#I had plenty of time today to study for this exam on Monday but I just didn’t | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

gaystayzennie · 2 months

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I Did Everything I Was Supposed To Do (pt.1)

Haechan x male reader

Summary: Finals week turns out to be the final breaking point for y/n, but luckily Haechan is around right when you need him

Warnings: fluff, some angst: homophobia, allusions to panic disorder, stress

“Fuck. I can’t believe I forgot about the final on Monday. Fuck fuck fuck” Y/n cursed under his breath as he walked as fast as he could toward the entrance to his boyfriend’s place. Y/n had a million things to do the next few days already, and now he had a final to cram for on top of it all. “One thing at a time” he told himself knowing it’s what Hyuck would tell him if they were together right now. He didn’t really listen to this advice of course… especially coming from his own mouth instead of his cute adorable boyfriend.Oh God. I wish he was here so bad. But Haechan was still at the dance studio and would be for the next several hours. That’s why y/n was even entering Haechan’s apartment right now in the first place; Daegal needed to be taken out while Haechan was gone.

He HAD to have his stupid extra long dance rehearsal today of course. On the day where he already had to finish a ton of assignments and now cram for a test. Y/n quickly threw his backpack on the ground and sprinted over to daegal scooping her up before she even knew what was happening. While he waited for Daegal to do her business and walk around a little, y/n got back to planning his study schedule in his head. If I start by studying for the exam… I can trade every 45 minutes from cramming to working on the lab report for my other class. Fuck! That depends on whether the others ever filled in their data. Ok so I’ll save that for the end and work on the PowerPoint instead even though it’s due the longest from now. As long as I cut myself off at around 1:00 am, that should be enough sleep to take the exam at 9:30 the next day. It was going to be a rough night, but y/n decided he’d just have to work away and hope for the best.

Y/N went back inside and scooped his backpack up again to go work in Hyuck’s bedroom. He found the smell of his boyfriend clinging to the room to be extremely comforting and he hoped it would help him stay calm and focused on his work. He opened up his laptop to the lecture notes for the exam and began skimming them for any confusing topics that jumped out at him. What the? I only know like 2 of these concepts?? I’m screwed. Y/N new from plenty of old tests that it would only make things worse if he worried about it now, and feeling himself start to panic, he decided to work on the PowerPoint instead. He figured he should just finish all his other assignments so that he could then spend the entire rest of the night studying.

An hour into working on the PowerPoint y/n’s phone buzzed. He opened it to find a message from one of his lab partners that read “hey y/n I’m really sorry but I’m actually boarding a plane right now so I’m not gonna be able to finish my part of the lab. Maybe you can ask [partner name 2] for her data? I think she got mine down too.”

Y/n: “I’ll ask her.”

Partner 1: “KK.”

“Gotta go, sorry again!”

Partner 2: “Shit. I don’t have her values either y/n. I’m pretty sure that part of the lab was online though, so one of us can just do the lab at home right now.”

“Oh wait actually, I have to take both of my finals on Monday. It’s due Tuesday right? So I won’t have time to do her part. Y/n any chance you can do it?”

Y/n: “ I only have one midterm tomorrow… I guess I can do it if no one else can.”

Partner 2: “Ur the best bro! Tysm <3”

Y/n: …

Fuck me. How am I supposed to do [p/n 1]’s work for them on top of everything else? Y/n barely had enough time to do all his work as it was. And he had done all of HIS work on the lab already too. He thought he’d just quickly analyze his partner’s data and then turn it in… but no. This is totally unfair. I have more work than either of them, and I’m doing their work for them too on top of it all. Y/n’s eyes grew misty for a second threatening to turn into tears, but y/n shook his head hard and the urge to cry went away for now. He had to get back to— wait no. He needed to cook dinner. With no Hyuck home to cook dinner like usual, he was going to starve if he didn’t make something for himself. Standing up quickly y/n smacked his arm on Hyuck’s dresser skinning it in the process. Great. Now he was bleeding. And it had gotten on his white shirt too. Except it wasn’t his shirt, it was his boyfriend’s shirt that he had borrowed. Y/n was this close to screaming in frustration, but stripped off the shirt quickly and made his way to the bathroom to clean the spot before it stained. And of course, he needed to throw it in the washer if he really didn’t want it to stain, and that meant he should really just do all of Haechan’s laundry now. So heart now racing in a slight panic, y/n gathered the laundry and started the cycle as quickly as possible so that he could start on dinner.

Opting for the most time efficient option, y/n grabbed some pasta and left it to boil while he got back to work for a few minutes. There sure was a lot on his mind now between the pasta he was cooking, Daegal (who he suddenly remembered needed to be fed as well), the lab report, the final exam in a day, Haechan’s laundry that still needed to be dried, folded, and put away, and the millions of other things he needed to get done before going home to his family at the end of the week. And the trip home would be another ordeal that required a lot of planning and prep work. Y/n had a lot of problems at home due to his conservative family and their recent discovery that he was dating Haechan. But that’s silly. I shouldn’t worry about that right now. And it’s not like it’s anything new knowing they all disapprove of my “lifestyle choice”. That’s old news, and I need to focus on this. Y/n went back to his multitasking and eventually got Daegal fed, the laundry in the dryer, and got a good portion of the lab done.

At 10:30 y/n finally felt satisfied with the PowerPoint and had finished collecting most of the data his partner was supposed to do. So he went to wash all the dishes he had left out at dinner and put away the leftovers as a quick study break. He smiled at the pasta he’d saved for Haechan knowing it would make his boyfriend’s day to find food ready for him after a long night of dance practice. When he walked back into Hyuck’s bedroom to finish the lab, he noticed several notifications on his phone again.

Mom: Hey you’re coming home on Wednesday right? You’ll be done with finals week by then?

Dad: Hey y/n you better have a gift ready for your mother when you come home on Tuesday. She’s still pretty upset about Haechan, so you should really try to make her feel better.

Bro: Dude mom and dad are pissed cuz dad thought you were coming home Tuesday after your final, and then mom told him you said Wednesday. So he flipped and said you were probably staying longer to fuck Haechan or something

Y/N: I told them both Wednesday. I AM spending Tuesday night at Hyuck’s place. But I just wanted a night to relax before immediately coming home

Don’t tell them that… just say I’m busy or something

Bro: sorry bro, that’s not gonna work. You better come home Tuesday or they’re gonna make the trip absolute hell for you

Y/N: fuck ok fine, I’ll make it work

Y/n was getting more and more stressed by the second. And now he wouldn’t even get any sort of buffer between finals week and seeing his family. And fuck he had that feeling in his head- that feeling of anxiety setting in- making him slightly dizzy and his chest tight. Fuck. Fuck. I’m gonna have a panic attack. I know it’s coming. Should I call Hyuck? He should be on his way home by now anyway right? Ok fuck. Yeah he should call his boyfriend. Maybe he could talk him through it. He prayed he was right and Hyuck would actually answer his phone, and to his relief, Hyuck answered right away.

“y/n! I’m on my way home and practice went pretty well! I think the show is going to be really good this quarter. Have you made dinner yet? And how’s the studying going?” He was so excited to hear his y/n ie’s voice on the phone. “Hyuck.” Y/n felt the lump in his throat form and wasn’t able to get out the rest of your words as he broke into tears. “Y/n? What’s wrong love? Are you ok?” No words came out of y/n as he began to hyperventilate. Haechan could hear y/n’s shallow breathing and put together that he must be having a panic attack. He assured y/n he’d be there in the next ten minutes and stayed on the phone with him until he rushed through the door exactly ten minutes later, Immediately making his way over to y/n huddled in the corner of his bed crying and hyperventilating. From past experience he knew y:n liked him to stay close until he was able to calm down and talk.

Haechan slowly climbed into the bed, sliding his body between your back and the bed frame, wrapping his arms around you in a comforting bear hug. “I’ve got you y/n. I’ve got you, and I’m not going anywhere.” Y/n began shaking in Haechan’s arms unable to fully process what was happening with his mind completely taken over by panic at this point. Haechan rested his chin on y/n’s soft hair and hummed a song. Y/n did his best to focus on the light vibrations on his head from Haechan’s tune. “I’ll just talk about my day a little too ok y/n? Squeeze my hand if you’d like that.” Y/n’s eyes remained squeezed tight, and his body was still trembling, but he gives Haechan’s hand a light squeeze back. “Ok love. Let’s see… I saw Jungwoo today! I know he’s your favorite dance major right? He was really cool to watch, you were right! He might even be more charismatic than me” he teased. Y/n didn’t laugh out loud or acknowledge him, but he appreciated Hyuck trying to lighten the mood. “I spent most of the night working on my duet with Mark though. They have us doing this really acrobatic hiphop song and it’s a lot of work. I’ve memorized all the footwork though. It was kind of funny watching Mark struggle with it more than me for once honestly. Next time you should tag along and watch. When it’s not finals week of course!” He adds, giving a small pec to your forehead.

“Is that why you’re stressed by the way? Finals?” He doesn’t really expect y/n to give any responses yet. But much to his surprise you shake your head in response. “No. More.” Y/n says quietly, starting to breath a little more evenly. “What else baby? What’s stressing you out.”

“Everything!” Y/n exclaims. “So much. TOO much” y/n squeaks out bursting into more tears. Haechan gently shushes you and squeezes his arms tighter around your body and begins planting little kisses all over your head to comfort you. “It’s ok y/n. It’s ok.” Hyuck can feel y/n’s body body relax a tiny bit despite his sobs. Y/n spins around melting into Haechan and burying his face in his chest

To be continued…

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l-sincline · 4 months

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Girlish Whimsy - Chapter 9

AO3 Link

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AO3 tags: Ouran High School Host Club - All Media Types, Ootori Kyouya/Original Female Character(s), Ootori Kyouya, Suoh Tamaki, Original Characters, Original Female Characters, Morinozuka Takashi, Haninozuka Mitsukuni, Fujioka Haruhi, Hitachiin Hikaru, Hitachiin Kaoru, Slow Burn, Acquaintances to Friends to Lovers, Eventual Romance, smart people that arent smart about romance, Oblivious, Battle of Wits, Ouran High is one giant social chess game

Asuka has her eyes on the prize as soon as she steps foot on Ouran High School grounds. Her goal? Impress her father enough to convince him to let her remain as heir to the company instead of handing the title down to her younger brother. She knows going to school at Ouran will be one big chess game, especially coming in late at her second year- but she’s up for any challenge.

Asuka finds herself intrigued by the Host club and the inner workings of it. More than that, she sees untapped opportunities to grow her resume. Now all she needs is a partner on the inside who’s equally as motivated, and he was easier to find than she thought.

On Monday morning Asuka had returned the dress and shoes to Mayu before class. She’d hoped the rest of her morning would be relatively peaceful, this would be a wish she would have to disregard for the next three years.

“I saw you attended our dance last night, Princess!” Tamaki exclaimed as he joined Asuka and Mayu’s small clothing exchange huddle– leaning on Mayu’s desk with one hand.

“Uh, just Asuka is fine, thank you.” She responded stiffly– Tamaki sure as hell was observant.

“I’m just glad to know we’ve won over your heart once more. You know, that's all a host can really ask for. Beautiful women smiling upon our faces as we…” At a certain point Tamaki’s voice became an incomprehensible drone. Asuka glanced over to Mayu, who was fully entranced by what the blond had to say.

“Tamaki.” A familiar voice snapped her back to reality. “Did you not come over here to talk to Ms. Kaneko about something perhaps a bit more important?”

Kyouya wore a strained smile as he stared at Tamaki from where he’d also joined the clothing exchange huddle. She wasn’t quite sure she could call it that anymore. Mayu seemed shocked at the amount of outside of the host club host interactions she was currently experiencing. Asuka looked back at Tamaki.

“Yes!” The blond hit his palm with his fist, “Kyouya here told me that you wanted to interview me! I do love a good interview– you see, a few years ago-”

“He’ll meet you once the Host Club is closed for the day.” Kyouya cut Tamaki off.

“Ah- wonderful. I’ll look forward to it.”

Kyouya’s stare seemed to have finally bored holes into Tamaki’s head as he simply smiled and nodded in response before the two went back to their seats.

Asuka had, admittedly, forgotten that she had texted Kyouya before bed asking to interview all the hosts so she could better personalize the designs she was making. When she woke up this morning she saw Kyouya had answered her around 1am. Sure, it seemed like a great, normal time to be up before school the next morning. She didn’t question it.

Well, at least now all she had to do was get through the rest of the day and sit at the Host Club for a few hours. It couldn’t be that hard, right? The teacher entered the room.

“Alright, everyone up. Physical exams today, you knew that.”

Evidently, Asuka had never looked at her school calendar.

To be honest the physical exam had been a little soul sucking. There had been plenty of chaos ensued from the host club (she was starting to get the idea that trouble just followed the group wherever they went) but thanks to that it seemed her and the other uninterested students were able to float by without much trouble. She saw a doctor quickly, breezed through the exam, and then quickly left the exam area.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch. She did some free studying and made note of some questions to ask the hosts so she might properly discern their personalities in order to make jewelry that would appeal to their particular guests.

Then, as soon as the day was over, she headed to Music Room 3 and sat on the sidelines as she usually did when she accompanied Mayu. Her friend seemed baffled that Asuka had shown up before her, but she just sent her a small smile and wave as she was whisked away to her usual table by the gaggle of fellow host club loving girls she usually hung out with here.

Asuka observed the club activity and occasionally made notes. The twin’s jewelry should definitely come as a set, perhaps give the option to bundle Morinozuka and Haninozuka’s as well, perhaps something simpler for Fujioka. These kinds of things were what she jotted down until a hand descended upon her notebook and slid it to the other side of the table.

Kyouya pulled out the chair and sat, scribbling some notes in the book with his own pen before sliding it back across the table and sitting back in his chair.

“All of the hosts have a specific type trope they adhere to in order to consistently attract customers.”

“So today I speak with the prince?” She chuckled, glancing down briefly at the notes he’d made next to her own.

“He sure fancies himself that.” Kyouya responded with a shrug, the two of them looking over to Tamaki’s table.

The blond had currently cupped the cheek of the girl sitting on his right, the rest watched on in awe.

“It’s a wonder they don’t get jealous.” Asuka commented offhandedly.

“Oh, some do.” Kyouya replied thoughtfully, “They don’t last very long if they behave that way outwardly, we won’t tolerate it. But, you know, feelings always linger below the surface.” He threw up a hand nonchalantly to their left.

Asuka glanced over and noticed some of the girls who had been independently sitting and snacking had stopped what they were doing to stare, some looked decidedly more annoyed than others. They looked away when they noticed Asuka had taken note of them.

“From what I hear, you had a less than peaceful physical exam day?” Asuka looked back to him, changing the subject.

“Hmm, yes. Though, it wasn’t too bad all things considered. Everything turned out alright.”

“You figured it would?”

He shot her a wry smile.

“I brought this for you.” Now it was his turn to change the subject. Kyouya produced a manilla folder from his bag and handed it over.

Asuka flipped open the folder to find two sheets. One, a contract– the other, a script.

“I figured it would be better to have our deal down in writing.” He spoke up when he noticed Asuka had finished reading the sheet, “And, of course, I need a cut of the money you make for distribution and advertisement.”

Asuka laughed dryly, shutting the folder again.

“Figures. I’ll look it over when I get home and return it to you tomorrow morning.”

“Good.” A sudden loud noise from Haninozuka’s side of the room drew Kyouya’s attention. “I apologize, but I should probably get back to my job. I’ll send over some refreshments for you until Tamaki is free.”

#sinclines writing #girlish whimsy #ouran high school host club #ohshc #oc x canon #kyouya ootori #kyoya ootori #original character #ohshc fanfic

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safiadesmantelar · 5 months

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today has not been a bad day at all. I had spicy korma for dinner super late, which altered my GI lining, leading to nausea when I was eating until about an hour ago. I don't regret it but my binges show me exactly why I should never again - it just results in me feeling sick for hours after waking up.

I have so much studying to do today and I've decided that if I really truly do not have enough time to take the exam before tuesday, I will make sure that I call off sunday to spend the entire day studying. my future > temporary loss. I will pass this class before it closes and this is the push I need to get back on track academically.

I have to do at least two whole sections (5,6) so I can do 7-10 tomorrow, 11 sunday/all the labs and revision, and take the exam monday morning.

I just returned from lunch and had a core 42 shake, which is always a delicacy to look forward to.

this evening I have plenty to do. I will go to target for pickup, hair store for my goddess mini twists style I will be doing on monday, going home to do my pilates and off ice stuff, tune my harp up, study, and skate for two hours. afterwards, the studying must continue. and honestly, other than the crackers I ate earlier,today is likely to be a fully liquid day. I need to give my body time to rest

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mieohmy · 3 years

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𝖢𝗈𝗆𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗍 𝟣𝟢𝟣 | 𝖫𝖾𝖾 𝖩𝖾𝗇𝗈

PAIRING: lee jeno x reader

GENRE: angst, fluff, humor, comfort, established relationship au, college au, this rly is just a self indulgent fic kjasdfk

WC: 2.1k

NOTES: slight argument/fighting ?? , cursing

SUMMARY: jeno wants your attention, your comforting presence, your love- he simply wants you.

for the bday boy that i treasure sm! happy birthday to puppy jeno <333

ღ

The phone next to you lies untouched, and practically has been for days- or has it been a week already? I mean, it wasn’t your fault that upcoming finals had been taking you to the depths of hell, and you had no choice but to lock yourself at home to study for a week on end.

Which brings you to day 7? 8? of being holed up in your room all day, memorizing a bazillion tiny printed words and trying to cram as much information as possible in that overworked brain of yours. Getting about 4-5 hours of sleep a day, you couldn’t remember anymore- or even care to remember. Not to mention the added stress that came along with being any normal college student. Wasn’t life just wonderful?

You feel bad for everyone that has tried to contact you over this stressful period in your life (since you completely turned your phone off to eliminate all distractions), but the urge to stop studying completely and just check up on the real world and all its happenings grows stronger. You breathe in -out, constantly chanting ‘self-control’ over and over again in your head. Then your eyes slowly open, and you slap yourself one last time as if to say ‘get it together' before diving back into the books.

Just two more days. Two more days and you can finish and not have to stress about finals until results come out.

At this point, you were surviving off of coffee, tea, random stolen snacks that your boyfriend would bring over from his dorm.

Damn, when’s the last time you had a proper meal? Monday?

And then you frown. What day even is it today? You glance at your calendar and-

Goodness grief, it’s Sunday already.

You almost have a midlife crisis over wasting basically a week doing nothing but sitting at your desk and looking at words, but then again at this point- you’re just over it and want to be done as soon as possible.

But soon, a weird feeling arises after you recall today’s date- like you were forgetting something. You place a hand over your forehead. Was there something important today?

And as if the universe read your mind, the doorbell rings.

A giant wave of confusion washes over you. Was someone supposed to come over today?

-and you just completely wiped it from your mind?

You’re still running through your memories as you walk to the door. No, it's not Chae since she has finals too...

Opening it, you’re not at all expecting who was behind it.

“Jeno-?”

He blinks back at your wide eyes, expression turning concerned, and you rub your temples in exasperation and defeat.

“Oh, did we have a date today or something? I’m so sorry- I totally forgot.”

His eyebrows furrow. “No, I was just supposed to come over to hang out with you....”

“It’s been so long since we last talked, baby. You haven’t responded to any of my texts. What’s going on?” He promptly adds, staring intently at you.

You let out a sigh, and jeno notices your tense shoulders and dark under-eye circles. “I thought you knew. Finals are coming up so I’ve been stuck at home cramming for about a week now actually.”

His frown deepens. “I did know. And still, y/n..” he says in a warning tone.

You know what his voice implies, you’ve heard it plenty of times at this point, but right now you don’t have to energy to listen to his nagging. “ I know, I know. Just- come in, I guess.....”

To be completely honest, you wanted to send jeno back home- there was still a lot more information left to cover and you obviously weren’t in your best condition, but he was the one who actually remembered your ‘date’ and drove to your place, so you would feel even worse making him go all the way back to his dorm.

Jeno easily follows you in, biting the inside of his cheek to hold back any comments while examining your place even though barely anything has changed since he last visited- mostly because there was nothing to change when you were in your room all day.

