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Tag - Chapter Eighteen

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First Chapter

Chapter Eighteen

Slice

Hanabi – 24 Konohamaru – 25

~~~

Paperwork was draining. How her father did it all day, every day, rarely delegating it out, she had no idea. Her eyes felt tired and she hadn’t used her byakugan once today. Hanabi shoved it aside with a huff.

“Need a break, Lady Hanabi?”

She shot her eyes up to an older Hyūga who started gathering the paperwork. “I’m fine.”

“Why don’t you visit Lady Hinata?” they offered, and it was in kindness. She sighed.

Her clan had softened so much since the war, since her sister became wife to the Hero of the Leaf. It was nice, she had to admit. But it always rubbed her a little wrong, when they’d treat her like a child, like she wasn’t anywhere near the level of her father. She had accepted her role as heiress to her clan a long time ago, and while she had some gripes with it, she knew it’s where she’d end up, and she did take that seriously. She made the effort to project power and confidence, but it always felt like her status as a bratty girl followed her wherever she went. She supposed she’d never fought in any great wars. No one her age had.

Well, except one. Some would count Konohamaru’s battle with one of the Six Paths of Pein a win of the war. She did. When she was just a girl, the thought amazed her. She saw her dear sister, recovering painfully in a hospital room after taking on the main path for Naruto’s sake. Her love. When Eiji enthusiastically told her that Konohamaru had taken on one of the paths, she remembered feeling her stomach drop. A sickly feeling, like she was about to tell Hanabi that he was dead. But instead, he’d been the victor. Everything about the story made her admire him all the more.

As an adult, that thought was gut wrenching. She could only imagine her sweet (as annoying as he could be) nephew in the same position, he was nearly ten, close to the same age as Konohamaru at the time. She’d rather take a receiver to the chest like her sister than let Boruto try to take on an enemy like that.

Boruto…

She hadn’t seen her sweet niece and nephew in over a week. Perhaps a visit was due.

“Sure, that’d be nice.”

She pushed herself up and gave thanks to her relative before setting out for her sister’s home.

Her knock went unanswered, but she heard them. She huffed and fished out her key, unlocking the home to find Himawari a top Konohamaru’s back, fists in his hair and squealing.

“Hey! Hair pulling isn’t fair!”

She stopped to take in the scene.

Maybe ten white sheets pulled tight from every corner of the room, creating a fort. Boruto sitting on the couch, looking annoyed as he played on his handheld. Konohamaru wrestling with Himawari relentlessly kicking her little feet while he tried in vain to reach behind him to grab her.

“Big sis?”

“Op!” Konohamaru accidently knocked Himawari off of him when he shot up to his knees in front of her. Himawari groaned with frustration, but immediately tackled him back down as laughter bellowed out of him. As Himawari grabbed his scarf in some attempt to perhaps choke him, giggles fell out of her naturally and Hanabi couldn’t help the twitch of her lips.

“Help me out big sister!”

“Wha—?”

“I need your help!”

Hanabi sucked in her lips, something like silly excitement bubbling in her chest as she watched the sweet scene. Konohamaru glanced at her and winked before turning his attention back to the little girl and threw her into a pillow, not allowing her to get another hit.

“You better choose a side, big sis,” Konohamaru teased, poking his tongue out at her. Such simple actions made her weak.

Hanabi grinned, running her tongue over her top teeth. “Well of course I must choose my sweet Hima’s side.”

Himawari squealed laughter as Hanabi piled on top of them, yanking Konohamaru back by the shoulders. Hanabi couldn’t help it, Himawari’s laugh was too cute. She forced him to the ground and pinned him down, allowing Himawari to feel like she was pinning him as well on the other side, knowing he was feigning weakness. He pretended to struggle as he leaned his head, “Boruto! C’mon, not gonna help me out?!”

“Oh gods,” Boruto groaned, rolling his eyes, “you guys are soooo lame.”

“Awww, big brother Kono needs help,” Hanabi teased with a devious smirk down at him.

“Oh, you’re asking for it,” he teased back, that silly grin plastered on his face. Himawari yelped when she was thrown aside and Konohamaru shot up, instantly bringing Hanabi’s front to the ground and pinning her arms behind her. Hanabi couldn’t keep back a cackle as Himawari jumped on his back once more, clawing his neck. “Ah! Watch the nails, Hima!”

“Don’t watch the nails! Tear him up!” Hanabi called, struggling as she ripped her arms from Konohamaru’s grasp and went rolling with both him and Himawari until he was flat on his back. “Oh me, oh my! Boruto, look at your poor big bro,” she taunted, swinging her leg over his chest as Himawari pinned his arms, “guess ladies are just better, huh?”

Boruto grumbled as he threw his handheld to the side on the couch. He glared at his aunt. “I could take you.”

“You think so?” Konohamaru asked breathily, his eyes darting to Boruto. “I wouldn’t be so sure, bud. This lady beat me in the chūnin exams.”

“What?!” Boruto gasped, rising to his feet and Hanabi felt a little sense of pride in her chest. “Big bro Konohamaru, how could you lose to her?!”

“Not the smartest thing to say,” Konohamaru huffed. She glanced down at him to find him biting his lip to repress a grin as he looked at her with something like admiration. She pushed back that pestering urge to lean down and kiss it off his face. Instead, she activated her byakugan and shot her eyes to her nephew.

“You’re about to lose to two girls, babe,” she coated her words in sugar as she caught the boy before he could land a hit, pulling herself off Konohamaru to wrestle him. Himawari cackled as she joined in on the match.

Konohamaru scooted away as he watched the three tumble, laughing. This version of Hanabi was one of his favorites, the one that indulged her niece and nephew unashamedly. Ever since the moment Boruto was born, he adored how she was with them. He thought that might have been the moment he fell in love with her, though couldn’t be sure. He still hadn’t kept that promise to lord his status as team leader over her, but found no issue with boosting her up.

He really did admire her, after all. Boruto should, too.

He let out a taunting ‘ooooh’ when Hanabi threw the rambunctious nine-year-old to the ground.

“Konohamaru!” the boy grunted as he rubbed his head, “you asked me for help.”

“Well, this is just more entertaining,” Konohamaru justified with a smirk.

“He’s right,” Hanabi wiggled a finger in a come-hither motion, “you asked. Take me on, won’t you?”

The demand made his heart flutter. She was so damn sexy when she exuded confidence, which she normally did. But damnit, when she demanded things of him…

“Fight!” Himawari commanded, stepping away.

Boruto folded his arms, giving Konohamaru a knowing smirk. “Yeah! Yeah! Let’s see big bro and big sis go at it, huh?”

“Fight, fight, fight—” Himawari started it and Boruto joined in, both pumping their fists, and he locked eyes with Hanabi, who gave him that telling look. He sat up on his elbows and gave her a crooked smile, one hand wagging his fingers to beckon her.

Something about having her on top of him, trying to pin him was…

“Put up a fight, you idiot,” she whispered as she struggled to hold his wrists down.

Truly, he didn’t really want to put up a fight, this was way better.

“You sure you want that?” he questioned with a little mischief in his tone. She squinted at him, and he appreciated the dusting of pink on her cheeks.

She leaned in so her words would be muffled to the kids, “give me all you got, baby.”

With those words, he tore one wrist from her fingers and hooked it around her waist, shoving her to the floor. He gasped and chuckled as she immediately shoved him off, tumbling over him. He kept it in the back of his mind to keep it kid friendly, intentionally avoiding any sort of erogenous zones—but he had to tuck that away for later—wrestling with her might be enjoyable when they were alone.

As they went, he found it harder and harder to remember her niece and nephew he was supposed to be babysitting were in the room. Every little touch, no matter where, sent electricity through him. How he wanted to just cage her in and kiss that smug look off her face. Eventually, he let himself become pinned under her, earning a cheer from Himawari and an exaggerated groan from Boruto.

“Big bro, you didn’t even put up a fight!”

Hanabi climbed off of him with a victorious smirk, and he shot her a look. One that told her she’d know who was really victorious later.

“It’s like you wanted her to win!”

“Big sister is just stronger,” Himawari commented with glee, “see brother? Girls are strong, too!”

“I never said they weren’t…” Boruto grumbled. Konohamaru let out an amused puff of air.

“You two go get washed up for dinner,” Konohamaru commanded as he got to his feet, brushing himself off.

“Okay!” Himawari replied readily.

“Fine…”

As the two went up the stairs, one faster than the other, he turned to her.

“Where’s my sister and Naruto?” Hanabi questioned breathily as she readjusted her shirt.

“Took a little night off.” He shrugged, making way to the kitchen. He chuckled when she appeared behind him, all too close in the best way possible as she pressed her cheek into his shoulder to inspect what he had pulled out. “Just something your sister left in the freezer.”

“Aw,” she whined cutely, poking his side in a way that made him have to resist a little shiver, “thought you were a master chef.”

“Who says I’m not?” he questioned playfully as he set the frozen tray on the stove. He turned to her, catching her waist with his hands, and delighting in the little gasp she offered. He smirked down at her as her hands rested on his elbows.

“Making freezer meals? Not very impressive…”

“Just making sure I do what your sister told me,” he whispered, leaning in towards her, “I should follow orders, right?”

She leaned away from him, but he knew what she was doing because her hands never left his elbows, instead tightened. She squinted up at him. “Guess you’ll just have to prove yourself to me at another time, hmm?”

He snickered, bringing his bottom lip into his teeth in amusement. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, but wanted to tease her a little longer, so he pushed her into the edge of the counter, leaning in close. “Are you asking me to cook for you?”

“Oh—” she gasped, shaking her head.

“Let’s make it a date,” he continued, unbothered, as he ghosted his lips over her cheek, leaning towards her ear, “my place, tomorrow.”

“Bold of you!” she huffed, trying to shove her palms into his chest. He chuckled, resisting the push. “Think I want to have a date with you, huh?”

“I know you do,” he snickered, pressing into her further, hands trailing to the small of her back, “but, okay, go on. Tell me no. Say it loud and proud and I’d never suggest such a thing again.”

“I—” she stuttered, and he sighed in relief against her lips connecting with his. She liked her games, that he knew. He’d indulge in every one of them if it meant having this gorgeous girl under him. He eagerly returned the kiss as her hands trailed up towards his neck, only to be cut off by a tiny voice.

“Big sister~!!”

“Off,” she commanded immediately, but he needed no further direction, instantly tearing away from her to tend to the frozen tray.

“I can’t get this sweater right!”

He watched with mild amusement as Himawari tumbled towards Hanabi with a twisted sweater. She quickly snatched it up and righted it, pulling it over the younger girls form before patting her head affectionately. “There you are, little one.” Hanabi gestured for the table before turning to him and he tilted his head at her bashful expression. “Sorry to intrude. I’ll go.”

“Hey,” he grabbed her elbow before she could take off, “you should stay.”

“Yes!” Himawari chimed in as Boruto trailed down the stairs. “Please stay!”

“Yeah,” Boruto added as he trailed down the stairs, “there’s enough, right, Konohamaru?”

“Of course,” he directed the words at the kids, meant for Hanabi.

“I’m not intruding on your fun?” she asked, peering up at him with a pouty lip. He grinned, forcing his eyes not to linger on it.

“Adding, if anything.”

“We built a fort!” Himawari exclaimed excitedly.

“I saw that,” Hanabi giggled, and he watched her indulge in Himawari’s little stories about what each ‘room’ of the fort was. It was easy to enjoy Himawari’s company.

“Lasagna?” Boruto questioned as he crouched in front of the oven, peering inside. “You know this takes a bunch of time cook, right?”

“Huh?” Konohamaru tore his gaze from the two to look at Boruto. He cinched his eyebrows. “Oh, right.”

“We should go get burgers!” Boruto exclaimed, trying to open the oven to snatch the frozen tray out.

“Ah—I dunno—” Konohamaru grabbed Boruto by the scruff of his collar to pull him back before he burned himself, “your mom—”

“We should go out,” Hanabi interjected from the living room. “That sounds nice. When’s the last time I took you two out to eat? I’ll call mama real quick.”

“Oh yeah,” Boruto fist pumped, “big sis for the win!”

“How quickly your loyalty changes,” Konohamaru folded his arms, perking an eyebrow at the boy. He shrugged.

“Burgers above all else, big bro.”

Hanabi hung behind Konohamaru and Boruto with Himawari and smiled as Boruto tried to bat at his hand roughing up his hair. He was getting so big, so fast, his head already reaching her chest. Already about to start at the Academy. Already going to be a little ninja, just like they had been. The thought brought her a certain nostalgia. She wondered who he’d be teamed with. Probably not Shikadai, even if they were good friends. Maybe the only other kid produced from the last team 7, Sarada. She raked her brain, wondering if Kiba had any kids. She knew Shino didn’t. Mirai was already a genin now.

“Hey! Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes, of course.” Hanabi smiled down at the little dark-haired girl. Konohamaru was right, she did end up looking just like Hinata. Lucky girl, she supposed, unsure of whether a female Naruto would really be the picture of beauty. “You were saying something about drawing?”

“Yes! I drew a picture of us!” she said, excitedly, “when we get back, I’ll show you! It’s our whole family.”

“Whole family?” Her smile widened. “Even grandpa?”

“Mhm! And you, mommy, daddy, brother, Konohamaru, aunt Sakura, Sarada! Everyone!”

“I’m in your picture, Hima?” Konohamaru called behind him with a grin. Hanabi bit her lip as she smiled at him.

“Of course!” she exclaimed, skipping forward to come to his side. She put her hand in his and Hanabi’s heart could have melted. “You’re like daddy’s brother!”

“Mmm, true,” Hanabi settled next to Himawari, letting the girl clasp her other hand in hers so both of her arms were being carried by them. “Konohamaru used to follow around your papa like a lost puppy.”

“Hey,” Konohamaru said warningly, but teasingly.

“Your pops had to put him in line plenty of times,” she continued, enjoying his flustered look. Himawari was joined in her amazed look by Boruto. “He made the most trouble.”

“You—? Big bro?” Boruto asked in shock. “You’re the biggest stiff I know!”

“People grow up, Boruto,” Konohamaru snapped and Hanabi smiled with her tongue between her teeth.

“You’re one to talk, Boruto,” Hanabi giggled, “you’re following right along his steps.”

“Pff—" Boruto waved her away.

“I want a little brother,” Himawari huffed, kicking a foot. “Or sister. I asked mommy and she said no, but daddy said maybe.”

“Wh—what?” Hanabi gasped, meeting Konohamaru’s similarly shocked eyes.

“Oh man,” Konohamaru coughed into his free hand, averting his eyes. “We should probably move this conversation to something different. Uh—besides, we’re here.”

“Yes, lets,” Hanabi breathed, feeling like she was privy to information she had no business knowing.

“What?! Daddy always wanted a little brother, too,” Himawari pouted as she was ushered into a booth next to Hanabi. “He says he’ll get one soon.”

“Eh?” Hanabi furrowed her eyebrows. Boruto rolled his eyes.

“She’s talking about big sis dating,” Boruto nodded towards Hanabi as he pushed his menu aside, “I already know what I want.”

“Care to elaborate, Boruto?” Konohamaru questioned and Hanabi kicked his shin from under the table.

“In-law?” Himawari said questioningly, “he said in-law. I don’t know what that means.”

“Alrighty!” Hanabi slapped her hands on the table, quieting everyone. “Let’s look at our menu’s, shall we?”

She avoided his eyes, because she knew exactly what they were saying.

In-law, huh?

As Hanabi helped Himawari pick out her food and they ordered, she was desperately trying to avoid his gaze and nudging his feet from hers. She gasped when he caught her foot in between his, earning a look from the two children.

“Er—this salad is just so—good—” she covered, stabbing her fork into it. For whatever reason, this place did not have chopsticks. That irked her.

“Salad’s boring,” Boruto frowned at her. “We go to a burger place and you get a salad?”

“Your constant disapproval is always welcome, dear nephew,” she mumbled as she yanked her foot from between Konohamaru’s.

“He’s right, though,” Konohamaru grinned at her, shoving his burger towards her, “here, try.”

“Ground meat shoved between bread? No thanks.” She waved it away. “Worst thing to happen to this damn village.”

“How can you hate burgers?!” Himawari asked incredulously and Hanabi flared her nostrils in annoyance.

“Y’know, I’m beginning to regret taking you guys out.”

“Aw, me, too?” Konohamaru asked, batting his eyelids at her and she bit her lips together to avoid unleashing yet another snarky comment.

“Eat,” she commanded, grabbing his wrist to force the burger to his mouth, causing a little laugh. She giggled in response as he took a bite. “Besides, if you’re all good, I’ll get you milkshakes.”

“Milkshake!” Himawari cheered while Boruto whooped in agreement.

As they finished up, Hanabi paid for their meal plus four milkshakes to go. They walked along the busy street as the sun set and moon appeared, Himawari being carried on Boruto’s back while Hanabi and Konohamaru chatted behind them.

“Been thinking about maybe applying to be a jōnin-sensei,” he told her before taking a sip. She perked an eyebrow, nose crinkling briefly.

“So have I.”

Liar.

“Yeah?” he asked with a little surprise. “Thought you’d be busy with all the clan stuff.”

“Father still handles most of it,” she shrugged, pulling her straw between her lips. She gave him a little smirk as his eyes dropped to her lips. “I still do missions, what’s becoming a jōnin-sensei on top?”

“Hmm,” he hummed as he sipped his own, “I’d hate to have you as my sensei.”

“Oh!” she gasped, slapping his arm, “rude! I’d be a great sensei.”

“Oh, never said you wouldn’t be,” he teased, bumping his hip into hers, “but I’d be scared.”

“Hmph,” she pouted, turning away from him, “coming from the stiff, huh?”

“Stiff!” He shot Boruto a look. “Yeesh, that’s gonna stick, huh?”

She paused.

Was she signing up to be an instructor just because Konohamaru was?

She damn well was.

“Besides, you had Ebisu-sensei. If I ever knew a hardass, it was him,” she commented casually.

He snickered, “that he is. Made us all the better, though. Gotta respect the guy.”

“Except when he’s falling over himself when you did that stupid sexy jutsu,” she mumbled, rolling her eyes.

“Thought you’d forgotten about that,” he responded shyly.

“How could I?” she asked, shooting him a look as if he were an alien, “you better not teach that to Boruto!”

“Never!” He defended, shoving her shoulder with fondness. “But to be fair, the art of seduction is part of the shinobi way…” She shoved him back.

“Here,” she rammed her to-go cup into his hands, “I can’t finish it.”

“I see how you put down dango, you certainly can.” He smirked as he pushed the cup back. She shook her head. “Man up!”

“Why don’t you woman up?” she retorted, pushing it closer to his lips. “Scared to share some germs?”

“Hmm,” he hummed, his crooked smile presented. “From you? Never.”

“Oh goodness,” she huffed as he took the cup, tossing his into a nearby trashcan.

“Trying to fatten me up?” he questioned, bringing her straw into his lips. She laughed. “Make me all sluggish so you can beat me up?”

“How’d you know?” she asked, bringing her bottom lip between her teeth as she tilted her head at him. His leer made her feel hot. “It’s fun beating you up…I might like to do it more often, if I’m honest.”

“Promise?”

“Ah—” she stuttered, steering away from him. She huffed quietly, “pervert.”

“Don’t think I’m the perverted one here,” he responded in a hushed whisper, causing her to heat up. “Y’know, your sister and Naruto aren’t supposed to be back until tomorrow…”

“Stop,” she held out her hand as a signal, glaring at him. She pointed towards her niece and nephew. “Kids.”

“Mmm.” He grinned as he grasped her hand, pulling it into his chest. She panicked, glancing at Boruto and Himawari to ensure they weren’t looking. “They’re oblivious.”

“Clearly not,” she tugged her hand away, “if they’re talking about in-laws.”

“Interesting, though, isn’t it?” he questioned, releasing her hand, “becoming a Hyūga sounds awfully boring.”

“Again, rude. And who’s to say you’d become a Hyūga?”

“Who said anything about me?” She gasped quietly, realizing her own blunder. Before she could respond he continued with that knowing, teasing smile “no, no. Let’s keep this going. So what, you’d become a Sarutobi?”

“We’re not seriously discussing this.”

“I guess not.”

She puffed out her cheeks, hoping thinning them would force the blush away. She wondered if she’d ever be able to go an entire day with him without turning red.

Still, he continued, “Hanabi Sarutobi…doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?”

“Konohamaru Hyūga doesn’t, either.”

“Konohamaru Hyūga?” They both shot up to catch Boruto’s questioning gaze, finding themselves on the porch of the Uzumaki household. “Gross.”

“That’s not what I said!” Hanabi snapped, shoving passed him to unlock the door. “Mind your business, sweetie.”

“How can I? You guys are loud,” Boruto grumbled as he followed her in.

“Listen to big sis, bud,” Konohamaru slapped his hand on Boruto’s back, who recoiled from the contact. “The things we talk about are beyond you.”

“Sure they are,” he mocked, taking off upstairs.

“Say thank you!” Konohamaru called with judgement.

Boruto groaned, “thank you!”

“You’re welcome!” Hanabi called back, smoothing a hand over Himawari’s hair. “You should get some shut eye, too, little one.”

“Can you tell me a story?” she asked, clasping her hands together. Hanabi tilted her head. “Mommy does every night. Please?”

“How can I say no?” Hanabi conceded, gesturing to the stairs. “Get changed and I’ll be there in a little bit, okay?”

“Yes!” Himawari chirped, beaming as she climbed the stairs.

Hanabi turned to find Konohamaru’s ravenous eye. She huffed in annoyance. “Knock it off. They aren’t even asleep and I need to read Himawari a story.”

“I know that,” he teased, closing in on her to trap her against the railing with his arms on either side. “Just haven’t seen you in a while, is all.”

“Perhaps that was on purpose?” she questioned, hooking one arm behind her back and pressing her palm into his chest to create at least a little distance. He slid his hand over it, mimicking his actions from so long ago, when they were young. When he stole her first kiss.

“You wound me,” he whispered, nudging her nose with his as his forehead rested against hers, “tired of me already?”

She didn’t respond, scanning his face. That endearing look only he gave her. Only for her. She had to push down the instinct to wrap herself around him and let him simply drag her away.

“I’m done!”

She pushed him away, sliding out from under him. She gasped when she felt his hand slap against her bottom, shooting him a glare, only to be met with those mischievous eyes, tongue poking out. He was becoming bolder, and she wasn’t quite sure whether she should be enthralled by it or disgusted.

She chose to let it slide as she hurried up the stairs.

“Alrighty, what do you want me to read?”

Himawari, tucked into her bed with her blanket tucked under her chin, beamed at her, “not read! Tell me a story.”

“Like, make one up?” Hanabi questioned as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I dunno…”

“You gotta have stories!” Himawari protested, “c’mon!”

“Aah…” she sighed, glancing around. She never had a way with words in this sense. “I guess…maybe…alright. Well, there was once…a princess…”

“Princess?” Himawari frowned, looking pouty. “No.”

“What?” Hanabi squinted at her little niece. Tough customer. “Okay, uhm, a ninja?”

“Okay,” she nodded readily to this. Hanabi sighed again.

“A kunoichi. And she…never knew what it was like to have friends.”

Hanabi would roll her eyes at herself if she wasn’t in front of her niece. She began recounting her own tale of loneliness, acceptance into the academy, genin to jōnin. She even warped the tale of her capture to the moon, not exactly as it went, but she had to admit, it was a pretty thrilling little story to a young girl. Himawari watched her in amazement as she trailed off, coming full circle to adulthood, not knowing exactly how to end the story.

“And she marries him, right?!” she asked excitedly, practically on her hands and knees to get in her face. Hanabi shuddered a breath. “She has to! She has to! Stories have happy endings! Even if they were sad sometimes. She marries him.”

“Yes,” she relented, gently maneuvering the girl back into the bed, “yes she does. And they grow old, happily. Now will you go to sleep?”

“Aaah~” Himawari sighed dreamily as Hanabi tucked the blankets into her sides.

“Look at you, you’re more riled up than before she told you her thrilling story.”

Hanabi froze with a hand wedged under the girl’s side at Konohamaru’s voice. How long had he been there? How embarrassing.

“You’re a really good storyteller!” Himawari chirped, breaking Hanabi from her trance. “Will you come over more nights to tell stories?”

“I-I dunno, Hima,” Hanabi breathed, leaning over to peck her head before clicking her lamp off. “Love you, sweet dreams.”

As she stood to face Konohamaru, she gave him a sour look, pushing him out of the doorway to shut the door behind her. They looked over as they heard music begin humming from Boruto’s room.

“Night Boruto!” Konohamaru called with amusement as a muffled ‘night’ was heard from the other side. He turned his attention back to her, brows raised expectantly. “Coming downstairs?” he asked, tilting his head at her. “Or you’re going to run off again. Could be either, hard to tell with you.”

“Wow.” She squinted at him, trying to brush off that boyish smile he always had, one that looked so smug right now. “You’re…something else, Konohamaru Sarutobi.”

“So are you, Hanabi Hyūga,” he retorted, gently poking her sternum with his index finger. She reached up and caught the hand before it could leave her. He glanced down at the hand then back at her, seemingly gauging her reaction. “I won’t tease you about your story. It was a good story.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, looking at him suspiciously.

He shrugged. “Not lying. I liked it. Some parts more than others, but…”

“You literally just said you wouldn’t tease.”

“Sorry, that’s it!” He defended as she dropped his hand, brushing past him to go downstairs. He quickly followed after her, stopping at the end of the stairs to watch her. She looked over her shoulder, knowing he was holding his breath to see if she would in fact leave.

But she didn’t want to leave. She never wanted to leave when she was around him. But her mind was always arguing with her heart. It was her hearts turn for a win, today. She turned the corner and proceeded into the living room, reminding her there were sheets strewn from every corner. She tapped her foot briefly, glancing behind her to find him approaching. “Oh yeah, forgot about this. Guess I can have Boruto come clean it up before bed.”

She hummed quietly before getting to her knees, crawling under one of the sheets to find little lights decorating the inside. She giggled, “it looks so nice in here. Hima’s work?”

“Who else? The girls got an eye for design,” he laughed as he kneeled down to meet her under the sheet. She looked up at him and gave him a genuine smile, admiring the way his blue eyes shimmered with the lantern’s light. He hooked his arm around her waist and she allowed herself to be pulled to the floor, him crawling on top of her. He murmured “I missed you.”

“Quit talking like that…” she whispered, turning her head to face away as he rested his elbows next to her head.

“Like what?” he questioned with mock innocence and she huffed.

