#trying so hard to look casual and like i didn't spend 3 hours picking out the outfit for our date (i did) and she-

[caracello]

i get so fucking sweaty and nervous thinking about samus Um is she single........do i look ok be honest. i don't look too desperate right.

[fluffysucker]

3. Nothing has to change today

Bucky Barnes x Reader (AU).

A/N: Written in Third POV. No use of Y/N. However, the reader is referred to as a female.

Double update CUZ I'M EXCITED. Please lmk what you think so far.

Likes, comments, reblogs are very highly appreciated

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

The knock on the door grabbed your attention away from the vegetables in front of you. Quickly, washing your hands and drying them as you wonder who may be at your doorstep at this hour.

"Bucky." You couldn't hide the confusion in your voice when you saw him standing on the other side of the door.

"Hi. Sorry, I'm late." Bucky greeted you as he walked into the house, paying no mind to your bizarre expression.

"Did the kids fall asleep?" Bucky asked once he noticed the quiet house. He checked his watch. He was late, but not that late.

"No, they aren't." You answered, still trying to figure out if this was a joke or something.

"Where are they then?" Now Bucky has joined your state of confusion. However, you started to form an idea of what was happening.

"Steve showed up. Said he needed his emotional support bestfriends." You smiled a little, remembering the man just bargaining up on you and taking your kids with him. You didn't complain, though. The kids were so excited to spend the night with their uncle Steve.

"I thought you were going to be there. But I assume he didn't even tell you." You took his expression as a sign that Steve really meant it. He wanted a night with his bestfriends.

"No. No, he didn't." Bucky laughed at his friend's actions, taking out his phone to text his friend.

You left him in the living room and headed back to the kitchen to check on the food cooking.

"Look happy and safe." Bucky joined you in the kitchen, showing a picture of your kids fully smiling and laughing, surrounded by toys Steve keeps at his house just for them.

Seeing your kids happy will never fail to make your heart warm. They were the only thing keeping you going right now. Your only source of happiness and calmness

"I will pick them up tomorrow and have them for the day. Is that okay?" Bucky asked, checking to see if the weekly weekend plan still works for you. You reassured him that it was fine.

You stood there in silence for a minute. What now?. What were the two of you when you weren't co-parenting? You dodged this question since the divorce was finalised.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" You tried tasting the water.

The casual invitation was harmless. He was already here. He was supposed to spend the night with the kids. Now, he had no plans. It seemed like the right opportunity to see where you stood.

You turned your back to him, acting like you were checking on the food, so you wouldn't see his reaction.

You didn't want to see him reject you again. You didn't want to see him shutting down any attempt for you two to exist outside your parents' duties.

"You sure?." He, too, was hesitant to step into this territory. Maybe you had different plans tonight. It was your free night, after all.

Because the truth was, he wanted to stay. He wanted to spend some extra time with you. Seeing you standing there in the kitchen stirred something he tried so hard to bury inside. This was too familiar. Too domestic. And he was deeply missing it, despite not wanting to admit it, even to himself.

You turned around to look at him, nodding with a soft smile.

He hated the fact that it was you asking. He hated the fact that you were always the one reaching out. You, trying to mend broken bridges or build new links. He hated how much you were always the better person. The best person

Bucky told himself he was only staying to prove that you can be civilised and friendly when you aren't just parents. That you can be anything other than the lovers you once were.

He returned the smile and moved to help you.

Without you two noticing, you fell back to your old ways almost immediately. Starting a light, small conversation about your day while finishing up the meal

The awkwardness and tension you expected were nonexistent. Laughter started to ring in the house as you talked more and more.

Once the food was done, you didn't bother to move to the family dinner table. You stayed in the kitchen, eating by the stalls.

The conversation flowed easily between the two of you. From work stories to the new activity, you wanted to enrol the kids in and gossip about old friends or parents you know.

Bucky walked to the living room as you were finishing sorting the dishes in the dishwasher.

The familiarity of the situation almost tricked you into believing there was a chance for you. How fast you two filled into the act of husband and wife once more was too comforting for your broken heart. You were trying so hard to stop your mind from deceiving you into believing something that wasn't true. A part of you was still holding on to the tiniest bit of hope for dear life. You brushed off the thoughts as reading the room too much.

You joined Bucky in the living room. You found him standing in front of the wall, holding your pictures and all your memories.

"You kept all of the pictures." He couldn't hide the surprise in his tone when he saw that all the pictures were still in place.

Your first ever picture, Your second anniversary, Your engagement party, Your weeding day, Your first wedding anniversary, and you with Lily's first sonogram ,Your first night home as a family Family vacations, birthdays—all of it You, together.

"Yeah. I didn't want to make the kids feel that too much was changing. It's already not easy. So I thought I would leave them up." This was part of the truth. You really didn't want to disturb the kids. Bucky's leaving the house was already hard enough.

However, you also didn't find it in your heart to remove them. It would make the separation too real. You couldn't face this now.

"Plus, taking the pictures down would mean we don't like these days or memories anymore. That we regret them. I never want Lily or Theo to think I regret them. Regret the life I had." You didn't know why you told him this. Maybe you wanted to keep convincing him and yourself that Theo and Lily were the only reason pictures were still in their place.

You had to physically hold your tongue to ask if he regretted the life he had. Bucky's lack of response was painful. Was it all not true? Have your whole lives together always felt like a trap to him? Has the man you loved the most only considered you an inconvenience? All thoughts that wounded your heart and could never leave you alone.

"That day in the park, a dog peed on my shoes." You weren't expecting this, but it broke a smile out of you, looking at the picture Bucky was pointing at.

"No, that day we spilled ice cream on an old man. That day, the dog peed on you." You corrected Bucky pointed at the different frames.

Laughs erupted between you as you reminisced on old memories captured in the photos. Trying to remember the behind-the-scenes of these moments

"Are you serious, right now?" You asked Bucky as he looked at a certain picture on the wall.

"It was stupid, but they all thought I couldn't get a girl to do it. So I had to prove them wrong." Bucky explained the real reason why he took you to this awful bar to watch the most boring hockey game ever over 10 years ago. The picture had Steve, Sam, Bucky, and you in baggy t-shirts for a team you couldn't even pronounce.

"And there I thought I meant something to you, Barnes." You joked, bringing your sight back to the picture.

"Everything." If you weren't standing so close, you could have missed it. The tiny whisper leaving Bucky's mouth made you turn to him with a questioning look.

"Everything. You mean everything to me." His steel-blue eyes were pouring into you. As if he were gazing into your soul.

"My whole entire world." He whispered very familiar words.

Bucky didn't know why he said it, but he couldn't handle you doubting his love for you.

He knew you. He knew you must have questioned your worth every single day and questioned his love for you, but you never voiced it, especially after he told you there was no one else. So hearing you say it out loud, even as a joke, was more hurtful than he thought.

He knew it was selfish. However, the familiarity of your time together was consuming him. He was defenceless. Your presence was breaking him down. Leaving him with nothing but the truth.

"Bucky." You didn't know what you could say. The phrase he used to use all the time was only a cruel reminder. You were no longer his.

Despite wanting the reassurance that he still loved or once loved you, you couldn't just bear it. Because if he really did, How did you get here?

The pleading in your eyes was clear. You were barely getting by. Your heart is too fragile to handle whatever game Bucky is trying to play with you.

Bucky saw it all again. The call for help in your eyes. Your lips were tucked harshly into your teeth to ground you. Your arms were coming up slowly to hug yourself. Bucky despised the fact that you were protecting yourself from him.

This time, though, he couldn't help it. He couldn't just stand and watch you fall in front of him.

Without any warning, his lips were on yours. Hand on both sides of your face.

Your mind couldn't comprehend at first what was happening, making you freeze in place for a second.

However, the mundane feeling was overwhelming. It was like muscle memory kicked in. You kissed him back. It felt surreal; for the both of you, it had been too long since you shared a real moment like this. You both missed it terribly.

One of his hands moved from your face to your waist, pulling you closer to him. Your hands flow to his hair instinctively.

It wasn't surprising how fast you found your rhythm again. Too familiar with each other's bodies. Too desperate to feel anything.

Bucky's arm moved down your waist to your hip, signalling for you to wrap your legs around his waist, and you complied. Your need for air made you break the kiss for a second. Looking into each other's eyes.

You should stop. You should end it right. Call it a reckless kiss and move on. But you couldn't. Your body was driven by your need for him.

Bucky knew that, too, but not when he remembered how perfectly you fit wrapped up in him. How your lips tasted. How your bodies reacted so strongly to each other.

His lips returned to yours. This time, it wasn't gentle. It was filled with passion and desire. Lust was setting you on fire.

Bucky walked the two of you to the master bedroom. Not breaking the kiss for once.

You should have stopped when you felt the soft mattress beneath your back. But your mind was clouded by him. Overtaking all your senses.

So you let him take you. Let you have him.

Taglist: @lethallyprotected @almosttoopizza @ragingrainbowshipl @dexter99 @xdarkcreaturex @nash-dara @paarthurnax59

[budynsliwkowy]

❝ STARRY NIGHT❞

Norman Osborn x female!Reader

Summary: you're at an OSCORP gala as Norman's assistant, Harry's ex-girlfriend

A/N: first one shot on this blog, hope it's okay. It's for Rosie, love you<3

Word count: 1,7K

Warning: age gap

Harry's eyes were staring at you in shock and disbelief, while his lips were vainly trying to exclude any words. He couldn't believe what he just heard from you. His gaze was on your face, on a cup of coffee, on his own hands, then again on the face.

"What do you mean you're breaking up with me?" His hands moved chaotically, trying to understand the situation.