You walk to the kitchen, getting your boyfriend some water while yawning. Meanwhile, your mind is drifting away, thinking about what topics are left that you have to go over later. “What are we even doing today?”

Jeno plops on your couch, arms behind his head. “I don’t know. A movie?”

You hide your grimace, immediately thinking of how much time would be wasted watching one, or possibly even more if jeno was feeling it. In the one to two hours of a movie, you could be done with chapter two and three-

“Y/n??”

Your head snaps up. “Yes?”

“Are you gonna come over here or just stand there in the kitchen all day?” he teases.

You shake your head to clear the fog and join jeno on the couch. Scrolling through the options, you automatically snuggle up next to him, eyes blearily watching the moving tv screen.

He decides on this one animated film, and you’re too drained to pay attention so you simply nod and let the movie begin. But even though you try your best to focus on the storyline and what’s currently going on, your mind keeps wandering off to other, more boring things- your studies, obviously.

The number of chapters you covered, the slight of chapters you have left, how long you would have to stay up to finish going through your planned amount of information -all the stressful thoughts swirling in your head, and it only exhausts you more.

You let out a sigh, and jeno turns to you. “Are you okay? You’ve been sighing nonstop since we started the movie.”

You clear your throat, biting back a yawn. “Oh- yeah, sorry. I won’t do it anymore.”

Your boyfriend stiffens but doesn’t say anything, attention returning to the flashing screen in front of him.

You did try. You really did. But your eyelids keep drifting shut and your head keeps slowly lolling forward and snapping back up -it’s not until your forehead accidentally knocks against jeno’s chest that he finally speaks up again.

“Y/n. You need to take a break and get some sleep. Now.” His tone is sharp and commanding.

You snap your eyes back open, vision blurry. “No- it’s fine. I’m good, let’s keep watching.”

The immediate switch in the air is scary, jeno swiftly reaching for the remote and pausing the movie to look at you dead straight in the eyes before setting it back down with a loud, clattering noise. “You need to rest. I can tell from how tired you look, and I know you’ve been studying for so long, so why is it that hard to just relax for a little?”

You groan, distress breaking through. “I can’t, okay? You already understand how stressful school is and how important my upcoming tests are. I know you’re just trying to be kind and thoughtful but-“

“But what?” He cuts you off, the frustration he’s been hiding for a while finally revealing itself. “Taking a rest from burning your brain out isn’t going to kill you, y/n.”

Your hands at your side clench and unclench, a wave of emotions overcoming you. “I know that. But I can’t afford to have a break now.” Everything suddenly feels overwhelming, and your voice comes out strained and uncontrolled.

“I’m almost there, jeno. It’s so close, and if I stop now, I’ll feel like a failure.”

He laughs a short and echoing bark. “How do you think I feel? I was trying to brush everything aside and act like it was all fine, but it’s certainly not when you’re like this.”

You falter.

Jeno gets up, making direct eye contact with you even though his body is trembling and his voice is shaky.

“I spent the past week just lying in bed and worrying about you- if you were eating okay and getting enough sleep. I was constantly texting you reminders to take care of yourself, only to find out from your friend that you turned your phone completely off. Do you know how shitty of a person I was feeling? I didn’t want to be a distraction to you because I know how much you care about your grades, but it’s killing me, y/n. I want to be there for you, but instead, I end up feeling like the worst boyfriend in the world.”

He shudders before continuing,

“And then I come here, brushing off all my worries since I was super excited to finally be with you after so long, and then I have to see you in such a bad condition. Barely taking care of yourself, barely even surviving on your own just so you can pass your exams that I know you’ll already do well on no matter what. As your boyfriend who wants to help and be here for you, do you know how much my heart hurts?”

He finishes, but not before wiping away the frustrated tears that appeared in his angry rant.

It takes one beat -two beats, before you immediately spring up, rushing towards jeno and throwing your arms around him.

He accepts it, burying his face into your shoulder and wrapping his arms tightly around your waist.

The guilt courses through your body, and you understand. The consequences of your actions hit you, hard, and you know you deserve it all. Jeno just wants to know that you’re here. You’re here with him.

“I’m really sorry,” you murmur into his hair, “I’m really, really sorry, jeno.”

You hate the fact that you can still feel the slight wetness of his tears soaking through your-technically his- shirt. You pull back, looking straight into his eyes to make sure he knows you’re being genuine.

“I promise to pay more attention to myself, and I promise I won’t ever let it happen again. I won’t shut you out anymore... and you can come over to take care of me whenever you want, okay?”

Jeno slowly nods, and you softly wipe away the corners of his red eyes of any wetness.

He pulls you closer to him again, inhaling your scent one more time, and you finally let yourself go.

After about a minute of just enjoying each other’s warm embrace - one that you feel like you haven’t felt in so long- you allow yourself to smile and pull back just enough to place a kiss on his cheek.

“Was my baby just lonely and missed me too much?” you sing in a soft voice. He lets out a disgruntled noise in response, shaking his head against your body.

But you both know what the answer is.

“C’mon, let’s go to bed.” You tug his arm easily to your room, putting off your studies, at least for today.

“You’re really gonna take a break this time?” Jeno asks, eyeing you carefully.

You grin. “Yes? Besides, I know you’re always down for cuddles.”

You drag him to the bed, taking his arms and wrapping them around your body as exhaustion quickly fills you.

You fight yourself to stay awake as long as you can to enjoy jeno’s presence, but he notices and hugs you even closer if possible, whispering softly, “Go to sleep, baby. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

And before you finally drift off, you sleepily murmur, “I love you, jeno. Like, a lot.”

Even after you fall asleep in his embrace, he stares down at you, softly kissing your forehead.

I love you too.

bonus bc i adore jeno too much :

“Jeno- for the last time, you’re not a bad boyfriend.”

“I know.... but-“

You shut him up with a quick kiss.

“You’re the sweetest.”

Another kiss.

“Funniest.”

Peck.

“Handsomest.”

His ever so growing smile freezes. Jeno looks at you, a surprisingly solemn look on his face.

You raise an eyebrow, confused.

“......even more than Nam joo hyuk?”

Ah. He had to go for the favorite actor.

You swallow, battling an intense internal war before begrudgingly nodding. “Okayyy...fine. You are.”

He crosses his arms. “I’m what?”

You roll your eyes, whining. “I already said it!”

Jeno shakes his head firmly. “Say the whole thing.”

You take a deep breath in, internally apologizing to your beloved actor. “......you, lee -verymuchanannoyingbaby- jeno, are more handsome than Nam joo hyuk.” Your sentence is finished swiftly in one breath, words slurring together. It actually pains you to say that. But it’s good enough for your boyfriend.

Jeno delights in the squeal you let out when he picks you up in his arms to spin you around.

“Fuck yeah- take that, nam joo hyuk!”

ღ

a/n: anyways im going to go hide away and cry over jeno now ^^

#cznnet #kpopscape #nct #nct dream #jeno #nct jeno #jeno x reader #lee jeno x reader #jeno scenarios #jeno imagines #nct dream x reader #nct dream smut #nct dream imagines #nct dream scenarios #nct dream fluff #lee jeno imagines #jeno fluff

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hp-nextgen-fest · 3 years

Text

2020 HP Next Gen Fest Anonymous Masterlist

Here is the complete Anonymous Masterlist for the 2020 @hp-nextgen-fest! Reveals will be going up next Monday on November 30, so there is still plenty of time to make your way through any entries you might have missed. Don't forget to leave some comments on these amazing creations to let the authors and artists know how much you've enjoyed their hard work! :D

ART

AcciDental Magic [Rose, Hugo, & Grandparents | General] Hermione and Ron are called away for a case and left without their usual child-minder when Molly falls ill. Hermione’s parents step up to keep Hugo and Rose, in spite of Hermione’s warning that the two little ones have some big issues with accidental magic. The story is told comic book style, with illustrations and voice bubbles.

Woke up married! [James Sirius/Teddy | General] They get well and truly bladdered at Albus's stag do and wake up in bed together with matching wedding bands...

Sunday Practice [James Sirius/Teddy | General] Teddy thought that morning practice on Sunday was going to be something he would soon regret, but things may turn more interesting than expected.

Introduction [Albus, Severus, & Albus Severus | General] Albus Severus Potter gets to know the men he's named for by asking them about the experiences, memories, and motives that shaped their lives.

Eyecandy [James Sirius/Teddy | General] After months of extensive Auror training, Teddy comes with the Potters to the beach. James. Cannot. Stop. Staring. At. Teddy. Shirtless.

FIC

We Keep Loving Anyway [Albus Severus/Scorpius | Explicit | 7.1k] After Albus finds out Scorpius is part vampire he can’t stop thinking about being bitten. He can’t stop thinking about Scorpius in general, but that’s been the case since he was fifteen. At least, when it comes to Scorpius he’s used to not getting what he wants. He’s happy with what he has, or at least, comfortable. That is until he accidentally asks for it, then it all starts to change.

The perks of Veritaserum [James Sirius/Teddy | Explicit | 5.1k] James drank a long-lasting version of Veritaserum and is miserable and Teddy is having the time of his life. That is, until they’re both having the time of their lives.

Thunderstruck [Charlie/Teddy | Explicit | 2.6k] There’s not a lot for dragon tamers to do when stuck inside during a storm, but looking at this particular new recruit―well, Charlie can’t help but think of a few ways they could pass the time.

Hair Today, Hair Tomorrow [Albus Severus/Scorpius | Mature | 1.7k] Away on a book tour Albus Severus Malfoy grows a very creepy mustache, much to the horror of his still at home husband Scorpius Malfoy.

Mission in Nairn [Draco/Lily Luna | Explicit | 7k] Lily Luna Potter is paired with Draco Malfoy for her first Auror Mission. On their last night, she decides to act on the lingering tension that had been building up between them.

No Other Alpha But You [Albus Severus/James Sirius | Explicit | 7.1k] Scorpius Malfoy has applied to be Albus' heat partner. There's no way James is letting that happen.

The Scorpion King [Albus Severus/Scorpius | Explicit | 3.8k] Scorpius Malfoy, AKA the Scorpion King, has ruled Britain ever since his father turned his sights to conquering Europe. With his right-hand man and most trusted advisor, Albus Potter, Scorpius has a life of elegance and power. But he's had enough of the beautiful women that usually grace his bed. Scorpius has decided he wants something else in bed. Something more. Scorpius Malfoy wants Albus Potter.

Islands of the Upper Air [Lily Luna/Luna | General | 1.5k] Lily Luna has never liked her namesake, or her strange and sometimes absurd way of looking at the world. But a weekend full of ancient rituals and mountain forests is an eye opener, in more ways than one.

Expecto Patronum!! [James Sirius/Teddy | Mature | 45.7k] James Potter had always known exactly what he wanted; to open a pub of his own, maybe travel the world, and live a simple life with the only man he’d ever loved. For years he waited, quietly determined to help Teddy see what could be between them. But just when everything he’d ever dreamed of was finally within his reach, it was ripped away in an instant. With Teddy missing, and presumed dead, James is left to pick up the pieces. John has no idea what he wants. He doesn’t even know who he is. But when he hears a strikingly familiar voice – on an otherwise ordinary day – he sets out to discover everything he can about the man that occupies his dreams. And Harry, well, Harry just wants to put his failures behind him. Until a series of unexpected events forces him to reexamine a case that he’d given up on solving. With the help of an unexpected ally, he just might find the answers he’s been looking for.

lily's potter [Lily Luna/Lysander & Lily Luna/Draco | Mature | 8.3k] "But what if I keep it? What’s the contingency plan there?” She took a seat next to Lily. She spoke slowly, as if she was thinking about it for the first time, too. “Well, I mean, you keep your baby. You raise it. You love it. It goes on to do wonderful things because it’s a Potter.” Lily snorted. “It’s a Potter?” “Why not? I mean it’s just as much you as whoever is the father. Why shouldn’t it be a Potter first?”

Snaked a Claim [Albus Severus/Scorpius | Teen | 1.6k] Everyone knew Albus was gay from age five when he would dramatically swoon every time Goncalo Flores the Quidditch player was mentioned. Twenty years later and Harry still tells the tale - much to Al’s embarrassment.

And I Fell Heavy (Into Your Arms) [James Sirius/Teddy | Explicit | 9.1k] When James Sirius Potter travels to America for three weeks, the turquoise-haired Healer Teddy Lupin misses his boyfriend very much indeed. Luckily, Teddy has (sexy) floo calls, charmed obsidian pendants and hastily made chastity promises to keep him busy. Based on the following prompt: Absence makes the heart grow fonder... Right? Smutty phone!sex? Longing letters? All up to you!

Dirty Duelling [Albus Severus/Draco | Explicit | 6.1k] Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want (Or — fucked up Dirty Dancing with wand fights)

Albus’ Private Lesson of Sex Education [Albus Severus/James Sirius/Teddy | Explicit | 4.5k] Albus has some doubts about sex. Luckily he has an older brother, who can initiate him. How does this lesson go? James will be the teacher, Albus his good and obedient student and Teddy will be more than happy to serve them as a learning tool. In which a delicious Teddy sandwich is served.

Four Reasons [James Sirius/Teddy | General | 8.1k] There were a couple of things James should've considered more seriously before coming back to work at Hogwarts as the new Flying Instructor. His dad being the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor there, for one. The fact that he hadn't really flown since a career-ending injury had put an abrupt end to his Quidditch fame two years ago, for another. His ridiculous, teenage crush on Teddy Lupin, his friend and Hogwarts' newest Charms professor, perhaps most of all.

An Interlude [Lavender/Victoire | Explicit | 4.9k] Victoire is supposed to be chasing a serial killer, not shagging her uncle’s dead ex-girlfriend.

Mint & Apples [Harry/Teddy | Explicit | 4.3k] Teddy Lupin's not-quite-wolf has chosen Harry Potter as his mate, that's all. He hasn't got a crush on his best friend's father, really. He also definitely isn't obsessed with Harry Potter's scent.

This is Love [Albus Severus/Scorpius | Explicit | 24.8k] Most of Albus’s bad life decisions can be summed up in a word: James. When he got a shitty tattoo in the Fifth Year—done by some bloke in a dirty flat—well, that was James’s idea. When he got picked up by Aurors for doing hallucinogens—James was the one who’d convinced him to do them at a party. That time they stole the flying motorbike Dad gave to Teddy—James was the one who insisted it was a rite of passage to drive it over London at dawn. Neither Dad nor Teddy was impressed with that explanation. Now, here Albus is living another bad choice that was born of James’s influence.

The Balance Between Studying and Relaxing [Rose/Teddy | Explicit | 3.7k] Rose has been studying non-stop for her upcoming barrister exam. With Hermione attending Hugo’s Quidditch trials for moral support and Ron away on business, there’s only one person available to keep an eye on her. And Teddy is only too happy to take the role.

The last ones to know [Albus Severus/Scorpius | General | 5.2k] Albus and Scorpius have a very close relationship. Everyone can see it. Perhaps they are the last ones to know jus how close they are.

You've Got A Second Chance (You Could Go Home) [James Sirius/Teddy | Teen | 16k] “What about James?” James, dear Merlin, not James, not again. His boy, his son, the brightest star in the constellation of Harry’s patchwork family, not him. “I think he’s relapsed.” – They tried this when James was nineteen and Teddy was twenty five. It crashed and burned. Teddy ran away to Finland and James... well Teddy's about to find out what happened to James, now that he's back two years later.

Falling for You [James Sirius/Scorpius | General | 1.2k] Scorpius didn't care about Quidditch until he saw James Sirius on a broom.

Heart-Shaped Ottoman [Draco/Teddy | Explicit | 6.3k] Draco has had interns before, but none so bothersome as Teddy Lupin.

Living With Our Eyes Half Open [James Sirius & Scorpius | Teen | 5.5k] James didn’t mean to get his brother-in-law kidnapped alongside him that morning, but that is definitely what happened.

Faim [Albus Severus/Scorpius | Explicit | 9.6k] "So, this is the city of love!" Scorpius declared, adjusting the straps on his backpack. Albus wrinkled his nose. "City of pigeons, more like," he corrected, stepping around another fat, grey bird Or: Scorbus go to France.

Unexpected [Lily Luna/Pansy | Explicit | 1.2k] Draco and Harry's engagement party brings about an unexpected, but not unwelcome, event.

Remember to Forget [Albus Severus/James Sirius | Mature| 17.5k] The moment they kissed, James and Albus knew that they'd never be able to live without this -- too in love to walk away. Years later, and well into adulthood, the possible repercussions of their relationship feel very real and very scary. Without the strength to break it off, they're left with a single solution: a company that specializes in erasing and altering memories. Now the only thing left to do, is to say goodbye.

#jeddy #scorbus #jalbus #scames #jorpius #cheddy #dralbus #HP Next Generation #hp femslash #hp next gen #harry potter next gen #hpnextgenfest #hp cross gen #mod post #anonymous masterlist #2020 fest

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haikyu-hoe · 3 years

Text

Secret Admirer

Lev Haiba x reader

one shot, fluff

dm if you have any requests, hope you enjoy this valentine’s day special!

———————————————————————

At school you were quite popular, since you were so nice to everyone you met. A couple boys had asked you out (about 3) this semester but you turned them all down. After all you were only a first year and needed to concentrate on your studies. It’s not like you liked any of them anyways.

Today is Monday February 1st, Valentine’s day’s month. Everyone seemed to be in a love mood and eventually that atmosphere got to you too. You kinda envied all the happy couples...

Distracted by all these thoughts you mechanically open your locker, but something pulls you out of your auto-pilot mode.

A letter? How could it have gotten in your locker? You look around but no one seems to be looking at you. Weird. You open it, eager to know who it’s from.

“Dear y/k,

I’ve had my eyes on you for a while now. You’re all i can think about at night, you’re all i can think about in class, you’re all i can think about at practice... From the first time i met you, your [eye colour] eyes charmed me. I can only hope that one day you’ll be mine.”

The letter wasn’t signed. Was it a joke? From one of your friends perhaps? But if it was real... then who? They did mention practice so they have to be on some sports team right?

That was your only clue, so it was no good to try to figure it out. You didn’t even know their gender or their year! It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

You sigh on your way to class, now totally distracted. Your friends seem to think something is off so you show them the letter. Now that you think of it, it can’t be one of them since the handwriting doesn’t match.

They make tons of guesses at lunch but who knows if they’re right? You can’t concentrate on your classes this afternoon as you keep reading the letter over and over.

When it’s time to go home, you pass the gyms on your way to the school gate. The volleyball team is practicing tonight and there seem to be a new player, a tall guy with silver hair. You can also spot Kuroo, the team captain and Tamahiko and Yuki, some boys from your class.

You shrug it off. There’s plenty of teams at school, and there was no mention of volleyball in the letter. The sender most likely doesn’t want me to find them...

You get home and do your homework, but your heart and head are not into it. You can’t stop thinking about that new boy. His name was Lev, or something like that, and he’s half russian. He’s so tall, he must be about 6’5! Anyways it’s probably not him, it’s most likely a weird guy or some creepy stalker.

The next morning, you’re shocked to find another letter in your locker. Your heart starts beating faster as you open it. Maybe there’ll be another hint?

“Dear y/k,

It’s me again... I wasn’t going to write again but you’re the only thing on my mind. I wish I had the courage to confess to you, but you probably don’t give a damn about me, so what would be the point? If only I was man enough to tell you these things in person”

So it’s someone that’s not close to you, but still close enough that they could fall in love with you. And you now know for sure it’s a boy, so that narrows it down a bit. At lunch you decide to show your friends, who all become super excited. Your friend Yuri decides to make a list of “suspects”.

“I bet it’s Ryu, he has a locker close to you no? That way he could’ve spied your lock combination!” says Sakura in an enthusiastic tone.

“Ryu? no way! I’m sure it’s either Giyu or Kaya, they sit close to y/k and i’m pretty sure i’ve caught them staring before!” replies Minato.

“Guys it has to be someone on a team of some sort, since he mentioned practice!” says Aiko, cutting them off.

The table falls silent as they all wonder.

“Perhaps Yuki?”, tries Minato. “he’s on the volleyball ball team and y/k has a few classes with him.” , she explains.

