

"Oh, you're fine giving me dirt on the other teams when you start your new job?"

You stop your expression from dropping and force a smile, "Yeah, sure."

But your disappointment doesn't last because Jamie starts chuckling, "I'm joking! I wanted to ask if you wanted to go out sometime."

You're not sure if you should be annoyed or ecstatic, so your reaction is a mix of both. "Oh fuck you, Jamie!"

The footballer's prick side is practically second nature. "If the night goes well."

You lightly shove his shoulders before answering, "Sure. As long as it's a private place. Those tabloid writers can be so annoying sometimes." You flash a playful smile at Jamie, which he's quick to mirror.

[qin-qin16]

SWEET SWEET LOVE

Summary: book tropes with Cross, Error and Ink!

cw.: 0.6 k content: sfw, short headcanons, hurt/comfort, everyone gets a happy ending… unless?, depressive thoughts in Error’s part, but nothing extreme!  note: i really don’t know how to end headcanons, but have fun anyway! Error's part was inspired by this post!

Cross - you fell first, he fell harder + dog poetry

You always compared Cross to a dog, one of those who trust in nothing and no one; 

They bark, they bite, they hurt anyone who crosses their path. No one wants to get close to a dog like that; 

However, you began to see more than just that wild layer that Cross seemed to want to display. Behind all that anger, all that hatred towards everything and everyone, the deep envy of happy worlds, you managed to see the pain, the fear of never being able to live happily again after so many sacrifices; 

And, just like a dog, Cross just needed to learn to trust again, and of course, you were willing to be the one to teach him; 

Both of you had to be patient—and you also had to be very understanding during Cross's outbursts of feelings or the moments when he wanted to be alone; 

It wasn't easy, but God, how worth it it was after all this time; 

As you like to say: you fell in love first, but Cross fell harder in love; 

It was like having a poorly trained guard dog: he would do anything to protect you. Bites, growls, endless fights if it meant your safety; 

He wouldn't lose you, not like he lost everyone else; 

And if not losing you meant acting like a dog, he would act.

Error - Soulmates + second chance 

Before Error became, well, Error, you knew him as Sans; 

Souls intertwined across different multiverses, but after a long time, they managed to find each other again — even after Sans' death and his afterlife state (Geno); 

For a long time, you lived like this: a love between a ghost and a living, souls that should not have been separated by death; 

However, something changed. Overnight, he simply disappeared; 

No more gentle touches, no more whispered promises before sleep, no more starry nights where only the two of you were witnesses to your love; 

Any mere memory of him was like digging a hole deeper and deeper, a hole that, no matter how much you dug, seemed to have no end; 

So, was this what it was like to lose a soulmate? 

But even as this emptiness consumed you more and more, something deep within your SOUL would not let you give up, an unknown determination that refused to let you believe Sans had vanished forever; 

And your SOUL was right... well, partly right; 

Sans was indeed alive, but no longer as Sans; 

Again, something happened, and now you found yourself facing Error who, with great insistence, claims to be your former boyfriend; 

And even though your SOUL was telling you that yes, that was the Sans you knew, are you willing to give it a second chance? 

Whether he knows your answer or not, Error would not lose you again.

Ink - Enemies to friends 

Your first impression of Ink was far from pleasant; 

The disgust you felt for him at the moment was only surpassed by anger when he vomited black ink on your new shoes — and to top it off, he barely apologized, just turned and vanished behind another ink stain; 

Obviously, a presence as striking as Ink's wouldn't be easily forgotten by you, and sure enough, when he appeared in front of you again, you wanted to make him eat those same shoes (now permanently stained with ink); 

But to your surprise, he had returned to learn more about your universe (something he would explain much later what it meant); 

As much as you detested the idea of serving as a tour guide for someone like him, an airhead who had no consideration for anyone, you went along with it. After all, the sooner you started explaining how your universe worked, the sooner he would leave;

Through ups and downs, you ended up softening your heart towards Ink. Even though his lack of personal space sometimes irritated you, you could see a certain fascination in him every time he talked about universes and art, and whether you liked it or not, you also felt sorry for him for not having a soul; 

And like a great (new) friend, he even promised to take you to other universes to explore and have fun — what could possibly go wrong?

[andraxicated]

Inazuma drift

Pairings: Itto, Ayato, Kazuha, Thoma, Heizou x f! reader

Synopsis: Inazuma men in the world of racing

Tags: smut | porn with more plot (always!) | oral (m! & f! receiving) | age gap | breeding kink | riding | subby thoma | photocopy machine sex (we have this large ass photocopy machine i swear anyone can sit there and it won't break down.)

a/n: let us say goodbye to inazuma while waiting for the sumeru daddies😗 btw i know nothing about cars.

reblogs are so much appreciated!

reading all of them is not required but they're somehow connected

Itto

got into racing because of him having to pay his fines at the police station. his boys was the one that suggested to try underground racing despite Shinobu's disapproval. do they ever listen to her? no.

Itto wished he did tho. she was right, because on the first night he challenged someone to a race to own their awesome, shiny car...he fucking lost and was dubbed the "newbie with balls". but that was all in the past, because now he was the new DK. from being a newbie with balls, he became the Drift King.

he certainly had come a long way and now practically owns the world of underground racing. but everything just gets a little too tiring when you're not with him. Itto knocks on your door, expecting for you to greet him with a bear hug yet your sour face and cleavage comes to view.

"hey...what's the matter?" "you don't know?" you ask as if he's lost his mind and crossed your arms. turns out he's missed his date with you on your day off and you have work tomorrow; shutting the door in his face yet his bulky figure blocks it from closing. "baby...let me explain!" he shouts and groans in pain from your intentional squeezing of him against the door.

aside from being crazy good at drifting, he's also good at making it up to you! the drift king was humbled to a waiting mess as his cock throbs in his pants from your raised dress, crotchless panty staring right at him. he swears he always makes the wrong decisions when he could've had your pussy earlier than spend hours behind the wheel.

your sharp heel mockingly jabs at his chest, crossed arms and an unsatisfied expression on your face. "go on" you instruct, and that was his cue to press a kiss on your ankle, his hand immediately coming up to your inner thigh to play. "ah..." you let out a breathy moan when his lips slide all the way from your ankle to your thigh, leaving a wet trail on its path. your hole quivers from him being so close to you that it caught Itto's attention, dead-set on giving you the best orgasm of your life.

his head settles properly between your thighs, massaging the flesh while giving you an apologetic smile. "let me make it up to you. later, we'll talk when you're not angry." he says before going down and hiding himself beneath your dress; a wet muscle oh so familiar inside you, wastes no time licking and cleaning your wetness. Itto kisses and eats you out like he's repenting for his sins, his goddess pushing his head deeper for more. "mhmmmhm" you couldn't understand a word he was humming against your folds, yet you knew the vibrations almost brought you to your high; perhaps it was his verbal apology?

Ayato

you bet ayato was one of those rich brats who loved to compete with each other with their fancy cars and drifting skills. he used to be so reckless, worrying his parents, his sister, and you. a mere family friend who would so often trail behind his sister and blush at every smile he throws your way. he thought you were cute like a puppy and so he would often take you to eat afternoon snacks with him after school. but after his father's death, a sudden responsibility fell into his hands that he was simply too busy to acknowledge you. returning to the corporate world meant you had to distance yourself for good, and it was fine. your teenage crush on him was the highlight of those years that passed by.

coming back to inazuma after years had you facing a problem with ayaka. she had a desperate expression on her face, clasping your hands in hers as she says "please convince my brother to stop". stop what? then you're suddenly informed of his reckless hobby coming back. now standing in front of his penthouse, you almost dropped the cookies you brought when he opened the door. wearing only a bathrobe, wet hair looking messy and the sweet smell of soap hitting you like a truck. you're shamelessly staring at him until he recognizes who the fuck was standing at his door. "(y/n)?" he looked surprised that the little friend he had back then was the stunning woman in front of him today.

you exchanged stories until you told him why ayaka sent you there. the mood taking a turn for the worse as he lets out an exasperated sigh. "i understand her concern but please tell her everything is fine. it's a fairly safe sport." he coaxes you with a hand over yours, caressing your knuckles as you feel ticklish uneasiness. and god, ayato felt so fucking perverted! he almost felt guilty for stealing glances at your body and observing you like a feast. but it's not like you didn't do the same...

caught in the middle of an incoming sibling fight, you don't know what to do. and so you take a cab to his apartment, ringing the doorbell and seeing his frustrated face melt away at the sight of you; it makes you wonder if it held any meaning. "you're back here again." his stern voice startled you as his hostility sunk your heart. everything felt heavy that you can't look him in the eye, fearing to see his angry gaze. he must've been annoyed by ayaka's constant attempt of stopping his racing through you. yet what better way to release his frustrations than destroying the messenger? literally.

"i was right that you wear this kind of panties". his finger bottomed inside you flicking, while the other hand pinned both of your wrists, brushing your hair against your face. your lace panty with the little ribbon was pushed to the side, and your best friend's brother pressed kisses against your neck that was sure to bruise. "ayato stoppp." you whine mindlessly, half of your working brain remembering that those hickeys will be very evident in the morning. "you sure?" his tone was condescending as he inserted another finger stuffing you full. some of your juices squelching lewdly as you could only bite your lip while he smirks.

all the frustrations in life were released on you as ayato pinned you against the bed in a mating press. your thighs against your chest as he kept on thrusting from above. his cock was sore but he couldn't stop from gliding against your delicious heat, fully willing to release inside you and trap you with a child. "it isn't your first time huh? then quit being shy you whore." ayato was soo mad when you admitted to having someone else touch you before :(( he knew you first and so he should have been the one to claim you! he sighs as he keeps on entering your tired body, listless eyes below him and he keeps on thinking if somebody else saw you debauched like that.

"i'm not gonna stop if you let one drop out of you" he commands and you instinctively clench your walls, trying to keep his cum inside even if some of it spills from his continuous thrusting. the sensation of your pussy sucking him further has him hovering over you and kissing you silly, and his cock twitched, exploding its warmth inside you for the umpteenth time that night. ayato stays for a while plugged inside you, bringing your spent body over his for a cuddle. "do you think a niece or nephew will help her anger?"

Kazuha

you would think he's a pen-and-paper type of guy. Poetry incarnate as people sneakily take pictures of him and his book on campus. Yet what people don't know is that behind those cute and soft sweatshirts of his, he trades them for leather jackets at midnight.

kazuha doesn't actually enjoy racing, sure it's fun to beat people who arrogantly challenge him but he'd prefer to coop up in the warmth of your bed and the intimate silence of your room. you were all he could think about as he sits on the hood of the car, swatting touchy hands as his friends converse with fellow enthusiasts. and after spacing out for a few minutes, there it is...his challenge for the night.

a shout of his name arrogantly rings from the opposing side, kazuha then matches the cocky energy while jumping off the hood, a smirk etched on his lips. kazuha swears after he beats this guy's ass, he'll head straight for your house. and there he finds himself panting, fumbling with the keys you gave him for your door.

yet before he could find out which key was right, the door opens to you engulfing him in a bear hug. " 'zuha!" your voice was muffled against his jacket and he chuckles while embracing you with the same enthusiasm. "(y/n)!" he drawls out your name playfully while you two sway each other in a blissful embrace, resting his head on your shoulder with his hand stroking your hair.

"you've been so busy lately..." "i told you you can hang around while i'm reviewing but you didn't even come" you whine while kazuha's deft hands slowly pull up your sweater past your raised arms, revealing your black bra and the sight of your mounds. you thought you would be more into rough handling but you can't deny the effect kazuha has when he's softly tracing his hands all over your body. glancing at you from below to gauge your reactions.

"kazuha—ah!" you could only moan with your jaw slack as you sink down on his cock, his pants zipper open and the clothing hanging low, he didn't even bother to take it off! but the sight of your breasts bouncing even covered was enough to get him riled up for more. kazuha bit his lip and hissed, thrusting faster into your cervix from the sweet expression on your face. "fucking hell (y/n), why are you so damn tight..." he groaned, gripping your waist to meet him halfway in shaky motions.

it was tiring to be constantly on top, your thighs were burning and pools of cum felt sticky and hot on your center. yet the boy below doesn't have any plans to stop any time now. you took a glance at him and saw the fire in his eyes and felt the sly twitching of his member. "why are you so worked up?" you couldn't help but ask since he normally would stop when you're tired, opting to cuddle and bathe you. but have you seen yourself through his eyes? you looked so damn good above him! even in the afterglow of sex where your hair was messy, beads of sweat on your face, and absent-mindedly tilting your head while asking him. yeah, he'd definitely want more if his girlfriend was this hot.