"That's what I'm saying. That's not it, Harry." All his current emotions were visible in his dark eyes. He would do anything to prevent the situation from happening. He'd do anything to keep you by himself.

"But we can talk about it. We can come up with something else, please. Just tell me what you need--"

"No, it doesn't make sense." You sigh. His opposition made the situation more difficult. You had a need to explain yourself because of his silence, so you're in your words. "We don't match each other. I have nothing to you, but I don't feel like I have what I need. You're immature, that's the main problem."

He didn't say anything. He still couldn't understand you. You've survived through the end of high school together, you've been in college for over a year. You want to break up after that? Although he could have understood the problem. He was also quite poor in this connection. Maybe you didn't really feel good about him.

"Look, I'm sorry for whatever I did wrong, okay? Just... Okay, you know what, all right." With a sigh, he lifted himself out of the chair. He left the coffee unfinished and took his jacket from the back of the chair. He looked at you again. He will accept this fact in his own time. "Thanks for your time."

☆☆☆

It's been over two years since you broke up with Harry, but it wasn't enough time for you to get him out of your life. Working at Oscorp provided you with frequent casual meetings, but you, focused on work, did not bother. Your thoughts were fully focused on your desk job as Dr. Osborn's assistant. Despite working right next to the boss's office, you didn't have much opportunity to talk to him about nicer topics. You used to spend your evenings at Oscorp or at home, but tonight was more interesting.

There was an Oscorp Gala. The borrowed hotel hall in downtown Manhattan was swarming with important figures and scientists. Journalists and photographers ran between representatives of Oscorp and other companies. Osborn was in the business of holding galas every so often, mainly to show off the amount of money in front of other companies. The hall was decorated in gray-black tones with elegant accessories with a wide variety of food and liquor.

Of course, it would have been a wasted opportunity not to show off your own person, so you decided to dress pretty. Osborn requested to be sat right next to you, but there was still a vacant seat waiting next to you. The event had started almost two hours ago, and he still hadn't found the time to at least sit down for a while. Your evening mostly passed with table talk. It was a good opportunity to start building relationships with other employees, including scientists you had not faced early on. 

After some time, Osborn came in, sitting down in his seat. He sighed, tired of his earlier conversations with other guests. Then his gaze fell on you, his lips curved in a smile, almost immediately asking you a question. "It's good to see you. How are you enjoying yourself so far?"

It was hard to tell how you enjoyed yourself. You spent the entire two hours sitting in your seat and possibly picking up something from the buffet, however, you couldn't complain. "All right." You took a sip of your champagne, and soon he did the same after you.

"Good to hear. I'm glad you enjoy it." A nice music was playing in the background, which, despite being drowned out by people's conversations, gave a pleasant atmosphere. He drew comfort from it, trying to take as much as possible from it.

"It's good to relax sometimes." You spoke up. You stared at Osborn with a glass in your hand. He was wearing a suit, his hair, as always, was neatly combed. Perhaps he didn't even need to prepare for the ceremony.

"Right." He smiled slightly, but this broke up the conversation for a moment. He seemed to need at least a short rest. He wanted a break from talking to people, the other hand he didn't mind talking to you. It was something different. "You know, we don't talk to each other very often, so let me change that."

You admitted the fact, but did not comment on it in any particular way. He was right, however, this conversation changed that point. The discussion began to get quite nice, not only hooking on work topics, but also on private themes that you were comfortably able to express. He did not give the impression of being pushy, but curious about you. Despite the image of a focused, firm boss, he was able to hold a relaxed conversation. During the conversation, you emptied your champagne glasses again and again. He allowed himself a variety of questions, including those about his previous studies and college. In the final, you also managed to get to some interesting facts about Osborn's private life.

At one point his figure raised, and before he completely disappeared into the crowd he leaned over you. He said he was going to get some fresh air and he was gone. He left you with your own questions in your head. One of those questions was the relationship with Harry Osborn. Did Norman know about it? Should he have known? What does he think about it? You didn't know if you would ever know the answers. The interesting fact was that you just spent the next two hours of the event talking to your boss, who at the same time is the father of your ex.

Afterwards, you could only confirm for yourself that Osborn is interesting, but also open. You did not expect such a pleasant conversation with this man. In all this flurry of thoughts, you forgot how long he disappeared for. You were reminded of this by the man who tapped you on the shoulder with his finger. Asking where Norman was currently, you were completely distracted. In response, you said you would go for him, so you did. You raised yourself from your chair and fixed your dress.

Your heels clattered against the paneled floor as you walked toward the balcony. When you finally made it to it, you kept your surprise hidden. You could hear Norman's voice, but when you stepped out onto the balcony, there was no one there but himself. He was standing by the railing, against the night skyline of New York. He was looking down, leaning his elbows against the railing, almost pulling his hair out of his head. He mumbled something to himself until you decided to speak up.

"Sir?"

His voice suddenly quieted. He decided to simply pretend that nothing had just happened. He turned toward you straightening his previously hunched posture and adjusted his jacket.

"Yes?"

This sight stuck in your mind, you couldn't guess what it could have been about. Norman saw your confusion, however, he did nothing about it. He stood still while you approached him with a slow step. You stopped at the railing next to him. Your eyes encountered the night skyline of the city. From this floor, everything was perfectly shown. This view took your breath away, leaving you almost speechless. "They're looking for you."

He frowned, ignoring this observation. He had no interest in going back to the people. He wanted to take in some more air. The night breeze cleared his mind. "Stay with me for a while."

You just nodded glancing again at the view of the city, while his gaze this time rests on you. He understood what Harry saw in you. A beautiful, intelligent woman with charm. Paying attention in this way to a person who was so connected to his son was strange to him, and oh so it is. He found you an attractive woman, even if much younger. He took another deep breath, enjoying the night air.

"Even on an evening like this, it's good to disappear for a while, don't you think? Get away from the crowd, to take time to think." He leaned his forearms against the railing and gazed up at the sky again. You did the same. "Aren't you cold?"

"No, it's nice." Your dress may not have been the warmest, while the weather was sufficient.

He nodded. The weather was lovely. He wondered how he could not find time to talk to you earlier. Better late than never. Even this moment of silence between both of you gave him comfort. He glanced away from the scenic landscape, giving you a small smile.

"It's good to have an assistant like you. You really help me in my work." He gave you praise that you didn't expect to hear. Everything that was happening between you now had a different ambience than it had before the event began. You see each other every day and will continue to do so, but differently.

You thanked. The voices of the guests in the room reached the balcony. You also talked among yourselves. Another pleasant conversation on the balcony. Time was once again losing its value. He did not have to bother with other people, however, until then. Norman leaned slightly over to you to add something to his speech, until someone entered the balcony. Recalling the surname of Osborn, your gaze dropped to the man. Once again, someone needed him. So much for the good, everything comes to an end sometime.

His gaze fell on you again, looking at your entirety. He moved a little closer as the last words to you came from his lips.

"You look lovely tonight."

He smiled one last time. Correcting his shirt sleeve, he moved away and with a slow step walked away. His step changed to a sure and firm one as he headed toward the man.

With that, you were left alone on the balcony.

[littlest-dark-age]

Damiano david headcannons

Tagging @daddydamiano @noshame-bb @mywritingonlyfans

Translations 1, my soul 2, angel 3, my love 4, my life 5, little star 6, puppy 7, bunny 8, sweetness. Please let me know if any translation is incorrect.

Damiano would always be pressing kisses into your soft skin, wherever he could reach at the moment. The two of you are cooking and you have a huge sleep shirt on that reveals your shoulders? Kiss. You're fiddling with his hands out in public due to nerves? He's kissing every finger while looking you in the eye with a grin. You'd think he's convinced its a carnal sin to not kiss you every five minutes

He would beg you to do his makeup, constantly. He loves the intimacy of it, you usually sit on his lap for it and the way you gently cup his strong jaw turns him into an absolute puddle. You lose count of how many times you have to make him look back at you because he just wants to close his eyes and sink into the warmth you radiate. But you can't be mad at him, not when he looks up at you with those puppy dog eyes, shining with love.

Damia would absolutely give you one of his rings, and if it doesn't fit your fingers, no worries. He'll just give you one of his chains to put it on. He loves to kiss it when you wear it, whether it be on the chain or your hand. It always makes his heart skip a beat, a claim to the world that he was the lucky one to capture your affections

Please play with his hair, please. He will turn into a puppy the minute your nails graze his scalp. It doesn't matter the length, he loves it. His eyes slowly shut as you scratch at the shaved sides but he'll deny that he's about to fall asleep. 

Spa nights. Just, spa nights. He will let you put the cute animal headbands on him to keep his hair out of his mask, even letting you put it on him. Dami would love to watch movies like Legally Blonde and Clueless while you paint his nails and the glittery mask on his face dries. Never wearing a shirt, saying he wants skin to skin with you as he raises your shirt up to your chest so the two of you are pressed together. He'd sit on the floor, letting you work the hair mask through his hair as the first movie goes off and he starts to hunt for another, one of his hands stroking your bare leg.

Sleepy make out sessions are his favorite, after he's had his tea and the two of you are dead tired but can't stop. Even going as far to tell you that the two of you really should go to bed, as he's sweetly kissing you. There's no rush to it, no need to hide away your love as it's just the two of you. Locked away from the rest of the world, where damiano david is just yours. Where his nose keeps bumping yours just so he can hear you laugh and have you rub your own against his, like a bunny. His hands snaking up the back of your shirt to stroke down the length of your spine with the tips of his fingers. Barely enough for you to be able to feel it. 