“Like…you know…”

“But it’s true,” he retorted, leaning down to nudge her nose so she would face him, “I did miss you.”

She let herself be swallowed by those damn eyes. His lips ghosted over hers and she sighed into the kiss, letting him slide his hands into hers above her head, gently pinning them down. She mumbled “what if one of them comes down?”

“We’re in a fort.”

“A kids fort.”

“A fort, none the less.”

She resisted that nag in the back of her mind to swat him upside the head, instead simply giving in, letting him consume her.

She did miss his touch. What a devious plan he concocted, getting her hooked on him. On his way with intimacy.

“We don’t have to do anything,” he whispered against her lips as they pulled back, trailing his kisses over her cheek. “Really, we shouldn’t. I still like being close to you.”

“Mmm…” she conceded, turning her head to expose her neck to him as invitation. He readily accepted, and she shuddered at the feel of his tongue over her pulse point. She squeezed her interlocked fingers with his as his hips rested against hers, letting herself fully enjoy his intimate touches for as long as she could. Letting that little pool of heat bubble in her stomach. Letting herself get lost in him.

She wasn’t quite sure how long they were like that, Konohamaru leaving fluttering kisses all over her face and neck and collarbone, stopping just shy of her chest, before eventually he rolled off of her and pulled her against him, their heart beats eventually falling into sync as they fell into slumber. She knew she was risking one or both of the kids walking in on her draped over him, but she found it hard to care. She reasoned that she could justify that they had fallen asleep separate and accidently ended up in this position. Whether they’d buy it was a different story.

What she didn’t expect was for her sister and Naruto find them.

“Oi! Konohamaru!” Both were jolted awake when Konohamaru received a swift kick to the ribs from Naruto. “The hell you think you’re doing with my little sister?!”

“Aah—” Konohamaru stammered, rubbing his side and Hanabi shot to her feet.

“It’s not—it’s not anything—” Hanabi defended, pushing Naruto’s arms back to his sides, “I just came over to visit and figured I’d help him out, right? And we fell asleep and I guess somehow, well you know! People move in their sleep!”

“Right—” Konohamaru let out a haggard cough as he dragged himself to his feet. Hanabi looked at Hinata with pleading eyes.

“Yes, of course,” Hinata nodded readily and Hanabi breathed a sigh of relief. Her sister usually had her back, but this was uncharted territory for the sisters. “I’m sure it was innocent.”

“Of course it was!” Hanabi added, making a look of disgust, “Konohamaru? Come on—never, like—gross, come on—”

“Yeah, exactly,” Konohamaru shot her an annoyed look, “you’re not so hot yourself, Hanabi.” They became engaged in a glaring competition as Naruto hummed in annoyance beside them.

Naruto eyed who he considered his little brother suspiciously before relaxing, hooking his arm around Hanabi’s neck. “Fine, fine. Kids must’ve been happy to see you, Hanabi.”

“Eh, one more than the other,” Hanabi tore her eyes from Konohamaru and willed herself to seem calm, shrugging, “I took them for burgers.”

“Oh, that’s right,” Naruto rubbed the back of his neck after releasing her, “forgot you called Hinata.”

“So forgetful,” Hinata giggled as she tugged his sleeve, “we should go unpack. Could you stay for a tad longer, Konohamaru?”

“Yeah, of course,” Konohamaru breathed, hand still covering the kicked spot. They watched the couple tread up the stairs before they simultaneously turned to each other, letting out big sighs of relief. “Damn, that hurt.”

“That was too close,” she snapped, “I’m tempted to close the chakra point he kicked!”

“Hey!” Konohamaru whisper-yelled, pointing an accusing finger at her, “you were a willing participant if I’m not mistaken!”

“Not so hot?”

“Gross?”

Hanabi let out a frustrated hum, crossing her arms as she turned from him.

Too close.

Hanabi knocked on the door to Konohamaru’s apartment, her other hand hooked to the handle of a to-go bag full of several bowls of Ichiraku’s ramen.

She had finished up a short visit with his mom that morning when she informed her that he’d been sick for the last few days and refusing her help. So she thought she’d be kind and get him his favorite food. Soup was good for illness, after all.

When he pulled the door open for her, clad in sweatpants and a tee, face pale and big rings around his eyes, she was a little shocked. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen him so…out of it.

“Hanabi?” he questioned, voice gravelly and eyebrows raising as he looked her over. “What’s up?”

“Uhm—” she shook her head, holding out the bag of ramen, “your mother told me you were sick, so I thought I’d get you some ramen. To help you feel better.”

“Wow,” he chuckled, gesturing to the floor, “that’s actually really sweet of you. If you put it down, I can just pick it up, don’t wanna get you sick—”

“Good gods!” Hanabi gasped as her eyes searched his apartment. It had been so clean last time she was here, but it looked like a wreck today. Tissue and cup of noodle ramen littering many different surfaces, blankets piled on his couch, laundry—it was a monstrosity. “Konohamaru! I didn’t take you for a pig.”

“Ah!” He held up his hands defensively, looking over his shoulder, “give me a break, would ya? I’m sick!”

“I’m coming in,” she shoved her way passed him, setting the bag on his dining table before she started picking up.

“Hey—wait, you’re gonna get sick now, too!”

“Someone’s has to take care of you!” she retorted without looking up, grabbing an empty grocery bag to start stuffing trash in.

“You don’t have to, though—”

“You always take care of me.” The words slipped out and she wasn’t sure she regretted it. She paused for a couple of seconds, staring at an empty ramen cup in her hand. She shook her head, depositing it into the grocery bag before continuing, “so...let someone else take care of you, for once.” She looked up at him finally, right in the eye. “Let me take care of you.”

“Ah…” he sighed, slumping into one of the chairs at his table. She quickly pulled one of the bowls out and unlidded it, shoving it in front of him before snapping a pair of chopsticks apart.

“Eat.”

“Tonkotsu? With extra chashu,” he chuckled, reluctantly accepting the utensils. “My favorite.”

“Yep,” she said nonchalantly as she went back to gathering trash and laundry, “where’s your trash can?”

“I feel pathetic, let me—” he tried to get up but she put a rough hand on his shoulder and shoved him back down.

“I said eat. I’ll find it myself.”

Konohamaru wasn’t quite sure what it was blooming in his chest. If he had to describe it, he might say it was something like unrelenting awe of this woman. This woman who could so easily push him away if things got too close for comfort, but could also put him in his place and take care of him. Just like he yearned to take care of others. He tried not to let people be his caretaker, but maybe once in a while from Hanabi wouldn’t be so bad.

He watched as she rummaged through cabinets until she found the trash, promptly throwing away the accumulated garbage.

The summer cold he had was hitting him hard, he had to admit. Harder than anything he’d had in the past. He was as sick as a dog, and kind of regretted having her see him this way. He knew he looked like death walking. He wasn’t the type of person to let his apartment go, but he had been sapped of energy for several days now.

She moved methodically throughout his living room and kitchen, collecting laundry and folding blankets, periodically checking on him to make sure he was eating, which he found amusing. He wasn’t quite sure how much he liked her assuming the role of mothering him, though, so he told her, “I’m a grown man, Hanabi. I know I need to eat, okay?”

“Fine,” she tsked as she grabbed a second bowl from the bag to unlid, setting it next to his nearly gone first one. He chuckled as he peered in the bag, finding at least three more in there. She was clearly taking a page from her sister and Naruto, two people who could put away ramen like no others (except maybe the Akimichi’s).

The hot soup was soothing, he had to admit. He’d been surviving on vitamin drinks and cup of noodles, ashamedly.

He was finishing his second bowl when she finished scrubbing his sink and sat across from him, eyeing the soup. “That’s all you’re eating?”

“Yes, Hanabi,” he laughed, “I appreciate it, but I can’t eat a hundred bowls like your family.”

“Huh,” she hummed, shrugging as she gathered the other three and tucked them into his fridge. “Some for later, then.”

“Thank you,” he said, sincerely as he tried to collect the paper bowls before her, but she was swift, whisking them away before he had the chance. “You got this place clean fast.”

“I kind of like it, honestly,” she said as she scraped the contents into the garbage before rinsing the bowl to recycle, “I never get to do these little chores at the compound. It’s kind of soothing, I guess.”

“I guess I can understand that,” he conceded, but not without a tease, “it is uniquely you. Weird.”

“I like that your way of thanking me is by insulting me,” she shot him a look as she crouched into a cupboard, fishing out his tea kettle.

“Not an insult!” He defended. “I’ve always been attracted to weirdos.”

“Oh my,” she sighed, rolling her eyes, “quit it.”

“Sorry,” he laughed, getting up out of the seat. He went to approach her, but felt a fairly large sneeze coming on, so he ducked away, attempting to grab a tissue before it could come. “Agh!”

“Excuse you!” she called, looking at him with concerned eyes, “here.”

He looked up through watery eyes as she offered a tissue, shoving it in his face. He sighed as he took it, feeling fairly gross that she was seeing him like this. He mumbled, “sorry.”

“For what? Sneezing?” She laughed now, and he felt her roughly grab his elbow and direct him to his bedroom. He could only smirk as she moved him any which way she wanted, pushing him down by the shoulders into the bed, then tucking his limbs under the covers. She grabbed his pillow and fluffed it before yanking his head up to put it back. She was rough with all of her movements, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Wait here.”

“I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” He called as she disappeared back into the kitchen. He let out a little sigh, reaching up to rub his eye of sleep. He had been napping before she knocked.

She returned within moments with a steaming cup of tea and set it on his nightstand, “your tea selection is abysmal, I must say,” she chided. He smiled as she reached out to press the back of her hand on his forehead, then promptly hissing at how hot it was. “You’re burning up, Konohamaru!” she frowned, rubbing her hand, “have you taken anything?”

“Not for a while,” he admitted. He watched her disappear once more into his bathroom and heard her rummaging through his medicine cabinet. So forceful. He couldn’t help but enjoy it. She returned quickly with a few pills and his water cup. He tried to push her away as she attempted to feed them to him, “I’m not a baby, Hanabi!”

“You look like one right now,” she jabbed, and he felt his sickly pale skin redden. He grabbed the pills and water cup from her and took them himself with a grumbled thanks, letting her take the water cup back. When she returned, she pushed her hand into his shoulder to force him down. “Now rest. I’ll hang out in the living room in case you need anything.”

“You’re babysitting me?” he asked with amusement as she crossed her arms. She shrugged and he bit his lip, contemplating. If she was going to stay anyway…

He looped an arm around her hips and yanked her down just as she was stepping to leave, “if you’re gonna get all sick like me, you might as well c’mere.”

“Hey!” she protested as he threw his comforter over her, trapping her underneath with him, “you’re gross!”

“I told you not to come inside,” he retorted with a smirk, pinning her against him, “but you insisted, you little brat.”

“I’m the brat?!” she gasped, shoving him in the chest. When he let out a haggard cough, her expression changed to one of panic, “oh, I’m sorry!”

“You’re sorry now?” he asked with amusement, wrapping a leg around her for added security of her wiggling form, “way too late for that, honey.”

“Oh!” she gasped and he couldn’t take his eyes off the way her cheeks could go from creamy to crimson so quickly. “You’re terrible!”

“I am,” he whispered, nuzzling his face into the hair draped over her neck, “you love it.”

“Oh, whatever,” she huffed, clearly giving in to his antics as her arms dropped around him in defeat.

He loved her for it.

“I draw the line at sick sex, though.”

“You know, you’re pretty nasty sometimes, too, Hanabi.”

The air was becoming cooler and cooler as fall quickly descended into winter, and yet, Hanabi was sitting right in the thick of it. Normally, she’d avoid the cold, but right now, she was sitting in front of that same lake from so many years ago, one a few kilometers out from the village, a sort of final rest stop before getting into the Leaf. It was a nice, quiet lake. During the summer, it normally had children and their families diving into it, picnics and kites flying around it. With dropping temperatures, it was peacefully silent.

Hanabi was here because it felt good on her burnt hands. She’d just returned from a mission and hadn’t felt like explaining herself to any inquiring Hyūga eyes upon returning to the compound. So she chose to stall a bit longer out here, let the cold air sooth the burns in an area people never visited this time of year.

When she felt that gentle pulse of chakra tickle her ears, she was surprised. She immediately activated her byakugan and frowned at the bright network behind her. With a sigh, she relaxed her eyes, wincing as she tucked her hands into her sleeves. His footsteps drew closer.

“Konohamaru,” she greeted without looking back.

“Hanabi,” he offered back lightly, coming to sit next to her. She struggled to smile up at him, concealing a look of pain. “Saw Moegi was back, tried to find you.”

“Stalker,” she scoffed, shaking her head. He smiled, scooting closer, clearly unaffected.

“Felt like hanging out at the lake?” he asked, casting his gaze out as the sun crept below the trees.

“I like it here.” She paused, stopping a gasp of pain that was about to come out when her nail scrapped against her palm. “I enjoy lakes and rivers. The ocean. Bodies of water, I guess.”

“But you hate the rain.” Her smile returned with that.

“I like being able to control how I interact with water.”

“Ah,” he laughed, “guess that makes sense, since you’re a water user, yeah? Gotta have control. Didn’t know you liked…bodies of water, though. Interesting.”

“Is it?” She tilted her head and he nodded, encouraging her to go on. “Rivers have pretty sounds, a soothing environment. The rocks are always smooth, and the foliage around a river is always beautiful.” Hanabi looked away, unsure of whether to continue. He nudged his knee against hers, so she decided to keep going. “Lakes are nice to swim in—if they’re warm, I mean—and sometimes there’s cute frogs and fishes. When the sun sets, they shimmer, and it’s different every time. Sometimes red, or orange, or yellow. Then when the moon comes out, they shine blue or black. It’s easy to lose yourself looking into one.”

“And the ocean?”

“Well, it’s massive. You could never swim across it. I like to run across it, when I’m there…though I haven’t, in a while…” she dipped into a frown briefly as she thought, then shook her head. “The coasts I’ve been to have soft sand that you sink into. And when I’m in the water, I enjoy letting the waves carry me. Feeling weightless, it’s…comforting, I guess.” She finally looked back up at him, blinking at his warm expression. “Sorry, I’m ranting.”

“I like it,” he spoke softly, reaching out to set a hand on her knee, probably because her hands were tucked away. “Didn’t know you had such a romantic vocabulary.”

“Romantic?” she drew her eyebrows together.

“Sounds like one of those novels Moegi’s always reading,” he smirked, “it’s nice. Your flowery language.”

“Flowery,” she laughed, shaking her head, relaxing a bit. “Maybe my sister’s had an effect on me.”

“Maybe,” he nodded, squeezing her knee, “but you’re still Hanabi, and I’m surprised you haven’t hit me for touching you in ‘public.’”

“I would if I could.” It slipped out without her permission, and suddenly, her hands felt like they were on fire. Talking had kept her mind off of it until now. He raised an eyebrow.

“Why can’t you?”

“No—nothing—”

His hand left her knee and reached for her forearm and she gasped in pain as she instinctively pulled them tighter to herself. His face contorted with frustration at her stubbornness, “Hanabi, let me see!”

With a defeated sigh, she gritted her teeth and peeled her hands up, presenting the blistered extremities. He gasped, eyes blowing wide as he nearly reached to grab them, but stopped short. “Don’t get soft on me, Sarutobi.”

“That looks bad!” he exclaimed, “why haven’t you taken care of them? Did it happen on the mission?”

“I just unwrapped them,” she huffed, gently flexing her fingers, “gave them a breather, that’s all.”

He paused, seemingly accepting that. Then he shook his head, turning his body to reach into a satchel to pull out a roll of bandages and an ointment container. “You should get them rewrapped.”

“I…” she stopped, puffing out her cheeks in embarrassment. “I’m terrible at wrapping. Moegi wrapped them.”

“I don’t mind.” She watched him uncap the ointment and then proceeded to lather it over her hands, as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do. He was actually great at ignoring her tiny hiss of pain threatening to escape, which…honestly surprised her. Especially when she thought of that little boy that moped over the wound in her thigh.

He always seemed so soft.

But maybe he wasn’t as soft as she thought. Maybe that little boy had grown into a full-blown adult. Maybe that little boy was far from what she originally thought. And that really wasn’t a bad thing.

It could actually be…a good thing, she thought. A team leader shouldn’t focus on the pain of his subordinates. Simply take care of them, ensure they were ready to go, no matter what. And perhaps, that part of him was shining through.

She admired it. Not because she didn’t admire him normally, she did. But she admired this part of him, too.

His grasp was delicate, she was surprised it didn’t hurt more. And soon, the ointment was seeping into the wounded skin and the cool air mixing with it was first shocking, then soothing once more. She sighed a little breath through her nose as his hands left hers. She spread her fingers so he could carefully, but quickly wrap the bandages around.

She wasn’t sure why she would be stunned to find he was so skilled at it. The wrap wasn’t tight, but wasn’t loose, it covered every centimeter of skin, and he was done within seconds. Quickly, like a shinobi should be, because as a shinobi, there was no telling how much time you had. When he reached the end of her other wrist, he gently released her hands and tucked his supply back. She held her hands up to her face, inspecting his work. She parted them to see his face looking worried behind them and sighed. “What happened? Were you attacked?”

With the few seconds she had, she debated telling the truth. She could just tell him it was confidential and that would be that, but she decided she didn’t want to lie to him. Even if it was stupid.

“Hot…hot soup…”

“Hot soup?”

Hanabi sucked in a breath, mortified that she was really admitting this. “A raccoon went sniffing around our campsite…it knocked over a hot pot full of soup.”

“Right into your hands?”

“I wasn’t thinking. I tried to catch it.”

The laughter was expected. She let out a grunt of frustration as she drew her knees to her chest and promptly buried her face in her arms. With that, his laughter subsided, and his arm wrapped around her shoulders, tugging her into him.

She mumbled, “I always screw up missions…”

“You don’t,” he replied, softly. “It happens.”

“To me.” She buried her forehead further. “I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot.” She felt him rub his hand up and down her arm. “Just a clutz.”

She groaned, shrugging at his shoulder. “What happened to your magic words of comfort?”

“This isn’t serious,” he laughed, resisting her shrug, “it was a little mistake. You didn’t ruin the mission, I’m sure your stubborn ass demanded it continue and you suffered like a fool through it to the end.”

She frowned at her knees. He was right.

“Fine,” he continued on, thumb rubbing against her shoulder. “A couple of years ago, while I was in Anbu, I forgot my food pills. We were in the middle of tundra, and I didn’t want to tell anyone I’d forgotten them.” She perked an eyebrow, finally lifting her face from her hiding spot to look at him. He was grimacing as he recalled the memory. “I ended up passing out. Had to carry me to civilization.”

She bit her lips together, a smile forming on her face. He finally turned his head to her and glared at her. She couldn’t hold it back, “idiot.”

“Yeah, thanks for that,” his hand lifted from her arm and flicked at her nose. She scrunched it up, turning away. “Can’t fight back with those hands.”

“Cruel.” She glared at him, but let the smile remain. “Sorry that happened to you.”

“Mhm,” he mumbled, resting the hand back on her shoulder, “I know I’m an idiot. Least I’m not a clutz.” She reached up to rub at her nose with the back of her fingers. He finally smirked, leaning forward, “want me to kiss it and make it better?”

She pondered a moment, then let her smile turn crooked. “Yeah, c’mere.”

“Yeah?” he asked, a little surprised.

She nodded, letting him come close enough so his lips were almost touching the point of her nose.

Once they were, she tilted her head up and bit his nose.

Hanabi frowned as she watched snow dust the ground outside. It didn’t snow that often in the Land of Fire, but when it did, she kind of hated it. She knew most found enjoyment in the rare sight, but she always preferred the warmth to the cold. So when it did happen, she tended to stay inside if possible.

It was one of the few times she indulged in hot chocolate, too. She was disappointed when Natsu informed her they hadn’t had an import of chocolate this month. Annoying, but she settled over her paperwork with some tea regardless. She was filling out a report after her return from a Hyūga assignment. They were in negotiations with another clan that the council was attempting to buy property from in the Leaf. To expand. For what reason, she was fuzzy on the details. She was pretty sure it was another move to help the branch families become more independent. Her father simply asked her to make the case, and she did just that.

For how unromantic she was with words, she was certainly a diplomatic wordsmith. It was tiring, though.

While she worked, a guard came knocking to let her know she had outside company. She figured it might be her sister, or Eiji or Jun, or both. But the name “Sarutobi” came and she instinctively said, “yes.”

Realizing it could have been either Konohamaru or Moriko, she stared at the door. When a large figure approached, she let a smile slip.

“Hey there, princess.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Hmm,” he hummed as the door was closed behind him, and she eyed his hands. He had what looked like steaming tea in two thermoses. “Thought you might need a breather.”

“How would you know such a thing?” She questioned as he approached, setting the thermos in front of her. Then it hit her, the waft of milk chocolate. Her eyes widened. “Hot chocolate? Where’d you get this?”

“I have my ways,” he smirked, pushing it further to her. She looked at him with awe. “And maybe my mom had a secret stash.”

“Your mother…” she whispered, smiling as she picked up the hot beverage. She allowed the aroma to fill her senses, breathing deeply. “She told you I like hot chocolate when it snows?”

“No,” he snorted, rolling his eyes and she squinted hers at him, “I just know you.”

The words made her heart skip. He knew her. “I don’t recall ever talking about it.”

“The only time I’ve seen you drink hot chocolate, it was snowing. Every single time it’s snowed.”

He paid attention. Had anyone really paid that careful attention to her before? Outside of perhaps Natsu. “That’s…very thoughtful of you, Konohamaru.”

“Am I Konohamaru today?” He perked an eyebrow with that coy smile. She bit her lip. “Alright with me.”

“What…what brings you?” she asked, resisting the urge to give a snarky retort.

“Can’t just visit a pretty lady?”

She groaned with annoyance, “keep your voice down.”

He grinned as he leaned forward, “just stating a fact.”

“Hush,” she muttered, finally bringing the edge of the thermos to her lips, taking a sip. An involuntary sigh of delight left her and she reddened at his leering gaze. “Quit looking at me like that.”

“I can’t,” he teased, though she knew it was honest. “Taking care of clan stuff?”

“Oh,” she set the cup down hurriedly, shuffling the paperwork into a pile, “yes, excuse me.”

“No rush,” he shrugged, leaning back on his hands as she tucked it into a folder. “Always so busy.”

“A little more lately,” she sighed, moving the folder to the floor to rest her elbows on the low table, “but it keeps my mind busy, so there’s that, I suppose.”

They sat in silence for a little while as they both sipped their hot beverages. Hanabi made sure to savor every sip, knowing she wouldn’t be able to indulge again for a while. They both looked out the window to watch the snow accumulate to a modest layer. “You wanna go for a walk?”

She perked an eyebrow, an amused look overtaking her expression. “Like some dog?”

He scoffed. “People enjoy walks, too, Hanabi. I know you have Eiji manipulating that mind of yours…”

“Hush,” she waved him away, “besides, I don’t like the snow. Thought you’d know that, too.”

“I do know it,” he offered, lifting off his palms to lean forward, “but you could learn to like it…if you kept warm.”

“Impossible.”

He smirked and had that little glint of mischief in his eye that she knew meant he was going to whisk her away, whether she wanted it or not. She sighed in annoyance as he got to his feet and grabbed her by the forearms, forcing her up with him. He plucked their thermoses and began marching away. “If you want the rest of this, you gotta come with me.”

His games irritated her sometimes. He knew he couldn’t drag her out by the hand—that would be too intimate a gesture in the compound, and he knew she would follow that hot chocolate out no matter what. “You little…”

“What’s that?” he called playfully as he opened the door, glancing at the guard, “just gettin’ some fresh air! Relax.”

The way he spoke to the guards around the compound was so different from when they were kids. When he was clearly, to her at least, a nervous wreck to be in their presence, even if he puffed out his chest and kept a stiff upper lip. His confidence had bloomed beyond reason. She struggled to find a reason not to enjoy it.

Begrudgingly, she grabbed a coat, following him out. He wasn’t here all the time, of course, but he had been by frequently enough to know the twists and turns of the compound. She often wondered if anyone speculated anything about them up to this point. If they had, they’d done a good job of feigning ignorance. Well, except her father and her sister. Her sister was constantly teasing her, and her father had made it abundantly clear that he knew she had a crush.

But she wondered if he knew it was way beyond a crush at this point. She tried not to think about it.

They ended up strolling through Senju park on their way out of the village. Watching kids have tiny snowball fights was always fun. He caught one that was about to hit Hanabi square in the face and she reeled away.

“Hey!” Konohamaru called playfully at Boruto, the suspect in question. He launched it back at him.

“My hero,” she teased, and he grinned down at her. “I’m not playing, Boruto! I don’t like the cold.”

“Laaaame,” he yelled just as he was pegged by a stray snowball courtesy of Shikadai.

Konohamaru led her out of the gates until they were far enough from the village that no prying eyes could make them out, then quickly scooped her into a hug.

“Hey!” she gasped against his chest and it made him tingle. Everything about her made him tingle in the best ways. Young him was onto something when he found himself craving that tingle when she swatted at his hands as he playfully nudged her—any excuse to touch her, if she’d let him.

“Aaah you’re so cold,” he teased, pulling open his coat to envelope her against him.

“And you’re excruciatingly hot!” she whined, wiggling against him. His grip was unrelenting.

He blushed at the unintentional turn of phrase. “Think I’m hot, huh?”

“Oh shut up, you know what I meant—”

“Aww, thank you,” he continued the tease, swaying with her struggling against him, “and you’re unbelievably sexy.”

“Konohamaru!” she huffed as he dragged her up to a tree, leaping so they’d come to rest on a thick branch. “We’re not that far from the village, someone could still see—”

“That’s why we’re up here,” he retorted as he fell on his bottom with her still struggling against him. All of the ways she moved drove him crazy. “So how about you shut up?”

“Gods!” she complained as she tore from his grasp finally, “you’re too confident for your own good, I swear!”

“Is that so bad?” he asked, smirking at her. She huffed in annoyance as she turned her back to him, and he took his chance to drag her back down, this time with her back against his front. He was pleased when she gave a defeated sigh, letting him wrap her up against him, him shoving her thermos into her hands. “See? Told you you’d like it if you were warm.”

“Who said I like it?” she hissed back, folding her arms over his as he nestled her between his crossed legs.

“You’re telling me this isn’t beautiful?”

When she paused, he craned his neck to see her reaction. Her eyes scanned the white forest as she pulled the thermos to her lips. Konoha trees never seemed to lose their foliage.

“Well, maybe,” she conceded, resting her head against his chest. “You are ridiculously warm, though.”

