#thinking about flying back to Japan just to sit in this cafe and never move again and also spend all my money lol

[mooncademia]

Surprising Aizawa at U.A

PAIRING ~ Aizawa Shouta x reader

GENRE ~ fluff!

SUMMARY ~  You have been dating Aizawa for many months now and since work has been piling up for your boyfriend, you decided to stop by U.A for a surprise visit! As you walk through the halls, you couldn’t help but reminisce about the good times the two of you had. Ah, nostalgia~

WORD COUNT ~ 2.0k

Dang it, you thought to yourself as you stood there mindlessly looking down the halls as you bit down your bottom lip. You grew anxious as you stood there staring at the many rooms, wondering which room was the teachers’ lounge and office.

You came to visit your boyfriend, Aizawa Shouta, who teaches at U.A, the most prestigious hero high school there is in Japan, but as you stood their helplessly looking at the title of each plaque on the wall, you wondered if it was better to stay home and wait for him to come back at night.

You shook your head at the idea. No, you were determined to see him. Your boyfriend may not be what people say “ideal” since his cold stern face with his signature half-lidded eyes doesn’t exactly scream “IDOL” to many people, but to you, well…he was perfect. Beautifully perfect.

Aizawa dating was something definitely new to him in the beginning. Not that he hadn’t dated before (let’s not bring back the embarrassing stories), he just wasn’t good at it in the beginning.

He can still remember the first date you both went on: the romantic dinner, the sitting in the cafe eating sweets, talking for hours about life, the quiet dim night walk at the empty park, and most of all, when he stood outside your apartment thinking if he should kiss you.

Should I kiss her? Will she hate me for me kissing her on the first date? Does she WANT me to kiss her? Oh god am I taking too long thinking? How about—

Oh.

You made the first move that night, leaning closer to his face as you closed your eyes and kissed him on the lips. You could still remember the exciting electricity flying throughout your body and the loud thumping of your heart pounding in your ears as you made that bold move. His lips were soft and sweet. He jumped slightly from your kiss but from the way that he melted in, he can for sure promise you that he was totally swooned for you.  

Despite Aizawa’s hard-looking exterior, deep inside, he was sensitive in every precious way possible. And you loved that about him— how he’s both hard-working and lovingly soft at the same time. You loved his grumpy grunts when you interrupt his work to tell him what happened at work today, and you loved his silent nods of satisfaction when you serve him a home cook meal.

Plus, you love teasing him. Like that one time when you pulled out a cat sweater from one of his old boxes at his apartment.

“Ehhh???!!!” Your eyes widened as you stared at the bright colors of the cat sweater. You held the cotton candy sweater up high to give a good look at it. The cat’s eyes were unnaturally big and it screamed “KAWAII” in every way.  You darted Aizawa a teasing smile as you see him glow a soft tint of pink.  “Wow, Aizawa. Isn’t this 2 cute 4 u?”

Aizawa rolled his eyes at you, muttered something you couldn’t hear, snatched the sweater off your hands, and neatly folded it back into the box as you laughed. (maybe a little too neatly, you thought to yourself).

But whenever Aizawa’s with you, you don’t know it, but his heart beats faster whenever he sees you. He loves your goofiness, your boastful confidence, your kindness, how strangely similar you both are, and how you are just…well…you.  

Lately, teaching at U.A wasn’t going smoothly. With students and villain issues, he comes back to your apartment past midnight now. So you decided to take a day off from work and visit him at the teacher’s lounge when he’s on his afternoon break. You even prepared him lunch! (“a cup of coffee is not lunch, Aizawa….no, jelly packets are not meals either,” you said to him the other day).

Your eyes caught sight of a pair of students. A tall young man with messy blond hair with a black streak on the right side and a short boy that had purple balls on his head.

“Hi!” You waved mannerly to signaled them.  “Uhm, I’m a bit lost, can you please tell me where the teacher’s lounge is?”

The boy with the blond hair looked surprised to see an unfamiliar face around campus but not only was he shocked to see a stranger having access to campus, but he was also more starstruck seeing a beautiful woman standing right in front of him.

“Uh-“ He straightened his back and cleared his throat. “Yeah! You’re close actually. It’s down the hall to the left, should be the second door.”

You smiled appreciatively to the boy and bowed respectfully. “Got it! Thank you so much!”

You waved goodbye as the boy blushed when he sees you walk off.

“Knock it off Kaminari!” The short boy to his left scolded as he elbowed his friend’s ribs and sneered at him.

“Who is that, Mineta?” Kaminari asked, twirling his head once more to see you walk down the hallway.

“I’m not sure, but she’s going to the teacher’s lounge…” Mineta replied with an eyebrow arched up.

You turned left down the hallway and found the plaque on the second door that labeled “Teacher’s lounge/office.”

You took a deep breath before sliding the door.  You have visited Aizawa at school before but no knows about the two of you except for a few teachers (that being: Present Mic, All Might, and Midnight), and you hoped that you weren’t bombarding in at a bad time. If there were a lot of students you were going to have to put on the stranger act that you did last month, and you weren’t anxious to pull that off again.

That was another thing about you and your boyfriend was how strangely similar you both are. You both enjoyed keeping your relationship private or low-key from a lot of people. Aizawa has always been a private guy, and although you were more open compared to him, you also prefer to keep some things just between the two of you. It made moments more special and electrifying. Though even if Aizawa wants to keep it low-key, he still likes to hold your hand in public or give you a hug, and when no one is looking, he gives you a quick kiss on the cheek (or maybe on the neck but let’s not go there ;) ).

You slid the door gently and when you stepped in, you can immediately see your boyfriend hunched over on his computer, sitting a couple of feet away from Present Mic. His long black disheveled hair poked out way too obvious and you giggled at his stern face staring at the computer. Thankfully, all the other staffs were not there and no students were to be seen either.

Present Mic looked up to see who entered and grinned widely when he saw you. He nudged Aizawa on the shoulder and whispered “Oi, your girlfriend is here!”

Aizawa looked up and sees you standing their ever so beautifully with your light cream floral blouse and navy blue jeans. He smiles at you as he gets up from the chair and comes toward you.

“Hey,” he said with a husky voice. His black eyes staring directly into yours.

“Hey,” you echoed teasingly with a cute smile. “Brought you lunch.” You lift your left hand, holding the carefully wrapped clothed bento.

You both walked toward his seat as you put down the bento on his desk. Aizawa hummed as he wrapped his hands around your waist, pulling you closer. He pulls you into a hug and whispered a soft “thank you” to your right ear and lets you go gently.

He definitely missed you.  

Along with liking to keep the relationship private, Aizawa is a bit different when he’s with you. For one thing, he’s way more talkative— He loves to chat with you, about his likes and dislikes. His latest “what’s been annoying me” rants to the “that wasn’t rational” conversations. He also loves to hear your voice. He treasures your nods as you listen intently because it makes him feel even more pleased that you were listening (of course you were). And if he drank too much coffee that evening, you two will often be snuggled up on the couch as you both talk about your days— the burdens that have been on your minds and the simple happiness that you two found. He didn’t mind Present Mic next to him to see his actions, after all, he was his best friend since high school, and plus, he was the first to know about you two as well. But that doesn’t mean Mic won’t tease.

“AWWWWW MAN, AIZAWA!!!! You’re such a softie!” Mic teased as he glanced a glimpse of the two of you holding hands, chatting with a small smile on both of your lips.

Aizawa turned his head coldly at Mic with a death glare. “Shut it.”

You laughed as you see your boyfriend slightly blushing. You grabbed a chair so the two of could sit down at his desk and you leaned forward to glance what he’s been up to. Aizawa slung his left arm around your shoulder as he talked to you about the assignments he has working on. As you listened intently, you couldn’t help but feel so warm by his presence. His half-lidded eyes were mesmerizing to you and you wrapped your arm around his lower back gently rubbing small circles back and forth.

“Sounds like a lot,” you said when he finished. “Good thing I’m here to cheer you on, right?” You said with a confident cheeky wink.

Aizawa rolled his eyes at you sarcastically but you could tell that his lips were trying not to tug upward.

“You look good today,” you said softly to him. Your voice came soft and low, that only he could hear it, and it was true. Never once were you not starstruck from his costume. The gray scarf dangling around his neck nonchalantly, the black on black long-sleeved shirt and pants, all tied together with his dark brown utility belt and black boots. You don’t tell him this, but even after dating for many months now and seeing his costume for the millionth time, it still sends butterflies to your stomach.

Aizawa looked at you, not saying a word, but rather leaning down to give you a deep kiss on the lips. It was soft and tender, but it left you wanting more (dang public places!).

Present Mic, only a couple feet away, turned red when he saw what was happening and tried to go back to his business. Though, he caught a few glances here and there.

“You look beautiful today too, as always,” Aizawa said to you when he parted his lips away from yours.  You rested your head on his shoulder and hugged him tightly as your cheeks heated up from the compliment.

“Go get a room,” Mic blurted, staring at the screen of his computer typing mindlessly away.

You laughed out loud with your hands on your stomach while Aizawa let go of you to shoot Mic another deadly stare.

You tilted Aizawa’s chin back to face you and with a smile, you kissed him again passionately, just for good measure.

But if you knew what would happen next, you wouldn’t have dared to make that move, because only a few seconds later, you heard a sliding on the door.

“Uhm, Aizawa-sensei, we were wondering if—“ a familiar voice said aloud, making you part away immediately from Aizawa’s lips with eyes widened in surprise.

When you looked up, you saw the two students that you encountered in the hallway, and from the look of their faces, you could guarantee that they saw their teacher kissing the woman that they met today. Though, the purple boy looked like he was having more of a seizure than a shocked look.

You sucked in a breath, realizing that two of Aizawa’s students just caught you two together, and it was definitely not the time to pull off a stranger’s act. But a grab of your hand underneath the table calmed you down immediately, and when you turned to see your boyfriend, you were shocked to see his expression.

His smirky grin and lustful eyes said: Well, they were going to find out sooner or later, right?

You gave a weary smile as Aizawa squeeze your hand a little bit and leaned towards you in a surprisingly upbeat tone:

“Well, today is going to be an interesting day.”

[jiikyu]

Taste of Marigolds In Bloom

Herb of the Sun — Or Marigold was often used during the Middle Ages as a love charm. Carrying one of these brightly colored flowers was thought to bring love.

Though be warned for they are also poisonous.

Chapter I. You find a lost girl in Musutafu, unknowingly the experience ends up being a life changing encounter. Be it for better or for worse.

∘◦ ✿ ◦∘

All characters are 18+

Yandere!Mirio x Fem!Reader(AΩβ)

Y/N = Your Name

F/N = Your Full Name

E/C = Eye Color

H/C = Hair Color

Warnings: Yandere/Unhealthy Behavior + A large dose of sweetness in the beginning :)

Next Chapter Here❦

∘◦ ✿ ◦∘

Rounding the corner brings yet another flashing sign desperately trying to catch your attention. It’s noon and Musutafus streets are at their peak, narrow pavement overflowing with bodies. Winding your way through the mobs as you make your way to the small cafe.

You are meeting a friend in celebration.

With the perfect combination of brisk fall air and the sun warming your cheeks with kisses you ignore the tugging of your heart attempting to weigh you down. 

You had done it. 

Somehow you had qualified for the transfer over to U.A.

Though, it may not be the course you had dreamed of as a child  — Being born quirkless had made that impossible — It’s a celebration none the less! One you were more than excited to share with your friends.

Even if deep down you know you don’t deserve the transfer. 

You had hoped for the fresh air to be soothing before your meet up... But with the streets busier than ever the constant bumping of shoulders and bags is starting to take an edge on the nerves you’ve managed to keep under wraps.

Maybe it’s nothing, maybe it’s just your damned Omega instincts acting up, but the crowd just isn’t appealing anymore. A moment away from the constant onslaught is all you need.

Finding your way through the living maze to where you know Musutafus Park sits overlooking the city streets. The park is a well known treasure, covered in playgrounds and fountains it’s quite popular for tourist, it’s crown jewel however is the All Might statue centering it. Even local food stands patrol its borders for customers. 

Just standing at the Parks sidewalk already leaves you with a calm.

That’s before you notice you are not the only one away from the packed crowd. Out of the corner of your eye you see the small figure, something you would have never payed attention too normally but something about the image just doesn’t sit right. 

A young girl with silver waist length hair she stares unmoving at the edge of the amalgamation of people. You cannot help but notice the way her small hands clutch together, or the way her eyes follow each passerby, one by one. Almost as if looking for something — No, looking for someone.

Your blood freezes.

You’re probably wrong. Her family probably knows exactly where she is and they’re coming for her right now. Probably... You’ve already begun to make your way towards her.

You make sure to stop a few feet away before making yourself noticed.

“Hi.” Your voice is gentle, so much so it almost gets swept away in the noise of the city. And for a moment you think it had but her crimson strawberry eyes turn to you in acknowledgement before returning to the mob, refusing to look away. Your suspicions only grows at her behavior and you know you have to continue.

“My name is F/N. I go to U.A.”

At the mention of U.A. she turns to you fully... And you see the spark of hope in her eyes, though it only lasts a second before returning to one of caution. It’s strange for someone so young to have such a strong sense of perception. It has the alarm bells in your head growing louder. 

All your studies and practiced lines start racing through your head.

“Here! I have my I.D. with me!” Reaching for your bag you fumble to grab your student I.D., once in hand you make sure to hold it out for her to inspect. “You can call me Y/N, what’s your name?”

The girl gives a long moments pause, looking between you and your picture printed on the plastic carefully before whispering a response. 

“Eri.”

“That’s a pretty name.” You smile. “Do you know where your parents are Eri?”

“I don’t... live with my parents.”

Well shit.

Your classes hadn’t prepared you for this. What do you even say to that? Luckily you don’t have to wrack your brain too much before the lost girl continues.

“I was with my friend before I-I got lost in the crowd.” The girls hands fidget together nervously, lip quivering. “It’s... it’s just that I know he must be so worried right now.”

Her eyes begin to well with tears.

“It’s gonna be okay!” The words slide off your tongue without thought.

It is?

“We can wait for your friend here, how does that sound?” Eri stares at you with big strawberry eyes and you can only pray you sound as confident as the actors in movies. Not even close. Ignoring the thrumming of your heart you give your best smile. The girl gives a shaky nod before reaching up a hand to messily wipe away the moisture from her eyes.

...

You haven’t even waited a full five minutes before you notice Eri staring at something that isn’t the crowd. Not thirty feet away is a concession stand covered in pictures of sweets. 

“I’m kinda hungry...” You lie. “Do you want something from that stand over there?”

Eri’s crimson teardrop eyes shoot up at you beaming. “That s-sounds good.”

∘◦ ✿ ◦∘

At least some luck finds your favor.

You walk right up to the register without having to wait in a line. Asking Eri what she’d like her small finger points to cursive words of the chalkboard menu.

Caramel Apple.

The concession worker hands the ruby red fruit to Eri’s waiting hand. She stares at it with childlike wonder before saying her third quiet ‘Thank you.’ and you then proceed to give your third ‘No need to say thanks!’.

You both take a seat on the open bench besides the food stand. A good vantage point to watch the endlessly moving crowds of people... Subconsciously your teeth find themselves digging into the wall of your cheek. Staring at the horde, it becomes all too clear just how hopeless your efforts are.

Had you made the wrong choice? Yes. Every second that passes is further proof of your error. You should call the authorities now...

You are not a real hero.

A heavy sigh leaves you. Gentle breeze moves through your hair, using the hand currently not holding your own sticky apple to tuck H/C locks behind a ear. You have yet to even take a bite of the your waiting apple before the unexpected happens. Absentmindedly looking over Eri’s head of silver strands you see a figure most definitely sprinting towards the two of you. And you think your heart just about stops in surprise.

“Eri!”

The young girls head swivels to the direction of the mans cry. Noticing how she visibly lights up your shoulders lose a bit of the suddenly built-up tension.

“Mirio!” Eri leaps from the bench abandoning your side to meet the person you can only assume to be Mirio. Unconsciously you stand as well, finding yourself puzzled by the sudden urge to stay by her side.

The man stops his marathon to get down on one knee, arms outspread to meet Eri. She runs holding her caramelized apple high above her head flying into the embrace, making sure not to get the sweet stuck in his sunshine blond hair.

You hadn’t even noticed how your feet moved on their own and now your standing just out of reach, just incase...

“I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry Eri! I looked everywhere!” The man sobs into the hug. You watch Eri’s small hand reach up and pat his shoulder in consolation. The blond pulls away from the hug to properly look at Eri. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m okay! Y/N helped me.”

At her words Mirios soft blue eyes fall to the next closet person.

You.

You take this as your cue to further approach, taking a step towards the two you notice it. The aroma of sandalwood and seashore reaches your nose, tied together by a sharp hint of lemongrass. The natural scent radiates off the blond man, but it doesn’t assault your senses, most likely with the help of blockers. You’re painfully familiar with suppressants and blockers, taking your own prescription that dulls your own scent and helps with heats. These days it’s uncommon to meet someone that doesn’t use some form of blocker, even patches or daily gummies are enough to take the edge away from hormones.

Even you have to admit it’s a rather comforting scent for an Alpha of his stature. One would have to be blind to not see he’s built like a brick house, well-defined muscles barely hide under the thin material of a white tee. And when he stands... It’s clear he towers over you. 

A little unnerved by the size difference but you still want to be there for Eri, incase she needs you. Just as you open your mouth to speak your words fall silent. The blond having leaned forward, bowing his head towards you. 

“Thank you so much for looking after Eri! I take full responsibility for not keeping a better eye on her in the crowd.”  Mirio says this with while facing the concrete below, and you stare blankly for probably a little too long.

Oh.

“It was no trouble for me, really!” Unsure how to accept the show of gratitude you try to wriggle your way out. “It’s just, I go to U.A. and all... But I think it’s something anyone would have done.”

Mirio straightens his back at that, mouth forming an ‘o’ shape in surprise before turning to a hopeful smile, palm wiping away the moisture of his eyes. “You go to U.A?”

“Yes, but it’s nothing fancy-“ Your hand rubs the back of your neck sheepishly and your eyes are suddenly trained to the ground. Already feeling shame heat your skin at the prospect of admitting the course you somehow managed to snag in Japan’s most prestigious Hero School. “-I’m in the business course... I’m actually quirkless.”

You end your statement with a fake laugh, like it’s some kind of joke.

The joke must’ve landed flat because there’s only silence and you swear you hear your pulse quicken. Afraid to look up from the hole your eyes currently burn into the leather of your shoe. Afraid to see judgment. Steeling yourself for the worst you look up...

Deep pools of blue stare back at you, overflowing with warmth and wonderment — It almost takes you aback. Something swims just under the surface of those ocean eyes though you’re to dazed to notice. Mirio breaks the spell you’ve fallen under with a heartfelt grin.

“I think that’s something really special Y/N.” Those words just about short circuit the wiring of your brain. “That, there’s so many hero’s with quirks it’s easy to just let someone else step in and take care of the situation.”

“So I can’t thank you enough for taking care of Eri. For being the one to step in and save her.” His large hand pats the top the girls head, ruffling the silver locks playfully, the corners of her mouth upturning to a shy smile. “And for fixing my mistake.”

You’re completely at a loss, for words, for thoughts. It’s like this man just read your emotions and there’s nothing you can say.

So you don’t.

Instead a tear rolls down your cheek and your vision begins to blur at the corners. Promises of an oncoming flood.

Mirios smile falls.

You barely notice him take the first step towards you, a whimper threatening to escape your throat in anticipation of contact, but it never comes. The Alpha having stopped just out your reach, large hand twitching at his side. He doesn’t touch you. Instead the smell of tidal waves and wood flares to life. A soothing gesture usually done between courting mates, bonded pairs or the pacifying of a child. All of which you are none. Regardless you respond to it without thought, finding yourself calmed by the sea you’re able to take a breath. After realizing what he’d done you waste no time in hiding the evidence of the tear by smearing it under your thumb. Crushing it.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” His voice sounds genuinely pained and you wonder... Had he used his scent subconsciously or consciously?

“No, I’m sorry.” You’re embarrassed at your own weakness. What a terrible display. “I should get going.”

“Are you okay?” Eri’s small voice breaks your thoughts, still holding the uneaten ruby apple in one hand.

“I’m fine don’t worry. I’m sorry Eri, I forgot I’m meeting a friend today, but I’m so glad I got to meet you.” You say crouching to her level, saying your next words in a quieter childish tone. “Just make sure Mirio doesn’t lose you again!”

It’s meant as a tease but there’s some concern bled into the jab and the young girl nods her head in all seriousness.

“Bye Y/N!” Eri, the shy girl, gifts you a smile before grabbing Mirios hand, her digits dwarfed by his own. “Thank you for the apple!”

Standing you notice Mirio hasn’t moved an inch away from you. You may have only just met but the Alpha appears to be lost in thought. Soft features resting frozen, thick brows knitted together in concentration, as if... Noticing your eyes on him he drops the look in one smooth motion, giving you just about the brightest smile you’ve ever seen.

“We’re not gonna make the same mistake, right Eri?” The blond gives a reassuring squeeze to the girls hand and she returns the gesture by tightening her grip. Mirio shoots a goofy thumbs-up in your direction before turning away, Eri following at the hip.

His last words are spoken with his back to you. “Thanks again Y/N. I hope we see each other again at U.A.”

Wait does that mean...

Mirio attends the same school as you?

“Y-yeah!” The reply barely leaves your tongue. The whole situation may have scrambled your brain but you can’t help the warm smile that stretches over your features.

Watching the two disappear into the dying crowd you feel your phone vibrate in your back pocket. Grabbing the device you lightly tap the home button to see...

Nine unread texts and three missed calls?

How had you not noticed your phone going off like crazy? Your friend is going to kill you.

∘◦ ✿ ◦∘

And you had missed it.

Missed the way ocean blue eyes sought you out one last time before getting lost in the sea of strangers.

[hetalia-has-a-secretary]

kids au? or better human au? I do not know, but the allies and the axis are reunited with their first love s / o. To which they never managed to confess what they felt and S / o is better than they remembered. Some headcanons of the school time in the past and of the reunion of both.

This is a Hallmark AU (Hallmark is an American channel that has the most romantic, but cheesiest and slightly annoying romance movies. I'm talking like, that one miscommunication that messes up the almost official relationship, despite both the man and woman finally getting along after they tried to dislike each other even though it was painfully obvious they liked each other). But yeah, this would be a Human AU lol.

Allies an Axis reconnect with S/O!

Allies:

America:

His heart and body stopped dead on the college campus.

Standing in front of him was S/O. Someone he hasn't seen in years.

They had moved away the day he was going to admit his feelings to them.

He remembers the times they ran across the road they lived in, and played underneath a tree in the field.

He remembered the one time they cut open their knee, and he had to carry them back home. Even though they could still walk, he wanted to be their hero.

Time skip back to the present, they were back!

He ran to them full speed, and hugged them, telling them how much they missed them, and how much he loved them.