If you were okay with it, he would absolutely want to tattoo you. He would never pressure you to if you really didn't but he would try to convince you if you were on the fence about it. If you let him pick, good luck. It would either be something like 'i am yours', which he would get a matching one. Probably around his heart. Or it would be something for måneskin. To have something he worked so hard on, permanently on someone he loves so so much would have him ecstatic. 

The pet names. They're never ending and ever changing. He says he can't help it and that he just says what comes to mind when he sees you. Whether that's anima mia 1, angelo 2, amore mio 3, vita mia 4, stellina 5, cucciolo 6, leprotta 7, or dolcezza 8. You never know which one to expect but they all bring a smile to your face, nevertheless. 

Damiano would always ask your opinion on his stage outfits, not really for reassurance but more so to involve you in every possible thing he can. He loves your input and always takes it into consideration. And you help him remember some things, like something might make him too hot or might restrict his movements on stage. The practical things he doesn't always think about, more focused on the look and aesthetic of it. 

Pictures, pictures and more pictures. He loves taking pictures of you doing the smallest of tasks, especially for when he has to be away from you. If you hid your face, he would still adore the photo but pout a bit because he couldn't see you. Even if photos could never compare to the real thing, in his words. He just wants you to be able to love yourself the way he loves you. He doesn't care about some imperfections, they're what make up you and everybody has them. So, it's probably easier to just let him have his pictures. 

His lockscreen is a picture of you and him with the cats piled up between the two of you. You didn't even know he took it until you went to check something on his phone for him. Dami says you look so peaceful in it, pressing a kiss to the cat's head with your eyes closed, and that it always helps him calm down when he looks at it. That it reminds him of home when he's not there to hold you on the nights on the road. Although, his wallpaper is an entirely different story. A bit more...spicy, if you will. It's a picture of you laying in bed wearing black lacy lingerie with a camera in your hand, and Damiano's legs are able to be seen straddling your waist.

He might not always be able to call or facetime during a tour but believe it when he makes those calls worth it. He loves to be able to call you for hours at a time and if time zones allow it, go to sleep with you on call. If not, that's okay. He has your time zone saved in his clock so he can always be sure to send you a goodnight or good morning text, even if it's a bit late or early. Damia needs to have that little slice of normalcy to keep him from going crazy during the tour. He lives and breathes music, don't get me wrong. But you are his soul and his mind, without you, there would be no music. 

If you're out with the band, he will pull you as close as you'll allow. Even onto his lap if it's a more private place or just you and the others. But this also means you'll be poked and tickled the entire night, even if you slap his hands away. He can't keep his hands off of your ribs, no matter how sore his hands get from your smacks. He compares it to when a kitten nibbles on them.

Damiano needs to be convinced to take a break and slow down, often. He gets so swept up in it that he doesn't realize he hasn't had a proper meal in a couple of days or that he's been skimping on sleep to write lyrics and play around with harmonies. Getting him out of the studio is hard, but much needed. He will appreciate it, as well as apologize for neglecting you for the past days. A nice date or just something to get him outside is just what he needed. No matter how casual it is, being able to relax and spend some time with you is one of his favorite things to do.

Some of his favorite dates are the ones where the two of you are able to just do something and have a good time without the pressure of having to dress up and get ready. He still uses the heart shaped mug you made him on one of your dates, still listens to the record you got him when the two of you got all of your favorite albums and swapped. He still has the tickets from the first movie the two of you were able to go and see together, stuck in between the worn pages of some old book of italian poems he's had forever

His love language is a mix of acts of service and gift giving. He loves to give you little trinkets and stuff he finds while on tour, each item reminding him of you in some way or another. Even if it's just a rock he thought you might like, a pair of earrings you've mentioned before or even just something he thought you might could use. And he will give you one of his oversized blazers if the two of you are out and it's cool, even make sure you have enough to eat and offer you bites of his own food if you want. Hell, if you wanted what he ordered versus what you ordered, he would swap it even if your dish isn't his favorite thing.

Dami loves cooking with you, there's something so domestic about it that he can't help but imagine your future together. He always claims that the meals the two of you prepare together are the best thing he's ever eaten, no matter how simple it is. Just don't break the pasta in front of him, you'll send him into cardiac arrest.

He loves it when you trace and kiss his tattoos, they're something he's proud of and knowing how much you like them just makes him happy. Of course, he knows you don't have to adore every tattoo he has as long as he's happy with it, but it still makes him feel nice when you show his ink a bit of love. It always tickles him a bit when you drag your nail on the ones in his chest, sending shivers down his spine when you do. 

He is a cover hog, yet denies it with every bone in his body. He claims you push them onto him most of the time, despite the fact that you struggle to cover up completely whilst he's on the other side of the bed bundled up like a baby with almost the entire cover. Thankfully, he's warm enough that you can just curl up behind him or into his side and get all the heart that you need from him. He still denies that he hogs the covers when the entire comforter is in a pile on his side, almost like he's trying to build himself a nest

Showering together is one of his favorite things, he loves how intimate it can be. Holding you and helping you wash up without any need to be awkward and feeling comfortable in your own skin in front of each other means so much to him. Being able to be open with one another and not hide anything, even if it's insecurities about your body. He understands that the world isnt always the nicest place and that he can't undo how people's words might hurt you but he'll try his best to get you to love your body

Damiano would love to teach you italian if you didn't already and wanted to learn. He's so excited to be able to share something like this with you that he doesn't realize how hard it is to teach someone an entire language. He overestimates himself and how good of a teacher he is, but that doesn't mean he won't try his best. It just takes a little bit of time, for the both of you. He understands the struggles of learning a new language and wouldn't try to push you to learn it so soon. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. 

[koukamisstuff]

