#to suddenly being in humid hot weather.

[patriamrealm]

Lad gets yote to alola and the poipole descend apon him

HA! Poor guy suddenly on a tropical island and immediately accosted! That would be funny.

[nubisaureus]

how they react when you slip out of their arms

how the genshin boys react when you try to get out of their arms in bed because it's hot

character(s): Tighnari, Diluc, Zhongli

pairing(s): fem!reader x Tighnari, Diluc, Zhongli (separately)

content: fluff, established relationship, clinginess, cuddles, sleeping in the same bed, silliness, a touch of angst, suggestive language?

a/n: please bear with me, I'm still trying to find a formatting that I like, as I'm very new on this site. So my apologies if the posts are formatted differently every time!

It's also my first time writing for Tighnari and Zhongli, so please let me know what you think <3

not proofread

That being said, enjoy!✼　

┍━━━━━━━━━━━»•» 🌺 «•«━━━━━━━━━━━┑

Tighnari

It had been a hot day. Not in the way one may be thinking of though. Hot as in, scorching hot. The sun had been mercilessly beating down in the Avidya Forest, resulting in a humid weather that had been sucking the absolute life out of you.

One would also think that the night would be cooler, and technically, it was, if it wasn't for your boyfriend's tail, wrapped around you as an almost third arm, mimicking his actual arms that were hugging you close, making you sweat because of the weather.

You carefully slipped out of the hug, finally breathing some fresh air, and slightly moved out of Tighnari's reach, desperately looking for the colder side of your pillow.

«Mh...?» Tighnari's groan suddenly alerted you, and that was soon followed by his tail wiggling around, only to curl around air.

«[name]?» he called, still half lidded.

You freaked out: you didn't want to tell him the truth, so you pondered whether to pretend to be asleep or confess.

He opened his eyes, staring at you.

«Oh, there you are.» perking up at the sight of you, he kept staring. «Is.. everything alright?» he then continued, concern finding its way on his features.

You looked away, ashamed.

He gently grabbed your chin, redirecting your gaze towards him. «Hey. Talk to me. What happened?» he continued, even more concerned.

You sighed, not able to bear his concerned face. «I..was just hot, Nari. Your tail is very warm, and it's lovely in winter, but in this season..it's rather uncomfortable. I'm sorry.»

He sighed. «You could've just told me, you know.» and moved his tail out of the way, putting it behind his back. The bed now felt much cooler, and you felt like you could breathe again.

He then looked at you, dead serious.

«What is it now???» you were on the defensive.

«You're obligated to cuddle now.» he said with the best poker face you had ever seen.

You gasped at how he could look so serious while saying the silliest stuff, and got closer to him.

His arms sneaked their way back to your waist, and you rested your head on his chest, inhaling his scent, that was so familiar to you by now, yet so foreign at the same time.

«Goodnight sleepyhead.» he kissed your hair.

«Goodnight, Nari.»

──────────────────────────────

Diluc

Despite Mondstadt being the city of the wind, it seemed like Lord Barbatos hadn't been very benevolent on his citizens as of lately. And that came in the form of hot wind that, combined with the hot weather of the season, had led to many restless nights.

Tonight was no different. Despite the bed being more comfortable than the one at the Knight's Headquarters, Diluc's presence made falling asleep an arduous task.

Not only because you had been staring at him for the past 10 minutes or so, his relaxed face a sight that you wanted to cherish as much as possible, but the connection he had with the Pyro element made him rather unfit for the current weather.

It also didn't help that he had forgotten to take his Vision off, and so he was even more in contact with the Pyro energy imbued within it, and you couldn't do anything about it. (a/n i have this headcanon where only the owner of a Vision can freely move their Vision around).

You were uncomfortable. Actually, uncomfortable couldn't even begin to describe it.

What to do..?

His arms were tightly wrapped around you, as if he was afraid to lose you any second, but you couldn't take the heat anymore, so you carefully slipped out of his arms, standing up and stretching your body.

You walked all the way towards the open window facing the beautiful vineyards of Dawn Winery, letting the cool breeze of the night caress your features. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the quiet atmosphere all around you.

After a few moments though, you heard rustling coming from behind you.

«[Name]? [Name]! Where are you?» the slight panic in Diluc's tone alarming you, you rushed back to the bed.

«Diluc. I'm here.» you climbed onto the bed, making your way to his side once again. He held you close, and you could feel his pounding heartbeat calming down.

«You scared me, [name]. Why are you up so late?» he inquired.

You blushed, your cheeks threatening to become redder than his hair.

«I was..hot. You forgot to take your Vision off last night, and I obviously can't do it in your stead. But you looked so peaceful, I couldn't find the courage in me to wake you up. I'm sorry..» you looked at him, his expression turning into one of guilt, only to turn soft as you finished speaking.

He took his Vision off, setting it on the bedside table.

«I'm sorry I forgot to take my Vision off, love. Next time though, wake me up. I don't want you to overheat and potentially pass out, especially in this hot weather, okay?» he looked at you, waiting for a confirmation that you had received and understood his words.

«Alright. I will. I promise.» he smiled gently, opening his arms again, beckoning for you to claim your place back.

You gladly took the bait, and snuggled closer, his temperature now that of a normal human being.

«Feeling better?» he asked, gently stroking your hair.

«Yes. Much better.» and you kissed him goodnight.

──────────────────────────────

Zhongli

It was a hot night in Liyue. Despite the rooms at Wangshu Inn being decently ventilated, you were feeling hot. Zhongli's massive body wrapped around you wasn't helping either.

You tried to wiggle around, but your boyfriend, true to his archon element, had a rock hard grip on you, and so you were effectively caught in his embrace.

You sighed.

«Zhongli..» you whispered, trying to wake him up so he would let go.

No answer.

«Zhongli.» you called further, a little louder this time, and his eyelids finally fluttered, signaling he had at least heard something.

You called him again, finally catching his attention, getting rewarded with his half lidded amber eyes looking at you.

«Yes, dearest?» his groggy voice sent shivers down your spine, momentarily distracting you from your thoughts, but you quickly got a hold of yourself.

«I'm too hot. Could you move a bit please?» you asked, getting rewarded with a giggle.

«But of course. You should've said that sooner, dear. Maybe you should also take a shower to cool down? This temperature is very demanding of one's body.»

You looked at him, confused.

«But I had a shower before bed, and besides, I'm not dirty, I don't want to waste water.»

He smiled mischievously, and abruptly changed your positions, pinning you down on the bed.

«Oh, we can change that rather quickly.»

[justsomerandomfanfic]

In The Summer Heat - Billy Hargrove X Female Reader

Title: In The Summer Heat

Billy Hargrove X Female Reader

Additional Characters: Reader's mother (Mentioned), Billy's mother (Mentioned), and high schoolers (Mentioned)

Requested by: @fandom-princess-forevermore

WC: 2,856

Warnings: Set during either Season 2 or 3, mentions of true crime, mentions of missing people, mild cursing, brief fear, teasing, banter, flirting, nicknames, slight suggestiveness, injuries (cuts/bruises), blood briefly mentioned, brief mentions of heat stoke, slight/mini? angst, and fluff

The breeze that was gently blowing through your window was hardly doing anything to cool down your skin as it passed by. The summers in Hawkins, Indiana were hot and humid. Your mother had always said she wanted to move somewhere warmer. But the only place she could afford was Indiana, where it was already eighty degrees with high humidity. You hated the heat, and trying to distract yourself by reading one of your favorite books was doing close to nothing for you. 

And you were trying everything you could do to avoid the terrible heat getting to you; lighter clothes, window open, even a standing fan in the corner of your room, but nothing seemed to work. There was no escaping it. As much as you wished there was, you couldn't get away from the heat. It was impossible. You took another swig of the cold drink your mother brought up to you before she headed to bed, your hand wet from the condensation on the side of the glass. 

Pressing your wet hand on your forehead, you let the cold condensation cool you down somewhat, shutting your eyes briefly before you opened them back up again and wiped your hand on your shirt. Drying your hand, you grabbed your book again, flipping to the page that you were on, and re-reading the page that you had stopped on. 

Finally falling back into the rhythm of reading - or trying to, at least - you almost completely forgot about the heat until you heard a noise outside of your window. Snapping your eyes from your book, you stared over at your open window; your soft curtains only lightly fluttered in the practically nonexistent breeze. It was dark out. You could only see the tops of the street lamps from across the street as they lit up the neighborhood. Your mind began to race and your heart began to pound; a shiver ran down your spine. 

The many nights listening about true crime on the TV, and hearing about the missing people from the town on the radio, was making your mind race. Could you be next? Unlikely, but still…

A hand reached out from the darkness of the night outside your window, raising up and clutching onto the windowsill; your heart stopped. Your breathing stuttered, and your eyes widened in fear. You were frozen, stuck between fight and flight. As a head pops up, you let out a breath of relief. Your hand snapped up to press against your chest, your heart still racing under your palm.

Billy pushed himself up and over your windowsill, an eyebrow raised as he looked at your - then shocked - and then suddenly relieved expression. Once his feet hit your carpet, you huffed, shutting your book and setting it beside you; your full attention on the young, Californian man you delightfully called your boyfriend. Billy only tilted his head, a small grin growing on his lips. "Scared ya?" He taunted playfully, making you roll your eyes, pushing yourself up a bit more on your bed to fully press your back against your headrest. 

"Scared me? Nah, just startled me a little bit." You shrugged your shoulders, watching as Billy kicked off his shoes and made his way over to you; also dressed for the hot weather - somewhat. How the hell was he surviving in those Jeans? 

"I think being startled is the same as being scared, babe." His voice was low as he walked further into your room, with a slight hint of amusement behind his tone. And then you finally noticed it. The small cut on his temple. 

Your eyes widened as you frantically shuffled your legs, slipping off the bed less than gracefully, but you didn't care, your Billy was hurt. You stood in front of him, taking his face in your hands as you gently turned his head to the side to get a better look at the small scrape on his temple; it was no longer than an inch or so long. It was lightly caked with dried blood, not too much, but it still made your chest tighten at the sight of it. "Billy, what happened? Are you alright?" You asked anxiously, moving your eyes from the cut to his ocean blue eyes.

Billy just gave you his signature grin, though it didn't travel to his eyes; his hands coming up to take hold of your wrists. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me." You pursed your lips, your eyes searching his for a moment, before you brought your attention back to the small wound. You knew something was up, but you didn't want to force him to tell you anything if he didn't want to. He would come to you and tell you when the time was right. So you didn't push, you didn't say a word, only nodding and making your way to your bathroom. You rummaged through your mirror cabinet, finding your small first-aid kit, before returning to your bedroom; and finding Billy already sitting on your bed. Billy wasn't expecting this... Well, he was - you’ve tried to clean up a lot of his injuries before, and you were always so- Well, he didn't really know what to think anymore. "Sweetheart, you don't have to do that-'' Billy started as you walked over to him, but you shook your head.

"If not for you, do this for me," You replied, interrupting him, "Please, Billy." You pleaded, only for him to purse his lips, staring down at your carpeted floor.

"Fine..." He muttered reluctantly, and you nodded, opening the box and gathering your supplies. As he waited, Billy looked around your room. Billy liked your room. It was neat, organized, and comfortable - very unlike the mess that was his room. You had a few posters on your walls, shelves covered in books, and a small boombox on your desk; overall your room really reminded him of you. Calming, and bright.

Looking back at you, Billy could see that you were concentrating very hard on the task at hand, the tip of your tongue peeking out from your lips. Taking out an alcohol wipe, you twisted your body to faced him, "This is going to sting a bit, okay?" Billy said nothing as you then cupped his cheek with one hand, turning his head ever-so-slightly, before dabbing the cut on his temple with the wipe. He shut his eyes, the stinging making him tense his shoulders as you applied gentle pressure to the wound; cleaning the dried blood. "I'm sorry..." You whispered, your voice trembling slightly. "Do you have any other injuries?"

Billy opened his eyes, a slight frown forming on his face as you finished - the bandaid you had chosen for the side of his temple was fruit-themed. "No," He murmured, "Just my face." He said softly.

You didn't respond for a moment, staring at him, and Billy was worried that you could see right through him. You had such an ability, seeing right through him when no one else could. "Shirt off." You pursed your lips again, and Billy could only let out a chuckle, narrowing his eyes at you devilishly.

"Buy me dinner first, sweetheart." 

"Billy." You lightly scolded with a serious expression on your face. "Come on, please?"

With a huff, he stared at you, his smile dropping back into a - rather indifferent - frown. He continued to stare, hoping that you would drop it but you didn't budge. Letting out a deep sigh through his nose, he began to unbutton the rest of his shirt. Mentally, he felt relieved, it was too hot in your room. 

You felt your cheeks warm as your eyes drifted to his exposed upper half - even though you had seen him topless many times before, the butterflies still fluttered in your chest, despite the current situation - he then tossed his shirt to the corner of your bed. Your gaze then dropped, noticing the bruises that littered his side, crawling around to his lower back; they were purple and dark red. Your breath hitched, feeling your eyes burn as you reached out, but your hand shook before stopping short; overwhelming concern settling inside your stomach. 

"I'm fine," He spoke nonchalantly - though, seemingly frustrated with either himself or something - as if what you saw wasn't all that important, "They look worse than they are."

You chose not to say anything - fearing that if you did, that you would cry - grabbing the bruise paste from the first-aid case. You squeezed some of it onto your fingers, before gently rubbing it across his side, making sure to cover the bruises as much as you could. And for Billy, he was just watching you, noticing your lips were pulled into a thin line, and your brows were furrowed together, clearly concerned about him, as he sat silently on your bed. Billy felt his body become warm, and he doubted that it was from the unbearable summer heat. His heart pounded against his chest, threatening to break through his ribcage, and he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by everything - by how much you actually cared about him. For the most part, he was used to people not caring for him. But you cared. Even now, here with him, you were helping him, worrying about him. He'd never been treated this well since... California... When his mom was still around. 

Billy knew there was just something about you the moment he met you. Something about your eyes, that sparkle when you were happy, your hair that was always so soft, and your laugh - Billy couldn’t get it out of his head; it was difficult to explain, even to himself.

He was the new King of Hawkins High. Every girl he walked by swooned and giggled if he looked their way. Their attention made him feel powerful. He was known for being a womanizer and delinquent, the one that women seemed to flock to, who always got into fights, and picked on others. Yet, here he was, with you. 

You had just been another girl he wanted to use until he got bored of you; like he did with most - if not all - of the girls in Hawkins High already. He tried in the beginning to woo and persuade you into going on at least one date with him. But you declined each and every time. You just smiled up at him, politely rejecting every single one of his invitations. It never seemed to irritate you when he would come back and ask you again and again.

At some point, Billy stopped asking you, and you thought that that would mean that he would then just leave you alone. But, he didn't. Instead of asking you out, he'd just sort of flirt, and ask how your day was going whilst leaning against the locker beside yours. He didn't realize how often you'd cross his mind, but sometimes he would find himself staring up at the ceiling of his bedroom, thinking about you. Wondering what you were doing, wondering when he'd see you at school again. There was an urge inside of him that he didn't understand, that he couldn't resist. It made him feel weak, pathetic, vulnerable, and completely in love with you. He wanted to hate it. He wanted to hate you, but he couldn't. 

The relationship between the both of you was odd at first, but grew quite beautiful. Billy found himself enjoying your conversations... He'd rather sit and listen to you rant and ramble about anything and everything than spend five minutes with anyone else. Your presence alone was calming, giving him a feeling of peace. There was this unspoken understanding between the two of you, something that neither of you had ever felt with anyone else before. 

He wasn't used to the feelings that he had for you. These feelings grew whenever he saw you or even thought of you. This intense sense of desire to protect, hold, and cherish you. It scared the hell out of him. It scared him because he didn't know how to handle it.

"Alright," You muttered, wiping your hands off with a tissue before crumpling it and tossing it in your small plastic trash can in the corner of your room. "Those should heal in no time." You finished, making Billy grin.

“Great-”

You snapped your eyes up at him, giving him a short look, “With time and rest.” You emphasized before collecting the first-aid supplies and packing them back away in the first-aid kit. When you turned your attention back to him, noticing the far-off look in his eyes as he looked down at you. That look in his eyes made your mouth suddenly feel dry. It was a look that you rarely saw on Billy Hargrove’s face - only when he was really deep in his thoughts. His brow furrowed slightly, his eyes holding an emotion that you couldn’t quite make sense of. It made your already warm face feel like it was burning from the intensity. You tilted your head, raising an eyebrow, "What are you thinking about?" You asked softly, slowly watching as Billy's eyes rapidly blinked, gathering his thoughts, his lips twisted into a grin.