“that would make sens... maybe it’s that new russian guy though, Lev! Or maybe Tamahiko? You have classes with these two too!”, replies Yuri. She writes down those 3 names.

“imagine if it was Kuroo, the captain! He’s so hot...”, says Aiko in a dreamy voice.

“there isn’t just the volleyball team though, our school has plenty!”, replies Sakura.

The bell rings shortly after that and you have to concentrate on a math exam all afternoon.

God who could it be? That question keeps you up that night and you only truly wake up upon finding another letter in your locker. You look around again, and spot Yuki close by, at his locker. It might be him after all...

“Hey y/k,

It’s me again. I’m starting to fear you might find out who i am, and yet i kind of want you to... But what if you’re disappointed? You know what? Here, let me give you a clue: I’m a first year too.”

Now that narrows it down a bit more... you now know he’s a first year, a guy and a team of some sort.

When you show your friends they all get super excited, especially Aiko and Yuri.

They start adding people to yesterday’s list, but your head’s not into it. You can’t keep thinking about who it might be... And if you found out, what would you do? Depends on who it is, for sure.

For the rest of the week and the following one too, you find a letter in your locker every day.

They say romantic stuff like

“i wish you could be mine”

“if only i could be the reason for that beautiful smile of yours”

“the things i’d do to feel your lips on mine”

Is it possible to be in a person who’s identity I don’t know? you think to yourself.

Today is Friday February 12th, the last day of school before Valentine’s Day.

Your head is in the clouds as you walk in the school and go to your locker mechanically. But you stop dead in your tracks upon seeing that someone is already at your locker.

Your heart starts racing as you walk up to them. They close the locker to reveal... Lev Haiba??

« Lev? Wha- what are you doing”, you stutter, feeling your face become warm.

His eyes widen and he just stares at you in total shock.

“y/k i’m- i’m so sorry i- i- uh i can explain! it’s uh i’m just checking if...”, he starts explaining really fast. He’s obviously really nervous. It has to be him.

You glance at your locker, and there’s a letter inside. You pick it up and ask the question you’ve been asking yourself for two weeks now.

“So it’s you..?”

“i- no!!! i mean... yes but... i’m- i know you probably don’t feel the same way and i know i’m just a coward-” he starts rambling again.

“Lev.” you cut him off. “I... was actually kinda hoping it was you.”

He blushes until his face is the same shade as his tie. You feel yourself blushing too as you step closer to him. You kiss his cheek.

“How about we do something on the 14th?” you ask gently. He nods frantically. “alright i’ll see you then, here’s my number” you scribble on a piece of paper and give it to him.

You run off to class year hearth still beating fast. When you reveal the identity of your secret admirer, your friends go CRAZY. They squeal and yell and you have to silence them before people start staring.

[timeskip]

It’s Sunday, February 14th. Valentine’s day, and your date with Lev is in 5 minutes. You’re walking towards the cafe you guys are supposed to meet at. You’re wearing casual but pretty clothes, just a bit of makeup and cute sneakers.

You spot him at a table as you enter the cafe. He looks so cute in a hoodie... You greet him awkwardly and sit down in front of him.

The date goes smoothly and you guys actually have loads of common interests. You agree to come to an official Volleyball match soon, on the 27th. It’s about 3 o’clock when Lev suddenly gets more quiet.

“Are you ok?”, you ask, worried.

“Yes it’s just... you’re so amazing and I wonder if... if... if you’d let me take you out again.”

Of course you accept. How could someone say no to this sweet little bean?

You get out of the cafe and Lev offers to walk you home. When you pass by the park, he offers to watch the sunset before going home.

You sit down on a wooden bench and watch as the sun goes down and the sky turns to a pink shade of orange. But Lev isn’t watching the sunset, he’s only watching you.

You turn to him. He blushes as he puts a hand to your face. As he strikes your cheek, you both lean in slowly until you’re only 2 inches apart. You feel his warm breath close to you as you slowly close your eyes. His soft lips come crashing on yours.

When you finally break the kiss, he looks at you like you’re his entire world.

“y/k, i’ve told you before in my letters but i wanted to tell you face to face.” he takes a deep breath. “i love you”

This catches you off guard. You catch your breath before replying “i love you too, Lev”.

You kiss him again, for what seems like an eternity, but it’s still painful to have to part.

“will you... be my girlfriend?”, he says while fidgeting with his hands.

“i will”, you reply softly.

You spend 5 more minutes kissing in the sunset before your boyfriend walks you home. His hand is gigantic compared to yours, it feels so safe. The hug he gives you before saying goodbye is the most loved you’ve ever felt.

~the end~

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hyuniebaby · 4 years

Text

Focus (7)

Pairings: Baekhyun x Y/N x Junmyeon

Warnings: mentions of sex

AU: College student! Baekhyun, Professor! Junmyeon AU, college!au

A/N: I don’t proofread when I post so there might be typos 😅 I’ve been busy with work so I haven’t updated in a while~ If you’re still reading this fic, I just want to say thank you!

@coffee-prince-kyungsoo

You spend the next few days avoiding Baekhyun. The task was extremely hard since you were both in the same program. One time he had his Advanced Biochemistry class just before your Organic Chemistry class in the same room. When you saw him making his way out of the room, talking animatedly to Jongdae, you immediately went to hide behind Seulgi. Lucky for you, you were shorter than her. He wasn’t able to notice you but your sudden movement caught Jongdae’s eyes. He smirks but doesn’t say a word to Baekhyun. Especially not when you were trying so hard to hide.

Jongdae, being Baekhyun’s best friend and roommate, naturally knew about Baekhyun kissing you. As much as he wanted to help Baekhyun out of his misery, he didn’t want to interfere. The last time he did, it went extremely uncomfortable for him as you’ve both been seen by a professor walk out of the janitor’s closet. It ended up with him being shouted on by Baekhyun and being ignored by Baekhyun the whole night when he tried to explain what happened.

Baekhyun, on the other hand, wanted to apologize again but this time for kissing you so suddenly. He honestly doesn’t know what he was doing and why he did it. But how was he supposed to tell you that? “Y/N, I’m sorry I kissed you, I don’t know why I did it.” Uh, no. That doesn’t sound like an apology to him. So despite having seen you many times when you tried to hide from him, he only looks at you longingly and doesn’t try to talk to you just yet. Maybe you weren’t ready to hear it too, he guessed, considering you were going out of your way to avoid him. Not to mention you running after he kissed you. To him, it seems logical to give you some time to process and get over it before he tried to apologize.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

You’ve been so hung up on Baekhyun’s kiss that you neglected your studying. By the time the weekend came, you rejected your friend’s invite to a party. You planned to study the whole weekend at home to catch up with all the lessons you weren’t able to read about for the past few days. You were halfway through your Organic Chemistry notes when someone rings the doorbell. “Delivery for Ms. Y/N!” You hear someone shout.

Huh, you weren’t expecting something to come today, you thought. You went to open the door only to be greeted by a bouquet of flowers. “I’m sorry but I think you have the wrong address,” you tell the delivery man. The “delivery man” lowers the bouquet to reveal his face.

“Junmyeon?” You gasped. The first thought that came to your mind was that the person in front of you wasn’t Mr. Kim today, he was your friend, Junmyeon. He ditched the smart casual outfit and only wore a hoodie and some pants.

“These are for you.” He hand you the flowers. “Can I come in? I wanted to talk to you.”

You guide him to the dining table where your laptop and notebooks were scattered.

“I’m sorry to disrupt you from studying,” Junmyeon says as he scratches the back of his neck.

You respond with a nod as you carefully placed the flowers on the table. You were still quite mad at him for leaving you high and dry the other day.

“I just wanted to say sorry for the thing that happened a few days ago...”

“Oh you mean when you didn’t allow me to cum?”

He smiles sheepishly, flustered at how blunt you were being.

You’re friends with Junmyeon even before anything sexual happened between the two of you so you were open and comfortable talking about it with him than with Baekhyun. “I mean come on, Junmyeon, I understand we all have sexual urges. It’s fine. We’re human.” You ran your fingers through your hair. “But personally I think it’s unfair that you didn’t let me cum,” you sigh.

“I’m sorry,” he says. “I just — my mind got clouded when I saw your hickey. I wasn’t in the right headspace.”

You were used to having sexual affairs, it wasn’t a big deal to you. You’ve had plenty of one night stands over last year with strangers. The only thing that was weird right now was that it was Junmyeon you did it with. A friend. Your professor. So you don’t know how to proceed with this. Same as how you didn’t know how to act with Baekhyun because of what happened to the two of you between the sheets.

It even complicates things when you hear Junmyeon say those last words. He worded it as if he was jealous that you’ve been doing this act with another man. And then you remember how Baekhyun sounds exactly the same the last time you talked and he reacted the same way. How possessive, you thought.

But if they were possessive, you were greedy. You wanted to have them that way again, despite the strain in your “relationships”. You wanted them to touch you and fuck you. Your thoughts were heading in another dangerous path so you cough and try to clear your mind.

“Yeah, whatever, Junmyeon. Just don’t do it again next time.” The words flew out of your mouth before you can even comprehend what you said.

Next time? His eyes widened. Will there be a next time? He sure as hell hopes so. Your mouth was amazing and he wanted to feel you again, but in your pussy next time. This excites him.

You were flustered with what you said. But if you talked right now, you’ll be embarrassing yourself more so you remain quiet. You stare at your notes as if they were the most interesting things in the world. You were hyper aware that he was looking at you. You kept your mouth shut.

Then Junmyeon sighs. “What are you studying, princess?” You blush at the pet name.

“Organic Chemistry.” You say. “I didn’t know it was supposed to be this hard.” The sexual tension now gone as you talked about your studies. “I mean, I know some basic stuff because of the training we received for the quiz bee last year but some of these things are really hard to understand. My professor won’t even teach us properly. She makes us answer all the problem sets in the book every meeting. How can you even answer something that you haven’t learned yet?”

Junmyeon looks at you softly. “I think I can help you with that. Although, I’m not as good in Organic Chem than I am with Biology...”

Your eyes sparkled at what he said. “That’s alright! You know I need all the help I could get. I’m pretty sure you know that I need a dumbed down version of the lesson if I need to get the hang of this.”

So for the next few hours, Junmyeon helps you study. Being your tutor for over a year, he knows how to get his point across to you so it wasn’t really hard for you to understand what he was saying.

The study session was interrupted once again when you hear jingling of keys. You see your parents standing by the door and you got up from your seat so fast to hug them. “You came earlier! I thought you weren’t supposed to come back until next week.”

“We missed you, darling.” Your mom coos.

“Next week’s meeting was rescheduled so we decided to go back here. How are you sweetheart?” Your father says.

“Everything’s fine. Junmyeon’s here, he’s helping me study.”

On cue, Junmyeon shakes hands with your parents to greet them. Your parents respected Junmyeon because he tutored you for over a year and had significantly improved your grades. They knew you remained friends with him after so they weren’t bothered by the fact that you were hanging out. Your mom invites him for dinner, but Junmyeon politely declines, claiming he still had some paperworks to sign and that only dropped by to help you study. He bids everyone goodbye after a few minutes of small talk with your parents and leaves.

By dinner time, you converse with your parents, asking them about their trip and what they did. In turn, they asked you how was your first week back at school and you internally cringed at the fact that the first week of your school was troublesome. You don’t tell them that though. You just tell them that it went by pretty quickly.

When you’re done with the dishes, you resigned to your room to study again. You studied until the weekend was over. You were a slow learner so you needed to promptly start studying instead of cramming everything the day before a quiz or major exam comes up. It works for you though, you get to learn at your own pace.

The next thing you knew, it was Monday again and you had Bio class. Since you and Junmyeon made up, you were slightly less worried about going to class. The only problem was Baekhyun was there and you don’t know if you should still avoid him or if maybe you should make up with him too...

As you enter the room, you scan for any sign of Baekhyun or Sehun. You release a breath of relief when you realized they weren’t there yet. Having arrived 15 minutes earlier than the start of the class, you sit by the middle row and start plugging on your earphones. You reread the lessons you studied over the weekend.

You were interrupted when someone taps your shoulder. You remove your earphones and look up to see Sehun smirking at you. You roll your eyes at him as he sits beside you.

“Is that the proper way to greet your friend?” He says.

You immediately fake a smile and use a high pitched voice, “Hi Sehun~”

Sehun frowns in disdain and shakes his head. “So... has was your talk with B?” He moves his eyebrows up and down.

“I remember making a promise to you last week? And it goes by ‘I will kill you,’ do you remember?” You smile at him.

“As I’ve said, I’d like to see you try.”

“Can I borrow your hand?” You ask him.

Sehun eyes you warily but gives his hand eventually. You smile and grab one of his fingers and start bending it backwards.

“Ow!” He shouts and snatches his hands away from you. “What a devil!”

You roll your eyes. “Stop overreacting. It wasn’t that bad!”

He raises his brow in response.

“Now that that’s all done,” you start saying, “last week he apologized to me. For — uh, reacting weirdly when he saw me and Jongdae. He explained how Jongdae wanted to ‘seek me out’ when he found out what happened between me and B. And then....”

And then Baekhyun arrives and you immediately shut your mouth. Sehun notices Baekhyun’s arrival but continues to look at you, asking you through his eyes for the rest of the story. But you don’t budge. Sehun figures that you won’t talk if Baekhyun was there so he sighs and pinches his nose in frustration. He hates it when people leave him hanging.

You didn’t expect Sehun to turn around and ask Baekhyun what happened last week. Your eyes widened. You look at Baekhyun and he looks at you. You plead with your eyes, asking him, no, begging him to not say anything to Sehun. But if anything, Baekhyun doesn’t like that Sehun still hangs around with you and that he sits beside you when it was supposed to be Baekhyun’s seat.

So out of spite, he says, “I kissed her.” at the same time that Mr. Kim comes in the classroom. Somehow, Mr. Kim heard what Baekhyun said and figured out that he was referring to you. Sehun, on the other hand, was shocked. He faced you while you buried your face in your hands.

It hasn’t been an hour since you’ve sat on your chair, but you feel like you’re so done for the week already.

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sugarandspace · 3 years

Text

A much-needed break (Sterek)

(posted on AO3 under the pseud aconitum)

Summary: Finals are keeping Stiles busy and Derek stops by to make sure he's also taking care of himself.

Word count: 1,551

Read on AO3

Derek arrives at the door of Stiles’ dorm room a little after 6 pm on a Friday.

He’s been debating coming over for a few days now and decided today that he couldn’t wait any longer and had to do it. He’s been calling Stiles and texting him like they normally do while Stiles is at the campus and he’s been able to tell that his boyfriend hasn’t been quite himself. Stiles had insisted that he was fine, but the short replies and fewer messages hinted otherwise. Derek knew Stiles was busy with finals but he needed to see for himself that the other man was okay.

That’s why he had packed a bag for the weekend and drove to see Stiles.

He hadn’t told him he was coming over, knowing that Stiles would have tried to convince him that it wasn’t needed.

Derek knocks on the door and gets no response.

He tries again and when Stiles still doesn’t open the door, he tries the handle. He knows the other man is in the room, had spotted his trusty Jeep in the parking lot of the building when he arrived. Maybe Stiles was sleeping? Unlikely, knowing Stiles's habit to say up until the small hours, but still a possibility. To Derek’s luck, the door is unlocked.

He opens the door slowly to reveal Stiles’ dorm room. The room is a small one, having barely enough room to fit a bed and a desk. The room is very messy as well, the state of the floor hinting that Stiles hasn’t really been doing much laundry recently.

Pushing the door completely open, Derek finally spots Stiles. He’s sitting at his desk, his back to the door. He’s wearing headphones, which explains why he hadn’t heard Derek knocking.

Derek steps into the room and closes the door behind himself, slightly worried when Stiles still doesn’t have any idea that someone is standing behind him. It makes something twist uncomfortably in Derek’s chest to think about how vulnerable Stiles is like this, how anyone could walk in and Stiles wouldn’t realise until it was too late.

That isn’t the only thing that worries Derek.

The room stinks. Besides it being clear that Stiles hasn’t aired the room in what was probably days, the air is also thick in chemosignals that hint at strong stress and anxiety. Since starting to spend more time with Stiles, Derek had learned to associate the small undercurrent of anxiety with the other man's scent but this was something else. It was intense and nearly made Derek choke.

Focusing more on the figure that was hunched over the desk, fingers of his other hand buried deep in his hair, Derek can hear the heart that's beating too fast and the way Stiles isn’t breathing properly. It isn’t quick panicked breathing like when he is on the brink of a panic attack, but rather slow and shallow, like he has trouble breathing deep.

Everything in Derek screams that he needs to help his boyfriend.

He sets his bag down on the floor and walks towards Stiles, trying to make noise as he does so. He hopes that it alerts him but there’s no luck, Stiles is still looking at his laptop when Derek stands behind him. He doesn’t know how to proceed, because he doesn’t want Stiles to freak out.

He decides to take hold of the back of Stiles’ chair and spin him gently towards him. At least that way Stiles can immediately see that it's only him.

As expected, Stiles jumps in fright as soon as Derek starts turning the chair, but calms down when he notices Derek. He put his hand on top of his furiously beating heart before lowering the headphones.

“Derek!” He greets. “What are you doing here?”

“I was worried about you,” Derek tells him seriously. “I wanted to see that you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” Stiles says, to which Derek only replies with raised eyebrows which makes Stiles continue.

“Okay yeah, I’ve been feeling a little stressed,” Stiles amends. “But what are you to expect when it’s the finals season?”

“You need to remember to take care of yourself as well,” Derek tells him gently.

“Yeah, yeah,” Stiles brushes him off. “I’ll have plenty of time for that later when I’m done with my exams. But I really need to pass these exams first.”

Derek looks at Stiles’ desk that is a mess of notes and random pieces of paper and books and pens. It’s chaos, but Derek has no doubt there’s some kind of order in it in Stiles’ mind.

Stiles goes to stand up but he sways dangerously when he does so. He has to lower himself back into the desk chair, his hand holding onto the back of it for extra balance.

“Whoa.”

“Are you okay?” Derek is at his side immediately, hovering in case Stiles needs help.

“Yeah,” Stiles says and waves his hand in dismissal. “Just felt a little dizzy.”

“When was the last time you ate?” Derek asks him, already knowing he won’t like the answer. He looks at the energy drink cans on the table and adds, “Or drank water?”

Stiles thinks about it for a while, for too long if you ask Derek, and eventually replies with, “It’s better if you don’t know.”

“Stiles,” Derek says with an exasperated tone.

“I’ve just been busy with studying,” Stiles tries to defend himself. “I get into the zone and the next thing I know the whole day has gone by. I’m sorry I haven’t replied to all your messages. My phone distracts me so I had to put it over there.”

Stiles points in the direction of his unmade bed and sure enough, Derek can see his phone on the part of the bed that’s as far away from the desk as possible.

“I don’t care if you don’t reply to all my texts,” Derek says honestly. “But I do care about how you’re doing. I love you Stiles and I don’t like seeing you treat yourself poorly. I can tell you haven’t been sleeping properly either.”

Stiles probably knows that it’s pointless to try to deny that, the bags under his eyes so dark that Derek is sure even Stiles hasn’t been able to miss them.

“Take a shower,” Derek says gently. “I’m going to go to the burger place down the street and get us something to eat.”

“But-” Stiles starts and looks at his desk, obviously wanting to go back to studying.

“When is your next test?” Derek asks.

“On Monday,” Stiles replies. “It’s the last one.”

“I’ll tell you what,” Derek says. “Let’s make a deal. You relax for one night and I’ll help you study tomorrow. We’ll take the evening off tomorrow as well and then I’ll help you on Sunday. You won’t learn anything if you push yourself to your limits. You need rest to process the information.”

“You’re going to stay the whole weekend?” Stiles asks, his expression so hopeful that Derek makes a mental promise right then to visit Stiles more often.

“The whole weekend,” Derek promises.

“Okay,” Stiles agrees and Derek can’t help but mirror the smile on his face.

-.-.-

When Derek comes back to the room with a bag of food in his hands, he finds Stiles sitting cross-legged on the bed, his hair still wet from his shower. He’s wearing similar attire to what he was wearing earlier - a t-shirt, a hoodie, and sweatpants - but Derek can tell that these ones are clean. The bed has also been made, and the dirty laundry has been gathered in the laundry basket. It looks like Stiles has also done a few other things to tidy the room up a little while he was gone, and he’s now reading one of his textbooks.