Ready to Love

Chapter 26 - How I Fell

~~~A Few Hours Earlier~~~

You barely remember getting any sleep, just that around 3:28am you finally dozed off. You check to make sure there were no eye bags on your face and thank the mighty you were all clear. Dressed now in your *bestfriends approved* pink floral dress, you were done getting ready for your date, you hurried down the stairs. Once you reached the bottom, you took a moment to take a deep breath.

You couldn't remember the last time you went on a date, although in your favor you haven't dated in a long time. But, you recognize this nervousness as those swarm of butterflies in your stomach. Of all the dates you've been on this one was the most nerve-racking.

You made your way to your kitchen to wish your parents goodbye. However, all you find is a note saying they left you breakfast and that they had to leave to work early. A brief sigh of relief came, a part of you was glad they weren't there just because you don't think you'd be able to handle your nervousness plus their 50 questions about this date. You want them to officially meet Kita but knew you needed to get through today above everything else.

You took one last moment to fix your dress, make sure your sandals were strapped and your hair was in place. "Will he notice?" You ask yourself taking in your new appearance.

*ring ring ring*

There's your signal. You looked at your watch and see that he was here to pick you up at exactly 8am. It's no surprise that he was punctual, he's Kita Shinsuke after all. Before answering the door, you thought back to how its been over a week since you've seen Kita, and realized just how long it felt. You missed him the entire time and of all the things that had happened... at this moment the most important one was you were about to open the door to the Kita who told you he liked you.

Opening the door and there he was, standing in a semi casual black t-shirt with jeans and a jacket. He's really didn't have to try hard to look handsome in anything. Getting to see Kita dressed in casual clothes, confirmed that you were special to him. While others only saw him at school dressed neatly in his uniform, you had the chance to spend time with him outside of school.

"Hi." You nervously say waving at him.

He looked at you and just stared for a few seconds before his voice broke out his greeting, "H...Hi."

You nervously tug the strand of your hair, "Does it look that bad?"

He shook his head as if he had to snap back reality, "No its not that... you look so beautiful I was taken aback."

This man is out to give me a heart attack. '"Ohh... thank you. I just thought it was a special occasion to change my hair."

"I'm honored you find our first date to be the special occasion." He smiled as he extended his hand out to you, "Shall we go?"

You take his hand and instantly feel you never want to let go of him.

Our First Date??🥺💖

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you walked hand in hand with him, your mind is going a thousand miles per minute. Kita's really here... holding your hand, you just couldn't wrap your head around this whole thing. Did this whole thing seriously just work out? How did Kita, have feelings for you? Has your bad Iuck with men finally ran out? How is he now your boyfriend?? Wait... we confessed but are we officially together?

"Umm...Kita?" You softly say shyly looking down.

"Yes?"

You clear your throat, "This is going to sound like a dumb question but...are we dating now??"

Hearing this questions, he stopped which caused you to halt as well. He turned to you with a confused expression, "Th... this is my first time liking someone so... I mean correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't it work that when you confess your feelings for each other... we're considered partners?"

Grabbing your hand with the both of his, he moved in a bit closer to your face, as he captured your eyes, "Should I have confessed my feelings and asked you to be my girlfriend in two different ways?"

You smile as you bump your forehead to his, "No no, I completely understand our relationship now." How could you ever think just because he didn't ask you to be his girlfriend he didn't mean it like that. Kita wasn't the type to confess his feelings to someone without it being intended you'd be his girlfriend.

"Unless you had other plans, I only plan to see you Y/N." He pulled away creating distance from you two but not before talking one hand and patting the top of your head.

"I'm good... I don't think I'll ever be able to think of someone that's not you." You continue on your way, feeling a little less nervous now and more excited for your date.

It's not surprising that like most things Kita does,  this date was planned perfectly.

The first thing you did was go for a stroll through the park, as you two walked together to your next destination. You were stopped by a little girl tugging on your dress as she held up bird seeds. She said she loved your dress so she wanted to share the seeds with you. "Nee-chan, make sure you hold your hand up really high to the sky." She instructed before running back to her family.

"That was so cute."

After feeding a few birds, you continued in your way. It was refreshing how smoothly conversations followed. You talked more about family. Which apparently, Kita's older sister was still bugging him about meeting you because she didn't last time. His younger brother said he was also curious to see you since he wasn't even home when you were there. But nothing took the cake like how his grandma said she wants to have you over and eat a meal together. You could see why the guys loved Oba-chan, she was really the sweetest grandma of all time.

After the park, Kita took you to this Cafe where they said to have really good cakes. He confessed that his sister gave the recommendation about this special menu for couples here. He felt that since you liked baking, taking you here would introduce you to new pastries.

Kita asked about where your love for baking came from and you told him that you grew up as a baker. You use to own so many of those play kitchens and food sets, then one birthday your parents bought you a kiddie bake oven. Since then it was history and a lifelong passion.

"As you can see thats why I was so hurt you didn't want to try my treats when we first met."

"I actually tried to eat the macaroons." He confessed.

You gave him a look of disbelief, "But you didn't take any?"

"Aran grabbed two for me, but I wasn't able to eat it right away. I took it home and took it out of my bag. My brother found it and ate my share."

"So you didn't reject my macaroons..." you smile holding your cup of tea.

After your snack at the Cafe, you went around to sightsee. You went different stores, other food stands, and stayed to watch a band performing on the streets. Once it hurt 6pm, you didn't even realize how long you've spent together. But you felt Kita did, as he kept checking the time.

"Do you need to go somewhere?" You ask worried you were interrupting another plan he had.

"Actually, we do. It's almost time." He held your hand again as you walked faster down to a clear opening by the same park you were just at.

Suddenly, the sky in front of you filled with lanterns.

"Is this why we stayed around here all day?" You looked around amazed by how beautiful the sky looked. Although this wasn't your first lantern festival it felt like a completely different sight to see.

"I saw that there would be a lantern festival here today. I wanted you to see this."

"It's beautiful, Shin..."

He looked at you surprised to hear what you just called him.

"I meant... Kita??"

"Now I get why the two were surprised when I called your name. I think I also understand how you felt..." you smiled as you watched Kita's face turn red.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You were about 20 minutes away from your house and as much as you didn't want the day to end, sadly Kita had to return you home. Unlike the loud and active setting of the park and cafe, it was quite in your neighborhood with all your neighbors ready to settle down for the night.

You looked down, still walking hand in hand like you did this morning... made you feel a bitter feeling thinking about when you had let go for the day. Today was as perfect as it could ever be and Kita really meant it when he said he'd make sure the happiness wouldn't fade. But before your date ended, you still had one more question to ask.

"Kita?" He looked at you with a serious look as he squeezed your hand.

Smiling you corrected yourself "Shin?"

"Yes, Y/N?"

Butterflies... the amount of times your heart wanted to burst today from just hearing him call you name. "Can I you tell me now...when did you start liking me?"

"Which time?"

Which time? Confused by his response, you stop in your tracks, "What do you mean?"

He took a breath in, as he stood in front of you, "When you asked me this on Thursday, I had some time to think about it and when I did I realized it...there were four moments I knew I was in love with you."

DID HE JUST SAY FOUR???!!🥺

"What were they?" You asked with excitement.

"I'm embarrassed to say if you look at me like that?"

You laugh and lean forward closing your distance, moving your face in front of him," Come on please... you have to say now that you've already brought it up." You say giving him a smile, waiting patiently for him to cave.

"That's one." He softly pinched your cheeks. "You know the day we went to the amusement park, there was a moment when you smiled at me while wearing my jacket and I just felt it again. Y/N I told you, your smile is something I want to protect"

You cover your face this time smiling with the brightest smile you've ever had. You couldn't hide how happy that sentence made you but you pulled yourself together and asked what was the next one.

"When we went to see the lanterns on our trip. I thought about how much I liked spending time with you. The third moment I knew I loved you was when you were reaching up to push a lantern back up. What I felt that day was like the first time I fell for you."

Overwhelmed with his confessions, you were on the verge of tears when he put his hand to your cheek and wiped a small drop away.

"The second time was when I helped you bake. You have this cute little expression when you bake and I found it really charming."

You've officially given up on any insecure feelings you've had this past week. Those feelings about how you didn't deserve Kita were gone. He was in love with you.

"So wha... what was the first time?" You looked in his eyes, anxiously waiting for what moment he was going to say. What did you do and when did you get this amazing person to fall in love with you?

"Y/N... do you remember the first time we met?"

"How could I forget you scolded me and called me a pig." You teasingly said to him.

"I still feel bad about that but... Y/N you need to know that the first moment I saw you it took me by surprised because since then nothing could have prepared me for my feelings for you. I may have reacted rudely that day because I wasn't in my right mind after I saw you. You asked for Atsumu so I was a bit annoyed because I thought you were his fan and how unlucky I was to meet you after. But, Y/N when you asked me when I started liking you... that day when I you in the gym keeps coming back to me. Because since then I haven't been able to get you off my mind."

You froze at his sudden confession, "Are you saying you fell in love with me at first sight?"

"Befor..." you couldn't wait any longer, Kita didn't need to say anything else to you today. You didn't realize how much you could love someone and the amount of love Kita has for you was new and overwhelming. Throwing yourself into him, you wrapped your arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. The tears you held back started fighting their way through as you just cried tears of joy.

"I love you, Shinsuke."

Kita smiled at your confession as he returned your hug. Hugging you tightly as he brings you into his arms.

"I love you too, Y/N."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masterlist - Previous / Next

Side Notes:

Okay guys I'm still working on my writing, but I hope you like it.

The chapter has been on my mind from the start so I'm glad I've finally got here.

TAGLIST: @onelostgirl @alfi-ry @luna-vitae-suae @neologyro @its-the-aerieljeane @sassyglassesbunny @hydrogwyn @putmeinyourdeathnote @fandomsgotmefucked @chantalkate16 @phoenix-eclipses @bananasquash @bokubooo @yuuuumiiin @01trickster10 @m1e-saun0 @ermespop @anejuuuuoy @scrapbook-rose @wolffmaiden @honeymilktea-writings @xhyunjinbbyx @amisuh @astro-719 @kenkenmaaa @zlatanakermann