“That’s the will of fire, baby,” he whispered against her ear, chuckling as she shuddered against him. “Guess you don’t have it.”

“That’s a mean thing to say,” she grumbled, tilting her head so it would knock his back.

“I’m kidding,” he laughed, nuzzling against her neck despite it, “you have more fire than anyone I know.”

“Hmmm…” she hummed, accepting this compliment.

He smiled, tightening his hold on her as he rested his chin on top of her head. He was just glad she was finally giving in to happiness. He knew he was hard to shake off, even she had to have her limits. Seemed he was getting close to it. When she turned her head to plant a chocolate-lipped kiss on his cheek, he knew he was getting close.

There was hope, after all.

#naruto #konohana #konohamaru x hanabi #konohamaru sarutobi #hanabi hyuuga #hyuuga hanabi #sarutobi konohamaru #hanakono #naruto fanfic #naruto fanfiction #konohana fanfic #my fic #Tag #hanabi hyuga #hyuga hanabi

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uchihabbynic · 2 years

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The Lie You Fed

Characters: Naruto Uzumaki x Fem! Reader

Super Brief Mentions: Hinata Hyuga, Boruto & Himawari Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha

Warnings: Angst, Implied Cheating, Slight Mention of Sexual Themes

Word Count: 3.1k

Author’s Note: Naruto Uzumaki is a giant fluff-ball and even though he’s perfect in my eyes - real relationships are not always rainbows & sunshine. They’re messy, scary, confusing - sometimes heartbreaking and I wanted to attempt something different to portray that. Enjoy, friends ❤️

Mood 🎧 : All I Ask - Adele

With your signature cup of chamomile tea in hand - you’d been listening to the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops hitting your shared apartment window and successfully solidified the tranquil state you’d been desperately craving since the beginning of your work week. As you sat curled up on your couch - you spent time flipping through “The Knot” magazine, ogling at the breathtaking wedding venues and beautiful engagement rings you’d made sure to point out to your man.

When you weren’t going on romantic dates or having mind-blowing sex with your boyfriend Naruto Uzumaki - you’d recently been spending a good majority of your time fantasizing about being a wife and mother - creating the life you’d always dreamed of with the man you’d always wished for.

With your head in the clouds, you’d failed to hear your boyfriend come through the door.

“Hi love.” Naruto said, casually planting a kiss on your cheek as he placed the plastic takeout bag in his hand on the coffee table in front of you, making himself comfortable on a nearby recliner.

“Hi baby, welcome home!” You smiled wide, placing the wedding magazine next to you on the couch - catching Naruto’s attention.

Naruto peeked over at the pink and white book and chuckled. “Your nose is always buried in these magazines these days!”

“Shush!” You grabbed the book, playfully slapping him on the arm with it evoking a hearty laugh to spill from his lips.

You appreciated the silly, playful nature of your relationship with Naruto. Even now in your adulthood, you both made sure to keep your inner child alive. As Naruto darted out of his chair, you were right on his heels chasing him all over your apartment waving the magazine in his direction until he yelled, ‘Mercy’!

“I just want to be ready as soon as you pop the question!” you said, beaming wide - now getting comfortable on your bed, tossing the magazine to the side.

Naruto, now having stripped down to nothing but his boxers - getting prepared for his evening shower, slid on the bed next to you and wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest.

“I’m just giving you a hard time babe. I can’t wait to make you my wife one day.” Naruto said, pearly whites beaming, stealing another quick kiss.

Naruto had entered the steamy bathroom jumping into the shower, leaving his phone behind on the bed with you when suddenly a text came through from a name you hadn’t seen in a long time.

Hinata Hyuga.

You trusted your man more than anything in the world and knew that a text from his ex-wife most likely had something to do with Naruto’s two kids, Boruto and Himawari.

“Naruto! Hinata texted you!” you shouted from the bedroom.

“One sec!” The blonde’s deep, raspy voice echoed from inside the shower.

10 minutes had passed and Naruto exited the bathroom, white towel hanging deliciously low on his waist - looking completely confused. It was pretty rare that the two exes communicated outside of dropping off and picking up the kids and it was Hinata’s week with Boruto and Hima so he was just as taken aback as you were. Naruto skimmed the text and immediately left the room to call Hinata. Meanwhile, you were holding your breath hoping it was nothing serious involving the kids. Even though you and Naruto weren’t married yet, you loved his children like they were your own.

Moments later, Naruto entered the room once more with a concerned look on his face, scratching his freshly washed blonde hair.

“Hinata said that we need to go to Boruto’s school on Friday. Parent teacher conference.” Naruto casually said, throwing on orange sweatpants and a fresh tee over his head.

“Is everything okay?” you questioned, hoping the situation at Boruto’s school was no big deal.

Naruto joined you on the bed, unusually quiet. When he finally spoke up - there was little to no expression on his face. You could instantly tell something was wrong.

“Apparently, Boruto has been getting into a lot of trouble at school. Acting out. Cracking jokes to make the other kids laugh. Not turning in his work.”

“Wow, I mean - I knew Boruto was a bit of a prankster like you were as a child, but I didn’t realize it was so bad. Do you think it’s because of me…?” You looked off into the distance, holding your breath, awaiting Naruto’s answer.

“That’s silly, Y/N…I’m sure it's because he’s just at that age, ya know?” Naruto replied, now downplaying the situation.

You could see right through him. Naruto was obviously concerned like any father would be but always wanted to appear cool, calm and collected when it came to his kids.

You apprehensively spoke up, being careful to not add fuel to the fire. “Well…ever since the divorce and our relationship becoming as serious as it is…I’m sure it’s been a hard adjustment for him - for any little kid, really.”

Naruto stayed quiet for a moment taking in what you were saying. It was clear that he didn’t want to acknowledge the fact that his failed marriage and new relationship was making such a negative impact on his son. Naruto could handle just about ANYTHING but this parenting thing - even having done it for 12 years - was still not something he had mastered quite yet and in the back of his mind, was worried it was something he’d never get right.

“Being a parent is the hardest thing I've ever done…no amount of Ninja training could top this.” The Uzumaki said, sounding stressed as he rubbed his tired face.

You gently rubbed Naruto’s back, soothing him. You knew he always wanted to do right by his kids and if he ever felt like he was falling short - he took it incredibly hard. Regardless, the rebellious teen years were slowly but surely creeping around the corner and you wanted to make sure he knew that you were there to support him every step of the way.

“Naruto. You are an amazing father and you’re going to handle this with the utmost grace and poise, the way I know you can. Try not to stress it too much, baby.” you said as you leaned your head on Naruto’s shoulder, deeply inhaling, taking in his zesty freshly showered scent.

Naruto’s signature smile had crept its way back to his face as he beamed from ear to ear listening to the way you encouraged him.

“I just hope this parent-teacher conference doesn’t last too long…I have a bunch of all day meetings I have to attend.” The blonde said, groaning as the painful reality of adulthood kept hitting him.

You perked up remembering that Friday was your 3 year anniversary, in hopes that Naruto didn’t forget. He was an amazing man who treated you like an absolute Queen but you weren't so blinded by love that you didn’t realize that Naruto wasn't the most organized person in the world.

“Aaaannnd, you'll be home in time for dinner, yes?” you looked at Naruto, giving him the cutest puppy dog pout you could manage.

Naruto immediately looked flustered as he had indeed forgotten that your 3 year anniversary dinner was set for this Friday but it just so happened to interfere with the parent-teacher conference.

“Y/N…I will do my very BEST to not be late. I have to meet Hinata at the school at 5:30pm for the conference and well...you know how Iruka loves to catch up and talk.” Naruto nervously laughed, hoping you’d be understanding and not hold his lateness against him.

You huffed. “Fine. But i'm making your favorite… and well, just make sure you’re home and ready for dessert.” you stuck your tongue out and crawled on Naruto’s lap, hoping the sexual innuendo didn’t go completely over his head.

Naruto slipped his large hand under your shirt, giving your boob a firm squeeze. “Don’t worry, love. I’m always ready.” The blonde smirked and you could feel Naruto’s hard length flex underneath your ass as you were pressing into his lap in all the best ways.

>>>

The candlelight flickered and the aroma of miso pork filled your nostrils as you sat at the beautifully decorated table you had prepared - awaiting your boyfriend’s arrival. You were filled with both nerves and excitement for the evening as you slipped into your favorite black cocktail dress that accentuates your curves - your bust was practically spilling out of the built-in bra but you didn’t mind as you knew Naruto would go nuts over the view.

7:30pm had rolled around and the knot in your stomach began to tighten. You began to sweat and become anxious as it wasn’t common for Naruto to be extremely late - especially not on such a joyful occasion. Your anxiety brain kicked into overdrive. You began thinking the absolute worst of the worst.

You were certain that the parent-teacher conference had been over for an hour now and Naruto wasn’t answering his phone.

“What if he got hurt on his way home?” you thought.

The intrusive thoughts were starting to consume you as this was totally unlike him. It was your 3-year anniversary and you’d been looking forward to this night for a long time. In fact, you were secretly hoping that a proposal would happen tonight, yet - here you were sitting at the dinner table alone, fighting back tears.

Suddenly, the keys jingling in the front door startled you out of your thoughts. You smoothed your dress and went to meet your boyfriend - stopping him at the front door, arms crossed.

“You’re late.” you said, sounding obviously perturbed.

“I know… I-I’m really sorry.” Naruto replied quietly, as he looked down at his feet.

Immediately, you could sense something wasn't right. This wasn’t the demeanor of the same man you loved and his discomfort was written all over his face. He awkwardly held out a bouquet of pink roses and lilies.

“Happy Anniversary.” Naruto had said just above a whisper.

There was no light in his eyes and no excitement to be found in his voice. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

You snatched the bouquet out of his hands and stepped aside - not saying a single word but letting him inside the apartment. Naruto’s face lit up - showing off his adorable signature cheeky grin at the sight of the carefully prepared dinner table you spent hours working on. However, that grin had quickly left.

You, still not amused, follow behind Naruto. “Where the hell have you been?” you said, arms still crossed.

“Y/N…We need to talk.” The blonde said, fidgeting with his fingers.

Your stomach was doing somersaults as the words rolled off your boyfriend’s lips. That phrase never meant good news. Your hopeful mood towards your anniversary night had quickly turned sour as the irritability on your face became painfully evident.

“Naruto…what’s this about?” You asked, standing frozen trying your best to mentally prepare for whatever bomb your boyfriend was getting ready to drop - your E/C eyes piercing Naruto’s baby blues.

“Something happened after the parent-teacher conference…with Hinata.” Naruto was holding his breath, awaiting your reaction.

You inhaled sharply, bracing yourself for what was to happen next. “Something like what, exactly…?” you said, carefully eyeing the blonde suddenly feeling the urge to throw up.

“We kissed. Well…she kissed me!” Naruto desperately tried to explain his side and get the story right. However, you were already shutting down. You began taking slow steps away from Naruto.

The betrayal. The heartbreak you already felt, bubbling up inside. You felt like you’d just taken the biggest punch to the gut. Your vision temporarily went blurred as the dizziness you felt began to take over. This was not what you expected in a million years. Naruto was your Prince Charming. He was the man you’d spent the last year of your life talking about marriage and having children of your own together with. You couldn't believe what you were hearing and on your anniversary at that.

“How…could you?” you said quietly, still slowly backing away.

Naruto began walking towards you, desperately trying to reach out and pull you close. You threw your hand out in front of you defensively.

“Dont.” A single tear began to run down your cheek. “Don’t touch me.”

“Y/N…I wanted to tell you in person. We just started talking about Boruto and Hima and reminiscing about the days they were born and our past and well…she thinks it’d be best for the kids if we tried working things out. Honestly, it’s left me…confused.” Naruto said quietly, being sure to avoid eye contact with you. He hated seeing you cry and hated even more being the cause of your tears.

Your mouth had dropped in complete disbelief. How could the man who says he’d love you for the rest of your life even consider working things out with the woman he’d divorced only a few years prior?! You thought, Naruto’s words replaying over and over in your head.

“Confused? What are you? 15?! One kiss and now you’re questioning our whole relationship!?” your tone of voice, shaky and beginning to crack as the tears started flowing.

“We’re planning for marriage and a baby of our own and you go and drop this bomb on me!? Does that mean nothing to you?” you asked, voice now barely above a whisper.

Naruto rubbed the back of his blonde locks nervously. “Yes! It means everything. You mean everything to me…I just want to make sure I'm doing what’s best for my kids… especially before trying to bring another one into the world.”

You scoffed, completely taken aback by the excuses he fed you. “Hm. I don't recall you being this cautious about having another baby when you started cumming in me raw for the last 6 months.” you smirked. Hurt and anger laced your tone of voice.

“Look Y/N…Please believe me when I say, I do love you - so much - but I don’t think it’s fair to drag you through this while I sort my feelings out so, I think that taking a few days apart may be best...” Naruto momentarily stayed quiet, allowing you space to process everything before proceeding.

“I- I just had to let you know, face to face - as soon as I could. Otherwise…I’d feel even more guilty.” Naruto tried his hardest to convince you, ignoring your comment altogether.

As Naruto continued on, your heart sank further and further to your ass. The lump in your throat wouldn’t go away. You felt like you were in one horrific nightmare that you couldn't wake up from. Your boyfriend had betrayed you in a way you never thought would be possible and you didn’t know where to go from here. The sadness subsided and was replaced with pure rage as your heart was ripped to a million pieces.

“Save the nice guy act. You aren’t doing me any damn favors. You’re being totally selfish and trying to relieve your glory days. This isn’t about those kids because there’s no reason you can't co parent with Hinata the way you have been for the last 3 years.” Your voice - still shaky from what you were hearing.

“Dammit, Y/N! She was my wife! She was my first love. My first everything…she gave me two beautiful children and I admit… maybe I did get caught up in the moment. Can you blame me?!” Naruto raised his voice, now losing his cool and all sensibilities.

“Fuck you. I hate you.” You spit out those words with the nastiest venom in your tone. You charged towards Naruto pushing firmly on his chest trying to guide him towards your front door. You’d heard enough.

“What about ME?! What about what I want?! You don’t think I want two beautiful children of my own? You’re disgusting, selfish and a LIAR and you need to go, NOW!” you yelled, still pushing at Naruto’s muscular chest in the direction you wanted him to go.

Despite the events of the past few hours, Naruto did have a heart and you filled it so perfectly. However, he felt like he owed it to himself and his children to figure out where to go next. Unfortunately, you were collateral damage in this series of events.

Naruto was incredibly strong and barely budged as you tried pushing him away. He just let you push and push at his chest, taking all your rage and hatred out on him. He instantly regretted what he’d just said to you and by this point, he knew he had hurt you worse than ever before and was okay letting you throw all your anger at him even when your bitter words stung him right back. He didn’t dare make the moment about himself any more than he already had.

“You hate me?...” Y/N, you don’t mean that.” Naruto said looking down at your tear stained face. Tears now forming in his own cerulean orbs. He went to cup your cheek still wanting to soothe the pain he had just caused, however, the touch of his rough hand on your face caused you to flinch. It suddenly felt foreign on your skin.

“Don’t touch me! I deserve someone who is sure about me and only me! Someone who picks me EVERY TIME. Someone who doesn’t feed me a bunch of lies and bullshit - creating false hope in my heart for the future!”

Naruto winced - now fully comprehending the rage and hurt that had bubbled up inside of you, however - you weren’t done. This man hurt you in a way that you could barely comprehend and you needed him to know.

“You walk around with this cheery nice guy act and then you go and pull a stunt like this? You and Hinata are fucking snakes who clearly deserve each other.”

You were fuming at this point and obviously saying things you didn’t mean but your heart was aching and the man who always picked up the pieces - was the one ripping them to shreds.

Stunned. Naruto’s heart sank - immediately knowing that this very well could be the end and that he was no longer welcome as he slowly backed out of the apartment - only to have the door slammed in his face. You were fully aware that he didn't have any clothes or an overnight bag with him but at that moment, you didn’t care. Seeing his face was too much to bear. Knowing that he’d just shared such intimacy with someone other than yourself evoked a heartless response from you.

Your whole body collapsed under you as you slid down against the door frame. All you could do was bury your head in your knees allowing the most guttural cries to leave your throat. You needed to let it all out. You were feeling broken and unsure of what to do next. The man you were certain you’d spend your life with was now questioning everything and you didn’t want to wait around until he figured out what he wanted. That was bullshit. You deserved more. You deserve certainty. Naruto wanted to fuck around with your emotions and you weren’t going to stand for it.

And that is how you ended up on his doorstep.

Contrary to popular belief, Sasuke Uchiha comforted you in ways many others could not.

#naruto one shot #naruto angst #naruto x reader #naruto x you #hinata #boruto #himawari #naruto fanfic #a lil fluffy #jordyn-degas ilysm babe #naruto uzumaki x reader #sasuke #naruto x y/n

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captnjacksparrow · 2 years

Note

Hi I know this question is stupid but your answers are so good and if ypu decide to answer it can you point evidence or analysis. I want to ask about Sasuke and Naruto’s sex life. Naruhina and Sasusaku say that they have sex all the time, mostly SS say that, but I don’t think they do because they normal life behaviour towards their wives is so distant and cold. What do you think? I am not talking about the sex when they “wanted” children, in Sasuke’s case I think he didn’t want children, I talk more about regular sex. Do you think they have it in their wives? Thanks

The level of pathetic horniness in their fandom is just unfathomable to me, even to this day. Even if SNS became canon, I am very sure N and S wouldn't do 'that' all the time in every back alley of Konoha like how SS and NH portray them to be.

Because they are totally Goal-Oriented blokes & extremely selfless guys who for the most times won't even think about themselves but always about others... Despite his terrible revolutionary plan, at the end of the day... Sasuke was willing to become the Villain for everyone if that act could protect all the 5 Villages. Wasn't he??

To reduce these guys into sex toys.... 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Anyways,

On the day, When Naruto became Hokage...

Naruto was seen sleeping on a Separate Bed.. I can understand if Naruto was pooled in with difficult Hokage duties and hence he comes home very late and sleeps on the couch rather than sharing the Bed with his wife.... It's totally normal.

But what could Naruto have been possibly doing before he even became Hokage, I wonder???

Then again in Boruto manga, Naruto was seen sleeping separately with Kawaki next to him...

20 chapters later, the same scene repeats... Except that he was giving a pep talk to Kawaki...

And this is Naruto literally sitting next to Hinata and sleeping nonetheless....

Naruto maybe anything... But a Sleepy and Lazy Bum??? No way...

Add Naruto missing Hima's Birthday, neglecting Boruto to count Headbands, thinking about Sasuke when Hinata offering a Bento filled with Love, ready to leave his family to go on a Long Mission with Sasuke, missing his own Hokage ceremony and Etc .... Etc..... 🤧🤧🤧

Do you think Naruto, a married man who is desperately going so far as to neglect his own family multiple times, but somehow he get this uncontrollable urge to get under the Bedsheets with Hinata... Daily??? Especially, it was forced on our faces that Naruto sleeps separately not once but thrice🛌🛌🛌..

As for Sasuke, It's very simple...

He abandoned Sakura for a decade... That is in and of itself is a big disinterest from Sasuke's side.

Added to that,

He asks this question with such an Annoyance after seeing his 'beloved' wife after many years... Shouldn't he be surprised and happy to see his wife???

And to finally add more salt to the slug...

He refused to show any kind intimacy to his begging wife, with whom he wants to ‘supposedly’ spend his 'hot times' eternally... SMH!!!!!

So No.... Whatever SS and NH are spinning are nothing but just some big yarn of an Headcanon... N and S are not 'into that'... Atleast not with their wives🤡🤡

#sasunaru #narusasu #sns

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kiribaku-queen · 3 years

Note

Heyyyy. So i was thinking a out mafia au fic like where kuroo is a mafia leader and youre his gf. Somehow, while his group were in a war, u got kidnapped which made him furious ofc and whiel saving u and trying to escape, u saw someone trying to shoot hima nd u go ahead and sheild him which made u got shoot. Its a angst but a hppy ending. Ill let u do what kind of ending u want 😁 anyway congrats and hv a great day!

Beginnings of a War

Angst

Kuroo x reader

Word Count: 3.5K

TRIGGER WARNING: violence, gun mentioned, blood

A/N: I had so much fun writing this piece and I literally couldn't wait to start this one! I thought of this Bokuto when writing this piece because I can't get enough of him

Happy reading and I'd love to know your thoughts!

The tension in the room was uneasy as the two leaders from opposite gangs stared each other down, neither saying a word. There was no easy conclusion to their mess but the longer they sat there, the more impatient both parties got. Yet, Kuroo was never one to give up easily. He was persistent and determined. Meanwhile, the two-toned haired man who goes by Bokuto was notorious for always getting his way. Right now, they were both stuck in the middle. Kuroo leans back on the black, leather couch, resting both arms behind the back.

“That’s my final bet. Take it or leave it. You either release him and take the money, or we’re gonna have some trouble,” Kuroo finally spoke up. Bokuto slants his eyes at him, clearly not persuaded by his offer.

“You’re a good comedian if you think I’m going to release one of your men for that small amount. After what he did to ten of my men?” Bokuto was trying to place the blame on the other leader but that only made Kuroo’s eyebrow twitch in annoyance.

“Your men attacked his family and his girl, leaving her in a hospital. If anything, your men deserved everything coming to them,” Kuroo set him straight. Even though Bokuto knew that, he knew that his men were in the wrong, he still had to protect them. So his comment visibly upset him as he slammed his fists down on the glass table in front of him, almost causing it to break if he hit any harder.

“I don’t give a shit what my boys did. All I care about is what your men did to mine,” he stated clearly. By now, Kuroo was getting a headache.

“Then what do you want? You don’t want the money, you don’t want anything else I offered. Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want!” he grew impatient and raised his voice. Before Bokuto had a chance to open his mouth, the double doors behind him flew wide open and in you came, eyes only on your boyfriend as you walk towards him. Sexy and sultry-like, you come to greet your boyfriend after a long day of shopping, not paying attention to his special guest. But he was paying close attention to you.

The click of your heels meeting the floor caught the attention of all the men in the room. You loved it when all the attention was on you because you knew. You knew you were attractive. You had the confidence, the walk, the clothes, the attitude. Everything a girl boss should have. Even though eyes were on you at all times of the day, only one man caught your attention and you would do anything for him.

Striding towards the mafia boss who was clearly in the middle of an important meeting, you made your way into his lap. You made yourself comfortable, touching the back of his hair before pulling him in for a steamy kiss. The kiss was slow and deliberate. You made sure to taste every part of him, your tongue gliding against his, purposely biting his lips ever so slightly. You kissed him like there was no one else in the room. But little did you know, Bokuto was looking you up and down, clear interest written all over his face.

You pulled away with a soft hum, satisfied to be with your boyfriend again. Kuroo, who was annoyed, is now smitten with you. He has, and always will have, a soft spot for you and isn’t afraid to show it.

“I’m a little busy, sweetheart,” Kuroo mumbled against your lips, lost in your eyes, your taste, your smell, your everything.

“I just missed you, daddy,” you cooed with a pout.

“Alright, I’m almost done,” he promises. He puts a protective hand over your waist and you wait in his lap like the good girl you were until he was done with his meeting. Kuroo focuses his attention back to his guest, acting like that whole interaction didn’t happen.

“What do you want?” Kuroo asks again. This time, Bokuto locks eyes with you and you just give him an innocent look that makes Bokuto obsessed.

“Her.” He points to you. That shocks both you and your boyfriend. You didn’t know what was going on, maybe because you just forced your way into their conversation, but you could tell that Kuroo wasn’t very fond of his answer. His hand tightens on your waist.

“She’s off limits,” he almost growls. Now that’s a voice you haven’t heard in a hot minute.

“Then the deals off,” Bokuto says simply, leaning back while shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. Kuroo slants his eyes and gives you a few soft taps to your butt.

“Go upstairs,” he demands. You know by the tone of his voice that he was upset and you knew not to talk back. Last time you did that, you couldn’t walk for two weeks. And that was… so long ago that you can’t even remember. So you immediately got up and walked out of there, but Bokuto still had his eyes on you.

When you left the room and completely out of sight, Kuroo sits back and crosses his legs. He lets out a deep sigh and glides his tongue across the inside of his cheek in annoyance. He didn’t understand why Bokuto wanted you all of a sudden, out of all people, but there was no way in hell he was giving you away.

“I’ll give you anything you want. Tell me and I’ll give it to you. You want the money? Fine. Take it. You want a woman? I’ll find you one who can’t resist you. Name your price, but she’s my woman,” Kuroo made things clear with the man across from him.

“I’m not leaving until I get her,” Bokuto was set on having you, taking you and making you his. Kuroo uncrosses his legs and leans forward on his knees.

“Oi. Can you fucking hear? I said she was off limits.” Bokuto copies his movements.

“Does it look like I give two fucks? If you want one of your men back, give me the girl,” he compromises. Kuroo clenches his jaw and leans back.

“Then there’s nothing to discuss. Leave.” Kuroo glares at him. And that was asking him nicely. But Bokuto lets out a loud chuckle.

“You’re gonna let a bitch get in the way of your men?” the mafia boss taunted. And boy, did it work.

“Do you want to die?” Kuroo asked through gritted teeth, a vein clearly visible on his forehead from how much anger he was trying to hold in.

“Is that a threat?” Bokuto turned serious, all jokes out the window.

“No. but this is,” he says, standing up and pulling a gun out of the inside of his jacket pocket and points in straight in his opponent’s face. With his fast reflexes, Bokuto saw it coming and also took his gun out. So now both men had guns pointed in their faces, neither of them moving. Just glares being exchanged.

“Tsk, tsk. Now is that how you persuade an old friend?” Bokuto shook his head in disappointment.

“Friend? More like business partner,” Kuroo corrected him. They had a silent face off. Pointing dangerous weapons at each other but neither wanting to pull the trigger first. Bokuto thought this was exciting. He laughs, spins his gun with his finger and places it back in his pocket. He turns around, looking unfazed by the whole situation and simply leaves. Somewhat relieved, Kuroo also puts away his gun and cautiously watches the other boss leave. Bokuto stops right as he’s about to step through the door to give Kuroo a wary warning.

“You better be careful. I always get what I want,” he said before making his disappearance.

You were waiting patiently in your shared bedroom, swinging your feet around with a pout on your face. You didn’t know what you walked in to, but it didn’t seem good from the looks of it. Kuroo looked so serious down there, you thought to yourself. But your mind wandered to naughty thoughts because you loved seeing him like that, even though the situation doesn’t call for it. He just looks so sexy what he’s serious.