He lifts his eyes from the book when Derek closes the door. Derek levels him with a look that says ‘really?’ to which Stiles replies with a sheepish smile. He puts the book back on the desk and scoots further up on the bed, making Derek room to sit next to him.

Derek takes his shoes and jacket off and sits down next to Stiles.

“Jesus, how much food did you buy?” Stiles asks when Derek starts to unload everything to the bed.

“Enough,” Derek says. “It’s clear you haven’t been eating well.”

“Geez Der, way to make a guy feel insecure,” Stiles jokes.

“Not what I meant and you know it,” Derek says. “I was more referring to how you almost fainted earlier when you tried to get up.”

“Ah,” Stiles replies and doesn’t argue further.

They eat their food while talking about this and that, updating each other on things that have happened that they haven’t told on the phone or via texts. It makes Derek happy to see that Stiles is able to eat almost everything he brought for him.

After the food, they decide to watch a movie, and Stiles pulls Netflix up on his laptop while Derek takes off his jeans and shirt. They scoot under the covers and set the laptop on top of their legs, and Derek pulls Stiles close.

They are maybe fifteen minutes into the movie when Derek feels Stiles fall asleep against him, his breaths peaceful and deep.

#sterek #teen wolf #stiles stilinski #derek hale #sterek fanfiction #my writing #more 'old' fics from ao3!#in this blog we love to project

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hypnoshatesme · 4 years

Text

Reminders

[[This is a...continuation, kind of, of You’re Home, for the anon who asked for more ace Michael :)]]

For the sixth time, Michael was checking the fridge. “Are you sure you’re going to be fine Gerry? If you need anything-”

Gerry had been watching him all day, as he fretted and hurried back and forth between his room and every other room, packing. Or doing anything but. Gerry was fairly sure that he had learned every corner of the apartment that might make any problems twice by now. He didn’t mind, though, because Michael had been gradually getting more and more stressed out as the day approached. Gerry had expected this.

He still couldn’t quite keep himself from chuckling as he answered, “Michael, I’ve been living on my own for quite a bit of my life. I’m fine, don’t worry.”

Michael sighed, closing the fridge - it was full, had been the last times he checked - and turned towards Gerry, who was leaning against the counter. He hadn’t bothered to get dressed today and was still wearing Michael’s pyjamas, which were basically his by now anyways.

The fact that Gerry’s clothes were literally in the next bedroom didn’t change the fact that he felt very cosy sleeping in Michael’s clothes. He also quite enjoyed Michael’s utterly smitten face whenever he saw Gerry like that in the morning. Even now his lips pulled into a small, fond smile as he took Gerry in, before he was back to stressing out.

“I know it’s just...this was timed badly.” Michael ran a hand through his hair, further messing up the braid he had to redo twice already. “I didn’t want to leave you alone as soon as you moved in.”

Gerry cocked an eyebrow, “Michael, I’ve been living here for nearly two weeks.”

“Well, but I haven’t been in my right mind for most of that time!”

That was one way to put it. Michael had always been the anxious type, but in the weeks that followed his last exam he was tight-stringed the whole time. The day right after they had celebrated the stress being over, but it really only got replaced by a new kind. Michael had barely slept. When the grades were finally out, he has released a breath so deep Gerry was wondering if he had somehow been holding that for two weeks.

Gerry laughed, “I wonder at your self-awareness. It’s fine, Michael. We’ll have plenty of time when you’re back, it’s only a weekend.”

He sighed, “I already miss you.”

“You’re being so dramatic. Come here.” He pulled Michael into his arms and squeezed him lightly. “It’s going to be okay.”

Michael sighed, “I...I don’t know. I haven’t been...there for so long. I’m just...I don’t know how it might go.”

Gerry had wondered about that. Michael didn’t talk much about his family, to the point where Gerry was surprised he even called them to share the news about finishing his studies. And then agreed to come home to celebrate. Michael didn’t seem entirely opposed to the idea, but still very anxious. Gerry didn’t ask. Michael looked nervous enough, and for all Gerry knew this might just be the normal thing to do.

“You’ll have me to text and call if you need, okay?” He rubbed Michael’s back gently.

“Yes, I know.” Michael pressed a kiss to his hair before returning the hug, "Thank you."

They stayed like that for a moment but Gerry knew Michael would want to leave soon, even if it was still too early to be worried about missing his train.

“Okay, I should get going, I guess.” Michael pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I’ll text you when I’m there. Take care and...tell me if you need anything, okay?”

Gerry nodded, “Will do.” He squeezed Michael’s hand one last time, and Michael smiled before leaving the kitchen and getting his things.

Gerry brought him to the door and they shared a short kiss before Michael opened it.

“Take care yourself,” Gerry mumbled.

Michael smiled, “Will do. Until Monday.”

Gerry nodded and waved his hand as the door closed behind Michael.

Gerry had a Leitner to hunt for over the weekend, so he kept himself busy. It was still a little strange to return home to an empty apartment. He hadn’t spent too much time in it on his own before, and it suddenly felt foreign. It never had before. He had spent plenty of time in it even before moving in.

Even though he spent plenty of nights alone in his bed, it just felt strange knowing that Michael wasn’t on the other side of the wall.

It was late, but when Gerry checked his phone to work through the messages he knew Michael had sent while he had been looking into the book. He saw that Michael was still, in fact, online, which was impressive considering he had barely slept the night before. Gerry pointed that out to him, but couldn’t deny he was glad to see the typing symbol from Michael as soon as he sent the message.

Things apparently seemed to be going fine, which was good to hear. Michael had found a couple of things in his old room he wanted to bring back and apparently met some of his old friends. When Gerry inquired about why he was still awake, he explained that his old room felt weirdly familiar and foreign at the same time. While he apparently had calmed down a little when he arrived, he was feeling anxious again.

Gerry suggested calling, but Michael was afraid to wake anyone, so he tried to help via messages. It was way past 3am when Michael stopped responding and Gerry knew he'd regret staying up so late in the morning himself. Though at least he was exhausted enough to fall asleep without much fuss.

Sunday flew by and when Gerry checked his phone at night there were only a couple messages throughout the day. He guessed it made sense. It had been the day of the actual celebration, and considering how drained Michael usually got from such gatherings he probably had had little trouble falling asleep.

There was still something soothing to answering the messages he did have. It reminded him a bit of the beginning, when they had spent many a night texting instead of sleeping, neither wanting the conversation to stop despite being tired. He smiled a little as he sent a - rather rather belated - ‘sweet dreams’ before turning the screen off and trying to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Monday came and with it the anticipation of having Michael back. It really shouldn't have been this dramatic but Gerry did miss him. He decided to channel his own nervous energy into baking some muffins. It wasn’t something he’d done before - at least not on his own - but he had helped enough times to be confident he could make something without setting the kitchen on fire or something.

Gerry was just closing the oven when he heard the door being opened. He smiled, washing his hands before going to meet Michael at the door. Michael was stepping out of his shoes when he arrived, but Gerry didn’t get to say anything before Michael threw his arms around Gerry’s neck and pulled him into a tight hug.

For a second, Gerry was too surprised to even react. He felt Michael bury his face in his hair, letting out a relieved sigh. Gerry returned the hug, then, and Michael melted into it a little.

“Everything alright?,” Gerry mumbled, a little bit worried.

"Yes,” Michael sighed. “I...I'm just glad I'm home again." Gerry heard the smile in his voice and relaxed.

"I missed you, too," he chuckled, squeezing Michael a little.

Michael straightened up, sniffing the air, "Did you bake something?"

Gerry grinned up at him. "Muffins in the oven. Just put them in."

Michael returned his grin with a wide smile, "Okay. I’ll just take a quick shower while they’re baking, then.” He stepped away from the hug, picked up his bags and started walking to his room.

Gerry nodded, "Do that, love. What do you want to drink?"

"I think I could do with tea," he called back before disappearing into his room.

Michael felt much better after his shower, as usual. He changed into something comfortable before walking into the kitchen, following the sweet smell. Gerry was cleaning the counter when he entered, back to the door, and Michael halted.

He hadn’t noticed before but Gerry was wearing a dress he had never seen before. It left his back fully exposed - how had Michael missed that? - revealing the row of tiny eyes along his spine.

Michael felt oddly watched as he dragged his eyes over them, despite being rather used to the sight on the mornings Gerry spent in his bed. He finally tore himself away from the door and stepped up to Gerry, running a finger over the eyes. Gerry shivered, looking up at him.

"Perfect timing. I just got the muffins out." He smiled as Michael bent down to press a lingering kiss to his lips.

"New dress?" His finger wandered back up to Gerry’s neck.

"No, I found it again recently." He grinned up at him "Felt like wearing it."

"I love it." He pressed a kiss to his shoulder blade. "You have such a pretty back."

Gerry chuckled, "Thank you. Let's eat on the couch." He said nodding towards the plate he had been putting the chocolate muffins on. "Can you grab the tea?"

Michael nodded and did as told before following Gerry to the couch. Michael let out a content sigh when he sat down, closing his eyes for a moment. He had missed the comfort of their couch.

"Guess I wasn't the only one you missed?" Gerry teased.

Michael opened his eyes again and grinned at him. "Jealous?"

"Incredibly." Gerry grinned resting his head against his chest. "So, how was it?"

Michael sighed, "Odd? It...it wasn't too bad. But it's weird...I haven't been there in so long? And they...well, I'm no longer the same person I was when i left? But they expect me to be so I try but...it's exhausting, honestly. After taking so long to get more comfortable with...myself."

"Sounds like it.” He took Michael’s hand into his and squeezed it, “Why don’t you update their perception?”

Michael bit his lip. "Not comfortable with that. We don’t- never really...talked? That much."

Gerry could understand that. Communication wasn't really a thing with Mary, either. He could feel that there was more to this but Michael didn't want to talk about it. Hel sometimes took a while to organise his thoughts before he dared to speak them. Gerry was fine with that. He bent forward to get a muffin of the plate and gave it to Michael, who accepted it gratefully.

Before biting into it he looked at Gerry. "What about your weekend? Busy?"

Gerry shrugged, sipping his tea, "A bit. Followed a false lead at first which was annoying...but in the end the book was easy to snatch."

Michael watched his face and ran his finger over a small scratch on Gerry’s jaw, "New acquisition?"

Gerry sighed, "Yeah well...it was easy but it could have gone smoother."

Michael chuckled, wrapping one arm around him to pull him closer. Gerry sighed, melting against him. Michael bit into the warm muffin.

Gerry looked up at him. “Are the muffins any good?”

Michael nodded, “A bit dry.”

Gerry shrugged, taking one for himself. “Guess you’ll have to help me again next time.”

Michael chuckled and pressed a kiss to his temple. “Gladly.”

They spent the rest of the day on the couch, neither wanting to leave the other’s presence for too long. It wasn't like they had any other plans in the first place, so they simply decided not to move from it. Michael's hand eventually found his way back to Gerry's back, drawing patterns, following the eyes with his fingertips, and Gerry melted further into the touch.

“Can I kiss them?”

Gerry’s eyes fluttered open again, "Huh?”

Michael smiled at the sleepy expression, pressing a quick kiss to his eyebrow. “The back tattoos. Can I kiss them?”

Gerry nodded slowly, sitting up and turning his back to Michael, “Sure. It’s been a while, I guess.”

Michael hummed in agreement, running his fingers through Gerry’s hair and pulling the hairtie out that hadn’t been doing much in keeping his hair in place for a while now. He brushed through the slightly mussed hair with his fingers, smiling when Gerry leaned into the touch. Michael considered for a moment, before deciding to put the hair into a bun.

The dress covered up the eye right at the base of Gerry’s neck, but not the thin scar disappearing into his hair, so Michael pressed his lips to it, fingers dancing over Gerry’s back. Gerry sighed contently as Michael moved to kiss his way down his spine, one eye after the other. He hugged his knees, resting his face on them as he enjoyed the feeling of Michael’s lips down his back, eyes fluttering close.

Gerry was faintly aware of Michael probably putting himself in some ridiculous position to reach the lower back. There had been a lot of shifting and readjusting if all the rustling Gerry had heard was anything to go by, but Gerry was too cosy to bother looking. He didn't want to interrupt the kisses, either.

"That can't be a very comfortable angle," he ended up mumbling anyways, partly to keep himself from falling asleep.

Michael chuckled against his back, "I don't know what you're talking about, this is the most comfortable I've ever been."

His tone was teasing, clearly a reaction to Gerry’s own blissful one, and he wrapped long arms around Gerry’s middle, pressing his face into his back with a sigh. He couldn't really complain about discomfort - even if he was half-hanging off the couch by now - with Gerry’s warm body right there. He had missed the warmth, the scent. Michael definitely had missed home, even if it had only be a weekend, even if Gerry was surely going to be gone for longer one day for one of his hunts. He’d deal with that then. Right now he only wanted to enjoy being back.

"D'you want dinner?" Gerry yawned when it was getting dark outside the window.

Michael eventually had had to admit he was getting rather uncomfortable, so they had readjusted their positions, Michael now comfortably lying on the couch, head in Gerry’s lap. He looked like he was close to nodding off as Gerry twisted one of his curls around his finger, feeling rather tired himself.

Michael blinked up at him and yawned, too, before sitting up. "Uh...no. I think I'm fine."

"You think too much," Gerry teased, pressing his lips to Michael's jaw. "Bed?"

"You sleep in mine tonight," Michael mumbled, wrapping his arms around Gerry and pulling him close.

"That an order?" Gerry grinned, pressing his face into Michael's neck.

"Yes." Michael kissed his hair before slowly getting up and pulling Gerry along to the bedroom.

Michael was clearly still mulling over whatever was bothering him the next day. He had woken up early and left the bed pretty much right away, which was unlike him. Gerry could just feel that something was bothering him. He was antsy, worrying his lip while still looking at the empty plate in front of him where his breakfast had been.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Gerry tried.

He shook his head, "I...no. its nothing really…"

Gerry caught his eyes, "Well, I'd listen to nothing, too, you know."

Michael gave him a small smile, "I do. And thank you, but..." He sighed.

Gerry shook his head, “Okay.”

There was no point in forcing him to speak, even if something was clearly bothering him. But he still disliked seeing Michael upset. Maybe a little distraction would help.

"How about something to get your mind off it, then? There's a exhibition I wanted to check out this week."

His smile went a little wider. "I'd love to."

It was a cloudy day as they made their way to the tube. People were staring at them, some not even trying to be inconspicuous. Michael was used to it by now. It had been a little uncomfortable in the beginning but he had managed to calm down when he realised the eyes were mostly on Gerry. Which he understood.

Besides the obviously eye catching aesthetic, Gerry was a rather intense presence. His neutral expression looked about as neutral as his usual getup. He looked like he was ready to start a fight any moment, eyes somehow becoming more intense when he spaced out rather than going out of focus, mouth in what looked like a tight, pissed off frown.

Michael still remembered the first time he had caught that expression in the low light of the bar. He had been equally scared and drawn to it. It had been the most beautiful thing he'd seen that night and he had spent a fair amount of time staring himself. That's why they were here after all.

He brushed a little at the memory watching Gerry’s face from the corner of his eyes. He didn't even seem to notice the eyes on him. Or he didn't mind. Michael wished he could be like that. Oh, now Michael was staring, too. Gerry’s face hadn’t become any less beautiful since he had started seeing it on a more regular basis. As usual, Gerry noticed him staring, meeting Michael’s eyes with a knowing grin. He squeezed his hand.

“You’re going to walk into something.”

Michael’s cheeks flushed red as he quickly looked ahead again and mumbled, “Ah, I’m sorry. I...got distracted.”

Gerry’s grin only widened. “I can see that.”

He still wondered if Michael would ever stop getting lost looking at him. It was still somewhat odd, but Gerry couldn’t deny he quite enjoyed the attention. And the expression hadn’t even changed after he told him about the books and fears and all. Part of Gerry had expected Michael’s eyes to meet him with fear or concern, or maybe even to look at him like his mother, without seeing him. It had been an irrational thought, but Gerry was still filled with relief when the very next morning Michael let his tea get cold because he got too distracted watching Gerry’s face with the usual dreamy expression. It was nice to be looked at like that.

Still, Gerry would rather he watched where he was going while walking. The grin didn’t fade from Gerry’s lips as they walked on.

Michael let Gerry lead the way when they arrived at the gallery. They had been to one before a while ago and Michael had realised, then, that Gerry loved them. It wasn't much of a surprise. Michael had noticed all the art-centred books in Gerry’s apartment. He still hadn’t realised how passionate Gerry could be about it.

It had been quite the experience to see Gerry talk so much in such an animated manner, eyes bright as he found something particularly interesting in whatever piece they were looking at. Gerry wasn’t quiet, necessarily, but he rarely talked about something for that long. The only time Michael could remember that happening was when he told Michael about the fears and all. And he hadn’t been happy while doing so.

Had Michael not been utterly smitten with Gerry before, watching and listening to him talking this excitedly about anything would have probably made him fall in love with him. It was the most wonderful thing Michael ever experienced and he had came back from that date with the urge to read some of the books Gerry had mentioned, learn about the things he had talked about so the next time - if there would be a next time - he could understand him better, and maybe contribute to the conversation instead of just watching and nodding and hoping the date just never ended.

Michael hadn’t gotten to do too much of the reading with university keeping him occupied, but he did feel a little more prepared this time as Gerry started talking. It was great, because now he occasionally knew exactly what to say to make Gerry continue, and Gerry’s eyes would light up at some of the questions, clearly more than happy about Michael showing interest in what he was saying. It was the most lovely expression on a face Michael could never get enough of in the first place.

It was raining when they made their way back outside after having walked around for hours. Neither had looked at the time and the light from outside had been the same overcast grey since morning, so they got a little lost. They didn’t complain about it. If it hadn’t been for starting to get hungry, they might have stayed even longer.

Gerry was about to walk out into the rain, but Michael caught his sleeve and pulled him back. Gerry gave him a confused look and Michael got out the umbrella he always carried, earning an eyeroll from Gerry.

"It's barely raining, Michael."

Michael raised an eyebrow and looked out at what wasn’t quite a downpour, but certainly was beyond a drizzle. "I disagree,” Michael said, opening the umbrella, “And even if it were, a little rain can get you just as wet and cold." He pulled Gerry close so it would cover him too. "And I don't want you to catch a cold or something."

Gerry wrapped his arm around Michael’s, chuckling, "I can't even remember the last time that happened."

Michael returned his grin. "And if you let me it’ll stay that way."

Gerry shook his head, still grinning, before walking into the rain with Michael. Gerry didn’t know if he would ever get used to the feeling of being doted on, cared about like this. It certainly still felt weird, but Gerry embraced the warmth it always made him feel. He leaned his head against Michael’s arm, a soft smile on his lips as they made their way home.

Michael was having trouble falling asleep. The rest of the day had been rather uneventful and he had hoped the distraction would have been enough to let him sleep, but he had no such luck. Doubts were always most difficult to keep out at night, for some reason. He lay forcefully still, trying to breathe as softly as he could, trying not to wake Gerry.

When he felt Gerry shift next to him, not in the way he sometimes did in sleep, but in a rather deliberate manner, he knew he hadn’t succeeded. Gerry was looking at him, eyes a little bleary. He had managed to fall asleep, somewhat. But not enough to not notice that Michael was struggling doing the same.

“Michael?” Gerry’s voice was still thick with sleep, “Can’t sleep?”

Michael sighed, sitting up. “No.”

He bit his lip, trying to determine whether he should just finally talk or let Gerry sleep. He could just take Gerry’s bed. He knew Gerry wouldn’t push if he just said he didn’t want to talk and left. But Michael was getting frustrated. No matter how much he tried not to think about it, his brain didn’t stop.

Gerry was sitting up next to him, turning to face him. “What’s keeping you from sleep? You were quite tired.” He stifled a yawn, blinking a couple times to try to wake up.

Michael felt a pang of guilt watching him. As cute as he looked like this, Michael shouldn’t have disturbed Gerry’s sleep. He might at least try to not make it pointless that he had.

“Are you still...okay, with this? With...me?”