Taglist is open, if you'd like to be added just send in an ask, comment or PM. :)

[jxngh]

May I request a domestic weekend with namjoon fluff? Idk I feel like he would be the sweetest guy to spend a sunday with. I imagine him helping with decorating the house, chilling on the couch while both reading books and attempting to bake something in the afternoon 🥲🥲🥲

idk why i picked this...now I'm sobbing because HE IS SO BOYFRIEND I'M GONNA LOSE MY MIND...ty for requesting btw <3 hope I'll get more of these 🥺🥺 enjoy ✨✨

a/n: pls pls pls pls pls i want a date with him p l e a s e

it was a beautiful spring morning, your lover by your side. a warm breeze was in the air and a little ray of sunshine was coming from your big windows. after you two decided to live together you bought this house. most of the things were done but still you needed some decorations. middle of your thoughts you heard his small groan and felt his big hands around you, pulling you close and making you the little spoon.

"g'morning jagi..." he sounded to your ear lowly, it was still effective on you after so many mornings you woke up together. "i can stay here forever." he said leaving kisses under your ear, staying there and taking deep breaths there. you placed your hands on his, enjoying his presence.

"morning joonie, I'd love that but I'm getting hungry." you said making him chuckle. and you got up and tried to pull him out of the bed which ended up you falling to his chest and getting deep kisses from him while he's smiling and telling you how cute you are.

after washing your face you two went to the kitchen and grabbed some eggs, made omelette and drank some tea. then you went to the garden chilling on the couch while you're chatting about the movie you've watched the night before. when you've finished you changed your outfits to something casual. he wore a green tee and gray leggings, you wore a lilac crop and gray leggings.

before you get out of the house you looked at the mirror, he appeared behind you and hugged you from behind, he was so big compared to you, you were looking so adorable. "my small baby." he said to you making you tell at him. "I'm not small, you're so big." and you rolled your eyes to his response. "that's what she said." you both laughed at hit so hard.

you drove him to the nearest Ikea store, you two explored the place, getting candles, pillows, some flowerpots etc. and you were holding everything and asking each other if it's necessary- believe me they weren't even slightly necessary- and telling each other no. "no joon, you're only wanting it because it's wooden."

he even gave you a small ride on the trolley till he accidentally hit it to some wardrobe. "oops, I'm sorry jagi you're okay??" you were okay but you didn't wanted to cause a problem and you got out. after you bought decorations you stopped at a market and took ingredients to try a new recipe.

it turned out good, even though he put a little salt instead of sugar. but you realized it soon so it was okay. "that's why I told you to check the taste joon. you're the biggest baby I've ever seen." you said while cupping his face, kissing the dimples. you two enjoyed your food. he carried you to the couch after he teased you how small you are again. you were enjoying it a lot, not accepting that you do tho.

then you two laid on the couch and grabbed your books after giving small kisses to each other. you two read for an hour, then you got distracted because how hot he looks.

so you ended up taking the book from him slowly and sitting on his thighs, looking at him innocently. "no more reading, you distracted me."

"what? how?" he said with a fake surprised tone. you moved closer to him and gave him a small kiss while his hands were resting on your hips. "you have no right to look that hot while reading. it's not fair." you said before he pulled you a deeper kiss. "says the most beautiful girl herself..." then he rubbed his nose to yours. "is it fair if i pay for distracting you?"

you smiled. "uhmm maybe... depends on the payment method." you said circling your index finger on his chest. "we both know the method baby." he said before turning you around and giving you what you wanted.

.·´ ask me anything!!! yeah you dreamy beauty click and ask now!! i mean please 👉🏻👈🏻 here

[dnarez]

Chapter 5

"Hi guys! Dad weren't you going to the party?" You go to your dad and kiss his cheek.

"I just stopped by, since Roci-ya can't cook and I don't want my daughert to die in a fire cased by a moron" Law petted your head and went back to cooking "can you please make the salad?"

You nod and start washing the vegetables.

"Hey! I'm not a moron!!"

You look back at your grandfather and see him with a cigar on his hand too close to his featherly coat. "Granpa you're on fire" you say casually.

Roci trows himself on the floor and start rolling.

"Moron" Law mumbles, you chuckled at that.

"How is the search for job?" You pick up a knife and start to chop the vegetables.

While keeping a look at the beef he shook his head "Your mother put my name on the mud, it will be hard for any hospital or agency to accept me without hearing my side of things, and not only the documents" he sighed again and start to put everything on the table.

"I heard that U.A. was searching for a new assistent for recovery girl  so why don't you try for it?" Roci helped putting plates on the table.

"I don't know... It's on the other side of the city, almost 2 hours of commute" both take their hats off as you sit down to eat.

"It would be grate for Y/n-chan's future" he smiles at you.

Law slam his hand on the table "If you are imposing what career path she has to choose we are out of this house!" Your dad glared at your grandfather, who huffed and crossed his arms.

"If I didn't do it with you, why would I do it to her?" You started to eat silently. "But I understand where you get it wrong, since U.A is the best school for heroes there is, but that doesn't matter, now days they let even quirkless people into their school, there are more then just the hero course, there is the Support, Business, General studies, but that school is one of the best ones out there, it would be an excellent thing to her, and you know it"

Law nods "Sorry, I will look into it"

Rocinante started to eat but your dad got up and went to change his clothes.

"And how was your day sweetie?" you keep looking to your father's bedroom door.

"It was good, I made a map of the region and marked places that I would like to visit, the school of this region has a weird bully guy" you go back to eating.

"Bully?" He looks at you worried.

"Yeah, but it's fine, Robin-sensei helped me, also..." you eat more of your father delicious food "that dude looks like our neighbor's dog with his spiky ash blond hair, just like a pomeranian"

Your grandpa laughs out loud and almost falls from his chair. "You totally are your dad's daughter!" And he went on laughing as you finish eating, the doorbell rung soo after.

You went to the door and saw two blond dudes "Hello, how can I help you?"

The one that had a head that looked like a pineapple smiled and said "I'm Marco and this is Sabo yoi, we are Newgates and we are here to fetch your dad"

"Oh! Your gonna be my teachers!" You smiled brightly.

"Oh my god are you realky daughter of that man and that monster?" You heard a third voice, when you looked behind them you saw Luffy, that was punched on his stomach, which he just laugh it off.

"BE KINDER YOI!" Marco said and looked back at you "I'm so sorry... what's your name again?" He extends his hand

"Y/n, nice to meet you" you shake his hand. "My biology and geography teacher right?"

"Right, and Sabo is your languages and strategy teacher yoi" Marco pats Sabo's shoulder and smiles "can we go in and fetch the most important person of the party?"

You open the door and let them in "last door to the right" as you were closing the door Luffy stopped you.

"We are going out as soon as we got Torao" you nod and wait for them.

You hear them going inside the house and say 'hi' to your grandpa, then a door bursting open and your dad shouting at them. After a little more shouting you see then coming back to the door... while Luffy carry your dad like a sack of potatoes.

You and your Grandpa laugh as soon as you close the door.

The night was good after that, with some more chatting and watching some pro hero drama.

...

You woke up on your bed and looked around your room, that still had boxes, so you did like any other person would do in this situation, you pouted.

As you got up and got ready, the guilt of having your dear things in boxes was heavy on your chest, so you sight and got to work.

...

From sunrise till the early afternoon you were cleaning and organizing your room, you had actually finished hours ago, but you were worried that the bed under the window would make winters unbearable, so you changed it.

Then the nightstand was too close to the door, and that made the mirror too close to the bed, so you basically remade your bedroom 5 times.

'Maybe I should ask for a rug, the floor is so wood cold..."

Finally glad with the result you noticed that you were hungry, probably because you didn't ate nothing all day.

As soon as you got out your room with the dismounted boxes you felt eerie by the empty house, making you nervously open you cellphone and calling Robin.

'If she's free I will like to go out and-'

Your thoughts simply vanishes as you see the house keys on the bowl that is by the entrance door, both your dad's and your grandpa's keys were there!

You run to your room and get the backpack, and run back to the door, you take the keychains out of their package and put it on their keys.

You put Granpa's key with the cracker, Dad with the dark chocolate, and you with the marshmallow.

"So cute! But... why are their keys here? It's a week day, they should de out and about" you go and knock on your dad's doors "Pa?" You open the door after no hearing anything, and is meet by your dad sleeping while hugging someone.

You slowly go back out and close the door...

'Who the fuck was that???' You run to your phone and call your grandpa.

"Hi Y/n-chan! What's up?"

"Hi grandpa Roci... so did you forget your keys?"

"No I got them right her-... omg I forgot my keys" he huffs

"Yeah and... did you called my dad this morming?"

"No, I let him sleep since he got back at 3 am"

"Hmmm... did you see anyone by any chance? Like a woman..."

"What? No, why?"

"H-he brought someone... she's on his bed... right now" you say and start making coffee for 2.

"Oh shit- sorry, mmmh... I-I don't know... what do you want to do about it?"

"It's not the lady's fault that dad didn't think about that with his probably drunk mind, I will go outside again and will leave a note for her, I would appreciate if you helped me and told my dad off about it"

You hear a sigh "Yeah, leave it to me, he isn't a teenage boy, there are rules about that, and also it could be dangerous to you"

"Thank you grandpa, I'm gonna spend the day with Robin-sensei, she just texted me saying that I should not eat here, I will talk to you later" you write a note saying "pretty lady please leave as soon as possible" by the side of the 2 coffee mugs.

You go outside the house and locked the door behind you, when you saw Robin's car and her smiling at you, you wanted to run to her and give her a hug so you did.

"Bye sweetie, have fun" he turned off the phone.

"Hello, ready to meet a new friend?" Robin asked while hugging you back.

"Sure! What's the family's name?" You separate the hug and goes to the other side of the car, sitting on the front seat.

Robin came in after you "Midoriya, they are really sweet, I think you will like it"

[qilwashere]

Hinata Shoyo

Hinata is your neighbor, and you've known each other for the past few years.

You met him near the bathrooms by the water fountains at one of his games, ironically, right after he had gone into the men's room to empty his stomach, since he used to get nervous all the time before a match. Since then he's gotten better, but you still worry for him sometimes.

You always help each other with homework or volleyball, although it's kind of one-sided, since you're super smart and he's very dedicated to being a middle blocker.

You always thought of him as a best friend, nothing more, although over the past few weeks, you'd been questioning yourself about that. He's been hanging out with you less, but youre pretty sure it's just because he's been busier lately. Sometimes your anxiety gets the best of you and you wonder if you did something to provoke him to not want to be around you. Every time this thought pops up in your head you have to take a deep breath to rid your brain of it.