Thoma

he wandered around inazuma for god knows how long, picking up odd jobs here and there just to sustain his pitiful attempt at starting over. it wasn't until the son of the restaurant owner he's working for felt bad about thoma's life story. and then on one rowdy night with an arm slung over his back, he's suddenly thrown into the world of racing just as he's playfully shoved behind the wheels. "wait i can't drive!" "dude, you're going to be fine!"

thoma was forced to risk his life and the borrowed car all for that 1% chance of winning the race. god, he felt so humiliated after but the boys who brought him there just patted his back rather harshly. they kept on saying it's fine but thoma knows it wasn't. he's prepared for the things coming his way from falling in with the wrong crowd.

juggling restaurant work and housework for that family was tiring yet he stayed. perhaps it was destiny working for him that he got to meet you while thinking about turning in his resignation. "excuse me, is there anyone home right now?" your sudden voice had goosebumps rising, his shoulders flinching as a painful shock was sent straight to his heart. thoma turned around to see who it was and he swore his breath hitched—like he can't breathe.

aside from your pretty face, his eyes naturally darted over your body; top that's barely holding your boobs, your cute tummy exposed by the crop top, and the absurdly tight miniskirt that left no room for imagination. thoma's a man, after all, his shorts pathetically tightened with one glance at you because you looked insanely good! the type he wants to bend over—" um excuse me?" you raised your voice a bit to garner his attention, eyes squinting as the man scratches his neck and nodded. "yes, young master is over there. let me lead you." a lustful scan of your body would have earned a slap but this one's an exception...he's just too hot! you can't deny the forming patch of wetness as you kept on admiring from behind.

you were just a classmate who went once for a project but seeing their cute housekeeper had you faking friendships just to get closer to thoma. now you're getting dragged to underground races that were too rowdy for your liking, yet you had to keep up and act like it wasn't boring you out. but when it was thoma's turn who seriously sat behind the wheel, you can't help the cheshire grin forming on your lips.—the race was upsettingly dirty:(( the opponent kept on colliding purposely into thoma's car while your man still chose to play nice. even though he expectedly lost, his good boy act tugged at your heartstrings and you simply decided to reward him for being so good♥︎you can't stand the sight of him being down.

"(y/n)!" he looked shocked to see you that he stood up and cans of beer fell along. to say he's embarrassed from the race and you seeing him drinking his ass off near a river was an understatement. he was beyond humiliated. and you know what could cheer him up as his sticky gazes didn't go unnoticed. "you did well." your sweet voice made blood rush to his cock as quickly as he forgot his somber. what was he sad about? coz this little display of you slowly kneeling in front of him had his eyes zeroed in on you. nothing else mattered but the sound of his zipper and the freeing of his huge member. "let me make you feel good...my champion." you coo before going down his cock and thoma throwing his head back in delight.

you sucked him off so good that tears edged on his eyes. his bulbous tip deliciously filling your mouth, prodding on your throat as you go down and try to take him in. teeth lightly grazing against the skin brought shudders to thoma's body as he instinctively caught your hair and pushed you closer to his waist. "f-fuck, i'm so sensitive" he breathed out as your tongue slid from the base to the tip, obscenely engulfing the rest of his cock while staring up at him. he felt so wanted by your moans, your warm cavern, and your glossy gaze. he already forgot what happened earlier but you had to jab it in him and destroy his fantasy. "you always looked so cute losing." you say while in between his cock, pulling off with a pop when he's red and ready to release. "but i want you to cum inside me not my mouth."

Heizou

currently in the middle of a chase was not how you expected your night to go. during lunch break where he chanced upon you alone in the pantry, he sheepishly asked you if you wanted to go out tonight. you almost dropped the coffee bun out of your mouth if not for the teeth that held onto the bread, saving you the embarrassment in front of your workplace crush. heizou was perfect in your eyes, his handsome looks added on top of his strong pursuit for justice. but that same thing you loved about him ended up being the one you hate. he was an avid pursuer of justice even on your date. so when his eyes notice something wrong, you could only tighten your hold on your coat for you know what's going to happen.

this was going to be a failed night as your eyes gloom and your heart sinks. forcing yourself to stand behind heizou as he questions the troubled citizen. you wished he would've noticed how down you were or how good you looked. "(y/n) hurry up! we can't let them escape!" he says while running through alleyways both crowded and empty. has it ever occurred to him that you're wearing heels? your blood is boiling amidst the cold air that you stop running and just watch him turn into a tiny dot. you sigh and pull out your phone, clicking heizou's name and dialing him.

in the same area somewhere, heizou keeps running while fumbling his jacket for his phone. he answers and asks "who is this?" and his voice was breathy on your side, making you roll your eyes. "check the name." your voice stung that he suddenly slowed down and looked at his phone, looked behind him, and gulped before nervously saying "(y/n) where are you?" "i know where they are headed, i'll send the location." "okay, where should we meet?" "we won't. i'll go there first." "wait!-" and you hung up and left a bitter feeling in his stomach. heizou groans to the sky before slamming his head to his hands.

he's welcomed by the rowdy and noisy venue of underground racing in inazuma. he wanted to question how you know this place but judging from how people waved when you passed by, you were a frequenter of the sport. "there. those guys are the ones you're looking for." you pointed at the glee ones with their friends, and heizou comes in being a party pooper just as you expected. his ask for the cooperation of a complaint made by a citizen was met with hostile refusal by the guy. they were now at each other's throats with a crowd forming around them as you stood watching them.

yet this guy suddenly called attention to you by shouting your name, everyone's gaze transferring to you. "hey (y/n)? this your boyfriend?" "no." you reply. "then he must be a coworker. did you snitch on us you bitch?" underground racing wasn't illegal in inazuma. as long as no damage to property was made and no harm was done. but there had been a complaint about his actions that caused heizou to step up. yet an insult to your face was not one you tolerated, nor did heizou. "what did you say you asshole?" your eyes almost popped out of their sockets when you heard heizou's voice loud and clear, cursing; and the guy dared to reply. "i said what i said, she's a sneaky little bitch!" heizou won't resort to violence even at the point of anger. he'll abide by the rules of the underground and say "if i win a race, i'll cuff your mouth and take you to the station with me."

he's crazy! but your heart was pounding crazier, both from his stupid choice and his defense for you. "heizou, i have a friend who's one of the best. let him race for you." "no thanks. besides i'll be fine, heard the best players left earlier." he says before going to a car that a tall blonde guy lent. "please do us all a favor of removing that insect. he's pretty annoying." he bowed playfully before guiding you to the area where the crowd will be. you mouthed a goodluck before heizou smiled and settled himself in the seat. the race was intensely close yet with an unexpected twist, heizou won against the chosen representative. he had some officers take the guy away while he waited for you to finish talking with your friends. "shall we go now?" he suddenly asked, bringing your attention to him. "where?" "to our date."

oh. he still remembered yet the magic of a romantic atmosphere was gone. "i'm really tired, let's call it a day." you were too tired to be with him and so you left without sparing a glance. on the next day of work that you overtimed, heizou approached while you were busy using the photocopy, standing without speaking until your empty gaze fell on him. "i'm really sorry about yesterday." "it's fine." the shuffle of papers and your curt response was making him uneasy. he knew he had to mend this now. as you're arranging and waiting for the papers, you feel the sudden press of warmth against your back, and your stomach against the machine. "heizou?" your voice heightened as his hand slides from your arms to your waist, inching closer to your center. "(y/n) 'm really sorry. but i want to talk with you. please."

wait. how did a supposed talk go to kisses and messy removal of clothes? moaning wantonly with heizou between your legs was not how you expected your overtime to go, but you gladly welcomed it just like how your hole flutters for his thick fingers. "loose up for me baby" he groans against your skin as you tighten and throb, skirt against the glass of the photocopy. "heizou—we can't!" your words were useless when you kept on moaning like a whore, nails clumping his shirt when he enters a third digit inside your pussy. he unclasps your bra and takes them off your shoulder, lips latching quickly on the hardened nub.

he flicks with his tongue, lolling around while massaging the soft flesh. blessing you with amazing foreplay before you go and beg him to fuck you. then you suddenly enclose his face between your hands, sultry voice purring "heizou 'want you now", there he swore something inside him snapped. he took you off the copy machine, making your back face him as he unzips the skirt harshly and lets it fall while letting out his cock. "don't worry bou't making a noise. we have the whole office to ourselves." he reassures with a sticky kiss to your neck before lining up with your hole, pushing inside as you gasp, hand gripping whatever you could grab.

what's more obscene was your face contorted with pleasure, reflected against the glass surface of the photocopy machine, and the tuft of wine-red hair thrusting behind. signifying that it was your dear heizou fucking you and making up for the lost time.

[thatgirl4815]

Ray's Feelings

Ray's process of falling in love with Sand has such nuance to it that I think gets horribly overshadowed by his actions alone, not their context. Yes, Ray mistreats Sand. Yes, Ray has a lot to apologize for. But I think Ray is a broken person who has a lot to apologize for because he's in a situation that he is grossly under-equipped, both mentally and emotionally, to handle.

@victorialovesstiles' post here includes a great discussion of the moment Ray becomes fully aware of Sand's feelings for him in Ep8. Up to this point, I don't think Ray tried to pin down exactly how he felt for Sand because the situation didn't necessitate it. He and Sand were "friends," and that label was always fine with Ray, until it wasn't enough anymore, until Sand couldn't put up with it. Looking back on all of this progression, I'd argue Ray has had feelings for Sand for as long as Sand has had feelings for him, but he hasn't been in a place to confront them the same way Sand has. It makes sense given that Sand is the one in the bad spot, watching Ray chase after Mew. If their situations had been reversed, I think Ray would've had to contend with his feelings much more directly much earlier.

Ray makes comments like this that point to the depth of his feelings, but he never truly vocalizes them outright until later in Ep9. Ray realizing how happy he is with Sand and admitting to that is the first step in the recognition of his true feelings, that he sees Sand as more than a good friend who takes care of him and just so happens to sleep with him.

Ray's feelings are strong, but they are also delicate, as demonstrated by the fight at Sand's apartment in Ep10. This dialogue in particular:

Ray thinks he deserves to be upset for having his emotions played with, which says more than anything how much Ep9 meant to him. It's also important in the context of money, because Ray's self-worth is so heavily influenced by what he can offer other people: if nothing else, he has always had his wealth to fall back on. And here is Sand claiming to love him, but all Ray can see is someone who accepted payment. Every conversation they’ve about the separation of feelings and money is being put into question.

At the end of Ep10, Ray echoes his dialogue in Ep8. I personally like that Ray makes a point of saying how happy he is with Sand; what stands out to me here is that Ray is confessing this to imaginary Sand, so he's technically only really admitting it to himself. He makes me happy and I keep screwing it up. He does care, and he's always cared, but I can't do anything but ruin it. I was made to ruin things. Those are all thoughts that seem to lay at the core of his dialogue at the end of Ep10.

I guess my main point here is that we witness Ray returning to this idea time and time again that when he's with Sand, he's truly happy. Sand sees beyond his problems, beyond the brokenness. Even with how complex their situation is, there's something so beautiful about that simplicity. Sand makes Ray happy. That’s what it’s always boiled down to.

"I know now that you want nothing from me" -> I have a feeling this entire speech from Ray is going to form a deeper trust between Ray and Sand. Ray knows now that Sand is true. He knows that he has overthought everything. The reason why Ray skews the situation with Sand is because Ray is so used to viewing himself in a negative light, but he was clinging to the hope that Sand didn't see him that way. Even when other characters insult Ray for his behavior (which isn't entirely undeserved), Sand was always there to explain why he was wrong, to encourage him to be better. When it's Sand, it's about growth, not just recognition.

The ending scene in Ep10 is such a catharsis because Ray is finally coming to terms with the fact that virtually all of the doubts and complexities surrounding his relationship with Sand were created by him. But Sand has always been true. Sand has always loved him. And now that he sees that, he knows just how important it is that he clings to that love and never lets it go.

[redskull199987]

i am sooo in love w your charles fics, and i was just wondering if you could do one where after a long day of practice charles comes home to the reader (male, preferably. or gender neutral is fine too!) all stressed and the reader knows a little way to relieve charles' tension? (by 'relieve' , if you can't catch my drift, possible nsfw?)

First of all, I am so sorry that it took me so fucking long to write this. I have no explanation, I have no apologies. I'm just lazy and I'm sorry. I hope you still like this.