Gerry took a moment to catch on. It had been a while since Michael had asked him. He seemed to have gotten a lot better with not constantly being worried about Gerry having a problem with his asexuality. Gerry furrowed his brows.

“What makes you think I might have changed my mind? Did I do or say something?” Gerry at least couldn’t remember anything, but then again, sometimes he didn’t quite know what might make Michael spiral into anxiety.

“No! No, it was...you know how it is-” Michael stopped himself, shaking his head, “No, actually, you probably don’t, sorry. But there’s always a lot of...personal questions when family gets back together...or friends. It just...it made me think?”

Gerry’s eyes narrowed. “Why? What did they say?”

“Just...the usual?” He sighed, playing with one of his curls, “About the right one surely changing my mind, considering whether you are said right one if you didn’t…” He bit his lips. “I shouldn’t let it get to me but...I did. I mean, what if they are right? Maybe they know better, I don’t know, I-”

“I don’t think they can know better about how you feel than you do yourself.”

“I don’t know how I feel sometimes, Gerry,” Michael mumbled.

Gerry sighed. “You know how you feel about this. Or it wouldn’t be bothering you.”

“I mean...yes.” Michael hesitated, “But they sound very convinced about me being wrong.”

Gerry raised an eyebrow. “People sound very convinced about the shit I run into on jobs not existing, but I assure you it does.” He took Michael’s hand, “You know it does.”

He sighed, "it's not really the same is it? If they'd be attacked by a monster they would change their mind. But there is no...proof. For me."

Michael was clearly underestimating human denial, but that didn't seem relevant right now. Gerry simply put a pin in that and decided to tell him about that later.

"You don’t owe anyone any proof, Michael.” He squeezed his hand, looking at Michael’s face. “Are you comfortable? Happy? With how you - we - are right now?”

Michael returned his gaze, “I am, but what about you Gerry? I want you to be those, too."

Gerry took his other hand, shuffling closer. "I am. Believe me. I'd tell you it that'd change, but I just...don’t see that happening just because of your sexuality, Michael.”

Michael looked at him, uncertain. “Are you sure?”

“I am.” He leaned against Michael’s arm and sighed, “I think you're perfect the way you are."

Michael rolled his eyes, “Oh yes, I imagine you must love being woken up in the middle of the night to help me out of the anxious rabbit hole i’ve fallen into.”

Gerry grinned, "I do. Would never say no to spending some time talking with you."

Michael blinked, a little confused, and blushed, mumbling, "That's a bit much, don't you think?"

"You can't expect eloquence from me before sunrise,” Gerry yawned.

Michael squeezed his hand. "I meant more that it sounds a bit cheesy"

Gerry considered for a moment, before shrugging and looking up at Michael’s face through sleepy eyes. "What? You dislike my cheese?" He somehow still managed to sound teasing while also sounding tired. Mostly, he was just managing to look really cute.

Michael carefully brushed a strand of hair out of his face, smiling. "No, I do. It’s my favourite.”

Gerry pinched his eyebrows together sceptically, "Considering you don't seem to like any cheese, that doesn't sound like much of a compliment."

Michael huffed out a laugh, slapping Gerry’s knee gently. "Oh, shut up.”

"Might need help with that," Gerry mumbled with a wide grin, batting his lashes.

Michael rolled his eyes, grinning himself as he let go of Gerry’s hands to bring his own to Gerry’s face instead. Gerry looked at him expectantly, making Michael chuckle a little.

"Let me assist you," he mumbled, before pressing his lips to Gerry’s.

Gerry returned the kiss for a moment, slow and sweet, before pulling away and running a hand through Michael's hair.

"Do you feel better now? Do you believe me?"

Michael nodded, "Yes...thank you. I do. I know I shouldn't let comments like this get to me but...well."

He sighed, defeated, following the line of Gerry's cheekbones with his thumbs. Michael did believe him, he did. That wasn't the source of the problem. Michael just couldn't quite believe he got so lucky.

"It's fine." Gerry smiled. "Guess we can all do with a reminder about things once in a while."

"Oh?" Michael raised an eyebrow, "What do you need a reminder for?"

His smile turned into more of a grin, but it looked a little tight. "Maybe the fact that this is okay despite me clearly bringing you in danger? The apartment has protections but I’m still sure it'll only be a question of time-"

Michael shook his head, determined, curls bouncing as he did. "Not a detail I consider reason to give you up."

Gerry rolled his eyes. "Same with your asexuality for me, okay? And I might add that one of the two is probably not going to get either of us killed."

"Okay." Michael's smile was apologetic. "I'm sorry I kept you from sleep to have the same conversation all over." He pressed his lips to Gerry's forehead.

Gerry hummed, "'Tis fine. Do you think you can sleep now?"

Michael nodded and let go of Gerry's face to lay down again. He was tired - had been before - but the tight knot in his stomach that was keeping him awake was loose now. He wrapped his arms around Gerry when he laid down again, too, and it didn't take too long after mumbled 'goodnight's for sleep to settle over them.

#gerrymichael #mostly fluff some anxiety #asexual Michael

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acrostical · 3 years

Text

Safe Haven

On December 8, 1941—the day after “a date which will live in infamy”—then-president Aurelia Henry Reinhardt wrote a letter to all Mills families. With the hindsight of nearly 80 years, it’s a surreal read; the main point of the letter was not to offer solace or organize war efforts, but to reassure parents that the Mills campus was unlikely to face any danger from a Japanese attack. “The English Channel is 26 miles wide; New York is 3,500 miles from Europe; California is 5,500 miles from Japan and 2,500 miles from our nearest possession in the Hawaiian group,” she wrote. “May I assure you that there exists no reason to change in any way the schedule and curriculum of this college in the spring term which begins Monday, January 5.”

At that point, no one knew that many students of Japanese descent would soon opt to leave Mills, hoping to avoid separation from their families as they were forced into internment camps across the United States. In the years leading up to World War II, President Reinhardt had approached a number of European artists and intellectuals to offer them a place at Mills as the Third Reich marched across the continent and sent to concentration camps anyone it deemed a threat, including Darius Milhaud and other notable figures in the College’s history, but that welcoming spirit couldn’t protect some of her own students.

When it comes to political and cultural forces outside the campus gates, the College has historically been limited in what it can do to protect its students. But as an institution, Mills has long welcomed members of marginalized communities, and outside restrictions have not altered the campus culture of acceptance.

In recent years, the term “sanctuary” has become a buzzword in our charged political environment. But in a historical sense, the concept originated with the sacred. In ancient Greece, spaces that honored the gods provided some measure of immunity to individuals escaping laws of the state (with limited success), and in Rome, Romulus established a zone on Capitoline Hill where asylum seekers from other places could find refuge. For centuries, places of worship have operated as spaces where people could take shelter, and it’s still happening today—churches around the world house migrants seeking to avoid deportation back to war-torn homelands.

The idea of sanctuary gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s when Central Americans began to flee their home countries in the wake of civil unrest, but Mills took on the responsibility of offering it 60 years earlier in the early days of World War II. In the 1961 book Aurelia Henry Reinhardt: Portrait of a Whole Woman, Chaplain George Hedley wrote that President Reinhardt contacted the Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced German Scholars (later Foreign Scholars) to invite intellectuals to Mills as soon as Hitler took power in Germany in 1933. Hedley noted that legends were told of Reinhardt physically transporting those scholars to campus herself.

A number of professors soon made their way to Oakland, including Alfred Neumeyer, who taught art history and directed what was then the Art Gallery, and the married couple Bernhard Blume and Carlotta Rosenberg. A German playwright, Bernhard headed up the German Department at Mills until 1945, and Rosenberg was a proponent of educating workers and women.

Of course, the most well-known Mills expats were the musician Darius Milhaud and his wife, Madeleine. In speaking with the author Roger Nichols in 1991, Madeleine detailed her family’s reaction when the Nazis entered Paris in June 1940: “We knew… that Milhaud was among the first on a list of intellectuals to be arrested because he was well known in Germany as a Jewish composer, and also because he did not share their right-wing ideals.”

The Milhauds made their way to Lisbon with plans to fly to New York, using an invitation from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to obtain visas. But upon arrival in Portugal, their plane tickets were declared invalid because they had been bought with French francs. The three—Darius, Madeleine, and their son—were just about to board an American freighter to cross the Atlantic when a telegram arrived with an offer to teach at Mills. The San Francisco-based French conductor Pierre Monteux had contacted President Reinhardt after learning that Milhaud was fleeing to America and connected the two.

Milhaud cabled his acceptance of the position and, a few months after arriving on campus, Dean of Faculty Dean Rusk (later US Secretary of State during the Vietnam War) wrote to the State Department to plead his case for Milhaud’s continued residency in the United States, which hinged on his history of contribution to the arts. Milhaud taught on and off at Mills from 1940 until 1971.

Milhaud’s influence on the Music Department (and the rest of the College) is well known, though he was not the only academic who molded Mills in indelible ways during this time. Helene Mayer, a champion German fencer at the 1928 Olympics, was studying at Scripps College when Hitler rose to power in her home country. She then enrolled at Mills for a master’s in French. While on campus studying for her MA and, later, teaching German literature, she founded the Mills College Fencing Club, jump-starting an organization that lasted for decades. And it’s to the credit of these scholars that the German Department at Mills built a strong enough foundation to eventually send many of its students abroad as Fulbright scholars.

The situation with students of Japanese descent was not nearly as easy to solve, however, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishing internment camps less than three months after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Alumnae who were at Mills during the attack remember that day as a sunny one, with word of the incident filtering in as they arrived back in their residence halls after Sunday chapel service. Japanese American students soon found their freedoms curtailed bit by bit, starting with an Army-ordered curfew that restricted their movement even on the Mills campus.

May Ohmura Watanabe ’44, who was born in California to American citizens, wrote about her experiences in multiple issues of the Quarterly. “I remember Dr. Hedley, the chaplain, was very upset and angry. I can still feel his hand tightly holding mine, his body slightly bent forward as he hurried to look at the curfew proclamation posted on the telephone pole just outside the campus,” she wrote in 1985. “He even took me to the Army’s headquarters in San Francisco to protest and to state his disbelief. All in vain.”

Watanabe soon left Mills and returned home to Chico so that she wouldn’t be sent to a different internment camp than her parents and brother. She spent a year at the Tule Lake Relocation Center near the Oregon border, then was released as part of a program allowing some detainees to work or attend school in special approved zones. Watanabe was allowed to transfer her credits to Syracuse University, where she studied nursing. “I remember the special arrangements Mills made for me before evacuation to take my exams in Chico supervised by my high school dean,” she wrote.

The late Grace Fujii Kikuchi ’42 made a similar choice to leave Mills to avoid separation from her family. As a senior, she was more easily able to bring her time at Mills to a close, though it wasn’t a happy time. “My professors at Mills had arranged for me to take my [exam] at a nearby high school,” she wrote in the same Quarterly issue. “All I know is that I was graduated in absentia with my class. Not to be able to attend my commencement after four hard years of work was a bitter disappointment to me.”

The frustrations of the Mills administration during this era were captured in a play by Catherine Ladnier ’70, which she based on actual letters President Reinhardt received from students who left the College due to World War II, including Japanese American students in internment camps. Titled A Future Day of Radiant Peace, the play details the personal turmoil these students experienced as they abandoned their bustling lives at Mills for the uncertainty of the camps. It also demonstrates what little power anyone on campus had to prevent the exodus.

In the aftermath of the war, however, Mills was able to provide sanctuary to several students whose home countries were suffering. Catherine Cambessedes Colburn ’47 and Noramah Sumakno Peksopoetranto ’56 traveled to the College from France and Indonesia, respectively. In the spring 1997 issue of the Quarterly, Colburn wrote about the strangeness of going from a country recovering from war to a land of plenty.

“Mills had sent a list of what I would need, and I owned next to none of the items, nor could I get them. Coupons, given out rarely, were required to buy anything. Besides, the stores were next to empty,” she wrote. “I exchanged my wine ration with a friend for her fabric coupon and my cigarette ration with another for hers, and got enough material for two clothing items.”

Peksopoetranto earned her opportunity to attend Mills through a one-year scholarship from the Edward H. Hazen Foundation. At the end of the year, Dean Anna Hawkes offered her room and board for a bachelor’s degree in education; she spent that summer staying in the home of Librarian Elizabeth Reynolds.

On October 29, 2018—two days after 11 were killed in a shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—President Elizabeth L. Hillman sent an email to the Mills community. In it, she harkened back to the College’s history of providing sanctuary to Jewish scholars during World War II and the inspiration they provided to generations of students. “Higher education institutions like Mills have a special role to play in creating and sharing knowledge across boundaries of faith, race, gender, and background,” she wrote. “We can only fulfill our mission when everyone in our community is safe, respected, and able to grow and learn.”

In the last few years, President Hillman has sent a number of similar emails to the campus community after attacks, in the United States and abroad, that have targeted historically marginalized groups. According to Dean of Students Chicora Martin, the typical campus response finds its roots in Mills history. “Whenever an incident happens, we’re among a community where people may not always know what to do, but they are prepared to do something,” they said. “It’s part of our culture.”

“In times of immense crisis and identity-based violence, there is this depth of emotion and despair, but also a desire to be in community,” says Dara Olandt, campus chaplain and director of spiritual and religious life. “It has been very moving for me to see the ways in which students have offered leadership and shown up for each other.”

Olandt attributes the campus-wide attitude of acceptance and protection to the College’s past religiosity—in particular, President Reinhardt was the first woman moderator of the American Unitarian Association. (Olandt herself was ordained by the Unitarian Universalist church.) The chapel “is a refuge, and a place of deep hospitality. That’s what the forebears [who created] this chapel were really about,” Olandt says. “There’s power in this symbolic place where people are welcome in the fullness of their lives, no matter their identities.”

She also counsels those who travel to Mills from outside the country and hail from distinctly different societal and religious backgrounds than their US-born peers. That demographic has naturally been part of the student body for decades, but provides a different set of challenges due to the requirements of F-1 and J-1 student entry visas. Dean Martin serves as the principal designated school official on the Mills campus, so they are the first point of contact for the US government. “Every year, we have someone who can’t make it here because they can’t get a visa,” they say. “There are lots of restrictions with international students, and there’s a lot of documentation that you have to provide just for them to do normal-ish things, like getting a Social Security card or a driver’s license.”

Over the last four years, the legal status of undocumented students has been called into question across the country, and as a Hispanic Serving Institution, Mills has been prompted to respond. Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which began in 2012, undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US before they turned 18 could be granted renewable two-year periods where they would not be deported. When Donald Trump was elected to the presidency, he pledged to end the program—and set off a chain reaction at colleges and universities across the country, which became known as the “sanctuary campus” movement.

On November 16, 2016, President Hillman was one of hundreds of signatories to the Statement in Support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, which underscored the contributions that its recipients have made to college communities across the country. “America needs talent—and these students, who have been raised and educated in the United States, are already part of our national community,” the statement reads. “They represent what is best about America, and as scholars and leaders they are essential to the future.”

Hillman also joined with more than two dozen college leaders in December 2017 as founding members of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which advocates for fair treatment of DACA and international students, and she continues to contribute to amicus briefs compiled by the alliance on behalf of DACA students.

In practical terms, Martin says that Mills provides grants to affected DACA students to cover the legal paperwork required to renew their statuses, and the College will provide financial assistance to any undocumented student in the same amount the student would have received from a Pell Grant, which is a federal program and therefore off-limits to non-citizens.

But in terms of sanctuary? If immigration officials asked Mills to turn over student records, the College is theoretically protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the disclosure of student information, including immigration status, to parties beyond those that need to know for the purposes of that student’s education. Nothing like that has happened yet, but administrators say that it’s really not the point. The last few years have, in the end, cemented the kind of institution Mills wants to be.

“We were asking questions about our own values. The government’s now actively not supporting [these] students, so we have to come out very strongly with concrete statements and actions that clarify for our community where our values lie,” Martin says.

“Aurelia Reinhardt was deeply motivated by her values, which had roots in her religious and spiritual background,” Olandt adds. “She was very much anchored in a spirit of service and what we call today solidarity with marginalized folks. How can we uphold the best of humanity and live a moral and ethical life in the face of challenge?”

#writings

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andrea-lyn · 4 years

Note

For your birthday prompt: Malex fic where one of them is a barista and the other one orders increasingly more complicated orders just to have more time to talk to the super cute barista! Also happy birthday, friend!

Some days, Michael questions why he’s the ride-or-die asshole that he is.

Life would be a lot easier if he weren’t. If he were actually as self-centered and selfish as the image he tries to project, it would be easier, but he’s not. For all that he tries to make people think he doesn’t care, he’s the polar opposite, deep down.

Now is one of those times when he’s debating changing his mindset. Though, it usually happens during these shifts when he’s bored, he’s tired of cleaning the counter, and he’s done with his coursework. He’s only here because he’s getting his Masters and has some spare time on his hands, and Maria had seized on the opportunity for help at barely minimum wage, convincing him to come in.

That’s why it had started.

Now, he’s here because of one particularly gorgeous customer who comes in every morning around eleven for a mid-day pick-me-up. “Michael,” Maria calls over to him when the bells jangle.

He also happens to be Maria’s friend, too, and Maria’s made it her life mission to hook the two of them up. It means that every time he comes in, she makes herself scarce along with any other staff so that Michael’s the only person around to serve him.

Michael’s not sure that the guy likes him back, even if Maria insists he does.

“Alex,” Michael greets him. “Hey!”

“Hey Michael,” he returns, putting down his phone as he leans his elbows on the counter. “So, today…”

Then he launches into an order that’s about ten percent more complicated than yesterday’s (which had already been plenty difficult).

Michael calls over his shoulder for coverage at the counter, because Alex’s order is going to take him away for at least a few minutes, especially since Alex had actually asked for the milk in his latte to be steamed to an exact degree, or be thrown away and restarted. “What’s your day looking like today?” Michael asks, still loving the fact that Alex’s complicated orders mean that he gets to talk to him.

Most customers are busy with their cell phones while they wait for their order.

Alex has never once looked at his phone, giving Michael his full attention every time. “Oh, you know,” he drawls. “The usual,” is the sarcastic addition. “I’m going to go in and warn people that their security is terrible, they’re not going to believe me, and then I’m going to have to go in and tear their systems to shreds to prove it.”

He’s smiling a little like he’s a shark who’s scented blood in the water, and is all too pleased about that.

Michael glances back to the milk, making sure it’s frothing properly. “Somehow, I doubt it’ll be a hardship,” he deadpans.

“What about you? Maria said you have your exams next week.”

Michael shrugs. “Yeah,” he says dismissively. Alex leans up on his toes, peering past the counter. Why? Michael has no fucking clue. “Okay, what?” he protests.

“I don’t see any books, no papers…” Alex gives him a serious look. “Do I have to give you the speech about how you need to take this seriously, Michael?”

The milk starts to steam and froth, the thermometer gauge showing the perfect Alex-approved temperature, which means it’s time to pour. He pulls it away from the steam wand and pours before he wipes the counter down, giving Alex a smirk. “Do I need to give you the speech about how you shouldn’t doubt me?”

“Everyone needs to study,” Alex protests.

Michael doesn’t.

Then again, he doesn’t know Alex that well, so launching into the whole ‘I was a child prodigy and the only reason I’m not off with my degrees right now is because I had foster parents who wanted me to have a normal childhood’. It does mean he can spend most of his days here at the shop, not worrying about his grades.

“Michael,” Alex warns.

“Make you a deal,” he says, handing him his coffee. “If Maria tells you I pass with an A, you have to come in here tomorrow and the next day and the day after that when it’s my shift.”

Alex’s face is flooded with fondness as he sips his coffee. “Why would I need to make that bet, when I already planned to come in?” he asks, and sips again. “Perfect. For this, I didn’t doubt you for a second,” he guarantees, and lets his gaze linger on Michael’s lips before he waves to Maria, heading off for the day.

Michael watches Alex go with a happy sigh, mainly because he always wears tight jeans and the view of him departing is one of the best things he’s ever seen. “Do you believe me now that he likes you?” Maria demands.

“You may be right,” he concedes. “He might like me back.”

After all, there’s no way that Alex would be so picky about his milk temperature, not without a deeper purpose. Seeing as the only reason he would get so complicated and picky with his orders is to spend more time with Michael, it’s fairly strong evidence that he definitely likes Michael.