"Alfred? Alfie!?"

He sputtered as he realized what he had admitted too, and hearing the childhood nickname brought blush to his face.

His S/O smiled and pulled him in, repeating his vows of affection.

England:

He scoffed at the group of people who were being a bit too rowdy in the town library.

He eventually had enough and was about to ask them to tone it down when he caught sight of a familiar face.

His S/O was standing in a group of their friends. Their happy aura making them twice as lovely as they were the day the had to go back to their hometown. Supposedly to help an old friend.

It seemed that even back then they spent most of their time reading the worst rated books to each other.

Joining all the little craft fairs the librarians held at the establishment. He still has the bracelet S/O made him.

He had to swallow the lump in his throat. Eyes eventually locking.

S/O had excused themselves from their group, and immediately ran to him, hesitating to hug him.

Arthur stopped them from doing so, and for some reason did the most cheesiest thing. He kissed the knuckles to their hand. No turning back now.

He complimented them, saying they looked just as beautiful they day he wanted to admit his feelings to them.

He was lucky they felt the same.

France:

He spent his whole college career trying to make it into the modeling industry.

He had books and books of clothing designs to submit, but all had failed. And he was left working as a barista in some shady coffee shop.

He sighed as he heard the bell ding, a new customer who would probably complain about the mucky drinks.

But as he turned he was immediately taken back to the day his S/O first moved to town.

They lived across the street from him, and his S/O had turned around seeing him standing on the sidewalk, getting the mail.

They had both shyly waved to each other, and for a few days Francis left them small gifts, too shy to talk to them face to face, and never able to tell them his feelings.

But now, they're standing in front of him.

They hadn't recognized them, but he was so lost in thought the only thing he could manage was to wave at them

That waved must have rang a bell Because his S/O went "Wait- Are you the kid from across the street? The one who left me like, a pink paper airplane on my porch?"

His face went 50 shades of red as he started spitting out excuses and apologies.

After taking his order, he noticed they left their receipt behind. And a cell number.

China:

Balance. Focus. Deep breathing.

All things Yào had for his martial arts training in the park. He was working on his Tai chi when some stranger's dog had ran under his legs, knocking him over.

All he could hear was someone apologizing, finally getting control of their dog.

He shot up to yell at the stranger but something stopped him.

The stranger looked painfully familiar, so once introductions were made, it dawned on him.

It was S/O. The two of them use to hide away from the other kids in grade school. He was the only asian in their class so he got picked on by everyone but S/O.

They had found an abandoned shack in the woods and they cleaned it up, making it their own. A base to go to when they were troubled.

Yào cracked a smile at them, and teased them about how he use to have a crush on them, a way to see how they felt.

He couldn't stop the blush that came with S/O admitting to crushing back at him.

Russia:

He had met his S/O in his second year of College. It was unexpected.

They had came into the school year almost half way through so they seemed extremely lost.

Knowing how akward and hard it was to be in that situation he built up the courage to try and talk to them.

"E-excuse me. Do you need the- to be- shown round school?"

His broken english wasn't as bad as it once was, but his nerves caught up to him. Even hearing S/O laugh made his heart flutter.

He was surprised when it wasn't at him, and when they said yes- his stomach was doing backflips.

That was then, this is now. He had to go back to Russia, and they had said their goodbyes, thinking they'd never see each other again.

But after a year or so he decided to move back to America. Back to the town that gave him so much.

He'd be lying if he wasn't hoping to meet his S/O and maybe, just maybe, admit to what he felt.

He already knew S/O wanted to work at a certain place in town, so when he got the chance he went straight there.

To his sadness though, they weren't there. Nor did they ever work there.

Passing by the campus he was surprised at what he saw.

They were still in college?

Turns out a few class credits from high school didn't take, so they were slowly working on earning them back.

But the reunion was a welcomed one. Both had run into each other's arms at the sight. Ivan immediately showing confidence and asking if they were dating anyone.

"No, why?"

"Well, now you can be dating! Me, da?"

The smile his S/O was all he needed for a yes.

Axis:

Germany:

His college days were long behind him, including his dating days.

They were on his mind often, and even though he never told S/O how he felt, in his heart the time they spent together was all he needed to satisfy him.

That was until one day someone called his construction company to help get a roof fixed.

There was something about their voice that sent an odd, familiar sensation down his spine.

Curiosity getting the better of him, he went to the site himself.

The person who opened the door was S/O

The same person who helped him bring Feli to the nurse's office when he was "accidentally" pushed down some stairs.

They helped Luddy calm his anger and nerves over the days Feli had to recover from a fractured ankle and a broken finger.

Now he stood at the door, just as pleasantly stunned as S/O.

They hit it off like they weren't apart the last 5 years.

Japan:

His heart sank the day his parents were rejected the ability to go to America.

The day they were supposed to fly in, was the day someone in an office lost track of some documents. Preventing them from even getting a green light to even go.

Even with the sad news, it wasn't going to stop him. He made all the calls he could, and decided to take a break after two hours.

Walking through town he soon spotted someone working outside at a cafe.

It was an old friend of his. It was S/O.

He wasn't planning on eating just yet, but he had to know for sure if it was them.

Years ago they had ran into him, more literally than metaphorically, and since then they would hang out when they could.

One specific memory was during high school, and they decided to play tennis. He couldn't help but laugh as his S/O got the ball stuck in the fencing more than once.

Sitting down, he waited for someone to take his orders.

To his surprise his waiter was S/O, who recognized him off the bat.

Deciding to take their break early, they got them and Kiku their desired food, and chatted.

Before going back in the clock, Kiku had asked them when they could talk next.

His S/O gave a day and address, and said "So it's a date then?"

Kiku could do nothing but blush and nod, maybe a bit more agressively than he wanted too.

Italy:

Deep breaths. One step at a time, he tells himself. The very first day of middle school.

He was always a really shy kid, especially at school.

He can be a bit loud at times but he's really a gentle soul with a heart of gold

Sometimes, even in your own country, that can get you looked down upon. Sometimes it just takes someone from the outside to remember there's more on the horizon.

He first met his S/O (a transfer student for the next couple years) the first day school started. He was already too nervous, but his S/O saw the amount of alone time he has, minus his brother being near by, and decided to try and make friends.

The conversation went okay, the language barrier being a slight set back, but the more they hung out, the easier both of their languages became. By the time his S/O left, they were pretty fluent and Bilingual.

It's been almost years since then, but he spotted his S/I, ironically, the first day of College.

They were unmistakable from their signature laugh, and Feli had gained a lot of courage talking to people since he met them.

Tapping them on their shoulder, an odd wave of giddiness filled him. What he once thought was happiness from having a friend, he now recognizes as love.

It took him a few weeks, but he eventually asked them out, and the beating in his chest filled his ears as they said yes.

Thank you so much to the Anon who spotted the fact Italy was forgotten! Thank you~!

[cheeriecherry]

Birds Of A Feather [4/7]

Hawks x Fem!Reader

Warnings: some swearing, a kiss

Part 4/7

By the end of the week, you’re walking into Hawks’ penthouse with nothing but a duffel bag of clothes. Most of your stuff had been moved to storage, but you’d told him you’d bring your own sheets, blankets, and pillows for the couch. He’d stared at you like you’d grown a second head.

He’d then gone on a tangent about how he had guest rooms, obviously, and how his sheets would be softer than yours. He’s probably not wrong, with his 1200 thread count egyptian cotton, but the way he says it ruffles you a bit. You don’t mention it, though. You don’t want to give him any kind of reason to kick you out.

“Hey chickadee, you gonna stand in the entrance all night, or are you gonna come in?”

You snap out of your stupor when Hawks calls to you, and continue lugging your things through the door.

The inside of the penthouse is beautiful; tastefully decorated (probably professionally), and it’s spacious rough that you could spread your wings out fully. The doorways are wider than average, likely catering to your boss’ specific needs. The entire place is gorgeous, immaculate even, and any person in their right mind would kill to live here.

You kind of detest it.

“I had some people come in this afternoon and set up the guest suite for you,” he says, kicking off his boots and flopping onto the couch. “They also brought some of your uniforms in from the agency, so you can change here. You won’t have to go in so early.”

“Thank you,” you tell him, and you mean it. Personal opinions aside, he’s let you into his home out of kindness. You’ll not soon disrespect that.

“Ah, you’re standing and staring again. Are you that impressed with the place?”

You snap back to attention for a second time, and hike your bag further up your shoulder. “I-it’s not that!” you try to explain, “I was just expecting something...different?”

Hawks sits up on the couch. “Whadya mean?”

“I dunno.” You shrug. “More lived in, I guess? Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful here, especially the balcony, but it’s also very...what’s the word…”

“Mature and charming?” he tries, but you shake your head.

He offers a few more suggestions, things like ‘perfect’ and ‘homey’ and ‘colourful’, each word hitting further and further from your mark.

Then it comes to you. “Monotone and sterile!” you nearly shout, your success momentarily quieting your desire to be polite. “It’s like it’s fresh out of a magazine, or a model home. Don’t take it the wrong way, Boss, I’m not hating on your tastes, but if I’m gonna be staying here indefinitely, I’m gonna have to add some personal touches.” You remember your manners. “If that’s okay…”

You worry that you may have offended him, with the way he’s looking at you, but a smile slowly spreads across his face, his eyes sparkling.

“Finally,” he sighs, “someone who speaks their damn mind.”

“Eh?”

“Do you know how many of the people I’ve invited here tell me ‘how beautiful’ it is?” He adjusts his wings and settles comfortably back into the couch. “All of them. Every single one. And look, I’m grateful that I’ve got this place, but it’s just a house. No sentimentality, no memories...just a space.”

“Well...it’s polite to not insult someone’s home when they invite you over…” you mumble, the severity of your outburst making your face heat up.

“Maybe,” he says. “Or maybe they’re all schmoozing and hoping to get on my good side.”

The bitterness in his tone doesn’t go unnoticed by you, but you decide to leave it be. He should be free to be himself in his own home, and not have to put up any kind of front. You hoped he’d supply you the same courtesy, when you inevitably would wake up on the wrong side of the bed some mornings.

“Anyways,” he flips the TV on and tosses the remote to the side, “it’s late. You should probably unpack your stuff before you’re too tired.”

“Yeah…” you realize how wiped out you are as the weariness starts to settle in. “I’ve got tomorrow off though, so...if I wake up on time, I’ll bring you curry.”

You can hear him cheering as you walk down the hall to the guest room, and you smile. You’ll never understand his love for chicken, even though his enthusiasm boosted your confidence.

The room is spacious and airy, and has a beautiful view of the city. The bed itself is probably big enough to hold three people, and you’re silently grateful that your wings won’t be hanging on the floor while you sleep anymore. 

You set your bag down by the door, and flop face first onto the mattress. God, it was the most plush thing you’d ever had the pleasure to lay on.

“I’ll unpack tomorrow,” you mumble, sinking further into the sheets and, eventually, sleep.

In the distance, you hear Hawks snoring.

----

You wake up the next day to sunlight hitting your face. It’s bright, and annoying, and too warm, and your bed really wants you to keep sleeping but you don’t think you can.

You sit up.

You can feel that your hair is a disheveled mess, and your tongue feels gummy and sour.

“Blegh.”

You (regrettably) roll out of bed and make your way to the bathroom to fix your morning vibes, checking the time along the way. Ten is later than you would have liked to wake up, but you suppose you really needed the sleep. And you did, surprisingly, feel more rested than you had in months.

It’s ten thirty by the time you’re done in the washroom, overall energy more put together and presentable, and you waste no time heading for the kitchen.

The kitchen which is...painfully under-stocked. A couple of condiments and wilting vegetables in the fridge...some frozen meat in the freezer...a bag of rice under the sink, for some reason, and...a completely full spice rack, every bottle unopened.

You knew your boss didn’t spend a lot of time at home, but this was just sad. 

You make a mental note to go shopping later.

Thankfully he seems to have the necessary ingredients for chicken curry, which you’re happy about. It means you won’t have to brave the store just yet.

Bit by bit, you pull out what you need in order to cook, only sitting down when you have a moment to spare as the rice cooks.

‘Hey Boss, I’m making curry for lunch. Want me to bring you some?’

You send him a text. It’s still fairly early, and you know he has his meetings in the morning, so you doubt that he’ll get back to you before-

Your phone buzzes.

‘Chickadee, you sure know the way to my heart. I’ll leave my office window open.’

You send him a thumbs up emoji.

----

Once the food is finished, you pack it up into two containers, opting to leave the rest in the pot for now. You made lots, enough to get several meals out of it, just in case Hawks pulled his ‘too busy to cook’ excuse when trying to convince you to order take-out.

It doesn’t take long to fly to the agency, the skies much clearer than the roads. The city itself seems relatively calm, no sounds of explosions or screaming. There is a distant plume of dark smoke on the horizon, though…

But there were other heroes in the area. You wouldn’t be missed if you didn’t show up for one disaster...right?

But then you land in the window of your boss’ office, and your worry spikes. The room is empty, door closed, lights off, paperwork strewn about on the desk...like he’d run off in a hurry.

You pull your phone out and send him a text.

‘Lemme know if something came up. I brought lunch, but I can put it away for later. Stay safe!

-Chickadee’

He doesn’t reply, but that’s expected if he’s dealing with some kind of crisis. Maybe you should have headed to whatever disaster you’d seen earlier...if it was bad enough to call on your boss, it must be a pretty dire situation. Maybe he could use an extra pair of wings?

You sigh and take a seat beside the window, staring out at the city skyline. The black smoke across the way has turned to a dusty grey colour, a much less threatening hue, and one that bode well for any possible fires.

He’ll be fine, you decide, with other heroes undoubtedly on the scene. By the time you’d get there, whatever was happening would be dealt with.

You pull out your phone to scroll through the news while you eat.

Nothing urgent appears on the screen, nothing to incline that you were needed somewhere, nothing to say extra help was needed. Just day-old stories, gossip columns, the occasional media review. You do startle a little when a new article pops up that’s focused around your boss. You click on it, expecting to see some kind of haggard scene...but you only laugh.

“Hawks, most eligible bachelor in Japan, off the market?” You scroll further into the article to see what kind of nonsense the reporters have come up with this time.

What you don’t expect, is to find pictures of yourself littering the page. Pictures of you and Hawks together. On patrol, talking over lunch at a cafe he took you to one time, walking into his agency side by side, and -most recently- the two of you landing on his balcony.

You’re slightly panicked, and very, very flustered. Had he seen the column? God, he was probably used to it, though, being as popular as he was. All he had to do was look at someone and the media would start crying wolf, which in your opinion, was stupid.

Still, the more you read the article, the more you find it has some good points. You two did spend a lot of time together, more than he did with any of his other friends. But that’s all you are. Friends. Friends, and completely platonic roommates.

You weren’t sure why that made your heart sink so much.

So you copied the link to the article and sent it to him, typing a quick ‘lol’ afterwards. At the very least, he might get a laugh out of it.

----

You finish eating in record time, scarfing down a portion and a half of curry. It was lonely, sitting in Hawks’ office by yourself. You wondered if he ever felt like that when he was up here on his own. He was too busy for most things, too fast for his own good. Did that include friendships? He made time for you when he could, but you understood the busy and demanding life of a hero...other people might not.

You...understood.

The dull ache that you’ve felt in your chest for the past year returns, suddenly. The sadness and grief, the emptiness and all-encompassing tiredness, the big overhanging question of ‘what’s even the point?’. The point of being a hero, the point of suffering for the people who love you and hate you and who don’t even know you.

“Shit,” you sigh, your head and shoulders hanging low, wing dragging against the floor.

Hawks had brightened your life up so much these last few months. He’d brought the smile back to your face, the joy back to flying. You missed him when he was gone, worried for him when he was off on missions, fuck, you even cooked him lunch of your day off just so you could spend time together.

You were head over heels for him, and so totally screwed.

----

Hawks doesn’t return home until late that night. Far past your usual bedtime, but you’re far too distressed to sleep. If you hadn’t had your earlier revelation, you’d have chalked it up to ‘being worried’. But now?

Now that you knew you had feelings for him, all your thoughts were clouded. You were concerned because you liked him. You hung out with him because you liked him. Everything was because you liked him!

It was fucking with you a bit.

“What are you still doing up?” his voice sounds from the front entryway, startling you bad enough that you almost fall off the couch.

Your wide eyes snap to him, immediately taking him in. He’s worse for wear, that’s for sure. His uniform is singed in places, and you’re pretty sure the scuff on his neck is a burn. Most notably are his wings. Or lack thereof. 

Featherless red nubs is a more accurate description.

“You look like shit,” you say, keeping the air about you casual.

He makes his way over to you and finds a seat on the couch adjacent, wincing as he sits a little too quickly.

“Thanks, chickadee. You always know what to say to make me feel better.”

Your face heats up. “I-I just mean! Long day?”

He groans, letting his head fall back against the cushions. You’re vaguely aware that he’s started talking, but the only thing you can pay attention to is the narrow column of his exposed throat, and how badly you wanted to lean over and press your lips against it.

You snap out of your daze when he nudges you with his foot.

“I feel like I’m talking to a wall,” you quips, devoid of any malice.

“Sorry,” you mumble, “what were you saying?”

“I was saying that we should hang out now that I’ve got a few days off. Kick our feet up, instead of culminating in a stuffy office.”

You shake your head. “As much as I’d love to, I still have work. Remember? I was already off today, I can’t miss more days.”

He whines, looking at you with sad puppy eyes. “It’ll be boring here by myself. You make the day more fun.”

“Hawks, I can’t-”

“Keigo.”

You perk up. “Huh?”

He rearranges himself on the couch so he can look at you more comfortably. “My name is Takami Keigo. Call me Keigo when it’s just us, okay?”

You consider it. “Why not Takami? That’s polite here, right? To use the surname?”

He nods. “Unless you’re close with the person. Family, good friends, the like.”

Your wings puff up, fully betraying the fact that you’re pleased he considers you a ‘good friend’. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and a teasing grin spreads across Haw-Keigo’s face.

“See? You waaaaant to. Say it with me: Kei-”

“Keigo.”

You don’t miss the way his cheeks tinge pink.

“You got it. And now, since we’re on a first name basis, I’m asking you to take a few days off to hang out with me.”

You’re exasperated.

“C’mon chickadee.”

“No.”

“Pleeeeease?”

“No!”

“Y/N…”

“No, Keigo.”

“Alright then. Now, as your boss, I’m officially giving you three days off.”

“You can’t just do that!”

“I can!”

“Hawks!”

“Keigo.”

“Sorry. Keigo!”

His expression is cheeky as you go back and forth for a while, and he’s unrelenting even as you gently beat him with a couch pillow.

It eventually morphs into a small war, the two of you chasing each other around the apartment, wielding whatever cushions you can get your hands on. You eventually end up tripping over the coffee table, shouting as you smack your foot and fall into an ungraceful heap on your back. Keigo wastes no time pouncing on you and pinning your arms beside your head.

Your wings are splayed out on either side of you, and he’s careful not to kneel on them. Even with your foot throbbing the way it is, he knows you could easily get away if you tried. But you don’t struggle. Instead you lay there quietly, out of breath, eyes locked on his. He can feel the warmth creeping up his neck, and you can see the redness returning to his cheeks.

“I...saw the article you sent to me today,” he begins, voice low. “I’m sorry they brought you into it.”

“I don’t mind,” you admit, “I just worry it might be detrimental to you. Some of your fans will be pissed.”

“Seriously?” He sits up on your chest, releasing your wrists. “You’re not online much, are you. Most of my fans ship us.”

“The hell does that mean?”

He laughs, soft of melodious. “It means that they like the idea of us. As a couple.”

“And it doesn’t bother you?” you wonder.

“No? Why would it?”

You avert your gaze from him, your insecurities and doubts creeping in under the scrutiny of his golden eyes. “I...guess you could just...do better, is all.”

“Chickadee...Y/N, look at me.”

You squeeze your eyes shut and shake your head. You feel very exposed laid out on the carpet, and you wish you’d never said anything.

A warm hand cups your cheek. “C’mon, sweetheart. Let me see those pretty eyes.”

You’re so flustered you don’t know what to do with yourself. Your heart is beating rapidly against your ribcage, and you’re positive he can see your embarrassment when you finally do as he asks.

But he only smiles gently at you, leaning down to rest his forehead against yours.

“Listen to me, and listen well. You’re the best I can do. You bring out everything good in me, and make me forget the bad. You make me happy.”

“Keigo-”

He shushes you by bringing your lips together.

[catb-fics]

It’s Like I’m On The Outside

This is a preview for the sequel I’ll be writing for All The Mixed Feelings in the new year...

So when we left Abby and Van at the end of ATMF they’d FINALLY got together and admitted their love for each other, The Balcony was almost written (just missing a certain acoustic track) and Van was just about to go off on tour...

Abby

I opened my eyes, squinting against the glare that was intruding through the gap in the curtains. The first thing I saw was him. Van. Hair strewn across the pillow, long lashes fanned out on his cheeks, mouth slightly agape. A little snoring noise emanated from him each time he took a breath. I smiled to myself. Seeing Van so serene and peaceful was a rare treat.

I rolled over carefully and reached for my phone from the bedside cabinet to check the time. It was early still, but my heart sank as I realised that today couldn't be like every other day in the last two weeks. Today was different. The band were flying off to Japan that evening to play a string of shows, then they'd be moving on to Australia. Three weeks they'd be gone. My mind was full of worries, imagining constantly checking my phone and missing calls due to time differences.

For saying we'd only been together for a few weeks I'd gotten used to our little routine. Waking up next to him and lazy mornings spent tangled up in each other's arms. Tea and pastries at my favourite cafe in town or lunches we'd make together in Van's kitchen. Cuddles on the sofa watching films and trash TV. Baths together. Showers together. Everything... together.

Of course I knew it couldn't last. This blissful little cocoon we'd shut ourselves away in wasn't real life. Even without the Japan/Australia tour looming I knew that the real test of our relationship would come in the weeks and months to follow, with Van's hectic schedule of gigs and appearances following the recording and release of their debut album.

I felt movement beside me and rolled on to my side, watched Van's eyes flutter open and a smile emerge as the sleep fell away from him and he saw me lying there.

"Hmmm... morning love..." His voice was slightly croaky, thick with sleep.

"I woke up before you for once. That never happens."

I propped myself up on an elbow and reached over with my free hand, placing it on his bare chest, fingers gently toying with his chest hair.

"I prefer to wake up first," he said. "I love to watch you sleep."

I giggled. "Okay... that doesn't sound creepy AT ALL!"

A lazy smile spread over his face. "It's not creepy!" He protested. "I just like to watch you sleep 'cause you're so beautiful and you don't even know it."

Now I was grinning too. It was impossible to be anything other than happy when I was around Van. I felt like I'd been walking around in some kind of dream for the past two weeks. I was just frightened that at some point I'd have to wake up and the reality might not live up to the dream. But right now I didn't want to think about that.