Ease your Pain

Charles Leclerc x male!reader Request

Word count:1.2k

Warnings:smut 18+, making out, male!receiving, but a lot of fluff

Summary: After a stressful day, you help Charles to come down again...

Masterlist

I watched with wide eyes how the Australian GP came to a rather fast end for Charles. Another DNF, even though the season just started. I knew that he wouldn't take it well. All the DNFs and the stress had taken a toll on him. He didn't want to talk about it, but I knew that he was having a hard time. 

"Charles?", I asked carefully, as I watched my boyfriend make his way over to the me in the garage. His head shot up and I saw the tears in his eyes. He was doing everything possible for him not to cry. I rushed over to him and pulled him into my arms. He immideately burried his head in my shoulder, closing his eyes.

"You wanna go back to the hotel?", I asked and looked at him. He only nodded:"After the interviews:"

"Are you sure that you can do this?", I mumbled as I saw some Journalists already approaching us.

"It's fine, ma coeur. Just wait by the car", Charles sighed. I only nodded, not wanting to stress him any more. I stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek one last time before parting with him and making my way to our shared car in which we arrived earlier.

It didn't take long for Charles to return. But in the 30 minutes that he was gone, his DNF was already all over social media and while most people were nice and felt with Charles, there were also those that said he deserved all of it.

"We can go now", Charles mumbled after fastening his seat belt.

"Give me your phone", I said and held my hand out to him. Charles only looked at me perplexed. But eventually he pulled out his phone and gave it to me.

"No more social media today", I explained while starting the car,"No phone calls, no texts. Nothing. You have done enough today, no more."

Charles looked at me, like he was about to cry again. The adoration in his eyes clearer than daylight.

"Thank you, Love", he mumbled and rested his hand on my knee, slightly squeezing to show his gratitude. I only smiled at him and nodded before we drove the rest of the way in comfortable silence.

"You want to take a shower while I get dinner?", I asked, as Charles and I waited for the elevator to arrive.

"That would be nice", he smiled and stepped in, as the doors in front of us opened.

"What are you craving?", I questioned. Charles didn't answer for a second, so I turned around thinking that he was pondering what he wanted to eat, But I was met with the sight of  a grinning Charles Leclerc.

"Charles, that was not what I meant", I smiled, my cheeks slightly tinted red.

"I didn't even say anything", he laughed and put up his hands in defense.

"Yeah sure", I rolled my eyes and slightly slapped his chest, as the elevator doors finally opened. The two of us stepped out into the hallway why discussing  what we wanted to eat now.

"You know what", Charles said as we reached,"Surprise me"

And with a grin he withdrew to the bathroom. A few minutes later I heard how the shower starting running, signaling that I had approximately half an hour before he would come out again.

With a smile I reached for my phone , ordering takeout. But I still knew how to surprise Charles.

So, after about 30 minutes, just like I estimated, Charles stepped out of the Bathroom, only dressed in his shorts. A towel was draped over his shoulders and I saw that his hair was still slightly wet.

"Did you order something?", he asked, probably already smelling the food that rested on the table that was situated not far away from the bed.

"Come over here first.", I smiled, Charles looked at me perplexed but he did move over to the bed, sitting down next to me. 

"Everything alright?", he asked. 

"Yes", I smiled and carefully took his face in my hands, "I love you, Charles. Please never forget that. I'll  always be here for you and you can always talk to me."

Charles didn't say anything at first, but I saw a smile graced his features and he raised his hand to put it over mine.

"Thank you, ma coeur", he finally mumbled,"I love you too"

I didn't need to say anything more, as Charles leaned forward to press his lips on mine.He sighed against my lips and I felt him pull me closer to him.

"Today is about you", I mumbled, as I pushed him back against the headboard. I saw that he tried to supress a moan, which put a smile on my face. 

"Just relax", I whispered and softly kissed his neck, while my hand wandered to his pants. I carefully pushed them down, grazing his already hard length.

"Ma coeur!", Charles sighed as I started to palm him through his boxers. 

"It's fine", I murmured as I pushed down the last piece of clothing,"Let it all out"

While my hand started to work on his cock, I continued to assault Charles neck , covering him in hickeys, which resulted in him moaning even louder.

"Y/N", he groaned, which told me that he was close.

"Cum for me", I whispered into his ear, sending him right over the top and I felt him release over my hand.

I looked up at Charles, who was breathing heavyly. I only smiled and kissed his cheek before getting up to grab a towel and a water bottle. As I returned to the bed, I handed Charles the bottle and cleaned him up a bit.

"Wanna eat now?", I asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

"I'd love to", Charles smiled. He got up and pulled me to my feet and before I could react, he had pulled me right into his arms, embracing me in a strong hug.

"Thank you, Y/N. I really needed this. I love you", He mumbled into my ear.

"I love you too, Charles", I smiled and pecked his cheek,"Come on, before the food gets cold"

"By the way", Charles wondered, as we sat down,"Is there anything visible on my neck?"

I almost chocked on my water, as Charles truned around, revealing the litany of hickeys all over his neck.

"we definetly need to cover those tomorrow", I whispered and started eating, trying to change the topic.

Charles only smiled:"oh don't worry, I don't have a problem with people knowing who helps me to relieve my stress the best."

[lemoncrushh]

The Entertainer II - Track 06 - Making New Memories

Summary: What if it wasn’t the end? What if Sky did actually see Harry at the Forum in the early 80s, and he saw her too? What if fate took hold of them both, and they realized their journey was not over? Set in 1981, Harry and Sky’s story continues with more music, more romance, and a few more twists and turns.

STORY PAGE

Track 06 Word Count: 2.8k+

Read The Entertainer

I’d never heard a phone ring so much in my life. Especially before I was out of bed.

Harry was already downstairs, having unplugged the phone in the bedroom so I could keep sleeping, apologizing profusely on his way out. But I could still hear the irritating ring echoing upstairs, like the cry of a child who wasn’t getting enough attention.

I finally threw back the covers and padded into the adjoining bathroom. After relieving myself and washing my hands, I carefully opened the cupboards to find an assortment of clean towels and washcloths. Choosing a dark green set that reminded me of Christmas, I set them on the vanity, opened the shower door and turned on the water. I could still hear the muffled sound of Harry talking on the phone downstairs as I undressed and stepped underneath the warm stream.

“Hi baby,” I heard a few minutes later as I wet my hair. I opened my eyes to see his outline through the glass.

“Hi yourself,” I called.

“I’m so sorry. I hadn’t meant to leave you alone that long.”

“It’s okay, I can manage. I’m a big girl.”

I reached for the shampoo just as the shower door opened and Harry stood naked before me.

“No argument here,” he said, stepping inside. “But I’d much rather join you.”

I grinned as he tested the temperature of the water and leaned over for a kiss.

“Good morning,” I greeted.

“It is, indeed,” Harry wiggled his brows.

“I take it the phone calls went well?”

“Yeah,” Harry sighed, standing under the shower. “I am truly sorry about that. Irving is already working on some things for me, but I hadn’t realized we’d be discussing them so soon.”

“Good things, I hope,” I commented.

“Yeah.”

I looked at him. “Want me to wash you up while you tell me about them?”

His sexy smile returned as I poured the shampoo into my hand.

“Mmm, that feels nice,” he murmured, his eyes shut as I scrubbed his scalp.

“So tell me the plans.”

“Well…turns out the owner of the club saw me sing with Stargazer last night. He contacted Irving and asked to book Wildfire. But Irving explained we’re not a band anymore.”

“Yeah…” I cringed.

“He insisted he wanted me - that he hadn’t seen a crowd go nuts like that in a while. So…Irving’s been in touch with some other musicians.”

“Well, that’s exciting!”

“It can be. It’s just…”

I had Harry lean his head back then to rinse out the shampoo. Then I grabbed the soap and lathered it in my hands.

“Just what?” I asked.

“I won’t be Wildfire anymore. I mean…I knew that, going into this solo thing. But people are still gonna expect to see me with that band. Not some new band.”

“You don’t know that,” I reassured him. “Yeah, some people won’t get it right away. And you may have to keep playing Wildfire songs for a while to get them in, to get them to notice. But you don’t need the band name to make your own place in music. You are who you are. With or without Wildfire. You can’t change that.”

I’d just finished lathering his arms and chest, working my way down his legs when he pulled me back up to look at him.

“You always have the most perfect thing to say,” he said softly, his lips inches from mine. “Whenever I’ve been in doubt, you’ve always made me feel better. How do you do that?”

I grinned and shrugged, my hands full of soap.

“C’mere,” he smiled, taking the bar from my hand and half the suds. “It’s my turn.”

Harry took me home that afternoon after stopping for burgers. He’d offered to cook breakfast for me, but I insisted I was craving greasy fast food.

“See, this is another thing I like about you,” Harry voiced as we sat in his car, my hand digging into a bag of fries.

“What, that I like junk food?”

“Yeah, why not? You could have had anything you wanted to eat, but you chose the In-N-Out. It’s so…normal. It’s refreshing. I don’t think I’ve had a cheeseburger in over a year.”

I snorted. “Famous people don’t eat cheeseburgers?”

Harry frowned. “Not often, no. Anyway, most girls I meet just pick at their food, if they eat anything at all.”

Reaching for my milkshake, I gave him a look.

“I like food,” I admitted. “I’m not going to stop eating what I enjoy to impress some guy.”

“Exactly my point. I like that.”

I smiled and tilted my head. “What else do you like?”

Harry bit into his burger and thought for a moment. “I like that you still have all your records alphabetized. And I like how you usually have the news playing low on the telly when we’re chatting on the phone, but you turn it off after the weather.”

Nearly choking on my milkshake, I laughed. “I didn’t know you noticed that.”

“Mmhmm. And I like how whenever you’re wanting me to kiss you, you lick your lips and then bite your bottom one.”

“Get out! I do not!” I argued, poking him in the arm.

“Yeah, you do,” Harry chuckled, his eyes dancing. “It drives me wild.”

I stared at him incredulously, my jaw wide open. Then I sat back, biting into my own cheeseburger as I tried not to show my embarrassment. Hall and Oates weren’t helping though, as their words played through the speakers.

“If you wanna know what the reason is I only smile when I lie, then I’ll tell you why…”

“I embarrassed you, baby,” Harry said softly. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not embarrassed,” I lied, turning my head to look out the window.

“Sky,” Harry pleaded, a laugh in his tone, “Baby, come ‘ere.”

He set his burger down on the dash and reached for me. I looked at my lap as he tugged on my arm.

“I feel so exposed,” I whined.

Harry laughed harder until I finally looked at him.

“Baby. It’s sexy as hell. Don’t be ashamed.”

“I honestly wasn’t aware I do that,” I admitted, pushing my hair behind my ear.

“Even better. Hopefully, that means you only do that for me.”

“I must do it a lot then,” I grinned as I turned towards him. “Because I always want you to kiss me.”

“Yeah?,” Harry beamed, his hand on my cheek. “See how lucky I am?”

“Because your kiss is on my list Of the best things in life…”

I caught myself biting my lip as Harry chuckled low. Then he leaned in to kiss me.

“Another thing I like about you…” he added. “You’re so fucking cute when you’re embarrassed.”

The next few days were long and uneventful as I didn’t see Harry at all. He continued to call me every night, but he got busy with Mitch and Irving, trying out potential new band members. He said so far he thought he might have a bassist, but hadn’t found the perfect drummer yet.

Donna continued to tease me at work, catching me daydreaming when I should have been filing. I finally told her I had been seeing that old friend, that things were going well, and that his name was Harry.

“Are you bringing him to the Christmas party?” she asked me. “I’d love to meet him.”

“Oh. I don’t know…” I muttered. “I haven’t asked him yet.”

“Mary! Why the heck not?”

The truth was, I hadn’t thought to ask him. I supposed even I thought of him as a rockstar, and not someone who went to office holiday parties.

I shrugged. “Just hasn’t come up yet.”

Donna laughed. “You better ask him soon. It’s next Saturday. And they need a headcount by Friday.”

“Damn,” I cringed. “That came up fast.”

“Well, you’ve had your head in the clouds, little lovebird. It’s no wonder.”

 That night I anxiously anticipated Harry’s call. I wondered how I would bring it up, and what his reaction might be.

“Hey babe, I can’t talk long,” he said as soon as I picked up the phone. “We’re taking a break from rehearsing, but I wanted to make sure I called you before you fell asleep.”

“Oh…well that’s sweet,” I commented, a little ashamed that I’d been annoyed he hadn’t called sooner. The news was almost over.