Kuroo opens the door to the bedroom and before you could say anything to him or greet him, he smashes your lips together without any explanation. You were surprised by his actions but you kiss him back nonetheless. From the way his lips move against yours, you could tell that he was in a bad mood. Your lips were too smushed and teeth were rubbing against each other, so much that he was starting to hurt you. Kuroo moves on to attack your neck and then you were finally able to breath.

“Kuroo,” you whined, still short of breath. He ignores you and instead starts to suck on your supple skin, creating bruises of all kinds of sizes on your neck. He grabs your face again, smashing your lips together and he pushes you back so that the back of your knees hit the bed, causing you to fall backwards, Kuroo falling on top of you. His legs were on either side of you as he dominated the kiss.

“You’re mine. All mine,” he growls, hands wandering to grope your body harshly. He licks from the top of your breasts all the way up your neck and captures your lips again. Your hands go to tangle his raven locks and wrap your legs around him.

“I’m all yours,” you whisper against his lips. Kuroo smirks, quickly removing his jacket then undoing his tie before he goes to unbuckle his belt. Excitement started to rise in you. Angry sex? Fuck yes. You were in for a hell of a night and let’s be honest, one hell of a week.

You were kept inside for a time being because Kuroo was wary of what Bokuto said to him at that meeting. He wasn’t going to take any chances, but you understood where he was coming from. It was boring not being able to leave the fancy mansion you lived in, but you made your boyfriend make it up by letting him by you all sorts of gifts to apologize.

But after a while of nothing happening, your boyfriend lets you go on a shopping spree to make up for your boredom and loss of time. But you couldn’t leave until you brought extra bodyguards to look out for you. Annoying as it was, you obliged. There was no use in arguing because if you did, he probably wouldn’t have let you out. The whole threatening fiasco didn’t bother you one bit. You couldn’t count how many times people have said that to him and nothing has ever happened to you. You believed that nothing was going to happen this time around.

You were walking down the empty street after a successful day of shopping, having every single one of your bodyguards hold bags of clothes, accessories, shoes, food, things that you couldn’t resist buying. You skipped along the sidewalk, feeling happy and free, the warmth of the setting sun and the blow of the oncoming evening wind was making you feel content with life. You wonder if your bodyguards were feeling the same. Speaking of bodyguards, they were being awfully quiet. Spinning around, you realized that you were alone.

You paused, stunned frozen.

Where were your bodyguards? All of a sudden, several men appeared out of the shadows of the alleys. You sighed in relief, realizing that it was just your bodyguards pulling a prank on you.

“You scared me! How could you leave me alone like that!” you jokingly scolded them. But they were indeed not your bodyguards. The smile that was on your face was quick to drop upon realization. You took a few steps back, trying to get away from these men who were getting closer and closer to you. But you were stopped, running into someone’s chest. You looked up to see who it was and all of a sudden, everything turned black.

When you woke up, you found yourself sitting on a chair, arms wrapped together and duct tape covered your mouth. It didn’t take long to realize that you’ve been kidnapped. The classic empty warehouse and burning fire in a can was proof of that. You checked your surroundings and was surprised to see that your legs weren’t tied together. You weren’t blindfolded either, but you were tied down to the chair. It wasn’t long after you woke up that Bokuto makes his appearance, sitting backwards in a chair right in front of you. He looked happy to see you but you couldn’t say the same. You slanted your eyes at him, disinterested in whatever he wants to say or do. You tried to keep your composure by being still and keeping a poker face, because if you didn’t, you don’t know what he’ll do to you.

“Good morning, beautiful,” Bokuto greeted you. “You’re probably wondering why you’re not tied up.” He starts, then rips the duct tape off your mouth and cuts the ropes around your arms. Then he leans down to your level and smirks.

“Because I know you’re not going to run away. Look at you shaking,” he says and looks you up and down then going back to his chair. It was true. You were shaking. You’ve never been in this situation before. You’ve always imagined it: being nonchalant and bored of all the empty threats and your savior of a boyfriend would come save you from all the madness. But now you were second guessing yourself, now being caught in this situation. You were shaking, but you were still going to stand up for yourself. That’s what Kuroo taught you to do.

“You’re not going to get away with this. Kuroo is going to save me and you’ll regret ever doing this to me,” you ran your mouth. But Bokuto doesn’t respond. So you go on. “Kuroo is the strongest fighter I know. He could kick your ass in his sleep. You don’t even look like a fighter. I bet you’d do down so easy!” You said that anything that came to mind. Yet, Bokuto continued to stare at you with a bored expression. And that made you nervous.

“I would never date you. You’re ugly, mean, and-and… you suck!” you couldn’t come up with any good comebacks. But for some reason, that set him off. He stands up so fast that it knocks the chair over and that shuts you up real quick. He walks over to you, duct taping your mouth again.

“Noisy bitch. Maybe this’ll shut you up,” he says and tightly seals your lips shut with the silver tape. He then grabs your chin to look up at him. You glare up at him, already tired of how rough he was handling you. He tilts your face from side to side, getting a good look at you.

“See, you’re prettier when your silent,” he comments. He looks down at the tape and frowns. He tapped the tape that was over your mouth over and over again, like there was something missing. Bokuto opens the palm of his hand and one of his guys puts a bright red lipstick in his hand. With a swift action, he pulls the cap off with his teeth and applies the lipstick on the duct tape that outlines your lips. He spits the lid on the floor and smirks.

“There, that’s better,” he says. He grabs your chin again and pulls you in for a kiss. You struggle to get out of his grip but he was stronger than he looked. When Bokuto pulled away, the lipstick was smeared across his lips, but didn’t seem to care. He was about to say something until he heard screaming and grunts of pain. He turns around just in time to see your boyfriend getting thrown on the floor, all bloodied and beaten up. You gasp, tears beginning to form at the sight.

This was wrong. That couldn’t be your boyfriend. There was no way. Your boyfriend was strong. He beat up and sometimes even killed when anybody got in his way. How could this have happened?

Kuroo was thrown on the floor and a handful of men continued to beat him up, kicking him in all places. You shook your head in denial, not even wanting to watch but couldn’t look away. Bokuto was loving everything. Your expression. Kuroo’s sounds of pain. He was getting a kick that things were turning out how he had planned.

“Look who decided to show up,” Bokuto kneels down to his level, grabbing a handful of hair and picking him up to show his face. Blood was dripped down the sides of his face, from his nose and mouth, his cheeks were bruised and he looked like he was about to pass out.

“Let her go,” Kuroo barely manages to let out. Bokuto clicks his tongue and shakes his head.

“I told you, didn’t I? I want her. Anything you want to say to your little girlfriend for the last time?” Bokuto allows him to say some final words. But Kuroo was too out of it to comprehend what he was saying.

“What about girlfriend over here!” he exclaims, presenting you perfectly fine and free from any scratches. Bokuto rips the duct tape off and cries ripped from your throat.

“Kuroo Tetsurou! You better get up! Stand up please! Fight back!” you cry but that just causes Kuroo to get more kick and punches to his body. Large tears escaped your eyes and you couldn’t stop the sounds of agony coming from your mouth.

“You’re the best fighter around, right? Fight back please!” you begged him. Getting beat up, okay. But not even trying to fight back? That’s not the Kuroo you know. What was wrong with him? Why was he allowing them to do this to him? Kuroo looks up and faces you with a smile.

“I can’t let you get hurt, baby girl,” he professes. And that just breaks your heart. More sobs escaped your mouth but the sounds of skin hitting skin was louder. Kuroo was being tossed around, kicked, punched, spit at. Blood was stained everywhere, and you didn’t know what to do. Even though he was getting beat up so badly, he was still standing. And that seemed to annoy Bokuto. Time was ticking and he was getting impatient. If he was doing to die like that, then he was going to have to do it himself. Bokuto pulls the gun out of his pocket, aiming for Kuroo. You see it just in time and as if your feet were moving on it’s own, you run to shield him before he gets shot. The moment you touched him, you heard the gun shot and everything went black

The feeling of soft sheets under your fingers woke you up. You jolted awake, sitting up in the bed that was all too familiar to you. You were at home, but how did you get here? You checked your body all over but there were no signs of pain or even wound marks. There was no bullet, no bruises, no scarring. So, what the hell happened? Then your mind went to your boyfriend. Getting right out of bed, you ran to his room and he was resting in bed, bandages covering his shoulder.

“Kuroo,” you called out to him, running to his side and grabbing his hand. He shifts in his position, sighing deeply. Then he brings your hand to his lips, placing a small but meaningful kiss on your knuckles.

“You’re up, my dear,” he says as a fact, eyes barely open. Concern washed over you and so many questions came to mind. You didn’t know what to ask first.

“How-what-but I… I took the gun shot for you,” you tried to recall what happened. Kuroo knocks your forehead and you pout.

“You think you’re so slick. I saw what you were trying to do. I flipped you over just in time. Now I have this to remember,” and then points to his shoulder with the bandage. He took the bullet for you. You pout again, feeling bad. Not only did he get beaten up pretty badly, but he also got shot that night? That was supposed to be your job.

“If I didn’t get shot, then why did I pass out?” you questioned, more to yourself.

“I think you passed out from the shock, baby,” he comforted you. It made sense… but when you looked at your boyfriend in this condition, it made you upset. You started to burst into tears and hit him in the chest.

“You idiot!” you yell, accidentally hitting the place he got shot and he jumps up in pain. But you cuddle right up to him to make up for it. But you thought he deserved it.

“What about Bokuto?” you shot up and looked at Kuroo was worry written all over your face. He softly smiles at you and pets your hair.

“We all retreated. For now. But it’s not over,” he tells you. Oh, it is far from over. This is actually just the beginning.

#kuroo x reader #kuroo tetsurou #kuroo tetsuro angst #kuroo oneshot #haikyuu kuroo #kuroo imagine #haikyuu imagine #mafia au #bokuto kotartou

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hitoshisbabygirl · 3 years

Text

Author's Notes ♡: okay uhm the more characters I do the more I’m learning I’m a simp-

Anyways welcome to another BNHAREM collab that I had the pleasure to be in! I had fun trying to turn our league of villains leader into a hero/vigilante! A quick side note, his personality here is more of what I think he could’ve been/acted like if he was treated better and taught how to control his quirk without hate qwq without further waiting here’s my addition to the already wonderful collaborators! Make sure to check their stories out too in the masterlist! ~ bunny ❥

Warnings : None!! Fluffy and awkward Shiggy for the win! Also please ignore typos if any they’ll be fixed later </3

Word count : 3.5K

Paring(s) : Tomura Shigaraki x F! Reader

Summary : When the city you live in is rampant with villains what happens when your seabed by a cold and off putting vigilante (that’s my best summary I’m sorry </3)

Enjoy ♡

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Turning off the TV [ ] couldnt help the trembling of her hands as she realized the mayhem that had been spurring the last couple of weeks with the new arrival of villain groups wasnt subsiding. life was hard , the struggle of not to take the news seriously and feeling like all hope was lost was a common feeling between each day, the chore of getting up early during the daylight time so you could get what you needed before crime became rampant was adreanline fueld.. It was nerveracking, living your life on the edge and feeling unable to believe the ones in and on duty would protect you. After weighing the options about staying in or hurrying down the street for food before the curfew kicked in [ ] reluctantly got up, grabbing her keys , phone and a light jacket as she headed throught the decrepit streets, hearing the distant sirens that never failed to doing their job of setting her nerves ablaze. As she saw the neon signs of the store ahead of her she was able to enter and grab quite a lot of things, the warm feeling of being safe surrounding her as she heard more and more sounds from blocks ahead. “Are you okay sweetie?”

An older lady with a young man asked the anxious girl, a smile on her face as she answered the woman “Ah yeah im sorry ma’am just trying to find the best way home without being in the crossfire” Shaking her head in agreement the older woman spoke again “Its running rampant out there, its why i brought my grandson with me” ponting to the male beside her he gave [ ] a smile, holding a bag fro the lady “Now you be safe dearie, look both ways and use the lights to guide you home!” Waving to the pair [ ] felt a bit more relived as she started the shorter but dreaded walk back to her townhome. The area was better than most in cities, just because of how it wasnt in the full downtown that was in a disarray. Even so it was still dangerous and hearing a loud crash and explosion from in front of where [ ] was walking could never be a good thing. As she walked further she saw a group of people blowing up a strip that included a jewelry spot, a small back and shopping center she knew something bad would happen if she got any closer. Walking backward she headed to an abandoned alleyway, slowly trying to get herself in a safe distance away from whoever was destroying the buildings. As she got into a corner she could hear the people talk and yell, the sound of glass breaking and another boom. Jumping form the sound of the explosion getting closer she moved into a doorway of one of the undisturbed buildings in the strip.

Soon however she felt a hand on her arm as one of the guys caught her. As [ ] tried to fight them off she head them chuckle, one taking her face in his hand as the others tried to go through her bags “Well well well hello ther girl, whatcha doing in the Scorpions part of town” One of the men, who [ ] presumed was the leader snared at her, grinning when she turend her ace away from his. Pulling her face back to his he tried to get her to talk, pushing her cheeks together as he laughed “I like them feisty , why dont you just be nice to me and my guys huh?” before she could form her lips to try to get a smart response a sound of pain came from one of the destroyed buildings. Catching the leaders attention he called out to someone before they all heard a yell of watch out. The building, which they had destroyed was now falling over and onto them who were in its path. All [ ] knew was that the guy who grabbed her arm let her go and shoved her before everything whent black.

A cracking sound , one of breaking concrete broke through [ ]’s head as she opened her eyes to blackness, everything around her covered in the sheet of night as the same cracking sound could be heard. Soon a faint voice could be heard from above her. Lightly she yelped which mustve been enough for whoever was above her as teh cracking sound got lounder before she could see light from the moon above her “H-hey is ther someone down there?” A voice called out as [ ] yelled back to them “O-oh yes! Please help me im stuck and i cant move!” She yelled as she felt her leg get tighter as she tried to wiggle.

“Cover your face if you can” The now more male sound voice said as she did such, felling pieces of cement and gravel touch her arms as she moved them to see long whitish blue hair appear before a gloved hand reached out “Can you reach?” The mystery male asked as she jumped up bepfre yeliping in pain. Hearing the sound the male took his ungloved hand and seemilngly dissolved more concreate taht held her and her leg in place. “Hold on….Im coming dont move, you could hurt yourself if you do.” Hopping dwon the hole with her the male saw how she was twisted in her spot and pained expression that covered her facial features. Faced with a challenge the male gave her his gloved hand as he used the uncovered one to break up the rocks and concrete that held her still “Just a little more okay? Youre close I almost got you” He reassured. Soon [ ] felt herself slip up and into the arms of the mystery man who she noticed had his face covered. As he brought her out of the ruble and into the light from the mood and streetlights she looked at her savior. He wasnt large in stature but her was fit and quite strong to pull her up with one arm. Feeling the girl he just saved staring at him , the male turned to her and simply stated “You should go home” Before starting to head off “W-wait! Please, let me thank you properly. You didnt have to save me yet you did” She said as he turned to her “......Theres no need to thank me, just doing what the heroes arent” Starting to walk again [ ] couldnt help chewing her lip before running to join his side “Well can i at least thank you properly , or just get your name and be able to find you again?” stopping in his tracks he moved his hair from his face before crimson eyes glanced at her “Tomura” He said “Huh..?” “My name...Tomura..or MC” He whispered as she shook her head “Tomura...okay well thank you Tomura for saving me , my names [ ]”

Shaking his head Tomura started off again, shoving his gloved hands in his pockets, this time heading off for good. As he trucked along [ ] heard the sirens appear closer to the damage that was the destroyed store that covered the criminals that tried to get her before. Starting to walk off her own she noticed a shining necklace on the ground. Picking it up she noticed it was one you could put pictures in it. Peeking inside she saw a woman with black hair holing a little boy with just as black ahir and piercing red eyes, the woman happily smiling as she held the child. Closing the locket she took with her , feeling strangely drawn to it. As she heaaded home she thought about the mysterious Tomura, someone who looked like a normal civilian like her and others seemd to have a strong quirk, and was more than what he seemed on the outside

As a few days turned into a week rolled on [ ] noticed that the streets were still bad, but the men who had cornered her had been captured after the building had collapsed. Feeling herself sigh and relax [ ] headed for the store once again, this time during the day as she needed to replace the food she had tried getting before that was lost during the the collapse. As she left once again she saw a familiar tuff of periwinkle hair go around the corner. Peeking her interest she followed himas she heard him curse under his breath before turning around straight into her “ow, wait….its you again” He huffed as his crimson eyes looked into hers “Yep! Hey tomu!” The quirky nickname caused head to fill in the mans face as he was glad it was covered. “[ ]....hello” He said back as he continued to pace around the old scene that stil had some concrete in the land “Whatcha looking for…?” She asked as he still looked around “Something important of mines” “Well can i help out?” Sighing Tomura turned to the hopeful girl that for some reason, didnt bother him as many did

“Fine. its a silver locket..” pausing [ ] thought about the locket she found when they first met “It….wouldnt happen to have a woman and a boy in it would it?” As soon as she said that the periwrinkle haired boy turend to her “You found it? Where” reaching out he went to grab her hands only to stop himself and put them at his sides. Ignoring the gesture as nerves she gave him a smile “Well..I found it the day you saved me, it was actually in the rubble” looking at the sparkling eyes of Tomura she couldn’t help but let her smile grow before sighing “Only thing is...it’s at my house now” still looking at him he gave her a smile behind his covering before shaking his own head “That’s fine..if you don’t mind me coming with you, or you just bring it I’m not really.,,yeah” Giggling at his nervousness [. ] put her hand ont his shoulder “It’s fine! Uhm..have you ate dinner yet? I can even cook you something!” Holding up her bag Tomura felt his heart thump as he agreed to eat with her, the two headed for her place.

Looking around Tomura noticed how clean and kept together her place was. It was warm, and inviting, something he wasn’t too used to “I’m sorry it’s a mess here! I was trying to move things around and make it look better but..I feel like it’s still weird!” Laughing she turned to face the powder blue haired boy who stood still in her doorway. “You can come in or would you need a helping hand?” She teased as she held her hand out. Hesitantly held his gloved hand out before pulling away slightly “S-sorry im just.. nervous” he said softly before [. ] gave him a knowing smile, before taking a step back “Well there’s no rush, take a seat and get comfortable, I’ll get your locket and I’ll start dinner!” Walking away [. ] went to her bedroom as Tomura sat there looking at his hands. They held so much fear in them, life and death. Over the years he learned how to control his power, even able to touch things without gloves and them not dissolve. But witr him nervous, he was afraid one wrong touch would hurt or even worse...destroy the one nice person he’d ever met in the midst of the all of the mayhem. In the mist of him thinking [. ] came back and saw him.

Feeling bad and not sure of how to approach him she tenderly held the locket and placed it on the table, which snapped him from his thoughts “Here you are! I did clean the silver so it was more shiny and not as dingy from the dirt” taking the piece from her hands Tomura place it down to see it better than he remembered and still having his grandmother and him inside of it. “Thank you [ ]. It means...alot to me, more thna youd ever know” Going into her kitchen she started some rice as she tried small talk with him “So...have you always been a vigilante?” Thinking abut the response her messed with a piece of his hair “ Well no...i wanted to be a hero one day but...my quirk is less helpful and more destructive” starting to get the steaks out she seasoned then placed them in the oven before siting down at the table with him “I think the power to disintegrate things could be wonderful as a rescuer! Hell you even saved me! And think if you didnt have that quirk , how would you get me out? Plus youre strong, you got me out with only a hand, youre really strong Tomu” Crimson eyes barely met her gaze.

Seeing her own energy mads him smile, hidden beind the mask he wore. “Uhm...may I?” Reaching for a hand [ ] looked at his eyes aas he wavered, sliding them away from her own “When i get nervous i feel like i loose control” Tomura said before [ ] just gently place her pinky on the glove “Im not afraid taht youd hurt me , i trust you okay?” Taking more of his hand in hers she rubbed the back of his glove, feeling the way he tensed wehn she traced his knuckles “See? Its okay yknow!” Smiling she got up to check the food, failing to see the way Tomura was going though a crisis under his mask, face flushing as she stirred and turned it off , letting both the rice and steak cool a bit before serving. Turning around [ ] saw how handsome her savior was. A soft , almost baby looking face was hidden under that protective mask , turned in a small frown as he fiddled with his hands “Wow...youre handsome” Scaring him from his thoughts Tomura couldnt hide the red that flushed his face as she giggled “Thanks...Ive never been told that before” Hearing him say that made [ ]’s heart twinge before grabbing two plates “Well they must not know the true beauty under your mask hm?” bringing over what she made she sat in front of him, handing him a fork before sitting infront of him “Here ya go! I wont say im a chief but I enjoy cooking yknow?” Now able to see him smile without a protection over majority of his face [ ] couldnt help her heart speeding up as he did. A comfortable silence feel between them as they ate and finished dinner, occasional jokes and small talk happening between them. She learned more about the powder blue haired male, that he wanted to be a hero but because he could disintegrate , they made fun of him and called him a villain instead. But finding a locket with a note attached from his grandmother changed that. She was strong, and a hero herself. She encouraged him to be one, for them to meet someday when he was older and him to become a great hero. It kept him strong, and its how hes a vigilante now. Happy to know more of his story [ ] explained how she wanted to be one too, but also wanted to make uniforms for them. The two went on into the night, talking about the issues outside and the running rapid of the villains whileist other things. Tomura learned that she liked video games which opened a whole new world of things thye could do together.

As midnight rolled around he started to get up , grabbing his things which caught [ ]’s attention “Your leaving?” Looking back at the doe like eyes he couldn't help but sigh and smile at her “Yeah...should go out and see whats to been seen” before he left she got up and strolled over to him “Well its unsafe out there, could you...maybe..stay?” With each word her voice got quieter before she was just silent, messing with his fingers “You want me to stay with you?” Tomura asked before she shook her head, eyes meeting his “Yknow youre nice..and i am a bit of a drifter..” Thinking over the odds out loud he gave her a small smile “Ill stay”

And that's how it was for weeks, them staying together in [ ]’s home, eating together, playing games, shopping for groceries. It was a comfortable thing between the two, sharing the place together like roomates. Tomura was like her protector, not letting her get very far without him and [ ] took care of him when he was injured or just needed reassurance. All and all everything was good except….he knew he had fell for her. [ ] was sweeet to him, gentle and overall just careful of how she helped him. She didnt rush him to anything, was gentle and gave him time to relax and to be comfortable with her. It was painful, for them to be close but yet have different opinions on how they feel about being close and for Tomura it was harder than usual for him having a crush on her.

Fiddling with a pen in the kitchen, Tomura heard [ ] come down the hall , skipping up to him as she gave him a smile he learned he was smitten for “Hey Tomu whatcha up to?” she asked as he gave her a smile of his own back “Ah just thinking about something….whats up?” He asked as the girl came over and gave him a hug, something he wasn’t used to but something he craved every day more than he’d like to admit. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders he chuckled as she slightly squeezed him tighter “Just wanted to check on you that’s all.” Going to move away [. ] felt Tomura pull her closer, burying his face atop her head “Tomu...whats wrong?” She asked as he said nothing, tightly holding her even more as she rubbed his back, knowing this was his silent way of showing he was worried about something “wh’ nt y be m’ plr wo” the male said, muffled on her head. Laughing, she moved her chin to his chest “What're you talking about?” He reluctantly pulled away , their eyes locking as he soon looked down, scratching his arm “I..nothing...thinking out loud. Don’t worry about it” Beofre he could slip away she grabbed his arm, turnighg him back to her. “Tomura...what is it?” Chewing his bottom lip he sided before taking her hand in his, rubbing the smooth skin with his rough glove “I said..why can’t you be my player two” Blinking almost comically [. ] giggled “Well I can be! What game do you wanna play?” Shaking his head Tomura dropped her hand , stepping back as he barely glanced at her “This game called life [. ]...I want to...have you around me all the time, I..really cherish having someone so sweet to me and who cares about me and how I feel..you make me feel more alive and comfortable in my skin then I’ve ever felt before..and I..want to be selfish and make you mine..” He finished with a sigh before looking out the window “ But I know you won’t feel the same so..it’s quite alright”

As soon as he said that he felt a hand at the back of his shirt, pulling him back to his crush, a woman he couldn’t face and now that he laid his feelings out he didn’t want her to pity him. “Tomura look at me” Hearing his full name scared him but Turning around he was surprised to see [. ]’s small smile growing to a larger one once he faced her “Here, give me your hand” Holding her own out he put his hand in hers. To make him even more disarray she undid his gloved to reveal his hands, damaged and scarred from before he could control his powers. Soon he felt soft lips his the bare skin, which every kiss an electric shock went through his body before he felt her fingers lace in his. Wide crimson eyes looked at soft [. ] ones as she took in a breath “I..I’m so happy you told me Tomu, I was afraid you were gonna leave here aha..” letting out a soft laugh she unwrapped a hand to hold his face “I would love to be your player two, I’ll be here for you as long as you need me okay?” Giving her a slight pout he barely lifted his own hand to trace a pinky on her cheek “But what if I need you forever” laughing again and moving closer she stood on her toes to rub noses “Then that’s what it’ll be” Becore he could stop himself he realeased her hand and pressed his lips against hers, hearing the soft gasp she let out as he pushed his lips harder on hers before he felt her relax, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him back just as hard. As the kiss got from hard and desperate they slowly started to get more intimate, the kiss softening up until Tomura pulled away breathless as [. ] was too, the both of them letting out light giggles “Wow..that was..” “Great..” Finishing his sentence [. ] gave him another hug, the two of them holding eachother in the middle of the floor “Hey [. ]..” he said as she hummed, before he continued “Let’s kiss again” Giggling she moved her head to meet his , lips sealing for another round of needed affection, the Rü them of their hearts drowning out the mayhem that brought them together.

#my hero academia #bnha #boku no hero academia #bnha x reader #bnharem collab #shigaraki x reader #shigaraki tomura #shigaraki x y/n #reader x shigaraki #shigaraki fluff

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risquefanfics457 · 3 years

Note

S/o Sleepover with the Dwuang + yong Joseph ?

I’m sorry, personal stuff has been crazy, I hope it’s okay with just Okuyasu and Josuke and Joseph.

The Duwang first has the idea when Okuyasu says that he has never had a sleepover. Josuke pounces on the chance and shakes him around, “DUDE!”

“What?”

Koichi chimes in “We should have a big sleepover!”

Josuke hops around in a small circle like a kid on Christmas eve. “We should do it at your house!”

After that, the plan was set, Two days from then, from 7:00pm to 10:00am.

Josuke

“Y/N, Y/N! Are you ready for the best night ever?”

He is so friggin excited! He is packing early and buying snacks and everything!

Blankets are a yes, big ones so he can snuggle next to you. He is stoked to get his chill on.

Bam! Romantic movie, BAM, Marvel, BAM, oh, some DVD about him as a baby. He brings it to his mom, “What is this doing with the movies?” Tomoko laughs and tells him it was just a keepsake she made herself when he was small. You yank in out of his hands and pack it in with the rest of your stuff for the sleepover.