"I'm just thinking about kissing you," He didn't hesitate to answer, making you scoff out a small laugh, shaking your head at how adorably ridiculous he was being. 

"Well, I'm thinking you just might get a kiss," You played along, mimicking his grin, leaning towards him slightly, "But, you have to promise that you will rest for a couple of days."

Billy chuckled, looking up at your ceiling before looking back down at you, "Whatever you say, doc," He answered, amused, before leaning in, but you stopped him, pressing your pointer finger on his awaiting lips.

You gave him a look, "Promise, B," You raised your other hand, lifting your pinky finger out for him.

Billy narrowed his eyes at you, impatient, but willing to play along. He brought his hand up to yours, but the second you wrapped your pinky around his, Billy leaned forward and pressed his lips against yours; knocking you onto your back, and landing back onto your plush mattress.

You gasped, giggling against his lips, your eyes fluttering closed as he moved over you; his forearms pressed down on the mattress beside your head, your own arms looping around his neck. The kiss was languid, his mouth moving against yours as your fingers tangled themselves in his hair. He sighed against your lips, feeling the warmth seep through his chest once more. He didn't even realize how much he had missed you. Even though it had been less than two days since he last saw you. He missed your voice, your face, your taste; everything. He didn't want to stop kissing you, but at some point, he was going to have to come back up for air.

Slipping his lips from yours, Billy breathily sighed, digging his face into the juncture between your neck and shoulder, before laying down completely on you. "I missed you," He mumbled into your skin, smiling when you laughed lightly under him.

"I've missed you too," You replied softly, running your fingers through his curly blonde hair, "But, you got to get off of me, honey. It's way too hot for you to koala me right now."

"Don't wanna," He muttered stubbornly, pressing kisses where his lips were placed on your shoulder. "Can't make me."

You huffed, unable to stop your smile from growing, your hands wrapped around his upper back; your nails lightly scratching against his warm, bare skin. "Fine..." You breathed out, your voice barely above a whisper, "... But you owe me big time, Hargrove."

"Hmm... Sounds good to me," He hummed mischievously - you could feel him smirking, "I'm staying the night." 

"Really? That's a surprise," You remarked teasingly, "I wouldn't have guessed that."

Billy gently bit your shoulder in retaliation, causing you to let out a little shriek, muffling your own laughter as you slapped your hand over your mouth; not wanting to wake your sleeping mother three doors over. "I'm trapping you here now forever," He grumbled, though it was hardly a threat.

"Oh, poor me," You answered sarcastically, "Trapped under my ridiculously handsome boyfriend. Heat stroke. What a terrible way to go." You sighed out, closing your eyes; a smile on your face, "Tragic, really." You almost forgot about how uncomfortably hot you were, “Honestly, not the worst way to die…” You muttered, your eyelids fluttering as your fingers started to move absentmindedly against his back and shoulders, rubbing circles, and tracing shapes. Billy sighed contently, his muscles relaxing beneath your fingertips. Your smile softened as you felt his eyelashes flutter against your skin, "Rest, Billy," You told him quietly, "I'll be here when you wake up."

"You better be," He whispered, letting out a deep sigh before he closed his eyes, falling asleep almost instantly.

Glancing over at your book beside your head, you let out a small yawn, before turning your head to rest your cheek on Billy’s forehead, shutting your own eyes. You'd have time to read it later.

---

Main Masterlist | Stranger Things Masterlist

[aswaki]

show me how you use that pretty mouth of yours [smt x reader]

seok matthew x reader | 2.2k word count | explicit (minors dni)

“matthew helps you with your oral fixation after discovering it”

contains: fem!reader, oral fixation, blow job, exhibitionism, food play(ish?), praise kink, pet names ("pretty girl", "baby")

it's almost astonishing how you manage to surprise matthew every single time you're together.

the weather wasn’t really favourable to do anything. it was too humid to be coped up inside but also too hot to be strolling outside. the both of you made a beeline to the balcony to get some air.

“can i sit here?” you had asked, a well manicured finger pointing at matthew. his eyebrow rose but didn’t reject you. in fact, he didn’t even bother to reply. he was curious what you would do. your plump lips suddenly had a slight pout that matthew wanted to kiss away from your face. him being unresponsive didn’t stop you, though. you strutted to where he positioned himself and plopped down. so out in the open, here you were shamelessly sitting on matthew's lap.

your sundress too short at the bottom (matthew was close to having a heart attack when you bent down earlier) and too skimpy at the top (it gave matthew the perfect view of your cleavage). you sat prettily on his lap, eating a popsicle similar to what matthew had. you're doing anything at this point just to cool off yet he was far from getting cooled off. in fact, he was getting hotter seeing you suck the popsicle like that.

you were facing matthew. your hand was placed on his strong chest as a way to keep yourself steady. his sight was fixed on you. he was watching you closely, taking in every detail about how you looked so damn sexy while enjoying the popsicle. he couldn't help but stare at your lips as they wrapped around the cold treat. it was driving him insane. his mind was going wild with thoughts about what else he could do with those lips.

he knew he should stop thinking about it.

however... he simply couldn't resist… not when your hand was feeling up his chest while you were on top of his lap and eating a popsicle. matthew could feel the heat rising within him as he continued to look at you; your body so close to his. he could feel the warmth emanating from the both of you. his skin practically burning underneath the sun. you licked the sides of the popsicle, softly moaning in delight.

“easy there, pretty girl,” matthew let out an amused huff and let his thumb briefly touch your lips. you let out a tiny sound of glee at that action. matthew’s hand started to move, easily slipping underneath your dress. he slowly caressed your thigh, rubbing against the sensitive skin there. he always had a hunch you had an oral fixation. he would always see you biting on straws if your drink had one or getting too excited on having a lollipop. (now, don't ask him why he noticed that.) (he found your lips alluring, that's for sure.)

he threw you a devious smirk. he watched you intently, his gaze never leaving yours for even a second. his own popsicle was melting quickly in the heat. as soon as he saw those drips of melting popsicle on his hand, an idea came to his mind. he was going to find confirmation if his hunch was correct. he raised his fingers to his mouth trying to lick them clean. it left a trail of saliva on his skin.

as if on cue, your gaze snapped to his hand. he knew his idea was correct as he saw the way your eyes followed the movement of his fingers. he could practically hear the sound of your breath hitching in anticipation.

he reached for your popsicle, which was half-gone anyway. he pulled it away from your mouth, smirking at the look of shock on your face. he one upped you. he felt proud of pulling a reverse card and making you be the one who is surprised this time.

he put the popsicles on top of the table close to where you were sitting. he bent down a little bit. his face now so close to yours. you could feel his warm breath on your skin. "do you want a taste?" he asked in a low tone, maintaining eye contact with you and one hand still touching your thigh. his voice made the butterflies in your stomach violent.

you could feel your heart racing faster. your cheeks blushing at matthew’s question, feeling like you’ve been caught doing something you weren’t supposed to do.

“matt,” you whispered his name. it was clear you were already aroused. beads of sweat were shining on your collarbones. your vision went a little bit hazy. your breaths were coming in shallow pants as you struggled to maintain control over yourself.

matthew teasingly lifted his fingers closer to your lips. you decided you simply could not pass this offer up. you threw caution to the wind. to hell with it, you were already in a suggestive position at the balcony. you aggressively nodded at him, tits bouncing at the sudden movement. he watched your breasts move enticingly in that tight dress of yours. you encircled your hand on his wrist. “let me have you, matty,” you said shyly which left matthew amused once more. you were hardly the shy type but here you were close to begging to have his fingers in your mouth.

“c’mon. open up, pretty girl. i want to see how good you look with your lips around my fingers,” and you didn’t need to be told twice. you shifted in his lap, rubbing against his body. your lips parted, tongue poking out to give his fingers tentative kitten licks.

his desire could barely be contained. the sensation sent shivers down his spine. he was practically salivating at the sight of you. the moment his index and middle fingers met your mouth, you sighed contently. you immediately latched on his fingers and sucked. your tongue lapped up the popsicle juices and his saliva. the way your tongue moved and the sounds you made as you suckled on his fingers aroused him. his imagination wandered on how good must it be if you were sucking cum off his fingers. his mind was now completely consumed by the image of your mouth wrapped around his cum coated fingers or better yet, your lips wrapped on his dick.

the temptation to play with you further couldn’t be held back. matthew dipped his fingers deeper in your mouth, letting you taste the sweet, sugary flavor of the popsicle mixed with his saliva. it was something unique. you whimpered as you found yourself craving more of it. you were already a drooling mess. your eyes locked onto his as he continued to play with you. the sensation of you licking his fingers was so erotic for matthew. he somehow understood why you enjoyed it.

“oh, my baby is so needy,” he told you as his free hand, which was still on your thigh, enjoyed the feel of your skin. at this point, he had pulled your dress upwards to reveal more of your thighs. your panties were peaking already. the sensation of his warm, damp fingers against your bare thigh was intoxicating. your pulse quickened with every touch. you could feel your pussy getting wetter and wetter with each passing second, desperate for release. matthew could feel it too. your fluids leaving a dark spot on his pants.

the air felt thick and oppressive around you. you were still sucking on his fingers. the popsicle juice already gone from his digits but you were still having fun with matthew. your hips are starting to move itself. you were grinding on him. his erection pressing painfully against the fabric of his pants.

“shit. you’re big,” you said as you moved yourself on top of his aching cock. he would’ve laughed at your wide eyes if he wasn’t feeling desperately turned on. instead, he groaned at your movements. his jaw clenched slightly, frustration mixed with desire forming inside of him. his sweat made his hair stick to his forehead.

there was no denying the intensity of his desire or the passion he exuded as he worked to keep you both entranced and aroused. even though the two of you were sweaty and sticky from the heat, the both of you found yourself craving more.

you removed matthew’s fingers away from your mouth with a pop. you looked down at his bulge. your fingers traced over it making him hiss at the feeling. you were back to surprising matthew. you licked your lips and asked, “can i?”

“tell me, can you?” he challenged you, taking off his belt. you removed yourself from his lap and knelt in front of him. your soft skin hitting the hard surface of the balcony's floor. your dress was too short to protect your knees.

the thought of anyone walking at any given moment added to the thrill. you looked up at matthew, lips pouting and eyes wide. at this angle, matthew thought you looked gorgeous between his legs, kneeling down before him and absolutely willing to take him in your mouth.

your hand grabbed his cock above the fabric of his pants. as your fingers pulled his zipper down, matthew acted quick and helped you by pushing off his offending garments. (you were fulfilling the imagination that crossed his mind earlier; of course, he'd be quick to act on this.) his girthy cock sprung free. pre-cum already leaking.

you kissed his dick, his fluids coating your lip like gloss. his hips instinctively bucked at the contact. matthew’s fist wrapped in your hair. he gathered it so it wouldn’t bother you as you blew him off. with his other hand, matthew reached down to stroke your cheek, “go on, baby. show me how you use that pretty mouth of yours.”

his words struck a chord within you. you haven’t even put his thick cock in your mouth but you already felt so good. your panties were gathering the fluids leaking out of you. you closed your eyes and licked his entire length. he wanted nothing more than to be consumed by the sight of you enjoying yourself. you swirled your tongue on his cockhead happily. your tongue darted back and forth effortlessly which coaxed a groan from the man above you. you momentarily pulled away and smiled at him with a strand of saliva connecting your mouth to the soaked cockhead. you had also moaned in satisfaction, glad your oral itch was getting relieved. the both of you not holding back at being vocal.

“ah, fuck,”

when your lips parted to finally welcome him in your mouth, he used his hand at the back of your head to guide you. you both made eye contact as your mouth bobbed up and down his shaft. he felt the familiar feeling of tightening inside him. his face contorted in pleasure as your warm mouth enveloped him. you almost gagged at his size. tears gathered in your eyes but you didn’t stop. you only blinked them away.

you held him there for a few seconds before raising back up to swirl your tongue around his cockhead without releasing him from your lips. matthew let out a sound of approval.

“love your cock, matty,” you said. your honeyed voice made matthew feel weak. his fingers tightened the hold on your hair, earning him a whine from you. his cock twitched in your lips at your sounds. you went back down, further this time. matthew started to move his hips fucking you in the mouth. his thrust went from slow to an increased sloppy speed as he felt himself close to climax. you loved how he used your mouth. you moaned in his dick knowing the vibration would add to his stimulation.

“keep going, pretty girl. ‘m so c- close,” the pressure that had built inside him was ready to burst. you held on to both his thighs. after a few more licks and deep throating, matthew spurted hot cum on your mouth. he let out a low moan as he released it. you tried to swallow as much as you could, relishing on his flavour. some dribbled out of your lips. it trickled down your chin and chest. you stroked the remnants from his already softening cock to ensure you got every drop of him.

when you pulled your mouth off of him, you made a show of swallowing hard. "that's my girl," matthew's words to you were breathy. he tried to catch his breath as he felt fucked out but he had to compliment you for taking him so well. you beamed at him, somehow still buzzed. he saw you scooping up his cum at the tops of your breast with your fingers and stuck in your mouth to suck on. on your leg, he could also see your own cum freely dripping. you truly received pleasure having something in your mouth.

you smiled mischievously at matthew, “you taste good.” this had been better than the popsicle you had earlier, in your opinion.

matthew pulled you back up. your legs wobbling at the sudden movement. you returned to your previous spot on his lap. your bodies were now sticky in sweat and cum. he toyed with your already ruined panties, wanting to return the favour. his finger ghosted your cunt. excitement was growing inside of you as you realized what he was about to do. he kissed your flushed cheeks and whispered, “my turn.”

a/n: i don't know what possessed me to speed write this in the midst of my schedule today.......... really took a portion of my day to have a matthew induced word vomit. matthew is my muse, if it isn't obvious. let me know what you think of this. as always, thank you for reading this and my previous fic! (also, i know the photos don't depict a hot day, lol! turn a blind eye on that. i just wanted to use that matthew photo so bad.)

divider credit: saradika-graphics

[futureman]

since seeing that pic of pedro’s arms I’ve literally been FERAL all day…. would it be possible for you to write something short about joel’s arms? 🫶🏽 (maybe like how they look when he holds you, when you guys make love, when he’s working, when you hold hands etc) is this weird or even possible idk I just love arms

hi lovely anon!! read this and immediately ran to write it, but i uhhhh missed the part where you said short and went a lil ham. hope you enjoy!

here in your arms

pairing: joel miller x reader

warnings: 18+ MDNI, post-outbreak, language, fluff, mentions of body insecurities, comfort, smut, lots and lots of arm touching

word count: 1.8k

It’s hot as all hell in this bedroom, but you’re choosing to ignore it this morning. You’ll gladly sweat to death, even melt into a damn puddle if it means that Joel’s very warm, very naked body stays wrapped around you. 

As long as you can relish his thigh nestled between your legs, and those thick, thick arms pillowed under your head and draped over your waist. You’d burn in hell for all you care. Careful not to wake him, you turn your head slowly to press a kiss into his bicep, and the muscle twitches against your lips. 

The sudden movement startles a soft gasp out of you and fills you with heat so much worse than the stifling humidity in the air. You go completely still, holding your breath for a few moments while you wait to see if he wakes up, but the rise and fall of his chest maintains its steady rhythm against your back. Curiously, you lean in to kiss him a second time and, shit, there it goes again. 

An intrusive thought suddenly pops into your sleep-addled brain, telling you how good it would feel to sink your teeth into the firm, velvety skin. How salty it would taste on your tongue, and how he would probably unconsciously resist you, that twitch becoming a full-blown flex. You give into it before you can stop yourself, roughly biting a bruise into his arm, sucking hard when the muscle spasms into your mouth.

And that definitely wakes him up.

“Christ—w-what the—,” he rips his arm out from under you, and you immediately mourn the loss as your head flops onto his pillow. “—what…baby, the fuck was that for?”

You turn over, looking up at him sheepishly. He looks bleary-eyed, his soft, graying curls in complete disarray, but you can't bring yourself to feel particularly bad. That was totally worth it.

He eyes you expectantly when you don’t immediately answer, still looking dazed and a little stunned after being woken up so abruptly.

“Wanna tell me what that was?” he asks again, voice slurred and thick with sleep. He's propped up on his elbow above you, bicep still in reach, so you press an apologetic kiss into his reddening skin...and your teeth marks.