His hands slipped around my hips, pulling me closer to him, his head burrowing into my neck. "God I'm gonna miss this so bad," he murmured against my skin, making me giggle.

"That tickles!"

"You're ticklish everywhere!" He laughed, hands moving up to lightly brush my sides under the t-shirt of his that I was wearing to demonstrate exactly how ticklish I was, and I wriggled to the side out of his grasp.

"Van! Stop it! I know your game! We can't spend all day in bed today. You've got loads to do. You've not even started packing yet. And you said you couldn't find your passport the other day. You need to look for it. What happens if you can't find it?"

I was straight-faced now, trying to sit up in bed whilst Van tried to pull me back down under the covers. "C'mon Abby... this is the last time we're gonna get for weeks..."

"No!" I said, trying to maintain a serious face whilst I was dying to laugh underneath.

Just seeing Van's daft expression, his over-dramatic pouty face and wide-eyes was almost enough to make me give up and flop back down into the bed, but I knew that would mean another hour could easily slip away. Time seemed to have a habit of doing that with Van.

"You need to shower... go!" I commanded, and he reluctantly sat up in bed, rubbing his face with his hands.

"I know, I know!" He grumbled, and then he looked at me, his voice raising up hopefully. "You gonna join me?"

I pretended to consider his request long and hard, scrunching up my face, but I'd already made up my mind. Showering with Van was one of those intimate moments I thought I'd never be able to get enough of.

"Come on then..." I was already pulling the duvet to one side and getting to my feet, Van grinning widely as we made for the bathroom.

We both undressed and Van started the shower, letting it run until the room was filled with steam. I stepped into the bath and under the jet of water, tipping my head back and letting it cascade over me, soaking my hair. When I looked back Van was just standing there, not making any effort to join me, just watching.

"Are you coming in then or what?"

"Yeah... I just wanna remember you... just like this. For when I'm away. You're fucking breathtaking you know."

He let his eyes trail over my body. I was still a little self-conscious around him but I was getting better. And I still had to make an effort to bite my tongue when I automatically went to rebuff a compliment he'd given me. He complimented me a lot and I found it uncomfortable at first, still struggling with my confidence, but as I was starting to learn, that was just his way.

He stepped into the shower and he slipped behind me, wrapping his hands around my waist, his body flush against mine. I leant my head back, resting it on his shoulder and we stood for a while, just enjoying the feeling of being so close, chatting about everything we needed to do before his flight that evening.

Eventually I grabbed the shampoo and Van lathered up my hair. I complained he was too lanky to reach so he did his own, then I squirted some shower gel on to a sponge and started to rub the suds over his chest.

He chuckled. "Why have you always gotta wash me, huh?"

"You love it," I smiled up at him. "And I just love taking care of you, that's all."

I followed the contours of his bare chest, down across his stomach, the jut of his hips. He tipped his head back, closing his eyes. "Mmm... maybe you should move in with me. It could be like this all the time..."

I stopped still, stunned, watched his face for a little grin to appear to tell me he was joking but none appeared. Was he serious? His eyes flicked open and he looked at me, taking in my surprised expression.

"Too soon?"

I screwed up my face a little. "Van, it's been like two weeks."

He took the sponge out of my hands, started rubbing it gently along my shoulders. "Sorry... you know what I'm like. I just get ahead of myself. It's like with the band. I'm always planning about three years in front. I can see it in my head, all laid out."

I smiled, turned around when he indicated so he could scrub my back. Now I was facing away from him I was brave enough to ask. "So... you got our plans all laid out too then?"

"Maybe...."

I rolled my shoulders as I felt the sponge fall away and his hands replace it, the soothing feeling of his fingers kneading my skin. "Mmm, that's nice... well, go on then..."

"I'll just scare you off," he chuckled, making me even more intrigued.

"Promise you won't, I'm not going anywhere," I assured him.

"Maybe we'll get a nice house in the country or something, or on the coast." His voice was soft, kind of faraway like he was dreaming. I just stood still, trying hard not to react even though my inner self was practically doing backflips with a disbelieving kind of happiness. I didn't say anything, waiting for him to carry on, and he did.

"Maybe a couple of little McCanns running around, eh? Can just see it. A boy and a girl."

Now I was really having a hard time not reacting, feeling a little overwhelmed, sure he was just joking. I decided to make light of it. "No way, definitely two girls. I couldn't cope with another one of you!"

I could hear the grin in his voice without looking at him. "You can't get enough of me babe!"

His hands slipped lower now, running gently down my spine, sending a little shiver through me. "So... seeing as you've thought this through in so much detail, what are we gonna call the kids then?"

"That's easy. Bernie for a boy, Mary for a girl... hold up... what was your mum's name? Theresa wasn't it? Maybe Mary Theresa?"

I giggled. "That's sweet but it's a bit... old-fashioned. And I like Sam for a boy..."

"No fucking way!" He cut me off, fingers curling around my hips.

I laughed again. "I can't believe we're discussing this!"

I felt his lips connect with my shoulder and plant a soft kiss there, and then he moved along in the direction of my neck, leaving a trail. "Well... I'm sure we'll think of something... we can give 'em some wacky celebrity names or something... some stupid shit..."

Now I was really laughing, but my laughter got cut short when his mouth moved up to my neck, and his sweet kisses became more passionate, his lips smacking against my damp skin. His fingers slipped forward from my hips, down between my thighs. "Mmm... Van..." I sighed, my hands shooting forward to brace myself against the tiles as he caressed me.

Minutes later we were lost in each other, bodies slick under the spray, hands and lips everywhere, memorising every dip, every curve, every blemish, hoping we could re-live these moments when we were thousands of miles apart in the weeks ahead.

"I love you so fucking much," Van murmured into my neck when we were finally sated, still panting a little, coming down from our highs. "I swear these next few weeks are gonna be the longest of my life."

I felt tears spring to my eyes, blinked a few times to clear them, wrapped my arms around his waist, holding him tight. "I'm not gonna lie Van. I'm a little scared. Last time..."

"Hey..." he said, interrupting me, pulling back so he could look me straight in the eye. "This is nothing like last time okay? We've talked about this haven't we? Like you said if we're feeling worried about something or pissed off or anything, we just pick up the phone, yeah?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak, feeling the emotion already thick at the back of my throat.

"Come on... let's get out," he said, reaching forward to switch off the spray.

* * * * *

The rest of the day was hectic, Van practically tore the whole house apart trying to find his passport which he eventually discovered in Larry's hand luggage.

"Well... I know what you're like Van! I have to think of everything don't I? You'd forget your bloody head if it wasn't screwed on!"

"Fucks sake Larry, you could have told me you had it. I've been proper shitting myself not being able to find it!"

Van was glaring at Larry, itching for a fight, so I stepped forward. "Oi you two. Don't start now. You're gonna be stuck sitting together on a fourteen hour flight later."

Larry scowled at Van and I laughed inside. They really were like brothers. They bickered over everything but then they had an inseparable bond which was heart-warming.

Van was very last-minute getting packed, and I found myself getting exasperated at his haphazard approach to choosing suitable clothing.

"Van... you're going to Australia, not the Antarctic, why are you packing so many jumpers?" I cried in frustration as I watched him slinging clothing into his case without folding anything.

"Ah... it'll be fine, don't worry..."

"Van! Mini bus is here!" Larry suddenly bellowed upstairs, causing Van to curse under his breath and start tossing toiletries randomly into the case without really paying much attention.

I could feel my anxiety rising just watching him taking such a lackadaisical approach to such an important trip, and started fussing around.

"Stop flapping love, I can always buy stuff there. C'mon, you ready?"

I took a deep breath, nodded, again feeling my throat tightening at the thought of saying goodbye at the airport. "Let's go..."

To be continued in the new year...

[goth-girlfriend]

Hitoshi~

💜 Hitoshi is a Slytherin, not because he’s evil, because he has determination, drive ambition. Even if he looks so tired and uncaring, he’s is giving 100% to become the best he can. Now, we all know, no Slytherin is complete without their emotional support Hufflepuff. 💜The first time you met him, you weren’t sure, kinda scared, he gave off a slightly intimidating vibe, and well, you had just been assigned a project together. He was staring at you not saying anything, it became a stand off. You swallowed and (great words of all might~) clenched your butt cheeks and kinda loudly blurted out your name. “I’m (L/n) (Y/n)! It’s a strange name for Japan so just call me y/n!” You were smiling with your eyes closed but you felt your heart in your throat and kinda sick. He didn’t care still, “Hitoshi Shinso, let’s just get this over with. If you don’t want to do the work I’ll do it, just tell me.” Well you blurted out again but not as loud, “No! I’ll do my part! What are we partners for if your going to take the work and stress! It’s only fair!” The look he gave you was slightly bewildered before he went back to his normal expression. “If you want.” 💜 After getting your grade you two had made just one point away from a perfect score, definitely the highest in class, so when it came to group projects you had become a lot more attractive to those who wanted an easy grade, but what shook them to THE CORE, was the fact you’d ignore them and plop down right next to SHINSO. “So, another project.” You held out the paper to him with a closed eye smile. You could feel his stare and almost felt like an idiot until you felt the paper leave your hand, you relaxed both internally and externally with a sigh. He looked at you again and then back at the paper reading what you’d given him. Sadly for him, he didn’t know this was your ticket to jump on the friendship Express. Que the montage of different projects and study times in the library to find information. 💜 “Hitoshi! Look! A week of work done with another perfect score!” You ran up to Shinso holding the paper that held your grade, he looked at it and was about to talk until you cut him off, “So! To celebrate! I’m going to treat you to a relaxing weekend!” You linked your arm with his and pulled him with you, he wanted to resist but he’d learned early in the friend ship that it is very much in fact ✨impossible✨ 💜 For the first time, you’d have Shinso come over to your dorm, without class work to back it up. It was completely new to him, a new sight, not he didn’t direct his stare solely to work, but now he walked in head level and looked around noticing small things he’d never noticed before. The wooden book case that had school books messily stacked, while the other shelves were neatly filled with old movies, manga, and little figures, the fairy lights around the doors to the balcony and the curtain of lights that had stars placed behind an ombré blue sheer curtain. The light blue thick duvet that had the pattern of metallic stars and moons, the mountain of pillows, but the one thing he noticed over all, were the plants he could see sitting outside on your balcony. Black prince succulents, a white rose bush in bloom, stems of lavender and lilac, star lilies and regular green plants just hanging from the balcony above you, he notice a stool that had three small cacti. He realized then, there is a lot more to you then what he sees in class.

“Good morning Hitoshi!” You greeted him as you took your regular seat behind his. “Hm?” He barely looked over his shoulder to side he you, “oh, good morning.” You gave him a smile and he didn’t really smile but every now and then you’d see a small quirk in his lip and assumed it meant a smile. So you’d take what you could get from the bed head boy.

“Are you excited?” You asked in a low voice leaning forward on your desk.

“For what?” He leaning back into his seat no longer wanting to strain his neck to look over his shoulder.

“This weekend! I said we’re going to celebrate! It Friday! So tomorrow is the day! You better be ready! Because it’s going to be the works!” You started to cheer yourself on for the celebration you’d planned.

“It sounds tiresome.” He tried to play it off.

“It will be if you resist, so just go with it Toshi.” Your lips pulled into a small smile, eyes filling with a slight glow.

“Alright, tell me when we have time.” He propped he left hand on the back of his neck, he stopped when the teacher walked in announcing class to start.

Incoming Message: Sender:🏵Nerd🏵 ‘Saturday morning, meet me at the door to the dorms! I’ll take care of everything else! Don’t worry about money, or anything at all! I’d say around 8:30? I’ll be there a bit early probably but that me! So I’ll see you at 8:30! Everything is a surprise so just stick with me!’

Outgoing Message: Receiver:🏵Nerd🏵 ‘Alright, but I’d your not there I’m going back to my room.’

Incoming Message: Sender: 🏵Nerd🏵. ‘Don’t worry Toshi! Don’t you have some faith in me? Have I ever let you down?’

Incoming Message: Sender: 🏵Nerd🏵 ‘Exactly! You can’t think of a time! I’m such a good friend! ^-^ 🤍’

✨💜💜💜✨💜💜💜✨💜💜💜✨

“Over here!” I shouted trying to get Shinso’s attention before he could leave.

He turned to look at me, I smiled, his lips turned into a scowl but his eyes held a different feeling, it wasn’t noticeable, but I managed to catch it, I’m definitely the main character of my life.

“Alright, where are we going?” He asked before I even opened the door.

“I told you it’s a surprise! Sooo,” I opened the door, “Just walk with me for now.”

He stepped out and I started to lead the way, we walked in comfortable silence to town making it in a ten minute walk.

“So! I don’t know if you really care for them, but there’s this inside garden cafe place, and I heard it’s really cool, and it’s five star rating, and I know you like coffee so I wanted to bring you here!” I pulled him by his sleeve to a stop so we could face a large white building.

The front sign read “ボタニカルカフェ” Botanical Cafe. He looked at it, the front windows had displays of colorful flowers and types of coffee pre bagged, behind them large hedges to block out the rest.

“Alright I’m interested.” He said and I smiled, “Great!”

I opened the door and let him enter first, he gave me a weird look but walked in. We stood at the door until a lady came and told us, “You can sit in front behind these hedges or go through the back where the patio is.” She had a kind smile and motioned towards the room, it was beautiful, the inside was white brick, and vines were climbing up the walls, wild flowers hanging from the ceiling and rails, a small waterfall that fed into a koi pond, stand and book shelves with flowers and other things, but the best part, were the blue green and yellow budgies flying around and chirping when they would land on a swing or onto an unsuspecting person. They were precious, but I wanted to see the outside, “Where do you want to sit?” I turned to ask Shinso, he looked around and then towards the back, “How about outside?” He asked and I nodded, “Sounds good!”

We walked through the room and I stopped to pet a budgie sitting on a low book shelf it fluffed you and started chirping. I couldn’t stop, it was so cute. But eventually we made it out, and the place was beautiful! It had a mesh roof, but the space was huge! Thick green hedges with different wild flowers, in the center a three tier fountain with two budgies bathing, around it a circle of rose bushes, the floor was made of different bricks, the tables were simple thin cement type benches and tables. So many flower pots and the most beautiful flowers were everywhere! Along the mesh were Edison bulb light, the formed a circle skeins the fountain and then headed out to every corner. But what took it next level were the monarch,Blue morpho, Luna moths and Dragon tail butterfly! They fluttered around and I could help but think how beautiful they really were up close.

“Do you see this?!” I was asking to loudly luckily no one else was there.

I turned to look at Hitoshi, his jaw propped on his hand that leaned on the table, his eyes were lidded and now I could tell he had a faint smile. The corners of his lips were turned up, even if it wasn’t bit, it was nice. I smiled at him closing my eyes for a brief second before opening them to the sight of Hitoshi still smiling but this time he had a Morpho buttery on his hair just sitting there enjoying the rest.

I smiled faintly at the sight, “don’t move.” I pulled out my phone and took his picture sending it to him. He pulled out his phone to look at it, and the smile never left his lips. For that, I’m great full.

“So, what can I get for you two?” The voice broke me out of my staring trance, “Oh! We’ve never been here actually! It’s our first time.”

“Oh! Let me give you two these menus, I’ll be back in a few minutes to get your order, if you have or need change we have these small coin machines that sell butterfly food.” She pointed to a black box by the door and I nodded, “Thank you.”

We looked at the menus and I watched Shinso, he still had the same smile and I couldn’t help but stare, I’d never seen him smile genuinely, but this, this is nice. I feel like I’m over staring, but, you don’t just watch your favorite movie one time right?

“What are you getting?” I nodded at the question before looking at my menu, “No ide- Boba!” I pointed my menu, “Ah, milk tea, the best of both drinks, milk, and tea.” I looked though the flavors and after figuring out what I wanted I asked Hitoshi, “What are you going to get?”

“A coffee.” Simple answer. “Food?” I asked, he only shrugged.

“Alright then.” I mumbled and shrugged, “I’ll order!”

Just as I declared it that waiter asked, “What will you be ordering?” I jumped a bit and smiled sheepishly, “Honey Dew Avon’s milk tea with Mango bubble, he wants a coffee, also two milk bread curry buns and two orders of Takoyaki please.”

We ate and left, after I smothered a few budgies, and kissed a few budgie heads and made Hitoshi take a few pictures.

“Sooo, Hitoshi, tell me something about yourself? You don’t talk much.” I shrugged and stuffed one of my hands into my jackets pocket mimicking him the other hosing my left over boba.

“What is there to know?” He asked looking down at the sidewalk ahead of us.

“I don’t know? Your favorite flower? Color? What you do for fun? Biggest fear? Interests? Dreams? Hogwarts house? Idols? Movies? Anything really, we can both talk, you tell me something and I’ll tell you something.” He side eyed me, a crack of a smile before he started.

During the time I managed to steer us into my favorite shop to buy snacks and drink, followed by an anime shop, and few other places. I ended up buying Shinso a Purple Pearl Echeveria and a small pot of lilac flowers. We carried them back, I held the flowers while he held the Echeveria, I watch him touch the thick leaves? He seemed so amazed by it. But what I liked more than the flower was his smile, it was goofy, his eyes were still lidded but crinkled when he smiled. This is probably the biggest I’ve been seen him smile and will probably ever see him smile. I smiled down at the flowers in my hands, I’m glad, I didn’t know this would make him happy, I just wanted to treat him for working so hard and being a fair partner. But, it definitely makes me feel better knowing he enjoyed it and it wasn’t as forced as he made it seem.

“Well, the suns setting so what’s next before we head back?” His deepish voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I smiled, “Well, I was actually going to end it with a movie, I prepped my dorm because the movie theaters get way to stuffy for my liking, so! Let drop off your new plants before we watch a movie! I have a few good ones picked out!”

***Continued I Ran out of Space***

@milkteeboba I hope you enjoyed this! I’ll tag the second part as soon as it’s up! I got carried away!

[dinokeis]

self ship with tsukki things

putting this under a read more bc it’s actually really long and i go off on a tangent quite a lot

also i know this is really unrealistic but let a girl live out her dreams :”-)

how we met + first impressions:

so im an exchange student at tsukki’s university

lets just assume i can already speak pretty fluent japanese OK

we met through common friends

like we were planning a surprise birthday party for said friend and we both had to communicate with each other to plan it and all

tsukki hates parties but he felt bad if he didnt help out at least since this friend was his roommate after all and his roommate did help him cover some chores occasionally

so during the actual day of the party we “officially” met and tsukki was being all snarky and his usual salty self and i was like “ok who is this tree and why is he so salty” but i just brushed it off bc i aint got the time to deal with it

THEN HE PROBABLY SAYS SOME SNARKY REMARK TOWARDS ME LIKE i was trying to put up the birthday banner or something and make sure it’s aligned but im short so the struggleTM is real and tsukki sees it and hes like “wow even on a chair you still need to tiptoe”

and im like “??????? at least i dont get hit in the face by door frames” yes i know im lame i cant think of a comeback nOW

and in tsukki’s head hes like “OH?” bc people usually dont sass him back and hes just so amazed and that i dont look japanese but i speak fluent japanese ???

so he got curious and just snooped around and found out that im actually an exchange student and then he kinda gets interested in me bc i make pretty good snarky remarks and we both have the same vibes and all issa same tired of your shit energy

also when i got a proper look at tsukki i was like “the tall guy in the glasses is hella cute” AND I LOVE HIS SALTY REMARKS TOO

i took the first step and like contacted him and befriended him and we both found out more about each other and got closer

how we got together + dates:

ok so im stupid and i actually cant tell when someone likes me you have to actually spell it out for me

tsukki and i spent a lot of time together like just the both of us and we both studied together and ate together whenever we had the time

tsukki is smart and he wants to keep his grades up and im just trying my best to even pass i am so bad at studies but we’re both in different majors so we just study together and make sure that we dont get distracted and lazy (me especially)

i drag him to school events he didnt plan on going initially

so like we had a lot of “dates” to cafes, libraries, me just crashing at his dorm room

i go support him at his volleyball matches and he does the same for me at my table tennis matches

somewhere along the way i get confused with my feelings and all like do i like like him or am i just being nice ???? what if he doesnt like me back ??? what do i do ???? but i dont tell anyone about it and i mainly keep it to myself 

and tsukki realises that he likes me but he doesnt act on those feelings bc i didnt exactly show any “signs” of liking him back

so here comes the slow burn and all our friends can tell we both like each other but one is stupid and the other is stubborn and they both know that we both will just give them the death glare about it

until the last week left of my exchange and im packing up my things to fly back home and tsukki is helping me pack

and he saw that i had put up a picture of the both of us from one of his volleyball matches (it was my favourite picture of us) and in that moment he realizes that he might have a chance bc i dont exactly like to put pictures up and ive said that only if it meant a lot to me i would put it up

so he just went like “fuck it shes leaving and god knows when i’ll see her again”

AND HE JUST TELLS ME “so uh i like you”

and im just in shock and all and i start crying bc like i came here for exchange and to make memories but here i am falling in love with this tall french fry and now im going back soon and basically im overwhelmed with emotions

and tsukki doesnt know what to do bc he has never actually seen me cry ??? i dont cry in front of people unless im really comfortable with you and trust you wholely

hes trying to comfort me and figure out what to do and i tell him everything that i had bottled up and was feeling

AND THEN after i had calmed down he went and bought a whole strawberry shortcake and we just ate the entire thing in one sitting

i love strawberry shortcake i refuse to have any other cake but that for my birthdays

on the day i had to fly back home tsukki sent me to the airport and he asked me if i wanted to give us a try especially with the long distance and i said yeah bc like im already in deep and i love him with my whole ass heart

after:

when im back home we facetime and talk to each other everyday

my parents asked how my exchange was and i told them about everything

except i left the part out about me and tsukki getting together and stuff bc yknow they would probably kill me if they knew i FELL IN LOVE

but they soon picked up on it bc like who is this dude im facetiming everyday and im talking in japanese too instead of english and they suspected

so my mum just casually “you guys are together right”

and i cant deny it bc im as red as a tomato

during one of his breaks he actually flies over to visit me and im just A CRYING MESS AGAIN bc this boy would do anything for me even though he acts all unbothered on the outside

he flew all the way to see me im :”-)

HE MEETS MY PARENTS

my mum, upon seeing him personally for the first time: *looks at me and goes* “why are you so short”

me: “hes ???? literally ????? a tREE ??????” (also mum youre only slightly taller than mE)

tsukki is all nervous bc my parents dont speak japanese so he has to speak to them in english and hes worried that his english isnt good enough but MY MUM IS ALREADY IN LOVE WITH HIM AND MY DAD TOO

my mum says his english is better than mine

we’re still together even after we both graduate and i decide to move to japan so no more long distance and we get to see each other more !! (plus ive always wanted to move to another country and now i have an actual reason too !!!)

also we both have a killer death glare get on our wrong side and prepare to die

basically i love this tall salty boy and i would die for him

everyone wonders how i deal with his salty ass but it’s just im equally salty and we both love that about each other

THE END

-

also im just gonna tag @raevaioli bc i wanna see the raeji ;-)

[hungline]

from summer to winter, i’ll be yours

pairing: jinkook  genre: angst, fluff, gods au, supernatural au, rated t  warnings: mild violence, scars, mentioned homophobia, mentioned natural disasters, reincarnation  words: 6240 

summary: Seokjin had learned long ago that he and Jeongguk could never really be together, but his time as summer is almost over and he'll wait as long as he has to before winter comes to pass. 