Totally worth it.

By the time you guys are almost all settled after watching Captain America, you whip out the DVD much to Josuke’s surprise. “Y/N! No!!!”

You slide it in and watch a small wrinkly infant appear on screen. Bald.

Josuke sighs in defeat.

“Josuke, you were bald as a baby?” Yukako snickers.

“Hey, like you are one to judge me! You were probably just a baby... made of- hair or something!” Josuke defends.

It doesn’t make a lot of sense but as the slideshow progresses you can see him with some black tuft on his little head. From his first smiles and giggles to rolling over. This must have meant a lot to Tomoko. The more you watched, he gets bigger and bigger and his hair grows out until by age 4, the famous pompadour makes it daybout. He slowly grows more and more confident and your boyfriend slides up to you and puts his hand on yours and you wrap each other in one of the many blankets Okuyasu had.

“You sure grew up to be handsome.”

He smiles.

“You were adorable though.”

“I’m not adorable...” He pouts. “I’m... masculine, and-”

You kiss him “And mine.”

Okuyasu

Shoot. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.

On the day of the sleepover he shouts, “Y/N! You’ve gotta help me!!!” He wraps his arms around your waist and slowly sinks to the floor. “I dunno what I’m doing...” He actually starts tearing up.

“Oku, you’re gonna be fine. I’ve got you.”

You start by picking out a room for the sleepover to take place, “Living room would be good, right?” Okuyasu sets up a metric ton on blankets on the floor. “Is that enough blankets?”

You giggle, “More than enough, babe.”

“Oh thank god, I spend my months allowance on this stuff.”

“So, Josuke is bringing snacks and movies, and Koichi and Yukako are bringing games and activities, we just need to have the place decorated and music.

You make a quick stop at your house and grab a bunch of fairy lights and by the store to pick up the latest album you had been saving for and you phone Josuke and tell him to bring a CD player for music.

When the time comes, everybody is awed by the lights and the enormous pillowfort from all of Okuyasu’s blankets. When Josuke goes to set up the movies Okayasu pulls you aside, “Thank you, Y/N. I couldn’t have gotten this to look as good as it is without you.” He awkwardly scratches the back of his neck. You reach up and cup his cheeks in your hands, “Anything for you babe.” You give hima quick peck and slip away to go watch

Young Joseph

“Oh, Y/N!~”

You stop what you’re doing and follow the sound of his voice to him. “Y/N! Guess what?!”

You smile and shrug.

“Tonight, Lisa Lisa has Caesar and I pulling an all nighter! She wants us to spend all night awake without a wink of sleep, she says it’ll show resilience, or something, but do you know what that means?”

“Hamon training?” You ask.

“NO! SLEEPOVER!” He practically swings you around, “My best friend and my lover, having a whole night of fun together!”

“You made that sound really weird, Joseph.”

“My bad, but we can hang out all night, that’s like...”

You sit and wit for him to do the math in his head and then count on his fingers...

“8+ hours for anything!”

You smirk, “So, what’s the plan? Some booze and and music?”

“Precisely! I got some stuff in my room and then we just need a couple records and we’ve got a night of fun!”

“Okay, I get it. But don’t ever call it that again.”

The night begins with Joseph rushing into Caesar’s room yelling, “I BROUGHT TEQUILA!”

You brought some makeup with you, Joseph said you should but you weren't expecting 2+ hours to be dedicated to ‘Joseph’s Drag Show’. You enjoyed it but Caesar just sat in the corner just shaking his head. Joseph frequently begged Caesar to let him put makeup on his face, with that a new competition began. Whoever falls asleep first gets a full face of makeup.

They played ‘Never have I ever’ with shots, and just competed over who was better with ladies, in the end, they both got super drunk, it was never decided because they threw hands and passed out. You were still somewhat sober and decided to cake both of them in makeup.

#okuyasu #okuyasu nijimura #okuyasu x reader #josuke higashitaka #josuke x reader #i love josuke #josuke higashikata x reader #josuke #joesph #joseph joestar #joseph x reader #joseph joestar x reader #sleepover headcannons

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lovequartz · 4 years

Text

gardenias & bloodroot

₊˚. pairing: sailor!vernon x fairy!reader

₊˚. genre: fairy + post-dystopia au, fluff, angst

₊˚. warnings: self-mutulation, brief mentions of violence

₊˚. word count: 3.7k+

₊˚. we are both salt water mixed with air

₊˚. notes: im so very excited to be posting here and i hope you all enjoy this little word souffle my tinie brain whipped up

The first time Chwe Hansol lays eyes on you he’s staring more so at the peach in your hand than your face. He’d agreed to watch over Joshua’s peach stall while the latter ran off to run an errand. “I’ll be back soon, it’ll be like I never even left.” His friend promised him with that signature Joshua Hong twinkle in his eye. Vernon didn’t believe him, of course, he knew Joshua. He had zoned out and now realized that you were here to buy peaches, obviously.

“Joshua isn’t here today?” Your voice is warm, like honey on just toasted bread. It takes him a moment to register your question and the tip of his ears burns as he gives you a delayed answer. “Joshua went to run an errand, he’ll be back soon if you want to wait for him?” You give him a sweet smile. “I see,” you set down the peach in your hand, “and..you are?” Vernon wipes his palms against the denim of his jeans, and offers his hand to you. “Vernon, friend of Joshua.” You let out a small laugh as you take his larger hand in your smaller one, shaking it. “It’s very nice to meet you Vernon, friend of Joshua.” Your eyes are teasing.

He moves to take his hand out of yours but instead you turn it over, now both your hands are holding his one. You brush your thumb across his palm and suddenly he feels heat rush to his face. He’s not sure why but he feels as though he should be embarrassed. “What do you do for work? Farming like Joshua?” Your eyes leave his hand and meet his as you finish your question. “No,” Vernon pauses to center his thoughts, “I work on a ship. I’m a sailor.” You nod, seemingly happy to have your answer. You release his hand and put yours in the pockets of your dress. “You have a working man’s hands, I should’ve guessed sailor.” He opens his mouth to reply but Joshua appears behind you.

The peach farmer pats your shoulders and you turn to give him a grin. “Good afternoon favorite customer.” He says cheerily, releasing you to stand behind his fruits with Vernon. “Hello Joshua,” you reply, “I think playing hooky is frowned upon in the business world.” Joshua rolls his eyes playfully and reaches down to grab something from behind the stall. He presents you with a bag. “5 of my best just for you.” You take the bag from him and open it to take a peek. They’re perfectly round and that beautiful red-yellow, just about ripe. “You spoil me.”

You set the bag of peaches down to reach into the tote hanging on your shoulder, pulling out the amount you owe and a little bit extra. You’ve worn Joshua down into accepting the few more bills you always give him a long time ago and he knows not to argue with you. “Well I’ll be going then, can’t be taking up too much of your time.” You say as you tuck the peaches into your tote and slip it back on your shoulder. Your eyes flit to Vernon, who’s been silently watching your exchange with his friend. “It was very nice to meet you, again. Take care.” The sweet smile returns for a moment before you turn to walk away, disappearing into the crowd.

“You don’t usually chat up people like that.” The twinkle is back in the older man’s eyes and Vernon can’t help but roll his. “Don’t roll your eyes at me, I”m serious! I saw the hand-holding Mr. Chwe.” “It wasn’t hand-holding.” Vernon replies, bumping Joshua’s shoulder with his own. “Well whatever it was it seemed pretty intimate to me.” The coy look on the strawberry blonde’s face is nothing short of irritating but Vernon just sighs and pulls the apron he’s wearing off. “Goodbye Joshua.”

The next time Vernon sees you is on the docks, his ship just coming in from a long morning but a successful catch. Once they anchor and he ties the ship up the rest of the crew unloads, taking the morning’s haul to the market. “Good work today gentlemen.” The booming voice of his captain, Choi Seungcheol, exclaims. “Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon, you’re free to go. Rest up, I’ll see you three next week.” The men exchange farewells, and as he turns to make his way back into town he sees you. You’re crouched enticing one of the dock kittens to play by waving your shoelaces at it, the small animal pounces back and forth trying to swat at them. Your tinkling laughter and the joy in your eyes pulls at his heartstrings.

“What brings you here?” He manages to walk up to you without startling you or the kitten playing at your feet. Your eyes snap up to meet his, and a smile blooms on your face at the sight of him, he wants to live in that smile he thinks. “Hello yourself sailor Vernon.” You reply, patting the kitten on its small head before standing. “Spying on me now, are you?” He teases, taking in you in your striped shirt and patterned socks that aren’t quite a pair. “Wouldn’t you like to know,” you tease him right back, and he grins. “Actually, I was harvesting,” you continue, motioning to the purple flowers sticking out of your ever present tote, “but my curiosity got the best of me so here I am.”

“Are you a florist?” Vernon asks, trying to match the flowers you’re carrying to a name. You shake your head, “I wish. I’m an herbalist, nothing as elegant as a florist.” He nods, “Well what did you manage to pick today? I don’t think I know what plant that is.” You pluck one of them out of your bag and lay it flat in your palms. “It’s sea lavender, I’m using it to treat this little girl. She gets terrible mouth ulcers, and I can’t get this where I live so I have to come down here.” Vernon drinks your words up like a man thirsty, he might truly be enamored with you.

At some point in your conversation the two of you take a seat on the docks, kicking your feet above the surface water below. Vernon tells you about his ship crew, his captain Seungcheol is a fierce and compassionate leader. Second mate Wonwoo, a navigational specialist, can direct the correct path even in the most ruthless of sea storms. Mingyu, who can cook a mean meal, oversees the ship’s supplies and maintenance.

“I think you’ve talked about just everyone on your crew except yourself. What’s your specialty, sailor Vernon?” Your eyes twinkle, and his ears redden at the nickname. “I wouldn’t say I have a specialty, but I’m in charge of the ropes and sails.” He says, his hand rubbing at the back of his neck. You listen intently as Vernon explains the details of his role, and he itches to hold your face in his hands.

“I should probably get going.” You sigh as you glance at the sun and how far it has sunken in the sky. “Me too.” Vernon agrees, standing and holds his hands out for you to take. Your fingers wrap around his as he gently pulls you to your feet. Smiling, you give his hands a thankful squeeze before releasing them. “I-I could walk you home? If you want me to, that is.” His sincerity is enough to make you swoon. “Well, I don’t know if Joshua told you, but I actually live in the next town over. You can walk me to the trolley though, if you don’t mind.” Vernon nods eagerly at your suggestion which pulls a giggle out of you. He really was too cute for his own good.

The trolley hasn’t left yet, thankfully. It seems you and Vernon had arrived just on time. “This is me,” You motion to the vehicle, “thanks for the wonderful conversation and everything that followed. You’re very kind, sailor Vernon.” He gives you a boyish grin. “You’re welcome. Stay safe on your way home.”

There are dates with Vernon after that. He brings you to the ocean and splashes you with seawater, as if you’re two children without a care in the world. You take him to the forest, teaching him about plants and their healing abilities. There’s hand-holding and shy laughter. Cheek kisses and two people brimming with joy and fondness.

“He has eyes like a doe, they’re so gentle and filled with kindness.” You practically coo to Jun, who merely listens as the two of you enjoy the sunlight on the stone steps of your small cottage home. “I’ve never heard you talk about anyone like this before.” Jun muses in response. You offer hima grinin response. “Vernon isn’t like anyone I’ve ever met before.” The man next to you shrugs. “Will you tell him?” The question makes a shiver go down your spine and you look away. “I don’t know.” “Well if you do decide to, just,” Jun pauses, “be careful. There are still people out there who would pay a pretty penny for fairy wings.”

Jun’s words throb inside your head hours after your conversation with him. He’s right, of course, there could be disastrous not to mention dangerous consequences to telling Vernon the truth about yourself. You have to see your mother.

The museum of fairy wings is a peculiar building, white with gothic style architecture. It sits on a hill and overlooks the sea. You take a seat on one of the small benches scattered throughout the building, facing the wall in which the wings are displayed. Your eyes search before finding the pair of wings you’re looking for.

The wings encased are rounded at the tips, orange fades into yellow, top to bottom. Their translucent shine brightens under the fluorescents and gardenias surround them half-circled. The little plaque under the glass frame reads ‘Gardenia’ etched into bronze. The smaller text is a name, Hong Jiyu, the procurer.

Hong Jiyu is Joshua’s paternal grandmother, the procurer of the fairy wings behind the glass, the wings that were once attached to a wife and a mother. Your mother.

The first time you saw Joshua hate rushed through you so red-hot you thought your skin was burning. You watched him for days, wondering how you would hurt him. How you’d cause his family the same pain and suffering they’d caused you. But Joshua wasn’t his grandmother.

He was softhearted and good-natured. A farmer with broad shoulders and strawberry blonde hair. He knows everything there is to know about peaches and children revel in his presence. He has a smile that makes the butterflies in your stomach frenzy.

So you forgave. Your mother wasn’t coming back, and hurting Joshua wouldn’t change that. You went to his stall in the market one day and bought a peach, took it home and sliced it up. You ate it outside, in the grass of your yard and cried like the day you were born. You never stopped buying peaches from Joshua after that.

Vernon didn’t know why you wanted to meet him inside the museum. He also didn’t expect it to be a place you frequented. The only experience he had with it really was when Joshua’s grandma would take them when they were little, showing them her 'trophies’. He shudders at the memory.

You were seated, on a bench, staring at the green-yellow wings Joshua’s grandma loved to show off. Her favorite.

Vernon quietly made his way behind you, careful not to alert you of his presence. Hands slide in front of your eyes effectively obscuring your vision, and your lips curl into a smile. "Well hello to you too.” You say, your fingers hooking around his to pull them from your face. “Hi.”

He takes the spot next to you, hand taking yours to link your fingers. “One of your regular haunts?” You let out a chuckle. “Something like that.” The two of you sit in comfortable silence and Vernon’s thumb traces the back of your hand.

“Why are you really here?” If Vernon is one thing it is observant. You sigh before training your eyes on your mother’s wings. “Do you ever think about the people these wings were attached to?” You shift your gaze to his face. “Were they mothers? Daughters? Brothers? Uncles? Did they like to dance or sing? Maybe their favorite color was blue because it matched the ocean in their lover’s eyes?"

Vernon’s free hand comes up to cup your cheek and you lean into his touch. "Are you okay?” He asks, voice soft. You shake your head slightly. “I think I need some air."

The air outside is cool and crisp, and your lungs breath it in gratefully. Vernon’s thumb is still rubbing circles on the back of your hand, keeping you grounded. "I’m alright.” You assure him when you see the unsure glaze his hazel eyes carry. “I promise, I’m okay.” He nods, squeezing your hand gently. His other hand reaches into his front pocket, fingers grazing the worn photo tucked there. “I was gonna wait a bit to give this to you, but I’m going to sea tomorrow. There’s an area Seungcheol wants to explore and it’s quite aways away. We’ll probably be gone for 10 days or more. So, I wanted you to have this.” He pulls the photo out, and presents it to you.

You release his hand to take the photograph from him, turning it over in your hands gingerly. The subject of the picture is Vernon himself, and it was probably taken a few years ago. He looks a little younger, but there’s that same boyish grin of his. His black hair is in his eyes and the ocean sparkles behind him. The back reads 'Yours, for better or for worse - Vernon Chwe’ And tears brim in your eyes.

“Wouldn’t want you to forget my face while I’m away.” He says with a chuckle. You don’t respond and instead wrap your arms around him, pressing your face into his neck. Vernon smiles as his arms encircle you, content to hold you. You pull away to look at him after a few moments, your eyes tracing his features. “As if I could ever forget a face like yours.” You say, holding his jaw in your hand, your thumb tracing it’s line.

Vernon walks you down to the trolley, like he did all those weeks ago when the relationship between the two of you was just blooming.

“So I suppose I’ll see you when you get back, sailor Vernon.” You jest, your smile not really reaching your eyes. “You will.” He assures with a smile of his own. “Don’t go falling in love with any mermaids while you’re gone. They may be pretty at first glance, but they’re really quite ruthless.” Vernon laughs, and leans down to press a kiss against the smooth skin of your cheek. “I’ll try my very hardest.”

“We’re due west a little more.” Wonwoo says, staring at the pieces of parchment in his hands. He always hand drew his charts and maps, citing that they just helped him navigate better. Vernon complies with Wonwoo’s concern and shits the sails so the wind can catch them and steer the ship in the right direction.

After a sufficient amount of sailing, six hours give or take, the crew was released. Dinner was still warm in his stomach while he got ready to sleep. Mingyu was brushing his teeth in the adjacent bathroom, the sound of the sink running filling the silence of the lower deck. Vernon is folding his pants when he finds it. Tucked in his back pocket is a photograph. At first he thinks you slipped the one he gave you back to him, not wanting to take it, but it’s you in the picture. Your pretty eyes and shy smile. On the back in crooked writing it says 'Keep this safe for me until you return’, a small heart is drawn just under the words. He imagines you drawing it, that sparkle in your eyes.

Vernon has been gone for a few days, and you think now would be the perfect time. Jun usually helps you, but you’ve done it enough times alone as well. You shuffle through your kitchen, searching for one of your knives, the one with the knotted handle. Jun had sharpened it for you earlier that week, the sunlight filtering through your home makes the white blade gleam. Experience leads you quietly to the mirror hung on the wall of your living room. You had stuck the photo Vernon gave you between the frame and the glass, so you could see his grin before you left and when you arrived home. You wonder what he’d think if he could see you now as you shed your shirt. There are short stubs protruding out of your back where you once had full-grown fluttering wings. They used to be such a vibrant red-violet, now the short pieces were a dull maroon, the life had drained from them a long time ago. Every time seems to hurt less than the last. You remember the first time you cut them yourself, before you had Jun’s help. The pain was so excruciating, you felt like some had twisted a blade into your heart. You cried yourself to sleep that night and didn’t move at all in the days following. Now you feel like you’d gotten used to the pain, what used to be unbearable now felt like a mildly uncomfortable pinch.

Not many people knew that a fairy’s wings grew back, like the skin of a wound. You kill the fairy, you kill the wings. You and Jun, and all the other fairies you knew had been cutting your wings off as a protective measure ever since your mother had died. Having no wings seemed to be a fair trade for living in peace.

The blade slides cleanly between your wing stump and the skin of your back, and you grimace at the feeling of the hot blood sliding down your skin. The pain was bearable though, and you moved on to the other one, giving it the same treatment. Your eyes meet the photo of Vernon once again, and as your blood drips down to the wooden floor you feel a sick sense of relief.

Your sunkissed sailor returns even more sunkissed than the last time you saw him. You’re awaiting his arrival when his ship anchors and the crew files off, chatter and laughter filling the air as the men set foot on the docks. Vernon’s grin widens as he spots you, and you can’t help but give him one in return. It’s much too crowded to offer him the affection you want to, so instead you take his hand and follow the path into town.

Convincing Vernon to ride the trolley with you back to your cottage takes no effort at all, he even seems a bit excited to be invited. He tells you all about the places he’d seen on the expedition and the beautiful coves the crew got to swim in when they weren’t on the job. “Sounds like it was more of a vacation than a work trip.” You tease, a bit envious. “I think that might’ve been Seungcheol’s plan from the beginning.”

Getting Vernon acquainted to your small home is ridiculously easy. It’s like he belonged there in your living area, sitting comfortably on the bronze corduroy chair as he sipped on some of the cold tea you’d brewed earlier.

“What did you occupy yourself with while I was away. Can’t imagine you’d be sitting still for long.” His eyes are curious and you shrug. “Jun kept me company and of course Joshua & I had pleasant conversation whenever I would see him at the market. I mostly worked, it’s getting closer to autumn so I’ve had a lot of people to treat.” You muse as you tap your fingers against your chin. “I was surprised to find this as I was getting ready to sleep my first night on the ship.” He pulls out the picture of yourself you’d slipped into his pocket that day you’d said goodbye to him. Your face flushes with heat. “Well I see you’ve held onto it.” “Just like you’ve held onto mine.” He teases, pointing at his own picture tucked in your mirror.

As the afternoon winds on the desire to tell Vernon your true nature gnaws at you. You call his name softly and suck in a breath when his eyes meet yours. “I have to tell you something.” He raises his brows and offers you a look you can’t quite decipher. “Okay.” You move to sit next to him and take his hands in yours. “You remember that day you met me at the museum? And I was sitting in front of those wings with the gardenias, the yellow green ones?” He nods in response to your questions, not wanting to interrupt. “Those wings,” you pause collecting yourself, “they belonged to someone I knew. Someone who took care of me and loved me, my mother.” Your voice is shaky as you finish and your admission feels like a punch to the gut. Suddenly Vernon is overcome with a feeling of dread. “You mean- All this time-” He struggles to make a complete sentence but after a bit of silence he finally says; “Joshua’s grandma did that to your mom?” There’s sadness and guilt swimming in his eyes, and you can barely bring yourself to speak so you just shake your head in confirmation, hot tears staining your cheeks.

“I had them too,” you rasp, “wings. But we couldn’t have them anymore because people like Joshua’s grandma still wanted them.” You stand, sliding your hands from his grasp, and turn your back to him. Slowly, surely, you slide your top over your head. Jun had healed your open wounds with the bit of healing magic he knew, so they were closed up. “So, we do this.” You can’t see Vernon, but you can imagine the disgust on his face. You tense when you feel his presence behind you, and shiver when he lays his head against your neck. “I’m sorry,” his voice is shaky, “I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this all alone.” His fingers brush the scarred skin delicately. “I’ll protect you.” His voice is more sure now and he presses a soft kiss to your nape. “I promise I’ll protect you.”

₊˚. notes: thank you for making it here if you did! there was a lot of imagery in this as im working on my writing style and tweaking things here or there but if you enjoyed let me know and if you hated it also let me know !! my ask box is open

#caratwritersclub #seventeen scenarios #seventeen imagines #seventeen #vernon #vernon x reader #chwe hansol x reader #chwe vernon #seventeen x reader #bee.pollen #fic.#cwcfff

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kageyamavibes · 4 years

Text

Stay | Kageyama Tobio

Word count: 3.3k

Genre: fluff

Characters: Kageyama Tobio x fem! Reader

Kei was your best friend since god knows when. Even if he was unbearable sometimes, you still stayed beside him and tried your best to understand his sudden change of attitude ever since Akiteru’s betrayal. You both grew up having each other’s presence, sleep overs were common along with endless debates on mathematics and science. You were always beside Kei, it was uncommon not to see you beside him along with Yamaguchi.

Things have suddenly changed ever since You started tutoring Kageyama Tobio during your second year. Kei suddenly drifted apart, ignoring your existence, not even giving an explanation why he was suddenly shutting you out of his life. You asked for answers, even Yamaguchi didn’t know Kei’s sudden change of behaviors. It left you sad and empty for weeks, not even Yamaguchi could comfort you out thoroughly.

Until Tobio suddenly gave you his spare milk while you were tutoring him, his eyes filled with sympathy which he could not fully express through his words. You gladly thanked him, tears started rolling down your eyes which left Tobio in panic. You assured him you were okay, which he hesitantly sighed in relief, his silence providing you the comfort you needed.

“Tsukishima is a prick you know– I mean maybe not to you– but he’s always a prick to us.” Kageyama tried to explain, his cheeks burning red as he tried to make a decent conversation.

“He’s also a prick to me sometimes, but this– this is the most hurtful thing he did to me. I-i mean, what have I done wrong Kags? Have I done something to make him leave me all of a sudden? Maybe I would end up having the same situation as Akiteru.”

Tobio stared at you, not knowing what to say or to do at your sudden outburst. His hands shakily found its way to your back, softly patting you as he tried to comfort you, he thought maybe his presence will make you feel better even if he wasn’t good with words. But the twisted feeling in his chest as he saw you cry made him more agitated with Kei.

“I-i will stay with you.”

The two of you were both shocked at his sudden words, yet it made you feel better, the innocence and purity of his words assured you weren’t alone.

• ₊°✧︡˗ˏˋ❦ˎˊ˗

The two of you grew closer each month that passed, eventually forgetting your fight with Kei. Instead of walking home from school with Kei, Tobio was the one who walked you home and sometimes you even invited him for dinner or to watch movies along with Yamaguchi. Tobio became your support system, your closest friend, and even the shoulder you would lean on. He was there when you needed him, he became someone you talked to late at night, even sometimes falling asleep during calls, but he didn't mind, Tobio was happy he had you. Even if sometimes, you get sad whenever you would bump in to Kei who would give you dirty looks whilst waiting for him, Tobio would gladly treat you for meat buns before going home.

“Kags, guess what happened last night?”

“Hmm?”

“Kei and my family had dinner yesterday. It was super awkward, especially when Akiteru-san was asking why Kei and I weren’t talking.”

“Did you answer?”

“No, I quickly changed the subject.”

“Don’t tell me you were fretting.”

“I wasn’t. I’m really fine now.”

Tobio squinted his eyes, asking you again if you were really okay. You smiled pinching his cheeks assuring you were totally okay.

“I have you, Kags. I’m happy that I do.”

The moment the words slipped from your lips, Tobio felt his heart explode in millions of pieces. The incredible amount of serotonin rushing through his body felt foreign, yet he found serenity within your words. In that moment, You saw Tobio smile genuinely for the first time as he reached for your hand that was still placed in his cheeks.

“Don’t worry y/n, I promised I’ll stay with you.”

Warmth was one thing you described whenever you were with Tobio, his presence making you feel at ease even if you two sat in silence in the library. You Would occasionally steal glances while you were explaining the english vocabulary in front of him. The way he furrowed his eyebrows and how he would subconsciously be pouting whenever he could not pronounce it right gave you something out of the ordinary.

• ₊°✧︡˗ˏˋ❦ˎˊ˗

It all came by so quickly, Tobio became one of the candidates in the youth camp for all Japan once again. You were happy for him, he was also delighted by the news, he couldn’t stop smiling. The next day, you bid farewell as he rode the train to Tokyo. As soon as the train left, he already bombarded you with messages which made you chuckle. Tobio was sure protective, it made your heart do summersaults. Sometimes, it made you wonder how lucky his future girl would be, even if Tobio was awkward and shy, you knew he was a great guy anybody could fall for.

The both of you still texted all night, filling each other with what happened that day. Tobio was delighted and amazed how powerful the players were in the camp, he even told you he met one of the national top spikers, Sakusa Kyoomi which made him more grateful to be invited to his youth camp. One time, he even asked you to facetime him, so he could show you around along with his new found friend in camp who kept asking if you were his girlfriend. You can see Tobio covering his camera from embarrassment, yet you can see his cheeks tainted pink as he yelled to his friend.

Of course you wished you were his, but you were just close. It pained your heart, thinking it could be an almost. Close, almost, it made you sigh from those words, yet you were thankful to have him now.

“Hey.” You turn around to see Tobio who stood behind you with two boxes of milk in his hands. Your eyes widened, glistening with happiness once you saw him.

I miss you. You badly wanted to say those words, but the words never left your mouth. You just smiled at him, asking more details on the camp. He gladly told you more of it, and asking you what does goody two shoes meant which really bugged the hell out of him. You asked him why he was bothered with those words, he said his fellow setter told him he was a goody two shoes inside the court, like what Miya Atsumu told him during his first year.

You pondered for a bit, before trying to give hima subtle meaning of the words, which Tobio quietly listened to. You weren’t fit to give advice in volleyball, since you were not a player. But you did your best to try and soothe Tobio’s mind, which it gladly worked.

• ₊°✧︡˗ˏˋ❦ˎˊ˗

December came by, the cold chilly weather occasionally sent chills in your spine, yet you paid no mind as you handed Tobio his birthday gift. His blue eyes sparkled along the sky, thankful to see a new pair of exclusive knee pads along with a blue sweater in the gift box you have given him. He looked at you with a smile on his face, not sure how to thank you from the gift he received, you chuckled pulling him in a hug. Tobio felt himself froze, flustered at your sudden actions. Seconds later, he found himself easing at your touch, finally hugging you back tightly.

He wanted to melt in your embrace, savouring each moment while he was holding you in his arms, not wanting to let you go. He wasn’t good with anything but volleyball, but he hopes he was good at showing how important you were to him, how he wanted to protect your smile so it would never fade. He craved for your attention, your touch, your presence.

Kageyama Tobio felt he had fallen in a well deep with his love and was falling deeper every moment. Yet he was scared, scared to find you leaving him since you can’t return his feelings. He was scared he would spend his last remaining days in high school without you in it. It was the first time Tobio felt scared of losing something besides his family and volleyball.

New year came by quickly, you visited the shrine along with Tobio who wished for your happiness along with winning the nationals. You on the other hand, wished for the same. Tobio’s happiness along with securing a good win in their nationals. Nationals was right along the corner, but you were completely bummed when your entrance exam for the University you wanted to go to was also the same day as their game. Still, Tobio smiled saying he would definitely dedicate his games for you too.

“You know, someone asked me out.”

You felt your heart sunk at his sudden confession, yet you still kept a shocked expression plastered on your face.

“Really?”

“I declined.”

A sense of relief washed over you when Tobio declined the person, yet you feel bad since you wanted that person to be you.

“Why did you decline?”

Tobio seemed taken back with your sudden interrogation, he felt his cheeks heat as he looked away “I have something else in my mind, I–uhm, like volleyball.”

You chuckled at his response and you were about to tease him when you crashed over someone. You quickly apologized and looked up, shocked to see Kei alongside Yamaguchi.

“Ke– I mean— Tsukishima, Happy New Year.” You acknowledged

He huffed rolling his eyes, “Yeah, Happy New Year or whatever.”

You quickly saw Tobio tense at Tsukishima’s attitude, so you quickly excused yourself to leave with Tobio, yet you felt a strong grip at your wrist, pulling you back. You looked at Tsukishima who was holding you tightly which alarmed Tobio, asking Kei to let go of you.

“Relax, Lover boy. I just want to talk with my best friend.”

Before anyone could say another word, Kei pulled you away from Tobio and Yamaguchi, finding a good spot away from the crowd. When you both stopped, he quickly released his grip. His hands finding his way to your head, patting you like he always did before. You shivered in his touch, not being able to speak to him in a year at most made his presence felt foreign.

“What do you want Tsukishima?”

“I just want to talk.”

You scoffed at his remark, glaring at the lanky blonde in front of you. “Talk? You wanted to talk? Well about damn time, Kei!” You yelled.

“It’s not a good time to be livid y/n–“

“Oh well it is, Kei! You fucking left me in the air– I was your best friend right? You didn’t explained to me why you left, you just left me in despair—“

“You know why? Because I like you! I restrained myself from you because I like you, and I hate seeing you around Kageyama. Now, I feel useless for letting us drift apart instead of manning up and telling you how I feel!”

You were taken back with hpKei’s sudden confession, his cool headed vibes were now filled with rage and embarrassment. You looked at him confused, shocked, and speechless.

“I feel stupid for all of these, I’m sorry for hurting you–“

“Don’t even bother, I’m fine now.” You sighed looking away from him.

“Because you have Kageyama.”

“What does Tobio have to do with this?” You snapped harshly at Kei, glaring at him.

“He took my spot as your best friend.” Kei rebutted

“Oh now you're jealous.” You sarcastically laughed, shaking your head in disbelief. “I cannot believe you! You were the one who started this mess!”

“That’s why I said I’m–“

“If you were really sorry then why did you hurt her you dumbass!” You turned around, shocked to see Tobio fuming as he walked towards you, wrapping his arms protectively around you. Kei clicked his tongue, glaring at the both of you.

“Whatever, go and prance around with your lover boy.” He dismissed, leaving the area along with Yamaguchi who was tagging behind him.

Tobio still had his arms around you which calmed you down, even in the cold weather, his warmth felt it was already summer. You can hear him murmuring frantically, worried Kei did something bad to you, yet you smiled hugging Tobio tightly which caught him off guard. He can feel his cheeks betraying him once again as he shyly tightens his hug.

“Funny thing, Kei was so jealous of you.” You mustered. Tobio’s eyes widened in curiosity, asking you what he meant by jealousy.

“Well, he said you took his spot as my best friend and he had feelings for me for some reasons he was just trying to make himself feel better I suppose.”

“Oh, still it was his fault for being such an ass.” Tobio responded. You chuckled releasing yourself from his hug, tugging him to walk with you which he gladly obliged.

The both of you walked silently, hands were both dangling inches away from each other, yet no one dared to reach each other’s hand. Scared for the uncertainties, to fall in the well of love without being sweeped right back up.

• ₊°✧︡˗ˏˋ❦ˎˊ˗

You and Tobio didn’t see each other a lot due to his training for the nationals and your review for your entrance tests. Yet, Tobio would still send you texts after his training and would walk you home whenever they left early. You would sometimes give him bento for him to eat, which he was thankful for. In return, he would buy you your favourite drink along with his milk on your walk home.

The both of you wished each other good luck the day before nationals and your entrance test, Tobio even gave you a good luck charm which boost your confidence in passing your tests.

“I know you can do it, you’re really amazing– like in tutoring me of course, so do your best.”

Arriving at the main arena, Tobio couldn’t help but to stare at the large ceilings letting the familiar sensation overwhelm him. He was about to play in a stage where he could be recognized and get scouted and achieve his dream of becoming a pro volleyball player. Also, Tobio wanted the best for his team, and he’s going to give his all. Hinata was talking to the first years, telling them the first time they went to the nationals when Tsukishima approached him unwillingly, with the unpleasant glare in his eyes.

“What do you want?” Tobio asked

“You can have her. I don’t really care.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Idiot, it’s pretty obvious that you like her. You look like a love sick mad man whenever she caughts you off guard.”

“I am not.”

Tsukishima rolled his eyes in annoyance. “I know she likes you back, I’ve grown up with her so I know whether she likes the person or not. You should confess before graduation. Just keep in mind once you hurt her, I’ll be taking her back.”

“You should try and talk to her again, I’m pretty sure she misses you.” Tobio was shocked with himself, not expecting those words to come out from his mouth. Tsukishima looked at him, hope glistening in his eyes for a second before he smiled nodding at him.

Yamaguchi soon called the team, asking them to line up as the opening ceremony was about to begin. They quickly obliged, Tobio looked at the stands and silently hoped you would be able to watch his game in the afternoon.

Time is always your greatest rival in every test, you can hear your sweat dripping from your forehead from all the pressure from the hardest questions, pushing yourself to remember all the formulas and all the answers related to the questions. Silently hoping you would be finished before the time runs out. You promised you will pass the tests, you will certainly achieve your dreams and live the best life you wanted to fulfill. You wanted this test to end so badly, so you will be able to see Tobio alongside Yamaguchi, Hinata and Kei in their last spring tournament.

As soon as the bell rang, you quickly handed the paper in. Dashing away from the University grounds, wanting to get the ride to the arena as soon as possible. You looked at your watch, for sure they have already started the game and were already nearing conclusion. You prayed to the heavens above you will be able to watch their game today.

The game was tough enough to stress Tobio, it was already the third set of the game, and the team they were playing against was slowly catching up in their scores. It exhausted him, yet he still endured all of it. still giving his best in Volleyball. He was about to lose it when he heard your voice which shocked him to the core. He immediately looked up to see you waving at him frantically screaming out his name along with the crowd. It felt like all the exhaustion in the world left his body, re-energizing him once more. So he did his best not to let their opponent catch up on them. With every spike the hitters hit from his toss, with every dump, and save they had, it was with pure passion. It was enough for anyone to be in awe with the Karasuno team.

With the last score that Hinata made, everyone erupted in cheers as Karasuno had their first win of the day. Tobio smiled in victory as Hinata bounced up and down bragging how he managed to get through the blockers at the last point. He was about to kick Hinata when you suddenly tackled him in a hug.

“You know, I’m quite sweaty.” He stated as you looked up to him with a smile on your face, he quickly softened seeing you smile at him proudly. Your lights of the arena brought out the colors of your eyes.

“So what? I’m hugging our Kageyama Tobio, soon to be world famous Kageyama Tobio.” You bragged which made him more flustered. “I hope once this is all over, you would still remember me right?”

The question made Tobio freeze in his spot, what do you mean by your words, of course he will remember you. He planned to have you by his side until he dies. He wanted you to be a part of his world ever since he met you and there was no way he would change that.

“I vowed to you that I would stay by your side right?” Tobio assured you, his fingers caressing your face softly. You stared at him with adoration, you wanted to scream out I love you right in front of him without any regrets, yet your voice betrayed you and kept silent.

He suddenly grabbed your arm softly as he led you outside of the arena, finding a secluded area for the both of you. Once you both stopped he cupped your cheeks, his warm fingers caressing your face softly as he stared in your eyes.

“Y/n, I-i hope this simple gesture would make you realize how much you meant to me.” He softly says before he softly pressed his lips against yours. Tons of butterflies exploded in your body as you closed your eyes, savoring Tobio’s moist lips in yours. It was the first time Tobio kissed someone, and he was glad you were his first kiss. It felt right kissing you, as if this was the right moment to do so. You both shared a long passionate kiss, where the longing and craving for months ended. You both finally let your emotions be vulnerable with each other. You finally let yourself to free fall in the depths of love.

As you break away, Tobio was already blushing madly, whispering sorry to you. You shook your head leaving one last peck on his lips as you pressed your forehead against his.

“I’m so thankful for you Tobio, I’m so thankful.”

#haikyuu x reader #haikyuu #haikyuu!!#haikyuu imagines #haikyuu headcanons #haikyuu kageyama #kageyama tobio #kageyama x reader #kageyama #kageyama tobio x reader #kageyama headcanon #kageyama tobio headcanons #kageyama imagine #kageyama au

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hwsrazzledazzle · 3 years

Photo

Welcome to another round of the Razzle Dazzle Fan Anthology’s questions and concerns portion! I’m still blown away by all the responses the interest check has received so far, but with new responses comes more questions and comments that need to be addressed. So, here they are!

“I'm open to collaborative works in the anthology, but I won't say yes personally without more information on what it'd be like (and maybe not even then)? Are we thinking of visual content creators and writer collabs, such as fics getting illustrated or "reverse big bangs" with authors writing for pieces of art, or would it be collaborative writing projects? Both? How would match-ups work? Would people always be able to opt out of doing collabs, even if others do them? Would I be able to change my mind about collabs after sign ups?”

Collabs are entirely optional! Ideally there will be a Google Sheet that lists contributors who are looking for/open to collaborating, and interested collaborators will approach them on their own basis-- this will be easier to conduct in the scenario where a Discord server is created, allowing contributors to announce they’re open to collaboration in a specific channel entirely for that. How you choose to proceed from there is entirely up to the both of you.

But as I said, collabs are entirely optional! You can choose to do your own thing on your own terms instead, and if you decide you don’t want to collaborate with another creator anymore that’s entirely fine too-- just make sure to tell your partner and the organizer (or another mod should other mods be a thing) about it.

“Are OCs allowed? Hima has just released 2 new 'anonymous' characters. Can we draw any of them, even though it isn't yet released?”

As previously stated, OCs are allowed provided there’s a canon character. On the subject of the recently released characters from Hima’s Comiket illustration, due to the lack of clarity around who they are at present, they will be treated as OCs for the time being. (I know, we all speculate who one of these characters happens to personify, but until a new strip clarifies this mystery boy’s identity he doesn’t count. 😔 )

UPDATE: All three speculated SEAsian countries have been confirmed, meaning they qualify as canon characters!

“Anyone interested in exploring colonialism/decolonialism?”

While I will allow explorations and discussions on this topic, please keep in mind that it must be treated with care and sensitivity. I, the organizer, come from a country affected by a long history of colonialism, so if I see anything that uncritically paints colonial powers or the legacies of colonialism in a completely positive light without any of the nuances the subject deserves, I will make sure let you know.

“I would love to draw art and maybe make some contributions to headcanons and concepts and things like that. My question is will I be doing art for arts' sake? Or will I do art to accompany stories? Thank you and have a wonderful day!”

As stated, it’s entirely up to you! If you’d like to collaborate, you’re free to do that; if you’d prefer to illustrate your own stories or make a comic out of it, that’s also on the table; and if you’d simply like to illustrate, that’s entirely fine! While the nuance and care for certain subjects are required, ultimately I do want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone who participates.

“Looking forward to the final product.”

Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone does myself.

That’s it for now! Reminder that there’s one week left to check out the interest check, so if you haven’t already please answer the survey as it will determine how the anthology will be conducted! And if you have more questions, send them in the interest check, over here, Twitter, or via email if you’d like!

#hetalia #hws italy #hws north italy #hetalia world stars #hetalia events #fanzine #fan anthology #faq post

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haikwritings · 4 years

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Despair / Part 04 / Keiji Akaashi

Keiji Akaashi’s POV

“‘Where’s Bokuto?” I asked.

“I don’t know, he’s probably around somewhere.” Akinori said.

We started to walk around the school but there wasn’t a sign of him.

“We we’re supposed to have lunch together.” I said.

As we walked, we heard is laugh.

“I think that’s him?” Tatsuki said.

We saw him in front of the library with Y/n.

“Isn’t that your friend?” Akinori asked.

“Shut up.” I said.

We all hide behind a wall.

Hearing their private conversation.

“So, what do you say? Study section tomorrow?” Bokuto asked her.

Was he flirting with her?

“I- I don’t know.” Y/n responded.

“Oh come on. I would love to hang out with you.” Bokuto said.

Why was he flirting with her?

“I- I just...” Y/n said and stopped.

Bokuto looked at her confused.

What was she going to say?

“I- I just haven’t hang with anyone before.” Y/n asked.

She was right.

The only friend she have ever had, was me.

And I left her a year ago...

“You don’t have friends?” Bokuto asked.

“I-I don’t really hang out with anyone.” Y/n said.

That broke my heart.

She’s been lonely all this time, because of me.

“I can be your friend.” Bokuto said.

She looked at him.

“R-Really?” Y/n asked softly.

She was lonely.

“Hell yeah.” Bokuto responded with a wide smile.

She smiled at him.

“So, what do you say? Study section tomorrow at my house?” Bokuto asked.

He was such a flirt.

“Sure.” Y/n responded softly.

I don’t know why that broke by heart.

“Dude are you okay?” Akinari asked.

“Yeah you seem like someone hit you in the balls or something.” Tatsuki said.

“I-Is nothing.” I said.

We all left quietly.

I’m sorry I left you.

At practice, Bokuto was happier than ever.

“Hey man, tomorrow we’re going to go out. Wanna come?” Akinori asked Bokuto.

Bokuto smiled.

“No thanks, I’m busy.” Bokuto said.

“Busy doing what?” Akinori teased.

Bokuto only smiled and continued practicing.

I’m sorry I left a gap in your heart.

“Are you okay?” Himari asked.

“Yes, thanks.” I responded.

“I didn’t see you at lunch today, honey.” Himari said.

I looked at her and gave her a soft smile.

“Hima, I told you to not call me honey.” I said.

Himari looked at me and smiled.

“We may have broke up 11 months ago, but that doesn’t mean I won’t treat you right.” Himari said.

I looked at her and smile.

“You’re counting?” I asked.

She hided her smile.

“I tend to remember a lot of things.” Himari responded.

I’m sorry I didn’t came back for you sooner.

The next day, we didn’t had practice.

“Bokuto.” I called.

He looked at me and smiled.

“Hey, hey, hey.” Bokuto responded.

“You’re not going with us today?” I asked.

I already knew the reason, I just needed him to say it.

“No, sorry. I just made plans.” Bokuto said.

I needed to ask him.

“W-With who?” I asked.

He blushed.

Did he just blushed?

“With your little friend, Y/n.” Bokuto responded.

Little friend?

“Little friend?” I asked.

Bokuto giggled.

“She is a little bean.” Bokuto responded sweetly.

Did he liked her?

Did she liked him too?

“Oh.” I said.

Bokuto looked at his watch.

“I better get going, see ya.” Bokuto said as he walked away.

I’m sorry I left you grieving.

As I was walking away from school, I saw her getting out of the library.

“Y/n.” I called.

She stood up, nervous.

Did I make it her nervous?

“H-Hey, Akaashi.” Y/n responded shyly.

“How have you been?” I asked.

“I-Is been alright.” Y/n responded.

Her answers were short.

Nothing like before.

Nothing like a year ago.

I’m sorry I left you suffering with all our memories.

“Would you like to hang out this weekend?” I asked.

She looked at me surprised.

“I-I don’t know.” Y/n responded.

She had changed.

“I just don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Y/n said.

Did she really think that?

“N-No at all. Let’s just catch up.” I said.

She gaved me a little smile.

“S-Sure. Text me the time.” Y/n responded.

I smiled and nodded.

“See you tomorrow then.” Y/n said.

She waved and walked away.

I’m sorry I left you bleeding with the wounds I caused.

“You seem a little down, Akaashi.” Yamato said.

I sighed.

“Is nothing.” I responded.

“You’re heartbroken?” Akinori asked.

What?

“N-No, what do you mean?” I asked.

Akinori looked at me.

“You have been acting weird since we heard Bokuto’s and little bean conversation.” Akinori said.

Everyone stayed quiet.

“You’re imagining things.” I responded.

“W-What conversation?” Haruki asked.

“Bokuto is with a girl right now.” Akinori said.

Everyone looked at me.

“Stop.” Wataru said.

Everyone started to look at him.

“It is clear that we’re making him uncomfortable. If he’s okay, let him be. Let’s just be happy for Bokuto.” Wataru said.

Everyone nodded.

And continued with their conversations.

I’m sorry I left you feeling cold.

Later that night—

I texted her.

Message to: Y/n-Chan

“Hey, come to my house at 12.”

I looked at my roof waiting for a response.

Message from: Y/n-Chan

“Oki.”

Her messages weren’t filled with words anymore.

I’m sorry I wasn’t there to warmth you.

Tags: @jennasquishy8

(if anyone else wants me to tag them, say it❤️)

#haikyuu #haikyuu!!#haikyuu x y/n #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu x you #haikyuu characters #akaashi keiji #keiji akaashi #akaashi x you #akaashi x y/n #akaashi x reader #bokuto kotaro #kotaro bokuto #bokuto x reader #bokuto x y/n #angst

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burnedbyshoto · 5 years

Text

Appreciate You

aizawa shouta x parent!reader

warnings: fluff, domestics AU

word count: 1,600

A/n: I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU LOVE MY WRITING OKAY?!?! so…ngl… I’m out of ideas for the pregnancy part rn, so we already have the baby okay?????

Aizawa walked into his house after returning from work. His eyes scanning the empty living room. His ears straining for any sound from you or your three-month-old baby girl, Himari. Nothing.

Closing the door behind him, Aizawa slipped off his shoes in exchange for his slippers. His footsteps were silent as he walked further into the house. Making his way towards the bedrooms he smiled when he sees the bathroom light on. Nearing the bathroom he can hear the soft sounds of music you played for Himari. Music, giggles, and blabbering mingled with the splashing sound of water.

Aizawa smiled at the scene before him. You were in the tub with Himari. Your hands supporting the naked baby in the tub who merrily splashed the water with her hands. “Hima-chan, be careful or else daddy is gonna pout when he has to clean up your mess!” You giggle as you place a wet hand on the still bald daughter of yours. “Right, daddy?” You ask looking up to see your husband smiling at the two of you.

Himari seems to recognize Aizawa as she cheerfully screams. Her body thrashing around in the water as Aizawa comes to place a kiss on her head and your mouth. “I’m home, my beautiful girls.” He whispers as you smile.

“Hima-chan and I were just taking a small bath! Isn't that right, Hima-chan?” You inform your husband who is currently stripping off his shirt. Two steps ahead of your next question. “Care to join?”

You smile as Aizawa sinks into the warm water behind you, his body tightly pressed against yours. You sighed leaning back as you positioned Himari onto your legs so she could see the both of you.

“How was work?” You ask, exaggerating facial expressions to Himari who did her best to copy you.

“So tiring, I had to sleep again during class because of the extra hours I put in last night for them.” Aizawa sighed against your neck as you felt him reach a hand up to brush Himari’s cheek. Himari babbles as she grabbed onto his hand. Her large black eyes focusing onto his fingers. Himari begins sucking on his fingers, her gums biting down on his calloused fingers. “Bakugou needs a slight adjustment in my plan still. Mineta is too far for me to work with still, Todoroki is making major improvements…”

You listened as Aizawa listed off how he each one of his students was improving. Moreover, what he would be doing to ensure that good change occurred. You knew that he would stay up late to figure this out as always. Your husband would devise a two-hundred step plan to get his students where they needed to be. It just meant that they would have a sleepy teacher during homeroom. Aizawa had calculated they didn’t really need him to be awake during homeroom hours. Because his announcements only lasted for so long, and the class representative was so by the rules, he might as well wrap it up quickly and nap.

“Are you sure you’re awake enough to take care of Himari, tonight? I don’t have to go out for patrol, you know?” You inform Aizawa, your eyebrow quirked up as he numbly nods into your neck.

“I can’t do that, you are too great a hero to be locked up here all day... With Himari being too young for daycare and everything.” Aizawa rejects your offer as the said baby was climbing your chest. Himari was smiling up at her father with the most precious smile on her face. Her chubby hand smacking against his stubbled cheek.

“I’ve been out every day this past month, let’s take a parent and Hima-chan night, huh Hima-chan, wouldn’t you like that?!” You coo at your daughter as you blow a raspberry into her cheek, her shrieks of joy melting both your and Aizawa’s heart.

“If you insist,” He sighs as you peck his lips quickly.

“Okay, pass me the shampoo, it’s time for this stinky girl to become a clean girl, isn’t that right?!”

At this moment Aizawa wished his quirk let him keep moments in his life forever perfect in his mind. Seeing you play around with Himari made he wish he was around more for the both of you. Aizawa watched on with much love as you bathed your daughter while he assisted you.

“Okay, who’s going to change our little baby?” You ask Aizawa who is leaning onto your shoulder as Himari sucked on her fist. “I will, you get dressed for bed.” You watch on as Aizawa steps out of the bathtub. He wraps a towel around his waist and grabbed Himari’s purple cat towel, now waiting on you. You hand your squirming baby into his towel-covered arms, and Aizawa walks away as Himari pulls on his hair.

“How was your day today? Did mommy give you all the hugs I asked her to give you?” Aizawa asks as he places Himari’s squirming body onto the changing table. He grabbed the lotion and already laid out pj’s and diapers and get her ready for bed.

Himari shivered, her teeth clattering loudly as Aizawa carefully put on lotion and a pair of diapers on the shaking child. Endless amounts of blabbering poured out of her mouth as Aizawa nodded along. He has invested in his daughter's conversation although he had no idea what she was saying.

As Aizawa pulled her black curly-haired head through the hole in her shirt, he pressed a kiss onto Himari’s forehead. “Don’t you look adorable, Hima.” Aizawa smiles as he scoops up his baby, and turns to the door. He was ready to get dressed and was going to give you back your slobbering daughter.

It was then that he noticed you in the doorway.

You had the slyest grin on your face as you proudly displayed your pj’s. They were identical to those of Himari’s.

What a little minx.

“Mommy and Himari are matching tonight,” You declare with a thumbs up. Somehow the squeal that left Himari’s mouth seemed to be an agreement to those words as you came to Aizawa. “Come on, daddy, go get dressed!” You say as you take Himari from Aizawa. Your face immediately pressing kisses onto your daughter.

Aizawa couldn’t move. He tried to walk away. He was rather cold in just the towel after all. But seeing you in a matching set with Himari made his heart soar in similar ways to when he fell in love with you. When he proposed to you, married you, and when you held Himari in your arms for the first time. It was then that he moved. Walking over to you, tears in his eyes from emotions he couldn’t explain. You barely looked at him as he comes to place a gentle kiss against your lips. He holds your cheeks tight as you kiss him back, and at that moment everything fades away.

That is until Himari smacked both of your faces, causing Aizawa to break away. Leaving you with your eyes still closed, heart, hammering away.

“I love you, so much,” Aizawa says to you, and his eyes focused on Himari who giggles loudly. “You have given me so much to live and strive for, I can never repay you.”

Tears form in your eyes as you walk in closer to Aizawa, insinuating you want him to hug you and Himari.

“You repay me every single day, my love.” You whisper as your head leans against his chest, “You make me whole.”

bonus!

Long after Himari had knocked out, you and your husband lay in bed.

Aizawa was wearing the PJ bottoms of the matching PJ set you and Himari had. They had it in men's, too, so you had to get some for the entire family!

Your fingers traced up and down his chest as he meticulously went over his daily plan for each student of his. You smiled, he was such a father figure. You knew the moment he let you in he was the man for you. Aizawa had the biggest heart you knew. Even if most people didn’t see it right away, there was nothing he wouldn't do for his special people. You frowned as the hand that held you close to him stopped moving.

“What’s wrong, my love?” You ask Aizawa, finally noticing that he had been frozen on the same page as he was on ten minutes ago.

“You’re going to need to stop touching me like that, kitten.” Aizawa shakily sighs, and you smirk the slightest bit. There were perks of not going on patrol, and this was number one. “Especially after tonight…”

You hum. While you love that your husband is always so involved with his students, maybe it was his turn to be looked after.