"I...honestly, I got nothing," you laugh, nuzzling into the crook of his elbow, mouthing wetly around the edges of the bruise. "It was right next to my face, so I kinda just went for it."

Your tongue darts out to taste him and it's even better than you thought, heady and so distinctly Joel, so you continue your path, shifting to the side to brush your lips along his forearm. He tenses, almost imperceptibly, but you feel it keenly, the intricately corded muscles shifting under his tanned, weather-worn skin. 

"You could take it as a compliment," you continue, tilting your head to throw him a cheeky smile. He quirks an eyebrow as if to ask how waking him up at ass o'clock in the morning on his day off could be complimentary. "I'm just admiring all that work you've been putting in on those extra patrol shifts."

He looks a little dubious, and it makes your heart ache. For as long as you've known him, and even more so since you've been together, Joel's never been great with praise, especially when it comes to his body. Maybe it's the age difference or just aging, but he wouldn't allow himself to be vulnerable with you for a long time, emotionally or physically.

He'd hide himself from you, always mumbling things you hated hearing about the softness of his stomach, the lines adorning his brow, or the skin under his arms, and it would make you furious. How dare he say any of that when you love all of those bits and pieces so much?

So, you've made it your personal mission to make sure he knows exactly how sexy he is whenever you get the chance, whether he's covered in grime and viscera, or completely naked and inside you.

"Probably coulda waited until later, don't'cha think?" There's a tiny smile forming on his tired face, and it encourages you to keep going. 

"Yeah, but isn't this more convincing? You looked so good, I couldn't even help myself," you say, running your fingertips along a beautifully jagged scar that runs right through where you bit him. You squeeze his arm teasingly, and he flexes for you, on purpose this time. "So strong," you joke, your tone completely contradicting the ache worsening in your core.

He chuckles, and his whole body shakes with it, jostling the thigh still wedged between your legs. That familiar heat from earlier returns with a vengeance as it drags across where you're still slick with last night's release, and you inhale sharply, catching his attention.

"Ya like my arms that much, huh?" he mumbles, voice unexpectedly gravelly, but the way he's looking at you is so fond, full of affection and something a little more complicated.

"I really, really do," you reply softly, reaching out to wrap your fingers around his wrist to drape his other arm over your waist. He wraps himself around you, pulling you tight against his chest, and you feel so tiny in his arms. Protected.

And he feels so powerful. You barely get the chance to nuzzle into the coarse hairs tickling your cheek before you’re flipped on top of him, knees bracketing his hips. Your hands shoot out to steady yourself and land on his shoulders, squeezing once you've settled into his lap.

His eyes meet yours, and there's that complicated look again, the one you still haven't figured out. Your mind races, searching for the answer, until his hands splay across your waist, thick-fingered and broad. 

And then he's lifting you up, just enough to line himself up with your entrance, and easing you down and up until he's fully seated inside you.

You breathe out a sigh of relief in unison, adjusting to the other as sweat drips freely down your bodies. The room is still scorching, even hotter now with the rising sun and your combined exertion. 

That beautiful flush Joel gets when you're intimate has started to spread from his cheeks down to his neck, spilling across his chest and into those perfect goddamn arms, straining with the effort of holding himself back from fucking into you like he wants to.

But you want something, too.

"Joel, can you...," you breathe out, feeling a little shy for asking but needing it badly enough to go through with it anyway. "Fuck, can you do it, please?"

He looks confused but so needy, nodding his head before he even knows what you're asking for. 

"'Course, baby, whatever you want," he grits out, grip tightening on your waist. "Jus' tell me 'n I'll do it."

"Use me. Want you to show me how strong you are—handle me," you suck your bottom lip wetly into your mouth, trailing your fingers from his shoulders downward, digging your nails into the hard planes of his deltoids. He hisses out a breath through his teeth. "Will you do that for me?"

In lieu of an answer, he lurches forward, sitting up with you in his lap to give you exactly what you asked for. And it's better than you ever could've imagined.

The solid muscle in his upper arms bulges as he drives you up and down his cock, and you wrap your hands around them greedily, feeling every expansion and contraction. Your mouth waters as you watch his thick, prominent veins strain against his skin, and you're hit with a sudden, strong urge to bite him again. 

So, you do. You bend down to suck hard at the taught skin, and his responding groan is so loud and drawn out, you feel it rumble beneath your lips.

"Shit—baby, you keep doin' that, 'm not gonna last long," he moans into your ear, still bouncing you on his cock, showing zero signs of slowing down. 

Fuck, how is he so strong? He's lifting you up and down like you're a ragdoll, shaking your entire being with the force, and you clench tighter as you hurtle closer to the edge. You separate your mouth from him to drop your head into the crook of his neck so you can watch him. Watch the raw power flowing through his body, and all those perfect parts he doesn't like about himself work you like no one ever has before.

And he's watching you, too, with so much want and desire, and, ah. That's what it is. That look—it's appreciation. He looks so grateful for you that you want to drown in it, surround yourself with it.

"Good. Hold me," you whimper, muffled as you throw your arms around his shoulders to bury your face into his skin. "Hold me close when you cum." 

He must've been right there, teetering on the cusp, because suddenly his arms snake around you, crushing you to his chest as he pistons up, cumming as deep as he can reach. They tense against you erratically, matching every pulse of his cock as he empties inside you.

He moans softly and sweetly in your ear as you cry out into his, your lower half squeezing him rhythmically as your orgasm crashes over you. You let him grind up into you through the aftershocks until you're both too exhausted to stay upright.

Tipping backward, Joel brings you back down onto the bed with him and rolls you over onto your sides. You smile up at him lazily, still happily nestled up against his chest, and he bends down to press a tender kiss to your forehead.

"Hell of a workout ya just put me through," he mumbles, sounding incredibly amused and thoroughly tired out. 

"Seemed like you enjoyed yourself, though," you snort, shifting just enough that his cock slips out of you, a thick glob of cum dripping onto the sheets. "I know I sure did."

"Yeah, bet ya did," he rolls his eyes, pinching your sides teasingly. "'Specially since I was doin' all the damn work."

"But you were so good at it," you can't help but wriggle your arms out from where they're wedged between your bodies to stroke his arms again. And hopefully his ego. "And you looked so good doing it."

His cheeks tinge that pretty shade of burgundy you love, and you know you hit the mark. He ducks his head down to kiss your cheek.

"Uh-huh. Next time, s'gonna be your workout," he murmurs, sighing as you start to massage his sore muscles. They twitch tiredly under your careful attention. His eyes flutter closed as the heat and exhaustion finally catch up with him, muttering sleepily, "'n I get to enjoy the view."

You lean up to kiss his lips, chaste and gentle.

"Deal."

[https-furina]

✎ that poor birdy. ft. xiao x gn!reader content. fluff, a little hurt/comfort, naive (?) reader - they don’t know xiao isn’t human :p a little bit of xiao falling in love while being really inexperienced with it. mentions of xiao as a birdy ! not proofread 'm sorry >~< w.c. 1.5k words

notes. uuuuuuuu i loves him so much ;; santa pls can i has him under my nonexistent tree this year taglist. @ryuryuryuyurboat @soleillunne @rainswept

you followed the routine meticulously whenever you needed it, which was usually always when the inspiration runs dry from your veins. it stumps you every time, being in that scenario as a member of the wanwen bookhouse in liyue harbor. you never particularly want xingqiu chasing after you on whether you have any new material to publish.

the idea was first proposed in its early stages by a close friend - at least, that’s what you call him. you had been grumbling over a cup of steaming hot tea, head in your hands as you whined to xiao about an upcoming deadline.

“why don’t you travel for inspiration?” he had suggested and within seconds, your face had lit up. you stared at him with glittering eyes, a hopeful glimpse into your future right before you. xiao shifted nervously under your gaze, his gloved hands cupping his own cup of tea as he glanced away, the tips of ears feeling warm.

suddenly you would start disappearing for days, sometimes even weeks as the birth of your new found routine began. it was the saviour of your writer’s block, filling you to the brim with stories and poetry that everyone at the wanwen bookhouse fawned over. xiao never pondered where you would run off to, in all fairness he assumed you was prancing off to mondstadt, sumeru and even inazuma.

he never chased you up on it. after all, his suggestion had merely been a case of him trying to get the oddly clingy human that appeared from nowhere off his back for more than a day. your presence suffocates him as a yaksha and he takes your absence in his stride yet he leans against the railing of his room at wangshu inn, staring out at the endless stars all clustered together on a backdrop of indigo and he sees how your eyes glittered that day, like you had captured the stars and put them in your eyes. almost like fireflies in a glass jar.

xiao did however presume you was at least obsessed - his words, you simply call it a normal friendship - with him enough to bring back trinkets from your adventures but you come back empty handed each time with only a proud grin on your face as you dump your newest works onto the male. part of him is glad that you don’t, after all gifting on such a level outside of special occasions could come off as mating to the male bird. the other part of him - the humanoid part of him - wishes you would do it at least once to fill the empty void in his heart left from centuries of avoiding contact with people.

the kitchen at the wangshu inn is usually busy around this time of day as workers gather for their lunch break or couples take a leisurely stroll across the guili plains whilst liyue’s weather remains so warm and tender, humid to the touch with a cool breeze. xiao knows this well from how long he’s resided at the very top of the inn, where the breeze catches just right and rustles golden leaves above his head. the noise brought by the mortal world’s lunchtime would soon cease and he’d be left in the solace he craves so desperately to ease his pains; that is disregarding the fact that xiao finds the kitchen too noisy on this day.

someone jogging up the steps is enough for xiao to hide, after all he’s not expecting visitors nor does anyone ever seek him out on purpose now but he catches sight of your familiar head of hair and the waft of almond tofu through the leaves, the plate held carefully in your hands. he tries to make his sudden appearance calm, as if he’d always been there - you’re too innocent to put together myth to reality, even with his mask tucked securely to his hip.

“you’re back again,” he comments, gold eyes watching you carefully as you spin on your heel to face him, your initial look of confusion ebbing away at the sight of him, “almond tofu?”

“i figured i’d come back with a gift, at least,” you chime with a grin, holding out the plate to him. seeing your smile after a few days affects xiao more than he’d care to admit, his stomach filled with the odd sensation of butterflies - and a gift? “i remember you saying you liked almond tofu.”

the pale skin of his cheeks seems to flush with a subtle hue of pink causing the yaksha to flicker his glance away from you as he takes the plate of almond tofu, mumbling his thanks. what was this feeling? his brows almost knit together in confusion; could it be karmic debt? perhaps your presence as a mortal human was finally taking its toll on him. xiao parts his lips to excuse himself from your vicinity, wondering if he could gather some believable lies to get you off his back but he stares at the small details on your face and how you still smell like parchment and ink instead.

xiao moves away from you - albeit a little reluctantly - to the table presented neatly with two chairs by the railing, hidden in the shade of wangshu inn's great auburn tree. he settles in one of the chairs, clearing his throat as he watches you lean against the aforementioned railing.

"so where did you go gallivanting off to this time?" he asks curiously, taking small bites of the almond tofu you'd presented to him. it comes to him that he's never once asked where you go when you disappear from him and apparently the question catches you off guard when he glimpses how your eyes seem to widen a little in surprise, processing his sudden interest in your adventures.

"oh! i was camping out at qingyun peak again!" you lean back against the railing, letting liyue's breeze tickle your skin like a warm breath fanning down your neck. xiao pauses mid-bite, golden eyes blinking in bewilderment as he gazes at you. was that all? he furrows his brows, after all he had truly expected you to be going abroad to new lands for your inspiration - he's even more caught off guard by how you said again… so it wasn't your first time?

"is that all?" he voices aloud, listening to the sound of your sweet laugh on the wind at his response. the strange feeling in his stomach turns again and he almost drops the almond tofu on his spoon, clearing his throat as he looks away from you quickly. these feelings were not painful for him, he begins to realise in turn. the heat of his ears and the way his neck and cheeks soon matched their temperatures, the shake of his gloved hands and how his stomach felt like it was flipping - these were not associated with pain nor karma, confusing the yaksha further.

"eeyup!" you pop the 'p,' grinning over at him before looking up at the roof of wangshu inn, noting the numerous bird nests filled with eggs before you remember something you wished to bring up to him, "but i heard a little birdy calling out during the night, it sounded so sad."

xiao hums in response, turning his focus back to the almond tofu he was finding the most delectable - if you had made it like he assumed, you truly was an amazing cook. he considers voicing that thought out loud before he realises you are mumbling about the small bird you'd heard and xiao begins to ponder what type of bird you must have heard. in the middle of night and at qingyun peak… the more he thinks about it, he soon chokes on the tofu he was chewing. he clears his throat to cover his embarrassment, hiding his face as he waves you off when you rush to his side.

you'd heard him. xiao's heart races, thumping against his ribcage at how he gets himself out of this situation. how would he even begin to explain that the bird is lamenting, calling for its dead friends that will never return? his eyelashes flutter shut for a moment.

"i'm sure the bird is fine." he tries to reassure once he has finished chewing the tofu. you give him a thankful smile at his reassurance, settling in the chair opposite him with a drastic sigh.

"i hope so… that poor birdy," you go quiet for a moment, gaze drifted off into the distance in thought and xiao takes the moment to recollect himself, leaning back in his chair as he admires you subtly. you really was starting to become a pain for him, "you'll have to join me next time so you can hear it! you seem to know a lot about birds, xiao - maybe we can go find it!"

xiao grimaces but he doesn't let it show, a crack of a smile on his face at the sentiment behind you caring so much for this bird; caring for him, without ever realising it. perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to let you a little closer, after all these pains weren't hurting him.

"i'll have to take you up on that offer." he muses, fixing his gloves as a wide beam brightens up your face. oh, what a grave he has dug for himself.

© https-furina 2023.

[sorreysorren]

shoulder angels don't exist

the cause of your misery at ungodly hours.

you hate (love) him for it.

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“ –what the hell! you said this was a date!”

you hadn’t been paying attention to the scene in front of you until you heard the sound of a slap. you’d been standing behind isagi when you chose to look up. 

“don’t touch me, you cheater!”

“aiku?” isagi and his friends questioned out loud.

“huh? oh, hey guys.” this ‘aiku’ spoke casually, while rubbing his cheek.

you remember giving the hardest side-eye. it was instinct, really.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

that was the first you ever heard and knew of oliver aiku.

due to that, of course, your first impression of him was sour. so sour you think of a green apple. you even visualize a green apple considering his hair dye choice– that stupid yellowish-green shade he was so passionate about. 

you tried to push the thoughts of aiku away as you tied the laces on your boots. you deemed it pointless as the thoughts would soon resurge since you were getting ready to pick him up, after all. it was a disturbance of your precious time. 

he calls, you answer. he asks you for a favor, but can you refuse?

…maybe. 

but it’s hard to do so when it’s oliver. not because hearing him plead tugged on your heartstrings, but because he’s your friend. you knew what you were getting yourself into by including aiku in your life. those other girls didn't. which is why you knew not to date him. 

you grabbed your keys and shut the door, texting aiku that you were on your way.

it was a 20-minute drive to the house party and the music could be heard down the neighboring street. you scrolled mindlessly through your phone. you checked your social media, but there was nothing new. you checked the weather app– summer always had the worst weather. 

sighing in frustration, you waited in your car another 5 minutes hoping he’d finally see the <come outside> text you’d sent. you didn’t think you’d actually have to go inside.

inside the house, it was loud, not hot– but warm, and humid. the smell of alcohol, weed, and sweat mixed in the air. it was disgusting. you’ll never understand how he enjoys going to these things. 

you tried avoiding any sort of contact with anyone but ended up having to push past people anyway. some random chick had even spilled some of her drink on you. sure, she apologized hastily, but you ignored her and continued looking for aiku.

and there he was.

standing on a table, being the life of the party.

he didn't drink much.

but when he did, he drank like it was his last day on earth. 

you reluctantly walked up to the table, holding on to your keys as tightly as you could, as if they were the one thing grounding you.

“aiku.” you called.

he continued his conversation with the people in front of him. you assumed he didn’t hear you, so you began preparing yourself to call his name a little louder. 

as if on cue, you heard him yell out, “y/n!”

the people around him turned to look at you.

“aiku, get down.” you spoke through lightly clenched teeth. 

you thought this would be a quick and easy ‘let's go!�� and ‘ok!’, but you now knew it wouldn't be. it never had been before, so you don’t know why you’d been expecting any different this time. you needed to stop assuming.

at least he did get down. he walked up to you with a funny expression on his face. “have you been drinking?” he asked.

it was then that you noticed you reeked of alcohol. “no, there was–”

you were cut off by the music suddenly stopping and screams filling the room.