4.5

 Seokjin is only allowed out during the months of summer.

Any other time of the year, he depends on Jimin to share news of the outside world with him.

Unbeknownst to the other gods, Seokjin also depends on Jimin to share other things with him as well.

When Jimin comes rounding the corner to Seokjin's quaint little home in the realm of summer, he always bears a letter for Seokjin.

A letter delivered all the way from the realm of winter.

A letter from Jeon Jeongguk.

Jimin always hands it to him with a smile, the tip of his hat a bit crumpled by the wind and it's customary that Seokjin invites him inside, treats him to a meal and something cool to drink while he pours over his letter. Then, when Jimin is done eating, Seokjin will make him read the letter aloud, imagining that it's Jeongguk's voice instead.

Before Jimin is sent on his way again, Seokjin sits down to pen a responding letter back to Jeongguk, ignoring the pain in his hand stemming from the scars, and seals the letter before handing it to Jimin to take with him. Jimin always smiles kindly and puts it into his bag carefully, arms already thrown out to embrace Seokjin by the time he's done.

Seokjin packs him some more food and offers him another drink, ruffling Jimin's hair at the door once he's on the doorstep again, the wings on his shoes already coming to life to fly him away again.

Jimin leaves with Seokjin's heart in his bag and returns with Jeongguk's.

It's how it's always been. It's how it will always go.

He's met Jeongguk a handful of times before, but that hadn't stopped them from falling for one another.

  1

 Seokjin strolls leisurely down the sidewalk, content with the way that sunlight falls onto his face.

It's warm in Seoul, almost on the verge of hot, but it's springtime right now and Seokjin was granted permission to enter the human world earlier than usual in a few certain areas of the world. Seoul, South Korea just happened to be one of these few locations.

People around him are dressed in jeans and sneakers, young by the looks of them but Seokjin has never been good at determining human's ages. He's not very sure about what part of Seoul he's in right now, but the people around him have backpacks with them and sweat accumulating on their brows, so perhaps he's around a school of some sort.

No one bothers him as he walks by. A few people stop and stare at him, his aura glowing bright enough to be on the verge of being seen to the human eye. But Seokjin thinks they might be oggling at him because of his face instead.

He'd studied humans comprehensively, figuring out what kind of face wouldn't stand out to them, but he might've gone just a tad bit overboard. When he pauses to gaze at himself in the window of a shop, he realizes that he sticks out like a sore thumb from the people around him for many reasons.

He's quite attractive, more attractive than what is normal and the glow that surrounds him makes him look like the god that he truly is. He ruffles his hair in an attempt to make himself less attractive, but it only heightens his looks and he pouts at his reflection.

And that's when he sees him.

A hooded figure sitting at an outside cafe table, a brilliant blue aura engulfing them whole. Seokjin shivers when the figure looks up in his direction, mouth agape as they stare. Seokjin rolls his shoulders back and turns around, quickly making his way towards the blue aura.

The figure doesn't move, but Seokjin can tell that they want to run.

He sits down across from them, smiling to himself when a waiter instantly appears and asks for his order. Seokjin takes a glance at the menu and orders in perfect Korean, watching the waiter disappear inside as he turns to face the winter spirit.

"You know, it seems pretty late in the year for you to be about. Did you get lost on your way back home?" Seokjin asks, leaning back in his chair as the hooded figure peers up at him. "It's much too hot for that hood to be comfortable."

They don't reply at first, merely stare at Seokjin as he settles himself in. But then Seokjin watches with immense pleasure as they straighten in their chair and remove their hood.

Seokjin kind of wishes they hadn't once he takes in the man's face. He's young, not by just human standards, but by immortal standards as well. Seokjin drinks in his full of the man's small mouth, his doe eyes, and his large nose that's particularly round near the end of it. He's very handsome, by any standards really.

Seokjin wonders if his appearance only extends to his human form. He hopes not, but seeing as this is their first meeting, he can't be too sure.

The man is starting to fidget though and Seokjin snaps out of his trance, smiling reassuringly at him. "Your eyes are a lovely color."

A flush begins to work across his face. "They're just brown."

His voice is just as pleasant as his face, Seokjin thinks.

"A lovely brown. Nothing plain about them, you know," Seokjin chastises.

"Whatever you say then." The man blinks and blushes furiously and thenー "Your, um, eyes are...lovely, too."

Seokjin preens under the compliment, a warm feeling settling into his gut as the man avoids looking him in the eye. "Thank you."

"So," Seokjin says after the waiter has appeared with Seokjin's order. "How long have you been living in the realm of winter?"

The man shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "How do you know I'm from the realm of winter?"

Seokjin shrugs. "When you've been a god for long enough, you tend to recognize others. For instance, anyone from winter has a blue aura. Since I'm from summer, my aura is gold. Spring is green and fall is red."

The man blinks, surprised by the information and nods. "I've been living in winter for twenty-one hundred years."

"Oh, you're young. Very young. I've been living in summer for twenty-six hundred years."

"What are you doing here in Seoul?" The man, a boy really now that Seokjin knows his age, asks.

Seokjin smiles. "I was granted permission to visit a few places early and bring summer with me."

"Bring summer with you? So, you mean to say thatー"

"Yes. I'm summer. It's a pleasure to meet you," Seokjin introduces himself. "My name's Seokjin though so don't call me Summer."

The boy nods sheepishly. "I'm Jeongguk. It's nice to meet you as well."

"You're winter!" Seokjin exclaims as he claps his hands together. "No wonder your aura is so strong."

Jeongguk flushes, not having expected that Seokjin would know who he is. "Your aura is also strong."

"Thank you." Seokjin easily accepts the compliment. "But tell me, what is winter doing in Seoul in the later part of spring? Weren't you here just a few months ago?"

"Uh, yes," Jeongguk mutters. "I was, but I snuck away to come back and enjoy spring. Sometimes, it gets too cold in the realm of winter."

Seokjin nods, not as if he understands because he couldn't possibly understand having only visited winter a few times, but as if he isn't judging or reprimanding Jeongguk for wanting to see something different. Seokjin calls the waiter back and orders some more food once he realizes that he's pretty loaded with human money and digs into his scone and latte when the waiter has left. Jeongguk watches him, a half-empty cup of something bitterly sweet standing in front of him. When the waiter returns, Jeongguk watches with mild interest as Seokjin makes room for the new plates of food and it's only when the summer god places a plate in front of him that Jeongguk looks up to meet Seokjin's gaze.

"I'm not sure if you've had this before, but this one is my favorite. You should try it before you get back," Seokjin says with a warm smile.

Everything about Seokjin is warm. From his brown hair to his tanned skin to the comforting personality of his. Jeongguk stares at him for a while, carefully storing every little thing about Seokjin away for later in case this is their first and last time seeing one another.

Seokjin eats without preamble, his human form marveling over the different tastes and textures and Jeongguk smiles, small and shy and barely there, but Seokjin can see it as clear as day as he continues to eat, his own smile spread wide across his lips.

  2

 When they meet again, it's at the Autumn Takayama Festival held in Japan.

The trees are only just beginning to shed their leaves, the air heavy with the barely there bite of autumn.

Truly, Seokjin hadn't had the slightest clue what had made him want to attend, but he hadn't snuck out of the realm of summer for no reason after all. So here he walks the streets, his appearance more subdued than last time and a pink pullover stretched across his shoulders and chest. Even with a bigger nose and weak chin, Seokjin is still by far the most handsome man on this side of the human world.

It's a bit unfair, maybe if he really thinks about it. He's only gawked at amongst humans, but that's the fate most gods have to endure. Still, it isn't as if Seokjin receives any personal offerings in his actual name anymore.

Sure, there are summer solstices and a few rare villages that still celebrate the changing of the seasons, but there's never enough to actually sustain Seokjin like he used to be. It's unfair that despite being a god, he isn't very well appreciated as much as he should be.

He brings about sunshine and warm weather for the humans, the least they could do is burn up a few apples and pieces of meat in his name. Not much to ask for really.

Seokjin pushes those bitter thoughts away though. He hadn't come to the autumn festival to loathe his mistreatment. He's above that after all.

Seokjin doesn't need for others to love him for him to love himself.

He knows he's the best person he can be and if he's confident in himself, then he sees no reason why he should be upset over others not celebrating him as they used to.

The wind picks up then and lifts the end of his scarf, bringing the tassels up and slapping him across the face once the wind lets them go. Seokjin spits them away, using his hand to push the remaining tassels away.

He really doesn't get human fashion but apparently, this is common attire during autumn.

He keeps walking, taking notice of the golden colors and the street vendors with their hand-woven bracelets, fake gold necklaces, and bland smelling food. Not that the food isn't good, it probably is to humans, Seokjin thinks, but compared to the food he regularly eats in his own home, the food is bland.

There's a live band playing to his right on a small stage surrounded by families lying about on blankets and eating out of baskets. A few babies are crying here and there but their mothers are quick to shush them, rocking them in their arms as they hum a lullaby and wait for their fathers to hand them a bottle. Seokjin pauses when he watches two women cooing over a baby between them.

As far as Seokjin knows about humans, what he's watching isn't very common and in some places frowned upon. He doesn't very well understand why per say, but from the social cues he's gathered from humans he's come into contact with, it's not normal.

And it mustn't be if the glares other families are throwing their way is anything to go off of.

Still, Seokjin wonders why it's not normal. There's nothing wrong about it. The two women are doing the exact same thing other parents are doing with their own children. Hell, they look like they're doing a better job than most actually.

One woman catches him staring and Seokjin smiles, nodding his head and waiting until the woman nods back before looking away again.

Some wordless communication has passed between them and he isn't really sure what they were trying to say to each other.

He starts walking again, passing some more street vendors who do their best to pitch sales at him. Seokjin ignores them, instead focusing on the unlit paper lanterns that line the path and follows them into a courtyard where a large fountain is spouting water in the center of it.

The back of his neck prickles with awareness and Seokjin looks to his left to find Jeongguk perched on the dry ledge encompassing the fountain, his ankles tucked in beneath him. He's wearing a hoodie again, except this time the hood is down and his eyes are brighter than before. His hair is lighter too but for the most part, Jeongguk looks exactly the same as the last time Seokjin saw him.

Jeongguk is watching him intently, his eyes briefly trailing down Seokjin's figure before fixating back on his eyes and wordlessly drawing him close. Seokjin goes willingly, letting the strange pull take him forward the few necessary steps he needs to take before he's settling down a foot away from Jeongguk. Jeongguk's blue aura visibly pulses with an unknown surge and Seokjin shivers as a cold gust of wind rushes through the courtyard, scattering litter, leaves and stray flyers alike.

"Hello again."

Jeongguk turns in his seat, his body angled towards Seokjin. "Hi."

Seokjin smiles and nods. "Do you make it a habit to come out during every season?"

"Maybe," Jeongguk says with a tiny shrug, his face expressionless. "This is my first time in autumn though."

Seokjin nods again. "Me too."

People walk past them, almost all of them clutching shopping bags in their hands as they bustle about. Seokjin smiles at a few pigeons that peck at the ground nearby. Jeongguk is silent as he toys with his fingers, possibly struggling with coming up with something to say, but Seokjin is willing to wait it out.

Seokjin would wait for as long as Jeongguk needs.

"Your face..." Jeongguk begins to say, breaking off with a flush when Seokjin looks up to meet his gaze.

"My face what?" Seokjin prompts.

Jeongguk shrugs again, an amused upwards curl to the corners of his mouth as he speaks. "It's different."

"A good different?"

"I suppose so," Jeongguk says with a little chuckle at the end.

"You suppose so?" Seokjin asks, leaning in a little closer.

Jeongguk laughs now, a breathy sound that makes Seokjin's chest flush with warmth. "I don't know. It's more you than last time, but not you at the same time."

"What do you mean? Don't I look like myself?" Seokjin isn't aware of how close he is to the younger until the edges of his vision are layered in a bright icy blue glow.

He leans away quickly, smiling when he catches sight of the flush working itself across Jeongguk's cheeks. Jeongguk gives him a tentative smile back then shakes his head.

"No, you don't."

Seokjin hums, nodding some more as he looks back towards the pigeons. "Oh."

"Yeah."

Now the air is awkward but Seokjin does his best to ignore the feeling. He's out and about during autumn for fuck's sake. If the council knew, he'd be stripped of his status and reborn as a human much earlier than he had planned to. He feels a little rush of absolute thrill run through him when he realizes how fucked he is if he gets caught.

"Do you want to walk around and watch them light the lanterns with me later?" Seokjin asks, turning to meet Jeongguk's gaze once more.

Jeongguk blinks at him, his doe eyes becoming impossibly wide and Seokjin feels the strange urge to laugh. "Now?"

Seokjin nods, letting the pleased smile he's been fighting back spread wide across his lips. "Yes. Unless you have other plans?"

"No!" Jeongguk shouts then flushes when he realizes how loud that was. "I mean, no. No, I do not have other plans."

"Excellent," Seokjin chuckles, clapping his hands together as he stands with a flourish. "Let's go check out the food stalls."

"Oh, uh, I don't have any money," Jeongguk murmurs quietly as he stands up as well.

Seokjin smiles at him and shrugs. "That's fine. I'll pay. I have too much of this money anyway and I need to get rid of it before I head back, otherwise, I'll be found out. So you're doing me a favor by trying out each and every food vendor with me."

"Each and every...?" Jeongguk trails off, gulping nervously as they begin to leave the courtyard. "I don't know if I can eat that much."

"Trust me," Seokjin says with a smile. "You can."

And if Jeongguk keeps a few feet of space between them the entire time, Seokjin acts none the wiser about it.

  3

 The council meeting ends easily enough. Seokjin was as bored as ever during it and his report was easy to hand in, so he doesn't know why he's on edge right now.

His hands are clenched into tight fists, his heartbeat a harsh tattoo in his ears and there's a weird tugging sensation in his gut that's beginning to make him feel queasy. Which he finds beyond strange because gods don't feel sick or queasy or ill in the way that humans generally describe their illnesses as.

But he keeps walking, his eyes on his feet, the tugging sensation only increasing as he does. It's strange and uncomfortable and Seokjin barely registers the cold gush of unexpected wind that strikes him in the face when he rounds the corner and steps outside into the main courtyard.

There's a fight going on out here between two winter spirits. Or maybe a winter god and a spirit. Seokjin can't very well tell with the sensation pulling and urging him towards the commotion.

A ring of spring spirits surround the two fighting, all focused on keeping the worst of the harsh winds away from the flowers. The spirits easily break away and leave him a gap to slip through and then the tugging is easing away as he steps closer to the fight.

He can't really see much even with being this up close. The wind blurs most of his sight and what he can see is just jackets flapping into the spirits’ faces and sprinkles of ichor painting the ground.

Seokjin barely has time to think about why the fight hasn't been broken up yet when the tugging sensation comes back with a vengeance and pushes him forward. He holds his hands out to break his fall and the second his hand touches someone else's arm, he knows without a doubt that it's Jeongguk he's touching.

He doesn't know how he knows, but he does and he doesn't have time to expand on that before the world rips apart before his very eyes and his body goes cold, his eyes closing to a darkness that sears the inside of his skull.

Seokjin loses awareness then, but not before he manages to make out Jeongguk's panicked scream ringing in the air around them.

  4

 Namjoon hovers over him constantly while Seokjin recovers.

It's annoying and Seokjin feels smothered, but he knows better than to take his frustration out on Namjoon. Namjoon is just doing his job as god of medicine to make sure the god of summer recovers just fine. Sure, Namjoon couldn't do anything about the scarring on the back of Seokjin's hand, but considering all the scorched skin Seokjin had first sported, Seokjin is lucky to have Namjoon at his beck and call for the time being.

Instead, Seokjin takes his frustrations out on Jeongguk who he's being forced to send letters through Jimin if he even wants a chance to talk to him. It's dumb and childish and they're gods for fuck's sake, why must they debase themselves to something so elementary?

Still, it goes on like that for a while and Jimin always seems more excited each and every time he comes by to deliver another letter.

Seokjin doesn't understand why until Jimin is jumping up and down on his doorstep one day, waving Jeongguk's letter in Seokjin's face before he tears open the already opened envelope and begins to read the letter aloud in a poor imitation of Jeongguk's voice. Really Seokjin should've seen this coming but he'd been too blinded by his irritation with the winter god to really focus on much else.

"I'd like to meet in winter. Where we first saw one another. Three days time. Please. Jeongguk."

Seokjin rolls his eyes and takes the envelope, letting Jimin in as he prepares food for the messenger and mulls over Jeongguk's request. Jimin bounces in his seat, excitement making the wings on his shoes flutter. Jimin entertains them by floating a few centimeters off his seat, but Seokjin is much too distracted to even notice if Jimin is still in the same room as him or not.

When Seokjin turns to serve Jimin his food, the messenger doesn't need a verbal confirmation of what he already knows.

Still, it lights him up from the inside when Seokjin immediately begins to gather what he deems necessary and presses his response to Jeongguk's summons into Jimin's hand before the younger god leaves.

Seokjin aimlessly wanders his home for the next two days after that, managing to persuade Namjoon into leaving while he does. He feels as healthy as ever and he knows better than to touch other season gods, but he's still lucky that the council let him off the hook when they realized he was trying to break up the fight. Of course, it had ended with Jeongguk getting two hundred years knocked off his sentence as winter, but that had only seemed to make Seokjin even happier when he realized that he and Jeongguk would be giving up their duties with a smaller window of time separating them now.

A season god can't remain in the same form for more than three thousand years, anything more than that and the god will become violent and unreasonable. Most season gods do not wish to serve more than two thousand and five hundred years anyway. Seokjin had been fine with his life as the god of summer until he met Jeongguk.

He isn't very sure about when it happened, maybe during their back-and-forth chain of letters or maybe before that, but somehow Seokjin had begun to care for the winter god in a way similar to what humans described as love. Seokjin didn't really know how that had happened or how he knew what to compare the emotion too, but the idea had come to him easily and so he had accepted it without preamble.

It's on the day of their meeting that Seokjin easily pops into the human realm and wanders the streets of Seoul for a while. He isn't far from where they had first met, but Seokjin doesn't see a reason to hurry onward.

He's altered his appearance again, his chin stronger and his nose smaller but his brows thicker and the shape of his face slimmer. Seokjin is still pretty handsome compared to other humans anyway, but after Jeongguk claiming he didn't really look like himself, Seokjin had been a little self-conscious about the way he looked now.

It's winter in Seoul, dreadfully cold and not that many people walking about. Seokjin huddles into his jacket and his scarf, a beanie on his head. His gloved hands are buried deep within the pockets of his jacket, the slightest bit cold until he remembers that he's the freaking god of summer.

His aura vibrates around him as heat and the smell of hibiscus and marigolds engulf him. His face feels warmer and he's sure there's a flush steadily working its way across his face, but for the moment, Seokjin is more preoccupied with the tugging sensation making a comeback in his gut.

It's urging him to round the corner and Seokjin knows without a doubt that it's his own personal Jeongguk compass.

So he follows the pull, feeling squeamish with each step until he's past the corner of the street and he can see a hooded figure sitting at their table. The tug lessens as Seokjin crosses the street and then Jeongguk turns in his seat to pin Seokjin with his gaze. Seokjin takes another step and freezes when a violent wind rips the air in front of him.

His vision of Jeongguk is splintered now, but he can clearly make out the panicked look in Jeongguk's eyes as the younger man stands up and rushes towards Seokjin.

The wind grows stronger, a strange ice-cold trail of liquid running down Seokjin's spine as he tries to walk forward again. More wind whips out at him, colder and harsher than before and Seokjin feels glued to the spot. He can't move, he feels frozen solid and Jeongguk is screaming again.

Blue is filling his vision. Seokjin feels as if he'll never be warm again.

There's a hand on his arm now, unfamiliar and familiar all at the same time. Jeongguk is no longer anywhere in Seokjin's sight and Seokjin belatedly realizes that he is no longer in Seoul anymore.

Jimin's grip on him is tight as they jump through the realms, but Seokjin can't focus on anything more than that.

The world rips apart again for the second time and Seokjin blacks out as cold wraps itself around him.

Later, Jeongguk will send a letter to Seokjin apologizing for everything, but Seokjin ignores the majority of the letter and only hangs onto three little words that mean the world to him.

See you soon.

  5

 Namjoon's hovering is more annoying now.

Seokjin lets him stay longer than last time, but eventually, he's healed again and Jeongguk's sentence has now had another three hundred years deduced from it.

Really, Seokjin's lucky that Jeongguk took the full brunt of the blame for what happened and the blizzard that had wracked Seoul won't be forgotten anytime soon. Seokjin doesn't feel lucky though when Jeongguk sends him another letter saying they can't see one another again.

And he really should have known that would happen.

When season gods come into repeated contact with one another, strange and horrible natural occurrences happen as their spirits become more intertwined. Their auras begin calling to one another whenever the other is nearby, completely blinding the god to the air changing around them until it's far too late. When season gods touch one another, the mark of their season is burned into the other god's skin, proclaiming them connected for the unforeseeable future.

Suddenly, it isn't so strange why Seokjin had been banned from visiting the other season gods without the council's explicit permission to do so.

The crisscrossed snowflakes on the back of his hand are proof enough.

Still, the days grow boring in his home and the realm of summer makes him restless. The days begin to bleed into years and Seokjin barely notices that his time as summer is almost up.

But that also means Jeongguk's time is almost up as well.

Seokjin marks his calendar and spends evenings with Jimin on his back porch, sipping on iced drinks as they coo over Jeongguk's letters.

Before long, Seokjin is standing in the council room with the new summer god in front of him, nervously waiting for Seokjin to pass on his duties.

Hoseok is jittery, sure, but Seokjin knows he'll make a fine god of summer and tells him this before taking Hoseok's trembling hand and letting go of immortality.

  Seokjin's life has been pretty uneventful so far. He doesn't feel special or extraordinary and being from a wealthy family doesn't really mean much to him.

Of course, the expensive school trips to Australia and Japan, always having the latest trendiest fashions in his wardrobe and never having to question whether he'd be able to pay for university were comforting things to Seokjin, but in the long run, he knows he'd have been fine without all of that. He's handsome and smart and well-mannered and his love for puns always makes his friends laugh nervously with him.

Seokjin has never wanted for not, but no matter where's he been or what's he done, there's always been an empty hole within him. He doesn't know what's supposed to be there, but something vital about him is missing.

The strange scar on the back of his hand might be able to give him some clues. Maybe, but on the other hand, it always seems to ache whenever it snows or is about to snow and that’s the most Seokjin has ever learned about it.

After staring so intently at the scarring for twenty-six years, Seokjin has come to see crisscrossed snowflakes on the back of his hand. Which he finds ironic because his favorite season is summer.

During summer, he can walk around his apartment shirtless and in boxers while the ac blows cold air into his space. He can use the heat as an excuse for not dressing formally when his parents hold their monthly dinners and if he wants to stick his head into his freezer back at his apartment, he has the full liberty to do just that. Summer means no school, scorching heat and lots of ice cream.

Summer also means that Seokjin's alone.

Sometimes, Seokjin will feel a strange sense of deja vu when he's walking down a street near the university and other times he feels as if he's waiting for someone when he sits down at an outside table at his favorite cafe. He doesn't know why he feels like this, but it's been going on for most of his life so he's just sort of used to it by now.

Still, there's something missing from his life and Seokjin desperately wants to know what it is.

   Seokjin strolls leisurely down the sidewalk, content with the way that sunlight falls onto his face.

It's warm in Seoul, almost on the verge of hot, but it's late springtime right now and Seokjin thinks summer might come early this year. He's just finished his early final for his mythology class and he's pretty sure he aced it.

People around him are dressed in jeans and sneakers, very young by the looks of them. They have backpacks with them and sweat accumulating on their brows and Seokjin empathizes with them about this early summer heat and the stress brought on by school.

No one bothers him as he walks by. A few people stop and stare at him, but Seokjin knows they're oggling at him because of his face. He pauses to examine himself in the window of a shop, his sweaty reflection staring back at him.

His brown hair is styled perfectly, parted down the side with the longer half of his hair swept across his forehead. It's a style he's perfected over time after standing for hours in front of his mirror, agonizing over his hair and making his bangs fall just the right way. His nose is just the right length for his face and his plush lips are something he's nicknamed as "blow job lips" and of course, he'd lived up to that title by giving a few lucky guys a blowie or two.

But that's another matter altogether. Right now, Seokjin is in awe of the fact of just how much his face reflects who he truly is. There's almost a glow surrounding him as he ruffles his hair, making him look slightly inhuman and more godly than anything else, but Seokjin ends up smirking when the messy hair only adds to his attractiveness.

And that's when he sees him.

A hooded figure is sitting at his table outside his favorite cafe, something blue about their body engulfing them. Seokjin shivers when the figure looks up in his direction, mouth agape as they stare. He makes a split second decision and rolls his shoulders back as he turns around, quickly making his way towards the figure. Something tugs him closer to the stranger and Seokjin is helpless to defy the feeling as he walks forward.

The figure doesn't move, but Seokjin can tell that they want to run.

He sits down across from them, smiling to himself when a waiter instantly appears and asks for his order. Seokjin doesn't have to take a glance at the menu to know what he wants, yet it's still amusing to see the figure twitch with unease as the waiter walks away.

"You know, it's much too hot for that hoodie to be comfortable," Seokjin murmurs, leaning back in his chair as the hooded figure peers up at him.

They don't reply at first, merely watch Seokjin as he settles himself in. The tugging sensation is gone now and Seokjin feels as if he can breathe easier. But then the hooded figure straightens in their chair and removes their hood.

Seokjin kind of wishes they hadn't once he takes in the man's face. He's young, very young and Seokjin feels as if he knows him from somewhere. He drinks in his full of the man's small mouth, his doe eyes, and his large nose that's particularly round near the end of it. He's very handsome, almost as handsome as Seokjin.

The man starts to fidget in his chair and Seokjin snaps out of his trance, smiling reassuringly at him before blurting the first thing he can think of to break the awkward silence.

"Your eyes are a lovely color."

A flush begins to work across the young man's face. "They're just brown."

His voice is just as pleasant as his face, Seokjin thinks.

"A lovely brown. Nothing plain about them, you know," Seokjin chastises.

"Whatever you say then." The man blinks and blushes furiously and thenー "Your, um, eyes are...lovely, too."

Seokjin preens under the compliment, a warm feeling settling into his gut as the man avoids looking him in the eye and he still can't fight that heavy feeling of deja vu that's plaguing him. "Thank you."

"So," Seokjin says after the waiter has appeared with his order. "Do you come here often?"

"Um," the man mutters, his fingers interwoven together so tightly that Seokjin's unsure if they'll ever be free of one another again. "I guess?"

Seokjin laughs and flushes as well when he realizes how utterly bizarre this all is. He's probably just ruined this cute guy's day.

"Why don't I introduce myself," Seokjin says with a smile, holding his hand out across the table for the man to shake, ignoring the fact that it's his scarred one. "I'm Kim Seokjin. Twenty-six years old and your local still-stuck-in university student."

The man shifts uncomfortably in his seat, eyeing Seokjin's hand warily. "I'm Jeon Jeongguk. I'm twenty-one and I'll be starting at the university nearby next fall."

Jeongguk takes Seokjin's hand and Seokjin barely notices the raised skin on the back of it before the world comes to a stop around them and his scar begins to burn. A sharp awareness flashes between them and Seokjin goes dizzy with all the memories that are flashing in his mind.

Letters. A cute, bunny-like smile. Winged shoes. Scrawly handwriting and amusing doodles of buffed up bunnies. Two bodies tumbling together on the ground. Harsh, cold winds slapping Seokjin in the face. A panicked scream he wishes he'll never have to hear again. The feeling of his skin being burned before he blacks out and then wakes up to his bandaged body being taken care of by someone whose name he can't remember anymore. The fresh crisscrossed snowflakes on his hand as he gripped onto a number of pens tightly as he wrote more love letters to Jeongguk.

Jeongguk.

The world restarts and Seokjin finds that the emptiness within him is filled in now.

"Gukkie," Seokjin murmurs, unshed tears glimmering in his eyes as his scar stops burning. "Where have you been?"

Jeongguk looks up at him in wonder, silently shifting their hands until the back of his hand is facing upwards and Seokjin almost chokes at the sight of the sun-shaped scar located there. "Looking for you."

Seokjin traces the scar, in awe of how cool Jeongguk's skin feels under his scorching touch. "Well, you've found me. What do you plan to do now?"

Jeongguk smiles and leans forward, letting his other hand cup the side of Seokjin's face. "Stay by your side for a very long time."

Seokjin finds himself leaning in as well, their lips a hairsbreadth apart. "That sounds like an amazing plan."

"It is, isn't it?" Jeongguk smiles, their breaths intermingling in the tiny space between them.

They lean in as one, their lips brushing together gently and Seokjin finally lets himself breathe as Jeongguk presses more insistently against his mouth.

Summer is no longer Seokjin's favorite season now that Winter has come to stay.

[emilyplaysotome]

Searching - Chapter 1

The last time I wrote about Eisuke, I’d met someone in my travels who inspired the story. This one comes from a similar place, and I hope you’ll enjoy. Should be the first part of something short again. Let me know if you want to be tagged.

I’d woken up extra early and made my way downstairs to the cafe, in order to grab a coffee and emotionally regroup before my day started. I brought my small bag with my planner, pen, and of course camera, as I found a cozy corner to sit in.

The hotel cafe was sparsely populated, and I figured it wouldn’t be long until a waiter brought over my drink. In the meantime, I took out my things and leafed through my schedule as I examined what was on the docket today, not to mention the month to come.

I wasn’t an alcoholic, but looking at my calendar I found myself whispering, “one day at a time,” incredibly overwhelmed by the amount I needed to do in the weeks to come.

This current week in Tokyo was jam packed with planning and photoshoots with well known models before I was set to head north and do a few shoots before returning for another two weeks before ultimately flying home to the states. For years I’d hoped for this kind of opportunity and this kind of life, but now that it was happening I found myself having second thoughts.

Being on the move made it hard to put down roots.

I’d been single for almost 3 years and I’d always figured I’d start dating once my life calmed down. What I hadn’t anticipated was that the opposite would happen. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, my career seemed to grow exponentially with every job and pick up speed until I had the choice to either quit completely or accept that this was my life.

I was grateful for the fact that success in this area of my life had allowed me to transform my hobby of snapping photos with friends to traveling the world on someone else’s dime. I currently lived a life full of expensing fancy dinners and making more money than I’d ever dreamed. I wasn’t a billionaire by any means, but I had more money in the bank than my grandmother who immigrated to the states could have ever wrapped her head around.

People say that money can’t solve your problems, but I figured that money could help with the quest to find me a steady boyfriend.

I employed a matchmaking service back in New York for almost ten thousand dollars with the hope that would understand my criteria and find me the perfect husband without much work on my end. I simply didn’t have the time to go on first date after first date that didn’t go anywhere and I did want to be married one day.

Though I knew I was not nearly as attractive as the models I was paid to capture, I believed myself to be more attractive than the matches they sent my way. Before I’d left New York for my one month tour of Japan, I’d demanded that they do better as they tried to persuade me I’d set the bar impossibly high.

“That’s absurd,” I’d snapped back. “You’ve seen the pictures of my exes and the guys I date. I’m sure these guys are lovely but I can’t help the fact I am completely unattracted to them.”

My matchmaker protested gently, “I’ve been doing this for a long time - sometimes someone isn’t attractive at the start but they grow on you…”

“No. I know myself well enough to know that won’t happen here. Even when I’ve had that experience they haven’t necessarily been my type or what I’m used to but they’re still attractive and there’s still SOMETHING that drew me to them…not like this.”

I felt awful having to admit how superficial I was at the end of the day but I also knew that I didn’t have the time to waste on a lackluster first date with a man whose appearance I found slovenly and unappealing.

I didn’t care that he was a business owner and had a penthouse - I wasn’t trying to be his trophy wife.

I was becoming my own rich man, as Cher would say.

“But if you just gave him a try…”

“No. I’m sorry but no. It’s not nice for me to go feeling this way and I’m leaving for a month as is. I’m not wasting his time or mine and I hope when I return you have someone that’s more in line with my preferences.”

I felt like a diva but I was too busy to mask my annoyance. I was in the business of always delivering for my clients.

I was theirs and they owed it to me.

I rubbed my eyes, still feeling the jet lag from when I’d arrived and made a few notes in my planner. Scout today. Shoot tomorrow and Wednesday. Review retouching Thursday and Friday. Fly out Saturday.

Rinse.

Repeat.

I sighed, knowing full well that I craved a vacation where I could actually enjoy Tokyo instead of being shuttled around in town-cars for work.

“Everything alright?”

I looked up and saw the smiling face of a middle aged man who worked for the hotel.

“Yes, everything’s fine - there’s just a lot to do.”

“Should I arrange for any of the hotel’s spa services for you?”

“No, that’s alright. Thank you…Mr. Kenzaki,” I said, taking note of his employee name-tag.

“Of course. Just let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your stay here more enjoyable.”

“May I take your photo?”

He’d started to walk away when I’d asked, and at first he appeared shy, almost apprehensive as if I were asking him to tell me something incredibly personal. I suppose taking a photograph of someone is incredibly personal, at least, someone once said that about my work long ago.

“You don’t have to,” I quickly added. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“No, that’s quite alright. Go ahead.”

I took out my small point and shoot that I used for fun, and framed him up dead center with the cafe’s arch creating a sense of symmetry around him as identically set tables almost created a look as if there were a mirror effect taking place in the image.

He looked stiff and uncomfortable and to get what I wanted I asked, “Mr. Kenzaki, have you always had that haircut?”

For an instant he looked vulnerable and I snapped the photo before he replied.

“Yes. For some time now at least - why do you ask?”

“It suits you. You appear to be a very capable, organized individual and your appearance reflects this. Thank you for letting me take your photo.”

He nodded but I could see that he was slightly unsettled as he walked away and once out of sight I looked at the image on my screen. There was something incredibly boyish in his face that captured who he once was in a moment of who he’d become.

“You’re as good as they say you are,” said a voice behind me, and I looked up to see a man looking at the camera’s digital screen over my shoulder.

I found it odd that someone would recognize me, but having worked at this level for the past few years with several international showcases it wasn’t implausible enough to alarm me.

“Thanks I guess.”

“I thought you’d have a much more professional setup though…”

“I do. This is just when I am trying to enjoy the process - when it’s not work. There’s something freeing about not having so much equipment.”

The man scowled and I was uncertain as to what in my statement had rubbed him the wrong way.

“Work is work, not play. There is only joy in the capital gained from it.”

“Perhaps for you, but there was once joy in what I did and I’m trying to find it again. Have a good day.”

With that, I started to leave. I’d drained my coffee and a car would be here soon enough to take me to scout several outdoor locations where we’d be working tomorrow.

“Won’t you take my photo?”

I turned around and looked at him. It was obvious that whoever he was, he’d built up so many walls that getting him to expose who he really was would take more time than I had. An offhanded comment would not crack this man as it had Mr. Kenzaki.

“I do, but right now I don’t have the time.”

“Later then? When you return?”

Puzzled, I raised an eyebrow and said, “I don’t know - I’ll see how I feel. It’s not just snapping a photo for me you know. It’s more than that.”

He started to say something but then pursed his lips and nodded.

“Okay.”

I thought about the oddity of that interaction for most of the day.

I had a translator, 2 assistants, and a creative director with me at all times for the bulk of the scout and it took us most of the day to finalize the schedule for the following 2 days. They took me around and to places most Americans would never get to visit but I still felt as if I had to be my professional self versus my real one.

I had to remain upbeat and excited, grateful for the opportunity, and impressed by all the city had to offer while simultaneously creating shot lists in my head that I’d frantically jot down in notebooks while their backs were turned.

My phone informed me that I’d done about 10 miles of walking by the time the day was over and after a fairly luxurious dinner with the creative team and translator in which I walked everyone through the plan for the following days I found myself spent.

There was a sense of relief as I kicked off my shoes and walked into my hotel suite, prepared to order some late night dessert from room service and soak in the tub before I turned in on the early side. I chucked once more thinking about the man I’d met who wanted his photo taken, and wondered if he was going to be in the cafe tomorrow morning with the hope I’d photograph him.

As I waited for my cake, I lay on the couch in my suite and connected my phone to wifi, allowing for iMessages and WhatsApp notifications to flood my phone from the states.

My friend was getting married.

My other friend had given birth.

People missed me.

My mom wanted to know if I was doing ok.

And my manager had put me up for a few additional jobs in Asia that could potentially extend my stay up to two months and I felt annoyed at the fact that he hadn’t run the idea by me first, seeing as how I was already tired and wanting to go home.

I felt too tired to reply and lazily tossed my phone onto the table next to me before I closed my eyes to rest.

I hoped to quiet the thoughts swirling in my head, but all that I could think about was how lonely this new life of mine felt. I managed to be around people all the time and yet I was close to no one these days. My friends had all moved forward into new chapters of their lives and I felt as if I were being left behind.

No one pitied me or had any idea I felt this way. To them I was their fabulous photo friend who rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous and updated my instagram with a steady stream of exotic photos. On paper it looked as if I had it all, but in my heart there was a hole.

The longer I sat with these feelings, the more confused and hopeless I felt. It wasn’t long before the mix of melancholy and exhaustion had silent tears streaming town my cheeks.

I felt as if I had one foot in my old life and one foot in the new one - resisting the fact that I was someone who would be gone for months at a time and who would be unable as a result to cultivate new relationships. And to add insult to injury, what was once fun had started to feel like work in all areas.

I couldn’t just snap a picture anymore for fun. My pictures were scrutinized. They were shared. They were representing my brand and therefore they couldn’t be flawed.

I missed being able to shoot freely and make mistakes and not have this reputation - albeit a good one.

Too good in fact.

The bar kept getting set higher and higher and all I wanted was the freedom to make art the way I did when I was first starting.

A knock on my door interrupted my stormy thoughts and I hastily wiped my tears before asking, “Who is it?”

“Room service.”

I’d forgotten about the cake.

I made my way to the door, unconcerned with my appearance and opened it to discover the man from the morning awkwardly holding a piece of cake.

“You…don’t usually do this, do you?” I found myself asking.

“I do not.”

I chuckled and took the cake, hanging my head a bit in the hopes I could extricate myself from the conversation without having to acknowledge the feelings that had come before.

“Do I have to sign anything?”

“No. I…Are you alright?”

There was something clumsy about the way he asked me.

“Just an off day. Thanks for the cake,” I said scanning for his employee badge.

“Eisuke Ichinomiya. I own the hotel.”

“Well, thank you for personally delivering it.”

“I have ulterior motives. I want you to take my picture.”

“Yeah, I kind of got that earlier. Why?”

“Because they say you capture the essence of who someone is.”

“Thank you. But if you want a professional shoot contact my agent and they’ll…”

“I need you to help me understand who I am.”

His voice was quiet when he said it, but there was a humility behind those words that I hadn’t seen before in him. Now that I was looking at him, it was fair to say he quite handsome. Though guarded, there was an elegance and masculinity about him that would make for a good subject and knowing that he was a powerful man I suddenly shifted in what this photograph could do for me.

If I could capture a king looking as lost as he did now, I could take my career somewhere else perhaps.

I could maybe even afford to be more selective with my jobs.

The universe had brought me a gift, but I would soon see that it was not going to be what I initially thought.

Please like/share/comment if you enjoyed the story or buy me a kofi!

READ CHAPTER 2

[svtmatokis]

Maid of Honor: Epilogue

HAPPY SEPTEMBER!! So ultimately, I decided to take the rest of August off to recuperate from being sick the whole work stress thing but now that Septembers rolled around, it’ll be easier for me to manage my work load so I’ll start posting regularly again. Due to popular request -Coughmarycough- I’ve written this epilogue for MOH (also for Wonu-anon~) soo I hope you enjoy it!!

Parts: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 5.2 - 6 - 7 - 8 - END - EPILOGUE

Words: 2588

A year had passed since Mingyu and Hye-mi’s wedding and things with Wonwoo were nothing like you would’ve imagined had you stayed in any of your old relationships. He was nothing but perfect and you couldn’t have asked for a better man by your side.

You two finally moved in together after eight months since the lease on the apartment SVT Corp. had provided was up and it didn’t make sense for him to buy a new place.  Your apartment more or less stayed the same since you and Wonwoo were simplistic people, though you had gained a nice DVD collection as well as about two extra shelves to accommodate his many pieces of literature among many gaming systems, all courtesy of Wonwoo.

Your work days were a routine. Wonwoo would wake up first, start the coffee and take a shower. Once he was out, he would wake you up so you could take your shower and by the time you came out, a steaming hot cup of coffee and breakfast awaited you on the kitchen counter. Then, you two would get ready and head out together, meeting Joshua halfway for coffee number two. You couldn’t help that you were coffee addicts right??

After work it really depended on who had projects or not but for the most part, you would go home together and relax. Work was never a topic at home unless it was something you wanted the others opinion on which wasn’t as often as you would expect. You and Wonwoo would make dinner together then snuggle for the remainder of the night till it was time for bed.

Your weekends were more on the unpredictable side. You tried to sleep in more on your two days of rest but since Wonwoo was in Korea to stay, a lot of his friends came to look for him, whether to have a meal or to take him out for the day. A lot of the times he would politely decline unless it was one of the guys from the group then he’d go and do whatever but his friends also understood if he wanted to spend more time with you instead. You would watch movies, go on dates, he would even take you shopping once in a while but all that mattered to him was that you were happy.

All in all, life was more or less perfect.

The two of you walked hand in hand through the streets of Tokyo in early April, right when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Wonwoo knew that you had always wanted to go to Japan during this time of year so he took his first opportunity and got it cleared by the board to sweep you away for a week on a surprise vacation.

“I cannot believe you pulled this off.” You said looking up at the cherry blossom petals dancing in the breeze.

“I’m Jeon Wonwoo, I can pull anything off” he said cheekily causing you to hit his arm lightly laughing.

”You are so-“ you started but Wonwoo cut you off by wrapping his arms around you.

“Handsome? Smart?”

“Full of it is more like it.” You shot back giggling as you settled under a cherry blossom tree.

Wonwoo wrapped his arms around you from behind as your hands rested on top of his. The two of you enjoyed the comfortable silence, watching people go about their business while children played at the nearby playground.

“You know...I did have a purpose for this trip though…” he muttered into your ear and you turned your head to look up at him with curiosity and noted that he looked slightly nervous.

“I want you to know that you mean the world to me…” he started and you gasped. This was not happening.

“And I want you to know that I love you with every inch of my being.” You were turned to fully faced him now as he continued his speech.

“Being with you this past year has been amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in life. Y/N, I love you with every inch of my being and I am so thankful for the clumsy idiot I call a best friend that he married someone as smart as yours which is what lead me to you.” He took a deep breath as he pulled out a ring box from his pocket.

“Y/N, under these cherry blossoms, join me on a new adventure. Will you marry me?”

You stared at Wonwoo in shock as he looked at you with hope and the next thing you knew, you were both on the ground with you crying.

“Yes! Yes a million times yes!”

Applause was heard throughout the park as Wonwoo helped you stand up and he slid the ring on your finger before pulling you into his arms and swinging you around.

When he put you down, he pointed you in a certain direction and there stood Lee Jihoon with a video camera in hand grinning like he just made a million bucks.

Shocked, you ran over to him and pulled him into a tight hug. You hadn’t seen him since your fathers funeral a few months before because he had to go abroad. His producing skills had become known internationally and artists were coming left and right to ask him for help.

“How did you know?!” You all but screamed as you heard Wonwoo chuckle behind you.

“That idiot had to ask for someone’s blessing before he could go through with this and to hell that Joshua be here instead of me.” Jihoon replied with a smirk and looked you over. “Plus, I got it all on video so you have something to look back on.”

You turned to look at Wonwoo. He knew that despite your past with Jihoon, you two were still incredibly close and it showed that. Jihoon and Joshua had spent a good amount of time comforting your mother when your father had passed away in a car accident  while Wonwoo comforted you and for that, you were grateful for all the men in your life. Jihoon was like an unbreakable rock to you and Wonwoo respected that.

The three of you spent the rest of your trip sightseeing before flying back to Korea together. You and Wonwoo happy as can be but anticipating the announcement to your friends.

A few days later you sat at a cafe with Wonwoo along with Joshua and Hye-mi in the seats across from you giving you both confused looks.

“So is there a reason for this meeting?” Joshua asked slowly as he sipped his coffee.

“We wanted to give you guys your souvenirs from Japan.” You said with a smile as Hye-mi eyed you skeptically noticing a certain glow coming from you.

“...is that all..?” She asked slowly as you handed both her and Joshua gift bags.

Looking at the contents inside, Hye-mi couldn’t help but squeal while Joshua only looked at his gift in awe.

“No freaking way!!!” She squealed some more before standing up and engulfed you in a giant hug making you both erupt in giggles as Joshua stood up and engulfed Wonwoo in a giant man hug before turning around to join in on yours and Hye-mis group hug.

Wonwoo could only watch you three act like fools as patrons of the cafe watched confused.

“So you two agree?” he asked once you calmed down and Hye-mi and Joshua nodded enthusiastically.

“Are you sure you don’t want Mingyu standing beside you?” Joshua asked concerned knowing the deep friendship between the two middle school friends.