At school his grades have gradually getting worse so you proposed a study date. As soon as you asked him you went red, hoping he didn't take it the wrong way. "I-I didn't mean a real date, it's not like--" you stumbled over your words, but he interrupted you with a laugh and said "Sure, that'd be nice. Whatever day you're free," he smiled at you. You nodded quickly and agreed on a Wednesday. You both parted ways until the set date.

At around 5:40 that Wednesday, you pace around your bedroom waiting for that familiar chime coming from your front door, letting you know that Hinata was there. It never arrives, and your worries that he's trying to keep out of contact with you come flooding your mind once again. You hope that at least he'll text you that he couldn't make it, but no chimes come from your phone either.

The next day, Thursday, at school, you don't see him in any of your usual classes together, which concerns you because he almost never misses a day. Is he sick? you wonder to yourself, and can't get him off your mind until your friend Yachi invites you to her table at lunch to discuss the new club openings that they could join together.

You start to ask her if she's seen Hinata but stop yourself mid-phrase and continue eating.

The days drag along. You haven't heard a thing from Shoyo all week.

You make a last attempt to contact him by texting, "Hey, we missed our study session :p wanna try again tomorrow?" It was a Sunday, so you felt like the next day would be a good time. It surprises you when he responds almost immediately after with "Sure :D See you at school :)". Your heart leaps but you remember that this could all be a set up.

Nah, you reassure yourself, Shoyo's way too nice for that.

For the rest of the day you surprise yourself when your feet guide you to the school gymnasium. You walk in hesitantly towards the door and remember that--

Of course. Why did you think the gym would just be open to anyone? On a Sunday, at that? You bury your face in your hand and turn back when someone comes up behind you-- Yachi.

"Hi Y/N! What are you doing here? I came because I was forgot my bag in here on Friday and never got a chance to get it back. I figured I'd stop by and pick it up before school tomorrow," she says casually. You stare at her wide-eyed. "...Is something wrong?" She asks you. You shake you head no but reply, "I was.. uh, well I was hoping to practice volleyball drills for a bit." Your response surprises you, since you'd been happy to talk with people about it but never really played the sport, or seemed interested in doing so.

"We can't get in without the key, though, so--" you start, but Yachi cuts you off: "Oh, that's no problem, I'm the manager of the volleyball club! I thought I told you... Anyways, let me just make sure I have it on me--" she pauses and pats herself down until she finds a keychain in her pocket, "--we're good!" She says cheerfully.

Your bubbly friend unlocks the key to the Karasuno gym and pulls the basket of volleyballs out of the corner. You grab a ball and toss it up, lace your hands together and face your forearms towards the ceiling, and bend your knees to receive.

The toss was off so you have to shift to the left a little to receive it right, but the feeling of it bouncing off of your arms is so... exciting. You shuffle your feet quickly forward to get directly under the ball again and - POOMF - you hit it up perfectly again. The ball comes down once more and this time when you receive it, you decide to send it over and aim for the left corner of the court. You brace your arms, wait for the point of contact, shrug your shoulders and send the ball flying up... Over... And right inside the left lines on the other side of the net.

You pat yourself on the back for a second and continue doing some volleyball practice. You practice aiming your tosses and have Yachi (attempt to) give you some good sets for spikes. After about an hour and a half, the sun starts to disappear behind the hills. You pick up the balls with the new club manager and say your goodbyes before heading home.

Once you get to your room, you notice that your laptop is open so you decide to check your socials. You try to deny it but you know you're secretly hoping for a DM from Shoyo. As you scroll through your messages you start seeing chats that you hadn't opened in a good while. They don't interest you, though, because you just want to hear from that energetic tangerine-haired boy.

You slump onto your bouncy mattress and it seems to groan in agony as you get comfortable. Eventually your eyelids grow heavy and you decide to rest.

That next day, Hinata comes over to your house,  and you're just hopping into your neatest skirt when you open the door. You're ready for your study date, but before you can stay anything, he grabs your hand and almost drags you down the block to a wide field. As you're jogging beside him on that cloudy day, struggling to keep up, you sneak a glance at him and notice that he's looking happier than you'd ever seen him. You smile to yourself, look down, up again, and run faster to challenge his speed.

"No fair, you got a head start!" He pants, and you laugh.

Eventually you get to a large field with tall grass and a few dandelions.

"I... Need a break," you can barely get out as you bend over and breathe hard. Hinata does the same thing, and after a moment he says, "Hey, (Y/N), see that really tall blade of grass over there?" He says to you. "You mean the one that's taller than you?" You joke, and he scowls. "....Yeah, that one. I'll race you to it!" He taunts, and you gladly accept the challenge. Forgetting about school for a while, you sprint towards the grass towering over all the rest. He beats you, as always, but you don't care because even if you lost, you had more time to spend with him and that's all you needed.

By the time you reach the grass, you're both too weak to stand up, so you lay in the field, next to each other, hands just barely touching, and look at the clouds in the sky. You breathe hard and think about your best friend beside you, and feel yourself blush as you smile to yourself again.

It's quiet so as you push yourself up on your elbows, you try think of a way to start a conversation. "I, uh... I practiced some volleyball yesterday." You stumble over your words, but he perks right up at this, wide-eyed since you're not exactly the athletic type.

"Really?! How was it? Did you hit a spike? Did you practice your tosses? How were your receives? When the ball hit your arm did it go 'poomf?'" He bombards you with questions, doing the same movements he usually would on the court, since this is his area of expertise.

You try to answer him the best you can, "Well, actually, I did try to hit the ball over - Yachi, the new manager, tossed some balls to me - but they always hit the net... My sets were pretty good, and, I could control my receives!" You got excited near the end, almost bouncing, because the few times you practiced with Hinata, strangely, you struggled the most with your receives.

Hinata seems to remember that, because when you mention your improvement, he almost yells, "That's great Y/N! We should practice one day!" You agree with a giggle.

After a few minutes, the world seems to calm down, and so do you. Taking in loads of air at a time, you stare at the sky and try to trace shapes in the clouds.

"I miss you," Hinata says suddenly, almost under his breath. It surprises you and you go silent for a while. "I..I missed you too. A lot," you add, unsure of how to really respond.

He sits up and says, "I'm sorry we haven't talked, it was an accident. I got caught up in volleyball and my failing grades but-- but the few days I haven't seen you made me realize that I want you... More than you, or I, even know..." He trails off, playing with his fingers, and your heart skips a beat.

"I need you, (Y/N)." Hinata mumbles, staring at your bright (E/C) eyes. You nod, not knowing what to say. "Can I.. can I have you?" He asks, embarrassed. You nod again, harder, and grin at him. "Yeah," you just barely whisper, gazing at him as if he were the only thing in the world, and for that minute, he was.

He returns the smile, and it seems like, for that second that he does, the clouds go away, almost like they're making room for the ball of sunshine sitting next to you.

In that moment, with the (real) sun setting, and the dandelions swaying in the slight breeze, you realize that you do love this boy, and that you'd do anything for him. You move your hand slightly to the right so that your pinkie is resting on top of his. You sneak glances at him, and wonder if something's gonna happen.

Shoyo is quiet for the  rest of the time, and you don't kiss, but that's okay because...

Because he's yours. And you're his. And that's a better feeling than any kiss could've granted you.

|~Fin~|

AHHH I know there wasnt much action lol I just had to do this lol. As always thanks for reading <3

[laytonsartblog]

How To Solve Everything

Little Spaces - Ch.2

Ch.1, Ch.2, Ch.3

Warning: This story contains violence, gun related violence, gang related violence, starvation, hypothermia, dysfunctional family themes, dysfunctional domestic themes, poverty, and homophobia/transphobia. Read with caution and at a good time for you. Take care of yourself.

--

Logan has a schedule he dedicates his life to.

First, to wake up at five am.

Next, is to get in the shower without a bucket. Why without a bucket? Because he's damn rich.

Y'see, when you're one of the most successful people in the country of Loríses, running a multi-billion dollar corporation on affordable apartment living and clean energy resources and steady bank loan agreements, well... you can afford some time.

That, and clean water.

Once that's all done and good, Logan likes to relax and have a nice breakfast in his humble top-apartment as he watches the news from the table.

The time didn't really matter when he woke up or finished eating because he never booked (or more accurately put, was forced to book) a meeting or council accommodation or ribbon cutting or something before eleven am.

Breakfast was his only sanctity; he made sure to have plenty of it.

With the news and breakfast over, Logan would head out to work with his classic polo and tie with a briefcase in hand, then spend about eight hours basically running around heading between business meetings and stock readings and introductory openings and apartment gatherings and- well, you get the picture.

Without a hitch, Logan'd get home at around seven-thirty pm, have some sort of dinner out with colleagues he really didn't care for, and get home to either sleep or do his favorite kind of work; charity work.

In the charity work's case?; he wouldn't get a wink of rest.

Today, Logan woke up like he would any other day, perhaps a little later than he thought he would, but that was due to his one am adoption centre charity bidding auction last night.

When he went to check his phone for any messages from his secretary for the day, he found only two from the uptight woman:

You have the day off, Mr.Corbett.

Have a nice day.

Logan looked on in confusion.

I have the day off? Why? he texted back.

His secretary immediately responded with a simple,You haven't used your vacation days at all for the past year, Mr.Corbett. If you don't use them by the end of September, you lose them. I took liberty of letting you off for the next week.

Logan was about to fight back and tell her he's coming into work anyway, but he found she's a bit faster with her hands.

You need it, Logan.

Go visit that old lady down the street, in the bookshop. Her name is Mrs.Tamry. She's my mother's sister and owns the place. She could use some company today.

Logan groaned. He wasn't moving the stubborn woman and that meant he actually had to take care of himself. Woe is he.

Logan grumpily put the phone to his bedside table before face-planting onto his bed. He groaned some more, kicking his feet and punching his hands into the pillows. Perhaps childish, yes, but Logan was never really raised to do much else than work. He didn't know what else to do.

Logan remembered the Mrs.Tamry from his secretary's messages a few minutes after his tantrum and sighed as he flipped over on the bed, rolling out of it.

After a shower he went over to his closet and picked out something a little more casual- a flannel and finer jeans -before stuffing down some toast to head to this bookowner.