“What are you going to do about it?”

He’s got a few ideas up his sleeve.

“Man like that, he deserves to be wooed,” Michael says.

Maria’s looking at him warily, and she doesn’t say it, but it’s like Michael can see the thought bubble above her head that reads, what do you know about wooing people?

Not much, but isn’t that what the internet is there for?

Michael decides to launch a campaign of charm, romance, and he intends to do it using the foods of love, found on a site that talks about aphrodisiacs. Every time Alex comes in, he gives Michael a wildly complicated drink order, so it shouldn’t be hard to mix a little bit of that in.

On Monday, he begins his campaign to romance Alex.

It doesn’t start well.

“Michael,” Alex says warily after he sips his drink. “What’s in this?”

“Powdered oysters.”

“That’s…really not what I ordered.”

“We’re trying it out,” he says, his eyes fixed on Alex. “Do you like it?”

Alex musters up a smile, but slides it back. “Thank you?” he offers, “but I really think that I’d like to have my drink without any powdered seafood.” He gives Michael a look like he’s trying to figure something out, but follows it up with a mildly sarcastic, “I’m also pretty sure you shouldn’t be risking fate with anyone who has seafood allergies by sneaking that in.”

Michael doesn’t let that knock him off his stride. So it didn’t work, so what? It’s only the first try.

He remakes Alex’s drink and basks in the sunny smile it earns him, loving how Alex reaches out to squeeze his hand in thanks before he heads off with drink in hand (a complicated layer drink that required Michael to wait a whole minute before adding the next, lest it all collapse and lose the effect Alex had asked for).

Michael makes a few more attempts to introduce aphrodisiac elements into Alex’s coffee and snacks to see if it does anything. The truffle oil he uses on his breakfast sandwich gets a dubious look, and the hints of champagne in his smoothie don’t go over well. That’s why Michael saves the best for last.

At least, he’d thought it was the best.

Alex chokes a little when he sips his hot chocolate, which Michael has loaded up with actual pieces of dark chocolate. “Michael…”

“Yeah?”

“This is like sludge. This is the fourth time you’ve done weird things with my order. Are you trying to give me a sign or something?”

He is, but clearly not the one Alex is reading.

“They’re aphrodisiacs,” he blurts out. “I was hoping that maybe one of these times, I’d get you in the right mood and then I could ask you out.”

Alex gapes at him. “…are you serious?”

His defenses suddenly up, Michael is ready to yank the terrible hot chocolate out of his hands. “What? If you don’t like it, you don’t have to…”

“Do you honestly think,” Alex cuts him off, “that I give a shit what temperature the milk in my coffee is? Michael, I do that because I know it’ll give me an extra few minutes with you, just like I know that by asking you to steep my tea for five minutes before the bag comes out, then I’ll get to talk to you. You didn’t have to douse me with oysters and chocolate and…were there chili peppers in the breakfast sandwich?”

“Yeah,” Michael admits, knowing that he’s definitely gone too far. “And asparagus in the scone.”

Alex gapes at him.

“Please go out with me,” Alex begs. “If only so you can stop trying to poison me with romance.”

Michael’s grin is a radiant thing, something that could light up the skies. “So it worked?”

“If it’ll make you stop, then yeah! Yeah, it worked.”

Michael does stop.

Alex’s orders go back to being his normal orders, Michael stops trying to infuse romance into them, because now he doesn’t need to.

He’s got a date with Alex, and now that they’re going to have dinner, they’re finally into familiar territory where Michael has plenty of tricks up his sleeve to woo and romance Alex, without powdered seafood, mushrooms, or asparagus. And lucky for Alex, Michael hasn’t had any complaints in this department.

He might not be good at wooing, but he’s excellent when it comes to actually being in a relationship.

#malex #michael/alex #bday prompts #barista au #student au #roswell new mexico #michael should not be left alone with beverages #insidious-intent

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under-the-blue-sun · 4 years

Text

come through (‘cause I just want to be with you) - chapter two

story summary: Dan is half-angel half-demon whose parents sent him to earth to try and live a normal life when he turned 18. In doing this, he lost any power he had, if proven he could live among them normally. The only rule? He couldn’t fall in love with a mortal. Fast forward 5 years later, just before his 23rd birthday, when things go downhill once he meets a barista in a coffee shop who he befriends and falls for.

story word count: 2759

rating: teen & up audiences

warnings: profanity

song of the chapter: black sun - death cab for cutie

note: i know this is late but in my defense i'm gay and i can't count. i hope you enjoy this chapter!! also on another note isn’t the new tumblr font just terrible

link to ao3 | link to first chapter on tumblr

Chapter Two: how could something so fair (be so cruel)

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Dan groaned, slamming the button on his alarm to stop the blaring noise. His bleary eyes squinted at the clock.

“11. That’s okay,” he muttered, hiding under his blankets to stop the persistent pain in his stomach, as if his body was reminding him he should be somewhere.

He suddenly rose from the covers.

“10. Lecture. Fuck.”

He leapt up, clearing his blurry thoughts from his mind, and ran to the bathroom, shoving a bottle of Listerine down his throat. Choking with disgust, he grabbed the first clothes on the floor to throw on, and sprinted out the door, black Muse tote bag stumbling out of his careless hands. Barely catching his breath, he staggered into the lecture room one hour and forty-five minutes late, seemingly unnoticed. He slipped into the back seat, laying out his notebook, pencil case and laptop.

“Rough morning, huh?” Chris whispered.

“It was actually a very good morning, until I woke up and realised I was one hour late for the lecture,” Dan whispered back.

Chris sniggered. “I’ll bet.”

Chris was one of the very few humans who Dan could talk to without seeming like a fool, mostly because Chris was very rather odd himself. Most people in his philosophy class were aesthetic, intelligent and very pretentious, but Chris made sure he was never two of those things at once. He was the person who introduced him to most of the human things he likes now, and has unknowingly helped Dan slip into human society very well.

Dan glanced at Chris’ notes. “Anything important?”

“It’s a philosophy class. Nothing is important, Dan,” Chris said. “I’ll give you the notes after, asshole.”

“Rude. Exam’s on Monday, right?” Dan said.

“Yeah, and the hand-in essay’s due before 12pm Wednesday.”

Dan sighed. “Well, fuck. I better listen.”

Chris wriggled closer to Dan, assuming his tea-spilling posture. “Have you-”

“Shut up!” Dan hissed.

Chris rolled his eyes, slouching back into the chair, and resumed his note-taking for the last fifteen minutes of class before they were dismissed.

“Oh, hurry up. I have something to show you,” Chris said.

“I haven’t had my morning coffee yet, please cut me some slack.” Dan yawned, slowly placing his items in his tote bag.

“That’s what I was going to show you,” Chris replied. “Hurry up!”

Dan finally finished putting his stationery away, and shoved his pencil in his pocket approximately five minutes later, after around one hundred carefully-crafted insults from Chris. “I’m done, what do you want to show me?”

“I have found the best coffee shop in the entirety of London,” Chris announced, heading out of the lecture room. Dan raised his eyebrows.

“I highly doubt that,” Dan said.

“Okay, maybe it’s not the best. But the baristas?” Chris blew a kiss into the air.

Dan shook his head, disappointed. “Chris, what did I say about objectifying people?”

“Please, come. It’s called ‘Never Gonna Give Brew Up’,” Chris said, looking at Dan expectantly. Dan stared back, expressionless.

“You know, like Never Gonna Give You Up?” Chris hinted.

“Yes, I understand the joke. You keep sending me links to the music video.”

Chris laughed. “Wait, you actually click on them?”

Dan scoffed. “Of course not. I memorized the several URLs you’ve sent so I recognise it straight away. I also tend to distrust every link you send.”

“As you should. Anyway, I am begging you to come. There’s one especially cute boy who I know works today, and I also know he’s very single. His name is Jack, and he is absolutely adorable.”

Dan continued walking, making no response.

“Dan. You’re single, sad, very gay and very lonely. Just ask him out, go on a date, see how it is,” Chris begged.

Dan snorted. “Like your love life is perfect.”

“Hey, I may not have a long-term partner, but at least I’m going on dates and meeting up with people. In all the four years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you go on a single date unprompted.”

Dan shrugged. “Haven’t found the right guy.”

“Come on. Just come to the coffee shop, at least,” Chris pleaded.

“Fine,” Dan said, deciding to humour Chris. “I’ll meet the barista.”

---

Jack the barista was, in fact, very hot, just like Chris stated. They were definitely not the first people to notice that. There was a whole clump of people in the cafe hovering around him, eager for him to give them a chance, or a glance. It was ridiculous.

“This is ridiculous,” Dan muttered, turning to leave. “I’m going to get out of here.”

Chris grabbed his arm. “I’m not letting you leave, Howell.”

Dan groaned as Chris pushed him back in the line and started ordering the food.

“I didn’t come here to ogle at the resident hoe,” Dan whispered violently in his ear. “I am leaving.”

“What did you just call me?”

Dan froze, and looked to the unfamiliar voice that came from in front of him.

“Resident hoe. Don’t take it personally. I’m sure you’re a lovely person, I’m just lashing out and name-calling because my friend here is trying to set me up with you. I apologise.”

Jack smirked in amusement. “At least let the resident hoe get you some coffee. You look like you haven’t slept in years.”

“Probably because I haven’t,” Dan admitted. “And not in a sexy way.”

Jack snorted, and handed Dan a drink. “I think this coffee has the most caffeine which you can possibly stuff in a drink.”

“Sorry for calling you the resident hoe,” Dan said, turning to go.

“Well, if you want to make a full apology, I’ll be here tonight as well,” Jack said. “Opening hours till midnight.”

Dan grinned. “I’ll think about it.”

---

“I cannot believe you won him over by calling him a resident hoe,” Chris said, as they were leaving the cafe.

“What were you picturing?” Dan asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

Chris shrugged. “I don’t know. Not that. But hey, it worked! And you have another chance to actually talk to him tonight. You are going back there tonight, right?”

Dan clicked his tongue. “I’m thinking about it.”

“You better go,” Chris warned. “He literally invited you back to the cafe. You’re not gonna get that chance again.”

Dan glanced at his watch. “Well, I have approximately twelve whole hours to think about whether I should go back to the cafe to call Jack names, so that’s plenty of time to think. That’s philosophy, right? Thinking about stuff.”

Chris sighed. “Yeah. You should probably head to the library to revise right now.”

---

Dan looked up helplessly at his blank word document. He had been in the library for three whole hours, yet he had written absolutely nothing. He stared at the blinding white of his screen, mind completely empty. Frankly, he was incredibly amazed at his brain for managing to not have a single thought yet also have too many thoughts. Slowly and helplessly, he began to type random things that came to his brain.

Are immortal people allowed to fall in love with human beings?

Dan paused, then pressed the enter button.

No.

why?

because theyll probably find out?? that you’re a demon angel fuckin thing whatever also theyll die before u and thats like sad idk yeah

Dan sighed. A+ essay right there.

The thing is, he kind of really wanted to go on that date with Jack. He seemed like a nice guy. It would be kind of fun. Besides, it would really shut Chris up and he wouldn’t pester him for a few months.

It wasn’t like he was going to marry Jack, after all. Like, he was pretty much the resident hoe.

Dan sighed deeply.

But if an immortal person went to a cafe with the possibility of going out with someone who was not going to be a potential future partner, would that be wrong?

After a long pause, Dan began to type again.

No.

And with that, he gave up on his essay, packed up his bags and left the library.

---

Surprisingly, Never Gonna Give Brew Up was still open, and very brightly lit. Dan didn’t really know why he was surprised. He was told that it closed at midnight, after all. But still, he didn’t normally associate open cafes with dark evenings. He swung the door open and stepped inside with a wide grin.

“Hey J-” Dan paused. “You’re not Jack.”

The barista at the counter looked up from his screen with a smirk. “Astute observation.”

Dan stepped carefully in the cafe, closing the door behind him to make sure it didn’t slam. The barista was watching him carefully, smirk still planted on his irritatingly handsome face. Dan was seriously beginning to think the only qualification for applying to this cafe was to be good-looking.

“Well. This is awkward,” Dan said.

The barista shrugged. “For you, maybe. For me, this is rather entertaining. Tell me, what service were you wanting from Jack? I’m guessing it’s not coffee.”

Dan snorted. “Well, it’s a long story.”

“Is it?” the barista said, raising an eyebrow.

Dan thought over it. “Not really. I called him the resident hoe and I came here to apologise slash ask him out. That’s pretty much it.”

“I’m sorry for cockblocking you. I’ll give you free coffee to make up for it,” the barista offered.

“Thanks, I could use that actually. I have an exam I haven’t studied for and a hand-in essay I haven’t begun coming up in the next few days, so I’m guessing I’m not going to be getting a lot of sleep for a while.” Dan said.

“You already look like you haven’t gotten a lot of sleep in a while,” the barista pointed out.

Dan chuckled joylessly. “Thanks, everyone says that to me when I meet them.”

“I mean, I also haven’t been getting a lot of sleep. And no offense to your Jack, but it’s kind of because of him.”

“Oh yeah? Give me the tea,” Dan said. Then he frowned. “Or the coffee. I don’t know whether you do make tea here.”

“I’ll give you the tea and the coffee,” the barista joked, grabbing a cup to start making Dan’s drink. “It’s not really that interesting tea, though. I just have to keep on doing Jack’s shifts because he always says he’s busy last minute. He’s such an asshole. Probably did you a favour with the cockblock, mate.”

“Damn. Thanks for that, I guess,” Dan said, and the barista laughed, giving Dan an odd warm fuzzy feeling inside. Before he could fully process what that was, the barista handed him the drink.

“Here,” he said, and Dan took a sip, pleasantly surprised.

“I have to say, this is a lot better than the one Jack gave me,” Dan commented.

“Of course it is. Jack’s shit at making coffee,” the barista said.

Dan laughed. “Yeah, it was kind of nasty.”

“You should probably get to that essay soon, though,” the barista said, and Dan suddenly realised he may have overstayed his welcome. He cleared his throat.

“Yeah, probably should. Thanks for the free coffee,” Dan said.

The barista smiled. “Yeah, it was no problem.”

“I didn’t catch your name, by the way.”

“Phil. And you are?”

“Dan.”

“Dan,” Phil said, like he was trying the name out for the first time. “Nice to meet you, Dan.”

“Nice to meet you too, Phil,” Dan said, and left happier than he’d felt in weeks.

#dan howell #daniel howell #danisnotonfire #amazingphil #phil lester #philip lester #chris kendall #crabstickz #fics #fanfiction #fanfics #phanfics #phanfiction #demon-angel au #fluff #angst #slow burn #forbidden love #emilee.writings.exe

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ceoemaillist-blog1 · 4 years

Text

Common Errors And Misconceptions In Writing Business Card Titles

I get a new service to sell, or if anything has changed with a company that's newsworthy, like even updating your website, a person ever considered writing an announcement? Maybe you just wrote a free report to relinquish away on your list building page. If that's true, then you will surely get traffic and jumpstart your list building through blogging.

As the CEO email database, I started this business in my underwear, that's who we cater additionally. Affiliates working from home, other networks, agencies, it is irrelevant. Everyone gets treated liquids and that's with attentive responsiveness.

I would be helping people get what they really need to help handle them. Nice to read a great decision I had made. Let-downs! I took the exam, and much to my surprise - I broke. Not to worry. Head held CEO mailing list superbly. Back to the books, I drove. A bit more studying would do just fine. So a week later I tried again. And Whoa la - I passed!

Clients - Your organization is the most influential salespeople for your organization. They lead you into wonderful new accounts by only making the introduction. I would suggest that your client, your prospect, and you, meet together at the first event. Your clients as well the first people will need to sell/network with when you launch a fresh product. Buddy Bill Rancid did each time he was on his way to winning the Trump Beginner. After his team created a complaint base1 of their tasks he went back to those same relationships to trade to or get referrals from those clients. His team won both tasks and he went on to win a recreation.

And after that time Monday, I get a CEO email list from a person who has moved in the boardroom - a top-level job, for which she's received all the perks. After I asked her how features going she said, "I feel as getting fifteen-year-old in an adult's play area. They'll find me out any minute. They'll see I'm no first-rate." then I heard this.

The word "Super". It's a label, get rid of its families. I've met plenty of Super Affiliates making 1K per day then I've met some who have made 50K an event. Being deemed as an excellent Affiliate is not as important as just using Click bank, is it? But technically, organization, motivation, marketing sense, income source all play vital roles in those can ensure it today in and time out versus people flame out a month or so down the fishing line.

Twitter Groups: This website gives the opportunity to tag your followers and place them in a number of groups. May then send messages to those groups rather than sending them to each person individually.

#CEO Email List #CEO Email database #CEO Mailing List

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stressedoutteenager · 4 years

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5 Time’s a Charm

Surprise, @livinonaflyingcarpet ! I’m your Yousana Exchange gifter again :D

This is actually the first time I am writing anything about Mazzouk so I hope you like it.

Amira and Mohammed see each other around campus everyday; they see each other more than they see people they study with.

__________________

Amira likes her routine.

Well, not always. In particular settings. University is one of those. She likes knowing that she can go to her classes and have spare time to go get a snack in between each of them somehow. She likes knowing that she’ll see her friends from school at least a couple times a week when their routines overlap. She likes knowing how manageable her routine makes her day to day university life. It can get hectic, with all the studying and all the classes. But at least she knows what she can expect at what time; it makes her be able to relax more.

In any other setting, her friends and family would say, she’s very spontaneous. She is, she really is. But she takes her studies way too serious to mess it up by ditching class or missing the beginning of a lecture because she took the long way to class instead of the one she always takes.

Amira knows that if she was the one listening to someone explain this to her, she might roll her eyes. In a loving way. Maybe. Still, she likes her routine.

Some time in her second semester at the university, Amira notices that someone else also sticks to their routine religiously.

On her way from her first class to her second class on Mondays, she sees him walking the direction she came from. His dark hair wet, gym bag on one shoulder, a backpack on his back. It took her a while to notice that it’s the same guy every single Monday, walking past her at the same time each Monday. It is week five of the semester when it clicks.

Tuesdays she has ten minutes to get from her 8 am class to her 10 am class and she needs to get something to eat in that time. 8 am classes and Amira are not the bestest of friends. She’ll get up somewhat easily, get ready and be there on time each Tuesday, but she won’t have time for breakfast and by the time she’s done with the first class of the day, she’ll be starving. Someone else is also always at the cafeteria at the same time each Tuesday. The first time she notices him is when he’s the person buying the last couscous cup, which she usually likes to eat. Her face crumbles and her eyes run over him quickly. She notices the dark hair and tall frame from the day before. Though, Amira thinks nothing of it. There’s plenty of people she runs across more than once during the semester.

Amira has never had a problem juggling a side job and her studies. She did it during her last year of school to earn money to do her year abroad. She did that easily. While university is on another level than school, she manages. After classes, before classes, sometimes in between classes she tutors students. Not other university students though, kids from schools nearby that take up tutoring lessons from this university. Every Wednesday, at 3 pm, Amira helps Elias with his biology studies. He’s in his second to last year of high school and that stuff is still in Amira’s brain, after all that studying she had done. After every session, Elias and Amira leave the room in the corridor assigned for tutors and their students at 4:15 pm. Every time someone tall with dark hair and broad shoulders leaves the room at the far end of the corridor when Amira is almost at the door to the elevators. Him and a girl in a hijab, similar to Elias’ age, are too far behind for Elias or Amira to wait for them in the elevator without it being awkward. Elias once tried and it took so long that the elevator doors stared closing again and he let them.

Amira sees her friends a lot. She’s really happy that they all make it work even though their schedules can be so different from each other’s. They meet up more than once a week, mostly on short notice, but they plan to get lunch together each Thursday. For that they go to a little, somewhat hipster, café really close to the university two out of five friends attend. Amira goes there straight after her class and usually arrives before her friends. Who she sees even before her friends, pretty much every time, is the tall, dark-haired guy. He leaves the café when Amira arrives. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, with his phone in his hand. Sometimes he’s halfway to the subway station Amira comes out of, but every time she sees him. She notices this on week five of the semester, as well.