Wonwoo shook his head with a grin, “I already cleared it with him when I told him I was planning on proposing. He thinks it’ll be bad luck if he walks the aisle with Hye-mi a second time.”

Joshua nodded his head in understanding before his grin matched Wonwoo’s, “Then I would be more than honored to be your Best Man.”

“Wait, how did my husband keep that from me?!” Hye-mi almost shrieked and you explained that Mingyu had known for ages that he was going to propose. He just had no idea when. That seemed to calm her down but it was Joshua’s turn to flare up when Wonwoo asked if they wanted to see the engagement video that Jihoon shot.

“EXCUSE ME?! YOUR BEST MAN WASN’T PRESENT AT THE PROPOSAL BUT YOUR FIANCES EX WAS?!”

That statement definitely got looks from the other cafe patrons.

Wedding planning was harder than you anticipated and you were wondering how you pulled it off with Hye-mi’s wedding but you knew that with the  support of Wonwoo you could get through anything.

Your wedding party was slightly smaller and only consisted of Hye-mi and Jisoo while Wonwoo had Joshua and Mingyu. You both wanted to keep it small and simple and were thankful that all your friends were understanding about the matter.

The two girls were a big help when it came to dress shopping and all the decorative details. The spare bedroom in your apartment had once again turned into the bridal suite. Wonwoo was not allowed in there AT ALL and you made sure to keep the key to the room on you at all times.

Outside of that, he was a huge help with the wedding planning. He helped pick the venue, the food and of course the cake but he also ensured that it was the wedding YOU wanted.

A week before the wedding, the two of you were in bed discussing final details and that was when Wonwoo asked.

“Who’s walking you down the aisle?”

Thinking for a moment you smiled, “Believe it not, my mom asked Jihoon if he would do the honor”

“Really? So Jihoon’s giving you away?” Wonwoo asked sitting up almost immediately and you nodded your head in confirmation. He then let out a breath

“That means he’s actually giving you to me then.” He went back to lying down, “Interesting.” a grin permanently on his face. His thoughts going back to your hidden past relationship. He knew he literally had nothing to worry about anymore.

In the beginning, Jihoon’s over protectiveness made it hard to court you properly but as time went by, Jihoon backed off slowly. Who knew that someone could do so much even overseas? It wasn’t until Wonwoo took a “business trip” to Los Angeles to confront Jihoon stating that he had every intention on marrying you and was formally asking for his blessing.

Jihoon couldn’t say no after that and the whole engagement plan was set up.

The night before your wedding, Joshua and Mingyu came and kidnapped Wonwoo from your apartment, going as far as putting a sack over his head and dragging him out of the house with a rope. It was definitely a sight to see considering how it took all of Joshua and Mingyu’s strength to get him out of the house. That left you, Hye-mi and Jisoo cracking up on the floor for several minutes till one of you recovered and managed to bring the other two girls back to reality.

You felt extremely blessed to have these two girls in your life. Sure you had Jennie, Rose and the others but Jisoo and Hye-mi would always have a special place in your heart. Like sisters in a sense.

The three of you spent the whole night talking about how in time it was going to be Jisoo’s turn and Hye-mi made a statement that she knew Jeonghan already had a ring and by the end of the night, Jisoo already had her ideal wedding planned in her head.

The next day, everyone was up bright and early for your big day. Like Hye-mi’s wedding day, Wonwoo sent you roses but this time, they were white and there was only a short note.

My love,

I’ll see you at the end of the aisle. I’ll be the handsome guy in the suit ;) I would say more but this is Joshua writing the note for Wonwoo and he’s talking too fast. I think he’s nervous but I’m sure he’ll be better once he sees you.

p.s. Tell Hye-mi I’m sorry I broke one of her vases while we tried to drag Wonwoo into the apartment with the sack over his head.

Love always

Your future Husband

Jeon Wonwoo (and Joshua)

You laughed as you read the note before showing Hye-mi and Jisoo who both burst into giggles.

An hour later, you were all primped up and Jihoon showed up in a suit. (He would only wear one for you as he only wore a dress shirt to Mingyu and Hye-mis). He looked at you in awe and muttered to himself.

“Jeon Wonwoo is one damn lucky guy.”

Later at the ceremony, everything had gone as smooth as you had wanted it to go. Jihoon had given you away while your mother sat on the side with tears in her eyes, happy that her daughter finally found a man willing to take care of her.

As you walked down the aisle, many found it odd that someone so young was escorting you down the aisle and not your mother but it was explained in the program that Jihoon had become a dear friend of the family and it was your fathers wish that if he weren’t able to walk you down the aisle, that Jihoon would do so.

Wonwoo only had eyes for you as you walked down the aisle and to him, you were the only person next to him in the room. It wasn’t until Jihoon had come forward and flicked the groom in the head that he was brought back to reality causing everyone in the room to laugh while Joshua and Mingyu shook their heads.

Everyone was surprised to see him cry as he read his vows and promised that no matter what, he would make you the happiest woman until his last breath. The moment the ordinator said those five words. Yes THOSE five words.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Wonwoo swept you up in his arms and gave you the sweetest kiss you had ever received while Joshua and Mingyu as well as the rest of his friends cat called causing you to pull away while red in the face.

The reception was held in a hotel that SVT Corp. had offered to pay for. Since joining the team, Wonwoo had helped the company grow to extreme lengths and they wanted to thank him in anyway possible.

Various wedding games were played and your first dance was to a song Jihoon had composed specifically for the two of you.

As you danced in your husbands arms, you looked around the room. The reception was alot smaller than Hye-mi’s had been but it was filled with only those who were important to you outside of those you HAD to invite because of family.

Wonwoo noticed you were spacing out and gently kissed your forehead.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

You smiled looking up at him before your lips met in a sweet kiss.

“I love you” you whispered as he returned the sentiment.

Everyone around you smiled knowing that you had found your true happiness and knew that it was only the beginning.

You and Wonwoo would go through many hardships in life but ultimately knew that as long as you had one another, you would be able to get through anything.

[mizuki-rin-reblogs]

Yuuris Birthday Surprise

Yuuri awoke to an empty bed, he reached his arm out to get his glasses so he could check his phone. Yuuri sat up and unlocked his phone, he had thousands of notifications from all his social media of fans wishing him a happy birthday, as well as texts from friends and family doing the same. He thanked everyone so far who wished him a happy birthday, by the time he was done he was fully awake and was about to get out of bed to find Victor when Victor walked into the room carrying a tray closely followed by Makkachin. “Happy birthday, darling” Victor smiled kissing Yuuri on the head. Victor handed Yuuri the tray so he could climb back into bed. “Thank you, Vitya” Yuuri replied he leaned on Victor as they ate breakfast in bed. They ate in content silence Victor knows that Yuuri needs some text to wake up properly. When they finished eating Victor put the empty plates and cups on the tray and put the tray to the side, Yuuri then settled in Victors arm resting his head on Victors shoulder. Victor broke the silence. “ Is there anything you want to do today?” Victor asked running his fingers through Yuuris hair. “I'm surprised that you haven't planned anything.” Yuuri responded. “I know how you don't like it when everyone makes a big fuss over you so I thought that you would like to decide on what we do today. But if you like I can plan something.” Victor smiled. “Thank you for understanding me so well. Let me think about it.” Yuuri replied kissing Victor gently. “Okay...oh I almost forgot let me go get your card and present while you have a think.” Victor said kissing Yuuri again before climbing out of bed. “Actually I'm going to have a shower and get dressed.” Yuuri responded climbing out of his side of the bed heading to the bathroom. Victor was sitting on the sofa with Makkachin, waiting for Yuuri. Victor got dressed not long after Yuuri got into the shower. “Do you think he will like his surprise Makka? I hope that it isn’t too soon for him.” Victor said to Makkachin, the poodle barked as if to reassure Victor. Yuuri came into the living room a few minutes later fully dressed and sat down next to Victor. Makkachin climbed over Victor to sit on Yuuri, Yuuri happily petted Makkachin laughing when the dog licked his face. “haha, thank you Makka...what's this around your neck?” Yuuri curiously undid the loose ribbon tied around Makkachins neck, in the corner of his eye he could see Victor smiling brightly. Attached to the ribbon was an envelope inside the envelope was two tickets to visit Japan for two weeks as well as confirmation that two dogs are booked to fly as well, the flight was dated for next Monday. Yuuri stared at the tickets for a few moments he couldn't believe it with how busy he has been he hasn't been home for nearly a year. Yuuri felt the tears in his eyes and hugged Makkachin close he knew that obviously Victor had organised it all but, it was a gift from Makkachin and knew that’s what Victor would say if he tried to thank him. “Thank you, Makkachin it means a lot to me I can’t wait.” Yuuri said the last part while looking at Victor knowing that he would get the hidden message of ‘thank you for doing this for me and knowing how homesick I get, I love you.’ Then Yuuri realised something. “Why does it say ‘two dogs to fly’? We only have Makka.” Yuuri said confused. “Oh really, they must have misprinted I call the airline tomorrow to clear everything up.” Victor smile. “Here open my present now!” Victor exclaimed changing the subject, handing Yuuri a big box. Yuuri opened the box to reveal a pair of brand new top quality ice skates with silver blades with the Japanese flag on just like Victors gold one with the Russian flag. Yuuri looked up at Victor shocked. “Victor you really didn’t have to I know I said that I loved your skates, but I know how expensive your skates were.” “Don’t you like them?” Victor asked a little downhearted. “No I love them but you didn’t have to spend so much money on me.” Yuuri responded trying to reassure Victor. “You’re worth every penny” Victor replied leaning over to drop a kiss on Yuuris cheek. “Thank you Victor, I love them and I love you.” Yuuri kissed Victor as a thank you, but it turned into a make out session. When they finally broke apart Yuuri pulled the skates out of the box to give them a closer look. “ I noticed the you had your current pair of skates for a while, and they we’re due a sharpening so to save you the money I wanted to get you something I know you needed and would use everyday. I also remembered you saying that if you ever had a pair of skates like mine you would go for silver blades instead of gold.” Victor beamed. “Thank you I really do love them.” Yuuri kissed Victor on the cheek. “No problem, I love you too. So what do you want to do today?” Victor asked pulling Yuuri close to his side. “I was thinking maybe go into town for a little bit get some things we might need before we go to Japan, then have lunch at a nice quiet cafe, then take Makkachin for a walk and come home for a nice dinner.” Yuuri smiled. “That's what we always do on our days off though.” Victor said. “I know but I don’t want anything major just a nice quiet day. Is that okay?” Yuuri asked looking up at Victor. “Yeah we will do whatever you want.” Victor smiled. So Victor and Yuuri did everything that Yuuri wanted all that was left was dinner, they were walking home with Makkachin hand in hand when Victor spoke up. “I should probably tell you that I have two more surprises for you” Victor said as bit sheepishly. “What are they?” Yuuri asked “I can’t tell you that or it won't be a surprise.” Victor smiled. They reached their front door and Victor let Yuuri go in first, and as soon as the lights came on a handful of people jumped out and yelled ‘Happy Birthday’. Yuuri looked at the people in room surprise written all over his face. There was, Yuri, Mila, and Georgi obviously because they didn't live too far from Victor and Yuuri. But the people there that surprised him were Otabek (Yuri must have asked him to come), Chris and Phichit. Yuuri couldn’t believe it. “Am I dreaming?” Yuuri asked Victor. “Haha no Yuuri it's a surprise dinner for you. Me, Chris and Otabek got a few days off and we are going to the airport the same time and day as when you and Victor go to Japan.” Phichit smiled pulling Yuuri into a friendly hug. When the shock of it all wore off Yuuri greeted everyone and they all sat down to eat dinner (they ended up ordering food because of the number of people there). Once everyone finished eating they did gifts: Phichit got Yuuri a selfi stick saying that everyone needed one but then proceeded to give Yuuri a photo album full of photos from when they were in Detroit together Yuuri turned red when he noticed there were a few of Yuuri with his Victor shrine where he then closed the book he thanked Phichit for the gifts and moved on to gift from Chris. Chris got Yuuri an ‘easy to assemble’ home pole dancing pole with some scandalous underwear with a note saying ‘For when you want to teas Victor. Or when you get bored whichever comes first xx’ Yuuri turned a darker shade of red, while Victor mouthed a thank you to Chris. Mila got Yuuri a photo album full of photos she took of Victor while he was training at various ages they went from when Victor had started to grow his hair, when he had his really long hair to when he cut it and just before he left for Japan. Yuuri didn't show how much he was fan-boying on the inside and politely thank Mila for the gift. Georgi got Yuuri vouchers for a make-up store in town and said that he can help Yuuri pick some make-up to go with his next skate sequence. Otabek got Yuuri a selection of traditional Kazakhstan sweets, and Yuri got him some katsudon Pirozhki his grandfather made, a pair of cat socks with a scarf that has a cat face on each end. They all spent time playing games and having fun for a few hours until it got late and everyone either went home or back to their hotel room arranging to spend so time together tomorrow. Yuuri was getting ready for bed when he heard Victor. “Close your eyes it's time for your second surprise.” Victor called Yuuri shut his eyes and yelled back. “Okay there closed.” Yuuri heard movement right by his feet and slowly opened his eyes. He looked down and saw a small black poodle puppy sniffing his feet, Yuuri couldn't believe it Yuuri didn't hear Victor enter the room but he leaned into him when he felt Victors arms wrap around his waist. “Are you okay?” Victor asked when Yuuri didn't say anything. Yuuri nodded. “ She hasn't got a name yet, and I know you still feel guilty about Vicchan but I want to prove to you that you are a brilliant owner and she will never be alone because when we compete she will be with Makkachin.” Victor said Yuuri just nodded in understanding. The puppy snapped Yuuri out of his daze by barking, Yuuri picked up the puppy and held her close. “I'm going to name her Yua it means ‘binding love’.” Yuuri said with tears in his eyes as he held Yua close. “That's a wonderful name” Victor exclaimed pulling Yuuri, who still had the puppy in his arms, into a hug. Makkachin walked into the room and Yuuri put the puppy down so Makkachin could sniff her, the two poodles started to play Makkachin being gentle as to not hurt the small dog. “I got Yua a few days ago she's been with Mila so when I take Makkachin out I introduced the two of them so they would get on when I gave her to you. Everyone has just been calling her puppy because she didn't have a name but I don't think it'll take long for her to get use to her new name.” Victor smiled. Yuuri pulled Victor into a deep kiss which resulted in the two of them lying in bed naked and panting. “ I love you, Vitya.” Yuuri said cuddling closer to Victor. “I love you too.” Victor pecked Yuuri on the lips before climbing out of bed and threw on a dressing gown. “I'm just going to check on the dogs and then I'll be back.” Yuuri nodded in response. A few minutes later Victor returned the two dogs following him Makkachin jumped on the bed and Victor helped Yua up then climbed back into bed. The dogs curled up together while Victor and Yuuri wrapped themselves up in each other, they all peacefully fell asleep. Yuuri couldn't wait to show Vicchan Yua when he went to Japan it will be hard to beat this birthday but he knew if anyone could do it, it was Victor. He felt extremely lucky.

[stylo-xx]

Eyes Closed (M)

G-Dragon: Angst/Fluff

Part 5-A: Beware

A/N: I decided to break it up into parts, not quite sure if it will be two or three just yet. Also I apologize for how long you all had to wait! xx

P.S.  songs that inspired this, I thought lyrically it was pretty accurate to how Alex & Ji-Yong’s relationship was. (Big Sean)||(Twenty88) ||(Jhené Aiko)

(Part One)||(Part Two-A)||(Part Two-B)||(Part Three)||(Part Four)||(Part Five-B)

      “Pfft yeah right”

      “I swear!”

      Laughing I stepped out of the hotel room and into the hallway.

     “Omph!” almost tripping I braced myself against the wall as furrowed my brows to look to my feet to see what I had tripped over.

      “Are those…” Sasha gasped.

      “Flowers?!” Saige finished as she and Sasha followed suit exiting the hotel room.

      “Well don’t keep us waiting what does the card say?!” Sasha grabbed on Saige’s arm.

      Hesitantly I eyed the flowers before bending over to pick them up, it was a bouquet of purple Hyacinth, pink Camellia and Primrose. Pulling them close to my face I inhaled their sweet scent; something about them just seemed so familiar...

      “Hello, Earth to McMahon we’re waiting here!” Sasha mimicked a walkie-talkie with her hand over her mouth.

      I shook my head out of my thoughts and turned the bouquet every which way desperately looking for a note that was never there.

      “Major Tom to ground control, there’s no note” I humored her.

      She made a face.

      “I just wonder wh--”

      “I mean come on Alex I think we all know who they’re from” Saige wiggled her eyebrows “flowers from a cute boy can only mean one thing! I’ll give you a hint: three words, eight letters. It starts with ‘I’ and ends with ‘love you’”

      “Okay slow your roll, I’d hardly call hooking up with him after not seeing each other for a while ‘love’” I tried to cross my arms with the flowers in hand.

      “Why are you so love blind?” Saige grabbed me by the shoulders “he came home from Paris for you!”

      “Pfft, came home for me” I mocked “he came home because EXO was done with whatever they were doing in Paris. Not for me!”

      Saige let out a heavy sigh.

      “You have a good one right in front of you, I mean Suho has been showering you with so much time and affection in just a short amount of time and it has all been for you and only you. and yet you still don’t see how this is the type of person you’ve been missing all along! Not someone who spreads their ‘love’ thin all over the place”

      “Hold the phone, so you suddenly approve this whole ‘One Night in Suho’ thing?” I raised an eyebrow.

      “Let’s be real Alex, he was the one in you...” Sasha pipped in.

      “Funny” I stuck my tongue out at her “what happened to you being super pissed about what happened at the club the other night?”

      Saige took a deep breath before letting out another sigh “a thing of the past. All is forgiven if he treats you right! You see this is the perfect way to get you to forget about he-who-shall-not-be-named-because-he-is-a-douchebag, have you even thought about him once since you’ve been talking to Suho?”

      “Well no but--”

      “I see no problem here then! Come on the car is waiting downstairs and we have hair and nail appointments we have to get to if we’re going make it in time for this party by tonight” she linked arms with Sasha and I herding us down and out toward the awaiting SUV.

      With the bouquet beside me, it felt as if the sender’s presence was right there in the car next to me. The flowers, they just somewhat sat there staring at me, mocking me almost. Like there was something about them that was so obvious, that it was practically screaming at me who or why they felt so familiar but I just couldn’t put a finger on it.

      ‘Why do you seem so familiar?’ I thought.

Looking to my friends beside me, they were still fawning over the flowers and it’s probable sender, making up scenarios and ‘what if’s but all of that just fell upon deaf ears; everything was just beginning to sound like a cacophony of not only their voices but the sounds of the passing cars, the engine, the people on the streets, the cars honking their horns; everything beginning to feel like nothing at all. Numbness. The flowers continued to taunt me, as if the other person in the car refused to be ignored.

      A week after the incident in Japan, Ji-Yong had returned to Seoul, and Alex had still not returned, not only the country but, any of his calls, text messages, voicemails etc. He had half a mind to fly to LA himself, if only his schedule had permitted it. Luckily for him in the midst of Tim being in the final throws of his big move to Seoul, she had returned for moral support. To his surprise Young-Bae willingly told him where she was staying for the time being and Ji-Yong had gone day after day to her hotel room waiting to catch her on her way out. But day after day he never once saw the door to that room open. The only constant, Ji-Yong felt, was the bouquet of flowers he would leave everyday in front of her door; so much so that it was beginning to look like a funeral. More so for the wilting flowers than for his relationship.

      Walking down the hallway to her hotel room, that he could by now navigate with his eyes closed, he came to a halt when he saw that the untouched garden of wilting flowers had been in fact touched. A makeshift pathway had been made leading directly to the front door, he followed it to be met with an envelope with his name scrawled on the front taped to the door. He quickly pulled it off the door and ripped into it to read it.

                                                    ‘Ji-Yong,

      Give it a rest, please just give me the time I need to think about all of this…

      P.S. the hotel staff want you to stop littering the hallway with flowers’

      He sighed and threw his head back as he headed back down to the hotel lobby and out the front entrance. As he made his leave, he stopped to tell his driver to take the rest of the day off because he wanted to take a walk; really he just didn’t want his driver to ask him for the billionth time how it all went. Swearing to himself as he walked along the sidewalk and as he passed the many confused store owners, Ji-Yong lightly smacked himself on the forehead repeatedly with the bouquet of flowers. Just as he was about to get full blown mad at himself he spots a teary eyed Alex across the street at a cafe sitting alone. He felt his heart drop.

      ‘How could I have let this happen?’ he thought ‘Ji-Yong what are you even doing? Look at her. Look what you did. Seung-Hyun is right...all I do is make her cry. All I ever do is hurt her.’

      He took a deep breath, he needed to fix this; Someway, somehow he was going to make this right. At least he hoped he could. After everything he wasn’t exactly sure he’d forgive himself had it been the other way around.

      Just as he had mustered up the courage to march across the street, Suho, with drinks in hand, stepped into view and sat with her at the table. Ji-Yong stopped in his tracks and watched as Suho did something Ji-Yong hadn’t been able to do for her in a long time. Make her smile. Watching Suho comfort her in a way that Ji-Yong couldn’t, felt like he was being ripped from the inside out. He couldn’t even get mad at him, as much as he wanted to;the only person he could really blame was himself. It’s not like Ji-Yong didn’t realize he was being the biggest piece of shit to not only his friends but to the woman he supposedly loved, oh he was very well aware; he just couldn’t stop himself. Not that, that was an excuse, but it was the only one that made him feel better about himself. His self destructive nature always got the best of him, and this time would be no different.

      ‘You did this...you made her run into someone else’s arms...you never deserved her anyway...this is all your fault...it always is’

      The words kept going around in circles in his head over and over again.

      ‘You deserve nothing but total and complete loneliness…’

      The thing he feared most was being alone, nothing scared him more than being alone. But she nor Young-Bae or anyone ever understood that, all those other girls meant nothing; they were just placeholders if you will. Why should slipping up once or twice change everything? I mean he still loved her! So he told himself... No, the last thing he was going to do was end up as the one looking like heartbroken fool and miserably alone; no fucking way. He wasn’t one to apologize for his actions, at least not of his own accord and certainly not sober, and today was no different.

      He chucked the bouquet into the closest trash bin and pulled out his phone. Just because he felt lonely didn't mean he had to spend that time alone.

      Later that evening, drunk beyond recognition and feeling nothing but pity for himself a shirtless, half pant undone Ji-Yong staggered into his kitchen reaching for the almost empty bottle of Jameson on the island counter; his money might of allowed him to buy expensive things but his taste was cheap. Taking a swig, he grimaced at the taste of what he equated to what gasoline might’ve tasted like; even as hammered as he was he could still feel that awful liquid cascade down his throat. Much to his displeasure. The sound of Elvis still filling his living room took him aback, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ was probably not the best of songs that could have played right at that moment.