“I think we may have found our drummer,” he continued. “His name’s Bret, and he’s wicked good.”

“That’s great news.”

“Yeah. Irving thinks we can get into the studio next week. And he’s already talking to Carl about booking us for a gig.”

“Carl?” I asked.

“The manager from the club Friday night.”

“Oh. Fantastic!”

“Yeah. Anyway, I just wanted to hear your voice. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too.”

“I’ll see you soon, yeah?”

“Yeah, Harry, about that…” I started.

I could hear some voices in the background and Harry mumbled something.

“Sorry, love, I didn’t catch that. Mitch was saying something to me.”

“It’s nothing really important,” I said stoically. “I just…my office is having a Christmas party, and I wondered if you’d like to go with me.”

“Oh. Yeah. When is it?”

“Next Saturday,” I replied, talking fast. “The nineteenth. You don’t have to, it’s just…I have to let my boss know by Friday if I’m a plus one. And since…I uh, well…since you’re my boyfriend I thought it might be fun. But you know…you don’t have to.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’d like to.”

I thought my heart might fly right out of my chest. “Really? I know you’re busy getting your band together and everything, I-”

“Baby, I want to go. Like you said, I’m your boyfriend now. I should do boyfriend things.”

“Well, I don’t want you to feel obligated,” I said, trying not to sound cynical.

Harry chuckled. “Sky, I want to go with you. Next Saturday?”

“Yes,” I smiled.

“You got it, baby. I’ll be there.”

“Okay. Great.” If I could have, I would have leaped through the phone and hugged him. “It’s at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. I’ve never been there, but I’m excited.”

“Sounds wonderful, babe. I do have to go now though, okay?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry. Have fun rehearsing.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

For some reason, I felt a little empty sadness when I hung up the phone. I was thrilled Harry had agreed to go with me to the party. I was also happy that his career was taking off again. So, why did I feel sad?

Chalking it up to the fact that I was used to having hour-long conversations with him each night and I missed his touch, I decided to practice guitar for a little while before getting into bed.

“I have my own life And I am stronger than you know…”

I sang along as I played the second song I had been working on recently before Harry and I had reconnected. It was strange how fitting the lyrics had become. In the last year or so, since Alan and I had broken up, I had convinced myself that I was an independent woman, and that I didn’t need anyone else. But now Harry had returned, and in just a week, my life had turned upside down.

“Still I carry this feeling When you walked into my house That you won’t be walking out the door…”

Even with Harry’s declaration of feelings for me, and wanting to be mine, I couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same as I did. Did he feel like Don Henley when he sang his words to Stevie Nicks? Was this a forever thing to him, or would he change his mind?

“Guess what, baby!” Harry sounded excited on the phone the next evening. It was Thursday and I was in the kitchen cooking dinner.

“What?” I asked, mimicking his tone.

“The new band is official! We’re booked for Saturday!”

“Wow, that was quick,” I said.

“Yeah, well, once we found Bret, things moved pretty fast. We sound great, really tight. And Carl wants our first gig to be at his club.”

“Oh.”

“He wanted next Saturday, but I told him I couldn’t, I have other plans. So Irving pulled some strings and got us in this weekend.”

My jaw dropped. “You…told him you have other plans…because of me?”

“Well, yeah, Sky. I mean, I didn’t tell him what it was for, just that I had a prior commitment. But…you’re my girl, and I know it’s important to you.”

A tear trickled down my cheek before I could stop it.

“Babe? Are you there?”

Sniffling, I wiped my cheek. “That’s really sweet of you, Harry. But you shouldn’t give up your chances for me.”

“Hey, I’m not giving up anything. It worked out. Everyone wins.”

“Yeah but…” I gulped. “What if something even bigger comes up that you can’t get out of? I can’t expect you to change your plans for me.”

“Baby,” Harry chuckled. “What’s all this about? We’re not talking about anything huge. If something else comes up down the line, we’ll work it out okay? Let’s just be happy.”

I sighed. “You’re right. I’m being ridiculous and ungrateful. And unsupportive. What kind of girlfriend am I?”

Harry giggled and I thought my heart would burst. “You're mine, and that’s all that matters.”

“No, it’s not,” I smiled. “I’m so happy for you, Harry.”

“Thanks, love. So, will you come Saturday and cheer from the front row?”

“Of course,” I laughed.

“Good. See if Halo can come too. Like old times.”

“Good idea.”

“So tomorrow…I’d love to see you, but we need to rehearse. Get the loose ends tied and all that.”

“I understand,” I said, even though I was dying to be with him.

“If it’s not too late when we finish, I’ll ring you, yeah?”

“Even if it is late,” I argued. “I don’t mind.”

After dinner, I phoned Halo to see if she’d like to join me on Saturday.

“Oh, hell yeah!” she practically screeched in my ear. “It’ll be like old times!”

“That’s what Harry said,” I laughed.

“Except I won’t be sleeping with Mitch.”

“Yeah, that’s what you say,” I scoffed.

“No, I mean it. I’m done with musicians. Besides, I heard he’s dating some model.”

“Oh,” I muttered. “I didn’t know that.”

“But hey, this is perfect. If you’re not busy, let’s do some shopping before we go out.”

“That sounds great,” I said. Halo and I hadn’t spent an entire day together in a long time. I missed her company.

“I’m so happy for you, Sky. For you and Harry. It’s like it was meant to be.”

I hung up the phone with another tear on my cheek, but it was a happy one. Maybe Halo was right. Maybe this time, I thought, I could be lucky enough to get everything I wanted.

The knock at the door woke me, but I thought I was dreaming. Rubbing my eyes, however, I heard it again. Switching on my lamp, I grabbed my robe and nervously tiptoed to the front door.

“Who is it?” I called.

“It’s me, baby.”

“Harry?”

Opening the door, I let the chain catch. I could make out his face in the dim light before I unhooked the chain and let him in.

“What are you doing here?” I breathed as he pulled me into a hug.

“I wanted to see you.”

“What time is it?” I ran my hand through my hair.

“A little after two. I’m sorry. You said I could call if it was late, but I had to be with you.”

“Oh!” I gasped just before he kissed me.

His clothes and hair felt cold from the night air, but his mouth was warm. I involuntarily moaned against his lips, sliding my hands down his chest.

“I missed you,” I whispered.

“Oh, baby, you have no idea,” Harry groaned.

I quickly shut the door and replaced the chain, then I started to pull Harry toward the bedroom.

“Do you need anything?” I asked, stopping in the hallway. “Something to drink?”

“Just you,” he replied, pushing me the rest of the way to my bed.

I watched Harry remove his jacket and shoes while I took off my robe. Then he pulled off his t-shirt and jeans, eyeing me with a smirk.

“Quite a change from the yellow pajamas,” he commented, lacing his fingers through the strap of my silky nightgown.

“I still can’t believe you remember those.”

“I remember everything, my love. I told you.”

I sighed when his lips met my neck. He tenderly kissed me as he let my strap fall off my shoulder, his hand cupping my breast.

“I guess that means we should start making new memories,” I managed to say between breaths.

“That’s the plan,” declared Harry as he let the other strap fall and I stepped out of my gown.

“Good,” I agreed, joining him on the bed. His warm mouth quickly started a trail down my throat to my chest while his hand touched me where I ached for him the most. “Because…I never wanna forget how amazing this feels.”

Songs mentioned:

Hall & Oates - Kiss on My List

Stevie Nicks - Leather & Lace (with Don Henley)

A/N: This was somewhat of a filler chapter to really set off the stuff coming :).

Taglist: @fkinavocado, @daphnesutton, @freedomfireflies

MASTERLIST | KO-FI | FEEDBACK

[thelunarfairy]

Hey hey hey! I'm not sure if no one has mentioned this, but I haven't personally seen this kind of thing, so here you go just my random ideas regarding the twins.

What drives me so crazy is the fact that in chapter 81, Tsukasa says after Yashiro returns, " Nene-chan and I are the same! ". I know that Tsukasa probably said that because Nene said he liked Amane, but for some reason I want to believe that there's more to that phrase than just sympathy for Amane. For example: In chapter 15, after Tsukasa's first appearance, Hanako emotionally pins Nane to the floor, but after a couple of seconds, he gets scared and recoils, apologizing. And for some reason, it seemed to me that by pinning Nene to the floor, Hanako felt that he was in the same position that he was in when he killed Tsukasa, which is why he was so scared and depressed.

Those are two little moments that I noticed, and in fact, after that I started to think that maybe the incident and the reason for killing Tsukasa would be revealed directly through Hanako and Nene's interactions, and Idk why, but it just inspired me.

Also, before I get it out of my head. When Amane gets sick, Tsukasa turns to the monster under their house, sacrificing the beasts to get what he wants. The monster or demon, whatever, acts just like Hanako-san, and I'd venture to guess that it was the very first form of Hanako-san even before the ghosts became more human (in terms of something along the lines of the devils that were in the village in the no.6 mystery arc), but my main association was that Tsukasa also begins to adopt the trappings of the no.7 mystery. He also offers to grant Amane his wishes, just as the creature under his house offered to grant Tsukasa's wishes, and it seems to me that if Amane wasn't meant to become the no.7 mystery, then Tsukasa was originally destined to become the no.7 mystery, while Amane committing suicide inadvertently ascribed such a fate to himself? Also, Tsukasa disappeared for an indefinite period of time on Amane's birthday, so I think the fact that he's been living and raised in a circle of baddies for a while could also explain his behavior now.

That's all I wanted to say for sure now. If it was inappropriate, just ignore it, pls.

This phrase from Tsukasa is a mystery to many people. I've seen some people saying that Tsukasa compared himself to Nene because he also loved him "romantically" - when they talked a lot about the theory of the abuse that Hanako suffered from his brother. (one of the old hypotheses)

Hanako is a very emotional boy, despite not saying how he feels he shows it a lot (even against his will) and that's exactly what happened. Hanako killed Tsukasa in that position (apparently) so when Tsukasa reappeared for the first time on the roof, Amane reacted desperately, he was sweating cold, his eyes were petrified, he swallowed hard and started crying. This boy was panicking, I wanted to hear his thoughts at that moment.

He remained motionless and didn't react when Tsukasa appeared, Yashiro threw herself forward to defend Hanako, when Tsukasa left Hanako finally reacted. He didn't see Yashiro there, he saw Tsukasa. Then he pulled her hard and threw her against the ground thinking it was Tsukasa. When Yashiro talks to him, Hanako realizes that she wasn't his younger brother, so he apologizes and leaves.

Apparently, Hanako hadn't seen Tsukasa in a long time, so when he reappeared he simply panicked. He didn't expect and didn't want to meet Tsukasa again, he killed his younger brother, and what does he do when he meets him again? Attacks in the same way as the first time. The problem is that he was so shocked that he didn't react immediately, he reacted later. If he had had an instant reaction, he would have thrown Tsukasa against the ground and they probably would have spoken, although Hanako made this sudden movement, he didn't attack using the knife, he kept looking at Yashiro (imagining it to be Tsukasa) while crying.

So you're right, Hanako reacted that way thinking it was Tsukasa (this just shows us how traumatized he is, because every time he meets Tsukasa he's still in shock, even if it's not the same as the first time he finds him again) Even Kou noticed this.

So let's compare.

Interesting, isn't it? Another interesting thing about this position is that Hanako uses it frequently with Yashiro, did you notice?

If you pay attention to this scene in chapter 39, you will notice that he did the same thing

So we return to Tsukasa's phrase "we are equal" this phrase was not thrown around for nothing. I've seen some people saying that Nene would have the same ending as Tsukasa because they two are really similar. Tsukasa and Yashiro have a very similar behavior pattern in some ways, so this sentence scares me a little. What if Hanako who loved his little brother so much and killed him, did the same for the girl he loves so much? The big question is, why?

So you suspecting that interactions between Yashiro and Hanako might reveal why he killed his younger brother makes sense. The problem is that if you really follow this path, it means that Yashiro will have the same ending as Tsukasa (maybe?)

WOOOOOOOOW I LIKE THIS HYPOTHESIS SO HARD XD

What if Tsukasa was the one who was supposed to become Hanako-san? This is perfect. We don't know what the creature looks like, even if it doesn't have a human appearance, generally it should have a shape, but it seems it doesn't. That's because she was inside Tsukasa, and apparently she also lives inside Amane.

There is a bond between the three, we know that the twins were ordinary humans, and the creature beneath the house (and the abyss) is seen as a God, as it grants wishes. But let's talk about Hanako-san from the legends.