“I don’t think so,” You breeze, tossing his papers onto the floor and straddling him in one quick movement. “Let me show you how much I appreciate everything you do.”

#aizawa x reader #aizawa shouta x reader #aizawa shouta #aizawa scenario #bnha writing blog #bnha #bnha x reader #bnha imagines #mha #mha x reader #mha imagines #bnha aizawa #mha aizawa #aizawa fluff

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pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles · 4 years

Text

Wicked Game (Part 3)

Word Count: 25K total The first part is about 5K, part 2 is 7K

Rating: 18+ Slash fic Strong language, alcohol and drug use, and a misogynistic and racist comment. Sexual scenes including masturbation, toys, voyeurism, oral, and anal sex.

Summary: Ashton is ready to move on with his life after his painful divorce from Luke and the demise of the restaurant they’d built together. With the help of his protegee and sous chef Hima Singh, Ashton is ready to take on opening weekend of his new restaurant Anne-Marie’s. Calum is a reporter filling in on an assignment and is surprised when his past comes back to haunt him. Hima arranges an interview that takes an unexpected turn between the two men.

Part 1

Part 2

Ashton jumped at the sound of the buzzer. Calum sent him a text telling Ash he was on his way so he knew he was coming, but he was so jittery it startled him anyway. He checked the time, 5:15 pm. 35 minutes to get here? That's good he doesn't live too far. Ashton held a bottle of cologne up and away from him, released three quick spritz into the air before walking through the cloud of fragrance. He made his way out of the bedroom, pausing for one final glance in the mirror. He brushed the soft brown curls off his forehead, his eyes reflexively checking his hairline. He silently thanked Hima for convincing him to get treatment. You could barely see the previously thin spots. Don't keep him waiting. You're ready for this.

Ashton opened the door and barely caught himself from gasping out loud. Hot Damn. His chest fluttered in a rush as his throat constricted. He didn't know where to look. Calum was holding a gift basket with three flavors of Ashton's favorite hot sauce but that wasn't what had his mouth watering. His eyes landed on Calum's hands holding the gift before trailing up to where his bronzed biceps disappeared into a crisp, red short-sleeve button up with one of those black tank tops he favored. His gaze lingered on the small gold necklace nestled against Calum's throat before dragging his eyes up to find the other man watching him with a shy smile.

"Hima said this was your favorite," Calum blurted out, pushing the basket into Ashton's chest.

"It is, thank you so much. Please come in," Ashton blushed hot pink as he gestured for Calum to follow him into the apartment.

Calum got a whiff of Ashton's scent as he turned away from him, causing his spine to tingle at the memory of the missed opportunity that night in the club. His eyes followed Ashton's broad back, unable to resist a quick glance at his tight little butt. Hima mentioned her boss's daily yoga routine, and the black jeans he had on left very little to Cal's imagination. Pay attention Hood. You're here for an interview, not to get laid, he reminded himself. Por qué no los dos? a tiny voice asked that definitely wasn't from his brain.

Ashton was equally grasping to get his thoughts together, but having Calum in his house made everything much more real.

"Go ahead and have a seat," he motioned for Calum to sit down at the bar while he entered the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink? I have pink lemonade, mango infused sweet tea, and wine."

"Sweet tea sounds good. I'll have that if you don't mind," Calum sat on one of the tall stools facing Ashton in the kitchen.

Ashton garnished the drink with a slice of fresh lime, and Calum grinned as he handed it to him.

"Always the artist," Calum remarked. "Hima was going on about that. She's very observant, and you're lucky she loves her job because she'd make an excellent reporter. I might steal her away yet."

"Good luck getting past her mom," Ashton giggled. "All of them really, she's got a twin brother who's crazy overprotective and more cousins than I can count. My family was just me, mom, and the kids so it's a bit much."

"Where's your family from?" Calum asked.

Ashton leaned against the kitchen island, his eyes fixed just above Calum's head.

"I was born in Sydney, Australia. My dad fucked off when I was a baby, and my mom moved us around a lot. She got remarried when I was ten and had my brother and sister. We moved to the US soon after, and when they moved back I was a junior in high school, I decided to stay here. That's when I got a job in a kitchen doing dishes and grunt work."

"Did you know right away you wanted to be a chef?"

"Hell no," Ashton laughed. "I was miserable and living with three guys in a grimy apartment. I was trying to go to school and worked till close most nights. I got into a really bad fight with one of my roommates. He was a big, ugly bastard, ignorant homophobic piece of shit. He accused me of stealing his weed and attacked me. I was in the hospital getting stitches when my boss showed up and dragged me home with him. They put me up in the basement, bought me a bus pass, and he gave me a raise. Did you ever get to eat at Bordeaux?"

Calum shook his head. "Never had the money or the clout. Didn't they sell it?"

Ashton stepped up to the sink to wash his hands, setting his rings in a crystal tray on the edge of the windowsill. "Yeah, after his heart attack, his wife Brigitte made him give it up. She's a force of nature, that woman. She taught me everything I know about baking and pastries. Baking is when science meets art. Cooking leaves wiggle room; you can improvise. But baking doesn't allow for carelessness or impatience."

He dried his hands before he pulled an object out of the fridge and placed it on the counter, unwrapping the plastic wrap.

"I made mushroom Wellington for dinner, and getting the puff pastry dough right takes time. It's an all-day process because every couple of hours you have to roll it out and fold it so the butter gets folded layer over layer. That's what makes it rich, fluffy, and delicious. There's no way to shortcut that." He placed the pastry in a shallow baking pan and pulled a small bowl out of the fridge. "I'm brushing it with egg wash so it'll get nice and golden brown in the oven." He pulled out a small knife from the block and twirled it between his fingers. He narrowed his eyes, the tip of his tongue peeking out from between his lips as he concentrated, making several small quick shallow cuts. He grabbed a couple of bottles and carefully sprinkled seeds and spices on the surface before looking back up at Calum.

The intensity in the other man's eyes stopped him short. "Am I talking too much?" Ashton asked, feeling his face flush yet again.

"No, not at all. I uh, almost forgot I'm supposed to be interviewing you," Calum stammered a bit, embarrassed to be caught staring. "So tell me, where did you go after you left Bordeaux?"

As soon as the words left his mouth Calum wanted them back. That would be when he met Luke, you dumbass. Of course, his brain was a step behind his mouth. To his relief, Ashton shook his head with a sharp laugh.

"Yeah, that old story. Why don't you tell me a story I don't already know?"

Ashton pulled another pan from the fridge and set it next to the oven. "Both of these have to bake for about thirty minutes. You can tell me a little about yourself while I make the salad. I don't like to talk while I'm using a knife, but I'm a great listener."

"Are those figs? I'm starting to think you're trying to impress me," Calum's eyes crinkled in a smile and Ashton's chest fluttered once again.

"Maybe I am. Is it working?" Ashton spoke before he thought about it. Ooh, look at you flirting.

"Oh it's working alright," Cal's voice took on a husky edge that gave Ashton a victorious little thrill, knowing he wasn't imagining the heat between them. "Do you need me to help with anything?"

Ashton smirked, dirty thoughts racing through his brain. His dick twitched in his pants, eager for Calum's help, but then those dark eyes went wide as he realized what he said. The reporter nervously licked his lips and looked away while Ashton gripped the countertop to keep his knees from buckling.

"I'm good, thanks," Ashton replied, needing to keep Calum at a distance if he wanted to have any concentration to make it through dinner. "Are you trying to get out of talking about yourself?" He cut a thick slice off the largest fig, speared it, and offered it to Calum off the point of his knife.

Calum plucked it from the blade and popped it in his mouth, his eyes rolling back in pleasure as he chewed. Ashton had to cough to suppress a whimper at the sight, his jeans now uncomfortably tight.

"One of the best things about being a reporter is not having to talk about yourself. My mom taught me to choose my words and my friends carefully. However, to be a good journalist, I have to be able to completely open myself up to each experience while not making it about me. I want to be the reader's guide to the story, not the star of my own show. I leave the primadonna bullshit to my coworker Felipe, or someone like Kevin Mackie."

Ashton chuckled, "Did you see his review of Anne-Marie's? Ass-kissing prick, he's banned for life."

"Did you really throw him out of your restaurant? What did he say?,” Calum leaned forward, eager for details. “Hima wouldn't tell me. I wish I could've seen that."

"She doesn’t know it all. I didn’t want to tell her, but he insulted her personally. He even managed to be racist and condescending while doing it. He's a twat. I was willing to grit my teeth and endure it because it's Mackie, and we all have to deal with him, but you’re not going to insult my friends. I can't even think about it without getting angry again" Ashton spat out the words and Calum's eyebrows went up in surprise. Ashton continued, trying to steer the conversation away from having to repeat the vile things he'd said. "You already know he brought up all the past drama and even asked me if I'd gone to the Galway Grill."

"You're kidding," Calum couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously, though, that place looks awful."

"It really does. You can tell they rushed the opening. Those tacky plastic decorations, if you thought Lune Rouge was gaudy," Ashton had to stop working because he couldn't stop giggling, which only got Calum laughing harder.

"Did you see the fucking menu? The Irish puns, it's so bad. The best part is that it's not supposed to be awful," Calum said.

"No, yeah, exactly it's supposed to be clever and fun, but it just comes off like a pretentious dickhead."

A loud alarm caught them off guard, and Ashton quickly silenced his phone and grabbed an oven mitt. He checked the temperature of both dishes before turning them around and putting them back in the oven. Calum had the hiccups and asked for a glass of water between breaths.

Calum hiccuped while trying to take a drink and began to sputter and cough. Ashton grabbed a towel as he came out of the kitchen and around to the other side of the bar. Calum covered his face and tried to catch his breath, but as he did, he became aware of Ashton's hand rubbing his back. His eyes still watering, he glanced over to see nothing but concern in the other man's face. Calum saw up close that Ashton's eyes seemed to shift color depending on how the light hit his face. He noticed the dimple on Ashton's chin and the rough patches of skin bearing faint scars from his teenage acne, the little bit of stubble under his bottom lip he'd missed when he shaved that morning, lips that were almost irresistibly close. Calum remembered he probably looked a hot mess and needed a minute to himself.

"Can I use your bathroom?" He asked from behind the towel.

"Sure, it's the first door down that hall," Ashton stepped back and let him pass.

Calum closed the door behind him and took a quick look in the mirror. His face was still red but it was slowly fading. He took a piss and blew his nose before washing his hands and splashing some water on his face. The towel hanging on the rack was super soft and Calum could tell it was expensive even if he didn't recognize the brand. He took a second to look around, and while the rug looked as soft as the towels, everything else seemed to be made of bamboo. In fact, the only plastic Calum saw was a bottle of mouthwash on the sink. It was rude to look in the medicine cabinet, but he peeked in the shower. He smelled sandalwood and citrus, noticing they not only used the same brand of shampoo bar, but the shower enema attachment was identical to the one in Calum’s shower. He began to worry he was taking too long, so he took another look in the mirror before opening the door.

Ashton was setting Calum's salad up on the bar next to a fresh glass of tea when he sat back down.

"Ooh thank you so much. This looks fantastic, is that feta?" Calum asked, suddenly realizing he was hungry.

"It's actually honey-basted goat cheese. The dressing is a turmeric and honey vinaigrette. I like the extra touch of sweetness. I grew the lettuce in my little balcony garden out back, along with most of my fresh herbs." He stopped talking and watched Calum eat. He'd never seen anyone go through such a range of expressions while eating. He was clearly enjoying himself. Ashton felt like he was being intrusive for staring, nevermind the thrill he got watching the other man's bliss. If he makes these faces while eating, I'm dying to see what he looks like when he's cumming, he thought.

Calum opened his eyes and caught Ashton blatantly staring. He met his gaze as Calum ran his finger along the underside of his bottom lip to catch a tiny drop off dressing from spilling down his chin and slowly licked it clean. He smirked when he saw Ashton blush and look away. Aren't you supposed to be working? A little voice reminded him, but he ignored it. "That was delicious, I can't wait to taste what's next."

Ashton smirked and started to reply when his phone rang. He started to hit ignore until he saw it was his mother.

"Sorry, it's my mom. I have to answer this," Ashton swiped up to answer. "Hey Mom, hold on one second. I'm sorry about this," he said, covering the mouthpiece.

"Thanks, and don't apologize. It's your mom, I get it," Calum told him.

"Yeah Mom, I've got company. Yes the interview, mmm-hmm, yeah. No, I'm home, but he's here. Yes, right now. No Mom it's not like that. I'll call you later. Love you too, bye." Ashton hung up and turned back to Calum. "Sorry about that."

"Please, it's no big deal. I talk to my mom every day, too, and it's not like I didn't know you were a Mama's boy," Calum grinned. "Hima told me, and you did name your restaurant after her."

"Hima talks too much," Ashton rolled his eyes with a laugh. "Yeah, my mom is my lucky star. We've been through a lot together, and she's the only one who's always had my back. I rely quite a bit on the women in my life, honestly. Lauren, my sister, is one of my best friends, along with my cousin Sophie. You've met Hima; Mom calls her my work wife."

"I could see that," Calum teased, "until she opens her own place."

"That's why I gave them a stake in the business. My mom suggested it. Hopefully, they'll want to stick around, maybe take over someday, who knows?" Ashton shrugged.

"Mom knows best right?" Calum smiled, pulling out his wallet. He pulled out an old picture of a woman who could be his twin with a chubby-cheeked toddler on her lap. "This is my mom, Joy. She lives on the east coast now, and every morning my alarm goes off at 5 AM so I can text her good morning as she's having her morning coffee."

"That's so sweet. You must be her favorite child," Ashton had the warm fuzzies watching Calum talk about his mom. The way his entire face lit up when he smiled melted him into a puddle.

"My sister would agree with you, except she has Vanessa now, so she cares fuck all what I do," Calum said unlocking his phone. As soon as he did multiple messages popped up from his editor/best friend/total pain in his ass asking how his date was going.

"Go away Sham," he mumbled, and Ashton looked at him and then his phone

Calum quickly hid the messages. "My editor, Sham. She's my work wife and constantly in my business."

"Didn't Hima tell me she sets you up on dates? Like the pocket-sized lawyer from the club?" Ashton asked, suddenly jealous.

"Hima talks too much," Calum grumbled, and Ashton lost it which set Calum off again.

It took several minutes to regain control until Calum had tears on his face, and Ashton was about to piss himself. He excused himself, and when he returned, Cal showed him a picture of the same woman from the first photo only older in this photo, her dark hair streaked through with silver. Standing next to her was a young girl who was obviously Calum's daughter. They were both dressed in Polynesian-style floral dresses. She had the same dark flashing eyes, broad nose, and strong jawline as her father, but her face had a more heart-shaped appearance.

Calum swiped to the next picture. "My sister, Mali, she's older and my best friend in the world." He pointed to the woman standing next to Vanessa, wearing a similar dress and tying a scarf around the little girl’s cloud of curly hair., The scarf was open a bit at the top, allowing her hair to work free of the silk forming a halo of curls for added effect. Whereas Mali had a bit of a sunburn causing her shoulders and cheeks to look pink against her warm golden tan, the sun had only added an extra glow to Vanessa's deep copper skin tone which was only highlighted by the vibrant blue and yellow pattern of her dress.

"Your family is gorgeous. You definitely take after your mother. Your daughter is a real cutie, were you guys in Hawaii?" Ashton asked, curious about the outfits.

Calum shook his head. "New Zealand, actually. Mom's whole family is from there. We went for a family reunion of sorts and so Vanessa could get to know her Maori heritage. She had a blast. We all did. Nicole came with us, and so did her husband. Well, he was her boyfriend then."

"Sounds like y'all have a good relationship," Ashton could tell Calum put his family above everything just as much as he did.

He swiped to the next picture and Ashton's jaw dropped.

"Wow, that's your daughter's mother?" He looked up at Calum and he nodded. "She's beautiful and that bone structure, my God. The camera loves her, and you can tell she knows her angles too. Damn, you're gorgeous, but you leveled up there," Ashton didn't realize what he'd said until it was too late. He looked back at the picture to avoid looking at Calum. When you put Vanessa next to her mom you could see a strong resemblance there as well.

Calum's ears burned with the compliment, and he was at a complete loss for words when the timer went off again, saving them both from the awkward silence. Ashton pulled the pastry out of the oven, flooding the room with a heavenly aroma that had Calum practically drooling. He grinned when he caught sight of the mushroom design Ashton had crafted out of paprika, coriander and sea salt. The mac and cheese was next, producing an insane cheese stretch from the pan to the plate as Ashton served it up. He finished the plate with a pile of oven-roasted celery and leeks topped with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper.

Ashton sat at the edge of the bar, at an angle from Calum so they could easily converse while keeping him steps away from the kitchen. At first, they were quiet, the food demanding their full attention, although Ashton had already decided watching Calum's expressions was his new favorite thing. The obscene amount of pleasure he took from his food had Ashton so distracted that he poked himself in the face with his fork.

Calum was in heaven. He didn't know what cheese blend Ashton concocted, but he'd never had anything like this pasta dish in his life. The vegetables were still firm to the bite, and the fresh citrus was a nice contrast to the creamy, heavy cheese sauce. However, the mushroom Wellington was the real stand out, and Calum had never had anything like it. He opened his eyes and caught Ashton staring again. When he looked away quickly and his ears turned red, Calum was hopelessly smitten. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had cooked for him, and never, ever anything like this. He can cook, and he's handsome as hell, with a big dick and his own money?? He's definitely getting his dick sucked tonight. Calum almost burst out laughing hearing Sham's voice in his head. This time it was Ashton's turn to catch Calum staring, but Cal didn't look away. Instead, he gave the chef a wink and a smile before taking another bite.

When dinner was finished, Ashton shooed Calum out onto the balcony so he could pick up a bit. He offered Calum an after-dinner smoke from his case of pre-rolled Raw cones. Ashton used to smoke weed all day long when he was a teenager before quitting cold turkey. The past couple of months, Rafi got him into a couple of decent blends to help him relax in the evening that didn't get him too wasted.

He made sure Calum was out of sight before quickly brushing his teeth in the kitchen sink. Ashton wanted to be prepared in case he got the chance to make a move. He'd even made a peppermint sorbet for dessert to cleanse the palate. He scooped out two small cups and topped them with freshly grated dark chocolate before heading out onto the balcony.

Calum was sitting with his back towards the door, a small cloud of smoke wafting above his head. Ashton opened the door, and the cloud dissipated in the rush of cold air that followed him outside. Calum glanced back over his shoulder and offered the joint to Ashton as he took the icy treat from him. Ashton inhaled deeply one time before gently stubbing it out in the ashtray as he sat across from Calum. Overcome by nerves Ashton began to point out the various herbs and flowers in his little balcony garden. He could tell he was talking too fast, and his palms were sweaty but watching Calum eat ice cream might was obscene,

The peppermint was stronger than Calum expected but left a lingering cool sweetness accentuated by the bittersweet chocolate. He scraped the cup, and ran his finger along the edge before licking it clean. He shivered, and he wasn't sure if it was the chill from the sorbet or nerves as he tried to plan how to ask Ashton out on a date, a real one.

Ashton abruptly stood up and walked to the far end of the balcony looking out at the city. Calum, sensing something was off, hesitated until he saw Ashton kept glancing at him and then looking away. He pushed himself up out of the chair and made his way over to Ashton and stood next to him looking out into the distance.

"You ok? I can go if you want me to. I don't want you to be uncomfortable," Calum didn't know why he said it, but he suddenly panicked.

Ashton looked up, stunned. "No, no, I'm fine. I'm just," he rubbed the back of his neck and looked up at the sky. "I-uh I got nervous."

"Oh?" Calum asked, his pulse picking up.

"Yeah, I don't know how to do this anymore," Ashton mumbled looking at his shoes. "Kissing you is all I've thought about since the moment we met. And wow I said that out loud. Ok so maybe.." Ashton's sentence ended in a squeak as Calum's fingers brushed along his jaw and tipped his chin upwards to find Calum's face inches from his. He leaned forward as Calum's lips found his. The kiss was soft and slow, Calum's hands cupping his face as they melted into each other. Ashton's hands slid up Calum's chest before snaking around his neck and pulling him closer.

Ashton felt as if he were suspended in mid-air, floating and flying as the heat grew in his chest. He had butterflies in his stomach as he pressed himself closer. He felt Calum's strong arms wrap around him, giving him a cheeky squeeze on his ass. They both giggled and pulled away for a moment to breathe. This time Ashton went in first, he'd been dreaming about this moment, and it was better than he'd imagined. He was relieved Calum wasn't trying to rush. Still, he couldn't resist pulling back to nibble on Calum's jaw before scraping his teeth along the hollow of his throat. The whine that escaped Calum's lips, as a result, was almost enough to make him cum in his pants.

"Let's go inside," Ashton took his hand, and Calum followed him into the living room. Calum sat on the couch and tugged Ashton's belt loop to get him to sit down. Ash started to sit next to him, but Calum shook his head and grabbed his thigh, guiding him down so Ashton was straddling him.

Ashton's head was swimming as Calum's gently bit his earlobe and ran his tongue along the curve of his jaw. He moaned and Calum growled in response, grinding his hips into Ashton's where his bulge strained against the fabric of his tight trousers. He reached up and began to unbutton Ashton's shirt, his fingers brushing against the cool steel of the chain he wore around his neck then dropped down, leaving a trail of fire in the wake of each touch. Ashton's breath caught in his throat as Calum began to ease his shirt off of his shoulders while peppering his skin with kisses.

"I should've shaved," he mumbled.

"No," Calum assured him. "I like the chest hair," he whispered before scraping his teeth across his skin.

Ashton moaned, his head rolling back as he concentrated on Calum's mouth and hands, his own fingers grasping the other man's messy black curls. He pushed Calum back against the couch, finding his mouth again and sucking on his bottom lip, electricity coursing between them. Music started playing out of nowhere and he was puzzled when Calum stopped kissing him and wrapped one arm around his waist to hold him in place while he fished his phone out of his pocket.

Ashton frowned at the interruption and shifted his weight, sliding off his lap as Calum looked at him apologetically. "I'm really sorry, but it's Nicole. I think something's wrong."

Ashton's annoyance was immediately replaced by concern. Calum reached over and squeezed his hand, giving him a smile as he answered the call. It was brief, and Ashton heard every word. Nicole wouldn't give details over the phone but Vanessa's school had called and there was to be a teacher-parent meeting the very next day.

"I need you here. You need to be a part of this," she told him.

"I'm on my way," Calum replied without hesitation. He hung up, and Ashton could tell he was pissed and very worried.

"I hope everything is ok," he stood up and headed for the kitchen.

"She's been having a problem with a girl at school. We thought putting her in private school would make her life easier, but these rich kids are nasty little shits. Where did you go?" Calum stood up and straightened his clothes. When he looked up, he was confused by Ashton's sudden disappearance.

"I wanted to send you home with a doggy bag," Ashton replied, coming out of the kitchen with a paper bag in his hand.

"I thought we ate most of it." Now Calum was really perplexed.

He walked Calum to the door. "We did, but these are smaller versions I made for you to take home and cook yourself. I wrote instructions on a card that's in the bag, and there's a piece of flourless chocolate cake I made for dessert." He had to stop for a second and look away, suddenly shy at the way Calum was smiling at him. He took a breath and kept going. "I hate that you have to go, but it's sweet how much you care about your family. I had a really good time tonight, not just because of," he waved towards the couch, "you know, that. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. So maybe, I mean if you want to hang out sometime..."

Calum reached out and brushed his thumb across Ashton's bottom lip. "You're so damn cute when you're nervous." Calum leaned down and gave him a soft kiss goodbye. "I want to take you on a date, a real one. I have to go, but I'll text you. Goodnight." Another kiss and he was gone.

********

They were slow for lunch inside the restaurant. Daniel and Gloria were handling takeout, so Rafi and Hima were doing some extra prep for the weekend. She was helping make challah bread for brunch on Sunday when she spotted her boss gliding into work. She burst into laughter at Ashton's goofy grin despite the dark circles and bags under his eyes. Rafi saw him too and whistled and hooted until Ash flipped them both off and disappeared into his office.

Twenty minutes later, Hima set a plate of cookies down on his desk.

"We want you to try these. We're working on expanding catering to boxed lunches," she told him, sitting across from him.

"We've been open less than a month," he told her, trying not to spit cookie crumbs everywhere.

"We're already doing decent business on takeout, so we're just floating ideas for new revenue streams as word of mouth gets going. The reviews have been glowing, and I've been monitoring social media. We've been getting good exposure so far. I've had some offers to trade a free meal for exposure, but nobody has been worth our time."

Ashton nodded, as he'd learned long ago to trust her instincts. The cookies were perfect, absolutely delicious, but he knew that's not why she was in his office.

"How's my new stepfather? I've never seen you look so joyful, it's almost disturbing." Hima teased, but she was thrilled for him. Ashton deserved to be happy, and if she couldn't snuggle up to Calum “tall, dark, and handsome” Hood, having him as an in-law would work. Ashton took another big bite, chewing intently as if deep in thought. However, the blush creeping up his neck, not to mention the little hickey she spotted under his ear.

“So I take it the dinner went well. How was breakfast?" She asked, batting her eyes innocently.

"You're incorrigible, I swear," he laughed and leaned back in his chair. "He didn't stay the night. We kissed, but he got a phone call and had to leave."

"That fucking sucks," Hima pouted.

"Tell me about it. It was just getting good when the phone rang," Ashton felt himself getting hard thinking about it.

"Oh God, your face right now. You're so lost. Were you in the kitchen? All Hallmark-movies-of-the-week style?"

"No, I was straddling him on my couch if you may know," he told her just as she took a drink of water.

She tried not to choke and succeeded in dribbling water down her chin as she sputtered. "The mental image I just got. I hate you, you know that right?" She wiped her face with a towel she pulled from her apron and then threw it at Ashton.

"He's really a great guy," Ashton giggled. "Have you watched him eat though?"

"I know right, the faces," Hima almost yelled, catching herself and taking it down a notch. "I've never seen anything like it. Makes you wonder eh?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him. "Seriously though, I'm really happy it worked out. You guys are gonna make such a cute couple. Now we have to find someone for me."

"Why? Is Dakota not working out?" It was Ashton's turn to look innocent as he watched the comment land.

Hima blinked rapidly before looking him straight in the eye. "I was not expecting that. How did you know?" She asked, but the answer came to her at the same time. "The cameras are on your phone. Am I fired?"

"Are you kidding? No, I'm just teasing, but yeah that caught me by surprise the other night," Ashton felt awful when she burst into tears. "You're not in trouble. Hima, look at me, we're friends. I'm not mad. I'm not going to tell your family." He came around the desk and pulled her out of her chair and into a hug.

Hima started to laugh, and he could feel her shaking in his arms. "Oh shit, sorry," she wiped away tears, as she eased away from him.. "I don't know why I reacted like that. I felt like my dad caught me lying and there was this rush of blind panic."

"I'm sorry, I was just fucking with you," Ashton didn't know what to say.

"I shouldn’t have done it, but I’m wanting to try things. But if I’m feeling guilty I can’t enjoy it. Can I tell you?" Ashton nodded and she continued. "I met him on FetLife, more on that in a second. He's got a girlfriend, but he wanted to try something new. Maisie won't let me use her place to meet up when her roommate is there. I had fun, but I didn't feel good about it after so it's a one and done. Anyway, I'm pretty sure Calum is on FetLife. He has a pain kink, nipple clamps, and light bondage from what I saw on his profile. I checked this morning and his profile was deleted. I'll send you the screenshot I took the first time. I don't know his tattoos, but you might."

There was a loud knock at the door, and they both jumped. Rafi opened the door before Ashton could answer, and Hima was taken aback by how angry he looked.

"You're not gonna believe this boss," Rafi said, a flush creeping up his neck. "Luke's here, he wants to see you."

Ashton jumped up followed by Hima hot on his heels. Gloria stopped them in the kitchen, blocking Ashton's path as they began to go back and forth arguing in Spanish with Rafi and Daniel cutting into the conversation.

Hima was the only person in the room who hadn't come over from Lune Rouge and wasn't included in the conversation. She took advantage of the distraction to slip past them and out through the prep area to the bar. She was looking towards the hostess podium, not expecting him to be sitting two feet from her looking straight at her as she came through the swinging doors. She'd seen enough pictures to recognize him right away, but he was even better looking in person. His blue eyes were sad, and for a second she thought he’d been crying. He turned on the charm instantly, giving her his best smile and extending his hand.

"I recognize you," he told her. "You're Hima, Ash's girl wonder. I've heard so many good things about you. I went to Johnson and Wales for a bit myself. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Hima instantly saw how Ashton had been so thoroughly bewitched by this man, and it amazed her that Luke had the balls to walk into their restaurant. She opened her mouth to tell him so when Ashton came out of the kitchen on the other side of the bar. Rafi came out and stood next to her behind the bar until Ashton glared at them and they ducked back inside.

"What do you want?" Ashton asked, folding his arms across his chest.

"Listen, I didn't know how else to reach you," Like started.

"There's a reason for that. What do you want?" Ashton repeated the question.

"Can we sit down and talk, somewhere private? It's been so long" Luke whined, the sound grating on Ashton's nerves.

"Nope, I'm busy and I don't want you here. Please leave, don't contact me again," Ashton turned to go.

"Wait its Mom," Luke played his ace card. "She had surgery. I'm worried about her."

Ashton turned back around slowly, looking at Luke, who couldn't quite hide the triumphant smirk knowing he still had leverage over his ex. Ashton’s anger felt hollow now, not the gut-wrenching agonizing pain that once was there every day since he caught Luke cheating. It was gone, all of it. The realization was liberating. Knowing the seething hatred didn't follow him like a storm cloud, and the spell of attraction was irrefutably broken. Ashton knew right then that he didn't love Luke anymore, and he couldn't ever get it back even if he wanted to.

"Luke, your mom had her thyroid removed last Thursday. She's fine, we're having lunch next week. Get the fuck out of my restaurant," Ashton hissed.

Luke looked like he was going to start something, but Ashton stared him down, watching as he left the restaurant, got in his car, and drove away. He then pushed back through the kitchen doors, past everyone without a word, locked himself in his office, sat in his chair, and wept for almost an hour. The adrenaline rush of seeing Luke, the relief of knowing it was done, needed a release. When he was finished, he cleaned up a bit and finished the cookies Hima had left on his desk. There were a couple of text messages on his phone. The first was from Hima

You ok boss?

Never been better, I'll be out in a bit

Under that was Calum

Can't wait to see you again but I have to go out of town tomorrow. There's an event at the observatory for the meteor shower so I'll be up in the mountains. Let me pick you up Monday afternoon if you don't have to work

He did have to work, but Hima was off and she'd switch with him for this.

Sounds good, let me know what time

I can't wait 😉 I wanna pick up where we left off before we were interrupted. I'm almost at school. I have to go to the principal's office, some things never change. Looking forward to Monday

Ashton read the message, not knowing how he was going to stand the anticipation. He got up to find Hima. e could not work Monday. This was too important.

*********

Calum pulled into the parking spot, looking up at Ashton's building. He sent a text letting him know he was outside. As he waited, Calum glanced into the backseat at the picnic basket full of goodies Hima had helped him select. He'd sent her an email on his way out of town headed to where he would have little to no cell service. There was a little park that, if you knew how to wind through a subdivision full of dead-end and one-way streets, was about twenty minutes away from Calum's house. There was a duck pond next to a jacaranda tree that he'd always thought would be perfect for a date. He glanced up at the cloudy sky praying the weather held throughout the day.

Calum wiped his palms on his jeans and took a deep breath. He'd been looking forward to this all weekend, even sitting in the observatory atop Mt Hamilton watching shooting stars streak across the sky. He'd been impatient to get back to Ashton. Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered. The lyrics to a song he hadn't heard in over a decade bubbled up into his brain, taking him back to his grandmother in Scotland cleaning her kitchen and singing along to the FM radio above her sink.

I'm wild again, beguiled again. Gran always told his sister to "find a brawny lad who can make you laugh and works hard." Calum grinned, watching Ashton emerge from his building wearing a green, long-sleeved Henley shirt and black skinny jeans that clung to his physique. Brawny lad indeed.

Calum turned the music down when Ashton opened the car door and climbed in. He was completely caught off guard when the other man handed him a small bundle from behind his back. Calum looked at the small bunch of plants tied together with kitchen twine and a small ribbon.

"You brought me flowers?" He asked, feeling his face get warm. "That's so thoughtful." Calum's throat was tight, and he knew he was blushing crimson. He smiled at Ashton, trying not to get too emotional. He focused on the bouquet which allowed him to take a second to regain his composure. As he did, he realized this was unlike any bouquet he'd seen before. "Are these from your garden?"

"Yeah," Ashton giggled, giddy and nervous. He shifted in his seat. He pointed to the small purple flowers on one. "These are chive blossoms, sage, and thyme." His fingers brushed the delicate white bell shaped blossoms. "Sweet marjoram, and this is borage, both great additions to a salad or stew. I added some daisies and rosemary for color and fragrance. I'm glad you like them." Calum looked up and Ashton looked away, shy again.

"If you're trying to impress me, it's working. I love them, thank you," he said brushing his fingers along the back of Ashton's hand. He reached behind his seat and grabbed a handful of napkins and a cup out of the picnic supplies. He carefully wrapped up the little bundle and placed it in the cup. "We should get going before the weather turns on us."

"Where are we going?" Ashton asked, buckling his seatbelt.

"It's a surprise," Calum winked at him.

"How was the meteor shower?" Ashton asked.

"Out of this world," Calum shot back and they both erupted into laughter.

Ashton leaned back in his seat, watching Calum's face as he concentrated on getting through a construction zone. His eyes landed on a small faint bruise on Calum's neck. He felt his cock twitch in his pants at the memory of leaving the mark, knowing he had every intention of leaving more later tonight.

Calum glanced over, and this time Ashton didn't look away, instead giving him a wink and a sly smile before Calum had to tear his eyes away to focus on the road. He gasped when Ashton reached over and put a hand on his knee. Ashton jerked his hand back at the sound, but Calum caught it. He gave him a squeeze then placed Ashton's hand on his leg again, slightly higher than before.

"Almost there, this place is a maze, but it's a nice quiet park," Calum made a series of turns and Ashton spotted the park up ahead. They passed the first parking lot near a playground where several kids were running around before making another turn and parking in a smaller lot.

Calum got out and walked to the back of the Rover. Ashton came around right as he was opening the hatch.

"What can I carry?" Ashton asked.

Calum frowned and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He had his phone set to only allow for two numbers to ring through.

Ashton's heart sank watching Calum's expression. Please not another family emergency. He felt guilty, but he wanted Calum all to himself today.

"It's my mom, she's probably calling to chat but I have to answer. Give me just a second, I'm so sorry," Calum apologized.

Ashton nodded and smiled, hoping it was nothing serious. "I'm a Mama's boy too," he reminded him. "I'll look around a bit."

Ashton wandered off towards a lovely pond where he spotted a family of ducks swimming together. There was a tree overlooking the pond giving off shade and a little privacy. He heard Calum laugh and say his goodbyes to his mom, and he was relieved to see everything was fine. The ducks quacked out a warning before turning and swimming in the other direction. He started to turn back to go help Calum unload the car when the first raindrop hit his nose. Ashton looked up as it started to sprinkle. As he headed back towards the parking lot the drizzle increased to a soft steady rain. Then a streak of lightning split the sky with a deafening crack causing Ashton to almost jump out of his skin at the incredible noise. Unfortunately, this caused him to lose his footing and slip on the wet grass. He crashed hard into the ground and fell again when he tried to get up. Calum hurried over and reached Ashton just as he struggled to his feet, his left side streaked with mud and grass clippings sticking to his skin and hair.

"Are you ok?" Calum reached out to steady him.

"Yeah let's get out of here," Ashton snapped. "Sorry, I'm not mad at you."

"It's fine, really," Calum opened his door for him before going to his side and getting in. "We'll go to my house, I live ten minutes from here."

Ashton hesitated, not wanting to dirty up Calum's car, getting soaked standing there.

"It's fine," Calum reassured him.

Ashton thought for a second and then pulled his shirt, which got the worst of the mud, off over his head, wrung it out as best he could, tossed it on the rubber floor mat, and got in.

Calum turned the car on and flipped the heat on low so Ashton wouldn't get chilled. He wanted to say something, make small talk, anything as they drove in silence.

"I'm sorry about that," he began.

"Why? Rain is rain, it's not your fault. I might need to borrow your shower though. The grass is starting to itch," Ashton reached over and put his hand on Calum's knee again. Calum pulled it a little higher, and Ashton responded by sliding his hand all the way up Calum's thigh as far as he could go without actually touching his dick. Calum didn't say a word but Ashton smiled as he heard the sharp intake of breath and felt the car accelerate in response.

They pulled up to a small bungalow at the end of a winding road as the rain started to pick up. Calum grabbed the basket and handed Ashton a bag and they both made a dash for the front door. They were greeted by Brutus barking and bouncing on his back legs at the sight of Ashton. Calum was stunned when the little dog launched himself at the newcomer’s ankles, immediately flipping over for a belly rub.

"Somebody's friendly," Ashton cooed, leaning down to pet him.

"Not usually," Calum told him. "I'll get set up in here. Follow me, I'll show you where the shower is." He walked down the hall, Ashton and Brutus trailing behind him. He stopped at a closet and grabbed a couple of towels before opening another door. "This is the bathroom. I've got a couple different kinds of body wash, use whatever you need and I'll find you something dry to change into. You want a t-shirt or button up? Pants or shorts?" Calum asked trying not to gawk at Ashton's bare chest.

Ashton shrugged. "Something that's comfortable and easy to take off sounds good. It won't take long. It's not safe but I've gotta rinse off." The lights flickered and they both looked up.

"You'd better hurry. I'll leave the clothes outside the door," Calum told him before leaning in for a quick kiss.

Ashton frowned when he pulled back but Calum winked and disappeared into his bedroom across the hall. Ashton was tempted to follow but he needed to stop itching first.

*******

Ashton was halfway down the hall when the lights went out. He'd changed into the pajama pants and t-shirt Calum left hanging on the doorknob. He followed a soft glow until he found himself in the living room. Calum had set up some food in a spread on the coffee table, but he was nowhere to be seen. Ashton sat down on the couch and began to nibble on some strawberries when he heard a door slam and Calum came out wearing similar drawstring pants and a black shirt fully unbuttoned so the candlelight reflected off his bare chest making him look like a golden god.

"Oh hey, that was quick. I didn't know how hungry you were so I put the cold stuff in the fridge. I thought you might want to have a drink first. I have wine."

"Sounds good, we can eat later. I'm not really thinking about food right now," Ashton replied, food the furthest thing from his mind.

Calum sat down next to him, handing him a glass of red wine. Ashton took a sip and recognized it as a German ice wine he loved that was not easy to come by.

"How did you know? How did you find it so quickly?" Ashton looked up in disbelief.

"My wife called your wife about the feature and next thing I know I've got a box on my doorstep with this wine and some salami I've never heard of. There was also a caramel brownie cake that looks like it's gonna go straight to my hips. I did my own research for the rest of it. I know this date isn't going exactly how I wanted it to, but I wanted to make things special. At least the food will be good," Calum sighed.

"You didn't have to do all that," Ashton told him.

"Yeah I did," Calum responded. "You really went all out the other day. Everyone I’ve talked to while writing this feature has gone on and on about how kind and generous you are. You’re always put so much effort into other people and you deserve to have someone make that kind of effort for you. You're so warm and caring, and funny too. Anyone who doesn't see how special you are is an idiot," Calum stopped talking, afraid he'd said too much. He took a big gulp of wine only looking up when Ashton reached over to take the glass from his hand. He set both their glasses on the table and turned back to Calum.

Without a word, Calum reached for him pulling him onto his lap, Ashton's knees on either side of his hips. Ashton slid Calum's shirt off his shoulders as their lips met with a heated urgency. Calum nipped Ashton's bottom lip before their tongues tangled. Ashton pulled back and grazed his teeth and tongue down Calum's throat. His long fingers traced around Cal's dark nipples before giving them a sharp tug. Calum grunted and bucked underneath him in response making Ashton try it again. Leaving slow sucking kisses down his neck pinching the stiff rosy buds after each one as Calum began to grind his erection up against Ashton. Breathy cries escaped his lips as he got more aroused, more desperate.

Calum was tugging at the drawstring on Ashton's pants and slipping past the waistband. His hand closed around Ashton's length and he moaned in anticipation. It was bigger than he expected and thicker than anything Calum had imagined outside of porn and his wildest dreams.

"Let me suck you off," Calum begged as Ashton continued to mark up his neck.

Ashton shook his head, his soft curls brushing against Calum's jaw.

"Can't let that happen, sweetheart," Ashton answered, barely lifting his lips from the patchwork of red welts and slight purple bruises. "I'll cum too fast if I let you put those pretty lips around my cock. I've thought about it so many times."

Calum shivered as much from the heat of the other man's breath on his skin as the words he'd said.

"Mmmm I like that," Calum hissed. He arched his back as Ashton's head dipped lower, sucking a trail down his chest and latching onto his nipple. "I've wanted this, need you, Ash."

Ashton pushed hard against Calum's chest and stood up. Calum whined at the sudden lack of contact, his kiss swollen lips pursing into a pout.

"What's wrong?" He asked, looking up at Ashton who was peeling off his shirt revealing his lean physique, chest heaving with a sheen of sweat, tattooed flames peeking out underneath his ribs. Calum started to get up but Ashton stopped him.

"Nothing's wrong, everything is perfect," Ashton told him, bending down for a quick kiss. "I wanted to take my time but hearing you moan my name like that is too much. Slide your pants down, let me taste you." Ashton carefully moved the table back far enough they wouldn't bump anything as things got crazy.

"Oh God," Calum gasped as Ashton kneeled between his thighs, tugging impatiently as he raised his hips and kicked his shorts off.

Ashton licked around the tip of Calum's cock feeling it twitch seeking his mouth. Calum reached for him but Ashton pinned his hands beside him on the couch. "Not yet," Ashton teased, fluttering the tip of his tongue along the ridge.

"Oh fuck Ashton, please," Calum's eyes rolled back and his jaw dropped open as Ashton took him all the way down his throat. He had to concentrate to keep himself from exploding right then. Calum tried to squirm away but there was nowhere to go. Ashton let up instantly.

"Are you ok? Do you want me to stop?" Ashton's hazel eyes were searching Calum's face.

Calum grabbed Ashton's hand and placed it in his inner thigh. "I don't want you to ever stop. I'm just trying not to bust too soon."

Ashton grinned and leaned forward. His mouth hovered just above Calum's shaft, close enough he could reach out with the tip of his tongue, if he wanted to.

"Don't want that to happen do we?" Ashton smirked, grasping the base of Calum's shaft applying pressure just above the balls and pulling it back away from Calum's stomach.

"Keep doing that," Calum moaned, waiting until the pressure turned to slight pain. "Let go, let go," he cried and Ashton released his grip letting his dick spring back, slapping against his stomach. "Fuck babe, do that again," Calum whined, pulling his nipples his dark eyes intensely focused on Ashton.

Ashton flushed under Calum's stare feeling the knot in his stomach twist with desire as Calum moaned with each stroke, each release. They were both sweating now, the dim light giving Calum's broad chest as Ashton pushed up and met Calum's lips for a kiss.

Ashton stood up looking down at Calum seated on the couch. Reaching down he cupped his hand around the massive bulge straining against his pants before pushing his hips towards Calum's face. His dark bushy eyebrows raised in a smirk Calum began to tease Ashton with nips and sucking kisses. Ashton hissed at the feeling of teeth grazing his shaft through the flannel. Calum groaned against him as Ashton impatiently slithered the waistband down past his hips. Calum's mouth was on him in a flash, lips parted and taking him down past the back of his throat resisting the urge to gag around his length. Ashton cried out as his hands tangled in Calum's soft curls leaning his weight against Calum to keep his knees from shaking.

Calum looked up at the man hovering over him, their eyes met and the need intensified. Ashton bent down for a kiss as Calum's hands reached up pulling his hips down once more. In between the flurry of passionate kisses and hands roaming and grasping desperately to feel as much of the other’s skin against their own Calum could barely gasp out the words.

"How do you want me?"

Ashton's head spun at the sound of the words. He'd imagined this so many times, gotten himself off so many times thinking about this moment. Now that it was here he didn't hesitate to answer.

"I wanna ride you until you cum for me," Ashton told him.

Calum looked shocked and Ashton started to explain, "normally I'm a top but with you I thought-"

He couldn't finish the sentence before Calum stopped him with a kiss. "Don't have to explain. I wanna try everything you wanna try. Let me grab something really quickly," Calum helped Ashton shift so he could get up. He grabbed a towel and pulled open the drawer on the coffee table where he'd stashed lube and condoms just in case. Ashton chuckled but his breath caught in his throat as Calum turned back towards him. Fully nude, the candlelight cast a golden glow across Calum's chest and thighs as he walked back towards the couch, sliding the condom on with a stroke and Ashton couldn't remember anything sexier. They settled back on the couch with Ashton straddling Calum his knees on either side of his hips. Calum moved his hand down as Ashton raised his hips as Cal's fingers moved past Ashton's balls to tease his tight hole.

Ashton sighed and relaxed back against Calum feeling himself being spread open as he worked another couple of fingers in. When Ashton had gotten used to the stretch he began to rock his hips impatiently and wanting more. Calum chuckled against Ashton's chest as Ashton took the lube from him and made sure Calum's cock was nice and slick before easing the head of it into his eager entrance. Calum held his breath, clenching his stomach and thighs to hold still while Ashton carefully worked Calum's length inside him. The pain gave way to a throbbing ache as Ashton began to rock his hips. Calum was thick, so he felt the most delicious stretch. Calum's hands roamed everywhere. He ran his nails along Ashton's thighs, stroking over the phoenix tattoo on his ribcage, and grazed through Ashton's chest hair before tugging at his necklace. Ashton's hips moved faster as he leaned back to balance his hands on Calum's thighs. Calum wrapped his hand around Ashton's cock matching thrust in time. There were no words needed as they moved together moans and groans punctuated with the occasional soft little sigh because it just felt so good.

Calum's hips bucked and he knew he couldn't hold back much longer. Not with the way Ashton was bouncing on him now, his thighs pumping as he sought his own climax. Ashton leaned forward whimpering into Calum's neck, nuzzling and nibbling. His tempo increased, his nails dug into Calum's scalp and his long fingers pulled his curls. Calum kept one hand on Ashton's shaft while the other clutched Ashton's hip spurring him on.

A growl ripped from Ashton's chest as his orgasm exploded from his core shooting electricity through every nerve ending in his body. Calum felt him erupt between their bodies spilling through his fingers and onto his chest. Ashton clenched around Calum's cock sending him crashing into ecstasy as Ashton's hips stuttered and jerked, milking every drop from Calum as he thrust up into Ashton, his eyes rolling back in his head. Ashton sat up pulling Calum's head into his chest, Calum's arms wrapped around Ashton's waist as they traded breaths and their heartbeats slowed back down. Ashton eased himself off Calum causing both of them to groan a little at the lack of contact.

Calum got up and staggered into the kitchen to throw the condom away and wash his hands. He came back with a bottle of water for each of them, flipping the spout up before handing it over. Ashton sat up and guzzled the entire bottle as Calum grabbed the towel wiping himself off quickly and tossing it on the couch. Ashton excused himself to clean up and when he came back Calum had moved the table back by the couch and was munching on a cluster of grapes.

"Sorry, but I'm always hungry after sex," Calum looked sheepish and Ashton noticed he hadn't bothered to get dressed yet. Not that I'm complaining. Ashton ran his hand up Calum's thigh as he settled next to him on the couch.

"Don't apologize," Ashton gave him a wink. "You need to get your strength back for round two."

"Oh yeah?" Calum raised his eyebrows and bit into the fruit, letting the juices dribble down his chin.

"Keep looking at me like that and see what happens," Ashton smirked but he was hungry too.

Calum pulled a throw blanket and some cushions on to the floor so they could stretch out. Ashton poured more wine while Calum grabbed the food out of the fridge. Ashton's mouth watered when he saw the espresso baked brie and the spinach croquettes. Calum had done his homework and Ashton was incredibly touched by the effort.

Calum sat down with his back against the couch and Ashton propped himself up at a slight angle to him, close enough to touch, with the food places between them, their legs stretched out and tangled together. They ate in comfortable silence exchanging smiles and glances between bites. They found little ways to touch each other, unable to keep their hands off each other. Calum fed Ashton a bite of chocolate only to find the other man's lips pressed to the inside of his wrist. Ashton wiping crumbs off Calum's bottom lip before finding his thumb captured between Cal's teeth. Calum laughed and started to say something but Ashton had spaced out on him.

"What's on your mind?" Calum cringed when he realized he'd spoken out loud.

"I'm trying not to think about things too much, it's never a good idea," Ashton admitted. He was already in too deep, whether he said it out loud or not.

Calum pulled Ashton in close, folding the other man into his arms so his head was resting just above Calum's heart. Ashton closed his eyes, listened to the rhythm, and the rise and fall of Calum's chest.

"I know what you mean. This is going to sound corny but I feel like I should be nervous, I'm not though. I really like you and I'm not going to try to find something wrong. I'm too excited to see what happens next." Calum finished his thought with a string of kisses along Ashton's hairline before adding," I have to Venmo Hima $100 before I forget."

Ashton pulled back laughing, he grabbed his phone off the table. "I can't say shit, she pulled the same scam on me."

Calum laughed and leaned forward to get his phone as well. Ashton eyed Calum's bare ass noticing the slight tan line just above his hips. Calum saw his expression and wiggled his hips. "Like what you see?" Calum's tone was playful but Ashton could see his dick getting hard again.

"I will take you right here Hood," Ashton growled reaching for a condom.

Calum's phone rang, it was Hima on FaceTime.

"Answer it, I dare you," Ashton pulled Calum onto his back and placed his hands on the back of Calum's thighs.

"Hima, what's up?" As soon as Calum answered the call he felt Ashton's tongue teasing between his cheeks. He fought to keep a straight face as he told Hima about the disaster in the park despite Ashton probing and licking against his hole. Aston buried his tongue and Calum ended the call without saying goodbye and tossed his phone to the side.

Ashton made Calum beg to be fucked before he finally relented and replaced his tongue with the head of his dick. Ashton kept Calum's knees to his chest as he took his time easing his cock into Calum's ass, adding lube as he went. Calum had never been with anyone this big and he pulled his own nipples as Ashton stretched him as far as he could go. The thrill of the pain was unlike anything Calum had experienced and Ashton made him beg before he pushed further. Calum gasped as Ashton bottomed out, seeing his arms flex as he held himself in place, the light reflecting off the red blood moon tattoos and bold black star. Ashton moved his hips, barely pulling out and rocking against his ass to hit a spot deep inside him that Calum never knew existed. The surprised moan that filled the room spurred Ashton to maintain that control, giving long slow deep strokes, and hitting that spot each time.

Calum's hand closed around his dick, trying to keep from cumming before he was ready. Ashton switched positions, biceps curling around Calum's thick thighs as they moved together, chasing their climax together.

Calum arched his back, his spine contracting and releasing slamming his hips against the floor. Ashton rutted his hips, pushing deeper into Calum. His vision blurred as Calum's name fell from his lips. Calum cried out underneath him and Ashton watched Calum's release spattering his chest and stomach with white streaks. Ashton collapsed on top of him shaking uncontrollably as he came undone.

"Oh my God Ashton, that was incredible," Calum whispered when he found his voice again. They untangled from each other, both sticky and sleepy, overheated from exertion.

Calum made sure the candles were blown up and there was nothing left out that could hurt Brutus before he led Ashton into the bathroom where they fumbled around in the shadows taking turns rinsing each other off and exchanging clumsy kisses. Calum took them into his bedroom, pulling the covers down on the bed as the electric came back on. The AC started with a whoosh turning the room chilly very quickly. They scrambled under the covers quickly, fighting for the covers and giggling like little kids. There was a bit of awkward positioning before they ended up laying face to face unable to stop staring at each other, chatting for what seemed like hours, hands, and legs intertwined before they finally dozed off.

**********

When Ashton woke up he was alone in a strange bed. The smell of Calum tickled his senses and the bed was still warm. There was a light shining from the hallway. He listened and heard tiny scraping sounds coming towards him before a small dog burst into the room and launched himself on the bed. Brutus attacked Ashton with doggy kisses as Calum followed him into the room.

"Brutus, get down," Calum scolded him. "Sorry about that. He needed to go out and I was trying not to wake you."

"What time is it?" Ashton looked around for his phone.

"It's a little after midnight, I can drive you home if you need to go," Calum offered, unable to hide his sudden disappointment.

"There's nowhere else I want to be, come back to bed," Ashton yawned and stretched out.

Calum slid under the covers, cuddling into Ashton's body heat, Brutus curled up on the duvet between them. Calum rested his head against his shoulder and Ashton's fingers aimlessly snaked through Calum's soft dark curls. The rain began again as they drifted off to dream together.

@sublimehood @tea4sykes @be-ready-when-i-say-go @scribblesos @kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @wildmichaelflower @castaway-cashton @damselindistressanu @notinthesameguey @cashtonasfuck @irwinkitten @mermaidcashton @malumsmermaid

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