      ‘Are you lonesome tonight,

      Do you miss me tonight?

      Are you sorry we drifted apart?’

      He sighed and closed his eyes as he listened to the words intently.

      ‘Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?

      Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?

      Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?’

      A single tear rolled down his cheek as he opened his eyes back up, he wiped it with the back of his hand and took another swig from the bottle still in hand.

      A knock at his front door startled him out of his daze.

      He shuffled his way to the door swinging it open it without hesitation.

      “Hey” Alex gave him a small smile, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

      Wide eyed but with a smile crawling across his face he spoke “h-hey”

      A small silence broke between them.

      She cleared her throat “are you gonna invite me in, or are we gonna hash this out in the hallway?”

      He chuckled lightly and simply moved out of the way and gestured with the bottle still in hand for her to come in.

      Closing the door behind her, he followed suit as she made her way to the living room.

      She turned to face him and pulled out from behind her what she had been holding.

      “Are those?--” he pointed.

      “Your flowers? yeah. some old lady flagged me down after I had tea with a friend, she said that, that sad, pathetic guy who's been bringing flowers everyday to the hotel dumped these in a bin when he saw me across the street talking to my friend that had ‘genetically won the gene pool lottery’ as she so kindly put it” she chuckled “she said please stop torturing him and go talk to that boy”

      The corner of his mouth twitched into a relieved smile, without a word he pulled her into his chest and kissed the top of her head.

      “I missed you” he said into her hair.

      “Really? After all the flowers I couldn’t tell” she teased “also, I mean this in the nicest way possible but Jesus you smell like you drank an entire liquor store”

      He looked down at her then squinted at the bottle still in his hand “I wouldn’t say an entire liquor store...just a bottle and a half” he smirked.

      She shook her head and reached up and brushed the hair out of his face.

      “So does this mean I am forgiven?”

      She slightly pulled back from his hold “no”

      “B-but--”

      “What I mean is, what you did--what you’ve been doing is wrong. And I think we both know that Ji…” she sighed “I feel like I’ve just about forgiven you one too many times…”

      ‘Here it comes’ he thought.

      “And when I spoke to my friend earlier, he kinda made me realize something. The question wasn’t ‘do you, Ji-Yong, still love me?’ it was more like ‘how much do I love myself?’ and I hate to admit it but he had a point”

      ‘Shit’

      “But I guess the answer was ‘not very much’ apparently because here I am, so conflicted on what to do. The right answer is just a few words away but I don’t know if I can bring myself to say them…”

      “Don’t you dare say say we should just be friends because--” he let her go.       “Please Ji-Yong just let me finish” she said with pleading eyes “but seeing you how you are right now, kinda makes me wish that this will work out for us”       He searched her eyes for an inkling of a clue to what she was going to say next.       “And my decision--my proposition, deal whatever to you is: I am never going to forgive you for this--”       “Alex wait--”       “--but, what I am going to give you is one last chance to change. And I mean really change, like for good. No more binge drinking, no more--” she sighed heavily “screwing random girls, whether you are bored or otherwise, no more chain smoking and partying for weeks on end...just no more hurting one another”       His eyes lit up as a smile scrawled across his face.       “And please just don’t make me regret this, because honestly Ji-Yong this--if you screw up this time, I can promise you it’ll be the last time you ever see me”       He nodded his head and without a single word he pulled her in for a kiss.       “baby--I promise--this--I’ll never--do it--again!” he said in between kisses making her laugh.       She pulled away from the kiss and smiled “I just have one question for you”       “Shoot”       “Why do you always get me the same arrangement of flowers?” she chuckled “are they like your favorite flowers or something?”       “No, the lady at the store told me, if you listen closely those specific flowers say ‘I’m sorry, please forgive me. I can’t live without you’. Or something like that” he smiled.       She chuckled “so you send me ‘I’m sorry’ flowers because you ca--”       “Hey Ji-Yong” a groggy voice came from the hallway “where did you leave my dress? Cause I have to--oh hello”       Completely forgetting about the half naked girl in the other room, Ji-Yong clenched his jaw as she come trudging out with a dazed smile on her face giving Alex a wave; and in her skimpy underwear no less, only adding fuel to a fire that was barely going out.       Alex let out an incredulous scoff directing her attention back to Ji-Yong “really sorry’ huh? ‘Can’t live without you’ huh?”       She sardonically laughs and shoves the bouquet into his chest.       “I’m out” she stormed toward the door.       He threw the flowers on the couch and walked toward her.       With her hand on the doorknob she turns to face him to leave him with one final verbal smack to the face.       His mind still drowning in the mass amounts of alcohol he consumed, his fight or flight instincts kicked in and there was only one way he saw out of this; hurt her before she had a chance to hurt him. Just to drive that final nail in the coffin.       “Don’t even waste your breath, I’ll do you one final favor and end it here and now. Did you honestly think I’d wait for you to get over your bitch fit? Why wait for you when there is a sure thing patiently waiting for me? Don’t kid yourself baby” he smirked “Those flowers--I never sent shit, Young-Bae did it because he wanted to try to keep you from thinking I didn’t care about you. But now, the truth can finally come out. Truth is I wasn’t so sure I even needed you anymore, so stop torturing yourself and get lost babe”

      Tears were beginning to form in the corners of her eyes as she began to grip the doorknob tighter.

      “I don’t change for anyone, that includes you” he snickered “I told you, you were easy to please”

      With the tears brimming her eyes and threatening to fall she spoke one final time before walking out and slamming the door shut.

      “Fuck--You”

      “No thanks”

      The smug look on his face dropped, the tears were now beginning to well up in his eyes.

      “That was a bit harsh” the girl laughed as she put a slinky hand on his shoulder “well I guess now we can be together without worrying about that bitch. Just such a shame she had to find out this way”

      “Get the fuck out” he huffed.

      “What?”

      “I said get your shit and get the fuck out!” he yelled as she scurried to grab her coat and shoes and ran out the door.

      Elvis still playing in the background only pissed him off more causing him to throw the bottle of Jameson at his record player and it completely shattering all over the floor; the sound of Ji-Yong sniffling and the record skipping were the only things that filled the room.

      This was it, this was what he hated and feared the most; he was finally all alone. Not only physically but he was alone with his own drunken thoughts. And no amount of anything could save him from himself. The scariest thing, he thought, was not being afraid of the dark, not swimming in the open ocean but being alone with his own thoughts with no one else to turn to. How do you run away from your own intrusive thoughts? How do you get away from yourself? Not even in a state of unconsciousness was he free from it. The only time he ever felt safe in his sleep was when she was there, sleeping peacefully right beside him; subconsciously holding his hand all through the night. Even when they fought and she’d turn away from him, still she’d end up holding his hand by the time morning came. One of the things he hated most was when she couldn’t come on tour with him and every night for weeks even months on end Ji-Yong would have come back to an empty hotel room and pray that he’d manage to fall asleep all on his own.

      Snatching another bottle from his bar, he slovenly opened another fresh bottle of ‘Eau de This Whisky Smells Like Straight Up Gasoline’ took a big swig of it and grimaced. He yanked his phone out of his pocket and hit the first number on his recent calls list.

      The line rang four times before the receiver answered.

      ‘Ji-Yong-ah?’ Young-Bae yawned ‘sorry I was passed out what’s up?’

      He took another swig of whisky “You can all be happy now...”

      ‘Ookay? Why?’

      “I did it, I broke up with her” he took another drink and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand “she’s finally free from the monster”

      ‘Wait what?’

      “I did what you told me to, I completely broke her heart so much so that she’ll never want anything to do with me ever again” he slurred “congrats bro, you all win”

      ‘Ji-Yong wai--’

      Ji-Yong hung up his phone and tossed it out toward his terrace. He walked over to the coffee table and lit a cigarette; he wreaked so much of alcohol, it was a surprise he didn’t catch on fire from the fumes alone. Walking to his room, he grabbed the crystal ash tray from his nightstand and plopped on his bed back first taking drag after drag just losing himself into the ceiling. His eyelids feeling heavy, he placed his cigarette in the ashtray turned on his stomach and hugged his pillow to his face and passed out. At least he had managed to fall asleep all on his own for once.

[somuchanemoia]

Day 6: Romancing in Barcelona

Written by: @porkcutletbowltrash

For: #yoiweddingweek Day 6 - Honeymoon

Summary:  “Is this…?” Yuuri asked with a soft gasp as Viktor began to lead him up the stairs.

“The Barcelona Cathedral?” Viktor asked with a smile as he turned to look at Yuuri, “Yes it is.”

Yuuri smiled softly back at him and towed Viktor over to the same place where they had stood on the night before the GP Final a couple of years ago. 

“It’s just as I remembered.”

Viktor woke to a soft kiss on the lips and a slight weight around his hips. “Vitya…” His husband was whispering in his ear as he trailed kisses along his cheeks and neck. He hummed and wrapped his arms around Yuuri, who was straddling him, and pulled him closer so Yuuri was practically laying on him. He peeked an eye open to look at the warm brown eyes that were looking back at him and smiled, “All of last night and the night before weren’t enough for you?” He joked softly as he carded a hand through the messy jet black hair that was tickling his nose. Yuuri hummed and laid his head on Viktor’s chest, “Could never get enough of you.” “I can’t get enough of you either, Yura. We can go at it again if you’re up for it.” Viktor shifted slightly so Yuuri could feel the usual morning erection that Viktor was sporting. Yuuri purred softly and kissed Viktor’s bare chest softly, “In a bit, Ai. I’m comfy here.” Viktor let out a content hum and placed a kiss to Yuuri’s mop of hair, “Me too. How’d you sleep last night?” “Before or after we made love?” Yuuri asked as he swirled soft patterns along the edge of Viktor’s side, “Really, really good.” “Good. You looked exhausted when I nudged you awake when we landed last night.”

Their first full day being married had mostly been spent on a plane or in various airports. Yuuri had been awoken the morning after their wedding night by a doting husband who, very apologetically, helped him dress and pack quickly so they could make their 5 am flight from Japan to Munich, where their layover was before flying from Munich to Barcelona. Thankfully, Viktor hadn’t minded as Yuuri snoozed for parts of the trip on his shoulder. “You looked so cute. I didn’t want to wake you.” Viktor had said as they were deplaning into the Barcelona airport. Yuuri had blushed but had smiled softly as he held Viktor’s hand as they made their way through customs. Once they had reached their hotel an hour or so away from the airport, Viktor and Yuuri had both collapsed into bed after a quick shower, too tired to really do anything. Viktor caressed Yuuri’s cheek with his thumb, “Hmm. When you’re ready to move, I want to take you some place.” Yuuri looked up at Viktor through his eyelashes and smiled, “Five more minutes, Vitya? Onegaishimasu?” “Of course, Yura. Tada rirakkusu suru.”

Needless to say, that five minutes had turned into an hour and then into two as the couple lounged in bed, wrapped up in each other’s arms, swapping lazy sweet kisses and murmured conversation. But once, Yuuri’s stomach growled, Viktor decided that it was time to feed his lover. “How about we go for Spanish Omelettes and Pan Con Tomates? We can go to that little restruaunt down the street we went to last time we were here.” Viktor had carded his hand through Yuuri’s tousled mop of hair and smiled down at him. “Sounds good to me. Means we’d have to get up though.” Yuuri stretched and yawned softly, rolling off Viktor and sitting up in bed. Viktor pushed himself up and wrapped his arms around Yuuri from behind as he mumbled into the crook of Yuuri’s shoulder and collar bone, “I can take you to where I want to afterwards. You’ll love it. I know you will.” “Vitya, if you’re planning on taking me to a Spanish sex shop—” Yuuri turned to look at him with teasing eyes. With a chuckle, Viktor pecked Yuuri’s lips and winked, “That’s later on the agenda, glupyy.”

Breakfast had been stunning as they sat in the midst of the Gaudi Gardens and ate Spanish Omelettes and Pan Con Tomates, while sipping on cups of café au lait and chamomile tea. They didn’t talk much as they ate, instead sitting mostly in relaxed silence together next to each other as they held hands. Occasionally, Viktor would lean over and place a soft kiss to Yuuri’s temple as he took a bite of his omelette or Yuuri would squeeze their hands together that had been placed in his lap, happy when Viktor would squeeze back slightly harder.

As Viktor went to pay the check, with the promise to Yuuri that he’d be right back, Yuuri took in the beautiful scenery around him. He had only been to the Gaudi Gardens once when they had been in Barcelona a few years ago together and it hadn’t changed one bit. The gardens were still packed with people who milled around the cobble stone roads; some speaking in English, but most, Yuuri could tell they were locals, speaking in fluent Spanish or Catalan. Sweet Spanish guitar could be heard in the distance as a street performer sat on a bench and sang along with the music in Spanish. Though Yuuri couldn’t understand the words to the song, he knew they were about love. He could tell in his soul that the lyrics seemed to speak of true love. Yuuri smiled as he felt Viktor wrap his arms around his waist, “It’s beautiful isn’t it?” “Not as beautiful as you, moya lyubov’.” Viktor nosed at Yuuri’s ear, “Come on, my Yura. We only have about a mile to walk.” Yuuri nodded and took Viktor’s hand as they strolled along the cobble stone roads, listening to the Spanish music fading into the distance as they made their way out of the gardens and into the Spanish streets.

Viktor was right, the walk wasn’t too bad, especially compared to the walk to the rink back in Saint Petersburg, which was about a five-mile walk on foot. In the winter, it was miserable, and Viktor had allowed them to take the bus to the rink most of the time, instead of making them walk in the freezing cold and harsh winds that Russia often accumulated. They continued along the cobbled roads together, hand in hand, as they passed by extravagant shops and small cafes. When Viktor came to a stop, pulling Yuuri to a stop with him, Yuuri understood where they finally were. The last time they had been here, it had been dark and a little chilly as Viktor and Yuuri had huddled together. “Is this…?” Yuuri asked with a soft gasp as Viktor began to lead him up the stairs. “The Barcelona Cathedral?” Viktor asked with a smile as he turned to look at Yuuri, “Yes it is.” Yuuri smiled softly back at him and towed Viktor over to the same place where they had stood on the night before the GP Final a couple of years ago. “It’s just as I remembered.” Viktor smiled as he looked up at the flying buttresses and intricate archways of the cathedral. “It’s only missing the choir.” Yuuri hummed as he watched Viktor’s face which was in awe. He hadn’t seen the cathedral in the day light and he hadn’t realized how insanely beautiful the Catedral de Barcelona was. “You know Yura, I was surprised when you pulled us into that Jewelry shop that night.” Viktor hummed as he looked back at his husband. “Why?” “Well, you aren’t into shopping and I could tell you were getting tired at the time.” Yuuri blushed, “I was worried because I lost your nuts.” “Hmmm. It was a little disappointing at first, but I was so happy to be with you that it didn’t matter. And then you were looking at rings and I was so confused.” Viktor blushed slightly and looked down in embarrassment, “I thought maybe you had found someone.” Yuuri leaned tilted Viktor’s chin up to meet his eyes, “You were right. I had found someone. And I just married him a couple days ago.” Viktor smiled softly and chuckled, “I thought maybe you had found a girl or even another man, Yura. You seemed so distant at the time so I thought maybe you were seeing someone after training or…” Viktor trailed off and smiled softly as he let out a gentle chuckle, “I bought your ring because I thought someday, I might’ve had the courage to give it to you. To ask you to be mine for as long as we were alive. Little did I know that I would slide that very ring onto your finger that very night.” “I had been trying to find something while we shopping for you to remember me by, Vitya. That’s why I was distant.” Yuuri cooped Viktor’s cheek with his hand and brought their foreheads together, “I wanted you to know that even if I didn’t win gold, I was so happy for the experience to train with you and I wanted to train with you for as long as I skated. I thought about buying you clothes or a book or even a souvenir, but none of the things I looked at it felt right. And then I saw this ring,” Yuuri stroked the golden band that was on Viktor’s left hand, “and I knew that this was it. I wanted you to look down and remember me every time I wasn’t by your side.” “I wouldn’t need a ring to remind me of those moments with you, my Yura.” Viktor cooed softly as he smiled. “I couldn’t wait to give it to you. I was going to do it after the free skate as a thank you present, but I couldn’t. Even holding it in the store without it being on your finger, it felt like it was burning a hole in my pocket. It had to be yours and it had to be then.” Yuuri stroked the ring on Viktor’s hand once more and gave Viktor a soft Eskimo kiss.

Viktor’s heart was beating faster in his chest as he listened to his lover’s side of the story. He remembered asking Yuuri one night as they were snuggled up together on the couch in Viktor’s apartment what he was thinking during the time they had gotten engaged, only to be answered by a soft mostly incoherent nonsense. He had thought about asking him again in the morning, opting to enjoy snuggly Yuuri instead, but when the morning light had come he had lost his confidence in asking. “I had run by this cathedral once when I was a little tense and I knew it wasn’t far from the jewelry store. Plus, it’d be someplace we could go and it would be private. Plus, it was uncannily beautiful.” Yuuri blushed softly, but his blushed cheeks soon eased as Viktor gave him another Eskimo kiss. “Thank you, Yuuri.” Viktor purred softly. “Huh?” Yuuri asked softly with surprise. “Thank you, my love. Thank you for your heart.” Viktor could feel tears welling in his eyes as he smiled. Yuuri blushed deeper and pressed his lips to Viktor’s, “Thank you for taking it, Koibito.”

The newlyweds spent a while sitting on the steps in front of the Barcelona Cathedral together, holding hands and knocking knees as they talked about nothing and everything at the same time. They took pictures of the scenery for memories and took multiple selfies together; some of them showing the couple locked at the lips, others of them smiling as they curled up beside each other under the bright sunlight. “Hmmm. Where do you wish to go next, Yura?” Viktor hummed as he draped his arm across Yuuri’s shoulders. “We could wander through the shops. I was distracted last time.” Yuuri teased softly as he leant his head on Viktor’s shoulder. With a chuckle, Viktor pulled them up from the steps, “Your wish is my command.”

As Yuuri suggested, they passed through the shops on the Barcelona streets, looking through the lit windows in the fading sunlight. Viktor had managed to convince Yuuri to let him dote on him by buying him some clothes that made Yuuri’s eyes bulge out of his head at the price. In return, however, Viktor had let Yuuri drag him into a local skate shop where Yuuri bought Viktor a new pair of skates. “Yura…” Viktor had sighed as he slid his feet out of the skates, “My skates are perfectly fine.” “I want you to always skate with a part of me.” Yuuri had said, his arms folded across his chest. Viktor stood and wrapped his arms around his husband’s smaller stature, “I always do skate with you.” Yuuri kissed his cheek softly but still grabbed the skates and placed them on the counter with his credit card.

By the time they had made it back to their hotel for the night, they were laden down with shopping bags filled with souvenirs and precious items that the other had demanded to buy for their lover. As soon as they stepped foot in the door, Yuuri dropped his bags on the other side of the room and toed off his shoes. Turning to face behind him, he found Viktor smiling softly to himself as he pulled off the light hoodie that Yuuri had let him borrow from where he sat on the love seat in their hotel room.

God, he loved Viktor. He loved him so much.

Yuuri glided over to where his husband was sitting on the love seat, off in his own little world – his face set in a content smile. He leaned over the couch from behind Viktor and wrapped his arms around his neck lovingly, “What’re you thinking about, Vitya? Nani ka machigaete iru?” Viktor tilted his head back to look up into Yuuri’s chocolate eyes, “Damedayo beibī. Watashi wa chōdo yoi basho o kangaeru koto ga dekimasen.” And then Viktor pulled Yuuri’s head forward so he was kissing Yuuri’s soft lips upside down; like Yuuri was the Mary Jane to Viktor’s Spiderman. Yuuri hummed into the kiss and smiled, “I wish Makkachin was with us. She would’ve loved Barcelona.” Viktor smiled teasingly, “Don’t worry, Yura. I’ll be taking her on a vacation as soon as we get home.” He ran his hands through some of the stray locks that hung in Yuuri’s eyes. With a playful pout, Yuri said, “And then you’ll be leaving me at home, huh?” “Well, Viktor purred, “I dunno about that. I don’t like being away from you for long.” Yuuri kissed Viktor’s forehead slightly before they were interrupted by a knock at the door. “I’ll get it, Vitya.” Yuuri kissed Viktor’s cheek softly and sidled over to the door.

Opening the door, he was met with a hotel employee with a huge cart with domed trays sat on it. “Uhm, Can I help you?” Yuuri asked slightly. “Ah, yes.” The man said in his broken English, “Room service.” “Oh, we didn’t order room service.” Yuuri tried to explain. “Uhm, this is room 825.” The employee said and handed the piece of paper with the information for the order on it.

That’s when he noticed the small note at the bottom of the slip.

To Viktor and Yuuri Katsuki-Nikiforov, We forgot to get you a wedding present. Dinner is on us. Get your lovely-doveiness out while you’re there.

- Yuri and Otabek P.S. Be expecting an invitation soon. We’re engaged.

Yuuri smiled and held the note as he looked back up at the waiter, “Thank you. I’ll take it from here.” The waiter smiled and waved softly as he passed the cart to Yuuri and made his way back down the hall. “Who was that Yura?” Viktor cooed as he looked at him from the love seat. “A wedding present.” Yuuri passed the note to Viktor and watched as Viktor’s grin grew wider. “I knew it was coming. The way Ota looks at Yuri is the way I look at you, Yura. I’m so happy they finally decided to tie the knot.” Viktor was bouncing happily in his seat as Yuuri pushed the cart to sit in front of them on the love seat. “They’re crazy about each other, for sure.” Yuuri sat next to Viktor and pulled Viktor’s hand into his lap, “Yuri has grown up so much since those early days competing against each other.” “He has. We all have.” Viktor hummed as he set the note down on the table and kissed Yuuri’s temple, “And I don’t think it could’ve ended any better than it has. I have a very handsome husband, Yuri and Otabek are getting married, we have 8 golds between you and me and we have a beautiful family. There’s nothing else I could’ve asked for.”

Okay.

I am so sorry I posted this so late. I’m not dead. I promise. I got roped into power washing my parents’ driveway for most of the day. 

I’ll be writing tomorrow. I promise so don’t panic. I’m still going with the wedding week posts. 

Check out the rest of the story: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, & Day 7

[foggyinjapan-blog]

3rd Nov. Birthday!!

For some reason I am up and awake at 6.30. I’m like a kid on Christmas morning. How did this happen? I have been struggling to wake up at 8.30 for the last week and now I'm up before the sun. I have to be in Kyoto at 10am to meet up with the hosts that will be showing me an authentic samurai experience. I leave plenty of time to get ready but of course, still rush out the door. I really don't want to be late for my date with a katana! As I ride my bike I’m singing, I don’t care if anyone hears because it’s my birthday and I’m bloody happy!! I see a police car has pulled someone over. The lights are flashing and the funniest thing ever! It’s like they have extender arms underneath them to lift them higher hahaha! I feel like that is super pointless but whatever, you go Glen Coco! 