The legend of Hanako-san has several stories about how she died and how she appears when summoned. I did a little research on this, although this legend is very similar to the legend that exists here in my country (almost identical) I noticed that some things could match your theory.

Let's skip the details that you already know about Hanako-san, so they say she could have died from taking her own life, from murder, a bomb, or from being sexually abused before she died.

Taking your own life fits with Hanako-kun's story, ok, let's continue, of all the ways it can be invoked, there is one that matches your hypothesis.

"Hanako-san, after being summoned, can respond with a hoarse voice, as if she were possessed by a demon, because in fact it is not a girl, but a supernatural person who tries to deceive you with the voice of a child, and she says "I'm here" and when you open the door you are faced with a monstrous creature"

If we combine these two parts of the legend "he took his own life" and "whoever opens the door is a demon" this theory makes sense. Hanako-san is a legend that changes over the years, so I can't know for sure if this is the most popular version (because I found many, many)

And the wishes, Hanako-san doesn't grant wishes in any version. The authors are intelligent, and they wouldn't use the legend for nothing to make it easier to predict hahaha

But don't worry, JSHK is like that, you fit a piece here and realize that it doesn't fit right with other pieces of the story. Remember that we are dealing with temporal paradox so this is common.

The twins' connection with Hanako-san is mysterious. It's true that it's possible that other supernaturals could take the 7 Mysteries' place by defeating them, but no one talks about the original Hanako-san. Kou already knew that it wasn't a girl and he also doesn't say if there was another one before Amane. He is from a family of exorcists, even if he wasn't born at the time, family members would mention it, right?

So we have Hanako-san and the God under the house. Are they the same creature? It's a possibility. But if Amane took Tsukasa's place, why does the legend of Hanako-san as a girl still exist? Amane has lived with this creature since he was 4 years old, if he had become Hanako-san from the legends, it wouldn't be Hanako-san, it would be Hanako-kun. Yashiro is surprised to discover that Hanako-san is a boy, which means that the information does not match.

But calm down, don't rule out the hypothesis yet, what if God used someone else? A girl, Hanako-san, and then for some reason Amane took her place?

This is very interesting.

We don't know if Tsukasa would be Hanako-san, the only thing we know is that he was going to stay in the red house and he only came back when he found out about his tragic future, so why would he become Hanako-san? He did not intend to return.

So even if Amane stayed alive and became an adult, Tsukasa wouldn't come back. He said that, he said he knew how to go back but he didn't want to. He only came back because Kou and Nene said that Amane was going to kill him in the future.

Tsukasa was in the red house with the creature and other supernaturals for 6 months, then he returned home. (These 6 months were outside the house, we don't know how time moves inside the red house)

So Tsukasa was missing for six months after his and Amane's anniversary before deciding to return.

Hanako-san probably has a more direct connection with Amane than with Tsukasa. We don't know the relationship Amane has with the creature, your hypothesis remains valid because of this point.

What if the God is Hanako-san and Amane joined him and became Hanako-kun for some specific purpose (because he grants wishes like the creature, I mean, almost) We don't really know how Amane grants wishes, he and Tsukasa don't seem to use the same method as God. The creature magically does what you want instantly and charges a life for it.

Not the twins, they do it on their own, and there is not always the possibility of them being able to do it (even using supernatural abilities). What they ask for in return is random, meaning they don't ask for anyone's life.

You remembered Aoi, didn't you? Yashiro's wished to extend her life, that power is not in Amane's hands, but who can accomplish this? God, of course, which is why Aoi is used as a sacrifice.

It's no wonder that number 6 was doing the same ritual that he did in the village that sacrificed young girls, they sacrificed directly to God. Amane accompanied Aoi on the train, he wanted to take her to the other side since number 6 couldn't.

So Amane asked God to fulfill Yashiro's wish (it's a hypothesis)

It's very interesting to think about the possibility of the God being Hanako-san, but we still need more information to be able to better fit this theory. We know that mysteries change with rumors, so this could have happened to Hanako-san too, but don't you find it curious that the rumor about Hanako is that he is a girl and even though he has this rumor he is still a boy?

Because you know, when a rumor changes, the supernatural is forced to change, whether it's their personality or appearance. Why was it different with Hanako? Why didn't he become a girl?

It's an interesting question.

So, I think your theory is very good! I really liked it and I will remember it! For now it's difficult to fit her into the story now, but we don't know in the future! Never discard a hypothesis until it is proven to be invalid. Let's wait for more information to arrive before we can draw more conclusions.

I'm still going to evaluate your theory further, so I may develop it better in the future and talk about it again. If you find more evidence in the future, you can share it with me if you want :3

I hope you liked it, thanks for the aks!

[luxrayblues]

Hello! Could you do a Raihan x Reader where Raihan and the reader have a disagreement/argument and Raihan accidentally said something that hurts the reader's feelings, but he later apologizes?

I hope you like it!

Raihan x reader - Stung (SFW)

It had started as a normal conversation. You wanted Raihan to pause his training to battle Leon again for one day. Your birthday. You explained to him that you wanted to spend the day with him and would appreciate his full focus. Of course it had turned into a spat. You knew it was important to him to beat Leon, but he had been obsessing lately and you could both use a break from it.

You couldn't believe it as the words left hit mouth. You bite your bottom lip, hot tears stinging your eyes and you can feel the frustration warming your cheeks. He was a hot-head and it had really come through with his harsh words this time. Covering your mouth, you shake your head. "Fine! Shut me out, Raihan!" You shout back at him. He hadn't meant to say that you have no passion. He didn't mean that, but it had slipped out. He got so heated talking about his rival that he just couldn't help it, his dragon rage flaring in his chest and he couldn't even come down in the moment to realize what he had done until you were already out the door. Covering your face, you move to lean against a wall, closing yours eyes to cry softly, letting it all out. You were so upset that he couldn't see from your side on this. You didn't think you were asking for too much, but after that you were wondering if you had been the one in the wrong. "No passion? ... Fuck... " You were heartbroken, your sobs sounding rather pathetic to anyone who could hear them, though you were left alone to your thoughts. It was hours before you had been ready to return, having gotten it out of your system and being resigned to being hurt, understanding that you would not have your way this time. You didn't expect to see Raihan stand up in a hurry with a bundle of flowers. He had a sad, desperate sort of look on his face.

"I fucked up." He says simply, moving toward you. You were inclined to tell him to leave you alone but something about that expression he had made you hesitate.

"I know I did and I'm sorry... I just got so caught up in my own head." He begins to reach his free hand toward you, wanting to touch your arm. It had been hours and yet your eyes still stung from having dried out after you'd cried all you could cry.

You started to pull away, but relented and allowed him to hold onto your arm. "We're going to take a break for the whole week. You're right.. we're burning ourselves out like this and... I think the fact I snapped at you. YOU. I know that I'm at my limit right now... can you forgive me, Y/N? I'm going to make it up to you." Letting out a soft sigh, the tension in your chest released almost immediately. "You really hurt me today, Raihan. But that doesn't mean I can't forgive you." You take his hand in yours, squeezing slightly. "I support you and I always will."

He smiles at that, clearly having been afraid that you weren't going to accept that he was going to try.

"I know you just want me to be healthy and happy. I want to get there with you." He pulls you in for a tight hug and you reach around him, gripping at his jacket. Relationships were tough, but you wouldn't want to battle your way through life with anyone else.

[tyuninthemirror]

— better man: c.yj

— pairing: college!yeonjun x fem!reader — genre: fluff-ish, angst-ish — word count: 5018 — disclaimers: university au, reader is soobin's older sister, mentions of food, alcohol, marijuana, smoking and hints of sex. they party here and there. kinda enemies to friends. — synopsis: everything yeonjun ever thought was good suddenly meant nothing because he found something better. — series masterlist

— author's note: slowburn fanfic, it's kinda painful to watch, you've been warned. lmaaaao. debating on whether or not i should write end up here or valentine next. 🤔 (edited 7/22/2024)

"Y/N!" Yeonjun watched from the kitchen window as Soobin dashed across their shared lawn, engulfing you in a hug as you exited the cab.

"Hey, Binnie," you returned the hug, squeezing the taller boy. He helps you get your bags from the cab's trunk and shows you into the house.

"Hey, guys! Y/N's here," Soobin hollered as you got to the entrance. Three boys stepped down the stairs, while another appeared from what you assumed was the kitchen - he had an apron tied around his waist.

"Hello, my name is Y/N, Soobin's older sister," you introduced. "Thanks for allowing me to stay for two weeks."

A chorus of "nice to meet yous" rang through the room. After some small talk with the boys, Soobin led you to his room.

Soobin explained that the seniors had planned a spring break trip, leaving only the younger fraternity members behind at the house.

"Oh, and by the way," he added, "Yeonjun's throwing a party tonight. I thought I'd give you a heads up."

"A party? Looks like I'm in for some local fun," you replied with a playful smile. As a year older than Soobin, you had chosen to study in Japan after high school, making it difficult to spend time with your brother. But this year, during your third year of college, you both decided to spend spring break on his campus.

"If you're not up for it, we can skip the party and go out for dinner instead," Soobin suggested as he unzipped your luggage. He knew parties weren't really your thing.

"Don't worry about me," you assured him, pinching his cheek teasingly. "I want to see you in your natural habitat. You must be breaking hearts everywhere."

Soobin groaned and playfully swatted your hand away. "If I were to break hearts everywhere, you'd probably break my bones."

"You know our parents raised you better than that," you quipped back.

"Yes, yes, I know," Soobin replied with an eye roll. "But that's more Yeonjun's area of expertise."

"Well, as long as he's not out here trying to break yours, that's his problem."

By the time you had finished unpacking in Soobin's room, it was close to 4 pm. While he was in the bathroom taking a shower, he asked you to check if there was anything to eat in the kitchen.

"Sorry to interrupt," you quickly apologize when you see Yeonjun slicing up some limes in the kitchen.

"No worries," he says with a grin.

"Are you getting ready for the party tonight?" you ask, glancing at the assortment of alcoholic drinks on the table.

"Yeah, I made some jello shots earlier. Just finishing up with some garnishes," Yeonjun replies, continuing to chop. You nod in understanding as you walk behind him towards the fridge.

"Do you mind if I check out the fridge?" you inquire, gesturing towards the large gray door.

"Go ahead."

As you open the refrigerator door, a stale odor hits your nose and makes your face crinkle. Looking inside, all you see is a tray of eggs, half a liter of milk, and some wilting carrots begging to be used.

"Are you looking for something to eat?" Yeonjun asks as you close the door. "We don't really cook at home, but we have pizza coming in about two hours."

"I don't think Soobin can wait that long," you mutter, leaning against the counter. You pause, considering what you could make with the ingredients in the fridge. "Do you mind if I cook something?"

Half an hour later, you hear one of the boys shout, "I SMELL FOOD! IS THE PIZZA HERE?" followed by heavy thumping sounds that indicate someone running down the stairs. Kai appears in the kitchen a few seconds later.

"Sorry Kai, no pizza here. Just egg rolls," you chuckle as you cut the rolled-up eggs into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tray.

Yeonjun has been watching your every move since you started cooking.

"Is that for us?" the younger boy asks excitedly.

"Go away, Kai. It's for Soobin," Yeonjun shoos him away.

"Don't be mean," you scold, lightly jabbing Yeonjun's side with your elbow. "This is obviously for you too, Kai."

"I thought you were making food for Soobin?" Yeonjun asks, puzzled as you take six forks from the dish rack.

"How is Soobin supposed to eat a dozen eggs worth of egg rolls, Yeonjun?"

"Wow, there's food!" Taehyun exclaims as he comes downstairs when Yeonjun calls the rest of the guys to come eat.

"It's not much, but it's probably a good idea to have something in our stomachs before we start drinking," you explain. You can't help but smile as you watch the boys eagerly dig in.

"This is better than cheap pizza," Beomgyu cries, stuffing another piece into his mouth.

"Thanks, Y/N," said Soobin with the cutest grin. You knew Soobin was lying when he said he wasn't out here breaking people's hearts.

It was almost 2 am, but the party was still in full swing. Yeonjun had an arm around Yeri as he smoked a cigarette on the front porch with his other friends. He figured the other guys had probably locked themselves in Beomgyu's room playing games by now.

"Hey, who's that chick in white?" San's voice rang out in the room, his head turning to point at a figure clad in white entering the living room. "Never seen her on campus before."

Yeonjun's eyes followed his gaze and rested on you as you carried on a conversation with Yuqi from journalism in the other room, oblivious to the attention being drawn towards you

"That's Soobin's sister, Y/N."