Having one single class on Fridays, in the morning, should be outlawed. It’s inhumane and nobody should be forced to endure it. Well, it’s a lecture and nobody checks attendance but there will be a big exam at the end of the semester, she cannot mess that up because she wants to sleep a little longer. Easily understood that she walks to the subway station looking like a zombie, after her class. She walks past the day care for the children of lecturers or any employees or students of the university on her way to the subway. Through the floor to ceiling windows she can see the kids play, even this early in the day. She can also see their teachers. A now familiar head of dark locks is always in the first window she walks past. Sometimes with a kid on his arms, sometimes sitting on the floor playing with a kid or two, sometimes chatting with the other adults in the room, but always in that first room Amira walks past at around 10 am every Friday.

Towards the middle of the semester it’s getting ridiculous. How is it possible that she keeps seeing that one guy every. single. day? She sees him more than people she’s studying and has classes with. He keeps crossing her path and it’s only a short moment in her day but she knows she can rely on him walking past her once a day. Somehow, that has become a part of her weekly routine.

Now, when she’s in the cafeteria on Tuesdays, walks out of her tutoring lesson on Thursdays or past the day care on Fridays Amira’s eye wander around until they land of that dark head of hair. Then she looks away quickly. She doesn’t know him; she only sees him every single day of her university week. It sounds contradictory but it is the truth and that is completely fine. She is now just very used to this tiny part of her routine. However, she only notices this when this routine is suddenly broken. When she gets to the cafeteria on Tuesday and looks through the options in the display, she frowns until she finds something good to eat and when she looks up at the line in front of her, she’s missing something. Or someone. She looks behind her and again, she can’t see the person she is so used to see here by now. Most times he is in front of her in line, sometimes behind her. Today, he is not there at all. Hmm, weird. She has seen him every day this semester until now. That’s … weird.

The same week, she doesn’t see him on Wednesday either. Though, she hears a deep voice just as the elevator doors are almost closed so she can’t be sure if it’s him. She then realizes, she doesn’t really know what his voice sounds like. Sure, she has heard him talk to his tutoring student sometimes but not enough to be able to tell his voice from someone else’s. A weird feeling spreads in her stomach for a second until Elias distracts her with some random fact about some Youtuber he is watching so she turns her full attention to him.

Amira feels like such a weirdo. Why is she worried? Worried about a complete stranger. Just because he did not keep to his routine as strictly this week. She hasn’t seen him leave the café yesterday and now that she cannot see him in the day care makes her stomach drop. For a short second she thinks something bad might have happened until she catches herself. It is so creepy that she knows this strange dude’s routine, or at least small parts of it, to become aware when he’s not doing what he usually does at the time he does it. Walking slowly, so slow that she could just stand in one point as well, she keeps her eyes on the window but casts her eyes down finally. What is going on with her? She needs to get home and sleep; the lack of sleep is getting to her.

Monday she doesn’t see him either. Amira realizes that she expected him to walk past her, that she expected the last week to be an exception. Now it’s dragging into the next week and she needs to get over it. This is horrifyingly dumb of her.

Still, Amira can’t help her relieved sigh when she gazes the familiar frame in the front of the line at the cafeteria. She quickly chooses what she wants to eat and catches his eye, when she stands behind him in line. This does happen sometimes, not often at all though. To her own surprise and horror, Amira says: “You’re alive.”

The stranger looks at her again, checking if she’s actually talking to him and laughs. He doesn’t give Amira enough time to panic over her stupidity of saying something like that to a literal stranger. “Barely.”, he says smilingly and looks away, “Thanks for noticing.”

This should be weird. It should feel weird. She doesn’t know him, he doesn’t know her. Why does this feel … normal. He moves along the line after he pays and Amira thinks he’ll just go about his business as usual but he just stands there as she is paying for her food. After Amira puts her wallet back into her bag, she looks at him again and instinctively smiles. He smiles back and Amira’s mouth moves again and she feels like she has to explain herself a little.

“I’m not a stalker, I promise.”, and holds up her hands in mock defense.

He laughs and Amira takes a second to appreciate that sound. They start moving towards the door together.

“It’s alright, no worries.”, he answers, “If I hadn’t noticed that we keep crossing paths every single day that would be a random thing to say..” Amira doesn’t know if he means her first or second utterance but it’s probably both. “…but I see you more frequently than some of the people I study with so I get it. I was under the weather the last couple days.”

“Oh, I hope you’re better.”, Amira says as they step out of the building and lets her eyes run over his face once. He is very attractive, but she knew that before.

“Thank you.”, he says with a smile, “I am.”

Amira smiles back and then looks at her phone to tell the time and jolts upright. She doesn’t have much time to get to her class on time. The guy notices her change in demeanor and quirks his eyebrows in question.

“I have to get to my class now. Good to hear you’re feeling better.”, Amira says and starts walking towards the next building. She turns around suddenly, after three steps, when she remembers that she’s really curious to match a name to the face, so she stops and sees him still looking at her. That makes her smile involuntarily, but she keeps smiling when she says: “I’m Amira, by the way.”

He smiles broadly and Amira really does not want to leave now. “I’m Mohammed. Nice to finally meet you officially.”

“Same, but I really need to go now.”, Amira says and jogs away, the name going through her head until she’s in class and sits down a few seconds before her lecturer arrives.

His name suits him.

Amira is in deep discussion with Elias when they step into the hallway. Amira listens to him explain to her why he should not have to revise until next week because he studies better with Amira helping her and guiding him. He is trying to butter her up and grins at her charmingly but Amira is unfazed. She tilts her head slightly to the left and looks at him with one raised eyebrow.

“Elias, stop bullshitting me. You’re going to revise what we went over today and next week we’ll start with the next part of the chapter.”, she says calmly. He opens his mouth to argue but she shuts him up with a pointed look. He has become like a younger brother to her, which is really interesting since he’s pretty similar to her younger brother Essam.

“He always does this at school too.”, Amira and Elias hear from behind them. It’s the girl Mohammed tutors. Next to her he watches their interaction with an amused look on his face. For once they caught up with Amira and Elias. Were they faster than usual or were Amira and Elias slower? Who cares. Amira looks at Mohammed for a second but quickly turns her head to Elias again.

“Elias, does that work at school?”, she asks.

Grinning, he shrugs. “Sometimes.”

The girl adds: “Most times. He has a way of charming the teachers and I really don’t get why anyone would fall for his antics.”

“Dude, I’m loveable. It’s no wonder.”, Elias says smugly.

The girl glares at him while he just grins. I watch their silent interaction and they seem to know each other pretty well. He had not even indicated that when we saw them for a split second every other week.

“Leyla”, Mohammed speaks up for the first time now, “Amira doesn’t seem to be fazed at all so he’s not as charming as he might think.” He says that with a cute smile and talks to Leyla like one would talk to their younger sister. Leyla looks up at him and nods and holds her hand up for a high-five. Amira can’t help but laugh at that, which makes Elias look at her like she betrayed him.

“Okay, if we’re all done hating on me, can we get going. I have to be at football practice in like half an hour.”

With that they all get into the elevator together and stand there, not talking. Amira finds herself drawn to look up at one of the people in the elevator more than once but checks herself before he notices. Her face grows hot when she thinks he might be looking at her but she is not willing to check for now.

Elias breaks the silence when they walk out of the building. He’s talking to Leyla. “You going home?”, and nods towards the subway station. She nods. “Okay, let’s go then.”

And Leyla looks up at Mohammed and then Amira to explain: “We’re neighbors.”

“Get home safe.”, Mohammed says, as Amira says, “See you next week.”

Once the kids start walking away, the turn to each other. He draws a hand over his beard and Amira can’t help but follow that movement. His hands are nice too. She’s distracted for a second too long because she misses what he said just now. She looks at him questioningly, leaning a little forward as if she can hear what he said earlier now.

“Are you going home now too?”, he repeats himself to which Amira shakes her head. She notices his eyes roam over her face and tries to keep a straight face. “Do you maybe want to go grab a coffee or something? I’ve seen you like every day for the last I don’t know how many weeks … might be nice.”

“It would.”, Amira answers straight away and shakes her head at herself. Way to go, that was way to fast of a reaction. He just smiles at her so she thinks she’s good. “But I actually have a class in ..”, she looks at her phone, “… in ten minutes.”

His face falls a little but he recovers quickly and nods. “Sometime else then?”

Amira nods and smiles up at him. “I’d like that.”, and then points into the direction she has to go. “I should…”

“Yeah, sure.”, Mohammed says quickly. “Mind if I walk with you for a bit?”

Now that they have talked two days in a row, Amira expects Mohammed to talk to her when she most definitely sees him in front of the café. But as Amira is leaving the subway station, he is walking towards her, his eyes trained on his phone. He’s almost past Amira when she decides to speak up. She says his name and startles herself, it’s the first time she is addressing him by his name.

She startles him as well and has to laugh when he jumps a little.

“Sorry.”, she says sheepishly and Mohammed cocks his head at her and narrows his eyes playfully.

“Are you? Are you really?”, he asks and tries to refrain from laughing, Amira notices his lips twitch but immediately looks away and shakes her head, laughing.

“How are you?”, he asks her, as she says, “Am I keeping you from something?”

Again, they answer at the same time. “Good and you?”, Amira says. Mohammed answers: “No, all good.”

Then they both shut up and start laughing. His laugh is really cute, Amira thinks. His eyes crinkle which makes him look even cuter. They slowly get quieter and just look at each other, which makes Amira’s stomach feel weird … in a good way. When he smiles at her, she can’t keep herself from answering with a smile of her own and she doesn’t want to.

They have only exchanged a couple sentences in total but Amira feels like she knows him already, at least a little. She has seen him five times a week for several weeks now. And she realized, it’s been a while, that she would like to get to know him better. Or at all, if she’s being honest here.

“Are you eating here each Thursday?”, he asks after several silent moments of just smiling at each other.

Amira nods. “I’m meeting friends from school every week. To not lose contact and all. What about you?”

“Not meeting any old friends but my mom works here part time so I come see her when I can, to see how she’s doing.”, he answers and Amira melts right then and there. He comes here, apparently more than just Thursdays, to check on his mom when he could just go eat somewhere closer to university.

“Aww.”, Amira says without thinking and bites back a laugh when she sees Mohammed blush. He really blushes and looks even cuter, Amira didn’t think that that was possible.

“Okay, okay.”, he then says and straightens his posture a little. He has been leaning down a bit, he is quite a bit taller than Amira. “As nice as this is …”, Amira’s shoulders sag even though she knows that this conversation had to end some time soon. “ … would you maybe like to do this some other time? I mean, meet me for a meal or something.”

Oh. That’s what he meant with “As nice as this is..”. That’s not what she had expected. Though, she likes that he is being straight forward. She does not really have time for anything else. Still, she is taken a back for a second which Mohammed understands wrong.

He takes back a step and does not look at Amira anymore. “I mean … it’s obviously okay if not … eh, yeah.”

“No.”, Amira says in a serious tone she did not intend to use but it is fitting. It makes him look up and she smiles. That seems to relieve him. “I’d like to meet you for a meal or something.”, she echoes his words and he laughs at that.

“Oh, that’s great.”, he says and his smile brightens up his entire face. How adorable. “Does tomorrow afternoon sound good to you?”

Amira nods: “It does. Can you give me that?”, she asks, pointing at his phone. “So I can give you my number and we can work out the details.” He unlocks his phone and hands it to her. She quickly types in her number and hands his phone back to him.

“Alright. I’m looking forward to it.”

She walks past the day care again. And again she sees Mohammed in that first room. The only different thing from every other time is that he is looking out of the window, with a kid in his arms. He looks around and when he meets Amira’s gaze he grins. And he makes the toddler in his arms wave in her direction. She likes kids enough but seeing Mohammed like that with a kid in his arms? Makes her like kids a little more. She waves back and is soon out of their line of sight. Amira finds herself smiling to herself and shakes her head at how giddy she is. Good thing nobody sees her likes this right now.

She is going to see Mohammed in a couple hours again. Again, she starts smiling.

Okay, she might have dressed up a bit. It makes her feel more confident sometimes. And she needed it today. She did not expect to become so nervous about meeting Mohammed. She’s excited but also very nervous.

However, when she sees him looking at her with big eyes and unable to take his eyes off of her as she is walking towards him, she relaxes. Head high and a smile on her lips, she meets him halfway and sees that she is not the only one that dressed up. He looks really nice in a button-down shirt and he seems to have done something different with his hair.

“You look really nice.”, he says what she thought about him to her. She thanks him and returns the compliment. A couple seconds later he motions for them to start walking.

They start walking through a park and meant to go to a restaurant straight after but once they sit down on a bench and start talking and getting to know each other, neither of them want to get up.

Amira learns that Mohammed is studying to become a teacher. Tutoring was meant to be a short time occupation to get some exercise in teaching but once he did not want to stop and make his two students look for a new tutor. He works in the day care because he has several younger siblings and has always been caring for kids, as long as he can remember, so he thought it wouldn’t be too hard.

“I admit, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be. But most kids are really easy to handle and I like being surrounded by them. I’m very used to it, I guess.”

Amira nods but says: “Honestly, I’m barely around kids. I have one younger brother and we’re only one year apart, my other brother is older and most of my cousins are older than me.”

Mohammed listens attentively. “Oh wow, that’s so different from what I am used. Must be nice to be the youngest though.” Amira looks at him for a moment too long when thinking about what he said. Apparently it makes him think he needs to explain himself: “I just mean being the oldest has its perks but it makes me somewhat responsible for the younger ones, which I don’t mind but .. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“I get it, I think.”, Amira replies. “Even if my brother is just a year younger than me, I feel responsible for him more times than not. So I can imagine it becoming a lot sometimes when there’s more than one younger sibling. Especially if they’re like my brother.”

That earns her a curious look from Mohammed so she tells him about her younger brother and his weird antics. About all the times he annoys her and how Omar and Amira have to get him out of stuff a lot but apparently Mohammed sees that she’s not just annoyed.

“You seem to enjoy having him around though, even if he annoys you a lot.”, he concludes and she nods.

Amira also learns that Mohammed speaks in a different Arabic dialect than her when he talks to his mom on the phone for five minutes. Apparently she couldn’t find her keys and called him to ask if he knows and then just kept questioning him about different things. Amira tries not to listen but it’s basically impossible when they’re sitting next to each other. And then he says something that makes her eyes widen.

“Yeah, I’m out with the girl I told you about.”

He told his mom about her? Why does this make her smile and panic at the same time. It’s not a good combination. He hangs up a minute later and looks at Amira again and smiles.

She can’t keep it in. “You told your mom about me?”

“Was somebody eavesdropping?”, he asks back laughingly.

“You’re sitting right next to me, it was impossible not to hear you talk.”, she admits and looks away.

She hears Mohammed laugh again and rolls her eyes but starts smiling again and her smile gets bigger when he says: “Yeah, I’ve told her about the girl I kept seeing every day since the beginning of the semester.”, and then he nudges my shoulder with his and asks, “Wanna know what she said when I told her I’m out with you right now?”

Amira nods.

“That it’s about time I asked you out.”, he admits, which makes Amira look at him again. That means he talked about her more than once.

“She might be right there.”, Amira responds, feeling more confident than a couple seconds ago.

“Oh, is that so?”, he asks leaning a little towards her, “You also saw me every day, you could have been the one to ask as well.”

She shrugs. “Yup, I could have but up until this week I didn’t even know if you noticed me or if I was being weird noticing you everywhere.”

“Are you kidding?”, he asks but Amira doesn’t know what he means.

“What?”

“Of course, I noticed you. Right at the beginning of the semester. You were wearing a light blue hijab and walked past me in a hurry and I thought wow, what a shame that I won’t see her again.”

That makes Amira take a deep breath. Okay, she did not expect this at all. And he is so straight up about everything. She likes that.

“Little did you know you’d see me so much that you’d think I’m stalking you.”, Amira says and laughs. She didn’t know how to respond otherwise.

Mohammed gets up from the bench and stands just one step in front of Amira. She has to put her head back to look up at him. She raises her eyebrows in question.

“Let’s go get something to eat and we can talk about you stalking me more then.”, he teases.

Amira rolls her eyes, standing up. She glares at him jokingly and answers: “Let me remind you that you’re the one remembering what I wore the first time you saw me.”

“You got me there.”, he shrugs, “You’re not easily forgotten.”

That makes Amira gulp, especially because his eyes roam over her face and linger a little.

“You couldn’t even if you tried, we crossed paths five times a week.”

“Five time’s a charm, I guess.”

#Yousanaexchange #mazzouk #I hope you like it #it got a little longer than intended #hopefully you like it #i loved writing something for you again

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emeraldwaves · 4 years

Text

Title: What Happens at Frat Parties Chapter 3 Pairing: Huwumi Rating: E Word Count: 2,351 Read on Ao3 Summary:

For Hawks, getting the girl has always been easy. He’s popular, attractive and part of the frat house that throws the best parties. When Dabi’s sister shows up one night, Hawks realizes not everything comes as easy to him as he thought. And while Fuyumi thinks Hawks isn’t her type, as time goes on, she finds his advances harder to resist. Maybe there’s more to him than she realizes.

Fic under the cut!

Though the temperature was starting to heat up outside, the library was air conditioned and Hawks let the cool breeze brush over his face when he stepped inside. Apparently this was the place to be if you were into staying cool and studying.

He didn't care about either of those things.

He lifted his sunglasses up, pushing his hair back and headed further in. The smell of old books permeated the air, and Hawks couldn't remember the last time he had touched one of those.

The problem with a place like this was it just was so damn big, and shockingly crowded.

Who knew people actually used this place to study?

Finding Dabi's sister was going to be more difficult than anticipated.

Was he ridiculous for chasing after her in the library?

Probably.

Was it better than helping Tensei clean up the house?

Most definitely.

He followed the path through the back of the library, winding through the various shelves and peering at the tables. There was no sign of a white-haired girl with streaks of red. He wondered where the hell she was.

He made his way up the round spiral staircase, heading to the second floor.

Pausing, he scuffed his boot against the ground. Was this creepy? He really didn’t mean to be... in fact, this was probably the most genuine he'd ever been about a girl.

He was fascinated, for lack of a better word. First off, she had rejected him, and second off, despite being his sister, she was so damn different from his idiot roommate, who never talked about her.

Rolling his eyes, he twirled around on his heel, ready to scour the floor when he almost immediately ran into the person he had been looking for.

"I'm surprised you knew where the library was," Fuyumi said, clutching a few books to her chest.

"Wha-... Why does everyone think this!? I obviously know where the library is. I obviously know what it is!"

There was a small part of him that was shocked she was actually here. Apparently he should trust his instincts more. Fuyumi popped out her hip, resting the books against her side. "Who asked if you knew what it was?"

Damn, why the hell was she so nerdy and cute?

"Shig," he said, waving off the comment. "Look, I can't help it if those assholes never come here."

"Did you just call my brother an asshole?" she smirked, leaning towards him.

He paused, swallowing. "Well-"

"Don't worry, he is," she said, walking past him as she headed for a table.

"Hey!" he said, and received a few glares and one person hushed him angrily. "Hey," he whispered, taking his tone down. "Care to share a table?"

She paused, placing her books down at the empty table by the stairs. Her gray eyes looked him up and down. "What exactly are you planning to study? You don't have any books with you."

Fuck. He knew he forgot something.

He opened his mouth, a slew of excuses rushing through his brain, none of them plausible.

She rolled her eyes and took a seat. "It oddly makes sense you're friends with Touya."

"Now, now. Your brother is proudly maintaining his 2.5 average and I'm-"

"Maintaining a 2.6?" Fuyumi asked, blinking as if she was innocent.

Ouch. Did she really think that poorly of him?

He supposed she didn't have much to go off of. He pulled out the chair across from her and sat down.

"4.0," he said.

She raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You've never been to the library and you have a 4.0."

With a smile, Hawks leaned his head against his hand, watching her brain try to process how he could possibly be maintaining a perfect average.

"Yup," he said.

"So you just... get As? Without studying?"

He leaned back in the chair, letting out an elongated sigh.

"You caught me."

"Caught you?" she asked, raising her eyebrow. She began to pull out her various stacks of notebooks, placing them on the desk. She had far too many to be normal.