An American girl meets us at the nearby station. She is wearing a kimono and will be our interpreter. We arrive at the Samurai house which was an old samurai’s house built about 200 years ago. The lady explains that the house is in very good condition for being that old and that is a very larger house to have owned back in that period; it includes bedrooms, a tea room and kitchen, plus a guest house (3 rooms), front and back garden and an outhouse. She said for someone to have built this, they must have been in a very high role. Inside is some beautiful artwork and a statue. First we are dressed in the samurai clothing that they would have worn back then. It looks really hard to tie up and it has to be precise! In the second room we enter there are 12 panels around the room. Each panel has a picture and they all represent a month of the year. November is 2 crows in the autumn leaves. Above one of the walls there are 2 symbols cut out over the wooden beam. One symbol represents the samurai's side of the family and the other one represents the woman of the house's side of the family. They are first carved separately and then together. Beautiful. Our sensei for today explains how he is worried that Japanese history is being forgotten by some as the culture modernises. (This all coming from him and then translated by the American interpreter)

We are shown the katana and a traditional performance that is done often when practicing the art. First he bows to the audience and then the sword. When he bows to the sword, the left hand is placed on the floor first and taken off last. This is in case an enemy tries to attack while you are bowing and so you can quickly grasp your sword with your right hand. He then starts to whip it around. The sounds it makes is so loud! The art of a samurai has a lot to do with meditation. You need to be focused and mentally able to face anything. I’m very impressed with his skills. And very close, I feel like if I were any closer, I would’ve gotten a hair cut. We are taken into the back garden where the samurai demonstrates what we will be doing today. A straw mat is in front of him, and in 2 seconds flat he has sliced it up like your favourite dessert. He is very good! After this it is our turn. We go to the front garden and are all given a wooden sword. When handing a katana to another person the blade has to be facing you with your hands cupped at the bottom. We practiced the foot steps first, and then the motions with our arms. Very cool!

The interpreter asks who would like to go first. Awkward silence so I volunteer! WOOO LET’S DO IT! I am given the katana the way I just explained and have a few practice movements. It’s a lot heavier than the wooden one and it’s a little bit rickety. I move over to where the mat is standing and again, practice movements. Like when you practice your golf swing but absolutely no momentum. Right, it was time to go. The first swing was ok. I hit it really high up which meant there was a lot more mat to slice! The second one went flying over the garden, woo! By the fourth one I was a winner!! That was so much fun! I walk over to the others and I am literally shaking. What a crazy and one-of-a-kind experience!

After everyone else had had their turn, we drank some tea and headed back inside. Next to experience was meditation. I have tried many times before but haven’t actually reached full zen. It is a difficult skill for one to have. To help with today’s meditation, they have metal bowls which make a beautiful sound when played right. We face outwards and take deep breaths through the nose, out the mouth while our hosts play the sounds from the bowls. Taking in turns, a bowl is placed on our heads and played. It feels like someone is pushing really hard on your head but the sounds easily takes that feeling away. These bowls actually originate from Hong Kong (maybe?? I can’t remember!). The reason they didn’t use the Japanese version is because they were too heavy and would’ve squashed us haha! Our sensei then plays us a song on a traditional Japanese flute. It sounds exactly like historic Japan. So beautiful! I have had such an amazing experience and I’m so glad I got to do this on my birthday. November 3rd is also culture day in Japan, I have learned about the culture and history of the samurai today. Culture - check!!

I leave the samurai’s house and venture into central Kyoto. I’m pretty hungry so if I see somewhere I’d like to go for lunch, I’m going to stop. On a random side street there is a restaurant, a lot of people seem to be going in so I am intrigued. I walk in and there’s some other people waiting too; if you have to wait in a restaurant in Japan, you know it’s going to be good! I am seated on a larger table where other people are sitting too. They hand me an English and Japanese menu, brilliant! I end up ordering pork tenderloin cutlet with crab croquette which comes with rice, salad and miso. Oh, of course a beer! A couple is seated next to me and we get talking! His English is so good! I was saying how I am going to Hakuba for the winter to snowboard and he said lived in Vancouver for years. Brilliant, this is my type of person! We talked about so much shit including his eBay business and how not many people in Japan use eBay (random); ideas for my business plans in the future; how Japanese don’t speak in English a lot and it must be hard for me (it’s not); she is a DJ at a famous club in Kyoto as well! So cool! They also gave me a couple of bars to go to! Brilliant people! As we were talking they bought out sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle. No idea what to do so I start crushing them like everyone else. Once crushed, you can add your choice of sauce which are in front of you then dip your cutlets in it. Cool! The food was amazing and I’ve really stumbled onto a winner here! We cheers-ed to a great meal and I was on my way again!

I choose to do a bit of shopping after because my sister and her family sent me some money! Have a browse in the antique stores and other stores. I end up buying a shirt that says “fisherman’s club - hookers” hahaha and a brilliant hat which I am so in love with! I stop at a cafe called Cream Soda. Everything made here looks like it’s from a cartoon, cute! The girls behind me are staring at me... why! I can see you! Have you never seen a gaijin before?? (Gaijin means forgiener but literally translates to outsider haha!) I order a strawberry milk with whipped cream. It’s pretty delicious and the straw is a love heart! “I love it!”

After this I need a drink. The only bar I can find that's open at this hour (3.30pm) is an Irish bar, great! Pint of beer. Cocktail for Ash because I’m missing her! Scooner, and I am pissed haha! I had a good chat with the bartender but the only other people that were in the bar were a group of middle aged tourists. Time to go home and get ready! I’m feeling some fried chicken so I stop for some of Lawson’s famous chicken. Delicious! So bad for you though.. I’m pretty drunk at this stage and I start singing and minding my own business. Are you allowed to ride a bike when you’re intoxicated? Oh well, I’m on vacaaay!! I blink and suddenly realise that I don’t recognise anything around me... I think I’ve missed the turn. This is what I get for singing and prancing about. There’s a 7/11 on the next corner so I stop, wifi, toilet, ask for directions and leave with some more chicken hahaha! Back the way I came... I missed it by a long shot!

I get ready and grab a taxi to Zaza Pub. My taxi driver is the nicest man ever! He doesn’t know much English and my Japanese isn’t great either but we still manage to make conversation. The words we understood were: Koala, kangaroo, the station where I was going, little, have a nice day, thankyou so much. I think that was it haha! I walk into the bar and grab myself 2 Heinekens - don’t want to have to come back so soon. I end up playing darts with some French guys. The French are actually so about themselves hey! I could tell that was how they were bought up though... surely they’re not doing this on purpose. I start talking to some Brazilians and this old Japanese guy. What a legend! He knows everything! Hahaha we had great conversation to my recollection and many ‘o’ beers!! We ended up drinking and talking until late. Great guys! Time for Lawson’s chicken and bed though. Lucky I didn’t ride my bike into the city... She would not have held up!

4th Nov.

It's a write off. So exhausted and hung. The only thing I can do is make spaghetti at dinner.

[acarnivalofstars]

Ensemble Stars Scout Translation: Eccentric “Year-End Party with Old Friends” Part 3

Can you imagine an app game where you play as Natsume trying to serve up food and drinks for the rest of the Oddballs that would be so cute--

Special thanks to Dreamy for helping me proofread! We’re also working together to translate Magical Halloween so stay tuned for updates! (As for when idk orz)

All the Oddballs gather together at the cafe for a nice conversation and Shu orders croissants as expected.

Kanata: *slurp, slurp*......🎵

It’s delicious~ Aah, I feel revived…...🎵

Rei: That`s splendid. Shinkai-kun comes closer to death and is revived much more than my undead self, it seems.

Do take care of your body more. It has become chilly as of late.

Wataru: It is a coldness only winter can provide, isn’t it! Amazing…...☆

Kanata: Wataru~ That’s not funny. It’s cold. I got a “chill” just now.

Wataru: Eh? That has the same meaning as “go die” to me as well, you know?!

Shu: Even if you scold him it can’t be helped, Rei. Kanata never listens to what others tell him after all.

Rei: Nay, if it is the current Shinkai-kun then he can understand even a small sum of human language I am sure.

That is what I would like to believe. He will not remain an arrogant monster who does not know right from wrong in this world forever.

Wataru: Who can say? Kanata has been the most otherworldly one among us all both in the past and even now, yes?

Kanata: That would be you, “Wataru”~. I am “normal”......🎵

Rei: Just what exactly is “normal,” I wonder…...Sakasaki-ku~n, give me a refill of coffee as well. Coffee as sweet as blood and as black as night, if you would 🎵

Natsume: Blood is not SWEET. And besides, I’m not a waiTER. I will not wait on you, OKAY?

Well, whatEVER…...The owner had some business he couldn’t put off so he LEFT, and he did ask me to watch the place during that TIME.

This isn’t my job THOUGH, so don’t hold any expectations for the flaVOR.

Little Kitten, will you lend me a HAND? My older brothers* don’t know how to hold BACK so they eat and drink much more than expected despite how they LOOK 🎵. (T/N: Keep in mind that Natsume isn’t referring to the Oddballs as his biological brothers--it’s common in Japan to call people older than you that you’re close to as “older brother” or “older sister.”)

Shu: Unlike my colleagues, I only partake in what is necessary. …...Are there no croissants, boy?

Rei: Yes. It is an appropriate time for both gods and the new moon to doze off, so croissants are suitable.

People’s preferences sure are a mystery. I feel that food can’t be eaten cleanly.

And yet Itsuki-kun, did you not choose only what was beautiful to put in your mouth?

Shu: Do you have a problem with that? I wish to only take beautiful things into my body. It is for that reason humans have aesthetic sense.

Even unicellular organisms possess the basic neural circuits to see through beauty or ugliness.

To forget that and inadvertently take in food right before your eyes is a shameful degeneracy.

Kanata: Ufufu. I am “satisfied” with just “water”~

Nacchan, will you give me some “ice water”? My “skin” is still chilly, so I’d like some “moisture”~🎵

Natsume: I don’t MIND, but make sure to drink the ice water normaLLY. Don’t splash it all over your BODY. Cleaning up would be a pain after ALL. …...Wataru-nii-san, what will you ORDER?

Wataru: Fufufu. From this lineup it seems that everyone else will be fooling around so I am in a good mood.

For now I will have some black tea and…...one dish each that Natsume-kun wishes to serve us from his menu, if you please 🎵

Natsume: So you’re putting all the decisions on me I SEE. What a grave responsibiliTY.

Wait for just a bit, OKAY. I’ll go prepare it right NOW…...If you’ll excuse me now 🎵

Kanata: Nacchan, why not “stay with us” instead of working? You are soometimes “reserved,” aren’t you……?

Shu: He is the only junior among us after all. Joining a flock of upperclassmen all by himself requires quite a bit of courage, I’m sure.

It is much like how Rei excessively puts on airs of being someone older and acts grand.

Rei: Uwah, sparks were flying this way. Itsuki-kun just does not understand the feeling of spending one’s youth alongside your juniors after being held back~

It is in its own way a method of paying attention to the needs of others, you see~......?

Though I am particularly worried about Shinkai-kun and Itsuki-kun, it is also best if everyone else move up a grade as well.

It leaves things half-done and causes trouble for others after all. Well, what comes around, goes around.

Anyhow. This can only be considered an uncanny relationship formed through a turn of fate. To think that we would all be gathered here on this eventless day.

Whether it is God`s playfulness or a trick of the Devil, either way it is a rather interesting development 🎵

Shu: It is a mere coincidence, I’m sure. Rei and the boy happened to encounter each other at the same cafe by chance. After Wataru and I took a tour of the museum together, and by chance...we picked up Kanata on the road home.

Then, in order for him to drink in moisture and warmth, we happened to enter this cafe by chance…resulting in our gathering here.

As long as we affiliated with Yumenosaki Academy, the scope of our activities is bound to overlap.

To have this many coincidences repeat one after the other is not an impossible feat according to the theory of probability. Rei’s manner of speaking that overemphasizes romantic ideals can be disgusting at times.

Wataru: Fufufu. That is a shared loveable vice shared among us “Five Oddballs,” surely.

Kanata: Yes. It felt as if we were in a “play” for a loooong time “last year” after all.

Rei: Yes, last year was…...This year, it seems each of our lives changed completely.

Let us talk about that, my old friends whom I happen to come across occasionally.

It happens to be the season where many popular customs like year-end parties flourish. Though it may be a heavy topic for a chat over tea...let us reflect on the year for each of us.

Sakasaki-kun, once you are done preparing the drinks and such, come over here as well.

Since this is a rare occasion you should likewise sit alongside us, young lady. Let us put aside rank, forget about our ties of obligation to this world, and make merry.

A strange one-act such as this is seldom seen after all 🎵

[maplesyrupandroti]

Tokyo: the land of sushi, kitsch, and trains

It has been a whirlwind of a week. From writing the solicitors exam on Tuesday to attending convocation on Wednesday, moving back to Bradford on Thursday, and then leaving for Tokyo,Japan on Saturday, June 24, 2017. My super amazing mother dropped me off at Pearson airport for my 7:30 flight (yes, that meant leaving our house at 4AM). About 24 hours later, I arrived in Tokyo and checked into Nui Hostel in Asakusa. The lobby of the hostel was live with people, drinking and generally having a good time. I was informed the hostel was having a sushi night. After settling into my mixed 8-dorm bed, I happily went to the lobby to enjoy some delicious, albeit expensive sushi. It was worth every penny as it was indeed fresh and made right in front of me! I wouldn't expect anything less from Tokyo. After dinner, I wandered around the neighbourhood and found myself staring at a random gold horn - I was at the Asahi building (Asahi is one of the popular beers in Japan). I wandered some more before I became tired, as I assumed I would from the long travel day. I settled into my hostel for a good nights sleep. Day 2 started off early. I woke up at 7AM and found myself at the Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the area. The stalls in the nearby street had yet to open so I found myself one of few people walking and exploring the Temple and surrounding gardens. It was very peaceful, with some people lighting incense and offering prayers. I also gave an offering in exchange for my fortune: I received a small fortune which I still have yet to understand. It reads: "Just like looking at the treasure of other people beyond the valley. Let's stop to hurt your heart and give trouble to your mind. If once a chance comes you can meet an excellent fortune. Just like a giant happy bird fly up to the sky, you will succeed in this society, and rise to be famous in the world, meeting with so many fortunes". At this point, I was super hungry and Japan does not really have breakfast. I decided I took the subway to the Tsujiki Fish Market. Luckily I bought the 72-hour subway pass which meant I could go on and off the Tokyo metro and Toei line as many times as I want. The confusing part is that there are so many other private lines. Anyways, getting to the Market proved difficult as I could not find the right entrance for the subway line I wanted. The Tokyo metro system is remarkable but for a tourist like myself, it gets very confusing very quickly. As I stood there looking lost, a man asked me if I was lost. He, Santiago, offered to walk me to the subway. He seemed very excited that I was from Canada and that I had visited his native Italy. He invited me to lunch. I agreed because, why not? I then made my way to the Tsujiki Market. I explored, tried many different samples, and ultimately decided upon a fish, cheese, and potato patty. Then, I saw some icecream in sight and of course, I indulged in green tea icecream in a traditional waffle cone. I then tried taking the subway to meet with Santiago but of course, once again, I was lost. I ended up walking for an hour before I finally found my way. I visited another temple nearby, as I was lost already, so why not! I hopped on and made my way to Shibuya, home of the loyal dog Hichako and the Shibuya crossing, where a lot of people cross at once. Santiago and I then went for sushi at Uobei. It was very cool because you sit in a long line with people, order on a touch screen, and the food comes on a conveyer belt! It was a unique experience and the food was delicious. I also tried the local beer and some sake! When it came time to pay the bill, I realized I had inadvertently went on a date as Santiago insisted he pay. I tried to politely refuse but he was persistent. We then walked to Yoyogi Park which was serene. Sitting in the park, you would never think that you're in one of the world's biggest metropolitan! I politely parted ways with my accidental date and headed to the Meiji Shrine. It's a beautiful shrine in a forested area. Ofcourse, on my way out of the forested area, I got lost and ended up walking for an hour out of my way to make it back to the metro. At this point, I was extremely exhausted and although I wanted to see Harajuku (super close to the shrine), I decided to call it quits and head back to the hostel. I was out like a light by 10PM. Day 3 started off with what was left unfinished from the day before: Harajuku. Not before getting lost and taking the line ofcourse. Eventually getting back in track, I headed straight to the popular Takeshita Dori. Various clothing, jewelry, and makeup shops lined the street. As did delicious crepe stands! I indulged in a blueberry cheesecake crepe and called it breakfast. I could not resist the stores and ended up buying many, random souvenirs, from cat magnets to press on tattoos (why?). After walking around for what-felt-like ever, I made my way to nearby Kawaii Monster Cafe. When I think of Tokyo, I think of this type of kitsch cafe. I had researched this the night before and knew it would be the perfect amount of kitsch for me. I was not disappointed! I choose the Mushroom room which was decorated with baby bottle lights, giant animated mushrooms, scary rabbits, a creepy but playful merry-go-round and much more kitschy things! Some of the staff were dressed in classic Harajuku style. I was not sure why until the music started and realized they would be performing a show for us! It was quite interesting, playful, crazy, and fun. To really immerse myself in the experience of this cafe, I decided to eat a giant icecream parfait for myself. It was 2300jpy, so very expensive but I HAD to try it. After this experience, I took the metro to the Tokyo Metropolitan Building to get a free view of the city. I knew Tokyo was big and busy but I was not prepared for what I saw. The view was incredible and everywhere I looked, there were buildings on buildings. Truly a "city". Sadly, it was overcast, as I expected and knew from my research, and I was not able to see Mt.Fuji. At this point, I started to feel really hungry for non-dessert foods and decided to go to Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles, a Michelin Star restaurant that Chris had been raving about and insisting that I go. I found myself in what appeared to be a residential area. The restaurant, a 9-guest only, bar-style was at the base of an apartment building. Luckily, I did not have to wait in line, as I had been warned that many people do since the restaurant has become famous and only seats 9 people. As with many services in Tokyo, I placed my order on the vending machine, and prepared myself for some Soba noodles. I decided to go all out and get one of the more expensive dishes of Noodles in beef broth, pork, beef, and wontons. It was delicious, although I'm not sure if I'm a huge fan of ramen. After dinner, I headed back to the hostel. I decided to make a pit stop at the Senso-ji Temple and get some more souvenirs, as I wasn't able to find anything for my dad at Harajuku. I found him a cool shirt and even managed to find Noori a shot-glass for his collection. With my many random souvenirs in tow, I went back to the hostel to pick up my bag. I was couchsurfing that night with Ayako M, a girl I found on the popular couchsurfing website who had a ridiculous amount of positive reviews. Her apartment was far from where I was staying, in Kodaira, but she had so many great reviews and seemed like an amazing person. Inevitably, I got lost on my way to her place. What was supposed to be a one hour train ride turned into two hours. I arrived at her house around 11PM. Normally, I would be a little scared in an unknown place, being lost and trying to find my way, but the city was bustling with people: the trains were packed for the most part even though it was late at night. Luckily, Ayako was still awake and had just returned from work half an hour earlier. We stayed up and chatted for a bit about Japan and Canada. The reviews were all correct about her; she is really kind and welcoming! I was not sure about what I wanted to do the next day, Wednesday but she helped me come to a decision. I wanted to go to Hakone but the weather did not look promising and it was about 2 .5 hours away on train...or in my case, it would have been more like 3.5. The reason I keep getting lost is because google maps isn't the best and I did not have a map of all the different train lines. The map for the Tokyo Metro and Toei line was helpful for those stops but I didn't have anything similar for the private lines. Day 4, I slept in as I was exhausted from walking everywhere and seeing so much in Tokyo. I went to the station, bought a Pasmo reloadable card, similar to the Presto, as I would be needing this for the remainder of my trip, as the metro and toei line do not run in this part of the city (I guess I should have just bought a 48 hour pass instead of 72 hour. Oh well!). I made my way to Mount Takao for a classic Onsen experience. It was rainy that morning so probably the best thing to do was to soak in natural hot spring water in a spa-like atmosphere (butt naked). Yes, in an onsen, you cannot wear any garments. Because it was a random weekday, there were only a few people there. I was probably one of 10 people there the entire time. It was a freeing and relaxing experience. After the onsen, you can shower there using products they have. I used some magical shampoo and conditioner, to the point where my hair two days later feels just as good as it did when I first washed it. After the onsen, I returned to Ayako's house. We were supposed to go for drinks that evening but both of us were too tired and fell asleep after chatting about our travels. Ayako is adventurous and has to many countries alone like Iran, Jordan, Israel and more! It was nice to hear about her experiences. The next morning, day 5, I packed up my belongings and headed to Shinjuku Station, a station that holds the world record for most people visiting a day (3 Million people use the station every single day!). In Shinjuku, I would be staying with Misato, another girl from couchsurfing. I arrived early, left my belongings in a locker at the train station, and headed out for lunch. I decided on a classic "fast-food" conveyer belt sushi restaurant. I still cannot believe that sushi is a fast-food in Japan, since it is typically an expensive outing in Canada. After lunch, I explored some stores in Shinjuku and wished that I brought a larger luggage so that I could bring many souvenirs for myself and my family. Tokyo is definitely an amazing food and shopping mecca. I met with Misato at the train station and we walked to her place, a small-ish two story, modern apartment. We chatted about our lives and I followed her around as she did some errands around Shinjuku. We then went out for dinner at a place selling mostly yakitori. We ordered so many different kinds of yakitori, edamame, and shishito peppers. Misato informed me that I, like many North Americans, was not properly eating edamame (now I know)! After dinner, we went back to Misato's place, where her friend joined us for drinks. We drank wine and talked some more. I learned that Misato likes horse back riding and has done many WWOOF's around Canada and New Zealand. Day 6, I woke up at 4AM to catch my flight to Bangkok! Sadly, I was forced to check-in my carry on because it was over the 7Kg limit allowed by Air Asia. I wish I knew earlier, as I thought it was 10kg, so that I could have purchased many items and brought a larger luggage for souvenirs! Some mental notes I made about Tokyo: people generally keep to themselves and are not loud or rambunctious. Japanese people are extremely orderly. They wait in an orderly fashion for the trains, always stand on the left side of the escalator, never talk loudly, if at all, on the trains or in public. The women are always fantastically dressed! I adored their outfits. The men all wear white shirts and black or navy suits. I did not see a hint of colour even once! This was quite interesting to me as the women were so much more fashionably dressed. Misato tells me that the women in Japan are very judgmental of one another so it's necessary to keep up with the latest fashion trends. All the department stores have grocery stores and food stalls in the basements, which is very handy when you're shopping and get hungry or want to take home groceries. Lastly, I noticed that there were few babies and children in and around Tokyo. I probably only saw about 5 babies total in my entire trip! I asked Misato about this and she told me that there are few births in Tokyo and that the population is declining. That's it for Tokyo. It was a great time. I would love to go again when I have more money and for shopping mostly. On to Thailand!