"Fuck, Soobin never mentioned having such a hot sister," he muttered under his breath, causing Yeonjun's eyebrow to twitch irritably. He knew how much your brother looked up to you and hearing someone objectify you like this didn't sit well with him.

"I think she's pretty too," Mingi chimed in with a laugh, trying to diffuse the tension.

"But seriously, did Soobin ever mention her?" San continued, ignoring Yeonjun's disapproving look.

"That's not cool, man," Yeonjun finally spoke up, shaking his head at San's remarks.

"You're kidding, right? You said the same thing about Wooyoung's cousin last week," San retorted with a scoff. Yeonjun fell silent at that, knowing that he was right.

"I don't think she's that attractive," Yeri interjected, breaking the awkward pause. She was annoyed by their fixation on an unfamiliar girl. "Besides, she's a nobody. Let's go play beer pong or something."

As Yeonjun opened his eyes, he groaned, the alcohol he had consumed not settling well. He looks over to his left and notices Yeri's bare back. Dehydrated and hungover, he puts on some clothes before heading downstairs.

"Hey, that's not nice," Yeonjun hears someone in the kitchen say.

Scratching his head, he walks towards the kitchen, only to be nearly knocked over by someone he recognizes as one of Yeri's friends dashing out of the kitchen and the front door.

"What was that about?" he asked when he realized it was you in the kitchen. The two bags of groceries sitting on their somewhat dirty counter caught his eye.

"Good morning to you, too," you said, laughing at Yeonjun's bed hair and puffy face. "A friend of yours was trying to sneak off with the unopened whisky bottles."

"No wonder we always run out of alcohol," he mumbled. You washed your hands and watched as Yeonjun searched through cabinets for something. His shoulders sag, and he frowns at you as he holds up an empty box of aspirin.

"Luck is on your side. I picked up a box and some Gatorade," you said as you rummaged through your groceries. "Could you bring some up for Soobin and the others while I make some food? I think they are pretty hungover too."

After passing around aspirin and drinks, Yeonjun returned to his room to find an empty bed. Yeri must have left while he was downstairs, not that he cared.

Yeonjun quickly showered before heading back downstairs to see Soobin and Taehyun setting the table, the aroma of soybean stew filling the house.

"It's time to eat," you announced, bringing out a pot of stew as Huening Kai and Beomgyu followed with bowls of rice and side dishes. There was a strange feeling in the pit of Yeonjun's stomach. They had never really had a proper meal after a night of drinking; usually, he would just drink more to fight off the hangover symptoms.

"You know you don't have to do this, right?" you heard Yeonjun’s voice behind you as you swept up the cigarette buds littering the front door.

Turning around, you saw him standing with his arms crossed and a disapproving look on his face. You could tell he had been watching you while you did chores around the house, and it was starting to annoy him.

"What do you mean?" you asked as you continued sweeping. Yeonjun watched as you gathered the cigarette buds he and his friends had thrown on the floor the night before.

"I thought you were supposed to be on vacation," he said, gesturing towards the scattered cigarette buds. "But here you are, making it seem like Soobin asked you to come here and clean up after us."

His tone was accusatory and it made your eye twitch slightly in irritation. "Yeonjun, I'm just trying to help out," you replied, continuing to sweep as quickly as possible.

"But why? It's not your responsibility," he persisted.

You paused, leaning on the broom and facing Yeonjun directly. "First of all," you coughed and straightened up. "Cleaning is therapeutic for me. And secondly," you continued, meeting his gaze firmly. "I don't appreciate the insinuation that I'm just here to be your maid or something. I'm enjoying my time here with all of you. I'm sorry if I offended you by cleaning up while I'm a guest here. I'll stop after I finish sweeping these up. Cigarettes are gross."

With that, you resumed sweeping, clearing away the last of the cigarette buds from the floor.

"Guys, let's go," Yeonjun called out to the group, lacing up his sneakers. San was hosting a party at his house, and everyone was invited. San was hosting a party at his house and everyone was invited. The boys decided to go, except for you and Soobin who chose to spend the evening at home.

It had been three days since you arrived, and there was still a tense silence between you and Yeonjun after that altercation on the front porch.

"Coming," Beomgyu said as he scrambled to put on his shoes, Taehyun followed closely behind with equal enthusiasm.

"Where is Kai?" Yeonjun inquired, noticing the absence of their youngest member.

"He decided to stay home and play Ticket to Ride with Soobin and Y/N," Taehyun responded nonchalantly.

Yeonjun scoffed, "Lame, staying home for a board game."

"Hey, I was tempted too," Beomgyu admitted. "I'm only coming because I heard Sieun will be at the party."

"And I'm only going because Kai refused to let me be the yellow train car," Taehyun revealed.

"Weirdos," Yeonjun mumbled under his breath, but still unconsciously glanced up the stairs to see if anyone else would join them.

You slowly open your eyes, but all you can see is pitch-black darkness. You check the time on your phone; it's almost 5 am. You turn to your right and see Soobin sleeping peacefully, then glance down to see Huening Kai sprawled out on the floor, hugging a giant plushie.

The three of you had ordered fried chicken and shared a few cans of beer while playing Ticket to Ride before settling in to watch the Avengers before bed. Halfway through the movie, Huening Kai fell asleep, and you didn't have the heart to disturb him.

Carefully sliding out of Soobin's bed so as not to wake him, you quietly make your way past Huening Kai's scattered limbs and head downstairs for a glass of water from the kitchen. As you reach the bottom of the stairs, you try to suppress laughter at the sight of Beomgyu dozing off on the three-seater sofa with Taehyun lying on top of him and one shoe missing. You turn towards the entrance and see Yeonjun sound asleep with his back against the front door.

"It seems like no one made it to their beds," you chuckle to yourself. After finishing your glass of water, you set out some aspirin and a pitcher of water on the coffee table for everyone to take in the morning.

"I'm never drinking again," Beomgyu groaned from the living room sofa when they finally woke up sometime later in the day. "Why didn't you make me stay, Kai?"

"I tried!" Huening Kai defended from across the room.

"Maybe don't drink so much next time," you laugh.

The next few days passed relatively quickly. Soobin took you to a night market near campus one day, and you all went on a hike the next.

You and Yeonjun were on better terms. Soobin and the others knew about the slight tension but chose not to ask.

Despite the awkwardness with Yeonjun, the six of you had gotten closer, even talking about their plans after college and the jobs they wanted to get. There was even a day you spent a couple of hours teaching the boys how to cook.

"I can't believe you're leaving in a week," Soobin grumbled. "I won't be able to see you again until Christmas."

"You could always move to Japan with me," you joked as the six of you ate take-out Chinese food at the dining room table.

"How do you want to spend your last week?" Taehyun asked eagerly, eyes shining with anticipation. Yeonjun's ears perked up, curiosity piqued by the question.

"I'm not sure," you mumbled. "To be honest, I'm chill."

"I heard Hyunjin and his friends are throwing a party tonight.

Anyone up for it?" Beomgyu suggested. "Or maybe we've had enough excitement?"

"Is Hyunjin the blond guy who came with the guy named Felix?" you asked, trying to recall the people you met the night before. "I think Yuqi introduced me to them."

"That's the one," Beomgyu confirmed. "I believe Yuqi will be there tonight. too."

"All right, let's go!"

Yeonjun stood quietly in the corner of the room, his thoughts drifting as he watched you and Yuqi move about the house. The dull thud of music filled his ears, but he was more focused on the two of you. Beside him, Yeri chattered on about something, but he found himself lost in his own thoughts.

Fifth. Yeonjun watched as a fifth guy approached you that night, and it turned out to be Changbin from computer engineering, one of Hyunjin's friends. He frowned as you managed to get Changbin to stop hitting on you and walk away. That was the fifth time you turned someone away that night.

He scanned the room, looking for Soobin, wondering why he wasn't with you to fend off these unwanted suitors.

"Yeonjun? Are you listening?" Yeri groaned in frustration at the boy's lack of response.

"Huh?" Yeonjun replied absentmindedly, finally tearing his gaze away from you. Yeri followed his line of sight and rolled her eyes before storming off.

Feeling restless, Yeonjun decided to head to the kitchen for a drink. As he entered, he spotted Soobin grabbing a beer.

"Hey," Soobin said, nodding to acknowledge Yeonjun's presence.

"Hey, where have you been?"

"Just hanging out in the backyard," Soobin replied nonchalantly, taking a sip of his drink.

Yeonjun couldn't help but blurt out his frustrations about all the guys hitting on you tonight.

"Don't worry about it, she can handle herself," Soobin chuckled, "How about you? I'm surprised you and Yeri haven't gone upstairs yet."

"Didn't feel like it," Yeonjun shrugged as he poured Jack Daniels into his cup before topping it off with Coke.

"Binnie," you cried as you entered the kitchen and noticed the second figure in the room. "Hey, Yeonjun."

"What's the matter?" Soobin asked.

"I'm a little bored; do any of you want to get some ice cream down the road?"

That's how you and Yeonjun ended up three blocks down the road at 11 pm for ice cream.

Soobin initially wanted to join, but when a girl named Tzuyu invited him to play beer pong, he quickly changed his mind and urged you to leave without him.

"Was the party really that boring?" Yeonjun asked as the two of you sat outside the ice cream shop, enjoying your sweet treats.

"Not really, Yuqi was leaving, and I didn't really want to talk to anyone else," you admitted with a small smile. "Thanks for coming along, though. And sorry for dragging you away from the party."

"Don't worry about it," he said, shrugging it off.

"I know it's early, but if it's okay with you, I might head back first," you said as you finished your ice cream. "I know my way back. Just let Soobin know I went home first. I kinda wanna binge some of the new episodes of Brooklyn 99."

Yeonjun paused for a moment. The party tonight wasn't really doing it for him, and he knew it. Maybe because he wasn't drunk yet? He could go back and catch up with Yeri, but that didn't sound like much fun.

"Actually, I'll head back with you if you don't mind rewatching older episodes," Yeonjun grinned. "I'm still watching season two."

It was the first time he had left a party sober since starting college, but being with you seemed like a much better option than staying at the dull party.

"Has anyone seen Yeonjun?" Beomgyu asked as he walked into the living room where Soobin, Taehyun, and Huening Kai sat watching Spiderman: No Way Home.

"Probably in his room or in my room bingeing Brooklyn 99 with Y/N. They've been at it for two days," Soobin answered, eyes never leaving the screen.

"San's been asking where Yeonjun is. Apparently, he missed their house party last night. He even left Hyunjin's party early the other night," Beomgyu added, plopping himself on an empty seat to join their movie marathon. "They thought he left with Yeri, but she was playing strip poker with the other guys."

"Shh, we're trying to watch the movie peacefully," Taehyun hushed.

"Besides, isn't that a good thing? You always complain about how much alcohol he consumes," Soobin continued. "And he only smokes around San's group."

"That's true," Beomgyu sighed.

"Guys, shut up," Taehyun groaned.

Soobin wasn't stupid - he'd like you and Yeonjun to believe he was oblivious, but he wasn't.

Although Soobin and Yeonjun didn't always hang out with the same people, Yeonjun was one of his closest friends, and you were his sister.

Did he mind that you were spending more time with Yeonjun than with him? Just a tad. Was he opposed to it? Not at all.

He thought back to the mornings when Yeonjun would come home from a night out, hungover and drunk, or to the times when he would find Yeonjun high as a kite after spending time with Yeri. Both were a twice a week occurrences, but Yeonjun hadn't been to a party or hung out with San and the others in 3 days.

Soobin had always known his sister was a bit old-fashioned. She wasn't a killjoy or anything, but she did have some more traditional morals and virtues, like when she told him off when he said he wanted to try vaping. She responded, "Why? Because all of your friends are? Would you rather spend your money on food or on air that could harm your health?"

Who would have guessed that someone like his sister could have such a positive impact on Yeonjun?

Soobin knew he had to be supportive whether your relationship with Yeonjun was platonic or blooming into something.

How?

By making you both spend more time together.

"Are they for real?" Yeonjun groaned, scanning the grocery list. "Do they think you're a cooking machine or something?"

You chuckled at Yeonjun's exasperation as the two of you strolled to the nearby grocery store. Earlier, the rest of the boys had left it up to Yeonjun to help with dinner plans, since Soobin had insisted on your cooking. As a result, you were now on a shopping trip with Yeonjun to gather ingredients while the others unvolunteered themselves.

"It's fine," you assured Yeonjun as you reviewed the list. "I enjoy cooking, and there's no one for me to cook for in Japan anyway."

The mention of Japan made Yeonjun go quiet. He and the other boys had grown used to having you around, so talking about your departure felt strange. In recent days, however, you and Yeonjun had been getting along better. Despite your initial impression of him as loud and outgoing, different from yourself and Soobin, you found his personality endearing. And he, too, had come to understand you better over time. He initially saw you as standoffish and judgmental but eventually realized that taking care of others was just your way of showing love.

You and Yeonjun arrive at the supermarket, and you walk ahead while Yeonjun follows behind, pushing the shopping cart.

"Do you know where the flour is?" you asked Yeonjun, but before he could respond, someone called out his name. Yeonjun turned around to see San and Mingi standing at the far end of the aisle.

"Where've you been hiding, Choi Yeonjun?" San asked playfully.

"Clearly busy," added Mingi as he noticed your presence. “Hi!”

"Hi there," you greeted them politely with a small smile. "I'm Y/N."

"I'm San," said San as he reached out to shake your hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," you replied with a tight-lipped smile, noticing a faint scent of cigarette smoke on his clothes that made you feel slightly queasy. You also couldn't help but notice Yeonjun tensing up in the presence of these two boys.

"Wanna go smoke outside?" Mingi asked, gesturing towards the exit.

"Nah, man, we're already late for dinner," Yeonjun responded, motioning for you to continue walking as he turned back to face them.

"We're having a party at our place later, you should come!" San called out after your retreating figures.

The rest of your time in the store was spent in awkward silence without either of you making any small talk, which made you feel uneasy. You wondered why Yeonjun was being so quiet. Did he not want to be seen with you?

"So… do you smoke too?" you asked as you both walked back home, thinking back to your earlier encounter and attempting to start a conversation.

"Yeah, I do. So what?" snapped Yeonjun, catching you off guard with his abrupt response. You had only asked a simple question and didn't expect such a defensive reaction from him.

"I was just curious-"

"What? Are you going to judge me now? Call me disgusting for smoking?" Yeonjun snickered angrily before you could finish your sentence, causing you to freeze in your tracks, hurt by his tone of voice.

"Listen here, jerk, I've never judged you or anyone else!" you spat out. "Just because I don't personally like smoking doesn't mean I'm going to judge others who do! What's wrong with you?"

Yeonjun stood there looking perplexed by your sudden outburst while innocent bystanders hurried past the scene, not wanting to get involved.

"Get your head out of your ass," you spat as you storm pass Yeonjun, eager to get home as soon as possible.

To say Soobin felt guilty would be an understatement. He couldn't fathom what could have happened for the two of you to leave the house in such high spirits and then return without saying a word to each other.

When Yeonjun entered his room, he slammed the door so loudly that the others flinched.

As you hear his door slam, you mutter, "Very mature," under your breath.

That evening, only five people joined for dinner. The food was almost finished cooking when Taehyun informed you that Yeonjun had already left for San's party. You were shocked and confused by the turn of events. It hurt you when you couldn't understand why Yeonjun was angry with you.

The next few days were the same, with you and Yeonjun completely ignoring each other's presence. This was worse than when you first arrived, Soobin thought.

Yeonjun had been going to parties every night for three nights in a row, returning home completely intoxicated and once having the cops take him home.

"Is everything okay?" Soobin was finally able to ask one day while alone in the kitchen with Yeonjun.

Yeonjun looked at his friend as he poured milk into his cornflakes. "What do you mean?"

"You don't look…" Soobin began, unsure of the appropriate words to describe Yeonjun's state. "Well?"

Soobin observed Yeonjun's face, he couldn't help but notice the puffiness around his eyes and the sunken appearance of his cheeks. His bloodshot eyes revealed that he had either been up all night or not getting enough rest.

"Yes, I'm fine," Yeonjun responded through clenched teeth.

"All right," Soobin chuckled nervously. "I'm dropping Y/N off at the airport with Yuqi in a few hours. Let me know if you want me to bring-"

"Is Y/N leaving today?" Yeonjun asked in a panic. His own worries had consumed him so much that he had lost track of time and forgotten about your limited time together.

"Yeah, tonight at 6."

Yeonjun's mind was a battleground of self-torment. He had been meaning to approach you for the last few days, but each time he chickened out, his courage evaporating like mist in the morning sun. Instead, he found himself standing at San's front door, thinking 'I can do it tomorrow'.

He hated it. He hated how time seemed to drag on during these parties, and how alcohol and cigarettes were his only escape from the overwhelming thoughts in his mind. But he hated it all - the hangovers, the smell of smoke on his fingers, and most of all, the way he had snapped at you that night.

He couldn't understand why he lashed out like that; he didn't even enjoy smoking, he only did it to fit in with San and the others. He could have explained this all to you afterwards, so why didn't he? Was it his pride stopping him from opening up? Or was it because he didn't want you to see a different side of him? Did he fear your judgment or rejection if you knew about his struggles with peer pressure? None of it mattered now, as you were leaving and his last memory of you would be him yelling.

"Y/N! Yuqi is here!" Yeonjun hears Beomgyu yell from his closed room. A few seconds later, he hears the door to Soobin's room open, followed by your luggage wheel rolling towards the stairs.

"It's now or never," he mumbled as he stood up and prepared to face you.

While you said your goodbyes, Soobin and Yuqi were sorting through your luggage in her car. You and Yuqi formed a good friendship over the last few days, even making plans together.

"I'm going to miss you all a lot," you frown as Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai stand in front of you, bidding you farewell. You can't help but be bothered by the lack of presence of a particular boy.

One by one, you draw them into a hug. Having a few more little brothers for a few weeks was nice.

"Aww, don't be too upset," Taehyun consoled. "We'll see you in a-"

"Y/N!" you heard Yeonjun's voice call out, cutting Taehyun off. You turn around to see him rushing out the front door. "I need to talk to you."

The three younger boys take it as their cue, bidding you farewell one last time before heading back inside.

"I was beginning to think you were avoiding me," you chuckled, though your laughter sounded strained and forced. Yeonjun couldn't help but let out a genuine laugh at your attempt to lighten the mood.

"I'm sorry," Yeonjun finally spoke, his voice heavy with guilt. "I've been rude and unfair to you."

You waved a hand dismissively. "Hey, you don't have to explain yourself. I'm sure I said something that upset you at some point."

"Quite the opposite," Yeonjun mumbled under his breath, his eyes downcast. "I've been more mad at myself than anything else."

Confusion filled your mind as you tried to make sense of his words. "What are you on about?"

"I just don't want you to think badly of me, okay?" Yeonjun blurted out, his voice tinged with desperation. "I didn't want you to think less of me."

Your heart softened as you saw the vulnerability in his eyes.

"Yeonjun," you said with a soft smile, reaching out to take his shaking hands in yours. "I would never think badly of you. Plus, a lesser man wouldn't have admitted this to me. You need to give yourself a bit more credit."

A relieved sigh escaped Yeonjun's lips upon hearing your response. Of course, you would say something so reassuring. Despite being the same age as him, you always seemed so much more mature and understanding.

"Y/N, we've got to get going!!!" Yuqi yells from her car. "You'll see everyone in a year!"

"A year?" Yeonjun muttered, surprised by Yuqi's words.

"Yeah, Yuqi somehow convinced me to take my master's here because we're both in the same degree," you laughed. "Besides, did you think you'd be able to get rid of me so easily?"

Yeonjun joins in on your laughter and pulls you in for a warm hug. In that moment, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret for the past few days.

"I promise I'll be a better man when we meet again."

A small smile plays on your lips, "I'll be holding onto that promise. See you soon, Choi Yeonjun."

[the-offside-rule]

Clement Novalak (Trident) - Goodnight Darling

Requested: by my bestieeee

Prompt: angsty confrontation cause he parties too much and neglects his girly who's studying at Uni so she wants to talk about it but he makes it a fight so she leaves for the weekend or smthng and then like someone talks sense into him and he comes back and apologizes and loads of fluff, she's not really into partying but Clem loves her for that or smthng

Warnings: angst

Another night, another call from one of Clement's friends. That's how her night's were taken up over the past few months. Y/n would be studying and not even 30 minutes into it, she would have to pick her boyfriend up because he drank too much. Well, she had a plan to stop it, once and for all...or at least limit it. On this particular night, Y/n pushed open the door to her boyfriends apartment and let him in, ushering him towards the living room. "Yeah, be careful of the-" clash. "Coffee table." Y/n sighed as the magazines and coasters cascaded to the floor. "Babe?" Y/n said, as Clem plopped onto the couch and lazily kicked off his shoes. "Clem, cam we talk?" She asked. "We are talking, darling. Don't be stupid." He laughed. Y/n gave a lighthearted laugh in return, not entirely enjoying how he was talking to her. "Clem, we need to talk about something." He looked up at her, his eyes barely even open. "You look serious." He joked yet again. "Clement, it's about going out." She said, folding her arms. "It's great, isn't it?" She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Actually, not really." She mumbled back. "Well not when you don't go out. You need to go out to enjoy it." He lay back in the couch and looked as though he was ready to sleep. "Clem, please don't go out as often. I can't take care of you and study for my exams." She said. "Oh so you're saying I need to be babysat?" His eyes were open, he was serious now. "No, Clem, you just need to not go out as often. That's all. I can't come to pick you up when I have both work and college to keep up with."

"Oh sorry for being the bane of your existence. A burden even." He replied in a snarky tone. "Excuse me?" Her eyebrows furrowed as a sense of fury washed over her. "You heard. I'm not a parrot, I won't repeat it." He said, grabbing his phone and beginning to type away on it. "Clem, are you not listening to me?" He shook his head. "Why are you making it so difficult to talk to you? I just asked if you could not go out so often."

"Why are you being difficult? I am young, Im not tied down by college stuff so I'm indulging. You should try it. Maybe then you wouldn't be such a crazy, self obsessed cow." Y/n's jaw dropped. "Oh, I'm self obsessed? How about you? A podcast, where you are the most interesting person after the microphone and where your two friends could do it better without you there? Or maybe just this whole conversation. 'I want to go out' and 'I don't care'. Have you even thought about what I want, Clem? Even once the past month even?" He stood up and walked to her, standing looking down ever so slightly. "What I do with my life and what you do with yours, do not coincide. We leave it." He said. "But we're together. We're meant to have our lives coincide." She whispered. "I'm going to bed." Y/n let out a shakey breath and wiped her eyes. "Fine. Just fuck off to bed then."

"If I walk out this door, I'm gone for good." Y/n stood at the door and listened, begging for a sound that even sounded like 'stay', yet nothing. "Fine!" She shouted and slammed the door, leaving his apartment and walking back to her car. Fuck...him.

A week later, nothing had changed. Clem went to the bar as usual and Yn stayed at her apartment studying. Clem sat at the bar doing shots with Marcus by his side, impressed but also concerned at the amount of alcohol his friend was consuming. "Mate, slow down. I'm not calling Y/n in an hour to explain why she needs to pick you up." Marcus chuckled as Clem sat downing his drinks one after the other. "You won't have to. I'm a single man now." He grinned and drank another drink quickly. "You what?" Marcus was in disbelief. "Yeah. She left me and I didn't stop her. It's her life, you know?" Marcus shook his head. "Clem, do you realize how stupid you are?" Clem looked to his friend confused. "She was there when you had nothing and now you just let her go?" Clem leaned on the bar and turned to Marcus. "She wanted to leave, so I let her leave. If I didn't, I'd look bad."

"Did you at least fight for her?" He asked. "She said to say something or she'd leave so I went to bed." Marcus slapped the back of his head. "What was that for?!"

"Get a taxi and go apologise! Jesus. The only nice girl you ever had and you treat her like that." Marcus drank his own drink and left his side. Clem sighed and looked at the bar with a sense of emptiness inside him. He wiped his mouth and walked out to the street to hail a cab. The ride to her apartment was a blur, eith slurred conversation with the taxi driver. He didn't didn't know what he was going to say, only that he was going to say sorry.

"What are you doing here?" Y/n asked as she opened the door. Clem snapped back to reality and there he stood just staring at her through the doorway. "It's nearly two o clock in the morning, say something." Clem leaned against the door frame and took in her features that he hadn't seen in what felt like years. "I just needed to see you." He replied. "Well you've seen me. Go away now." Y/n said shutting the door, only for him to stop it with his foot. "I want to apologise." He said quietly. "So?" She said. "So I very sorry. This won't happen again. Me coming home drunk and you having to pick me up won't happen again. I promise." He said, liquor and whiskey trailing off his words. She rolled her eyes, but appreciated his attempt at an apology at least. "I need you. You don't like going out and I need that. I like that you don't like to go out. It means I always have a safe place to go to."

"Look, if you come back tomorrow morning we can go get breakfast and you can't continue your apology then." She smiled. "When you've sobered up." Clem nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. "Definitely. I'll come by tomorrow and pick you up." He said joyfully. "Clem, you're going to wake my neighbours. You need to be a bit quieter." She whispered. "I- okay. I'll go get a good night sleep, I'll have a shower, I'll even shave-"

"No, I like the beard." She chuckled. "I'll keep the beard then, darling." He said. "I love you." He whispered. Y/n took a breath in and smiled softly. "I love you too." She replied. He hesitantly reached for the side of her cheek and pulled her in. "I- should we- its up to you." He stuttered. Y/n closed the gap between them, their tongues mixing alcohol and caffeine. They broke their kiss, their foreheads leaning against one another and staring into eachothers eyes. "Tomorrow. 10 am." She said. "I'll be outside waiting for you." Neither of them wanted him to leave. She wanted him to come inside with her and sleep in eachothers arms, but that couldn't happen, just like how it couldn't happen when they first met. "Goodnight, Clem." She said, embracing him tightly.

"Goodnight, darling."

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓅨 Your Fate is Sealed With Mine: Chapter Thirty-Four

Your Fate is Sealed With Mine: Y/N Burgess is the granddaughter of Alex and Paul, and after having spent so many summers at their manor and always wondering why she was forbidden from entering the basement, she descends the steps into the world of the Order. She broke out the being that had been trapped in that glass cage, but what does he want with her now that he is free?

Warnings: Morpheus Tries A Thing Called ‘Apologizing’ (Also Finally Get’s His Shit Together), Fiddler’s Green Plays Therapist, Flashbacks.

To Note: Morpheus/Dream x Female!GranddaughterReader, based on Netflix’s ‘The Sandman’, Reader now has long-ish hair for plot reasons (Just so Morpheus can tug on it later).

Word Count: ~2.1k

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Apologizing. Not a concept that Morpheus had ever considered, but one that he was sure he needed to employ. Which is how he found himself searching out his trusted Librarian within the vast depths of the Library. Given the rapid expansion of the wing since his return to full power, Lucienne could be anywhere. Turning down a row of shelves, Morpheus strode his way towards the desk in which the librarian usually could be found. She was nowhere to be seen. Morpheus headed up a nearby spiral staircase and began striding through the upper level.

“Lucienne?” He questioned.

“My lord. There’s something I must tell you.” Lucienne’s voice spoke out. Morpheus turned around to see the librarian emerging from a row of shelves.

“And I will listen.” Morpheus answered, his chin dipping slightly. “But first, you must let me tell you that you were right.” Lucienne looked up at her king in shock. Dream of the Endless, apologizing? What had this realm come to? “The vortex was responsible for the damage to our realm, and I was…” Is was almost painful to say. “Wrong, to risk our safety in the hope that she would locate the missing Arcana.”

“You were not entirely wrong, sir,” Lucienne replied, looking over her glasses. “She’s found them both.”

“What? The Corinthian and Fiddler’s Green? Where? How do you know?” Morpheus instantly questioned.

“Fiddler’s Green told me,” Lucienne explained shortly before the arcana himself appeared, hat tucked neatly against his side as he approached his king and creator. Fiddler’s Green stopped next to Lucienne and bowed his head.

“Apologies, lord, for having left.” Fiddler’s Green spoke.

“Why? Why did you leave?” Morpheus asked, the betrayal he felt clear in his voice. “I trusted you. You were the heart of the Dreaming.”

“No, sir,” Fiddler’s Green protested. “You were the heart of the Dreaming. And you were gone. I was curious.”  He went on. “And it turns out that life as a human contains substance I never even imagined when I was here. Which is why I’ve returned because… he’s murdering them.”

“The Corinthian?” Morpheus repeated, alarm bells going off in his head. His beloved creation was never meant to murder. Certainly not the very beings he was made to serve.

“He appears to have built up a cult of worshippers who kill for pleasure, endangering the waking world and the life of a friend called Rose Walker.”

“The Corinthian has found Rose Walker?” Morpheus repeated.

“Can you imagine the damage he could do with someone like Rose,” Lucienne blurted out, her eyes wide with renewed worry.

“Oh yes, but it is much worse than that,” Fiddler’s Green went on, fingering his hat and cane nervously. “It appears that the queen has taken it upon herself to assist Rose in finding her brother and I fear what the Corinthian will do when they cross paths. He can surely feel her power.”

“You must tell me where they are,”

Fiddler’s Green and Lucienne walked down at hallway, leaving behind their brooding king who now seemed to be in a darkened mood with the knowledge that his queen was in such proximity to his rogue Nightmare. His reaction wasn’t surprising, not with his history of protectiveness towards is lovers. But Y/N Burgess wasn’t just a lover and she wouldn’t bend to Morpheus’s will simply because he bid her so. No, Morpheus had a tendency to fall in love with powerful woman who did not take kindly to being told what to do. Certainly not by him.

“So, he too spent the last century in the waking world.” Fiddler’s Green mused softly after hearing about how Morpheus had been trapped in the basement of a manor for over one hundred years. Lucienne nodded her head in agreement.

“Yes, but he seems to have experienced the worst of humankind.” She reminded the arcana. “And certainly has held some short comings regarding his captivity.”

“Still, his time there appears to have changed him as it has changed me.” Fiddler’s Green argued back. Lucienne gave him a look of skepticism.

“How so?” Fiddler’s Green let out a chuckle. “Lucienne, he came to you and told you he was wrong. It was very nearly an apology. The Morpheus I knew was incapable of that.”

“Hmm.” Lucienne sounded, thinking over Fiddler’s Green’s words. “Then perhaps he will be merciful to you since you came back on your own.”

“Oh, it doesn't matter what happens to me. What matters is that Dream stops the Corinthian and saves Rose Walker and her majesty.” Lucienne raised an eyebrow at her old friend, shaking her head slightly.

“There is no saving Rose Walker.” Lucienne informed him. Fiddler’s Green looked taken aback.

“Why on earth would you say that?” He exclaimed.

“Do you not know?” Lucienne questioned as the pair came to an abrupt stop. “She's a vortex.”

“Oh. Oh, dear. I should have realized. What have I done? He's... He's going to have to kill her.” Fiddler’s Green worried, he set his gaze back on the librarian. “Lucienne, her majesty has no intention of letting anything happened to Rose Walker! She said so herself, she won’t allow any harm come to Rose and her friend. I fear she will defy Lord Morpheus. Lady Y/N is quite serious about her promises, she is already quite upset with Lord Morpheus as it is. I also fear that she will try to take on the Corinthian herself.”

“You will come to learn that Lady Y/N is not as accepting to Lord Morpheus’ ways and has a perchance to challenge him. Thus the reason why she has left the Dreaming in the first place.” Lucienne explained, adjusting her spectacles.

“Oh dear, she did indicate that she was quite upset with him. I tired to explain his point of view but I’m afraid that she still remains quite hurt by his actions.”

“Unfortunately their affairs are not ours to meddle in. We can simply advise, but I will say, in Lord Morpheus’ endeavor to keep the queen safe, he has only pushed her away with his actions. He certainly hasn’t told her why he acts the way he does. Their entire relationship is based on misunderstanding and miscommunication.”

“Fiddler’s Green,” Morpheus called, approaching the arcana at a slow pace. Fiddler’s Green peered over his glasses at his incoming king and knew what he wanted of him.

“Hello, sir,” Fiddler’s Green greeted, bowing his head. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Morpheus came to a stop in front of him and looked down for a moment before responding, his eyes meeting the gentle ones of Fiddler’s Green.

“You were last to interact with Y/N, is she well?” Morpheus asked, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “I’m afraid I have a proclivity to upset her unintentionally and our last encounter was… rather intense. I fear I have severely upset her and she now seeks to spite me for my actions.”

“Oh sir, I am sure she isn’t—“ Morpheus shook his head and held up his hand to cease Fiddler’s Green’s words.

“No, I am well aware of how my recent actions have pushed her. She can be quite spiteful when angered and I believe I have earned such emotion from her this time.” Fiddler’s Green let out a gentle sigh, miscommunication and misunderstanding indeed. These two had absolutely no idea what to do with each other.

“Sir, when I spoke with Lady Y/N, she wasn’t angry or planning on spiting you.” Morpheus’s eyebrow rose in question and Fiddler’s Green rolled his cane between his hands. “She was most upset, sir. It hurts her to stay away, I could feel it. Her actions are not out of spite, but out of a need to prove that she is not a servant who will blindly take orders.”

“Of course she isn’t, she is the queen of the Dreaming and my bonded. She holds the highest power in this realm and can do as she sees fit.” Morpheus replied, his tone indicating that he clearly thought it was an obvious statement. Fiddler’s Green raised his eyebrow.

“But sir, have you allowed her to exercise such will?” He questioned, causing the Endless to actually think about that. “I know you wish to protect her but perhaps in your endeavors you have ignored the very power only she can wield.” Fiddler’s Green wouldn’t say it out loud, but only Y/N Burgess had power over Dream of the Endless, and it seemed that he had forgotten that. “No, sir, she isn’t angry with you. I believe she is deeply hurt that you do not yet treat her as your equal.”

“I’ve been watching over her since she was but a defenseless infant.” Morpheus spoke softly, remembering the endless days and nights of watching Y/N learn how to crawl, to walk, to speak, to dream. “She has suffered because I chose her and I do not wish for her to experience any more of the terrible pain I know I have caused her by choosing to bind her soul to mine. Life has been cruel to her, does she not deserve to be sheltered and protected?”

“Perhaps, sir, may I be so bold?” Fiddler’s Green questioned in hesitancy. He knew that his lord needed to hear what he had to say, but whether or not he wanted to, was another question entirely. Morpheus nodded.

“Of course,” Fiddler’s Green smiled gently, his brows crinkling together.

“When you love someone, you protect them from their pain, you don’t become the cause of it.”  That gave Morpheus a lot to think about.

After speaking with Fiddler’s Green, Morpheus found himself taken to the queen’s wing of the palace. The wing did not seem, nor feel, as light as it had when Y/N had occupied it. The statues were sad and the flowers that dotted the space had long since died. It was as if the wing itself had regressed back to its disparaged state upon it’s queen fleeing from the realm. Was it not days ago that the pair were enjoying each others company without fighting or dirty looks? Morpheus found himself staring at the untouched bed neatly made up.

Y/N had returned to her reading while Morpheus was enthralled with the way her fingers combed through his hair and brushed across his forehead. When had he last felt this at peace? It had to have been hundreds of years. He nearly felt like rumbling in happiness, much like a cat stretched out under the sun. This was what it was to be bonded, to have a connection that was born from the very center of one’s being. If only this could last for eternity.

“You are making it hard to concentrate, Morpheus,” Y/N’s soft voice rivaled a choir of angels. Morpheus couldn’t help the twitch of his lips, a small part of him overjoyed that she found him just as distracting as he did her. A dark eyebrow rose.

“My apologies, I was simply marveling at your exquisite beauty.”

“Well don’t get sappy with me now, I was just starting to tolerate you,” Y/N replied, amusement twinkling in the eyes that remained glued to the book. “Words can be becoming, especially when describing a woman, Morpheus, but they are often fabricated.”

“You think I would be so untruthful in my words to you?” She hummed in answer. “Y/N, I will see you across any world or realm and think you are the most beautiful being I’ve ever seen for as long as I breathe.” Y/N paused in her reading, the gravity of his words registering in her mind. “There is my heart, and then there is you, and I am not sure there is a difference.”

“Then your heart must be quite twisted and cracked, Morpheus,” Y/N spoke, her voice devoid of emotion save for lingering pain.

“I have eternity to fix that.” Her eyes finally dropped to his, those starry eyes bored into hers. “You will forever be my dream.”

Her lips twitched shortly before she added a sentence to his bold statement, her words whispered gently.

“Or perhaps your waking nightmare.”

Y/N was his greatest strength and his darkest desire. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Morpheus pulled out the ruby necklace Y/N had yanked from her neck and refused to wear it despite it’s protective intentions. It hummed with his power and echoed with hers. When Morpheus took care of the Corinthian and the vortex, he was going to have to sit down with Y/N and explain everything. It was not a conversation he was looking forward to.

Date Published: 12/9/22

Last Edit: 8/20/23

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