"Mhm," he sighed, brushing his fingers through his hair. "I haven't been to the library, but it's only because I haven't needed to go."

Frowning, she brushed her fingers over the textbook. "Well some people do study better in their rooms."

"Nah. No studying required," he smirked.

She rolled her eyes and flipped open a textbook, ignoring him. He waited a moment, the silence falling over the table, and he twisted his lips, scooting the chair forward. "I thought you'd be impressed."

"What? Impressed you don't put any effort into the things you do?" she asked, slamming her book shut. She grabbed the giant pile and stood up, clutching them tight to her chest. "That's not impressive, it's just... frustrating to hear!"

"Eh?" he blinked, surprised by her outburst.

"I need to get work done today. I can't mess around like some people!" she huffed, yanking her backpack up to sling over her shoulder.

"No, wait, that's-"

"What?"

He froze, unsure of how to respond, caught in a predicament he didn't quite know how to navigate. Talking to girls was easy, simple... a path he traveled down often and with ease.

Talking to Fuyumi was like trudging through snow in a winter storm. It was like he was blind, with no direction. Everything he said seemed to be wrong.

He couldn't let her walk away now; coming to the damn library would've been totally useless.

"A date," he said, blurting out the words.

What?

Her eyes blinked behind her glasses, staring at him as if he had spoken a different language.

Could he rewind time? Start over. Start last night over too maybe, if this magical time traveling would let him go back that far.

"A... date?" she repeated.

"No. I mean..."

What the hell? Had someone possessed him? Who the hell even was he right now? Stumbling over his words, his palms sweating and not sure what the hell he was saying?! This wasn't him at all, especially not around women.

But usually those women weren't constantly rejecting him.

Because once was okay, but two times was definitely unheard of.

"What exactly did you mean then?" Fuyumi asked.

Okay. Deep breath. It was fine. He was fine, (hell yeah he was).

"Look," he said, pushing himself out of the chair to stand up with her. "I think we got off on the wrong foot."

"You do?" She tilted her head. "Or are you just saying that because our interactions haven't gone well and you haven't gotten me in your bed yet."

Damn. Savage.

He swallowed. "No, that's not what I meant."

Not really.

She sighed. "Hawks, you, uhm, you don't seem like a bad person or anything," she began softly, "but I have a lot of exams I need to study for this week and I don't think I'm the type of girl you normally talk to and there are plenty others you can find who would probably die to go on a date with you, okay? So I'll see you later," she said, carrying her backpack and books clutched to her chest.

He opened his mouth to say goodbye, but for some reason that felt so... lame. Instead he swallowed and looked at the empty table, thinking that she was wrong; he really wanted to go out with her.

Unfortunately for Fuyumi, the weekend flew by and exams were upon her by Monday, ending as quickly as they arrived on Friday. She tried her best to focus all week, but even with how much she had studied, she had no way of gauging how well she did on her exams.

"You probably aced them," Nejire snorted while the two ate breakfast on Saturday. "You always do."

"I-I just... there were a lot of distractions this week."

"Distractions? You practically lived in the library!"

"I-I know..." she sighed.

"So did it magically get loud in the library... I don't understand," Nejire asked.

No, in fact, she had peace and quiet for the week, minus her initial run-in with Hawks. The problem was, she couldn't stop thinking about him. No. Not him. It. The whole situation.

Had he really come to the library to see her? She kept wondering if she was going to see him there again (not because she wanted to).

"I don't know," she sighed, knowing that if she even mentioned Hawks, Nejire would take it wrong and try and play matchmaker.

That was the last thing Fuyumi needed.

"It's out of my hands. I guess I should stop worrying about it."

"Exactly," Nejire said. "Right now you should be worrying about what you're going to wear to your brother's pool party."

Clicking her tongue, Fuyumi rolled her eyes. "Neji, I'm not going. I'm sorry but... I just can't."

"But you can Nejire said. "You have that cute vintage bathing suit and it's hot. I know how much you hate the heat and this will cool you down," she hummed, leaning in towards her friend. "I don't wanna go alone."

"You're going to see Mirio and Tamaki right?" Fuyumi said.

"Well, yeah, but it'd be even more fun if you came," Nejire hummed, rocking back and forth on her feet.

"No," Fuyumi repeated. "You should've seen me last weekend. I was so out of place. I never go to these things so I don't know why you would think I would want to go now."

"I just think it would be good for you. We don't have classes for a week and last semester you spent the whole break studying. You're coming!" Nejire said, placing her hands on Fuyumi's shoulders as she began to walk her back to her room.

"I really don't want to see my brother or his friend."

"Hawks? The one you rejected?"

Well, she purposefully hadn't said his name.

"Twice," she said. "S-So really, it would just be awkward now." Plus, she had no desire to see her brother high or drunk or both.

"Twice?!" Nejire blinked. "You rejected him twice!? Iconic."

Fuyumi sighed. "He came to the library and kinda... asked me out, but I said no because before that he was bragging about being so amazing at his classes."

"Is that... bad?" Nejire asked.

"No, it's just obnoxious," Fuyumi muttered, leaning against the door to her room.

Nejire snorted, giggling so hard she wrapped an arm around her stomach. "I can't... believe Hawks asked someone on an actual date and then got rejected!"

Fuyumi raised her eyebrow. "Is it really so horrible of me to say no?"

"W-What?! No!" Nejire said. "It's just funny cause normally he sleeps with girls and then tosses them out. I've never heard Miri or Tama mention him going on dates."

"Exactly my problem with him. I mean he's attractive, but I know the second I do anything further than kiss him, he'll be done with me. That, and I don't really have time to date anyone anyway," she shrugged.

"But you areattracted to him?" Nejire asked, leaning forward towards her friend. Why did the blue haired girl have to latch on to the one thing Fuyumi hadn't wanted her to?

"That's... not the point," she said.

"Get on your suit, you're going to the party!" Nejire cheered, cutting Fuyumi off.

"Neji-"

"Please 'Yumi!" she begged. "I promise you won't even have to talk to Hawks okay?!"

Fuyumi rolled her eyes. "If I come with you, I'm only staying to swim for a little bit and then leaving."

"Okay, okay," Nejire said, reaching forward to open Fuyumi's door. "Go get ready! You should wear the vintage suit with the cute bow between your cleavage. That one makes your boobs look great."

"Ugh..."

"What? I just wanna see Hawks' face when he realizes he can't have you," she said. "I missed out the other two times."

"Well, I'm hoping to avoid him completely," Fuyumi muttered. "Anyway, I'll be out in a minute."

With a sigh she flopped against the door for a moment. She wasn't in the mood to see her brother making a disaster of himself yet again, and she hoped she wouldn't have to reject Hawks again. She didn't take pride in it like Nejire thought she did... but it made her feel sad, especially when he seemed so shocked by it.

Really, she didn't enjoy being mean to people, despite sass that happened to slip from her lips from time to time.

Still, she knew she was making the right choice. Hawks wasn't her type of boy and she wasn't his type of girl. He would've figured that out very quickly and moved on and it would've been embarrassing. Quite frankly she was happy to have saved both of them the humiliation.

She grabbed her bathing suit from the closet and held it up to her body. It was a really cute suit and she practically never wore it. Maybe the party wouldn't be so bad. It was going to be outside, so hopefully people wouldn't be so concentrated in the house. She wouldn't be trapped surrounded by smoke and loud music.

There would probably still be a good amount of people there, so if she wanted to avoid seeing her brother she could.

Slowly rolling her clothes down, she sighed. It was frustrating, to even consider having to avoid her brother, something she never thought she would do. Touya had always been frail but as they grew older he apparently stopped caring about anything; it was why he smoked all the time and had gotten tattoos over most of his body.

Fuyumi wondered if she was really any better, spending all her time diving into her studies...

She pulled the bathing suit on and reached for one of her large summer hats. Nejire was right, this would be good for her.

#huwumi #hawks #todoroki fuyumi #takami keigo #bnha #what happens at frat parties

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marril96 · 5 years

Text

The Distance Between Us

Chapter 6: With Friends Like These...

Pairing: Rowena x reader

Summary: Rowena is surprisingly generous, and Crowley is a drama king.

Editor: @cherrypierowena

The Sunday tutoring session went as well as the first one. You still had a long way to go, but at the very least you were starting to understand the few lessons that were on the test.

For a mean girl, Rowena was an amazing teacher. You could tell learning was something she was really passionate about, as was spreading the knowledge she had.

If only she were like that — that patient, that, dare you say it, nice — at school.

You might have even liked her.

Was that why Sam liked her? Her genuine interest in knowledge? Was that what they were talking about when they hung out?

If yes, you could somewhat understand where Sam was coming from. If you only knew her as a dedicated geek, you would like her, too.

But you didn't.

The majority of what you saw of her was meanness. Bullying. Snobbery.

A few hours of studying together couldn't erase that. Couldn't erase the fact that not only had she made the choice to be that way — she'd fought tooth and nail for it.

She was a mean girl by choice.

When the bell rang that Monday, Ms. Hanscum asked for you and Rowena to stay behind. Rowena rolled her eyes. You did the same. You'd had enough of math.

"So," Ms. Hanscum said in her ever-present overly cheerful tone, "how's it going, girls? Made any progress?"

"Yup," you replied. Not as much as she probably expected, but it was something.

"Great!" she beamed. "I knew this would be a great arrangement!"

"It's bloody epic," Rowena mumbled under her breath sarcastically.

You snorted.

Ms. Hanscum frowned. "What was that?"

"Nothing," Rowena said, picture perfect smile mirroring the teacher's painted on her mouth.

Ms. Hanscum grinned big and bright. "I'm so happy for you girls! This'll help you both out. You'll see."

Right. Because being forced to spend time with someone you disliked was so helpful.

"You gonna be ready for the make up exam?"

The question caught you off guard. "Um… well…"

"She totally will," Rowena cut in. You threw her a look she ignored.

You'd gone over a few lessons. There were still a lot of things you didn't get. A lot of things you were insecure about.

You would study, but you doubted it would help much.

The majority of the things that were on the test were still a foreign language to you, and that meant another big, fat F.

"Excellent!" Ms. Hanscum said happily. She reached into a paper bag she had on the desk, took out a donut and bit into it. Pointing at the bag, mouth full and smeared with powdered sugar, she asked, "Donut?"

Rowena made a face as if she'd just been offered rotten meat.

"Sure," you said just to spite her, and took a donut of your own. You took a large bite, basking in the sweetness. "They're awesome!"

"Right?" Ms. Hanscum said. "There's this bakery down the street from where I live. They make excellent donuts! Take another one."

You did as you finished the first one, then bid goodbye to the teacher and headed outside.

"You're disgusting," Rowena said, expression matching her words.

You smirked. "I know."

She rolled her eyes.

"What's with the whole 'she'll totally be ready' shit?" you asked.

"That." She shuffled her feet nervously. Looked around as if in search of spies. "I was thinking — maybe we could study today, tomorrow, and the day after, too."

She what?

"You crazy?"

As if two days wasn't enough.

She wanted to add three more days to it?

"We don't have to," Rowena said, annoyed. "Just saying we could."

"Isn't that a bit much?"

She shrugged. "There's quite a bit we still haven't covered."

"Maybe I don't struggle with that," you said.

She looked at you in disbelief. "Do you?"

If only you didn't.

There was no point lying. "Yeah."

She smirked. Triumphant. Smug. "So, what do you say?" In a nonchalant, overly fake tone, she added, "It's fine if you don't want to. It's your grade."

Did — did she want you to say yes?

"Fine," you said.

Your friends were going to just love you missing out on hangouts to study with her.

"Four o'clock?"

"Works for me."

It was a deal.

*****

"So?" Dean asked first thing he saw you at lunch break.

"So what?"

But you already knew.

"What was it like, studying with the evil skank?"

The hot topic in your friend group.

"Quite fun, actually," you said.

They all, except for Sam, looked at you as if you'd just admitted to killing a litter of kittens.

Awful, pathetic, and horrible were some of the expected answers.

Oh, well.

You lived to disappoint.

"What?" you said defensively and took a bite out of your sandwich.

Crowley looked you in the eyes, then, seeing you were serious, did the sign of the cross.

You rolled your eyes so hard Rowena would've envied you.

Seriously?

He wasn't even religious. His only gospel was You Only Live Once and he lived its word to the fullest.

"Fun? Fun?!" he said dramatically. Loud enough for the entire school to hear him. A few people turned their heads. Most ignored him, having gotten used to his theatrics. "You call spending time with my sister — alone — fun?!"

"Yeah," you said nonchalantly.

His face flushed red as a cherry. Or a bomb inches away from explosion. Which, given the circumstances, seemed like a likely scenario. "That's it!" he proclaimed. "Friendship over!"

God.

What was it that made you want to be friends with him in the first place?

Oh, right — this very behavior.

You sure knew how to pick them.

"Were we ever even friends?" Crowley kept ranting. Eyes wide. Hands flying in all directions as he gestured like a madman. Accent thick in every word. "Was everything a lie? Are you a lie? Do you even bloody exist?!"

"Oh, come on!" you said, irritation sparking through you like a rush of heat.

You were beginning to comprehend why he and Rowena didn't get along — they were too damn similar!

"You've gone team whore!"

You shot him an incredulous look. "'Cause I liked studying with her?"

"That's how she gets you!" he explained. "Pretends to be nice. Sucks you in. Digs the claws in. Then you're hers! You might as well be dead!"

"You're overreacting." You looked around. "Why are y'all so quiet? He's overreacting. Right? Tell him he's overreacting."

"He's overreacting" Sam said.

Your man! "Thank you!"

Castiel frowned in confusion. His signature move. "You really liked it?"

"Yeah," you replied. "She's a great teacher."

Crowley let out an inhumane noise that might have been a squeak.

Or a pterodactyl mating call.

"She is!" you said defensively.

"Wow," Meg said.

Dean scowled suspiciously. "You hit your head? Did she hit you in the head?"

"Jesus Christ!" you exploded, having had enough. Your gang was always a bit weird, but this was ridiculous. This was fucking crazy! "I just think she's a good tutor. Doesn't mean I like the girl!"

"You liked being with her. That's pretty much the same thing," Dean said.

"No, it's not," you argued. "Why do you even care? I mean, Sam's friends with her."

"Sam gets his at home."

The younger Winchester shot him his signature bitchface.

"You hate her," Dean added. "You've always hated her!"

More like disliked her.

Severely.

She hadn't — yet — done anything to make you hate her.

Even still…

"It was just one study session!" you defended.

Meg held up two fingers and said in a deadpan manner, "Two."

"Two study sessions," you corrected. A sigh escaped your mouth. "I don't get what the big deal is. Like I said, she's still a bitch. She's just also a good tutor."

"She'll fuck you over," Crowley said. "She'll play with your heart, then tear it out and eat it right in front of you!"

"Okay, drama king," you said exasperatedly. "You're right. You're completely right. Can you stop now?"

"She will eat it!" he exclaimed dramatically.

"I'm starting to think you're jealous."

He scowled.

You smiled, sugary sweet, overdone.

"Don't worry. You're still my favorite MacLeod. Even if you're annoying."

He flipped you off.

You returned the favor.

"I'm no fan of ginger-bitch, but I'm starting to see why she hates drama king here," Meg commented. "So fucking glad I'm an only child."

"Says the girl who sucked Lucifer's dick up until recently," Crowley retorted.

Meg shot him a look that threatened murder. "He wishes. Do you also wish I sucked your dick?"

"I'm not that desperate. Besides, a man my size? You couldn't handle it, darling."

She laughed. "Trust me, sugar, I've handled bigger and better."

She squeezed Castiel's arm as she said that, prompting him to blush crimson and turn his head.

Crowley snickered. "Never a real man, then."

"Clarence is plenty real," Meg said. Her way of calling him angel. "You? A waste. Might as well change your name to Tiffany and parade around in a pink dress."

Damn.

She was ruthless.

"I'd still look bloody fabulous," Crowley said, head high in feigned pride. "Better than Feathers here. You two are perfect for each other."

"Why, thank you!"

"It wasn't a compliment."

"It was to me."

"You take everything as a compliment. Like all those things Lucifer said to you. The rumors he spread. All compliments, right?"

Meg scowled. He'd hit a nerve. "Piss off, Fergus."

Uh oh.

There was a reason he'd insisted that everyone — including the teachers — called him Crowley. He hated his birth name. Loathed it to the depths of his soul. He claimed it sounded like a venereal disease and hated his mother for giving it to him.

Rowena, naturally, insisted on calling him that and only that.

His friends, on the other hand, called him as he preferred.

Meg sure knew how to run her mouth.

But then, she wasn't his friend. The two of them could barely stand each other, and had only hung out because she was dating Castiel, who in turn was sort-of-friends with him.

Calling them acquaintances would be generous.

"I'll piss on you, Meg," Crowley retorted.

Meg grinned. "Oh, you just know what turns me on, don't you?" she purred.

He flipped her off.

She laughed.

Good ol' Meg and Crowley. Always a great distraction.

As they bantered, Castiel, as well as you, Sam, and Dean stood there awkwardly. Unsure what to say. How to react.

Then you revealed that you would be studying with Rowena today, tomorrow, and the day after, and, to your grievance, all the attention and drama was back on you.

*****

"You what?"

Olivette was livid. She remained calm, but her tone, the strain in her voice, the ice on her face were dead giveaways of the storm that brewed inside. Tranquil fury. Lightning before the rumbling thunder.

As expected, she hadn't taken the news of Rowena having three tutoring sessions with you this week well.

Neither did Lucifer, but he, at the very least, had the decency to keep his anger to himself.

"You're really tutoring Dumbo three days this week?" he said. "Seriously?"

"It wasn't my bloody idea!" Rowena said. "Ms. Hanscum said I had to. And tried to force-feed me donuts."

She made a face.

Olivette made an even more disgusted one. "That bitch is such a pig."

"I drew the line at that," Rowena said.

Okay, so she said a wee lie. Or a couple. Or a bit more.

She couldn't exactly admit it was her idea. What would that look like?

A shudder ran through her at the thought, cold as ice.

"So you can't hang out today?" Olivette asked.

Rowena shook her head. "Or tomorrow, or Wednesday."

'What about us?" Lucifer whined, pouting like a child.

She pulled on a smile. He was an arse, but he could be impossibly cute when he wanted.

"She doesn't care."

He said something not very nice under his breath. "This is such bullshit!"

"I'll make it up to you," Rowena said, lacing fingers through his. Squeezing them together in a tight knot. Her eyes wandered from his to Olivette's. "Both of you. Friday night, I'm all yours."

The truth was, she was looking forward to studying with you more than the outing she'd arranged with them.

She thought having popular friends would be the best thing ever, but the truth was, it was the opposite.

She hated it.

Hated watching Olivette and her little posse bully girls they deemed fat and ugly and boys they deemed unworthy of looking at them.

Hated watching Lucifer shove kids into lockers and threaten them for nothing but the sheer thrill of it.

Hated being there when it happened.

Hated laughing along with them, encouraging them without a single word as their victims' eyes wandered to her in search of help, of mercy, only to turn down in disappointment at finding none.

A part of her knew it was worth it. The life she had — she'd fought for it. So what if a few people had to suffer?

At least it wasn't her.

Never again.

Now, she was on top of the food chain.

Didn't mean she had to like all it entailed.

She needed an out. A vacation. A wee bit of time away from it all. Needed something to make her forget all the bad she did — all the bad she was still doing.

She was a good tutor. A bloody great one.

And, for a girl who never did anything to better herself, you made for good company.

You did as told. It took you a while from time to time, but you did all the work she gave you. Contrary to what she thought, you weren't dumb. You just needed a bit of guidance.

There were sarcastic remarks and eye-rolls, often mutual, but other than that, tutoring you was a pleasant experience.

It was, dare she say it, fun.

"You'd better," Lucifer purred, then pressed his lips to hers in a hungry kiss.

"I promise," Rowena muttered as they parted for breath. Then his lips were on hers once again, and she gave herself away, let him do with them as he pleased.

That was the way things worked between them. She gave. He took. Anything he wanted, he could take, no questions asked.

Just like Olivette and her posse.

Oh, well.

Everything came with a price stamped on it in large, bolded letters.

Rowena knew what she was getting into.

She'd made her bed. Now she had to lie in it.

*****

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