Logan would admit that the bookstore part of the old woman was interesting; he's loved being read to and reading stories ever since he could recount the ABC's. It was one of the few pastimes he could be shown doing in public: his public advisor had once told him it made him look both gentle and intelligent, and the ladies would love it. Logan had just told him that he didn't care about the ladies and continued on his way to his office.

Logan finally made his way to the shop. He rolled his eyes at the name: "Book-Ends and Seller's Beggining." It was charming, if not a little corny, and Logan wasn't sure if this was really worth his time, but then he saw the little old lady through the glass sitting by her lonesome and let out a breath of air.

Dammit. Why do I have to feel so guilty?

Logan pushed his way through the tall glass doors and looked his way around, noticing the high bookshelves and neat working stations. It seemed grandma kept up with the times as Logan noticed a small table with a few charging stations attached to it, and a couple of teens doing their homework while plugging their phones in nearby. A stack of laps for rent stood on a shelf near the station.

Logan heard the old woman laugh hoarsely behind him.

"Well, now I wasn't expecting such a dashing young man in my shop so early in the morning!" Mrs.Tamry teased, still laughing. She got up from her weaved rocking chair and instead shuffled her way over to a flustered Logan. "Got some good bone structure- although the hair could use some work. A working man, hmm?"

Logan stammered at the guiding, touching hands and expert eye. "Yes ma'am, I- I am a businessman," he squeaked out.

Logan was used to just saying nothing while out in public, or worse, hosting everything and never getting a break. Having this conversation, if not an awkward one, made him sweat bullets. It was unknown territory.

"A businessman, huh?" Mrs.Tamry sang. She looked him over a few more times, noting the sweaty palms and pale face, before hollaring over to the kids in the corner, "Does this man look familiar?"

The three in the corner; a smaller, but colorful child, a tall but scraggly young fellow, and a boy with a star for his shirt all turned their heads.

The colorful kid snickered. "Nah, he looks too nervous to be any big shot I've heard of," they chided.

"Yeah, and what would he be doing here of all places if he was?" the scraggly lad questioned.

"Hey, knock it off!" the boy in the star shirt huffed. "The guy's probably super sweet and here to pick something up for his wife where they'll read fairytales to their kids and it'll be really damn cute!"

The colorful child started laughing hard; so hard, in fact, that they started tearing up. The scraggly kid did the same. The star boy just crossed his arms, looking to Logan with a much more innocent view.

Logan was sweating so profusely he was afraid he was going to faint. Mrs.Tamry just watched with a crooked smile at their imaginations.

"I am right, huh? You're just a nice guy!" the star boy asked, leaning in. The other two troublemakers got themselves together enough to lean in too, giggling.

"Yeah, tell us! Who are you?"

Logan couldn't stop himself before he even knew what his brain and mouth were going to say.

"I-I'm gay."

Well that was certainly new.

Logan realized what he said and covered his mouth with his hand, shock covering his entire face. Oh now you've done it, he roared at himself, you've told three kids and an old lady you're a disgusting pansy!

But the yelling and the chastising and the kicking-him-out-of-the-store never came. The other children looked to him in absolute glee, and the old woman just snickered.

"So what, dude? I'm like... mega gay too," the boy in the star shirt joked. He easily smiled at Logan.

Logan couldn't tell if he was being encouraged, or if he was doing the encouraging to the boy.

The other two children looked between eachother before looking to Logan. "We're non-binary. We use they/them pronouns. Could you please use them?"

Logan just barely managed a nod, his nerves in overdrive. He just outed himself and now these brave kids were coming out to him too? It was a hell of a thing to wrap around his brain. "O-Of course I will," he managed through chattering teeth.

Logan turned to the old woman last. He expected her to throw him out at first, but now he realized that she knew all this time. Now he looked to Mrs.Tamry in fear. The fact she could figure something like that out so quick was something Logan wasn't prepared to deal with, shock after shock being ran into him in the past ten minutes.

"Young man, you realize that this establishment has a 'We Accept You' sticker on the front, right?" she giggled, patting his shoulder despite him being a tree and her a stump.

Logan looked back to the glass and saw a mirrored version of that sticker on the door; clear as day.

Logan slumped his shoulders. "Oh."

Mrs.Tamry took his shoulders and guided Logan over to a seat, sitting in the one next to him with a sigh. "Ooh, that feels much better on my back."

Logan just stared at her, sweating and shaking and why had I not fought my secretary on letting me work-

Mrs.Tamry clasped a hand on top of his fussing one and smiled gently. The wild side of her had been turned down, and now something much more sweet laid itself out to the scatterbrained gay.

Logan felt himself calm down just a little.

"Now now, I've been told by my niece that her boss was coming in today to spend his day off. I'm to assume that's you, right?" she gently asked. The hand on Logan's softly rubbed it's thumb against Logan's knuckles.

Logan calmed down just a little more.

His tongue managed to unstick itself from the roof of his mouth enough to let out a small, "yes."

He didn't know why he was so freaked. Usually when he got this nervous he'd just bury it down like he had been for the past thirty something years but in this place, it felt like no matter how hard he tried, he was forced to feel everything he was feeling. Logan did not like it.

Mrs.Tamry sighed and used her other hand to tap a gentle rhythm in Logan's arm, giving him something to hold on to.

"Y'know, I didn't expect such a good man like you to be holding back so much fear. I could feel it as you stepped through that door," Mrs.Tamry commented, trying to make small talk.

Logan avoided her eyes. "Well, I haven't got much of a place to let it out."

Mrs.Tamry kept the rhythm on his arm while she hummed.

"Well that simply isn't good!" she preached. "Tell you what, if you're feeling so scared and trembling like you are now, you can always come to me, y'hear?"

Logan nodded a little. He could feel himself slowly relax, coming down from being so flustered and flabbergasted.

New places, new conversations- in which he made actual conversations instead of one-sided invites -new people, new ideas, new everything! It made his brain go into overdrive and his nerves alight. Usually he was able to handle it, bury it deep for later, but here? It seemed he couldn't stuff the feelings down.

Maybe it was Mrs.Tamry's wild but motherly approach, or the bookstore's inviting nature, or the teens he talked to earlier, but either way, Logan just sighed.

He was okay. He was safe. He was okay.

Mrs.Tamry pulled Logan up and rubbed his back while she headed him in the direction of the laptops.

"Why don't you do yourself a favor and find a game to play or- or a messaging site to talk to someone!" Mrs.Tamry then giggled cheekily. "It seems you don't have many friends, so now's a time to start!"

Logan took a seat next to the three teens with an awkward smile and a wave as he opened up the laptop. It was a little out of style, but it seemed fine enough as Logan booted it up.

"We never got your name, sir," the star boy asked politely while Logan logged in.

"Yeah! Like for example I'm Joan and that's Talyn, and he's Thomas, so now you know us!" the newly named Joan called out, tipping their beanie like a celebrity.

Talyn nodded along, playing with their colorful hair. "Homework is getting boring, we wanna know you!"

Logan turned to the three kids with a reserved smile as he signed up for a messenger site called GetAlong.

"My name is Logan Corbett."

--

Taglist

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[katedrakeohd]

#Wacky Drabbles

Here's part 3 of my Kate and Drake short series where they're visiting Kate's Mom in Oregon.

Find the previous chapter here

Written for @emceesynonymroll and her #Wacky Drabbles game

Other Wacky Drabblers:

@jessiembruno @brightpinkpeppercorn @jovialyouthmusic @sirbeepsalot @bobasheebaby @burnsoslow

Prompt #3 I'll be home in an hour

Word count: approx. 1200

Rated: F for fluffy 😊

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

Something in the Oven

After collecting their scrambled box of baked goods from the car, Drake and Kate follow Lorraine into the house. As Kate's Mother holds the door for them the harried cat from earlier appears from its hiding place next to the porch and bolts inside. With a sigh of annoyance, Lorraine looks down and protests, “Lester! You damn cat, you're nothing but trouble.”

Kate peers around the box she's carrying just in time to see the blur known as Lester skitter out of sight. “I take it Lester isn't supposed to be in the house.”

Lorraine pulls the door shut, shaking her head. “He's our only outdoor cat and usually spends days at a time prowling the yard for mice and other little things he can catch. Whenever he comes into the house he disturbs the peace among the indoor crew. Eventually there'll be a minor scuffle and I'll have to shoo him back outside. But in the meantime he'll probably hide like the rest of ‘em.”

Drake stands awkwardly next to Kate, casting his eyes around the space and trying to spy any of the numerous cats that were supposed to live there. He was used to living with dogs that eagerly welcomed him at the door, housecats were a new experience for him. Apart from the large basket of cat toys he saw next to the sofa there was no sign of the feline residents, and he was surprised to not smell the presence of them either. The interior of the house smelled clean and fresh and woodsy like a log cabin should. As he follows Kate and her Mother into the kitchen he catches the pleasant scent of apples and cinnamon baking.

“It smells like your Mom has one upped us in the bakery department Kate.” Drake says as they set their box on the counter.

“Yeah Mom, you could have mentioned you had a pie in the oven when I said we were bringing goodies.” Kate jokes.

Lorraine holds her hands up and laughs, “Hey, in my defense I didn't know you two were coming before this morning. Besides the pie is for dessert later.”

She puts the broom away and then shoos them out of the kitchen, “Please make yourself at home while I go freshen up. I've been tidying the house like a mad woman since you called me this morning. It's not everyday that this humble corner of Oregon is graced by the presence of a bona fide Duke and Duchess.” With a smirk and a halfhearted curtsey she heads for the bedroom.

Kate grimaces slightly at the emphasis that her Mom puts on their titles. She felt guilty for keeping the past several months of her life a secret from her. It had been a chaotic whirlwind to say the least, and the vast geographic distance and many time zones between Oregon and Cordonia hadn't exactly helped. The last time she and her Mom had spoken on the phone she was still living in New York City. Kate wasn't sure how well or if she paid attention to foreign news or politics. Drake gives Kate's hand a reassuring squeeze. In the relative quiet of the house he feels the need to lower his voice, “Your Mom seems nice.”

Kate lets out the breath she's holding with a nervous grin as she squeezes his hand back. “She is most of the time. But I'm fully prepared for her natural skepticism and sarcasm to appear at some point. Expect to be grilled like the proverbial Thanksgiving goose over dinner. I've suddenly shown up married to a guy from Europe with a fancy title in front of my name. No doubt it's a little bit much for her to wrap her head around.”

Drake grins, wrapping his arm around Kate’s shoulders and kissing her on the temple, “I think I can manage whatever verbal jabs your Mom sends my way. I married a New Yorker remember? Besides you know me, I eat snark for breakfast.”

With a smirk of her own Kate leans into his chest, releasing a sigh of contentment when his strong arms wrap around her tightly. “I knew I married you for a reason. You're my hero.”