“some bitch called the cops!” a voice yelled.

you took a deep breath. “fuck,” you muttered, “aiku, we have to leave now . you can’t be caught here.” 

if he were to be caught at some stupid party like this, drinking underage, it could ruin his future. 

the both of you looked around the house. an officer stood at the front door calling for backup, as the back exit was crowded with people trying to leave. 

you pulled aiku’s arm, rushing upstairs. you stopped at the first window at the end of the hallway. you opened it. 

“okay. i know this is pretty high, but just…” you trailed off. you don’t know how to use words of encouragement.

“chill. i’m not afraid of heights” he leaned on the wall.

“stop acting so casual! hurry! and i know you aren’t, just don’t be an idiot and fall. you have to be extra careful considering your state.”

“yeah yeah” he climbed out of the window. 

it was slightly quiet. you turned around once you heard footsteps rushing up the stairs, along with the static of a walkie-talkie. 

i can’t believe i’m doing this, you thought as you took a deep breath and quickly turned back around to shut the window. i’m gonna kill him if he fucking falls.

when you turn around again, you’re met with the face of an officer. 

you were sure you heard a thud from outside. you visualized aiku rolling down the roof in continuous thumps, and then landing on the grass with a final, softer thud. 

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you'd imagined going to jail before for many different reasons and you'd be lying if you said it never crossed your mind that you'd have to go to jail because of aiku.

if you could kill him, you would.

in the cop car, you thought of elaborate plans to murder him in the cruelest ways possible. again, not that you actually would. it's aiku.  

and, you know. you had to re-emphasize that in your head just in case this cop happened to be a mind reader and was hearing every thought you had.

you kept looking out of the window. at the moment, it was funny seeing the cop lights flash red and blue and seeing hordes of people in the street run from whatever they were doing, though you were also hoping none of them would get arrested since you didn’t want to spend the car ride seated next to a stranger.

---

you had to spend the night in a little cell and god, you had to pee but there was no way you were going to piss in a place with a free for all view. more than one is a crowd and this was not an orgy.

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community service. court-ordered community service.

you got inside aiku’s car.

just a few days ago, he’d shown up at your door during an ungodly hour of the night, apologizing profoundly over a dozen times until you finally said you forgave him. (you’d already forgiven him the night of the incident, while you were in the jail cell.)

he was driving you to the facility where you were supposed to… do service to your community? you don’t even know what the place is. aiku, out of pure “generosity” (more like guilt), had decided to sign up along with you. 

the first floor was the dressmaking section. it was filled with dressmaker's dummies and naked mannequins. you cast a look at him, already knowing the vulgar jokes he’d make before he even began speaking.

“hey, i didn’t say anything”

“but you thought it.”

the both of you took the elevator to get to floor c, as instructed by the sticky note in your pocket. the smell of burnt food immediately met your nostrils as you stepped out of the elevator.

the entire room was built like a large kitchen, 

you turned to look at aiku, but he’d already been looking at you, equally as confused. 

“you must be the new people!” a man with a chef hat exclaimed once he noticed you and aiku.

---

you were stuck washing dishes, or as aiku liked to call it, “busboy duty.”

at least gloves were given to you.

you died inside a little at the thought of touching dirty dishwater.

the good news, though, is that as soon as you’re done with the dishes, you get to join aiku and the others out in the kitchen, cooking actual food.

the bad news? you weren’t sure if the good news was actually good news because you’re a terrible cook.

---

you were next to aiku, watching him knead the remaining dough. he told you to cut the pork while he focused on getting the dough right. 

he was surprisingly good at cooking.

you know, considering most of the time he’s eating spicy ramen. cup noodles, to be specific.

“if you take a picture, it’ll last longer” he teased.

you scoffed, but you didn’t say anything. you only continued to chop away.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

the past 2 months passed by quicker than you realized and you finally completed your 100 hours of community service.

you were just about to sleep when as if on cue, you received a call. of course, you already knew who it was, and by the time you knew it, you were already out the front door.

---

sometimes it genuinely pisses you off. not just because you’re the one he calls– (and you’re always the one he calls) – but because when he drinks, you’re always the one who has to take care of the mess. and you’d also thought he learned his lesson after last time, but of course he hadn't.

he stumbled into your car, without a word.

you had the radio playing at a low volume, making up for the silence in the car.

“you know, throughout the entirety of these 2 months, i haven’t slept with anyone” he blurted. as if he just had to clarify that. 

“i know, oliver.”

the car was silent for a while until he spoke up again. 

“i’m hungry.”

“great, what do you want me to do about it? i’m dropping you off straight home”

“can we get food?” he asks, “please?”

fine. fine. you answer only in your head.

you stay silent, but he hums happily, knowing you gave in.

---

you stop at the first food truck you see. 

you walked while he followed behind and the both of you waited in line.

once it was your turn, you turned to oliver to ask him what he wanted. 

first, you had expected him to make some sort of move on the lady, but he didn’t– which if you had to admit, weirded you out.

second, usually, he would order, but right now, the only thing you wanted to do was get this over with and go home. 

third, you might as well order something for yourself. 

you turned back to the lady taking the order and said, “two pizza pretzels, and two dr.peppers.”

“alrighty, cash or card?” 

“card,” oliver answered for you while taking out his wallet.

the woman told both to wait by the side. 

“excuse me?” the concession lady called for your attention, “we only have one pizza pretzel left. i’m sorry about that, but is there anything else you’d be interested in getting? or would you like a refund?”

“a refund is fine.”

the lady handed you the drinks and the single pizza pretzel, “have a nice day, the two of you!”

“man, that sucks. here” he extended his hand, offering you the pretzel.

“no, you paid. you can have it”

“but i owe you”

“you don’t”

he did want the pizza pretzel a lot , but he also wanted you to have it. so he did the next best thing. he split the pizza pretzel in half, “okay then still, i want you to have it.”

you happily took the other half of the pretzel, “thanks.”

once inside the car, you changed the radio station. then again. and again.

“you could just connect your phone instead” 

“don’t feel like it.”

you finally stopped at some random classic rock station, having vaguely recognized the song.

you heard a tap, then another beside you, and another above you, and then multiple in all directions. you realize it started to rain. the rain quickly turned into a heavy downpour.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

you were initially going to deny oliver’s request.

but your apartment was pretty far and the rain was supposed to worsen.

he suggested you stay at his place, just in the meantime. 

“just… just until the rain stops” you tell him. 

---

“it’s surprisingly clean in here” you observed out loud.

oliver crashed on the sofa as soon as he stepped inside. “yeah, had to” his voice was muffled by the pillows, “my family visited. birthday stuff. higher flight prices in the summer and stuff.”

“hm.” you took off your boots, shivering slightly, due to the cool air conditioning. 

“you can change if you want. you know where my stuff is.” he yawned.

“ you should change too. you’ll get sick or something.”

you changed first.  you took the first clothes you grabbed, and by the time you were back, he was sitting up on the sofa. he went to his room to change, but he didn’t return.

you knocked on his door, unsure of whether you should open the door without notice or not. 

when he didn’t reply, you slowly pushed the door open, and you found him sleeping soundly in his bed. he was snoring lightly, but you found it (endearing? amusing? you weren’t even sure of the right word yourself.) you quickly snapped a picture, then went back to the living room.

you checked the time on your phone: < 2 am>

it was still raining. not as heavy as before, but still.

you were unsure of whether to go home or not. you stood up and paced around the living room in a circle. you made a beeline to the pantry. it was stacked with spicy ramen cups which didn’t surprise you in the slightest. 

you put water in the cup and microwave it for 3 minutes. to be fair, thinking on an empty stomach wasn’t ideal. you sat on the counter, listening to the tv play in the background. 

*BEEPBEEPBEEP*

you rushed to the microwave, quickly pressing the ‘stop’ button. you’d meant to stop it when there were still a few seconds left, but you ended up forgetting. 

at least oliver was a heavy sleeper.

you skipped through random channels on the tv, yawning, and eventually stopping at one playing some wild kratts episode about snakes.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

you opened your eyes, suddenly sitting up after you remembered where you were. 

you didn’t remember falling asleep– you didn’t even remember being too tired (tired enough to fall asleep.) the tv was off, the cup of noodles was gone, and there was a blanket covering you. 

you took notice of the sticky note placed on the tv remote on the small table in front of you.

you grabbed it, squinting at the terrible handwriting. it read:

“thanks for helping (again). i meant it. i owe you (again). i’ll be at practice by the time you see this, so make sure you lock the door. "

you snickered as you noticed the handwriting getting smaller. he started running out of space because he wrote too big at first. you continued reading:

“p.s. i made you breakfast (even though i was running late) i added a shit ton of chocolate chips, you’re welcome. 

p.p.s. i love you, but don’t eat my ramen again.”

the pancakes were cold, but you ate them with a smile on your face.

[yukikogazingthestars]

**Sweet Like Watermelon**

Fukuzawa x reader

Warning -None

Fluff/Fluff!!!

I didn't know about other countries but in SEA, it is now Summertime and the temperature really went up to 39°Ｃ to 45°C during the daytime. Drink Water, Rest well and eat well!!

Summer is already here. The warm breeze gently brushes against the leaves.The Summer wind carries the scent of freshly bloomed Sunflowers and roses in the yard. Colorful Bougainvillea flowers are blooming in clusters. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining so brightly and the sky is crystal clear.

Since the Summer afternoon became hotter and hotter, Fukuzawa was sitting on the egawa with a set of go while reading the rulebook . He opened the Shoji door to the fullest in order to watch the yard occasionally. The sound of Furin Chime is the only sound in the house. Peaceful, Tranquility and Quietness became the signatures of the Summer Afternoon of Fukuzawa couple.

Well, outside of the house wasn't so quiet.There is a girl in the backyard with a sprinkler watering the garden. The Sun was on the top of her head, the temperature was the highest of the day but she decided to spray the water all over the garden in order to reduce the heat. The earthy smell: petrichor entered into Fukuzawa's olfactory system. He couldn't help but smile while watching his s/o playing with water. Her summer dress was soaked with sweat and water, her smile was shining like the sun and her aura was warm like the summer breeze.She smiled and waved at him while their eyes met.

"You should stop playing in this heat"

"Aye Aye Captain"

She mischievously replied and closed the water tap and then entered the house from the backdoor in order to avoid soaking the floor. Fukuzawa could hear his S/O wiping herself, changing clothes, opening the refrigerator, taking out the chilled watermelon and chilled cola and dragging the fun towards herself.And then she peacefully lay down on the Yuka floor with a poem book called Yorikakarazu by Noriko Ibaragi.

"Should I swing the fan, Fukuzawa San?The weather is hot and also humid. You can't rely only on the natural breeze."

Fukuzawa shook his head gently while he was placing a go stone on the board. Suddenly, a piece of watermelon stuck on a fork appeared in front of him.

“Say ah~ I’ll feed my pookie, say ah please ~~”

Fukuzawa smiled warmly and he opened his mouth. Sweet and cold watermelon melted in his mouth and Y/N’s grin was getting bigger.

“It’s delicious, isn't it? How about Cola? Would you like to try some?”

Fukuzawa put down his book and lifted her chin up with his warm and big fingers.

“No more carbonated drinks for me today. Just watermelon is fine. Ah~~”

Y/N shyly looked away from his gaze while she was feeding another piece of the fruit. She started the tease but whenever Fukuzawa returned it , she couldn't help but end up being so shy and blushing.

After the little lovey dovey feeding watermelon, Fukuzawa continued reading his book and Y/N also continued to read her poem book but her heartbeats were faster than usual and her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

The Eternal Summer Days with love never end. Forever chasing the sun, Forever chasing the love.

[french-unknown]

𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖜𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖒𝖊

𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘: shanks, vivi, ace, law, sabo 𝖈/𝖜: fluff, domestic 𝖜/𝖈: 1.9k +

| m a s t e r l i s t | - | p t . 1 | - | p t . 3 | | e v e n t . s u m m a r y |

𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖐𝖘

horror stories around campfire

All the crew was gathered on logs around the campfire. Lost in the depths of a new island, you had found a cave to serve as your home and protect you from bad weather among the immensity of the jungle that surrounded you.

The alcohol was thus happily welcomed while waiting for the log to recharge. Fortunately, after a week of waiting, you could finally leave tomorrow during the day.

Tonight was a celebration.

Unfortunately, the lack of rum which had run out due to the boredom of the stay as well as the fatigue linked to the heavy and humid atmosphere of the climate, had pushed you to keep the party reasonable. So you were sitting around the fire, laughing and talking to each other, while you more or less finished your meal. The alcohol was flowing but it was still in appropriate quantities compared to some other evenings.

However, Yasopp stood up and began to speak. With a piece of meat still in one hand and a glass in the other, he told the crew how he had once been chased by a village of cannibalistic men when he was a child.

You stood staring at him, caught up in the frightening story even though you knew it was made up, without flinching.

But you suddenly jumped when, during a tense moment, you felt something suddenly jump on your back. You reacted violently because of the surprise and, at the same time, you spilled some of your beer on your knees and your hand. Shanks' hot laugh rang in your ear a while before that of your other comrades.

You then felt the captain wrap his arms around your waist as he rested his chin on your shoulder. A bit humiliated at being made fun of for spilling your alcohol on yourself, you unceremoniously removed him from you. However, far from being offended, he immediately returned to the charge by taking your hand while miming an exaggerated apology.

Now that the crew's attention was once again diverted to the shooter, you let yourself soften at Shanks' comical behavior.

You even almost smiled at his excessive bowing.

But, as he moved in for the most ridiculous hand kiss, you felt the wetness of his tongue licking a length across the top of your hand. You quickly took it away, disgusted. For his part, he laughed at your pout.

“You would be delicious to eat, too.” he stated, returning to his own glass while throwing you a wink over the top.

𝖛𝖎𝖛𝖎

halloween party

Tonight was the night dedicated to celebration in Alabasta so all the cities across the country had set up open-air markets as well as light decorations all over the streets.

And Alubarna was not to be outdone.

So, when you learned that Vivi couldn't leave the castle that evening because none of her guards were available to take her to the capital, it didn't take much for you to sneak over her room. After some coaxing, she ended up putting on a colorful veil to hide her well-known hair and face from the population before letting herself be guided out of her palace.

You then very quickly reached the scene of the celebrations.

Everywhere in the streets, the shops were decorated with pumpkin-shaped lanterns while the trees and walls were illuminated with several hundred small orange lights that twinkled like stars in the night. Their hue was less vibrant than that of the Alabasta sun but they seemed no less captivating to the princess. In the air, the smells of pumpkins and spices were everywhere along with those of hot alcohol.

The stands sold all kinds of items.

There were drinks, hot meals and biscuits. But there were also spiritual stands with tarot cards or pendulums. Some others instead sold toys such as ghost balloons and fake spiders.

Around you, families were weaving while children were happily rowdying among the passersby.

Around a stand, you felt Vivi take your hand to pull you into a nearby street. She then pinned you against the wall, out of sight, before diving towards your lips to kiss you. As quickly as she had leaned in, she drew back until her face was visible. There, you saw her with a beautiful smile on her lips and her eyes shining with happiness while her face stood half lit by the lights of the festivities.

"Thanks." she whispered before leaning toward your lips again.

𝖆𝖈𝖊

couple costumes

"Please! Please! Please!" Ace begged while kneeling in front of you, head bowed, with his hands raised above his head in prayer. "Let me choose our costumes. I've been thinking about it for months!"

Because of the time he was begging you on the ground, you began to hesitate. In itself, you hadn't planned any particular costumes for the crew's Halloween party tonight but you couldn't help but fear the worst. Especially coming from him who had the habit of walking around shirtless everywhere in just his shorts. You were a little afraid of the amount of fabric he would offer you for tonight.

However, you end up accepting: it was just a party, you weren't going to die for a revealing outfit!

Ace immediately jumped for joy before kissing you right on the lips and running off to his room. You just had time to hear him say to wait for him before he closed the door behind him. You then waited quietly behind the door, afraid to see what costume he was going to show up in. You prayed he wouldn't take anything too sexy or pirates like Boa Hancock.

Finally, the door opened ajar.

"You are ready?" he asked without you being able to see him yet.

Once you had nodded, he opened the door wide and came out like a beautiful devil.

The first thing that caught your eye was the huge purple afro wig he wore on his head. Then came his dark red leotard, which left nothing to the imagination considering how little it covered and how tight it was. And then came his fishnet stockings. At this point, you weren't even surprised that he was wearing stiletto boots, a pearl necklace, and heavy makeup with huge false eyelashes. His fake tattoo on his chest didn't even make you blink anymore, either.

Proud of himself, he spread his arms from his body before turning around to show you the costume completely.

"How do you find me?" he asked you, proud as a peacock. “I am one of the abominable commanders of the Revolutionary Army!”

"You're... original?"

The answer seemed to suit him since he gave you a bright smile before retracing his steps to bring you back your outfit.

When you arrived later at the party, he wore his outfit like a child at the school fair while you stood by his side, still stunned. You were dressed in a long two-tone orange and white fur coat as well as the rest of the paraphernalia. You wore a wig of the same colors with a bow tie and a glass of wine already filled.

You hadn't expected that when he asked you to choose your costumes.

𝖑𝖆𝖜

black cat

As you walked down a dimly lit street with Law, you heard something moving next to you.

Then a meow.

Immediately, a completely black cat came out of the darkness before walking directly towards both of you. He went first to the surgeon and rubbed against his legs while letting out little meows. However, when he saw that the man wasn't even looking down at him, he changed his target and came towards you.

He then started his trick again, this time rubbing against your legs.

“Don’t do that,” Law growled when you reached down to pet him. “it’s not hygienic.”

Yet, that didn't stop you from plunging your hand into his fur. It was soft and warm and the cat immediately began to rub against your palm, begging for more petting. He didn't seem aggressive at all so you bent down completely to take him into your arms.

"No!" the surgeon continued while raising his eyes to the sky when you were at eye level with the feline. “It’s dirty, you don’t even know where it went!”

But you continued to pet the animal, now snuggled comfortably against your chest, while looking at your lover who was desperately trying to avoid looking at the creature.

But said creature suddenly turned its eyes towards him and started meowing again while starting to wriggle in your arms.

When you put him down, he went back to the surgeon and started rubbing against his legs again. He rubbed himself against one, then passed between his feet to rub against the other. He made figure eights between Law's ankles then rubbed his head against the bottom of his calf. All while continuing to make his adorably cute little noises.

Finally, Law sighed under your amused gaze and looked away from the stars. He leaned his eyes toward his feet and met those of the feline.

You knew at that moment that the cat had won.

Sure enough, he crouched down to get closer to the animal but, instead of remaining still so he could run his hand through its fur, the feline instead jumped onto his lap. Unbalanced, Law hugged him so that he didn't fall and he took the opportunity to move up towards his neck to place his paws on his shoulders and his head under his chin.

Law stood up to steady himself with the cat still snuggled against him.

When he saw your mocking look, he opened his mouth to defend himself but was immediately cut off by a purr coming from the little creature. He immediately closed his mouth and, avoiding your gaze, he dipped his hand back into the fur to start stroking it again.

"Shut up." he growled.

𝖘𝖆𝖇𝖔

automn with pumpkin juice

The afternoon was quite cool but you were enjoying the moment thanks to Sabo's company.

After days of rain, you decided to finally go out a little to walk around. There were no bars or anything around, so the walk seemed like a good solution to stretch your legs.

You found yourself walking on the forest paths in your high boots to protect yourself from the puddles, while the red and orange leaves under your feet crunched when you stepped on them. Other leaves of this fiery hue still clung to the branches of the trees around you and gave them the look of flames when they were shaken by the wind. A smell of rain drowned the forest.

When the ride came to an end, you headed home.

You went to take your shower first then Sabo went. He went straight out from the bathroom to the kitchen and heated up two cups of pumpkin juice. As the liquid heated, he lit the fireplace and gathered the soft blankets on the couch in front of your watching eyes.

Finally, he returned to the kitchen to serve the two drinks and returned before placing the cups on the small tables. He sat quietly on the couch by the fireplace and lifted his arm so you could come and snuggle against him.

So you jumped on him to press yourself against his side.

He closed his arms around you and covered you both with the soft blankets. He then collected the two pumpkin juices and handed you your hot cup, which you held pleasantly in your hands, before starting to drink his.

You spent the rest of the afternoon like this: warm in your living room, curled up together, while drinking your juices.

𝖘𝖊𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖙𝖔𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖜!

𝖏𝖔𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖙𝖆𝖌𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙 𝖎𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖉𝖔𝖓'𝖙 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖒𝖎𝖘𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖞 𝖚𝖕𝖉𝖆𝖙𝖊

𝖙𝖆𝖌𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙: @iheartamora @bontensh0e @opchara @idsmash717 @lys-ada @xomingyu @parkyrr @dozcan123 @livwritesfics @anotherproblemsos @phsycochan

[mercholic]

— The wind was blowing all the picnic ustensils over, and you wonder why you both hadn’t bothered checking the weather before coming. Gavi closes the car door, and the sound echoes all over the tiny beach you had settled in for the day.

“Madre mia,” He grunts, setting the food baskets down, “How come it’s so warm out here but so humid?”.

“You chose to come here, pablo. See, in English, we say ‘take the consequences’ when stuff like that happens. For example, right now, you’re taking the consequences for not having checked the wind speed probability—“

“Save it,” he cuts you off, emptying the final food bag. You do nothing but giggle at his hot-blooded attitude. He’s never been calm, about anything, but you’re sure to have hit a nerve with this one. You’re about to abandon your antics and dig in, when an impromptu swarm of guests make their way to your romantic rendez-vous. Droplets make their appearances on the plates, and soon enough, the entirety of your setup is drenched. You don’t dare look at Gavi’s face, and instead look up to the sky. Surely enough, the previously immaculate clouds turn into a dull grey, effectively ruining your plans.

“I’m gonna start thinking the weather has something against me.” The brunette mumbles, and you reach out to him. Softly playing with his hair at the back of his head, so try your best to reassure him; “it’s the thought that counts, babe,” you turn to face him, “Besides, we can continue this in the car, we don’t have to drive back right away.”

He looks at you through his big brown eyes, and you feel even worse. Admittedly, going for a picnic in February wasn’t the best idea, even in Barcelona. However, the pity party doesn’t end up lasting too long as Gavi suddenly gets up and starts packing up at light speed, leaving you confused when he doesn’t come back to pick up the rest. From the car, he makes his intentions known: “If you’re not back with everything in two minutes, I’m driving off!”

“You don’t even know how to drive!” You shout back, hand over your eyes to prevent the rain from blurring your eyesight.

“One more reason for you to want to hurry up, amor!”

In other circumstances, you would have laughed, but with the rain pouring down and efficiently soaking you to the core, 3 food bags that are seconds close to being ruined, and a possible misdemeanour on your hands, you find it hard to take the joke lightly.

“I hate you!”

“I love you too!”

[jinwoosungs]

{ 78 }

waltz in the rain.

ichigo kurosaki x fem.reader

10 stages of love

bleach - au

1. first sight

june 17, 20XX

you had been living in karakura town for a few months now, ready to start your medical residency at a nearby hospital. your parents shared their concerns with you being so far away from home, but you didn’t want to change any of your plans. 

the sole reason why you chose karakura town was because you wanted to spread your wings and come out of your comfort zone. you spent your whole life growing up in your small town and was looking forward to experiencing something new. the first time you had seen karakura located on the map, something clicked from deep inside you. 

this town was special, and you were going to have an amazing experience, you were sure of it. 

since moving in to your new apartment, you didn’t have too many pieces of furniture save for your bed, desk, and single dining room table. because you were so busy preparing for your residency near the end of june, you usually bought convenient foods at your local store. 

today was no different. 

while walking around town, you were aware of how hot and humid the weather had become as gentle droplets of rain were felt sliding down your face. the hoodie you wore was a thin one and didn’t do much to protect you from the rain. thanks to the sudden downpour, you end up purchasing an umbrella along with your dinner for the night before making your way back home. 

your footsteps echo across the streets slick with rain, immediately regretting your decision of leaving your apartment to get food. the rain that was once a drizzle now turned into a downpour, leaving you shivering as you tried to walk faster back to your apartment. 

it almost feels as though the sky is crying.

your gentle musing earns a smile from you while crossing the street. you stick to the sidewalk, but suddenly became aware of the flowing river to your right. you take in the beautiful scenery, becoming almost mesmerized at the sight of the pelting rain against the river when a sudden figure makes you stop in your tracks. 

settled in front of the river was a tall young man. his bright orange hair was something that was hard to miss as his clothes began to darken with the ongoing rain. he wore no jacket and had no umbrella, filling you with concern for this stranger. 

he was definitely was going to get sick, and you didn’t want that. 

pulling up the hood of your hoodie, you step into the wet grass, making your way closer to him. he seems to hear you, becoming aware of your presence when the sight of his back suddenly stiffening makes you slow your movements-

he looked like he was ready to strike. 

“uhm, excuse me?” 

finally listening to the sound of your voice, he relaxes his stance and faces you-

and you become caught off guard with the sheer, masculine beauty he displayed. his face was all hard angles, with full lips that would have appeared seductive had he not had them frowning in a permanent scowl. his eyes reminded you of a warm coffee hue, the sight of it making your whole body heat up as you trembled.

you were speechless, so mesmerized by him that all you could do was hold out your umbrella for him to take. 

“h-here, take it. i don’t want you to get sick.”

“what? why are you giving me your umbrella?” oh no, even his voice sounded incredibly rich and seductive to you. you could feel your cheeks heating up as you couldn’t even bring yourself to look at him. 

“j-just take it, okay?!” not giving this perfect stranger a choice, you shove the umbrella in his arms before turning away from him. you were aware of the way he calls out to you, beckoning you to stop-

yet still, you couldn’t do it. instead, you tighten your hands around your bag before sprinting away from him. 

you didn’t dare to look back, and simply accepted the fact that you may never see him again. 

2. introduction

dr. uryu ishida was a man who was definitely pragmatic and stiff, and you found that despite how much you respected him, you couldn’t seem to follow or enjoy the way he interacted with his patients. 

he was a man that worked fast and efficiently. you were honestly amazed at how far he had become as a doctor while being just a few years older than you. 

dr. ishida takes you on rounds and asks you questions here and there about how you planned to treat certain patients if they had specific disease states. you did your best to think critically and answer him, but something about this whole residency left you feeling cold. 

there was no warmth, no interaction with those patients, and it left you with an almost gaping feeling of emptiness. you were once so excited, being able to start your residency under the tutelage of dr. ishida, but now that you saw how he worked firsthand, it was so different than what you were expecting. 

three weeks in to your residency, dr. ishida senses your distance and asks that you come into his office so that you could talk first thing in the morning. 

to say that you were nervous over this meeting would have been a huge understatement.

here you were, awkwardly settled on one of the chairs in ishida’s office as your eyes wander around the private space. everything was so neat and proper, with everything in its place. from the laptop, to the stacks of papers settled around the desk, it was all so perfect to you. 

however, as you continued looking around, you became aware of a picture frame settled to the right of his desk. it was the one item that seemed out of place, being settled at an angle. turning the frame around so that it was now facing you, your heart melted at the sight. 

in the picture, dr. ishida was holding a beautiful woman with long, auburn hair. his hands were settled on her swollen belly, indicating that she was pregnant with his child. never before has dr. ishida smiled so widely as he did at that very moment. 

“ah, i see you’ve met my greatest treasures.” 

you jump a bit at his sudden entrance, sporting an apologetic smile on your face when you turn back the frame to its original position. “i’m sorry for snooping, i was just a little curious.” 

he lets out a tiny laugh, pushing up his glasses while taking a seat across from you, “that’s my wife, orihime. she’s expecting our first child soon, in the next couple of months.” 

you congratulate him on his future status of becoming a parent, and he simply smiles at your thoughtfulness before clearing his throat. he says your name with his hands clasped on his desk, getting straight to the point, “you’re unhappy here.”

you stiffen, actually becoming tongue tied as you tried to find the right words to say so as to not offend him. but he simply shakes his head, sitting back in his seat while picking up his picture frame. “i understand that the work here at karakura hospital may be a bit too fast-paced, given the sheer amount of patients we have staying in this hospital and must treat. perhaps such a route of medicine may not be for you. i can handle such stressful work in my life solely because i have someone to come home to that takes all of that stress away.” 

“i know you’d much rather have a more intimate relationship with your patients to better treat them. that’s why, i’ve already called a close...colleague of mine, and they agreed to take you in.”

you notice how hesitant dr. ishida sounded when he mentions this mysterious colleague, and the doubt you felt must have been written all over your face when he suddenly chuckles, “dr. kurosaki isn’t a bad man. he’s eccentric, yes, but i’m sure he’s the man that can show you the type of patient care that you want.”

dr. ishida then takes out his writing pad and jots down the address of the clinic, telling you that you can start right away and head towards the clinic. feeling touched by his genuine kindness, you take the address and hold it close to your chest, thanking dr. ishida for giving you such an amazing opportunity. 

------

your heart was steadily racing, making you feel slightly anxious and nauseous when you finally arrive at the small clinic. 

you wonder if this place was perhaps run by family. in a stark contrast to karakura hospital, the place seemed to exude warmth and hospitality. it was as though this place had a gentle air to it, and that made you feel all the more excited to work under dr. kurosaki. 

“can i help you?” 

that voice, it’s that voice!

the raspiness was undeniable; you couldn’t count the sheer amount of times you’ve replayed that voice in your head along with the memory of his face. turning around to fully face him, you swore you could feel your whole body turn warm at the sight of him.

bright orange hair and deep brown eyes-

your perfect stranger. 

“are you dr. kurosaki?” your question comes out almost like a whisper, since you found it so hard to speak clearly when you were around him. it was pathetic, really, with your knees getting all mushy and weak just because he had a pretty face. 

he seems to scoff at your question, hands folded across his chest as he corrected you, “not even close, that’s my pops. i’m ichigo kurosaki.” 

3. interaction

“ichigo-” you gasp, cutting yourself off when you put both hands against your lips. just how rude could you be, calling him by his first name like that! 

“s-sorry, i didn’t mean to call you by your first name, and it’s my first time ever meeting you.” 

you hear him scoff, placing a hand behind his head while running a hand through his hair, “it’s fine, just tell me your name and we can call it even.”

you could feel your lips lift up in a grin, feeling happy and warm all over at his awkward kindness. within seconds, you tell him your name and step closer to him, “it’s so nice to finally meet you, ichigo kurosaki.” 

you watch as his own lips tilt up in a smile, already feeling your heart race at the sight when he tells you, “likewise.” 

he sighs, looking away from you briefly. his mouth opens, as if wanting to say something when a booming voice interrupts your first interaction with ichigo. 

“AH, I SEE YOU’VE ALREADY MET MY LOVELY ASSISTANT!” an older man with spiky, salt and pepper hair suddenly appears beside ichigo, slapping his son’s back with fervor. ichigo, clearly annoyed with his father’s antics, steps away from him first. “i’ll leave you two alone, and please, don’t annoy her too much.”

“wait, was there something you needed?” 

ichigo shakes his head, muttering “i can come back some other time.” he gives his father a simple wave. not knowing what comes over you, you step closer and call out to him, “wait, ichigo?”

he stops, with both him and his father giving you a curious glance. the heat returns back to your skin, and you felt so foolish for stopping ichigo-

but you were sure if you didn’t stop him, then you wouldn’t see him again.

“will you come back, y-you know, to maybe show me around karakura town?” 

ichigo gives you a wide-eyed expression before softening his gaze, “yeah, of course. i’ll come back.” 

you, feeling filled with happiness at the thought of seeing ichigo again, were completely unaware of the knowing smile isshin kurosaki gives while watching your interaction with his son. 

4. attraction

“you know, i give you my full blessing to date my son.”

you nearly trip over your own feet upon hearing such ridiculous words coming from isshin’s mouth. “d-doctor kurosaki! don’t be ridiculous!” 

he sighs, giving you a playful pout while placing a hand on your shoulder, “i’m not kidding. i’m afraid my son has grown up to be quite lonesome with no one by his side.”

“that’s a silly notion.” you distract yourself with taking the inventory of all the medications isshin had stocked in his clinic, “besides, i’m sure he’s not as alone as you think he is. he seems like such a wonderful guy.” 

“he is a wonderful guy.” the older kurosaki agrees with you, but it was his next words that makes you stop in your tracks, “in fact, he’s so wonderful he let his best friend marry the woman he once loved.” 

this new piece pertaining to ichigo’s life makes you stiffen, your hands frozen on the spot as they lay suspended against the shelf. you listen as isshin spoke fondly about ichigo’s teenaged years. 

“he’s always wanted to protect everyone, placing such a burden on his shoulders at such a young age. all he wanted was to be strong and have the strength to protect everything that was precious to him.” 

“orihime inoue was one of those people.” 

you could feel the coldness seep into your veins at the familiar name. it was dr. ishida’s wife, the same woman who he had admitted to being his light, his sole purpose for living each day. 

“she was a beauty, reminding me a lot of my late wife, masaki. she had a kindness that even my dense son became drawn to, and they were together for a while. 

but a rift suddenly came between them. to this day, my son has not changed his desire to protect everyone he meets. perhaps this made orihime lonely, or perhaps he did this on purpose to force uryu to finally act on his feelings for the girl.”

by now, your mind was spinning at this knowledge. seeing the perplexed expression on your face makes him smile as he shakes his head, “perhaps it’s just my wishful thinking, since i want my son to be happy. but i can’t ignore the way his eyes soften each time he looks at you. 

if anyone can make him happy like he deserves, i feel like it would be you.” 

you didn’t know what to say, feeling your heart race at what isshin was implying. “i-i don’t know dr. kurosaki. although i admit, i am attracted to ichigo and am drawn to him, i just don’t think he feels the same way.” 

a sudden knock heard coming from the door makes you look away from isshin, feeling your mouth turn dry upon seeing ichigo standing before you, “i-ichigo, how long have you been standing there?!” 

he frowns at your question and the sight of your panicked expression, “not long at all. i just got here, and i was hoping you’d still be here.” 

“dad, do you mind giving her some time off this weekend? i promised to show her around.” 

you could feel the way your heart began to race at his question, making isshin let out a hearty laugh while clapping his hands together, “BUT OF COURSE! ANYTHING FOR MY PRECIOUS SON!” 

this earns yet another scowl from ichigo as he ends up bickering back and forth with his dad. yet all you could focus on was how much your ears were ringing as a sweet anticipation for the weekend fills your veins. 

5. date

this isn’t a date. 

the weekend had finally came, and that’s all you kept telling yourself when you got ready to meet with ichigo. you were dressed casually, and wore a light sheen of makeup just to be safe. 

your heart refused to stop racing, and you were so anxious to finally see ichigo once more. you had never felt so nervous before, with even your palms sweating at the thought of seeing him again. 

checking your phone, you figured it was best to meet him at the station first. you definitely didn’t want to be late, or keep him waiting for you. besides, the excited butterflies that filled your stomach made it harder for you to keep still. 

with a noticeable bounce in your step, you walk out of your apartment and down the steps. your mind was filled with various scenarios on how your interactions with ichigo would go. 

but the last thing you expected was to actually see ichigo standing outside your apartment complex. he had his hands buried within the pockets of his jeans all while dressed in a tight, black shirt that fit him all too well. just seeing him standing so perfectly before you makes you do a double take, feeling shy all of a sudden as you take him in. 

he’s so perfect.

he sees you standing there and gives you a smile, holding out a hand for you to take, “what are you waiting for? come on...”

6. holding hands

oh no, are my palms sweating? should i wipe them on my clothes or...?

you were so caught up in your panicked thoughts that even ichigo couldn’t help but roll his eyes at your hesitance. “come on, i’m not gonna bite you or anything.” 

he makes the move first, taking a hold of your hand. the moment his palm met with yours, you could feel your face heat up, the blood rushing beneath your skin as you became hotter upon feeling such a close contact. 

as if that wasn’t enough on your poor heart, ichigo actually starts to intertwine his fingertips with yours, locking your hand together with his as he takes the lead and begins walking. 

“let’s go.” 

so caught up in your reverie, you didn’t notice ichigo and his own nervousness permeating through the air. had you payed even a speck of attention to him and his own reactions instead of being so caught up in your own little world, you would have noticed the way the tip of his ears turned red and how much he was smiling whenever you were around. 

little did you both know, you had found something achingly special within one another. 

7. first kiss

this certainly feels like a date.

you couldn’t help but think to yourself whilst exploring karakura town with ichigo. he made everything feel so bright and beautiful to you, and you never wanted this feeling to end. 

ichigo takes you to all of his favorite hangouts; from eating at a diner he frequents at to his old high school, you found yourself taking in everything he was telling you. you found yourself wanting to know him more and all the mysteries he had to offer. 

your exploration comes to a slow halt when he takes you to a local park, sitting beside you on the bench while admiring the warm summer air. the glow of the streetlamp coupled along with the ephemeral lights exuded from the fireflies painted the entire night in such an intimate light. you found yourself unconsciously leaning closer to ichigo, earning his attention when he glances down at you. 

you rest your head against his shoulder, feeling far too embarrassed to face him when you tell him, “thank you for tonight, i had a lot of fun. and it was so nice listening to your stories pertaining to this town.” 

he swallows thickly, frowning slightly whilst deep in thought. it was quiet for a few more minutes before you hear ichigo let out a quiet curse. 

“i’m sorry for this.” 

“huh?” 

his hand was suddenly on your chin, bringing you closer to him. his eyes were dilated even from beneath the light of the streetlamp, and he was looking at you with such an intensity you had never seen before. he appeared uncertain, his thumb shakily stroking at your bottom lip when he asks in a breathless whisper, “can i...?”

“yes, god yes, you can.” 

that was all the urging he needed to surge forward, finally claiming your lips with his as you fell into his arms, quickly becoming drunk off of his kisses alone. 

8. relationship

who knew that you coming to karakura town would be the start of something so beautiful?

all you wanted was to experience something new in your life, something that your home couldn’t quite give you anymore as you grew to be more independent. working under isshin enforces your desire to become a doctor, with goals of perhaps owning your own clinic someday. 

but what you hadn’t counted on was meeting someone who fit you so perfectly, like a missing puzzle piece. 

ichigo was everything you wanted and more in a significant other. he was so kind, so patient-

and you couldn’t believe how lucky you were to have him; to be able to call him as your own. 

some nights, when he was too busy to spend time with you, you would feel lonely, but that never made your feelings waver for him. you would always know that you were on his mind as well when he sends you a goodnight and good morning text. and if neither of you were too tired, then you would call each other just to talk about your respective day. 

being in a relationship with ichigo was honestly pure and utter bliss. 

9. love

you loved ichigo, yet was so terrified when it came to finally telling him. 

thoughts kept invading your mind, like was it too early to tell your boyfriend you loved him despite dating him for six months?

you just didn’t want to appear clingy, or not genuine if you said you loved him too soon-

but really, that’s how you felt. only a fool would be unable to fall for ichigo. his kindness and desire to protect you at all costs were such attractive traits to you. 

you adored him. each time you looked at him, you were certain that he was the reason why the sun came up each day, just to pass by him and admire the sheer brilliance of him- 

but you were afraid. 

you think back to seeing orihime’s picture on dr. ishida’s desk. she was so beautiful that you couldn’t help but feel pale in comparison to her. despite how happy ichigo made you, it hurt a bit to know that he once had such a beautiful woman in his arms. 

which was why you were so afraid of coming clean to him about your feelings. 

your troubled thoughts is what admittedly makes you a bit distracted while at work at the kurosaki clinic, and isshin was kind enough to give you the rest of the day off with orders to “enjoy the weekend and come back monday once you were more refreshed.” 

you thank him for this chance to clear your mind, and you took this chance to simply relax within the comfort of your apartment. 

you were starting to feel better, dressed in your oversized shirt with a carton of your favorite ice cream in hand while watching a movie. you were halfway through your favorite treat when a sudden knock heard at your door makes you turn down the volume of your tv. getting off the couch, you peek through the fish-eye lens of your door to see ichigo standing with two large bags in his hands.

“ichigo!” you gasp, opening the door for him. he enters the apartment while giving your forehead a kiss. “hey, dad told me you weren’t feeling so well, so i figured i should come over with your favorite takeout.” 

your heart melts at how considerate your boyfriend was. you were about to tell him that he didn’t need to go though such trouble, but he simply waves off your concern, “i’m your boyfriend, it’s my job to make you feel better.” 

he takes a seat on your couch, already getting out the paper plates as he gets a bit of everything on to the plates. instead of feeling hungry with all of your favorite foods settled before you, you felt your feelings of love for him begin to overflow, ready to burst at the seams. 

you join him on the couch, catching his attention when you place a hand on his chin. he lets go of the plate, settling it on your table when you push him back on the sofa and give him a passionate kiss. 

he sharply inhales, but returns your kiss just a few seconds later. you settle yourself on top of his chest, pulling away from the kiss first all while staring down at him with complete and utter adoration in your gaze. 

“i love you, ichigo, so much.” you gently frame at his face when you finally revealed your deepest secret to him. “and it’s okay if you don’t feel the same way about me. i just wanted to let you know that i admire and adore how kind you are, always putting other people’s happiness first before your own.” 

by now, you were getting emotional, with tears filling your eyes when you shakily tell him, “orihime was a fool for not choosing you. because i know if i had your love, i would never let you go or choose someone else. never ever.”

unable to stop your tears from flowing, you cling to ichigo, landing against his chest while clutching at the front of his shirt. he remains silent for some time, as if trying to gather his thoughts before wrapping his arms around you. 

he brings you closer to him, and you found yourself surrounded by his warmth and gentle scent of his cologne. he presses a kiss against the top of your head, and you could feel him smiling against your skin, “do you really think that i don’t love you?” 

ichigo then lifts your face away from his chest, wanting to see your beautiful expression even if you were crying. he gently wipes away at your tears, “the reason why i could let orihime go so easily was because i knew someone loved her more than i ever could.

it hurt, knowing that i couldn’t make her happy like ishida could, but i’ve long accepted that now.” he rests his forehead against yours, eyes turning soft as they shone with love for you. “but losing you, that would pretty much kill me.” 

“so you’re pretty much stuck with me until the end of our days.” 

you end up showing him a tearful smile, feeling happier than ever when you fling your arms around him to press another kiss against his lips. 

i love you. the words were finally exchanged between the two lovers, and you swore you never felt so complete before in your life. 

10. commitment 

ichigo wanted to be with you for the rest of his life. 

after being together with you for a total of three years, he had never been so certain about anything else before in his life.

but there was just this one tiny little problem-

he had forgotten where he hid his engagement ring for you. 

and that was going to be a complete and total disaster if he couldn’t find it before going to his reservation tonight. 

ichigo must have searched every nook and cranny for that damned black velvet box, but it never turned up. when he called his sisters in a panic, unable to decide what he should do, they simply called him an idiot before telling him to ‘figure it out’ before upsetting you. 

in the midst of his search, he hears what sounds like you softly crying, coming from the laundry room. hearing your cries makes him forget all about the damn ring when he enters the room, calling out your name while asking what was wrong. 

he watches as your eyes fill with tears as a familiar velvet box was in your hand, opened completely as it revealed the diamond ring he had planned to propose to you with tonight during dinner. 

ichigo lets out a string of curses at the sight, nearly banging his head on the wall for forgetting how he had hidden the velvet box behind some boxes of fabric softeners settled on the shelf. 

“i was about to do laundry when i found this settled in the corner. and i...oh ichigo i’m so sorry.” ichigo could feel his heart physically stop at the sound of regret in your voice, not wanting to lose you or have his heart broken because it may have been too soon to propose to you...!

yet instead of hearing your rejection, you continue to cry and berate yourself for finding the ring on your own accord, “i’m sure this was going to be a surprise during our dinner, and i ruined it, i ruined your proposal!” 

by now, you were a complete wreck, in shambles over ruining what you thought was going to be the perfect proposal. instead of feeling angry, ichigo couldn’t stop the relief from coursing through him. 

not wanting you to cry over something so trivial, he kneels down to your height and takes you in his arms. he comforts you, rubbing your back in hopes of calming down the sobs that made your body tremble and shake. “baby, calm down. it’s okay, regardless of where and how i was going to propose, the end goal was going to be the same: i am going to be your husband, and you’re going to be my wife.” 

gently, he takes the velvet box out of your hand, getting down on one knee as he presented the ring to you. he says your full name while admitting to you, “i’m positive i fell in love with you at first sight, when you gave me that umbrella on that rainy day; a day you now know as the anniversary of my mother’s death. 

i’m certain that she was the one who lead you to me that day, and i’ll never regret it. so please, marry me.” 

with the same happy expression ichigo has come to adore painting your features, you give him a tearful nod, unable to speak due to how overwhelming your emotions had become for the man settled in front of you. with his own hands shaking, he takes out the ring and places it on your left ring finger, swallowing thickly while commenting, “it’s a perfect fit.” 

you wrap your arms around your lover’s neck, sitting on his lap while littering his face full of butterfly kisses. as you kissed at his jawline, you murmur with a dreamy sigh against his skin, “i look forward to being together with you as your wife, for forever and a day."

a.n. - this is a rewrite of a story i had written a long time ago when i was younger. i miss writing for ichigo so much; he looks amazing during the thousand year blood war arc 🥹 currently unedited, but i'll make edits once this is posted as usual ♡

all stories are written by rei; reposts, translations, and plagiarism are not allowed.

[nhasablogg]

But you keep me alive

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Characters: Hotch, the BAU team

Summary: Reid and Garcia host a Halloween party. Hotch isn't sure if he should attend.

A/N: The team bonding/Halloween party option in my Criminal Minds poll won, so here you have some Hotch angst and found family set in season 3. Enjoy!

Words: 2k

(Read it on AO3)

Hotch wasn’t sure why he’d agreed to come. Maybe the prospect of spending another weekend alone at home, or sneaking into the office to work when he wasn’t supposed to, was finally starting to look too gloomy even for him. “Remember to dress up,” Reid had told him, all excitement that Hotch had never felt for Halloween until Jack had been born and he’d been picturing what it would be like to bring him out with him for trick or treating. But Jack was too little for it, or maybe had just become big enough to appreciate it had it not been for the divorce. Hotch didn’t dare ask to have him for the weekend in case he would suddenly have to get on the jet and leave. He wasn’t sure his heart would take it, this time.

He stood in front of Garcia’s apartment, for Reid and Garcia seemed to both have this shared love of dressing up that they decided to host together, and wondered if anyone was even expecting his presence. If not, would he be bringing the party down if he knocked? His costume was in his pocket, some stupid devil's horn he was certain wouldn’t go well with his regular suit anyway, but if Reid showed any disappointment over his half-assed attempt at dressing up he would say he was dressed as a bad cop. It wouldn’t be a lie.

It was warm for late october. Humid. It nearly pissed him off, that everything in his life had been turned upside down and even the weather wasn’t what it was supposed to be. He found himself lamenting over the unnecessary nowadays, maybe as a coping mechanism. Stepping in a puddle he hadn’t seen. His coffee being too hot, or too cold, never just right. When someone decided to buy the team cookies and got the kind he’d never told them he didn’t like. It was stupid. He felt stupid. He didn’t even feel proud over not snapping at anyone for silly inconveniences because he wasn’t supposed to be doing that anyway. His team had enough on their plates without him being unreasonable. From Rossi appearing and seemingly replacing Gideon before Reid had even gotten over his departure, to Garcia being shot, to JJ and Emily having to witness yet another woman around their age get killed for no reason other than that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And then there were the unspoken things, like the sobriety coin Reid kept fiddling with when he didn’t think anyone could see him. Hotch supposed his own divorce was an unspoken thing too. He wasn’t sure if he wanted anyone to bring it up with him when he wasn’t ready for it.

As he stood in front of the door, hand hovering over the doorbell, he wished Gideon hadn’t disappeared from the face of the earth. He was, not too surprisingly, the only person he would consider talking to about this, not from a friendly perspective necessarily but more because they’d been forced into this sort of proximity. Both older, both in a position of power over the rest of the team. Sharing rooms, sharing afternoons. He reckoned Rossi, with his usually flawless observational skills, would eventually replace him, but they weren’t there yet. Hotch didn’t know what to say to him, or where he had him. And Rossi was bolder than Gideon. Rossi wasn’t afraid of provoking the truth out of him.

Hotch dropped his hand. Wondered if he was a coward for never speaking plainly to his team members about their problems or if he was doing it to allow them some sort of guise of privacy. Partying with them was not giving them privacy. He would simply be a presence looming in the corner which would make them less relaxed.

The door opened just as he was about to turn around. “I gave you enough time, but this is getting ridiculous.” It was Emily. She was dressed in cowboy attire and had something glazed over her eyes and Hotch realized most of his team were probably several drinks in. “Are you coming or not?”

He straightened, surprisingly happy that she was speaking to him like a friend, with a tinge of impatience, nearly exasperation. “I’m coming. Just needed to brace myself for what I was about to see in here.”

She grinned, her smile always reaching her eyes, and grabbed his wrist to pull him inside. The staircase was echoey, but the sound of blasting music could just about be heard over their steps. It wasn’t loud enough to warrant a warning this early in the night, which was good because it would be just their luck if a team of seven BAU members got arrested for something so stupid.

Would make a good story though.

Hotch made sure to put on his horns before Emily pushed the apartment door open and they were met with music, laughter, and the delicious scent of something homebaked, something sweet and nostalgic.

“Was I supposed to bring something?” he asked, suddenly horrified, but Emily just shook her head before he was engulfed by the rest of his team, all dressed in ridiculous costumes from fairies to some sort of obscure fantasy creature he’d never seen. Morgan was, hilariously enough, dressed as a cop.

“Check this out,” he said, showing off his fake baton. “I’ve also got handcuffs for when Garcia starts dancing on tables and I have to restrain her.”

“Kinky.” Garcia was dressed in something purple and fluffy that probably only made sense to her and maybe Reid. She was behind the kitchen counter, stirring a red concoction which looked both terrifying and maybe a little appealing right now. Hotch had had a long day.

“You dressed up.” Reid appeared in his wizard costume, smiling from ear to ear even though Hotch’s horns could barely be called dressing up.

He cleared his throat. “I was afraid I would be turned away at the door if I didn’t.”

“Reid brought an extra costume in case you didn’t,” Rossi said, dressed as a very unrealistic vampire complete with fake fangs and red color dripping down his chin. He was grinning, as if showing off the fangs. “You should be happy you got dressed up because it looked complicated.”

“I should totally do a closet change in the middle of the party,” Reid said, vibrating on the spot at the thought, or maybe due to the bass of the music. It was bound to give Hotch a headache. He could tell.

“Here you go, sir,” Garcia said, suddenly in front of him with a glass filled with the red punch. “Tell me if you think it’s too weak and I’ll rectify that immediately.”

Hotch took a sip and nearly spit it out from how strong it was. “No, no, it’s good, Garcia, don’t worry.”

She smiled giddily and disappeared. Hotch would find she had trouble being still, just like he would come to discover that JJ, who he’d nearly missed due to how still she was on the couch, became calmer the drunker she got. Reid became giggly and bold, unused to drinking, but he seemed to also know his limits well enough. Rossi would be the same, as would Morgan, except that he would be dancing more than anything. Emily would also become bolder, louder, none of them self conscious. All of them at home.

And Hotch? Hotch would stay sober. Hotch was terrified of losing control that night.

He settled next to JJ once the attention wasn’t on him anymore. She smiled, but didn’t say anything, which he appreciated. The music seemed to have gotten just a tad louder, with an old 90s club banger making the silverware in the cupboards clatter, Morgan already swaying to it while holding onto Garcia’s hips, the two of them moving together, platonic soulmates in a way Hotch had never fully understood but never questioned. Reid was circling around them, placing fake spiders and spider webs around the apartment even though they were everywhere already. Fake skulls on the coffee table. Candy which looked like ghosts on plates. Hotch was watching him, watching him come into his own the older he got. He’d been so busy that he’d nearly missed the signs, but he’d noticed when he’d stopped. When he’d stopped and had started getting help. It had been Hotch’s first indicator that if he needed to lead this team well he needed to get out of his own head.

“You’re not drinking,” JJ said, leaning closer to be heard over the music. She had her own half-empty drink on the table in front of them, although it was more pink than red. Hotch wondered how late he’d been if Garcia had had time to make a whole new punch for his arrival.

“Don’t tell them,” Hotch said, pointing to the others with his glass. “They’re too excited to be reasonable about it.”

She let out a laugh. “Fair enough. I’ll cover you when you want to pour some out to not raise their suspicion.”

“And I’ll pretend as if I didn’t hear,” Rossi said from behind them. Hotch hadn’t realized he was there.

Hotch found himself, miraculously, grinning. “Thank you. I’ll remember this next time we have our annual evaluations.”

Emily had joined whatever Morgan and Garcia were doing, all hips and arms, with Morgan occasionally dropping it low in a way he knew he wouldn’t be doing around colleagues had they not been forced into the intimacy only a family had. Reid was still circling them in a way that it nearly looked rehearsed, all of them knowing exactly where they belonged, until Emily grabbed for Reid, too, to bring him into the huddle. He seemed uncertain for the first time since Hotch had arrived, his role suddenly changing from the excited Halloween enthusiast into something else. Something he wasn’t used to. He glanced back at him, or possibly at JJ, whom he knew he was close to anyway, as if asking for help, but JJ simply leaned back with a smile. Once Morgan joined in by grabbing Reid’s hips to force him to move, Rossi sat down beside Hotch, as if wanting to enjoy a show.

“I don’t know how to,” they heard Reid say as the song changed, looking alarmed, but Morgan simply curled his fingers over his side, something Hotch had seen so often that he knew exactly that that was what he’d done without really seeing it properly. Reid jerked away, and then twitched to the other side when Morgan repeated the action on his other side, tickling the kid into moving.

“That’s brilliant,” Rossi said with a chuckle, and Hotch had to agree, although he felt a bit bad for Reid when Garcia and Emily joined in, all three of them poking and prodding at his midriff, lower back, ribs, until he’d curled up with laughter, unable to get away and promising to dance. At least that was what Hotch assumed, as he started swaying to the music the moment they backed off, looking flustered, but not necessarily uncomfortable. Aware that he was safe here, with all of them.

“You gonna join them?” Hotch asked JJ, who simply shook her head, opting instead to grab her drink to take a sip.

“Are you?” Rossi shot back, and Hotch nearly laughed at the question and then laughed for real when Rossi suddenly stood to join the group, swaying hips and shaking shoulders in a way that made Hotch wonder if he was dreaming.

“Okay, I feel compelled to join now,” JJ said, taking another sip before standing. “Emily will kill me if I don’t.”

As if on cue Emily broke out of the group and went to grab her, pulling her onto the makeshift dance floor by the hand, the two of them embracing each other tightly as if they’d been friends for years.

Hotch leaned back and cradled his drink, watching his team and realizing he was happy to have come, after all.

[misteria247]

Y'all ever wonder how 07 Leo deals with the temperature changes whenever he comes home to NYC??

Like if you really think about it the dude was literally in Central America for two years, which means he was in a much more humid climate and atmosphere, was surrounded by jungle growth and overwhelming heat waves during the summer months. Basically he was in an extremely warm climate for a very long time and suddenly he comes back home and after the Winters incident he's staying put. Like could you imagine how autumn must feel like to him?? Just imagine he feels the slightly chilly air and starts to shiver because brrr and his brothers notice it and 07 Mikey's like:

"Dude you okay? You're shivering?"

And 07 Leo being stubborn and feeling slightly stupid for getting cold in autumn is just like:

"Yeah I'm fine don't worry about it."

And it just goes on and the colder it gets the more 07 Leo just starts unconsciously seeking warmer things. Like he'll unintentionally start to lean towards 07 Splinter and leech off his warmth cuz of his fur or he'll snuggle in between 07 Donnie and 07 Raph during movies because omg they're so warm and he's freezing his shell off. As autumn draws to its close and winter gets into gear this blue dummy is literally a shivering disaster. Like I'm talking won't get out of his bed in the morning because the floor's freezing cold, teeth chattering, carrying a blanket around with him cold. At this point everyone notices 07 Leo's behavior and 07 Donnie gets hit with an epiphany and goes:

"Omfg he's cold because he hasn't been in this climate for like two years ugh I can't believe I didn't think of this possibility sooner-"

And he'll go into mother hen mode going to do research on the subject of reintroducing his older brother back into the colder temperatures of NYC instead of the hotter sweltering heat of Central America. 07 Raph meanwhile will hunt down his idiot big brother and once he finds him he's already got a blanket and just tackles him wrapping him up in a blanket burrito going on and on like:

"Why the hell didn't you say anything you moron??? If yer cold then say something for fuck sake-"

Later 07 Leo is literally drowning in blankets and pillows surrounded by his brothers who joined in the little nest to help him warm up. 07 Splinter would bring in hot chocolate and hand the mugs out while 07 Donnie is going over different techniques to help 07 Leo readjust to the weather in North America. 07 Mikey is snuggled up against 07 Leo keeping him warmer via physical contact and because it's been literally two years since they've done anything remotely turtle pile like. 07 Raph would be teasing 07 Leo slightly saying he's gotten old since his trip to Central America if he can't handle a little cold but it's plain to see that he's worried whenever he grabs a corner of the blanket that's falling off of them and placing it back onto them. 07 Splinter will make himself comfortable on the armchair watching his boys warmly and 07 Leo will look around the room, warm and secured and slightly sleepy because God this is really nice and he'll see his father and his warm gaze, his brother 07 Donnie already figuring out ways to help him, leaning up against his one side, his other brother 07 Mikey curled up practically into his side buried beneath the blankets with him, and 07 Raph watching over them and bumping his shoulder with his to comfort him in his own way and think:

'It's good to be home.'

Before drifting off into a small nap with his brothers following one by one.

[brinehater]

I finally did it guys! Arisen + Pawn Intro (template by @arisenreborn)

(Answering these as though before endgame+postgame, more fun for me)

♛ THE ARISEN:

NAME: Wildrose AGE: 20-21 (plot takes at least 1 year because first run was like 300+-ish days, exact number not screenshotted because surprised, shame; his birthday is in the spring) RACE: Human PRONOUNS: He/Him PREFERRED VOCATION: Trickster, Mage, Sorcerer FAVORED GIFTS: Noonbloom, Moonglow, Ferrystone (+100); ANY jewel (+50); ANY spell tome (+25); seashells, cool beads and buttons, colorful pieces of glass, other colorful/shiny rocks (+10) FAMILY: Chicory (mother, deceased), Mint (main pawn adopted sister)

POSITIVE TRAITS: Friendly, gentle, polite, compassionate, determined NEGATIVE TRAITS: Gullible, forgetful, head in the clouds, evasive (mainly about his own feelings), can also get a bit petty when pushed LIKES: Plants, magic, sweets, tea, shiny rocks, rain (especially the sound of it at night on the roof), getting the chance to be clean and dress well DISLIKES: Cruelty to others, excessive violence, overly hot and humid weather, loneliness (please don't leave him alone), failing to meet expectations

1. What was their life like before becoming Arisen?

Fairly quiet. Chicory, his mother, brought him to Vermund with her when he was very young (~3 years old), and they lived in a small house in the woods outside of Melve for as long as he could remember. He spent the majority of his life assisting her, as she became sort-of known as a witch after this move; she preferred isolation in the woods outside of Melve due to intense agoraphobia, but hated leaving people in need and was a genuinely talented healer. People knew they could come to her if they were in need of medicines and treatments, but it was difficult to get her to leave her home and the few times she actually went to Melve took tolls on her health. Once he was old enough to make the walk, it wasn't uncommon to see Wildrose in Melve making deliveries for her as well getting what she couldn't grow or make for them herself. When he awoke to his magic (~10 years old), she was the one who taught him also as a healer, though he did come to take a broader interest in the subject and often picked up any spell tomes he could get his hands on. About a year prior to events in Melve (~18-19 years old), Chicory's health quite suddenly became poor and rapidly deteriorated. Wildrose cared for his mother through it all to the very end, and her death was not easy to deal with though he had the means to handle it well. He was in plenty comfortable circumstances, and he was far from lonely with the friends he had in Melve even if they weren't particularly close, and there was some freedom too in being able to pursue his interests a bit more freely. It wasn't uncommon for him to even travel a little, but he never went particularly far from home, content with his quiet life. It was chance that he happened to still be in Melve the evening the dragon attacked, having gotten caught up in conversation before he set out for home. It was not like he was going to abandon people in need, or a friend to engage the dragon alone after others burnt, even when he burned too.

2. How do they handle being Arisen, and the responsibilities that come with it?

Messily, initially. The curse removing his memory did quite a number on him to begin with even without the dragon burning before that. After escaping the excavation site, there was a lot of confusion as while he still understood the basics, a great deal of Wildrose's finer understanding of the world outside of particular niches was compromised, and even a lot of his personality was rather muted at first as he tried to mask having such problems to avoid causing worry. Mint quickly started to call him on it, and returning to Melve so soon and not recognizing people that clearly knew him made it something important to him to work on quickly, if only for the sake of not wanting to hurt their feelings. From there, while he takes a long time to truly recover his memory, Wildrose was able to refocus, and likes the whole Arisen thing as a means to be able to help people. He wants to be of aid to everyone he can, and if he recovers his heart along the way to making sure everyone can sleep more soundly, that's just a lucky bonus. Even when the road gets exhausting and frustrating and he forgets what their immediate plan even was to begin with, he knows with full confidence that this at least is always his goal.

3. What are their thoughts on Pawns in general?

He's always had positive feelings on them, though before becoming Arisen it was more curiosity based. There was a point of time where his interest in magic saw him wondering about its connections and interactions with the Rift, and if he lucked out to meet a pawn, they certainly had to put up with a young him chattering away with questions naïve and too broad to truly learn anything. Further than that, he didn't want to trouble them as they had to be busy and have better to do. After becoming Arisen, when he finally has a chance to get to know pawns better, to him they're just people who are a bit awkward but very steadfast. All of them have their quirks despite what everyone else thinks of them, and he's seen them learn, change, and grow both traveling together and after parting and meeting again. To him, they should be cared for just as much as anyone else, and seeing others mistreat them or simply just think of them as things angers him.

4. What’s their relationship like with their main Pawn?

Mint is his sister. Wildrose knows people claim pawns don't have feelings, that many might call him a fool for thinking such, but for him it's simply just so. They care for each other and annoy each other to no end, they're ferociously protective of each other even when they squabble whether that be playfully or with actual sincerity, and always have the other's back. He could never think to ask for a better sibling in the entire world, looking up to her courage and ability to cut through to the point. Sometimes, usually when trying to fall asleep at night, it strikes him that it'd probably be better if their roles were reversed, if she were the Arisen and he was the pawn. There's a part of him that is able to admit that he envies her easy confidence as much as he appreciates it. It also makes him hope that he's very much able to live up to her belief in him one day, to make everything they've done worth it.

5. Do they have any interest in being Sovran? What are their opinions on the politics of the world in general?

No. He wants everyone (pawns are part of everyone for him) to suffer less, for them to be safe, and Vermund's court is very obviously messy and needs change, but he knows he's not the person to do that. While he can take initiative in a small group of people, and he's fine-ish at asking the pawns to do things, Wildrose is together enough to know that doesn't translate to being a leader of a country. Even with Brant and Sven on his side, he knows he is ill-suited, and intends that if he unable to persuade them, then… well, he doesn't know, but he does know Sven would actually be better than he thinks. Probably.

6. Who are their love interest(s) and/or closest friends?

While Wildrose is prone to making friends with most people, even if briefly, there are some notable standouts. There is, of course, Mint, loyal pawn and his first friend upon their whole journey, and his sister of choice no matter what others might think of that, and the most obvious of all. Before becoming Arisen, Wildrose was friends with Ulrika, viewing her as kind and reliable even though they weren't particularly close friends. Despite the initial embarrassment of the memory loss, they have become friends again. They are better friends now after everything in Melve (sorry game they just watched stars as buddies). As soon as he met Brant, Wildrose knew he liked him; even if he is a bit stiff, he's someone who exudes an energy of trust. Wildrose definitely looks up to him and how very committed he is to helping the people of Vermund. That said, there's also a degree of conflict to how much he looks up to him, as Brant is also very committed to seeing the true Arisen on the throne despite many attempts from Wildrose to convince him that he would be very bad at it. Despite the fact that meeting her was preceded by him falling badly off a long, rocky drop in Battahl and Mint having to carry him there and ask for shelter while he made a painful recovery, Wildrose adores Luz. Her wisdom and the sense of calm she gives makes him look to her as a sort of grandmother he didn't have, and also she taught him to be a Trickster! Wildrose is very fond of Sven; this is his closest relationship that isn't with Mint and... different. Beyond helping him the first time they met, he never expected to see him again, or even again after giving him the money needed to buy the ornate box, but then he actually did come to the fountain. It was nice to simply have someone his age to talk to and share stories with, and they got along well, and learning Sven was Disa's son did nothing to dampen their friendship, it only made visiting each other a little more difficult. In the longer term, it's clear there's definitely something there between them that's not just friendship, but from Wildrose's side there is caution stopping him from just spitting it out. It's not from any sort of lack of trust, but because he wants to avoid causing Sven any more trouble than he already does. Additionally, Wildrose thinks highly Sara, Wilhelmina, and Menella, viewing all three of them as some of the most driven people he's met along the way, whether that be by verve, passion, or devotion to duty. He also very much enjoys teasing Mint about all three (though the last can sometimes make Mint a little prickly). All of the pawns he meets along the way are dear friends too; he's beyond excited when he meets them again while traveling (pawn swap sheet pawns hopefully used to him sprinting up to happily talk to them)!

7. What drew them to their preferred vocation? Do they have history with it?

Mage was his first, and was how his mother taught him to control and utilize his magic. Being able to heal and aid others is always of comfort to Wildrose, even when his memory of such is gone and he doesn't truly understand why. Sorcerer was not something he ever pursued outside of interest in further spellwork and magical theory until he became Arisen, and while he had no memory of that interest, some of the notes he'd taken on his own skin ended up prompting him to pursue the vocation and also find it comfortable to work with, though he favors it less than Mage. His most preferred vocation of all however is Trickster. Though the lead up to how he learned the vocation was painful, and though it is much more indirect in how it allows him to aid his companions, the learning of the vocation itself was rewarding, and the ability to potentially keep all of them from getting hurt if he manages to make good use of its magic is nothing but a boon. The more comfortable he becomes too with how to shape and make use of the smoke only gives more chances for greater flexibility to the others and allow them to shine brilliantly.

8. Do they have any hobbies? Any way of relaxing between all that monster-slaying and traveling?

Wildrose likes gardening, though doing so with all the traveling and little space is hard; he keeps some plants that he can manage in small pots and don't need his constant tending so he doesn't need to worry about them so much while he's gone in the house in Vernworth, but he feels cramped. He also thoroughly enjoys making his own tea blends, finding the process both relaxing and stimulating as he tries to put together something he thinks will be enjoyable although there's plenty of misses-- and some of them are dangerously misses. Sometimes this is a side-effect of him mixing up what is meant to go in the curatives he's also making and just ends up going with it, but other times it's genuine excited curiosity that doesn't stop it from being dangerous. Somehow much more safely (or at least more later on), he's taken to cooking and baking, and consistency at doing so has actually gotten him to be at least decent at it. Additionally he keeps a journal, and while it's regularly added to by him, it's unclear if he actually enjoys doing so; he's prone to going off on tangents sometimes for pages but also suddenly abruptly abandoning entries in the middle of them for no apparent reason. A few of those entries also end up beginning again somewhere else unexpected within the pages. Trying to read it can be a bit complicated and definitely at the very least speaks to his thoughts being fairly scattered.

♟︎ THE PAWN:

NAME: Mint AGE: ??, she seems like she's in roughly her late 20s-early 30s, though as a pawn this is her first time ever out of the Rift RACE: Beastren/Pawn PRONOUNS: She/Her PREFERRED VOCATION: Thief, Warrior FAVORED GIFTS: Perfect Smoked Fish (+100); Exquisite Dried Fish, ANY curatives in a bottle (+50); ANY fish, quality fishing pole, quality paper, cake (+25), drawing charcoal, ink, writing stylus (+10) INCLINATION: Straightforward

POSITIVE TRAITS: Brave, friendly, confident, adaptive, energetic NEGATIVE TRAITS: Proud, flippant, impulsive, sore loser, intimidating LIKES: Traveling, fishing, gossip, warm and sunny days where she can just lay in the grass, the way her favorite collected bottles refract the morning sun, a good battle DISLIKES: Those who would control pawns and their means, the sound of Wildrose falling again, being cooped up anywhere, board games where she can tell she's already lost

1. What was their life like prior to being summoned by their Arisen?

Not really much of anything. She… existed? She thinks she existed, but it wasn't like she was going anywhere or had any plans. Kind of just was boring, really. Now she gets to go on a grand adventure!

2. What is their opinion on the Arisen? How do they view their relationship?

Very positive. Wildrose is just as much her kin as other pawns are (well, actually more so, but don't tell them, she doesn't want them to be jealous, some of them are scary when they are). At first of course, things were a lot more awkward, with her unsure even how to but knowing that he needed support, and that itself was not helped by Wildrose largely trying to hide his own confusion with much by simply saying "oh" and trying to move on. The first things Mint learned from that was the best help she could be was to not hesitate to be direct, and also to simply sit him down and talk things through. While at the time it was simply her finding the best way to aid her Arisen, she realized later that the latter was also just as important for herself, it was truly the start point for her also finding out what her own interests were, what she enjoyed, what she loathed. At that point was when their friendship grew in sincerity and began to morph into what is normal for them now. They laugh together and tease each other, they fret over each other, they bicker and then forgive one another, and Mint knows at the very least they believe in each other. They are family, whether it be to a joyful or to a bitter end.

3. Is there anything about the Arisen they find troublesome? Be it a small quirk or bad habit? (Or are they obviously flawless?)

Mint finds Wildrose's tendency to be a bit forgetful worrying. It's rare he forgets anything extremely important, and she knows he strives very hard to remember all he can about people he meets, but everything in the middle of the two of those points is questionable if it's still in his head. She watched him get turned around a half hour after getting explicit directions of where to go on a road. It's dangerous. Surely he can't have always been this forgetful? (He was not.) She also is more quietly distressed at the lack of confidence he has in himself. She doesn't understand why this one fills her with such dread, why it feels like such a potential point of failure, but it does. This one has eased at least as they've gone and Wildrose has done some growing and coming into his own. Regardless, it troubles her still, as Mint knows he has the will to see things through no matter what, she just wished he believed in himself as much as she believes in him (and would take better after her own example of believing in herself). Also, she knows that he knows what plants are dangerous independently or combined with others, but she also knows that won't stop him from putting them in his mouth, or trying to make them into tea that he potentially will share with others that he likes. She doesn't understand it; she knows it's likely overenthusiasm and doesn't want to discourage him from being excited about something, but it stresses her to no end. She thinks her fur's actually gone a little grey over this one.

4. What is their specialization and is there any story behind how they cultivated that skill set?

She's actually meant to be a Forager, and would've picked it up initially through Wildrose very enthusiastically sharing about various flora they came across and her actually paying attention if sheerly because his energy about it was infectious. It became her personal pet project from there to document where all such could be found and then that rapidly spiraled into noting where they could find all sorts of resources.

5. Do they have any thoughts on the politics of the world and their place in it as a Pawn - or how Pawns are treated?

Mint is rather focused on how pawns are treated. She thinks that while there is a degree of respect in Vermund, it's also one that's more a veneer, especially for those in power currently. People are polite to them, sure, but also there's something that seems off about being seen as a tool meant to aid the Arisen. Perhaps there is something simply off with herself, however? As for Battahl, she is quite bitter about the treatment of pawns there. Neither the other pawns or herself are calamities for simply walking down the street! And while there are those like Empress Nadinia and Ser Menella who seem to truly care, also under their watch exists the Forbidden Magick Research Lab, who are doing monstrous acts to pawns. Do they know? Are they allowing it to still exist? Or is what the lab doing somehow happening without their knowledge, and would that be better or worse?

6. Does their journey with the Arisen change them in any significant way and how?

The whole journey even starting changes Mint. She was just floating around before, with barely any sense of form. And now she is, by her own hand and all those around her. Everyone they have met, every single time they have been of aid, her confidence grows and she finds her own joy in the world around her.

7. Is there a reason they chose their preferred vocation?

While she was a Fighter originally, Thief is what Mint ultimately settled into, far favoring maneuverability and lethality as the ultimate defense. What's the point of the weight of such heavy armor and a shield if she can just avoid being hit to begin with and be on the enemy before they even dare to hit the others in her company? She also likes being a Warrior, but for a much simpler reason: sometimes you just need to treat a battle like it's a nail, and she's not one to be caught without a very, very large hammer.

8. Do they have any hobbies or preferred past-times?

She took to fishing and collecting things (mainly bottles she thinks looks neat) pretty early on, the former starting just because she wanted something different to eat and then was hooked, and the latter really taking off once they had a place for her to actually put out what she collects to be seen. Also after an afternoon where Wildrose became distracted telling her about many, many plants and their uses, she began to take notation of where else such useful flora could be found, and that turned into her then more broadly taking very detailed notes of where they could find useful materials, and now she tries to draw her own maps so she can combine that information to something more concise and useful. Mint is also very social, she enjoys going out and getting to meet and know people and other pawns alike, and she loves whatever gossip they can share. One day, she will know everything about everyone!

[heartlaboratory]

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean there's an island, it's not yet a well known touristic location but it's a tropical paradise and the native's culture is very interesting. That's why, having a degree in history and being passionate about ancient cultures, she planned there a vacation with her friends.

Sadly they seem more interested in passing the whole day chilling in the beautiful shores, doing nothing more than swimming in the ocean's warm waters and sunbathing on the white sands. At least for once It should be worth it to participate in some cultural activity so she decides to leave them for one day and do something peculiar: she will join an historical reenactment. The event will be based on a long walk from the main village up to the volcano along the ancient Holy Trail, the one used during human sacrifice rituals to honor the fire mountain. A group of locals will impersonate the priests while the tourists will be the "victims" that fortunately, in this modern times, will simply walk up to the top for a fake ritual.

Given the tropical weather a light outfit would be perfect: just a white shirt, a pair of shorts and trekking shoes... And why not, that flower garland they gave her the first day.

The small crowd of participants gathers at the town center where the procession will start. The locals as the priests are wearing their historical costumes and fortunately there are also a couple of other tourists.

The long walk starts leaving the town for the jungle where once passed the Holy Trail. The weather is hot and the humidity makes the air so thick it feels like walking through the water. The ground is muddy and the slope impervious. In one word it is exhausting.

One step and then one more... But how much time has passed? The monks singing are hypnotic and the jungle seems wrapped all around her.. "Hey, why are they carrying me holding my arms? -she thinks- Who took away my garland? Has someone draw some symbols on me?!"

She suddenly gain full consciousnes again. Her shirt is drenched in sweat and her heart is literally hammering in her chest while she feels completely worn. The monks are standing all around her and the other tourists have disappeared. A monk gets closer to her and places a hand on her chest, right over her heart that as a consequence start beating even faster. He says words in a language she doesn't know but somehow she understand: "Her heart is perfectly alligned to the Mountain's Energy" he says.

"My heart... What??" She replies. But without having even the time to get more scared her head start spinning, her vision becomes blurry.

"Am I having an heat stroke?!"

Everything goes black.

She suddenly wakes up. She's now on the top of the mountain, tied up to a woodden structure completely naked. The monks are in front of her singing and dancing. She's caught by a panic attack and faints again. When she wakes up a monk is earstething her. "Her heart is ready to be donated to the Mountain!!" He exclaims while the other monks start screaming for joy. She starts screaming too, terrorized, but she rapidly runs out of air and the lights go out again.

A sharp pain wakes her up and as she opens her eyes she sees a monk's hand that is literally passing through her left sternum border like her rib cage doesn't even exist. His hand touches her heart while the fingers are searching for a strong grip on the organ. Once vigorously held, the monk retract his hand carrying her heart outside of her chest. The organ is now beating in front of her terrified eyes, so powerful she can clearly hear the beats passing through the air. A last snap and her heart is separated from her body without even opposing resistance. Without having a pulse, life starts rapidly leaving her... She's still able to open one eye to give a last look just to see a hole in her chest and her heart still beating in the monk's hand that is now rising it towards the sky.

"How could I've been so stupid -she thinks- it was a trap... They are savages and they still sacrifice us clueless tourists... No one will ever find me here... Oh..." Everything becomes dark.

She wakes up in her hotel room, in the middle of the night, in a pool of sweet in her bed. Her heart is racing so fast she crosses her hands over it, scared it could jump out somehow... The jungle, the walk, the sacrifice... It was just a nightmare.

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 721: Bottles!!

Pag 1

1: To deliver the supplies they're carrying, and their hopes, they're franticly chasing!!

Pag 2

1: It's too hot for this jacket

2: I'll take it off

Even though the forecast said it would be a little cooler..

Thanks- with this weather I already want to eat an ice-cream

3: It's starting to blow a hot south wind from the sea, suddenly

4: It's humid, too..... I feel the sudden heat of this season in my body

Pag 3

1: For the cyclists running it must be much more hard

Pag 4

6: The tempersture is rising higher than I imagined

Since earlier some people, because of the heat....

Pag 5

1: Got separated from this pack

Senpai, I can't do it- the heat.... my leg is cramped

Do your best, Nishikawa!

2: Senpai, at least take my bottle and go

Nishikawa!

3: I'm sweating a lot

4: And earlier I emptied my second bottle, too

5: Onoda's expression isn't showing feelings, either

6: “If the forecast was right and we're without supplies...”.... you're thinking that, right?

7: Yeah

Like this, we probably won't last... until the finish line

Yeah

Pag 6

1: Right now, the thing I want the most....

4: is water bottles

Pag 7

1: Straight road!!

2: Two people from Sohoku jumped ahead!!

What's with that speed!?

They plant to reach the lead!?

Pag 8

2: The guy in the lead

3: his legs are so thick!!

4: And the guy behind him

Pag 9

2: Why does he have his jersey on his head!?

I can only see his back!

Is that a new diversionary tactic!?

3: Don't think!!

4: Just pedal!!

Pag 10

3: Alright!!

4: I can see the lead!! Rokudai!!

5: Imaizumi-san and the others will be among....!!

Gau!!

Pag 11

1: Them!!

Pag 12

4: They..... they.....

5: They're not here....!?

Well.... sorry to keep you waiting, teh!!

Here's the supplies, teh!!

Alright, alright

6: I'm- I'm so glad, we were so scared our race was over....

Pag 13

1: Not yet, Rokudai

2: What? This hand

3: Is it to eat?

5: This is the second pack; Imaizumi-san and the others are in the pack that's even more ahead of this!!

Pag 14

1: Gau!?

2: It's not the time to eat my hand, Rokudai

The “lead” is further ahead

They've probably

3: already entered the mounains!!

4: Dammit!! We have to deliver these things!!

What do we do!! From the road map, I saw that this time in the mountain is a winding climb!!

5: My “straight road” can only move us streight ahead, so it won't work on a winding road!!

6: What do we do!!

Pag 15

1: Ah

Gau

2: Gau!!

I’ve been told I'm a “climber”!!

Gau

That's true!!

4: Let's go, Rokudai, don't give up yet

Run up the mountain until we reach the lead pack!!

Pag 16

1: Gau!!

Two people from Sohoku are moving forward!

Wait, what's with that speed!!

Pag 17

1: They're so fast!!

2: Hn!? He really is fast

Wait, this guy

3: He's faster than he was during the first years' race!?

4: I'm pretty out of breath, it's hard for me!!

6: I mean, I told him to stop being all “hyaa hyaa”, but

This guy!!

Pag 18

1: He's faster when he's pedaling without thinking of anything!!

2: I wonder why, but I feel like there's a bottomless  wildness in Rokudai

Gau

Teh

3: Alright, I'll name that “Beast Mode”

4: Anywa, this is bad, I'm falling behind!

Wait, Rokudai

Gau

Pag 19

1: Naruko ran away... I can see the first chasing pack

There's a lot of people

It's... nine people!!

Gooo!!

Kamogawa do your best!!

2: Sohoku sent one cyclist ahead alone, Naruko, while two others are here!! Two people?

Amazing! They're rock solid!

3: As expected, Sohoku is so confident

And there's Onoda, last year's national champion

He'll jump ahead any time now- Onodaa!!

4: Jump ahead...!!

Pag 20

1: Right, if they jump ahead now...  if they come together with Naruko now, it'll be the perfect battle formation

So why

2: Why aren't you moving, Sohoku!!

Are you too confident!?

3: ….. or maybe

6: Could it be that their bottles....

Don't tell me that it's the opposite!!

7: One person is jumping ahead!!

Pag 21

1: The man who inerited the name of the fastest man on Kyosumiyama, the third one of the Kanogawa Honda siblings!!

Honda Ryouzou from Kanogawa high school!!

2: My brothers' dream of partecipating in the Inter High

I'll make that dream come true!!

3: This Inter High qualifiers are held in Kanogawa, our hometown, so I feel like it's destiny!!

4: Honda from Kamo High is accelerating!!

5: He left them behind in a twinkle!!

The defending champions, Sohoku....

6: Aren't moving!!

7: They're not moving!! Sohoku isn't confident!!