“And I have the scars to prove it. C'mon let's explore the house while your Mom's busy. You know how much I love log cabins.” Drake slides his hand into hers again and gives her a conspiratorial wink.

Up in the loft bedroom Lorraine is talking to Carol on the phone while she rummages through her closet. “What do you wear to dinner when you're trying too hard to impress someone?” Lorraine sighs in annoyance as she cradles the phone between her shoulder and her cheek.

“So Katherine and her husband have already arrived then? So tell me what he's like?” Carol’s voice holds an air of amusement and wonder.

Lorraine makes a face and shrugs her shoulders, almost dropping the phone which she catches in her hand as she whines back, “I don't know. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I paid attention to what a guy looks like? I've barely spoken to him.”

Pulling a blouse and a pair of jeans out of the closet, she tosses them onto the bed, still uncertain how to dress up her meager wardrobe to impress a Duke and Duchess. At the same time she's wondering why she was bothering in the first place. Shaking her head she strips out of her comfy sweats and throws them aside. On the other end of the phone call Carol presses for more information.

“Oh come on Rainey, if you're fussing around trying to dress to impress then spill it. Is he handsome and pretentious? Is he ugly and boring? I’m dying with curiosity. Besides I haven't met your daughter yet either. I've only seen pictures.”

With a sigh, Lorraine cradles the phone next to her ear again as she pulls on her jeans.

“Well to be honest, you wouldn't know he was European or a Duke at all. He dresses pretty casual like any other guy. Until he opened his mouth and spoke I would have assumed he was American. His accent is unusual but his voice is nice. He's more rugged than refined. I suppose you could call him handsome.”

Carol laughs in her ear, “Uh Huh so you didn't notice him at all. I'll be home in an hour. Should I pick up a bottle of wine to go with dinner?"

“Sure. We're having pasta, but I'm not sure what kind of wine they like so get a red and a white."

Walking hand in hand Drake and Kate explore the downstairs. They find another bedroom down the hall from the kitchen. As Kate pushes the door open, an orangey colored cat streaks out and then runs down the hall passed them. “Well I guess that's cat number one.” Drake says with a chuckle.

“Aww, such a cutie.” Kate says, watching the cat with a longing expression.

Drake notices how her face lights up and scolds her playfully, “No more pets for you. I know we have a big house and everything but I draw the line at two corgis underfoot. Besides..” He wraps his arms around Kate from behind and places a soft kiss on her cheek, his hand straying down to rest on her belly, “We're going to have a little critter of our own in a few months.”

With a smile Kate looks down and laces her fingers through his. “Yes I know. And I can't wait to tell Mom over dinner.”

Continue to the next part

[realiodelio]

The Race for Our Lives

Ight y'all it's Ted Talk time.

Calling in a threat isn't funny. It's not a part of your freedom of speech. What it is is terrifying. It's scary.

On Friday, Sept. 27th, around 3:45 p.m, I had just strapped my watch to the handle of an elliptical. A few minutes ago, I had been doing warm ups when one of my cross country coaches told me to go reserve a machine now if I planned to use it later. I left my water bottle in my locker with my things.

I don't know what time anything else happens after this, but here's the main order of events...

I had just gotten back in the line for warm ups, and was trying to catch up to everyone else. I was mentally questioning the freshmen boys who were jokingly fighting. Such a normal thing that even as I type it I'm wondering how it all went so sideways. The upperclassmen boys were joking around with them, but had told them to get back into their warm ups.

Maybe a minute has passed.

Suddenly, my coach comes in. "Everybody outside!" There's confusion. Shock. We were just told a few minutes ago that we were warming up inside today, because of the rain. What was going on? "Don't question it just go. Go, go, GO!"

Everyone got the sick feeling that something was wrong. It was only confirmed when we made it to the stairwell; through the clear glass panels that surrounded us, we could see cars, police cars, right outside the door. "Go, get as far away as you can." My friend and teammate, sobbing as she was struggling down the stairs in her crutches. "Watch out for her!" I remember hearing my coach say. "Don't slow down." I urged the boys around the two of us, before speeding past.

At this point in my mind, I was thinking "bomb threat". Just past the soccer fields I could see people slowing down, and then continuing onwards with a coach leading them. I was running as fast as I could.

My best friend was ahead of me, but I caught up to him in almost no time at all, then passed him. In the back I heard "Keep going!" From his teammate. "I'm not going without my brother!" Had been the response. Maybe calm anger to anyone who didn't know him, but if I had ever heard fear in his voice it was then.

I wasn't leaving without my best friend. Next to me, a boy I was crushing on had smiled and cracked a lame joke "Not like we don't do this every day during practice." I couldn't help but laugh. I didn't want to cry.

I slowed down to cross the road and get onto the trail behind the school. The car I had crossed behind was an off-white color. There were two boys in it looking as terrified as I had felt. My best friend wasn't behind me, at least not directly, and I practically stopped to wait for him and his brother. I needed to know he was OK- that they were okay.

At the end of the back road, my coach stood between the railroad tracks. Near the end of the school day, an announcement had been made saying they were closed. The red warning lights were still blinking, but we paid little heed. "Just keep going that way." The head coach gestured. "Just keep going."

Where? Where to? We had probably all been wondering. Perhaps the park, was my thought, maybe the library? I followed the crowd.

On the way, one of my teammates had slowed to a walk, texting someone. Crying. She's a year younger than I am. "Keep going" I told her. "Keep going. There's nothing you can do right now" I told her. "My foot hurts." She had been injured, I remember. One of many, not including myself. "Just keep going, you can do it." I didn't part from her for the rest of the run.

Several blocks down, an ex-classmate was in a company driveway with her mom. Her car was a vibrant red, like her hair. I gave her a hug "never been happier to see you" and "same here". She offered me and the group a ride, but we denied. We were instructed to cut through the backyard, get somewhere safe.

Maybe 8 meters later, me, my teammate, my best friend, and his brother got past the treeline. The coach who had earlier instructed me to reserve an elliptical was there, directing people to what I recognized as the District Office, or D.O for short.

"Final stretch," I remember joking. The Race for Our Lives.

I made it up the stairs and through the doorway. I needed to see my team. "Too many turns" I thought. "What the fuck. I just want my team."

"Just keep going this way, you'll be safe." Some administration person had told me. I was vaugly aware that I had been mad. At the number of turns? At her? At the shooter? I don't know. Maybe I'll never find out.

Everything after that was a wild blur in which time didn't exist.

Inside the safe zone, I met a heartbreaking sight. The freshmen girls were mostly gathered at one table, all crying. The boys were milling about, mostly on my right. My best friend was nearby- immediately, he got a hug. Girls gathered together, crying and comforting each other, telling their fears and their loves, and frantically apologizing to girls who they had thought there was tension with.

Hugs. Everyone on my team I needed to hug. To touch, to know and see and feel that They Are Safe, My Girls Are Safe. A number of freshmen and sophomores "Oh God, you're okay, I'm so glad you're okay, I was so scared for you. I was so scared." My response had been a surprised "Scared for me? How come? Look, I'm fine!!"

The sentence "I wasn't even worried for myself." Had been a commonality. Most of us worried for those in crutches or boots- later we discovered that they had safely made it into cars, and gotten away. Most people around me were in tears. I wasn't crying. I was laughing nervously, relieved.

Every girl I could hug, I hugged. I hugged my coaches. I hugged my best friend, maybe five times. Cell phones were being passed around, people were using the D.O phone, a phone I had looked at curiously when I came in, wishing I knew the extension number.

I asked my best friend to borrow his phone- I needed to call my mom before word got out. He didn't hesitate to tell me yes.

Three calls. No response. I sent a text explaining the situation, saying I was safe.

I never more regretted not having another phone number memorized.

I was lucky. There was a computer next to the D.O phone where I could sign into my school account and access my emergency contact list. The first person I called was my sister a quick run down of the situation, beginning with "I'm safe". Then I called my aunt, never more grateful she worked from home "Hey. It's me, your neice." I explained the situation and told her the address of the D.O. She said she would come to pick me up

After that was taken care of I continued making my way around the room, talking with people. Administration brought in water and snacks.

I stayed with my best friend until my aunt came to pick me up. Two of my little cousins had come along, glad I was safe and overall nervous about the situation with a giddy curiosity of relief that only kids could have- all the questions they could possibly ask, they did. My aunt offered to buy me dinner from the local restaurant. I acquiesced after the kids had assured me they wouldn't complain.

When we were pulling into the restaurant drive-up, I checked the time again. 5:26 p.m. Only an hour and 41 minutes had passed.

There are a number of details that are hard to place into this story, like me telling my best friend to text his girlfriend- casually reminding him that he doesn't need to have a phone number memorized when apps like Instagram and Snapchat exist. Or how I had told people while crossing the main street that if the cars have stopped, there's no point in waiting, just GO. People had come in several times giving us news updates- there's no active shooter, there's no live threat, they didn't find anyone with a gun in the building. A few mentionings of this getting into national television, but I voiced my extreme doubts about it. There's all the details of apologies I heard and the randomly shared personal facts. There's how I had friends who weren't athletes, other kids who had missed the bus, all in someone's house- some athlete whose mom was an officer, he lived in the neighborhood just across the road. People crowded in bedrooms and sitting on couches and tables and floors. All unsure of what to do, of what to say.

Those are unforgettable details.

We, as a team, were questioning what else would happen. Was there still a team dinner tonight? (Yes, but hardly anyone went) Were we going to race tomorrow? (yes, and we had 14 season Season Records, along with another 14 Personal Records). When we got onto the bus that Saturday morning, nothing was spoken about who had been missing. A silent but mutual understanding ran through the team.

Learning that it had been an anonymous and fake tip off had most people questioning things, especially during the moments we were waiting to get picked up to go home. Even still, people are wondering how such a thing could happen. Both scenarios are despicable. We had all feared the worst, and now we all fear still "What if this was real? What if it happens again, only it's not fake?"

It's sick that kids are going to spend possibly the rest of their educational careers wondering if school is safe. It's sick that this is oddly normal in America. It's sick that we had thought we were running for our lives. It's sick that someone called in a fake report- or even more terrifying, someone called in a report that could have been real.

It was terrifying, and that fear may never leave any of us students. We need to change something about this. I wish that I could have some type of solution, but I don't. I just don't.

That's all for now. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk.